Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

1 - The Gathering 2013

2 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Foreword

It gives us great pleasure as the editorial committee to All those who assisted us with our research into the introduce this book, ‘Lisacul - The Gathering 2013’, many families. Thank you for your time and patience. the result of many months of research. Those who contributed articles, information, photo- We have based our records of families in the parish on graphs, other items of interest, or who helped us in any the 1911 census returns and have tried in so far as pos- way with this publication. sible to trace the paths of these families up to the pre- Tommie Regan, Briarfield, for his great assistance with sent day. However it has not been possible to get infor- scanning and typing mation on many of those included on the 1911 returns because of the fact that we have been unable to find All our advertisers, without whose generous support any living links to those families. Even in the case of even in these difficult times, we would not have been those we have been able to trace, we can’t claim com- able to bear the cost of this publication. plete accuracy, as much of the information gathered The staff at Lisacul Resource Centre for their support comes from recollection. But we have done our best. and co-operation at all stages. Our book also contains lots of other interesting articles Lisacul Community Development Company Ltd. for and photographs charting the course of life and activity entrusting us with the task of compiling this book and in Lisacul over the past century. We hope that it acts as providing us with meeting and office facilities. a source of nostalgia for some of its more senior read- Matt and Terry at the Print Depot, , for ers, as well as a source of information for its younger their professional support and advice in preparing and ones. printing the book. This publication would not have been possible without Thank you for purchasing the book and we trust you the outstanding help and support of a wide circle of will enjoy reading every page as much as we have en- people. We take this opportunity, therefore, to thank all joyed putting them together. those who helped us in any way to bring it to this stage. Editorial Committee A special thanks to the following for their contribu- tions;

The Editorial Committee

L to R: Evelyn Regan, James Regan, Tom Coppinger, Mary Touhy, Eileen Corrigan, Patricia Cunningham, Breda Conroy, Joe McCormack, Mar P. Carty. Missing from photo: Mike and Mary Carty, Patricia Clancy and Margaret McCann.

3 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

The stone from the original church which was saved during its reconstruction in the early 1940’s and is now incorpo- rated into the wall of the Grot- to in the Millennium Garden

The interior of the Church of Christ the King which was recently redecorated

4 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

A Message from Fr. Brendan

I am deeply honoured to have been asked to write a few words as an introduction to this magnifi- cent publication. The first thing I want to do is congratulate the members of the editorial team who met at least once a week over the past six months or so. In between meetings they worked hard to gather as much accurate information about the people of Lisacul as they possibly could. I am told that at their meetings there was a great excitement as they learned more and more about this lovely little area of North , and I know this book will be a very interesting read, not just for those still living in Lisacul, but also for those who have emigrated. I know from my own experi- ence that if you live in a foreign land, any thing from home is received and read enthusiastically. I am blessed to live and work in a place like Lisacul among great people, and this book will help us to remember them. Many of the people featured are now dead, so when we come across their names it might be an appropriate thing to stop and remember them and their families. I await this book with great anticipation, because the history of Lisacul and it’s people throw up some very interesting topics. Things such as the Kiltybranks Cave, where St. Patrick is rumoured to have spent a night fadó fadó, the Children’s Burial Ground and of course the various Forts from which Lisacul derives its name. Add in Kilruane cemetery, dating back to the 11th century and in which, I recently learned, lie the remains of the American scientist who discovered that a mixture of blue- stone and washing soda was preventative of potato blight. I remember my own father using this mixture before Dithane came on the market. This particular scientist had done extensive study of the Irish famine and had requested that he be buried in an Irish cemetery alongside victims of the famine. There is a priest buried here as well, Fr.Ryan, his grave being an exception in that the re- mains are buried facing towards the church at his request. I hope his soul is keeping a saintly watch over the place he loved. Then there is the stone, which was removed from the wall of the old church before it was recon- structed in 1942 and had a cross sculpted into its face, with the words “come into the house of God” carved above the cross. The story goes that some priest found the stone lying in the church and put it outside, but whatever happened to him, he had to bring it back inside in a hurry. That same stone is now incorporated into the wall of the grotto built in the church garden to mark the new millennium in 2000. A word of thanks to all the business people in the locality, who through their advertising subscrip- tions helped to cover the cost of printing. Without your support and generosity this publication would not have been possible. Finally, God’s blessing on the editorial team who brought this book to fruition, namely; James Regan, Patricia Cunningham, Mary Touhey, Tom Coppinger, Joe McCormack, Patricia Clancy, Eileen Corrigan, Mary P. Carty, Mike and Mary Carty, Breda Conroy, Margaret McCann and Evelyn Regan. We thank them for their hard work. I know this book will be read for many years to come, and will serve as a vessel in which precious memories are preserved for the generations who will come after us.

5 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lios an Choill Lisacul - The fort of the Hazel Tree

Lisacul is a small village in North West Roscommon, a Like every other community around , the church half parish of Loughglynn. A part of the old of and their religion were an integral part of everyday life Lord de Freyne, it’s a small parish comprising around for the people of Lisacul down through the centuries. sixteen or villages - although this number Often times it was very difficult for them to practice increases if you factor in local names or villages within their religion, having to do it for much of the time at villages. Lis-a Choill is as old as time itself, going home or at secret locations. But they persevered and back to the time of Tuatha de Dannan as the name sig- eventually would succeed in building their own little nifies, a land of forts, lios’s and fairy rings, under- church, which would then be replaced by a larger one, ground caves, grey, whitethorns and fairy trees. which eventually was reconstructed as the church we Respect the tree and let it be all know now as The Church of Christ the King. From branch to root nor touch its fruit Then came the nineteen thirties and the dance halls be- There we bid you let it stand gan to sprout up form the past to the modern world. And if you follow this command in Lisacul was one of the first dance halls You’ll be happy all your days of the era of the four-penny dances, a Local band sup- But woe to him who disobeys plied the music”. Willie Grady from Loughglynn whose mother came It was in the parish of Lisacul from Currahard heard this from the old people long The thirties I recall, ago, here Willie tells his story. In the village of Lisadaly was a little country hall Like any other place the people were superstitious and There was dancing there each Sunday night believed in God and the fairies. Ruane built his church there, saying, “I’ll leave the lios to the sioga (fairies)” As you might understand so he did. His brother monk built another in Killrudaun The girls they were pretty and there was an old path due south right across the And the music a local band country from one to the other called the ‘mass path’. The admission it was four pence During the penal days (18th Century), mass was offered These pretty girls to see in the ruins of the old churches and there were mass rocks everywhere. The people were mostly Roman It was always called Mcloughlins Catholics except for a few. The built There was Granny John and P”. a church in West in 1815 to serve the land- Today Lisacul is a vibrant community, with a plethora lords and their followers. of local voluntary groups and organisations all catering Lisacul has at least seven forts, and according to tradi- to the needs specific sections of the population. Our tion there is a treasure buried in one of these, supposed annual participation in the Tidy Towns competition, to be (Clonarigid) Silverfield. The main fort was situ- which began in 1987, and the effort put into it by par- ated in Whitestown, up in front of Creaton’s pub, and ticipants in the Community Employment and Rural So- all the other forts were said to be visible from this. One cial schemes as well as the local Tidy Towns commit- of the forts, known locally as Duffy’s fort, is now a part tee, overseen by Lisacul Community Development of the grounds of Lisacul national school. Another fort Company, have ensured a steady increase in marks and in Kiltobranks has an underground cave, and during the some awards along the way. Our church rural electrification scheme in the late 1950’s human grounds and cemetery always receive particular com- remains were found there, causing the poles in that area pliments from all those who see them. Lisacul has a to be relocated. As with all these old monuments, there rich history and no doubt bright future. Let us hope the are many stories attached to the forts and what might efforts of those who seek to preserve this history and happen to anyone who should interfere with them. build that future meet with continuing success.

6 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Lisacul church as it looked before the altar rails were removed

Lisacul national school with it’s recent extension

7 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Church of Christ the King

The original church in Lisacul was situated in Cumeen, The church and it’s surrounds has undergone some ma- a short distance behind the present church and close to jor facelifts over the years since that reconstruction. In where the Larches housing estate now stands. The the 1960’s, under the Curacy of Fr. Patrick Flynn, a original national school was also located here but no new presbytery was built, trees around the church were trace of either now remains, although a stone from the removed, a new boundary wall built and the grounds old church can be seen in the grounds of the present were tarmacked. Following Vatican Two came the re- church. This church was first built in 1854 during the moval of the altar railings and the construction of a new Curacy of Fr. and the architect was An- altar facing the congregation. Then came the storm thony Coffey from Ballaghaderreen. The seating came glazing of windows, the laying of carpet throughout the just half way down the church with a standing area at church and the installation of a new public address sys- the back and so it remained up to 1936. tem. I988 saw another milestone in the life of the church in Lisacul with the advent of Eucharistic minis- In that year, Fr. Joseph Giblin arrived as Curate and ters and shortly afterwards girl servers. In 2000 the would soon start to plan for a major reconstruction of grotto and millennium garden were developed and the church. It was decided to demolish the existing more recently came the installation of an electronic bell building to window sill level and rebuild it, a new sanc- and external public address system. The church interior tuary and sacristy, confessionals, porches and bell has recently been completely redecorated and thanks to housing.. Michael Dolan from was awarded the community employment scheme the grounds are the contract for £3,300 and work commenced in 1941 kept extremely tidy and receive much favourable com- with mostly local labour. While work was in progress ment from those visiting the church. Mass was celebrated in both Lisacul and Currasallagh national schools, while the seating was stored in the The Priests newly built Memorial Hall. The new altar, including Fr. O’Beirne 1909 - 1922 side altars and railings, cost £480 with the altar gates costing a further £24. The stations of the Cross cost Fr. Glynn 1922 - 1929 £105 while the sanctuary bell cost £6. Fr. Keane 1929 - 1933 On 22nd November 1942 the new Church of Christ the Fr. Duignan 1933 - 1936 King was dedicated by the Bishop of Elphin, Dr. Door- Fr. Joseph Giblin 1936 - 1954 ly, himself a former Curate in the parish. The door col- lection on the day of the dedication ceremony came to Fr. Patrick Flynn 1954 - 1971 £452 (not bad in those days) while the Bishop made a Fr. Michael Martin 1971 - 1980 donation of £400 towards the altar. A total of £2,261 had been collected during 1941 towards the cost of the Fr. Patrick Healy 1980 - 1981 church and in 1942 a loan was taken out at an interest Fr. Noel Rooney 1981 - 1982 rate of three and a half per cent. In that same year the Fr. Seán Beirne 1982 - 1987 penny collection amounted to £204. New seating was purchased in 1943 at a cost of £752, with the sale of Fr. Oliver McDonagh 1987 - 1988 some of the original seats realising £66. The seat plates Fr. Declan Brady 1988 - 1991 were added over the next couple of years at a cost of £5 to those who donated them in memory of family or rel- Fr. Martin 1991 - 1994 atives. In 1944 the annual insurance premium on the Fr. Michael Duignan 1994 (One month) church was £7, and in 1946 church accounts show the Fr. Michael McManus 1994 - 2003 purchase of two statues, St. Patrick for £24 and St. Anne for £31. The following year a statue of St. Fr. Tom Crean 2003 - 2009 Bridgid was purchased for £25. Fr. Brendan McDonagh 2010 - present

8 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Cruising Down the River A Poem by Willie Grady

It was the year of 46 Today is such a beauty The rain came tumbling down Tonight the moon is full From Brenamore to Rooskey bridge So we’ll go and visit Whitestown We thought the place would drown In the subarbs of Lisacul The drains were full, the rivers swoll The wind blew gaily in our sails The road was flooded too We get sight of Gavin’s hill The only hope was build an ark Down by Tom Bán’s and Krugers Like old Noah once did do Neath the bridge below the hill We steamed into the Eelweir We got our brains together Where the water is so still And built a boat quite soon As we headed up to Kiltybranks And cruised along the river And the dancehall on the hill One fine Sunday afternoon From Duffy’s Bridge we did set sail The fishermen from Creevy On a Sunday afternoon Will be coming home quite soon By Dromod’s hills and Derry’s woods They’ll drink their pints in Creaton’s We got out of sight quite soon At the rising of the moon We danced all night to our delight We sailed past Cloonaholly To that sentimental tune And Cloonagh where we’d often been Cruising down the river By Currahard and Silverfield On a Sunday afternoon With Clúd Bog in between We dipped our sails at Briarfield To Curragh and Corrigeen And got up steam at Curóg’s bridge The Carnagrukane Queen

We cruised across the Callows On Currohoguile hills to drool `The big bush and the alley The priests acre and the school We checked our charts at Toomstone bridge Willie Grady and his wife Celia To see how we were doing Willie, a native of Cloonbunny, Loughglynn, was well And our sails did hoist at Pat the Ghost known for his poetry and stories and towards the end On a Sunday afternoon of his life published them in booklet form. He was also featured on Midwest radio reciting some of his work.

9 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Villages of Lisacul

At present there are just over 200 households in Lisacul, which represents less than half the number rec- orded on the Griffith Valuations in 1856. At that time a total of 427 households were recorded in the parish. It is hard to imagine today how a small rural parish like Lisacul could accommodate so many families, many of them large families. One can understand indeed why so many of our people ended up in , America and many other corners of the world. Indeed comparing the list of household names in villages in 1856 with those on the 1911 census, it is remarkable to note the number of families who have disappeared off the list in just over half a century. The breakdown of households for each individual vil- lage in 1856 was as follows; Kiltymaine 24 Kiltybranks 52 slow, painstaking, sometimes frustrating but ultimately enjoyable and enriching process. Cloonaholly 15 In most cases we include the translation of the village Corrohoguile North 30 name, or probate meaning as it was termed, based on Corrohoguile South 12 John O’Donovan’s Survey notes of 1836. These may also vary, with some villages having their own local Carnagrukane 24 translation. Creevy 57 In the case of other villages we don’t have these pro- Currasallagh/Brierfield 79 bate meanings because, as was the case in the 1911 Silverfield 18 census, these villages were counted as part of a larger village close by. Kilruane 13 In cases where the name of the household has changed, Feigh 27 either through marriage, inheritance or new ownership, Lisadaly 22 we have highlighted the new surnames involved. Cloontowart 36 Also some of the information on a particular household may crop up again in the context of another household Cloonagh 8 in a different village. Again this is due to marriage and Currahard 20 movement between villages. In the pages which follow, we look at the families in If in reading this book you see some inaccuracies or our parish village by village, based on the 1911 census, inconsistencies, or indeed have information you feel and endeavour to trace their progress in the intervening could be added to it, then please don’t hesitate to let us years. It has not been possible to get accurate infor- know. While it was not possible to use all the infor- mation in many cases, as there may be no surviving mation and photographs we received in this publication, members of some families, or if there are it has not it, all of it has been recorded and saved on file for fu- been possible to trace them. Much of our information ture reference. It will, hopefully, be a good base on comes from recollection, therefore we can’t, nor indeed which to start a similar recording of the history of our do we, claim complete accuracy in our accounts. But parish in perhaps another 100 years. We won’t be we have done the best that we could in what has been a around then, but there is still a history to be written.

10 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Briarfield - Small hill of briars

(Note that on the census files from 1911, Briarfield was House No. 44 - Doherty included as part of Currasallagh. Hence the fact that the John Doherty, 68, and his wife Margaret, 64, lived here first house in Briarfield was in fact number 40 on the with their two sons Martin and John and daughters An- actual census returns) nie and Winnie. Martin and Winnie emigrated to Eng- land. John married Nora (nee Forkin) from and they had 7 children; Jim, Jack, Tommy, Margaret, House No. 40 - Rodgers Mary, Ann and Francis who all emigrated to England. Bridget Rodgers, 68, a widow lived here with her daughter Bridget and son Michael. No other infor- House No. 45 - Regan mation is available there is no longer a house on this Michael Regan, 65, and his wife Hanoria 64 lived here site. with their daughter Ann Teresa and son Eddie. Ann Teresa married Pat Dyer from Creevy. Eddie married

Ellen (nee Keenan). They had one daughter Philomena, House No. 41 - Hallis who emigrated to England . The house is still there. Dominick Hallis, 51, and his wife Bridget, 37, lived here with their 6 daughters, Mary Ann, Maggie, Brid- get, Lizzie, Kate and Teresa. Mary Ann married Pat- House No. 46 - Vesey rick Doherty (Carnagrukane), Bridget married John John Vesey, 53, and his wife Agnes, 48, lived here. They Duffy (Aughadeffin), and Lizzy married Johnny Kelly, had a shop, Later their niece Ellen Vesey from Car- Ballaghaderreen. Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. Teresa racastle came to live with them. Ellen married Martin emigrated to England and later returned to live in Bal- Duffy, and they had three sons John Patrick, Tommy laghaderreen. She remained single. House still remains and Jimmy and one daughter Mary Agnes. John, Pat- on site. The Sharkey family live here now. rick, Tommy, and Jimmy emigrated to England. Mary Agnes remained at home and was matron at the Coun- House No. 42 - Noone ty Hospital Roscommon. There is still a house here.

In 1911 Mary Noone, 69, a widow lived here. No other information is available. House No. 47 - Cafferky Pat Cafferkey, 87, and his wife Mary, 80, lived here House No. 43 - Noone with their daughter Mary 58. There is no further infor- mation available. Michael Noone with his wife Maggie lived here with their three children Mary, John and Maggie. Their two House No. 48 - Cafferky other children Michael and Annie were born after the Ellen Cafferkey, 72, a widow lived here with her daugh- 1911 Census. Michael, Annie and Mary emigrated to ter Mary Ann and son Patrick. There is no further in- the U.S.A.. Mary later returned to marry Oliver Water formation available. and lived in , where they raised a family of three daughters and three sons. John remained in Cur- House No. 49 - Morrisroe rasallagh where he married Mary Moran from James Morrisroe, 38, and his wife Bridget, 36, lived Kilmovee. They had a son and a daughter. John lives in here with their sons Patrick, Dominick, James, Andrew . Margaret is married to Michael and their daughter Anne. Patrick, James, Andrew and and lives in . They raised a family of four, Anne later emigrated to the USA. Dominick remained three daughters and a son. Maggie emigrated to the at home and was single. There was once a Hedge USA, where she married George Zeiner, and they had School on this site. There is no longer a house here. one son. Four other children not listed in the census were born to Michael and Maggie Noone. Bridie went House No. 50 - Morrisroe to London where she married Walter Pocknee and they Andrew Morrisroe, 72, and his wife Winnie 70 lived subsequently emigrated to where they had a here with their son Patrick. The next owner of the land family of two daughters. Eileen also went to England was Mike Grady. There is no further information avail- where she married Ted Worland. They, too, emigrated able to Canada and had one son. Michael went to England and later to the U.S.A. He settled in the Bronx with his House No. 51 - Rodgers Kerry born wife, they had no children. Annie emigrated James Rodgers, 40, and his wife Bridget, 42, lived here, to the Bronx and remained single. The house remains No further information available and there is no house unoccupied. there now.

11 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 more sons, John and Jim. Pat and John emigrated to England. Jim remained at home and married Winnie (nee Carney). They had six children William, (emigrated to England), John (), James (), Colette (Charlestown), Winnie (Ballaghaderreen), and Patricia who remains at home. Pat Cafferkey returned from England and lived in his sister in laws homestead (Carneys). House No. 55 - Duffy John Duffy, 50, lived here with his wife Catherine (nee Cafferkey), 37, and their nine children Martin, John, Joe, Mary, Ellen, Sara, Kate, Winnie and Rose. Martin married Ellen (nee Vasey). Mary married (Kealy) Kea- ley from Ballaghaderreen. Sara married Andy Carney from Aughurine. Alice married Martin Griffin from Kilmovee, Henry married Bridget (nee McGilroy) and they lived in the homestead. They had no children. El- len, John, Kate, Joe, Winnie and Rose emigrated to England. The house is still here. House No. 56 - Duffy Mary Ann (nee Raftery) and James Carney Christy Duffy a widower lived here with his three daughters Mary, Jane, and Kate, and sons Francis and Michael. Francis emigrated to the U.S.A. Jane, Kate, House No. 52 - Rodgers and Michael remained at home. Michael Joe Dooney and his wife Marie, their children Sinead, Siobhan, In 1911 Michael Rodgers, 83, and his wife Bridget, 72, Eimear and Ronan have a house on the lands. The orig- lived here with their daughters, Mary, Bridget, Winnie, inal house is now vacant. Hanoria, son Thomas and granddaughter Anne Agnes Maroney. Mary, Thomas, Bridget and Hanoria later . emigrated to England. Winnie married Michael Dooney, from Derrinacarta and they had two sons Tommy and Patrick. Tommy married Angela (nee Mul- rennan) from Kiltybranks. They lived in Loughlgynn before emigrating to England. Patrick married his neighbour Bridget (nee Rogers) and they had 13 chil- dren: Michael Joe, Mary, Breege, Noreen, Winnie, Ber- nadette, Tommie, Angela, Christina, Bernard, Patrick, Kathleen and Ann Marie. Michael Dooney had a shop and dance hall here. There is no further information available. There is now a new house built on this site. Patrick, Kathleen, Ann Marie and Breege live here. House No. 53 - Rodgers Thomas Rodgers and his wife Mary lived here with their daughters Annie and Kate, and son Patrick. Annie and Patrick both emigrated to England. Kate married Martin Gara and they had a son Martin and a daughter Bridget. Martin emigrated to England. Bridget married her neighbour Patrick Dooney. No other information is available there is no longer a house here.

House. No.54 - Cafferky In 1911 John Cafferkey and his wife Mary lived here L to R: Tommy Regan, John Carney, Jimmy Carney, with their son Pat. John’s brother Tom and his niece Michael Carney, James Regan, Patrick Finn (on chair), Maggie where also there on the night the Michael Regan (front centre) census was taken. After 1911 John and Mary had two

12 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 57 - Dunleavy They now live in Ballaghaderreen. The house is still here. Pat Dunleavy and his wife Celia lived here with their son Thomas and daughters Winnie and Bridget. Thom- House No. 64 - McGeever as and Winnie emigrated to the U.S.A. Bridget married Matt McGeever, 40, and his wife Bridget, 37, lived here Ned Finn from Cloontia. They had one son Patrick who with their daughter Mary Ann and sons James, Thom- lives in Ballaghaderreen. The house is still there. as, John and Pat. John, James, Thomas and Mary Ann House No. 58 - Higgins emigrated to England. Pat remained at home and mar- ried Peggy (nee McDermott) from Currasallagh. They In 1911 Thomas Higgins, 70, and his wife Bridget, 68, had five children, Breege, Leitrim: Maureen, Patrick lived here with their sons James and Patrick and and Ann, England, and Margaret U.S.A. Old house still daughters Kate and Bridget who later all emigrated to stands on this site. England. No other information is available. There is no longer a house here. House No. 65 - Carney House No. 59 - Cafferky Pat Carney, 35, lived here with his brother William and sister Maggie. Pat married Kate Grennan from Si- Owen Cafferkey and his wife Mary lived here with their nolane, Kilmovee. They had eight children seven sons Patrick and Joe and daughters Rose and Cathe- daughters and one son, Mary, Kathleen, Anne, Bridie, rine. Patrick and Rose emigrated to England. Cathe- Peggy, Betty, Winnie and Bill. Kathleen, Anne, Bridie rine married a neighbour, John Duffy. Joe remained at and Peggy emigrated to England. Mary emigrated to home. There is no house there now. Australia and Betty emigrated to Africa. Winnie and House No. 60 - Cafferky Bill remained at home. Bill died at an early age. Win- Pat Cafferkey and his wife Ellen lived here with their nie married Jim Cafferkey. House is still on this site. daughters Mary, Bridget and Ann and sons Pat and House No. 66 - Cafferky Tom. Bridget became a Nun and emigrated to England. John Cafferkey, 52, lived here with his wife Mary Ann Mary went to live in Loughglynn. Pat, Tom and Ann (nee Carney), their sons Johnny, Patrick, Mark and remained at home. The house still remains on this site. their daughters Ann, Kate, Baby, Nellie and Mary Ann. House No. 61 - Grady Kate and Mark emigrated to England. Baby, Nellie, John Grady, 60, and his wife Mary, 54, lived here with Mary Ann and Patrick emigrated to the U.S.A. Johnny their daughters Winnie and Mary Kate, their son Mi- and Ann remained at home. No house remains on site chael and John’s mother-in-law Celia Carney. Michael now. and Mary Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. Michael re- House No. 67 - Duffy turned and married Ann Campbell from Lurga, Michael Duffy, 40, and his wife Bridget, 46, lived here Charlestown. They had six children, five daughters and with their daughters Mary, Kate, Ellen and Bridget one son. Patricia emigrated to England: Josephine who all later emigrated to the U.S.A. No house here Toreen: Rita Sligo: Kathleen Galway: and Marion Ros- now common. John, their son, remained at home and mar- ried Mary Whyte from Williamstown. They built a new house on the land once by Pat Morrisroe. They have three children Michael, Ashling and David. House No. 62 - Duffy Thomas Duffy and his wife Bridget lived here with their son Pat and daughter Bridget. Bridget emigrated to England, Pat married Mary (nee Horan) from Kilmovee. They had one son John who spent most of his life away. No other information is available. There is no longer a house here. House No. 63 - Carney John Carney, 59, and his wife Mary, 55, lived here with their daughters Bridget and Kate and son James. Brid- get and Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. James remained at home and married Mary Ann (nee Raftery), Cur- rasallagh. They had three sons John, Jimmy, and Mi- chael, John and Michael emigrated to England. Jimmy remained at home. John returned with his wife Ann when he retired, as did Michael with his wife Breege. Annie Hallis, Paddy Mulligan and Eamon Finn (in cart)

13 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 68 - Carney U.S.A. Mary Ann married Tommy Doherty, (see Dromod). Patrick remained at home and married Kath- Mary Carney, a widow, lived here with her three leen (nee Cafferky) from Cloonagh. They had no chil- daughters Mary, Ellen and Bridget and her son Fran- dren. House is still on this site. cis. Mary and Ellen emigrated to England. Bridget married Bernard Moran, Whitestown, and Francis House No. 71 - Carney married Maggie (nee Dowd) from Tibohine. They had Andy Carney, 37, lived here with his brother James, 21. no children. There is no longer a house here. James later emigrated to England. Andy was a shoe- House No. 69 - Carney maker and he married Winnie (nee Carney) sister of Frank. They had no children. No house here now Bridget Carney a widow lived here with her son James. Bridget had two daughters Kate and Mary Ann who House No. 72 - Carney emigrated to the USA before 1911. Kate returned and Mary Carney, 73, a single lady, lived here. No further married Michael McDermott from Aughadeffin and information available. they had two sons, Jim and Johnny, who both remained single. Johnny bought Hallis’s land which is now House No. 73 - Rodgers owned by Sharkeys. Mary Ann also returned from the Mary Rodgers, 45, lived here with her daughters Mary U.S.A. and married John Cafferky. Angie and Tim Ann, Hanoria, and son Andrew. Mary Ann and Hanoria Southwell live here now with their daughter Charlotte. emigrated to the U.S.A. Bridget married Michael Hunt House No. 70 - Finnegan (see Lisadaly). Andrew remained at home and was a bachelor. No house remains on this site. Michael Finnegan and his wife Kate lived here with their daughters Mary Ann, Bridget Agnes, and sons Michael and Patrick. Bridget Agnes emigrated to the

______Dancing the Night Away

Dancers enjoy the reopening of the Community Centre following a major overhaul in 1987

14 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Jack and Jim Loftus, Cloontowart

Mark McCann with his grandson John Lavin (who was tragically killed in Loughglynn in later years) Cormac Giblin and Pake Loftus, Cloontowart

The McDermott sisters, Currasallagh L to R: Peggy McGeever, Nora Doyle, Anne Grennan and Bridget Grogan

15 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Carnagrukane - Quarter of the hillocks House No. 1 - Doherty House No. 3 - Doherty In 1911 Michael Doherty lived here with his wife Mary Alice Doherty a widow lived here with her son Michael Jane, and children Dominick, Patrick, Lizzie, John Joe and daughter-in-law, Anne. The family later moved to (Michael John) and Kathleen. After the census Madge, the / Ballinagare area. A son of theirs Annie Bridget, and Rose were born. Dominick lived in James returned to Silverfield and married Mary Beirne. Ballaghaderreen: Lizzie married John Merriman: John Edward Hallis, a widower, then lived here with his Joe married Agnes Finn, and Kathleen was a Mrs Ken- sons Edward and Michael and daughter Maria. Maria nedy and lived in . Madge was a Mrs Brogan married Patrick Mulligan. Michael emigrated to the and lived in Ballaghaderreen. Annie married James U.S.A. and remained single. Edward married Win- Moran from Lisacul Crossroads. Bridget married Ger- niefred Hunt (Lisadaly). They had five daughters ald Feeney and lived in Ballaghaderreen. Rose became Maureen Cremin in the U.S.A., Delia Duffy in a Nun and lived in Dublin. Patrick married Mary Ann Kilmovee, Annie Cawley in , Co. Sligo, Teresa Hallis, they had four children. Jack and Michael emi- Cullinan Ballinagare, and Patricia who married Joseph grated to England, Bridget (Babs) married Seamus (Tony) Cunningham. Their daughters Marie and Ange- Dooney and lived in Ballaghaderreen. Rosaleen mar- la were born here, and family later moved to Lisadaly. ried Patrick McGreal they had seven children (see John Grady has a new house on the lands and lives Whitestown). A Mr Johnston owns this house now, with his wife Olivia and son and daughter. there are three more houses on these lands: John Phil- House No. 4 - Doherty lips and his wife Barbara have a house, Christina Cre- an and her children have a house and Yolanda Kenny John Doherty lived here with his wife Bridget and chil- also has a house on these lands. dren, Martin, Catherine, Bernard and John. After the census Joseph, Dominick, and Winifred were born. Martin, Catherine and John emigrated to the U.S.A. Bernard married Margaret Raftery. Dominick married Mary Hunt, Silverfield. Winnie married James Greene they moved to Ballaghaderreen and raised their family there. Joseph married Mary Cuddy, Errit. They had five children, Martin, home: Bernard, Dublin: Pauline Rod- dy, (see Creevy): Freddie McMahon (see Silverfield) and Maureen Forde, Kingsland. House No. 5 - Doherty Martin Doherty lived here with his wife Margaret. Tim Doherty later lived here with his wife Ann, (nee Melvin) they had no children. James Lavin now owns the land . There is no house on this site. House No. 6 - Pat Lafferty with his wife Bridget lived here with their children Michael, John, Martin, Robert and daughter Mary Ann. Michael and Martin emigrated to England. Mary Ann married Cuddy from Errit. John married Kathleen Jordan. James Lavin and his wife Andrea Alice Doherty and Dominic Carney and their sons Colm, Jarlath and Ciaran have a new house on this land. House No. 7 - Higgins House No. 2 - Carney John Higgins, a widower, lived here with his daughters Maria Carney a widow lived here with her daughter Catherine and Bridget whose whereabouts are un- Bridget and sons Michael, James and Dominick. Brid- known. John Lavin and his wife Ann lived here with get married John Doherty in Kilruane. Michael and their children Thomas, Patrick, Gerald, Michael John Dominick stayed here and remained single. At time of and daughters Hanoria, Mae and Rita. Thomas married census James emigrated to England. Ray Goulding in Dublin. Gerald married in England. Hanoria mar- lives here now. Brendan Doherty, a grandson of Brid- ried Patrick Lavin a jeweller in Ballaghaderreen, and get has a new house on these lands and lives here with Patrick also became involved in this business. Rita his wife Carmel and daughter Sheelagh married James Mulrennan (Cloonaugh). The house remains here.

16 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 8 - Higgins House No. 15 - Corrigan James Higgins lived here with his wife Hanoria and Pat Corrigan, a widower, lived here in 1911 with his their children Mary, Florence, Peter, Patrick, Margaret children Michael, Patrick, Ellen, Margaret and Mary. and Michael. James’s sister, Winifred, also lived here He later married Jane Gavin and they had four more in 1911. Mary emigrated to the U.S.A. Margaret emi- children Bridget, Stephen, Frances and Joan. Stephen, grated and married in England. Peter, Patrick and Mi- Frances and Joan emigrated to England. Bridget mar- chael remained single. Florence died tragically at a ried James Doherty. They had four children, Frances young age. The house is derelict. (Gilmartin), Alice (Flynn), James (Dippy) and Eugene who lives in England. Trevor and Mary Cole have a House No. 9 - Johnston house on these lands. James J Johnston lived here with his sister Catherine. James married Mary Kate Johnston and they had five children. James returned to the old homestead and re- mained there until his death. The house is now derelict. House No. 10 - Johnston Martin Johnston lived here with his wife Bridget and children Mary, Kate, Margaret, Ellen and Nora. Mary, Kate, Ellen and Nora emigrated to the U.S.A. Margaret married James Greene (Cloonaholly). They had 3 chil- dren Michael, Dollie (Harte), and Gretta (McGovern) all married and live in England. The house is now dere- lict and is owned by Ciaran Kearney. House No. 11 - Thomas Boyle lived here with his wife Catherine and children Michael, Bridget, John, Martin, James, Patrick and Thomas. Most of the family emigrated to the U.S.A. Martin remained at home and was a bachelor. The house is now derelict. House No. 12 - Greene John Greene with his wife Bridget lived here with their children James, Kate, Bridget, Michael, Margaret, John and Thomas. Most of the family emigrated to the U.S.A. Mary and Edward Hallis James married Winnie Doherty and lived in Bal- laghaderreen there is no house on this site now. House No. 13 - Mulligan House No. 16 - Doherty In 1911 Hanoria Mulligan a widow lived with her chil- In 1911 Thomas Doherty, a widower, lived here with dren Patrick, Teresa, Annie, Mary Ann and Nora. The his children Bridget, John, Thomas, Mary, Dominick, four girls emigrated to the U.S.A. Patrick married Ma- Annie, Nellie and Joseph. Bridget married James John- ria Hallis and they had 9 children. Martin, Eamon, ston. Thomas married (Finnegan) and lived in Sean, Patrick, Stephen, Dominick, Teresa, Hanoria and Dromod, Annie married (Frain) from Ballaghaderreen. Annie. All the family emigrated to England. Dominick Nellie emigrated and married in the U.S.A. as did returned and lives here now and married to Mary Mary. James married Bridget Corrigan. Joseph mar- Cregg. They have two daughters. Sharon lives in Wales ried Catherine Melvin and John married Ellen Duffy with her husband Darren and Loraine has a house on from Currasallagh and lived on lands. They had four the lands with her husband Damien Duffy and son children Maura (McNeill), Rose (Duffy) Manchester, Ryan. Michael John (R,I.P.) USA, and Thomas (R.I.P.), Car- nagruckane. No house remains on this site now. House No. 14 - Doherty House No. 17 - Greene Catherine Doherty, a widow, lived here with her daugh- ters Mary, Ellen and sons James and Padraig. None of Pat Greene with his wife Catherine lived here with their the children married. Bridie Doherty has a house on five children, Elizabeth, James and Kate. The names of the lands and lives here with her son John. Maura Mc the other two children are unknown. The whereabouts Neill (nee Doherty) and her family have a house on of James is also unknown. Elizabeth married Tom these lands also. Kelly. Kate was single. No house remains on this site now, the lands are owned by Anthony Melvin.

17 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 18 - Toolan of Corcorans moved in. Mr and Mrs Corcoran and their family, John, Mike, James, Mary and Josephine In 1911 James Toolan lived here with his wife Kate and all emigrated to the U.S.A. There is no longer a house children John, Michael, James, Ellen, Thomas and on this site. Kathleen. John, Michael, James, Thomas and Kathleen emigrated to England, Ellen married James Conry House No. 25 - Dyer (Derry); Thomas returned to Lisadaly with his wife Thomas Dyer, a widower, lived here with his son Pat Margaret Lyons from Tulrahan. There is no house here and daughter Mary Kate. Mary Kate married Martin now. McCann, Currahard, and Pat married Annie O’Don- House No. 19 - John Clifford nell, Creevy. There is no house on this site now. Tom- mie and Imelda Horan have a house on these lands. At the time of the Census in 1911 John Clifford lived They have two sons Jason and Brian. here with his wife, Mary, and children Pat, John, Delia, Mary, Rose. Elizabeth and Eddie where born later. All House No. 26 - Jordan of the family emigrated to the U.S.A. and England ex- In 1911 Michael Jordan lived here with his wife Ann cept Mary and Eddie who remained and were single, and daughter Margaret. After the census, Bea, Annie, Mary and Eddie’s nephew Sean lives here now. and son Anthony were born. Margaret, Bea and Annie House No. 20 - Higgins emigrated to the U.S.A. Anthony married Bea Regan from Currohoguile. They had a daughter Peggy and a In 1911 Mary Higgins a widow lived here with her son Michael. Peggy lives in Ballaghaderreen with her daughters Catherine and Margaret and sons Patrick, son Paul. Michael lives in Carrick on Shannon with his Michael, Dominick and Thomas. Catherine married a wife and family. Richard and Eileen Stabler have a Finnegan from Currasallagh. Margaret emigrated to holiday home here now and Richard and Jennie Feane the U.S.A, Michael and Dominick emigrated to Eng- also have a holiday home on what used to be Jordan’s land. Thomas married Kate Mulrennan from land. (Cloonaugh). They had no children. Michael was sin- gle. The house is now derelict. House No. 27 - O’Donnell House No. 21 - McKeon In 1911 three spinster sisters lived here by the names of Catherine, Margaret and Sarah O’Donnell. I believe In 1911 Mary McKeon a widow lived here with her Son they were very sophisticated ladies and all of them were Thomas and daughter Winifred. Thomas married Win- called Miss Sarah, Miss Catherine and Miss Maggie. ifred Kelly and they had a son James and a daughter They spent a lot of time knitting. There is no trace of a Mary Ellen. James died and Mary Ellen (RI.P.) married house on this site now. Joe Lavin and lived in Ballaghaderreen. They had one daughter and three sons. House No. 22 - Raftery In 1911 Pat Raftery a widower lived here with his daughter Mary and son Michael. Michael married Mary Hunt from Urlaur. They had a daughter who married Bernard Doherty. they had eight children Sean, Joseph, Martin, Thomas, Kevin, Mary, Margaret and Bernadette. Thomas died as a baby, Sean (R.I.P.) Joseph, Martin and emigrated to England. Margaret (Bobbie) and Bernadette live in Galway. Kevin lives at home with his wife Kathleen (nee Gallagher) and son Kevin. House No. 23 - Toolan In 1911 Catherine Toolan, a widow, lived here with her family James, Margaret, Peter, Kate, and grandson John. John emigrated and lived in England for some time with his wife Agnes. He later remarried a lady by the name of McCann from Doogera, Ballaghaderreen. The house is now derelict. House No. 24 - Keenan Taking a break from the card game in Hallis’ are; In 1911 Pat Keenan lived here with his wife Bridget Front L to R: James Greene (Coley), Maria Mulligan, and children Patrick, Edward, Thomas, Lizzie and Te- Winnie Hallis. Back L to R: Pake Mulligan, Teresa Hallis, resa. It is unknown where the family went to. A family Martin Doherty

18 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Michael John Doherty By Patricia Cunningham

Michael John Doherty was born in Carnagruckane on the 14th of June 1939. His parents were Jack (John) and Ellen Doherty he at- tended Currasallagh National School and later Saint Nathy’s College Ballaghaderreen. He left school at six- teen and went to work in England from there he went to Australia and in 1963 he arrived in New York, after his arrival he worked for the New York Transit Authority he was only there a few months when he was drafted into the US Army and spent 9 months in Vietnam. After his service in the Army he attended night school and joined the New York Police Department. In this field he was promoted from rank to rank until he reached Captain of his Precinct (no mean achievement). Michael. J was married to Martha, they had two daugh- ters Linda and Kathleen, and he was brother of the late Thomas. T Doherty Carnagruckane and has two sisters in Manchester Rose Duffy and Maura Mc Neill. Mi- chael. J passed away on the 25th of May 2007 may his gentle soul Rest in Peace

Michael John Doherty and his wife Martha pictured with Patricia and Tony Cunningham

Clearing a way through the Blizzard of 1947

19 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Paddy Lavin Reflects on 100 Years

Patrick (Paddy) Lavin was born in 1913, one of a fami- In the early 1940’s work began on the reconstruction of ly of nine children of John and Ann Lavin, Car- Lisacul church and Paddy was employed as a joiner and nagrukane. Both his parents came originally from later foreman, working on parts of the roof and altar Kilmovee - his mother was formerly Ann Higgins - formation. He remembers being involved in the installa- and their arrival in Carnagrukane caused some contro- tion of the concrete cross over the bell housing, which versy according to Paddy. They had purchased a place was cast in casing which he helped to make. He casing put up for sale by the land Commission because of ar- was erected over the bell housing and then filled with rears in rent, and this proved unpopular among neigh- concrete, some of those involved in this process being bouring landholders. But eventually they settled into Johnny Coleman, Jimmy Mulrennan, Frank Coen, John life in Lisacul and the raising of their family. Gallagher and Matt Roddy. Paddy’s grandfather had been a builder of some note in Paddy embarked on another chapter of his life in 1943 Kilmovee and the surrounding areas. Much of his work when he decided to move to England, bringing with him centered around the building and reconstruction of pres- his toolbox which he himself had made. His first job byteries, teachers residences, some police barracks and was on Norfolk aerodrome, initially digging trenches schools, including the building of Orlaur school. He until his papers were ratified, and then resuming his imported all his own timber by the log, collecting it at trade as a joiner. World War Two was raging at that the port and then transporting it by train to Sligo where time and bombings were a constant threat, with air raid it was cut into the required lengths at Brooks Thomas. shelters everywhere. The work crews lived in Nissen Then it was brought by train to Ballaghaderreen and huts, but in the event of a German bombing raid, would delivered to his workshop in Kilmovee. take refuge in underground bomb shelters. Paddy was a very sound sleeper and following one particular raid, he Paddy being the eldest surviving child, on leaving awoke to find debris all around him, and was mystified school at fourteen years of age, began working with his as to what happened. In fact he had slept right through father, who had followed his own father’s footsteps in the sound of warplane engines and explosions. He the building trade. He has vivid memories of this period would later move to Oxford to work for the renowned of his life, including the cost of materials and building firm of McAlpine. itself. There were grants available for both reconstruct tion (£40) and for a new house (£200). The grant often He came back home with the intention of returning to covered the cost of repair and indeed Paddy remembers England, but his life was to take another twist when he building a small two roomed house in his native village met a namesake, Paddy Lavin, a jeweller working in for a total cost of £75. Materials, such as timber and Egan’s in Ballaghaderreen, but who was considering cement were bought in Flannery’s of Ballaghaderreen, starting up his own business, and who would later mar- while hardware items (locks, handles, tools, etc.) were ry his sister. He asked Paddy to help renovate a small bought in Gerry O’Dowd’s shop in Barrack Street, premises in Chapel Lane which he hoped to use. This (later Cormicans), with his mother doing most of the Paddy duly did and then, on watching his namesake at buying. work on clocks and watches, began to take an interest and start to help out. With guidance from Paddy Lavin Paddy remembers a major decision having to be made and the help of a training course Paddy soon picked up at home as to whether to build a hayshed or buy a lorry his trade. He later became recognised and well thought to deliver sand and gravel from the pits on their own of in the field of antique clock restoration, and he re- land. The hayshed won out as it was felt it could double mained involved in the business along with his neph- up as a workshop, which at the time was mainly con- ew, Padraic, up to his retirement. Paddy’s other great fined to the sitting room of the house. It wasn’t plain passion in life was fishing, particularly on the river sailing though, for just as the roof had been put on the Moy, and he was very proud of the fact that he re- shed, but not properly secured, a fierce gale lifted it mained a Pioneer all his life. from its moorings and deposited it onto the roof of the house, causing considerable damage but thankfully no He is now resident in the Oakwood Nursing Home, Bal- injuries. Eventually a workshop was built with the rem- laghaderreen, where he recently celebrated his 100th nants of the shed. birthday with family and friends.

20 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Paddy Lavin celebrating his 100th birthday Jimmy Dignan, Paddy Doherty and James Dignan Jnr.

Mike Barrett, Richard Chandler and John Joe Finn

Kitty Fitzpatrick, Agnes Coleman and Nan Fitzpatrick

21 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Cloonaholly - Meadow of the Wood

House No. 1 - Peyton In 1911 John Peyton lived here with his wife Margaret and five children Johnny, Thomas, Mary, Martin and Delia. Johnny stayed in the homestead and the rest of his siblings emigrated to the U.S.A. Johnny married Nora Scally from Cloonaugh. They had one daughter Margaret. Margaret did not marry and she passed away in 1985. Declan Greene and his wife Cathy and son Michael have a house built on this site. George McDonald and his wife Anita and family also have a house on Peyton’s land.

House No. 2 - McCann

In 1911 James McCann lived here with his wife Mary. L to R: Kitty Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Cox and Nan Fitzpat- They had ten children, five boys and five girls. There rick were four children present at the time of the census. They all emigrated to England and the U.S.A. Tom House No. 3 - Grady McCann (son) married in America to Molly Hughes In 1911 the Grady family lived here but they went to from Milltown, Co. Galway. They had one daughter Ballinlough on an exchange of land. John Fitzpatrick Mary Teresa and returned to Ireland. Mary Teresa moved here and married Ann Scally from Cloonaugh. married Thomas Garvey (Toddy) from Milltown and They had two daughters Mary Frances and Kitty. Mary lived in Tuam. They now live in Ballina. Frances went to U.S.A and married there. Kitty mar- ried Denis McGrath from Aughamore; they had five children Ann, Andrew, Stella, Fiona and Linda. Kitty lives here now.

House No. 4 - Loftus In 1911 Michael Loftus lived here with his wife Kate and daughters Fredia, Mary and Kate. Fredia lived here with her children Gladys, Patsy and Robert. The three children emigrated to England. McGraths now own the land and the house is derelict.

House No. 5 - Greene In 1911 James Greene lived here with his wife Cathe- rine and sons Michael, John and James. John married Mary McDermott (see Silverfield). James married Mar- garet Johnston (see Carnagruckane) Michael married Winnie Sharky, from Tibohine. They had three children, Kathleen, Michael and Sean. Michael married Mary Sharkey. They had four sons, Michael, (England), John, (Kilruane), Declan has a new house in Cloonaholly. Dermot lives here with his mother Mary. Martin and Rose Kenny, taken in early 1900’s

22 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 6 - McDermott House No. 9 - Costello Thomas McDermott a widower lived here with his chil- In 1911 John Costello lived here with his wife Marie. dren Mary, Anne, Thomas, Winifred, Bridget and At the time of the census there were two daughters James. Winifred and Bridget emigrated to U.S.A. listed, Kate and Margaret, whose whereabouts are un- Thomas went to England. Mary Anne married John known. Edward, born after census went to U.S.A. but Greene (see Silverfield). James remained at home. returned with his wife Rose Kenny from Cloonaugh. Donal Lafferty has this land now. They had three children Kathleen, John and Dell. Kathleen went to the U.S.A. Dell emigrated to England House No. 7 - White and John married Mary Clifford (Cloonaholly). They In 1911 Mary White lived here with her sister Bridget had five children, Eamonn, Angela, John, Brendan and and Nephew Andrew Moran. Eileen (nee Greene) and Rose Ann. Eamonn lives in Leitrim, Angela in Cloonto- Peter McDonagh) have a house on this land now. wart (see Butler), Rose Ann lives in Cortoonmore, John lives in the homestead and Brendan see house no 12.

House No. 10 - Costello In 1911 Michael and Jane Costello lived here with their daughter Margaret and son Thomas. They are listed on the census as having eight children, whereabouts un- known. There is no house here now.

House No. 11 - Clifford In 1911 Henry Clifford lived here with his wife Marga- ret. They had nine children. At the time of the census there are five listed, Kate, Michael, Rose, Bridget and Henry. All this family emigrated, but Edward returned and married Kate Glavey. They had a son Harry and daughter Mary, and both are single. John Costello has the land and there is no house here now.

John Fitzpatrick

House No. 8 - Cahalin In 1911 Pat Cahalin lived here with his wife Mary and children, Annie, Thomas, Bridget, Margaret, Sarah and Pat. Annie, Bridget and Margaret emigrated to the U.S.A. Pat went to England. Sarah married Jim Grif- fin from Maheraboy. Thomas married Catherine Roddy from Maheraboy and they lived in the homestead. They had one son Joseph. Joseph married Catherine Ann Phillips from Cloontia. They had three children. Paul and his wife had three children, Andrew, Evan and Emily Louise and they have a house on the land. Mary Teresa lives in Boston with her husband and children. Mal Coleman Joseph lives in the homestead.

23 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 14 - Clifford In 1911 William Clifford lived here with his wife Brid- get and sons Edward and Henry and granddaughter Bridget Beirne. There were six more children, William, Mary, Rose, Bridget, Michael and Rodger (Roddy). Michael married in Bockagh. William, Rodger and Kate emigrated to U.S.A. Rodger married Delia Kenny from Gurteen, . They had seven children. Three daughters are married in and one in Castleplunkett. Mary married Patrick Beirne from Sil- verfield. Bea married Jack Towey from Cloonaholly. Rose married James Dignan (see Currahard). Edward married Bridget Dalton from Aughadeffin. They had five children, Henry, William, Mary, Peg and Bridget. Henry married in England. Peg married in England. Bridget married in the U.S.A. Mary married John Cos- tello (see house 9). William married Maureen Carroll from ; they had two daughters Teresa and Marie. Maureen lives here now.

House No. 15 - Towey In 1911 Thomas Towey, a widower, lived here with his daughters Anne, Catherine and sons John and James. Agnes Coleman and friend John married Bridget Clifford, they had no children. Ann, Catherine and James emigrated to the U.S.A. The House No. 12 - Clifford house is now derelict. At the time of the census in 1911 Roger Clifford, his wife Bridget and children Roger, William, Rose, John House No. 16 - Towey and grandson John Kenny lived here. There are twelve children listed on the census. Edward returned and James Towey a widower lived here with his son Pat and married Kate Kenny from Cloonaugh. They had three daughter Kate. Pat married Mary Callaghan from children, Patrick, Thomas and Mary. They all emigrat- Feigh; they had a son John and daughter Bridget. ed to England. Tom’s daughter Noreen lived here with Bridget went to the U.S.A. John married Catherine her grandparents and Edwards nephew John Kenny. Mulrennan from Cloonaugh. They had no children. Noreen went to England. Brendan Costello lives here The house is now derelict. now with his wife Margaret. Brendan and Margaret have three sons, Shane, Brendan and Greg. House No. 17 - Cox House No. 13 - Kenny In 1911 Michael Cox lived here with his wife Celia and In 1911 Martin Kenny lived here with his wife Rose and children Thomas, Michael, Dominick and Mary. Mi- Martin’s mother Mary. After the census Agnes and chael died a young man. Thomas and Mary emigrated Mary were born. Mary went to the U.S.A. Agnes mar- to New York and both are now deceased. Dominick ried Mal Coleman. They had two sons Desmond and married Agnes Hevican from Derinea, Errit. They had Patrick. Patrick went to the U.S.A and Desmond mar- five children Mary, Annie, Teresa, Kathleen and John. ried Breege Keeney from Donegal. They have three Annie and Kathleen went to California. Mary and John daughters, Suzan, Denise and Claire. Desmond and went to England. Teresa lives in the homestead. Breege live here now.

24 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Music in the Bog and a Taste of Scotch Tom Coppinger meets Bob Loftus and Kitty McGrath

It all started with a letter from a lady in meanwhile, had moved on and the Fitzpatrick family, called Bre-Ann Treffinger, who has been trying to trace originally from Cloontowart were relocated to the her family history on behalf of her mother. She had dis- Grady house under the Congested Districts Act. So Bob covered that both her great grandmother’s parents had and Kitty grew up as neighbours and the families have come originally from Lisacul, both from Cloonaholly in always kept in touch over the years. Bob, who believes fact. Her great grandmother’s name was Eleanor Grady the Loftus family originated in Yorkshire, where there and she was daughter of James Grady and Mary Loftus. is a village and coalmine named Loftus, says his earli- Having seen a picture of Lisacul church on the Lisacul est memory of Cloonaholly is pigs, as there was a pig- Gathering facebook site, she wondered if this might be gery on the Fitzpatrick farm. He remembers the the same church where James and Mary were married “thrashing” and helping to throw up sheaves of oats to and in which their daughter Eleanor was baptised. It his grandfather, “Scotch”. They had to be thrown up appears that Eleanor spoke very little of life before she butt first, and if they weren’t they landed straight back emigrated to the United States and Bre-Ann had been down on your head. He remembers “Scotch” would go unable to trace the path of the Grady and Loftus family to Ballaghaderreen on the cart pulled by Barney, the beyond the 1911 census. donkey. After a good session in J.P. (Nonnie) O’Don- nell’s, “Scotch” would fall into the cart and Barney She wondered if we could possibly find any connec- would find his way back to Cloonaholly, always getting tions or their whereabouts, and thanks to the keen local him home safely. On another occasion, after a long day knowledge of one of our editorial team, Patricia Cun- in the bog, when “Scotch” fell asleep on getting aboard ningham, we got a good lead. She knew a man called the cart, the story was that Barney took a silent route Bob Loftus, now in England but who came originally home mostly through fields, so that the sound of the from Cloonaholly, She knew too that the house now cart wheels wouldn’t wake “Scotch”. Bob left home in occupied by the McGrath family was formerly owned 1953 to join the army and spent two years in Athlone by a Grady family, and that Bob Loftus always called before leaving for England where he has remained ever to McGrath’s whenever he visited Ireland. So the email since. was passed on to Kitty McGrath, and as luck would have it the aforementioned Bob was due a visit early in May this year. And so it was that I got a phone call Kitty recalls days spent on the farm with her parents in from Stella McGrath one Saturday evening to say that her childhood, and particularly remembers helping her Bob Loftus was with them and was anxious to talk to grandfather to make straw ropes which were used both me. So I headed for Cloonaholly and there followed a to secure stacks of straw and thatched roofs. Her grand- most interesting and enjoyable two hours of conversa- father was an expert thatcher and travelled around the tion with Bob and Kitty in the McGrath sitting room, area thatching houses and repairing thatch. She remem- with an equally enjoyable cup of tea provided by Linda. bers him making a special tool with a piece of wood and a wire hook for turning the straw to make the ropes. I discovered that the Grady and Loftus families lived This tool was usually hung high up on the wall under next door to each other, that Mary Loftus did indeed the roof. She remembers, too, being sent out to pick the marry James Grady in February 1871 and they settled “bohaláns” from the fields, which were then disposed in Cloonaholly, raising a large family, one of whom of by her grandfather. Her mother was a strict woman was Eleanor, the great grandmother of our friend Bre- and would threaten them with a rod if they misbehaved, Ann in New Jersey. One of her siblings would have but they would seek protection behind their grandfather been the great grandfather of Bob Loftus. Bob’s own until she put the rod away. Her father was a talented mother, Winnifred, emigrated to America but returned musician, playing the flute and Kitty soon learned to to live in Cloonaholly, marrying Albert Carroll. Bob play tunes on it as well. Her father was told by his doc- was a late arrival as he put it himself and his grandfa- tor that he would have to stop playing the flute for the ther, a bit of a character known as “Scotch” Loftus, in- sake of his health. He did so for a few years before go- sisted he be given the Loftus name. The Grady family, ing back to playing it again, by which time the doctor

25 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 himself had passed on. She remembers going next door next stop Castlerea, a stop at Creaton’s in Loughglynn to Peytons in the evenings where cards would be before ending up back in Creaton’s in Lisacul. Now played. Then Nora Peyton would take out the accordi- “Scotch’s” wife, wondering why her husband had not on and soon they would be dancing around the kitchen. returned home decided to head out to Creaton’s to see Kitty tells also of days spent in the bog, when water if there was any news of the “pilgrims”. On meeting was brought along in sweet cans and boiled in the tea- “Farmer” McCann and enquiring as to the whereabouts pot on a fire made from little sticks and any dry clods of her husband, she was told, “He’s alright, he’s in the of turf picked up on the turf banks. Kitty would bring back of the car”. Whereupon she opened the back door the flute, which was put in the boghole with a piece of of the car and sure enough there was “Scotch” string tied around it so it could be retrieved easily. The sprawled out on the back seat, a bottle of Guinness in water softened the flute making for a sweeter sound one hand and a bottle of Holy Water in the other, no and when the tea break came it would be taken out of doubt confused as to which was which. In the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Guinness!!!!! Oh the innocence of it all. Who would have thought a simple email from New Jersey could end up in a story for this book. But that’s the way it happened, so a sincere thanks for the hospi- tality in the McGrath household that evening and to both Kitty and Bob for sharing their thoughts with me in such a forthright and good humoured manner.

Bob Loftus and Kitty McGrath who grew up as neigh- bours in Cloonaholly, meet up to reminisce on times past and the changes in their native village. the water and Kitty would play a few tunes. People in neighbouring bogs would come to listen and those far- ther away, who couldn’t make it across the bogs, would just stand and listen. But let’s go back to “Scotch”, as Bob has one more anecdote on this seemingly remarkable character. It relates to the time “Farmer” McCann, having acquired a new car, decided to take neighbours John Fitzpatrick, John Peyton and “Scotch” on a pilgrimage to Knock Shrine. They would however have a few “pit stops” along the way to get them in the mood for prayer. First it was Creaton’s in Lisacul, then on to “Nonnie” O’Donnell’s in Ballaghaderreen, from there to Charlestown and on to before eventually arriv- ing in Knock. Having said their prayers, got their bot- tles of Holy Water, and perhaps some not so holy wa- ter, they decided it wouldn’t be lucky to go home the way they came. So it was on to Ballyhaunis, down to Sister of Mary Costello and Des Coleman Molly the Bogs (Coney Island), then into Ballinlough,

26 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Cloonaugh - Lawn of horses

House No. 1 - Mulrennan House No. 4 - McNella In 1911 James and Norah Mulrennan lived here with In 1911 Martin and Mary McNella lived here with their two of their children, son John and daughter Maggie. five children Patrick, John, James, Mary Delia and They all emigrated as far as we know. Patrick Mulren- Anne. Martin died in 1950 and is buried in Lisacul nan married Mary Anne Groarke from Cloonmullin. cemetery. His wife died in 1938 and is buried in Kil- They had six in family, four girls and two boys James, ruane cemetery. Patrick, Mary Delia and James emi- John, Mary, Hannagh, Kitty and Bridie. James married grated to America. Anne married Ned Quinn from Rita Lavin from Carnagruckane and they lived in the , Gorthaganny. John (Jack) married Rose homestead. John, Mary, Hannagh, Kitty and Bridie all Flanagan from Errit and they lived in the homestead. went to live in England. Martin Flanagan owns this Eamonn Quinn inherited this estate. house and land now. . House No. 5 - Kenny In 1911 John and Catherine Kenny lived here with their children, Michael, John, Ellen and Maggie. Other sib- lings not at home on the night of the census were An- drew, Jane and Annie. Maggie, Jane and Andrew all emigrated to America. Ellen married Patrick Kenny from Cloonmullin, Loughglynn. They had six in family. John lived at home. Annie died at the age of twenty one. Michael married Annie Morley from Feigh, and lived in the homestead. They had four in family, two boys and two girls, Catherine, Eileen, John (Jack) and Tom who died at the age of two. Catherine (Kitty) mar- ried Vincent Madden (see Currahard). Eileen married Joe McLoughlin from Clooncan and they had five chil- dren and live in Manchester. Jack lived in the home- stead. The house is now vacant and Patrick McCann owns the land.

Mike Conroy, Cloonaugh

House No. 2 - Mulrennan In 1911 Dominick Mulrennan a widower lived here. His son Dominick, wife Mary and their three children Michael, Mary Anne and Kate also lived in the house. Catherine (Kate) married Johnny Towey from Cloonaholly and he moved into the Mulrennans farm. Mary Anne and Michael emigrated to America

House No. 3 - Scally L to R: Paddy Giblin, Dippy Doherty and friend, Patrick In 1911 John and Bridget (Bid) Scally lived here. They had no family.

27 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 6 - Kenny In 1911 James and Catherine Kenny lived here with their children Michael, Thomas, Kate, Rose, Jane and grandson Michael Brennan. Kate married Edward Clifford from Cloonaholly and they had two sons. Rose married Edward Costello from Cloonaholly and they had three children. There were twins (boy and girl) and another girl. They were married in America. Jane emigrated to America. Michael married Bridget Hurley from Clooncan, Carrowbehy. They lived in the home- stead. They had nine in family. The house is now va- cant House No. 7 - Scally Kitty Madden (nee Kenny) In 1911 Frances Scally a widow lived here with six children Winnie, Annie, Michael, Bridget, Thomas and Norah died at a young age. Their son James lives in Norah. Winnie, Bridget and Thomas emigrated to America. Mary Anne married Patrick Roddy from America. Annie (Nan) married John Fitzpatrick (see Feigh, Lisacul. Patrick and James lived in the home- Cloonaholly). They had two daughters. Michael lived stead and they both died in the 1960’s. in the homestead and never married. Norah married Johnny Peyton (see Cloonaholly) and they had one House No. 10 - Scally daughter. In 1911 Bridget Scally a widow lived here with six of her seven children, William, Thomas, Michael, Patrick, Timothy and Bridget. Thomas, Patrick, Michael and Timothy all emigrated as far as we know. Bridget mar- ried Patrick Kenny from Cloonaugh and they had seven in family. William Scally never married and lived in the homestead. The house is derelict. House No. 11 - Kenny In 1911 Bridget Kenny a widow lived here with her son Michael and daughter Norah. Norah married Mike Joe Flanagan Conry from Clooncah. Michael never married and House No. 8 - Melvin lived in the homestead. There is a new house built on these lands owned by Ann Marie and Karl Hampson In 1911 James and Norah Melvin lived here with their children Thomas, Mary, Anne, Bridget and Norah. House No. 12 - Kenny Bridget married Michael Grady from Cloonaugh (see In 1911 Anne Kenny a widow lived here with her two Corrocommeen). Kate married James Kenny (see Cor- sons Patrick and Martin and granddaughter Bridget rocommeen). Anne married Pat Brehony (see Lisa- McNella. Patrick Kenny emigrated to America. Brid- daly). Norah, Thomas and Mary never married and get McNella married John Harte from Taughnara. lived in the homestead. The house is now derelict. Martin Kenny never married and lived in the home- John Grady owns the land. stead. Robert Lily from Tully has a new house built on House No. 9 - Costello these lands. In 1911 Mary Costello a widow lived here with six chil- House No. 13 - Kenny dren, Bridget, Thomas, Norah, Mary Anne, James and In 1911 Michael and Catherine Kenny lived here. After Patrick. Bridget and Thomas emigrated to America the census they had one daughter Kathleen. She mar- and Norah also emigrated to America and married ried Patrick Mannion from Corracommeen. They had James Hanley from Ballinagare. They had one son. no family.

28 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Clooncah

House No. 1 - Kenny racommeen. They had a son William; William married Teresa Fleming from Trien. They have a son Raymond. In 1911 John Kenny lived here with his wife Anne and They have a new house here now. son James. House is now derelict. House No. 6 - Grady

Elizabeth Grady a widow lived here with her six chil- House No. 2 - Conry dren, Michael, Anne, Patrick, Kate, James and John. In 1911 Norah Conry lived here with her children, Mi- James, Anne and Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. Patrick chael, Ann, Bridget, John and Patrick. John, Bridget went to England. Michael married Bridget Melvin and Patrick went to the U.S.A. Anne married James from Cloonaugh. John married Eileen Fitzpatrick from Flanagan from Breannamore. Michael married Nora Tully. They had two children Lily and Michael. Lily Kenny (see Cloonaugh). There is a new house here married James Johnston from Aghadristan. Michael now. married Carmel Madden from Currahard. They have three children Alan, Carol and Declan. Carol married House No. 3 - Kenny Dave Conlon from Ballyhaunis. No one lives in the In 1911 Mary Ann Kenny lived here with her children, house now. Michael and family have a new house built Rose, James, Florence, Thomas, Ellen and Mary. All on these lands. the family emigrated except James. He married Mary Kate Cahalin from Corracommeen. They had three children Thomas, Joseph and Eileen. Thomas emigrat- ed to England, Joe lived in the homestead. Eileen mar- ried P.J Loftus from Kilasser. Michael Kelly lives here now. House No. 4 - Dillon In 1911 John Dillon lived here with his wife Catherine, they had eleven children. There are only three listed on the night of the census, Mary, Michael and Thomas. Michael went to the U.S.A. probably with the rest of the siblings. Mary did not marry. Thomas lived in Balli- nasloe. Gerry Loftus, with his wife Claire and chil- dren have a new house on these lands now. Steve and Claire Baxter also have a new house built on Dillon’s land. They have one daughter. House No. 5 - Flanagan In 1911 John Flanagan lived here with his wife Mary. On the night of the census there were four children pre- sent Elizabeth, Mary, Michael and Bridget. There was also a female boarder Mary Haron. There were three other children, Joseph, Annie and Catherine. Eliza- beth died at eighteen years. Mary died at twenty one years. Bridget died age five. Catherine went to the U.S.A and became a nun. Annie went to the U.S.A and married John Elwood and lived in Coney Island . Mi- chael Flanagan married Bridget McCann (see Cur- rahard). Joseph married Winnie Mulrennan from Cor- John Barlow and his father Tom

29 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Delia and Ann Giblin Bea and Nora Raftery, Currahard

Frances, Mary and Peg Clifford

Mary Kate Mahon, Mary Kate Roddy and Anastasia Rose and Edward Costello, Cloonaholly Corrigan at the Schools Reunion in 1997

30 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Cloontowart - Yielding meadow

House No. 1 – Grennan May Lundon lived here until her death in 2010.

In 1911 John Grennan (64) lived here with his wife Their son Michael lives in the house, built in Mary (49). Their son Edward was 28 at the time. He 1969. Their daughter Kathleen married PJ later married Maria Cofield and moved into her home Moran from Charlestown. They have two children Shane () and daughter Ciara. at No.6. Their son Thomas was 15 in 1911. He emigrat- ed to the USA. Their daughter Bridget was 13 in 1911. She married Dominick Dyar in Currasallagh. Michael House No. 2 – McCann Grennan was 11 in 1911, he married Mary Mulligan from Creevy. They had no family. William Grennan Martin McCann (47) and Maria (45) lived here. They was 6. He emigrated. Son Pat Grennan who was not had no family. They died in the mid 1930’s. Michael listed in 1911 married Catherine Callaghan and lived Lundon has the place since 1973 and the house is in ruins. in Cloontowart. His son John married Kathleen Hig- gins in Fairymount and lived there. John’s son Ray- mond married Annette Herbert. They have three daugh- House No. 3 – Duffy ters Emma, Linda and Ruth. John’s daughter Christina and husband John Gleeson live in Meath. They have Andrew Duffy (35) lived here with his wife Annie (40) two children. John’s daughter Geraldine Muldoon in 1911 and sons Andrew 15 and James 13. Andrew lives in Meelickaduff in Castlerea. They have four in and James emigrated There is no trace of the house the family. John’s son Earnest who celebrated his 50th now though the nearby Well is still known as Andrew’s birthday recently lives in Castlerea. Pat Grennan’s Well. daughter ,Mae, married Thomas Lundon, who died in 1964 House No. 4 – Finn

In 1911, Thomas (40), Michael (35) and Edward (32) all brothers lived here. They were game keepers, nick- named ‘Bawns.’ They lived behind John Cox’s new house. No trace now. John and Ann Cox have the land.

House No. 5 – Grennan

John Grennan, a single farmer aged 64 lived here in 1911. He was nicknamed ‘Quannie’ Grennan. Flan- nery’s now have the land. There is no trace of the house.

House No. 6 – Cofield (Caufield)

In 1911, Thomas Cofield (64) lived here with his daughter Maria (29), son Thomas (20), daughter Bea (20) and son William (5). All emigrated except for daughter Maria who married Edward Grennan (neighbour) and he moved into the house. They had a son Edward who married Kate Bogan from Dromod (house1) and they lived in England. They had a daugh- ter Kate who died in childhood. They had a son Tom who married Mary Ann Dyer from Currasallagh. He died in 1955, the year as his daughter Mary was born. Mary later emigrated and married John Quinn. They live in Manchester and have a son Thomas. Mary Ann spent her later years in England with her daughter. Concepta Reid, Eddie Mangan and Jimmy Deery The house is now derelict.

31 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 to the U.S.A. and remained single. Son Pat emigrated to the U.S.A. and married Agnes Carney from Lisacul. Bridget (Delia), U.S.A., Sr Odran. Edward married Winifred Hunt Lisadaly. Mary married Patrick Mulli- gan Carnagruckane. John and Ann Cox now living on lands.

House No. 11 – Duffy

In 1911 Margaret Duffy age (78) lived in this house with her son Thomas (41) and daughter in law Cathe- rine (nee Moran from Whitetown). Their son Andrew was (12). He emigrated to the U.S.A. and was killed when he fell off scaffolding, in New Jersey in 1948. Mary Kate Loftus, Tom Loftus and Frank Loftus Their son Patrick was 14. He remained single and lived in the home until his death in 1985. Their son Thomas was 8. He married Ann Towey from Currasallagh in House No. 7 – Merriman 1950. They had two daughters Catherine who married James Lynch (R.I.P) in Nenagh in 1977. She has two in Martin Merriman a widower lived here in 1911 with his family, Denis who lives in Nenagh and daughter Ann, son Pat ,35, who was a farmer and his wife Hanoria, who married Des Flanagan, Gorthaganny. Their other 32. Their son James was 13. He later married Annie daughter Ann married John Cox in 1978. They live in Barrett from Kilruane. They had no family. She died house built in 1976 beside the homestead and farm the about 10 years ago. The house is empty. Mary Merri- land. Their daughter Marie lives in Brackloon. Their man, a daughter was 12 in 1911. She emigrated to daughter Carmel and her daughter Anna (8) live at America. She had a daughter, Surname Periglino. The home. Son John who has a new house (2008) across the house is now derelict. road is working in Nigeria, his daughter is called Isa- belle. Their son Patrick is in Sydney with his fiancé House No. 8 – Fitzpatrick Clare Healy-Beirne.

John Fitzpatrick (55) lived here in 1911 with his wife Catherine (nee Merriman) (55). Their daughter Mary Kate (20) emigrated to the U.S.A., and never married. Daughter Delia who was 15 later married Johnny Grennan (Dromod). They had one son Richard, and lived in house No. 28. Soon after the census the Fitzpat- rick family moved to Cloonaholly. John Fitzpatrick was 13 in 1911. He later married Annie Scally from Cloonaugh. Their daughter Mary Frances emigrated to the U.S.A. and married Patrick McCormick from New Bliss, Co. Monaghan. They had 6 children. His other daughter, Kitty married Denis McGrath from Aughamore. He died in 2009. They have five in family Ann, Andrew, Stella, Fiona and Linda.

House No. 9 – Duffy

Catherine Duffy (82) lived here in 1911 with her daugh- ter Catherine Scally (50). They had no family. John Costello, Cloonaholly later bought it. George Butler and his wife Angela (nee Costello) built a house there ten years ago. Their family are Georgina, Joanne, Ker- rie, Elaine and Brian.

House No. 10 – Hallis

In 1911, Edward (67) lived here with his wife Mary (67), son Michael (21), Edward (19), daughters Marga- ret (23) and Maria (14). The Hallis family moved to Carnagruckane in 1912. Thomas, Annie and Margaret emigrated to the USA and married there. Michael went John Conroy and granddaughter Patricia Hanley

32 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 later emigrated to England. He remained single. He was a very wealthy man. Son Patrick was 7. He went to New York, he married and had three children, Mary, Sean and Patrick. Son James was 5 then. He later emi- grated to the U.S.A. and returned in 1960 and built a new house behind the original. He had one son Jimmy who came back from USA with his wife Kathleen from Cork. They had five children. Jimmy and Kathleen with daughter Evelyn now live in Millstreet, Co. Cork. Their sons Jimmy and Frankie live in and Denis lives in Tralee. Daughter Cathy lives in Cork. Edward Deary was 4 in 1911. He went to England, married there and had two in family, Edward and Mary. Mi- chael married Mary Loftus (sister of Frank, in Rook Island), they have 8 in family. Mary Ann was 2 in 1911. She married Mike Conroy, Cloonbunny. Kate who was born later married Stephen French, Curraghoguile. They had three daughters, Concepta, Eithne and Hele- Frank, Mary, Kathleen and Annie Loftus na who live in England and one son Stephen, (see Cur- raghoguile). Bill Deery was born after his father’s House 12 – Finn death thus he had a cure for thrush, and was much sought after by locals. He later emigrated to the USA. In 1911 Luke Finn (45) lived here with his wife Mary He married Bridget from Clooncaugh, . (nee Barlow), (35), daughters Mary Ellen (15), Bridget They had a family of five. Bridget is in her 90’s and (13), Margaret (9), and son John (7). Mary Ellen went lives in New York. (see enclosed) Jim and Kathleen to U.S.A.. She married Joseph Falusi (Hungarian). Deary moved to Dublin in 1972, Limerick in 1974, They had one daughter, Mary Ellen, who died in Sep- Cork in 1985 and Milstreet in 1992. Eamon and Kay tember 2012. Bridget emigrated to theU.S.A.and mar- Noone lived here in the 1970’s with their two sons ried Jim McDonagh from Sligo. They had three in fami- Gary and Sean. The Harte family owned the house ly. Kathleen visited Ireland in 1987. Mary whose son then. Mike and Mary Carty bought the house in 1982. Edward Younglove visited in 2012. Margaret died in Their family are, Claire married to Scott Barrow and her 30’s. John Finn emigrated to the U.S.A. He married living in Carrick on Shannon. John is in Galway, as are a girl from Roscommon. They had one daughter Mary Helen and Eilis (Fitzgerald). Asdrid (Ni Mhathuna) is Elizabeth who visited Ireland in 1970. Kate was born in attending St. Nathy’s. 1911. She married Mike Ward from Roscommon in England. They came home to look after her mother in the late 1950’s but moved Maryland after her death in the early 1960’s. They built a new house beside the homestead in 1969 and retired there in the late 1970’s. Kate died in 1985 and Mike died in 1986. Michael Gallagher Cartoonmore and Geralyn (nee McDonagh) Lisacul purchased the house in 1985 and live there with their two daughters Stephanie and Aisling.

House 13 – Cahalin

Bridget Cahalin (84) lived with her daughter Sarah (35), son James (33), and granddaughter Catherine Finn (13). James married Maggie Caron from Dromod. Joe Madden, Farmhill inherited the farm. His daughter Mary Carty inherited the farm from him. Mike and Mary planted five acres of forestry in 1991. The Caha- lin house is gone but the beautiful popular trees they planted remain to gladden our hearts every Autumn when the leaves turn gold.

House 14 – Deary (Deery)

James Deary (45) lived here with his wife Mary who was originally Mannion from Cloontowart. He was originally from Aughalustia. Their son John was 8. He No saddle required for Maura Loftus

33 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

House 15 – Beckett

Thomas Beckett (40) lived here in 1911 with his wife Annie. No trace of house now.

House 16 – Mannion (Mangan)

In 1911 Pat Mannion (71), a widower, lived here with his daughter-in-law Ann and her five children. Edward was Ann’s husband. Their son Patrick (7) emigrated to the U.S.A. where he married a girl from Leitrim. They had a daughter Ann. John was (6) he emigrated to the U.S.A. He returned again in the 1930’s and was a builder in Dublin. He died in the 1950’s. His wife was Kate Bolton from Clooniron. They had one son Eamonn in Dublin. Edward (4) later emigrated to the U.S.A.. He returned and was a builder in Dublin with his brother John. He went back to the U.S.A. in late 1950’s. He was married to Imelda. They have a son John and a daugh- ter Doreen. Kate (2) emigrated to the U.S.A.. She died in 1960. She has a son Jack Murphy who was home re- cently. Michael, born in 1911, later emigrated to Bir- mingham. He married Sally from Mayo. Their family are Maureen, Ann, Barbara, Tom, Mike and Eamonn (R.I.P). Ann married Andy Freeman from Ballyglass East and lived in Dun Laoighre, Co. Dublin. They had seven children. Tom was a priest in Liverpool all his life. He died in 1982. Mary was married to George Reid Feigh. They had nine in family. (see house No. 8, Feigh). No trace of house now. Pat and Kate Loftus

House 17 – Kerins

In 1911 Pat Kerins, a widower, lived here alone. He was first cousin of Cormac Giblin. The family moved to Cloonbonniffe.

House 18 – Giblin

Cormick Giblin (38) lived here with his wife Mary (nee McCann), (34), and six children. Thomas who was (10) emigrated to New Jersey. He married and had seven children. Pat went to the U.S.A. and his wife’s name is Mary. Cormac died young with diabetes. Kate went to the U.S.A. and married Gerald Delamater and they had two daughters. Edward died young. Mary married Tom Duffy from Aughurine. Their daughter Ruth married Brendan Gaffney from , Co. Sligo. Daughter Florentine married John Gallagher, Ballaghadereen. Son Séamus married Loretta Regan (Currahard) they live in Cartoonmore. They have five in family, Lorraine, Gillian, Kieran, Mary and James. The ruins of the Pat McCann (House No. 30) house exist.

34 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

House No. 19 – Loftus House No. 20 – Loftus

In 1911 Pat Loftus (42) lived here with his wife Mary In 1911 Mary Loftus (33) lived here with her four chil- (40). His mother Mary (72) and six children. Their eld- dren. Her husband’s name was John and he was work- est daughter Maria (Molly), (8) emigrated to America. ing in England. Martin was 6 then. He emigrated to She never married. Their son James (7) later emigrated New Jersey, became a lawyer and married Mary to America. He married Mary Harte and they had two O’Rourke from Glinsk. They had four in family, Marilyn children, a daughter Dorothy, (R.I.P) and a son Jim (R.I.P), Patricia, Martin (R.I.P) and Kathleen. John (R.I.P). Daughter Bridget (Be Be) (6) later emigrated to was 4 in 1911. He emigrated to England and died young. He is buried in Lisacul. Thomas (3) later mar- ried Kathleen Connor from Curraghsallagh and lived in Becketts in Rookisland, Cloontowart (see house 32). Patrick (2) later emigrated to the U.S.A. (he was known as Paul). He married an American and had two daugh- ters Mary and Helen. Bridget was born after 1911 she became a nun (Sister Carmel) in the Ursaline Order in Sligo. She died in 1987. Jim emigrated to . He died in 1979 and is buried in Lisacul. Frank mar- ried Kathleen Connor Cloontarsna, Cloonboniffe. They built a new house on Kearns land in 1967. They had four in family. Paul lives in the home. Mary married Pat McGoldrick and lives in Ballina. They have two children. James Loftus built a new house on Duffy’s (Pound) land beside Winnie Lynch. He married Mary Hunt from Four Mile House and has two children, Niamh and Niall. Teresa who died in 2011 built a new house across from Paddy Madden’s on Finn’s land. Pake and Kate Loftus with members of family Eddie and Fiona Coogan (nee McGrath Cloonaholly), bought the house in 2012. America and married Johnny Killion from Glasson, Athlone. Johnny was later murdered in New York. Son Michael (5) later emigrated to America where he mar- ried a girl from Rooskey (near Carrick on Shannon). Their daughter Maria died young, and their other daughter Kathleen lives in New York. Daughter Jane who was one in 1911 emigrated to America. Daughter Rose emigrated to Manchester. She married Luke Raft- ery from Aughadrestan. They had two sons Michael and James. Annie was born after 1915 she married Stephen Regan and lived in Clonard. They had a daughter Maureen Brosnan who returned from the UK in 1998. She runs a health shop in Roscommon called ‘Tattie Hoaker’ and lives in Clonard. Her brother Michael died recently and was buried in Loughglynn R.I.P. Her sister Rosaleen lives in Spain/USA. Patrick (Pake) who was 3 in 1911 married Kate Duffy from Cloontowart and lived there all their lives. The house hasn’t been Annie Regan (nee Loftus) and Baby Giblin (nee Mangan) lived in since Kate’s death in 1985.

35 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 21 – Loftus

In 1911 Anne Loftus a widow aged (73) lived here alone she was originally Mahon from Curraghoguile. No trace of the house. House No. 22 - Loftus In 1911 John Loftus, (60), lived here with his wife Ma- ria, (47), and seven children. Maria was originally Ma- ria Finn (Bawns) from Cloontowart. Two daughters Margaret and Mary were already in America. Three of their children Ann, Rose (Tom’s twin sister) and John died in their 20’s. They built a new house then to change their luck. Son, Pat, emigrated to Birmingham, was married and had two daughters. Bridget, Hanoria and Kate emigrated to America. Bessie who married a Mr returned to the home place for a number of years and then retired to the USA. Tom (nicknamed Tom Matt) inherited. He married Mary Kate Scally Tom Loftus with his wife and Frank from Driney. He had two sons Sean who lives in Lon- don and has nine children. Tom is married to Patricia House No. 24 – Kenny in London. Their daughter Kathleen married Paddy In 1911 Pat Kenny lived here with his wife Catherine KIlalea. They have four children and live in Castlerea. (nee Harte) and four children. Thomas, who was 29, The Loftus family sold the house to John and Nollaig married Delia Coyne from Clooncrim. They had one McKeogh. Nollaig set up a walking club ‘The Peacock son Patsy. He formed there all his life and died in 2008. Ramblers’. They had an open farm for a while. A family The house is for sale now. Bridget who was 22 then, married Mr Corrigan, Kiltobranks. Maria (21) mar- called McAuley owned it then. Mary Ann Bevin and ried Brehony of Lisacul. Kate married Jim (Boxer) Clive Osbiston bought it then. Mary Ann lives there Coffey, Kilrudane. They had three boys and a girl. now. Her brother Peter Bailey built a new house beside hers. House No. 25 – Kenny

In 1911 John Kenny, (60), lived here with his wife Catherine, (nee Loftus) (40), and seven children. Their daughter Annie (17) emigrated to the U.S.A. where she married Mr. Fanning and had two children. Delia (15) emigrated to the U.S.A. and married Mr Keegan. Pat (13) emigrated to the U.S.A. married and had 1 daugh- ter. Rose Ann (9) later emigrated to New York. She married Mr Philips from Granlahan and had four chil- dren. Michael (6) who was a twin of Martin emigrated to England. He had two daughters. Kate emigrated to England she married Mr McGarry and had a son and daughter. Martin (Michael’s twin) stayed at home and farmed there. He married Catherine Morris from Cloonbunny. They had three children, a son who died in childhood, a daughter Mary who married Michael Tom Loftus and friend on the haystack Carty. They live in Cuiltyboe. Daughter Betty married Andy Freeman. They had four in family, Geraldine, Ol- ive, David and Andrew. They sold the place to Niall and Brenda Stevenson and their two daughters in House No. 23 – Loftus 1993. Betty now lives in Cloonbunny. Brenda had a riding stables there, she later died. Niall lives there In 1911 Pat Loftus, (50), lived here with his wife Ma- now with his partner Mary and Family. Three of the ria ,(43), and five children. They moved to ‘a take’ in Healy-Beirne’s, Clare, Laura and Elizabeth live in Aus- Rathnollag . A descendant Bill died in 2002. tralia. Others are Geraldine and Daniel.

36 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

House No. 26 – Duffy

In 1911 Michael Duffy, (38), lived here with his brother Patrick, (40), sister Kate, (42), sister Annie Philips, (44), Thomas Philips, (30), who was a ganger for CDD, and Grace Thornton (16) daughter of Michael’s sister Mary Thornton in USA. The Duffy’s were Bailiffs for the landlord Sandford. This house was known as the Pound. Pat Duffy’s second wife was McGreevy from Cloonloo and she later moved to Boyle. Michael and Kate lived here until the 1940’s. Farmer’s travelling a distance to the Ballaghaderreen fair put the cattle in here and lodged in the house. Pat Harold Duffy known as PH inherited. He was a teacher in Ballinagare. . She was a teacher too. Her sister, Mrs Gloin, a retired teacher and a sister Margaret stayed here at times. Mrs Duffy later moved to Boyle. Grace Thornton later married Pat Caron from Dromod and lived in Birming- ham. (see Dromod house 40). The house is in ruins, some stones were used recently to build the grotto in Lisacul Church. Coleman Lynch Junior built a new house on the land in 2010.

Winnefred Lynch

Nellie, Winnie and Mollie. They all emigrated. John who was 15 in 1911 married Ethel Parnell, ,from York- shire in England. They came back to Cloontowart when their son John was one year old. Kevin, Winnie, Paul, Mary (R.I.P aged 5) Brenda and Coleman were born after their return.. Winifred who was 12 in 1911 mar- ried Tom Brady and lived in Gortaganny and had four daughters, Freddie, Mary, Chris and Annie. They all emigrated. John’s son, John, married Margaret Martin from Tuam. They have one son and live in Galway, and five daughters who live abroad. Kevin who married Gertie McDonagh from Donamon lives in Bal- laghaderreen. Their daughters are Georgina, and Lor- raine, and sons are Desmond, Alan and Kevin. They are all in Ireland. Winnie and Ethel built a new house behind the original house in 1979. There is no trace of the old house now. Ethel lived there until her death in 2006. Paul married Caitlin Roche from Ballaghader- reen. They live in Loughglynn. They have one son Paul Thomas Lynch and two daughters Olwyn and Orla. Brenda married James Kilcoyne from Ballaghaderreen and they live in House No. 27 – Lynch Drimalasson. They have three sons and three daugh- ters, Patrick, James and David and Shirley, Emma and In 1911 Thomas Lynch lived here with his wife Win- Tanya. Coleman married Rita Waldron, from , ifred, (nee Giblin), (52), and three children. Tom origi- and they built a new house adjacent to the old house in nally came from Cloondart. Mary who was 17 in 1911 1976. They have six in family Coleman, Sarah (RIP), married John Freeman from Aughaloor Loughglynn. Rebecca, Margaret, Maria and Catriona. They had one son Cormac and four daughters, Bea,

37 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Pat McNamara, Jim Deery, Jim Merriman, Jim Barlow and Pat Duffy drink up in Ward’s

House House No. 28 – Fitzpatrick No. 32 –Beckett

In 1911 Martin Fitzpatrick, (40), lived here with his In 1911 John Beckett, (68), lived here with his wife brother Michael, (50), and sister Bridget, (52). Their Mary, (66), from Ballinasloe, his two sons Pat, (39), niece Delia Fitzpatrick, from Creggane, Cloontowart, and Tom, (26), two daughters Mary A. (35), and Kate, married John Grennan, Dromod, and lived here. They (23). Pat and Mary Ann live there all their lives. They had one son, Richard, who married Anne McDermot both remained single. Mary Ann died in the 1940’s. from Currasallagh and they lived in a house built be- Tom became a priest. In the late 1940’s Thomas Loftus side the old one in the 1970’s. They have one married Kathleen Connor from Cashel, Curraghsal- son ,Johnny, who built a new house along the main lagh. They bought Becketts and lived here. They had road about four years ago. Their daughter Pauline and three sons and three daughters. Martin lives in the her husband Billy Dunne also built a new house on the home place. Johnny married Mary Francis Murphy land too. Their daughter Mary is married to Gerry from Tooreen, and built a new house on Pat McCann’s McDonnell and live in Carn, Charlestown. They have place in the late 1980’s. Tom lives in . two sons. Daughter Rita Watson lives in England. She has one son and one daughter. Carmel Fairchild lives in Eng- House No. 29 – Giblin land and has one son and one daughter and Marion

In 1911 Andrew Giblin, (44), lived here with his wife Iliffe lives in England and has one son and one daugh- Mary, (50), and daughter Mary (15). Andrew was a ter. brother of Cormac Giblin (house 18). Mary married Mr Boyle in Clooncan, they had a son Mike and daugh- House No. 33 – Duffy ter Mary Kate who married John Haverty of Clooncan. In 1911 James Duffy a widower lived here with his Bridget Agnes (Delia) married McManus in Leeds. Son three daughters, Margaret, (16), Maria, (11), Kate , James died as a baby, daughter Margaret went to Leeds (4), and sons James ,(8), and Andrew, (13). James was and married there. Thomas, Anne and John went to a cobbler and his late wife was formerly Loftus. Mar- Leeds. Andy Giblin’s place was sold to Tommy Joe garet emigrated to America and married Mr Bluet. Costello. James, Andrew and Maria emigrated and married. Kate Duffy married Pake Loftus, Cloontowart. House House No. 30 – Mc Cann was over by Drogheda River. Sean Loftus owns land now. No trace of the house now. In 1911 Pat McCann, (60), a widower lived here alone. Pat McCann’s daughter Mary married Cormac Giblin House No. 34 – Loftus (house 18) Johnny and Mary Loftus built a house here. In 1911 Thomas Loftus, (50), a widower lived here with his daughter Kate, (21), He was a brother in law of House No. 31 – O’Hora James Duffy (house 33) and was known as ‘Tom John-

In 1911 Mary O’Hora, (72), a widow lived here alone. ny’ Loftus. Patsy Kenny had the land, Sean Loftus owns The house was beyond John Grennan’s. it now. No trace of the house. No trace now.

38 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 35 – Loftus House No. 36 – Sherwin

In 1911 John Loftus, (68), a widower lived here with In 1911 Peter Sherwin, (32), a tailor and farmer lived his two sons John, (25), Francis (19) and three daugh- here with his wife Hanoria (nee Griffin) from Cloonto- ters Rose, (17), Sara, (15) Lizzy, (13), and Martin wart), (35), and children John Joe (7), who later be- Loftus, (50), a relative perhaps a brother. John Loftus came a monk in Scotland. He later lived with Mary. and his wife had ten daughters and four sons. They all Mary (4) in 1911 lived in Cloonbunny and returned to emigrated except for John and Sara Jane who later Cloontowart in later life. Ellen Francis who was 1 in married Tom Carney, Lisacul. Their family were Kath- 1911 later emigrated to America. Winifred Kathleen (Kitty) aged 3 in 1911 married Jack Flanagan, Dromod. They built a new house behind the old home- stead in the 1950’s and had a shop there until the 1980’s. Coleman Lynch bought the house and land af- ter Jack’s death. They had self catering accommoda- tion in the house from 2004-2012. An Austrian couple called Sommers now own the house.

House No. 37 – Coffey

In 1911 Anthony Coffey, (69), lived here with his wife Ann, (58), son Anthony, (23), and daughter Sissey, (15). Anthony later married Ann Finn from Gortaganny and he died in the 1970’s. His son Tom and daughter Bridie emigrated then returned and lived here until their deaths in the 1990’s. Their new house was built in 1979. Eugene McDonagh and his wife Geraldine lived here for a number of years. Vincent and Susan Beirne and their daughter Latisha now live there. Tom and Bridies brother Anthony emigrated to Scotland and had a family there. Robert and John went to England.

John James and Mrs. Merriman leen, Lucy, Jimmy, Agnes and Sean. John inherited and lived here. He married Elizabeth Carney from Lisacul. They had six in family. Mary married Michael Deery from Cloontowart. She lived in Glasnevin in Dublin. They had a large family. She was buried in Lisacul in 2013. Paddy went to England and married Hannah Mulrennan from Cloonaugh. They had three children. Annie married John Joe Conroy from Cloontowart. They lived in Dublin and had three children, Fr Garóid who is a missionary priest in Rome and has celebrated mass in Lisacul, and two daughters Carmel and Col- lette. Kathleen married Simon Harrington. They lived in Gorthaganny and then moved to Cloverhill in Ros- common. They have six children, Bernadette, Monica, Ann, Brendan, Gerard and Brian. Sean emigrated to England and remained single. The Loftus family moved into a new house in 1958 behind the original. Frank married Maureen Kelly from Croghan. They had five in family. Sean lives at home and farms the land. Maria is married to a French man Jack Carrerea and lives in Wexford. Their children are Ross and Anna. Declan lives at home. Their daughter, Fidelma, and son Ronan live in Dublin. Frank died in April 2012 . John and Catherine Fitzpatrick

39 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

House No. 38 – Mannion (Mangan)

House No. 39 – Giblin In 1911 Michael Mannion, (44), lived here with his wife Maria, (44), sons Pat, (16), Michael, (12), Thomas, In 1911 James Giblin, (50), he was known as Jamsey, (16), Edward, (4), and daughter Kate, (8). Son Pat lived here with Bridget, (40), his wife of four years, went to England and married an English girl. They re- Bridget, (nee Finn). This house was behind Cogans. No turned home and had three daughters. Pat’s young wife trace of house. died the same time as his father died. They were both waked in the house on Good Friday. Pat was later House No. 40 – Conroy killed in a road accident on the road to Loughglynn. In 1911 John Conroy, (74), a widower lived here with Mrs. Giblin (in Curraghoguile) who was her aunt his son John, (42), Johns wife Margaret, (36), and five reared daughter, Mary Teresa, who later emigrated to children: Annie Kate, (6), Mary Anne, (5), Sarah Jane, England. She married and had one son. The other two (3), Elizabeth, (2), and Marcella. Annie Kate went to girls, Kathleen and Patricia ,went into a residential Chicago in the 1920’s. After a number of years in centre in Ballaghaderreen and later emigrated. The America she returned to Ireland and married Martin Reilly and they had three children. She lived all her married life in Gortnasillagh Tulsk. Mary Ann (Molly) also went to Chicago in the 1920’s. After a number of years she returned to Ireland. She married Patrick Noone and they had three children and she lived all her married life in Toomonahy, Ballaghaderreen. Sarah Jane (Babe) also went to Chicago in the 1930’s. She settled there, married Alfie Gilhooly, from Leitrim and they had two children. Marcella, sadly died in child- hood. Elizabeth (Lizzy) went to England in the late 1930’s / early 40’s and later returned to Cloontowart. She married Pat Hanley from Loughglynn, they built a new house in 1950. They had three children. Patricia, (R.I.P.) Ann lives in Kildare with her husband PJ. Cul- ly. Pat who lives in Barna in Galway with his wife, Mary, and four children. In 1984, the Hanley family sold their house and land to Paddy and Kathleen Mad- den, (nee Keane from lower Currahard). She died in 2013. Their daughter Helena later married John Feeney and they built a new house beside her parents home.

Paul Loftus ‘snigs’ in a cock of hay

grandson of one of the girls called recently to see the home of his ancestors. Thomas and Edward emigrated to the USA. Michael married Mary and lived in Clon- ard, they had five in family. Daughter Kate (Baby) ,who was eight at the time, later married Jim Giblin and they lived in Curraghoguile. They had three daughters, Maureen, Philomena and Francis and two sons Séamus and Tommy Joe. Tommy Joe Giblin mar- ried Mary Shaughnessy from Ballintubber in 1968 and moved into his mothers ancestral home. Tommy Joe died and Mary built a new house on the land across from Rodneys. Derek Martyn and his partner Siobhain bought the house. It has been sold to Nick and Tina a Kate Duffy and her nephew couple from Lincolnshire.

40 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Fr. Tom Mangan

Born in Cloontowart, he went to Summerhill College, Sligo and then to St Patrick’s Carlow where he was ordained in 1941 for the Liverpool diocese. He served in various parishes there for 41 years and made a visit every summer to family and friends in Feigh, Cloontowart and Ballaghaderree During Fr Tom’s time as Parish Priest of St Charles’, Aigburth, Liver- pool, he was overjoyed that Pope Paul II passed through his parish during the visit of His Holiness to England in May of 1982. Sadly, in December of that year, Fr Tom Mangan passed away, RIP.

Jim Regan, Delia and Paddy Moran, Annie Hallis, Annie Regan and Pa Regan

Honoria Mulligan, Carnagrukane and formerly Creevy

Kathleen Moriarty (nee McLoughlin (R.I.P.), Clooncara Annie Dyar, Aggie Carney, John, Mary and Agnes Roddy and formerly Lisadaly

41 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Corracommeen

House No. 1 - Mulrennan Derry. Patrick married Kathleen Kenny and they lived in the homestead. Pearse and Mrs McDermott live In 1911 John Mulrennan lived here with his wife Mary here now with their daughter. Jimmy and Margaret and children James, Kate and John. There were five Waldron and family also have a house on the lands. more children in the family. Thomas, Patrick, Michael, Mary and Bridget. Michael and Mary went to U.S.A. House No. 4 - McNella James, John and Patrick emigrated to England. Brid- In 1911 Michael and Bridget McNella lived here with get married Michael McNella. Thomas married Bridget their three children, Ann, Rose and Patrick. James, Mulrennan from Whitestown. They had six children. Thomas and Elizabeth were born later. Ann and Rose Mary (R.I.P.), Bea and James are in the U.S.A. Una is emigrated to the U.S.A. Patrick, Elizabeth and James in Castlerea. Kathleen Hevican, Carrowbehy, and went to England. Thomas lived in the homestead. Thomas (R.I.P.) lived in the homestead. House is unoc- cupied at present. House No. 5 - Scally In 1911 Mary Scally a widow lived here. She had one son who went to England. There is no house here now. House No. 6 - Cahalin In 1911 Margaret Cahalin lived here with her children, Peter, Dan, Anne and Charles. Peter married Kate Healy from Derry. Dan married Mary Ormbsy from Killasser, . They had two boys. Charles lived in Dublin and Anne emigrated. There is no house on these lands now. House No. 7 - Cahalin In 1911 Pat Cahalin lived here with his wife Maria and their children, Anne, Thomas, Mary Kate, Patrick, Dan, Timothy and Bridget. Mary Kate married James Ken- Frank Loftus and his grandniece Marilyn ny. Patrick, Dan, Timothy and Bridget all emigrated to England. Ann married Barrett from Cuiltybo, Loughglynn. Thomas married Margaret Healy from House No. 2 - Mulrennan Derry. They had one son, Patrick, who stayed at home In 1911 Michael Mulrennan lived here with his wife and a daughter Bridie, who went to the U.S.A. Both are Mary and six children, Mary, Patrick, Thomas, Brid- get , Kate and Winnie. Mary and Patrick emigrated to England. Bridget went to the U.S.A. Kate married Pat- rick Raftery from Cloonbunny. Winnie married Joe Flanagan, Clooncah. Whereabouts of Thomas un- known. There is no house here now.

House No. 3 - Mannion Michael Mannion lived here with his wife Ann. They had three , James, Michael and Patrick. Ann’s parents, Patrick and Ann Kenny lived here in 1911. There were two more children born later, Thomas and Mary. Thomas and James emigrated to England and Michael went to the U.S.A. Mary married Thomas Finnegan of Frank & Mary Loftus, Sr. Carmel, Joe & Kathleen Loftus

42 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Jack and Jim Loftus

House No. 11 - Melvin

Sr. Carmel Loftus with Martin and Frank Loftus In 1911 Norah Melvin a widow lived here with her son Michael, daughter Mary and granddaughter Kate. House No. 8 - Lynch Another son Andrew had already emigrated to England. In 1911 four members of the Lynch family lived here, Michael and Mary stayed home and did not marry. , Bridget, Nora and Thomas. The wherea- Granddaughter Kate married James Kenny. Bridget bouts of Thomas and Lawrence are unknown. Nora Melvin a granddaughter later lived here. She married went to the U.S.A. Bridget married Thomas Cafferky Michael Grady and they had five children, John, Pat- from Maheraboy. They had a daughter Kathleen, who rick, James, Mary and Annie. Mary married Chris married Patrick Finnegan from Currasallagh. No Dunne ( Lisadaly). Annie married Tom Gara, (see Cur- house here now. rasallagh). James married Hannah Griffin, Mahera- boy. John and Patrick remained single. Nobody lives here now. House No. 12 - Kenny In 1911 Bridget Kenny a widow lived here with her daughter Kate and son James. Kate married Andrew Griffin from Cloontowart. James married Kate Melvin and they had two children. Michael married Eileen Mulrennan and lived in Ballinlough. Bridget married Michael Moran, (see Currahard). Susan Merrill lives Mary & John Loftus, Florence & Paul Loftus, son Martie, here now. daughter Helen and Sr. Carmel.

House No. 9 - Cahalin In 1911 Dan Cahalin lived here with his wife Nora and children, Peter, Mary and Winnie. Patrick Lynch his brother-in-law also lived here. Peter went to the U.S.A. Mary married Michael Mangan and lived in Cloonard. Winnie married Michael McCann from Currahard. They had three children. Bridget (R.I.P.), emigrated to England, as did Joseph, and Winnie (Waldron), Erritt, Carrowbehy. The house is now derelict. House No. 10 - Melvin Michael Melvin lived here with his sister Mary and Anne. They were all single. There is no house here Sr. Carmel, Frank Loftus, Martin & Kathleen Loftus with now. Marilyn and canine friend

43 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Corrocoggil - Round hill of the tares (North)

House No. 1 - Madden In 1911 Patrick Madden, (40), and his wife Bridget, (35), lived here with their children Mary (7), Bridget Agnes (5), Margaret Kate (3), William a baby and Win- ifred, nee Mahon, Corracoggil, who was Patrick’s mother. Mary (May) emigrated to America and mar- ried Jack Cosgrove. They had one daughter. Bridget Agnes emigrated to the U.S.A. She remained single. Margaret Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. She married Eugene Ginter, and they had one son. William who was a baby in 1911 emigrated to the U.S.A. He married Anne from Leitrim and they had two sons and one daughter. Helen who was born in 1912 emigrated to the U.S.A. she married Jack McGrath and had one son. Katherine (Kathleen) was born in 1913. She later mar- ried Martin Boyle from Currasallagh. They had five children, John, Eugene, Jim, Margaret and Mary Tere- sa. They are all deceased, apart from Jim, who lives in Florida. Patrick Joseph (Joe) was born in 1916. He The Madden brothers - Joseph, James, John and Eugene. later bought Farmhill (see House No 1 Corracoggil South). James was born 1918. He later married Eliza- who now lives here. Concepta went to England, mar- beth Higgins. They had six in family, (see Currasal- ried Peter O’Sullivan and they have two children. lagh). John was born in 1920. He farmed here all his Eithne and Richard live in England, as does Helena, is life and died in 1977. Eugene was born in 1923. He who married to Henry Hill and has three sons. emigrated to Philadelphia and he married Katie Duffy from Currasallagh. They had two daughters and one House No. 3 - Finn son, Tina, Trish and Eugene. Seamus Madden (son of The 1911 census shows that Michael Finn (41), and his James) inherited this house. He married Patricia wife Mary (43), (nee Doherty) Kilrooan lived in this Noonan, Corracoggil North and they have five daugh- house with their children Ellen (4), John Joe (2) and ters, Rebecca, Maheraboy, Rachael (home), Ruth, Mary (1). Paddy and Alfie were born after 1911. Ellen, (Ballaghaderreen), April (Leeds) and Orla who is at- Mary, Paddy and Alfie went to the U.S.A. where they tending Athlone I T. married and had families. John Joe also went to U.S.A. where he met a lady from Killasser. They later re- turned, married in Ireland and lived in this house. They House No. 2 - French had two sons Michael and Martin Joe. Martin Joe mar- In 1911 Henry French (39), and his wife Mary (nee ried and lives in Bronxville, New York. John Joe re- Madden) (33), from Corracoggil South, lived here with turned to the U.S.A in the 1950’s. His wife and chil- their children, son John (2) and baby daughter Mary dren followed a few years later. Michael died young in Kate. Henry’s mother Anne (72), (nee Sweeney) also the U.S.A. Bernard (Bernie) and Elizabeth Morahan, lived here. Other children born after 1911 were Ste- (nee Carty) and their son Francis from Banada, Bal- phen, Mike, Winnie, Aggie, Lena and Kathleen. John laghaderreen, bought the farm in 1958. Francis emi- remained single and remained here all his life. Mary grated to London where he died following an accident Kate (Mollie) went to the U.S.A., where she married in the early 1990’s. John Carty bought the house and Coffey from the Ballinlough area and had a family. farm in 1975. The Morahans then moved to Bal- Mike went to England and married Ethel Hurley, an laghaderreen. John and Mary Carty, nee O’Donnell English woman. They returned to Corracoggil for a few formerly of Glencolmkill, Co Donegal, moved from Bir- years during the war. Winnie married an English man mingham in 1978 with son Brendan and daughter Ka- and had a family. Aggie went to England, married Tom ren. Brendan later returned to Birmingham. Karen Conwell from , and had a family. Lena went lives in Ballaghaderreen. Patrick and Mary Carty, (nee to England married Murray from and had a Cunniffe from Glinsk) lived in this house from 1976 family. Kathleen went to England married Smith from until 1979 when they moved to a new house on this Cavan and had a family. Annie was also married in land. They have five sons, Kevin, Galway; Noel and England with a family. Stephen married Kate Deery Paul, home; Raymond, London and Declan, Galway. from Cloontowart and lived in this house. They had When Bernard Morahan died Elizabeth came to live four children Concepta, Helena, Ethna and Stephen with them until her death in 1999.

44 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 4 - Maloney House No 6 – Moffitt In 1911 James Maloney (72), and his wife Mary (71), In the 1911 census Michael Moffitt (72), and his wife lived here with their sons John (40), Thomas (30) and Mary (44), lived in this house with their sons David Patrick (38). Patrick married Margaret King, sister of (21), Michael (18) and daughter Mary (15). Michael Neds from Feigh and they had a son Josie and a daugh- married Mary Rushe from Magheraboy. They had eight ter Mary Francie. Josie lived here until he was in his children, Francis, Thomas, Claire, Annie Mae, Mary, 40’s and then emigrated. He remained single. Mary Lily, Angela and Imelda. Francis and Annie Mae went Francis spent most of her life in hospital. John and Tom to England. Mary, Lily, Angela and Imelda emigrated probably emigrated. The house is now demolished. to the U.S.A. Thomas married Nora Kenny from Erritt Jimmy and Bridget Lavin (nee Judge from Culfadda) and lived in Magheraboy. They had seven children. bought this land and built a house here in the early Claire trained as a teacher in England. She married 1970’s. They have eight in family Kathryn, London; Bill Taylor from Loughglynn and had two children, Tracey, Manchester; James married to André Hanley William and Frances. The family moved from England from Ballaghaderreen (see Carnagruckane); Majella, and lived in the teachers residence in Lisadaly while Dublin; twins Ethna, London and Fidelma, Dublin; Claire taught in Lisacul National School. Claire now Damien, home and Paula, . lives with her daughter Frances and husband Domnick John Lavin in Cloonfower, Loughglynn. They have one

son Patrick. William lives in Loughglynn. There are The Residence three houses on this holding: James and Gabrielle Liam Forde and his wife Bridget, nee McDonagh from Barrett lives here. Their daughter Katie Barrett and Corracoggill South, lived in this house with their fami- son Derek Barrett also have houses on the lands. ly, Kevin, Jack, Liam, May, Shelia and Edna. Jack and The Jenks Family, Tim, from Cork, Collette (nee Saun- Kevin went to England. Liam went to Dublin. Sheila ders) and their son Timothy Kieran live in a new house, and Edna went to Dublin, where Sheila later married. built on Doherty’s land close by. May married and lived in Sligo. Master Campbell and his wife lived in this house in the 1950’s and he taught in Lisacul National School. They had no family. Joseph B. Noonan (R.I.P.) a native of Limerick, with his wife Mary, nee Morley from Bekan, lived in this house from the early 1960’s. They had eight in family. Patricia married to Seamus Madden, Currohoguile; , Manchester; Paul, Dublin; Siobhan, Loughglynn; An- na, Newport; Barry, London; Karen married to Ray- mond Doory, Cloonmullen. Shane and Fiona Noonan, (nee Cullinane from Ballinagare), with their children, Shauna, Nichole and Joseph and Mary Noonan have a new house on this site.

House No. 5 – Higgins In 1911 Michael Higgins (69), with his wife Alice (66), and son Dominick (39), lived in this house. They had a family of eight. Dominick (Dick) married Hunt from Urlar, she died and he married Bridget O’Donoghue from Kinegad. (She was working in Fordes). There was no family from either marriage. Margaret a daughter of Michael and Alice emigrated to the U.S.A. and mar- ried Owen Madden from Corracoggil South. They later lived in Currahard and had four in family, Vincent, Eu- gene, Peggy and Alice (see Currahard). John Madden bought this place in the 1950’s. Seamus Madden now owns this land. The remainder of this house was demol- ished during the road widening in the 1990’s. Lisacul Cemetery is located on a section of this land, known locally as Dick’s Field. It was dedicated on the 4th May 1944. The cemetery was extended in 2009. Mary Creaton, Baby McDonagh and Mary McDonagh

45 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 7 – Higgins (Tom Becketts) house and most of the land to Robert and Mary Saun- ders in 1999. The Saunders family moved from Laois. The 1911 census shows that Bridget Higgins (75) lived They had three daughters Collette, Joanne, Lorraine , here. Thomas and Nora Beckett were in America for and son Sean. Mary is sister of Margaret Tynan, Kilto- most of their lives. They had no family. The came home maine. In 2000 Tommy (now deceased), Kathleen and to Currohoguile (Beckett'’s house) and lived there until son Aiden moved to a new house built across from the they passed away. Then their cousin, Michael Gren- cemetery. Their son Christy Moffitt is married to nan, originally from Whitestown lived here until his Adrienne Clinton from Ballaghaderreen and they have death. Thomas Beckett was married to Nora and she two children, Laura and Keith. They live in a new house was an aunt to Michael Grennan as far as we know. on the land beside the Alley. Son Gerard lives in Bal- Buddy (Patrick) Grennan (R.I.P.) came back from laghaderreen. Daughter Sharon is married to Sean America and built a house on this land. He lived here Grady and lives in Tibohine, with their son Daniel. The with his wife Margaret, nee Towey from Currasallagh. Saunders sold the house and lands to a developer. They have a daughter Philomena who lives in Leeds There is an unfinished estate here. Some of the houses with partner Sam and their son Branden. on the estate are rented. House No 9 – Duffy In 1911 John Duffy (50), lived here with his wife Mary (nee Coffey) (39), and six children Maggie Jane (14), Andrew (13), Patrick (11), Edward (8), Mary Kate (4) and Martin a baby. Another son Henry was born later. Margaret (Maggie Jane) went to New York and became Mrs O’Malley. Andrew went to England and returned later to live in Ballaghaderreen. Patrick was a school teacher in England. Edward went to the U.S.A. Mary Kate better known as ‘Lady’ married in the U.S.A. Hen- ry emigrated to England and later to New York. He Paddy Doherty takes a walk with his nephew and family married and lived in Cloontowart during the war. He was a great handballer. Martin married Kathleen Maloney, Corracoggil. They had one daughter House No 8 – Kelly Maureen, a school teacher, who married Martin Costel- In 1911 Patrick J. Kelly (42), and his wife Mary (40), lo and lives in Sligo. Buddy Grennan bought the house (nee Mahon), Dromod, both teachers, lived in this and lands. An area for a playground was later pur- house with his daughter Mary K (15) and his son Jo- chased by Lisacul National School from this land which seph P. (13). Patrick and Mary had two children, An- included the ‘fort’. Michael and Bridie Hopkins later nie Francis (5) and John Valentine (1), who were with bought the house and surrounding land. The Hopkins their grandmother Francis Mahon, (see Dromod) on family has a new house on the land. They have four in the night of the census. Mary was Patrick J’s second family: Michael (Charlie) married to Geraldine Garvan wife - his first wife was McGarry from Tibohine. Mary from Rooskey and lives in Galway; Ted, Patrick and K, Joseph P and another son Eugene were his children Mary. The original house is still there and there is also with his first wife. Eugene was executed in Boyle in an unfinished estate on these lands across from the 1921. Mary K was a teacher in the U.S.A. She married house. Doherty who was originally from Kiltimaine, (Dominick McDonagh’s uncle). They had a family and she lived to be over 100 years old. Joseph (Joe) went to the U.S.A., only returning years later for a visit. John Valentine married Nell Hallis and they had three in family, Maureen, Breege and Eugene. Annie Francis married Charlie O’Connor. A McCann family with one daugh- ter returned from America and bought this farm. They later sold up and moved to Galway. Domnick Doherty, (brother of Joe and Bernie), Carnagruckane, his wife, Mary Hunt from Silverfield and their daughter lived here for a short time. Then the Bambrick family from Ballaghaderreen lived here for a few years. Tommy Moffitt from Errisaune and his wife Kathleen (nee Ni- land, Doocastle) bought this farm from Doherty’s in 1968. They had five children, Tony who died aged 7, Baby McDonagh (Roddy), Bridget Roddy, Mary Clarke Christy, Gerard, Sharon and Aiden. Moffitts sold the Roddy and Mary Baldwin (nee Roddy)

46 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 na, Thomas, Adrian, David, and Ann Marie. Michael is married to Wendy Haughey in London with children Robert and Sinead. Martina is in Manchester. Thomas is married to Fiona Walsh, Ballaghaderreen and they have three children Liam, Aoibeen and Cillean and live in Kilmovee. David is married to Jackie Greir, Leitrim. They have two children Tara and Oisin and live in Lon- don. Ann Marie lives in Cork with son Dylan. Adrian Boyle, who is married to Catherine Hibbitt, Caltra, they have two children, Sarah and James and live in a new house on the land. House No 12 – Gilligan – Kelly

Paddy Doherty takes stock In 1911 Patrick Gilligan and his wife Catherine (40) lived in this house with his step sons Michael Kelly (12) and Thomas Kelly (8). Thomas married Lizzie Greene House No 10 – Carney from Carnagruckane. They had no family. They moved to Aughurine. They later sold up there and moved to In 1911 James Carney (71), and his wife Bridget Castlemore. The house is now derelict. No further in- (67) ,lived in this house with their son Thomas (30) and formation. daughter Eliza (20). There were five more children, Agnes, Mary, Annie, Sr. Norbet and a step-brother House No 13 – Jordan (Comeen) John McDonagh. Elizabeth married John Loftus (see In 1911 Thomas Jordan (40) and his wife Margaret Cloontowart). Mary married Flannery from Lissian. (40) lived in this house with their daughter Catherine Agnes went to U.S.A. and married Patrick Hallis. John (4). Catherine married Johnny Lafferty and they had no McDonagh, Annie and Sr. Norbet also went to U.S.A. family. Thomas married Sarah Jane Loftus, Cloontowart (a sister of John). They had six children, Kathleen, Aggie, House No 14 – Moran and Sean went to U.S.A. Minnie emigrated to Canada. The 1911 census shows that Anne Moran (73), a wid- Lucy and Jimmy went to England. Jimmy returned to ow, lived in this house with her son Thomas (34). It the homestead. Mary (Loftus) Deery and Annie also shows that there were five living children. Three (Loftus) Conroy were dressmakers here before they girls went to Nazareth House. Mary Ann worked in married. Gerry Kavanagh and his late wife Marie, nee O’Connor’s, and later emigrated. Two others emigrat- McCann, lived here in the 1990’s. The house is now ed. Mike Moran inherited. demolished. Gerry Kavanagh and his children Sean, Christine and Niamh have a new house on the land.

House No 11 – Barrett (Big Jim) In 1911 James Barrett, 44 and his wife Catherine (nee Towey), 44, lived in this house. They had no family. They left the field to Tom Regan and it was sold to Ros- common Co. Council where two cottages were built. We know them now as and Roddys down the lane. Val Wymes lived in one of the cottages when they were first built. John Roddy and his wife Kitty Grady from Currasallagh moved into one of the cot- tages with their family; Jack, Creevy; Breege, England; Marion, Boston and Martina who lives here. James (Jim) McDonagh married Bridget (Baby) Roddy from Creevy lived in the second cottage. They had four in family: Mary married in America, Jim married in Cav- an and Eugene married Helen and lived in Lisacul (see Creevy). Geralyn is married to Michael Gallagher and lives in Cloontowart. Mary, Jim and Eugene are now deceased. Two more houses have been built beside the cottages over the years, one occupied by Michael Boyle, who married Annie May Mangan R.I.P from Bridget and Martin Roddy Ballyglass West. They had six children Michael, Marti-

47 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No 15 – Grennan In 1911 Bridget Grennan (74) her son Edward (28) daughter-in-law Matilda (29) and grand daughter Mary Grennan, a baby, lived in this house. They emi- grated to America. House No 16 – Regan Eliza Regan (73) and her daughter Mary (30) lived in this house in 1911. No further information available. House No 17 – Maloney In 1911 Thomas Maloney (50) and his wife Kate (40), (nee Murray from Lisalway, Castlerea) lived in this house with their family Bridget (8) Margaret (6) Annie (5) Kathleen (3) and John an infant. Bridget Clogher (5) a visitor, (mothers related) was also recorded on census night. Bridget married in England and was a Creaton’s Pub school teacher. Margaret went to the U.S.A. and mar- ried. Annie went to the U.S.A. Kathleen married Mar- tin Duffy (see House No 9). John married May Reilly One landmark in Lisacul not listed on the census is from Rathmile, Roscommon. They had six children, Creatons Public House. The reason for this is in 1911 daughters: Eileen, married Eddie Henessey from Lim- the pub was a thatched premises and the owners lived erick, has a son and daughter and lives in Loughglynn; where Michael Gallagher’s (R.I.P.) house is presently. Kathleen, went to America, married with a family; Bri- This thatched pub was burned to the ground circa die, married and lives in Galway, Imelda, married with 1916. It was replaced with a two storey premises by family and lives in England; sons Thomas and Michael Edward (Ned) and Agnes Creaton. They raised a family both died young, age 7 and 21. The house is now de- of four children, James (R.I.P.) Naas, Denis (R.I.P.) molished. A priest’s chair was donated to Lisacul England, Eamon (R.I.P.) and Mary who now has a Church by Kathleen Duffy, nee Maloney in memory of house built on the lands. the Maloney Family. Damien Lavin has a new house on this land. House No 18 – McGlynn In 1911 Michael McGlynn (48) and his wife Bridget (35), (nee Maloney from house 4) lived in this house. Sons Martin and Josie and daughter Mary were born later. Martin won a scholarship to Summerhill and later became a Co. Councillor. He remained single and emigrated to England in later life. Josie went to Eng- land. Mary was married in Boyle to Mulanney. They The Community Centre extension had two boys Damien and Michael. There is a window in Lisacul Church donated by Catherine McGlynn, U.S.A House No. 19 – McDonagh In 1911 Owen McDonagh (38) and his wife Mary (38) lived in this house (across from Creaton’s Pub) with their family, Patrick (9), Lizzie (8), Mary Kate (7), John (5), Owen (3), Bridget (1) and Joseph an infant. Annie and James were born later. Patrick emigrated to the U.S.A. Elizabeth also went to the U.S.A. and mar- ried Jack Conheeney, from Galway. Mary Kate went to the States and married Stephen Neary, New York. John also went to the U.|S.A. and married Kathleen Harring- ton. Bea married Anthony Cannon in the United States. Owen married Julia Horan from Kilmovee after emi- grating to New York. Joseph married Lizzie Grady, Currasallagh. They had four children, Eugene, Joe and Marion, Manchester; Bernadette, Chicago. James Foróige club members paint the wall outside (Jim) married Bridget (Baby) Roddy, Creevy. This Martin Johnston’s house house is now demolished.

48 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 20 – Boyle In 1911 Anne Boyle (43) a widow, lived in this house with her children Thomas (17), Pat (14), Michael (11), Maria (8), Lizzie (5), Annie (3), and her mother-in-law Anne Boyle (86). Michael went to America and married Elizabeth McIntyre, . They later returned and had six sons, Patrick, Toronto; Thomas, England; Michael, Lisacul; Joseph, Manchester; Francis (Frank), Lisacul and John deceased. Michael married Annie May Mangan (R.I.P.) from Ballyglass West. They had six children Michael, Martina, Thomas, Adrian, David, and Ann Marie. Frank has a new house on this site.

House No. 21 – Hopkins (Blacksmith) Beezie O’Donnell, Maureen Duffy, Mary Keenan and Mary Pullawadda (flooded) McDonagh with Noel Dyer and Jim McDonagh In 1911 John Hopkins (43) and his wife Bridget (45) lived here with their family Anna (14), Mary (12), Pat- the crossroads where Nearys are now. They had three rick (10), Michael (8) and John (5). Anna, Mary and children, Michael joined the army and is now deceased, John emigrated to England. Patrick and Michael re- Eamon married Agnes and lives in Dublin. Maureen mained single. Mary married Seaton and had a family. (R.I.P.) was married and lived in Donegal. (See Anna (Baby) married . Patrick operated a forge Creevy) No further information on other family mem- here. The house is now in ruins. bers. The land was sold. House No. 22 – Finn – Corrigan & McGovern House No 24 – McGreal The 1911 Thomas Finn (40) head of family lived in this house with his married sister Catherine Corrigan (60) Dominick McGreal (60) and his wife Bridget (61) with and a female cousin Annie McGovern (15). The family their son Patrick (27) and daughter Mary (26) lived is now deceased and the land was sold. Thomas and here in this house in 1911. Patrick married Winnie Patricia Creaton, nee McCann, with their children Doohan from Feigh. They had five children, Mary, Una Liam, Anna and Maria live in a new house on this land. and Annie who emigrated to England. Bridie lives in Carrick-on-Shannon. Paddy married Rosaleen Doherty from Carnagruckane. They had seven children, John, Pat (R.I.P.), Michael, Joe, Paul (R.I.P.), Marion and Ann. Domnick’s brother Mike married in Feigh to Liz- zie Callaghan. His sister Mary married Rodgers in Creevy. Johnny McCann and his wife Mary lives in a new house on this land.

House No. 25 – Hopkins In 1911 Bridget Hopkins a widow lived in his house. No further information. House No. 26 – Morley On the night of the 1911 census Patrick Morley (40) and his wife Ellen (34) and Ellen’s mother Bridget Neasfsey (80) together with a female relative Annie Harvey (5) were in this house. Ellen died in childbirth. Patrick remarried and had three children, Johnny, Mol- ly and Kathleen. Molly married Richard Chandler, Ballaghaderreen. Kathleen married Towey from Cur- Pat Corrigan and his greatgrandniece Jean Baldwin rasallagh. Johnny married Florence Quinn, Aughurine, They had three sons, Patrick, Dublin, married Mary House No. 23 – Finn Phelan from Tipperary and has one daughter, Emma. In 1911 Michael Finn (52), his wife Mary (39) and their Andy, Whitestown married Rose Murray, Westport and children Mary (9), John (8), Michael (7), Thomas (5), have three children, Brendan, Caroline and Michael. Katie (3) and Edward (1) lived in this house. Edward John married Christine Grennan, Kilmovee. They have married Peg Stenson, Charlestown, and moved out to two children, Ciara and Ethan and live in Brusna.

49 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

House No 27 – Moran House No 30 – Grennan In 1911 Bernard Moran (52) and his wife Bridget (nee In 1911 Michael Grennan (45) his wife Rose (46) lived Carney), (46) lived here with their children John (14), in this house together with their children, Mary Anne Mary Anne (12), Patt (10) and Ellen (Nellie 7). All are (16), Bridget (15), Margaret (14), Rose (12), Anne (10), deceased and the land has been divided. Catherine (8), Patrick James (6) Michael (3) and Brid- get Grennan (74), mother-in-law. Patrick James went to America and married Rose McCabe from Cavan, and they had eight in family, Patrick (Buddy), Michael, Mary, Rosie, Beatrice and John. Philomena and Peter died young. Buddy, now deceased, married Margaret Towey from Currasallagh and they have one daughter Philomena. Michael, now deceased, was married to Mae from Bunniconlon. They live in England. Mary married George Molloy, (Mae’s brother) in Man- chester. Rosie, now deceased, was married to Willie McDonagh in Sligo. Beatrice was married to Tom Roche from Cork and lives in Manchester. John, now deceased, married Anne Glynn from Ballinasloe and lived in this house. They have two sons John, Canada and David, Australia. House No 31 –Dalton In 1911 Thomas Dalton (58) and his wife Catherine (54) with their family Kate (17), Anne (16), Thomas (13), Patrick (11) and Bridget (8) lived in this house. Patrick married Mary Duffy, Kilmovee and they had four in family, Thomas deceased, Sean, Australia, James and Kathleen in England. Place now sold.

House No 32 – Moran Mrs Merriman The 1911 census shows a Margaret Moran (79) a wid- ow lived here. No further information. House No 28 – Reid House No 33 – Regan In 1911 Thomas (48) his wife Anne (31) and their chil- In 1911 John Regan (44), his wife Catherine (46) Brid- dren Maggie Kate (5), William (3), Annie (2) and Pat- get Mulrennan (16) a step-daughter, John and Cathe- rick an infant lived in this house. Maggie, Annie and rine’s children, Mary (8), James (6), John Patrick (5) William went to America, all are deceased. Tom was and Arthur an infant lived in this house. They later emi- born after 1911 and went to Scotland and now de- grated. Arthur Regan, whose mother was Roddy, was ceased. Patrick stayed in Whitestown and married cousin of Baby Roddy, Matt Roddy inherited when they Mary Shiel from Kilmovee. They had three children, went to U.S.A. Ann, England; Kathleen married in Knock and Patrick in Whitestown married to Nora Murray from Westport. They have three children Kieran, Angela and Linda. House No 34 – Mullins (Itinerant Show Man) On census night 1911 Michael Mullins (36) and his House No 29 – Mulrenin wife Sarah (26) with their children Henry (6), Michael (4), Martha (3) and Teresa (1) lived here. Michael’s In 1911 John Mulrenin (38) and his wife Winifred (39) occupation is shown as Itinerant Show Man, born in together with their family Bridget (11), Patrick (10), Co. Dublin. Sarah was born in Belfast. The children Martin (8), John (6), James (4) Thomas (2) and Wil- were born in Co. Antrim, Belfast and Co. Tipperary. liam a baby lived in this house. Peter, Dominic and

Michael were born after the 1911 census. Peter and Martin remained single. Dominic went to the U.S.A. House No 35 – Brown (Itinerant Acrobat) and remained single. Michael went to England where The 1911 census shows John Brown (40) and his wife he married and has eight in family, all living in and Eliza Jane (42) lived in this house. John’s occupation is around London. Bridget married Tom Mulrennan from listed as Itinerant Acrobat, born in England and his Cloonagh. Lands are now sold. wife born in Co Fermanagh.

50 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Take me Home Country Roads by Catherine Doherty (nee Moffatt)

When I first heard about “The Gathering”, John Den- dred years old when I was born in 1937. He had lived ver’s hit song, “Take me home country roads to the into his early nineties and had a very interesting life. He place where I belong”, came to mind. In my case, how- survived the Famine and spent time in Roscommon’s ever, the place is not West Virginia, but Curraghoguile! infamous jail, having been arrested for being a member of the Fenians. He stood in solidarity outside Manches- I have precious memories of my family’s association ter prison when the men, forever after known as the with the people of Curraghoguile and the surrounding Manchester Martyrs, Allen, Larkin and O’Brien were area of Lisacul. Even though my sisters, Mary, Angela, hanged. Grandfather was a very learned man with a Emelda and I live six thousand miles away in Califor- great knowledge of sheep and cattle and how to treat nia, the memories of our childhood are still very vivid their diseases. People came to him, from far and wide, and relevant. Many of the families that we knew are when their animals were sick. gone but not forgotten. Their interaction with us and the values and example they and our parents imparted to us I do remember my grandmother, Mary French. She died have held us in good stead all our lives. on January 8th 1941. She saw more than her fair share of sadness. Losing her eldest son in World War 1 was a My paternal grandfather, Michael Moffatt, was born in terrible blow to her. Two of her children emigrated to Barnachaula, Fairymount, in 1837. He was a relation of America and her remaining son, my father, at one stage the Gordon family who were land agents for the land- was on the run from the ,(the infamous lord, Lord De Freyne. They hired him to oversee their auxiliary English soldiers), during the War of Independ- lands in Curraghoguile and Driney. The Gordons lived ence. Those same Black and Tans came to her house in the house where Joe Madden and his wife Molly often, looking for my father. One day she gave back raised their family. When my grandfather came to Cur- talk to one of them, who became enraged and pistol raghoguile he was widowed. His first wife was an Eng- whipped her, leaving her unconscious. My grandfather lish woman named Mary Brown who died when she fell was sitting by the fire, very old and infirm by this stage from a horse during a fox hunt. They had no children. and was unable to help her. Before they left the house In 1866 he married for the second time, his bride was they used the butts of their guns to smash all the china Bridget Higgins from Curraghoguile. Sadly Bridget on her kitchen dresser. She suffered very frail health for died one year later in childbirth and their infant did not the rest of her life, as a result of this assault. survive. The house I was born in is now demolished. We moved We were always told that on the night that Bridget was to Magheraboy, Kilmovee in 1946. It was only sup- waked, Grandfather’s third wife was born. The baptis- posed to be for a few years, while my maternal grand- mal records prove that story to be true. In 1886 Grand- mother was living, but we never did return to Currag- father married for the third time. He was forty seven, hoguile. Our farm was sold to John Madden over fifty his wife, Mary French was nineteen. Over the next ten years ago. The Maddens were close friends of ours and years they had four children. Thomas was born in 1887. we were all very happy when John became the new He went to England when he was a young man and was owner. conscripted to the during World War 1. He lost his life at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. David, My brother Tommy, who had emigrated to England, the second son emigrated to America and joined the returned with his family to live in Magheraboy in 1963 U.S. army. He was also deployed to Europe during and his youngest son Paul is married and raising a fami- World War 1. David never married and died in Balti- ly there. Sadly, Tommy and my other brother, Francie, more in the early sixties. . My grandparents had one are now gone to their eternal reward. My sister Clare daughter, Mary who emigrated to Boston U.S.A. where always loved Curraghoguile and she was very proud she married and raised a son and a daughter that the school was in that village. She loved teaching there and especially teaching the Gaelic language. I The third son was my father Michael who remained in know that she is happy that so many of the children she Curraghoguile. He fought in Ireland’s War of Independ- taught are now teachers themselves; she was a good ence, achieving the rank of Commandant, attached to role model. Clare now lives in Loughglynn. My sister the East Mayo Brigade of the old I.R.A. He married Anne lives in England and we often talk to her. Mary, Mary Rushe from Magheraboy, who was also a veteran Angela and Emelda live near me in California. We are of the War of Independence. Thankfully they lived into kept busy with many grandchildren. old age and were both laid to rest in Lisacul Cemetery with full military honours, having raised a family of We all treasure our memories of home and family and eight children in Lisacul. are forever grateful to our parents who worked so hard I never met my grandfather. He would have been a hun- for us.

51 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

The McDonagh family, Kiltymaine

Johnny Grady, Cloonaugh

Annie and Teresa Mulligan, Carnagrukane Gerald O’Connor, former N.T. Lisacul delivers the oration at Republican plot in Kilrudane cemetery

The Milk Rás passes through Lisacul crossroads

52 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Corrocoggil - Round hill of the tares (South)

House No 1 – Webb Kathleen Rodgers from nearby Driney. They had five children, Brendan married Deirdre Breslin from Done- In 1911 Patrick Webb (54) and his wife Catherine (49) gal and lives in Dublin, Gerald lives in the home place, lived here. This house is called Farmhill. In 1912 Pat- Martin is married in Portlaoise, Mary is married to rick Hanley and his wife, (nee Irvin from Kilmovee) Gene Toolin and lives in Sligo and Kathleen lives in bought the house. Patrick Hanley’s nephew and niece, Castlerea. Kate remained single and lived in the family Samuel and Brid Hanley from Ballaghaderreen lived home. here after their parents’ death. Samuel became a mis- sionary priest. Brid became a nun and later became House No 4 – Regan (Franks) Reverend Mother Brid of St. Angela’s College, Sligo. In 1911 the census shows that Francis Regan (40) and Joe Madden bought the house and farm in the early his wife Bridget Barlow (30) lived here with their chil- 1950s. He married Mollie King from Feigh. They had dren, Mary Kate (8), Thomas (6), John (4), and Marga- four daughters, Mary (Carty) who lives in Cloontowart, ret (1). They later had five more children, Martin, Clare who lives in Sligo, Gabrielle (Barrett) who now Francie, Paddy, Bea and Annie. The older members lives on the Ball Alley road and Ann Leetch who inher- emigrated to America and never returned. Paddy mar- ited. She lives here with her husband Michael from ried Bridie Woods from Cloonmaul, they had nine chil- Ballintubber. Their daughter Joanne lives on the farm dren and lived in Castlerea. Bea married Anthony in a house built in 2006. Their son James lives in Lon- Jordan (see Carnagrukane), had two children, son Mi- don. Another son David and his partner Laura Healy- chael and daughter Peggy. Annie went to Birmingham Beirne, (Cloontowart), live in Australia. Daughter where she married a Mr. Blick. Martin remained single Michelle lives in Carrick-on-Shannon and Karen is a and lived in Loughglynn. Francie remained single and student in NUIG. lived in this house until his death. The house is now House No 2 – Regan (Johns) uninhabited. The 1911 census shows John Regan (57) and his wife Catherine Regan (49), nee Moran from Creevy lived here with their children, Martin (12), Bridget (9), Win- ifred (7) and James (6). Honoria Moran (69), a rela- tive, was also there on census night. Martin emigrated to England. He married Jessie, an English woman and they had two sons, Jim and John. John is buried in Lisacul Cemetery. Bridget (Bea) married Jim Waldron from Breanamore, Loughglynn. He had been rescued from the Titanic when it sank in 1912. He saved a child at that time. He returned to Ireland. After Jim died Bea returned to Corracoggil where she lived in house No. 6. until her death in 1990. Winifred emigrated to Amer- ica and married Edward Caulfield from Castlerea, they had a son and daughter. James (Jim) married Kathleen Carroll from Aughadristian and they had three sons, Sean, Seamus and Padraic. Sean married Sheila Woods from Moyne and lives here now. They have three chil- dren John, London, Catherine, Galway and James is in Australia. Seamus married Marie Kelly and they live in Loughglynn with their daughter Albha. Padraic is mar- ried to Tina Boyle, Ballintubber and they have two boys and one girl. They live in Ballintubber.

James Regan, and his wife Kathleen (nee Carroll), No 3 – Regan (Domnicks) on their wedding day, with bridesmaid, The census shows Thomas Regan (45) and his wife Jane Duffy and best man, Liam Forde Bridget (40), (nee Cafferkey), Aughadeffin, and their children Mary (12), John (8), Thomas (6), Bridget (4) House No 5 – Regan Dominick (2) and infant Kate lived in this house. Mar- The census shows Ellen Regan (76) widowed lived at tin was born later. Mary, John, Thomas, Bridget and this house (next to Francie’s) in 1911. No further infor- Martin emigrated to the U.S.A.. Domnick married mation

53 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 (Paddy) a national school teacher married Miss Kelly, and they taught in Bekan near . They had three sons and one is Professor Enda McDonagh. Ha- noria married Price and lived in England. John Antho- ny married Lavelle. They had a son and a daughter who later became a nun, but is now deceased. Bridget married Bill Forde, and both were teachers. They had six children, Kevin, Jack, Liam, May, Sheila and Edna. They lived in Noonan’s old house (the teacher’s resi- dence) in Corracoggil North. Elizabeth Mary went to U.S.A. and married Andy Regan (a neighbour) there. Bridget Costello and James Lafferty moved away. The house is now derelict. House No 8 – Madden In 1911 Owen Madden (74) and his wife Bridget (58) lived here with their sons Dominick (29), Owen (22) and daughter Bridget (17) who died aged 26 years. Dominick married Nell Grady from Kilmovee. They had one daughter Bea and three sons Paddy, Owen and Tommy. Paddy married Kathleen Keane, Currahard. He lives in Cloontowart next door to his daughter Hel- ena and her husband John Feeney. Owen went to Eng- land and married Teresa Hanrahan from Tramore, Wa- terford. They had three children, Domnick (Wales), Catherine (Birmingham) and Mary who died aged 13 years. Owen is now deceased. Tommy remained single and lived here until his death. Bea married Joe Hester, Catherine Regan Aughaderry, they have three in family Tom, Margaret and James. Owen (who was 22 in 1911) married Mar- .House No 6 – McGreal garet Higgins, Corracoggill North and lived in Cur- Thomas McGreal (73) and his wife Anne (72) and their rahard. They had four in family, Vincent, Eugene, Peg- daughter Bridget (28) are recorded on the 1911 census. gy and Alice (see Currahard). The house is now unoc- Bridget married Martin Flanagan from Clooncraw- cupied. field. They lived here with their two children. Tommy House No 9 – Regan (Curran) Joe married in England and Annie Kate also went to England. Bridget died and Martin married Annie Thomas Regan (40) and his two sisters Mary (45) and Rushe, Knocknacunny. After Martin’s death Annie Hanoria (35) are recorded on the 1911 census. They moved to Ballaghaderreen and later married Mr. Doo- are all deceased. Thomas was an uncle of Mike Cole- han. There was a shop here in the 1940’s. Martin had man and he inherited. The house is now demolished. a trap for hire in those times. Richardsons lived here in House No 10 – Greevy the 1950s. He was from Carracastle, his wife Mollie Quinn was from Callow, Frenchpark. Bea Waldron The 1911 census shows that Patrick Greevy (28), his lived here from 1973 until her death in 1990. The house sister Mary Kate (27), brothers Thomas (18), Michael is now unoccupied. (15) and sister Bridget (12) lived in this house. An old- er brother Jack had earlier emigrated to England where he died young. Mary Kate married Bob King in House No 7 – McDonagh Corracoggil and they had five children, sons Josie and Tommy who went to England. Their daughters all mar- The 1911 census shows John McDonagh (54) and his ried, Kathleen in England, Pauline (McEntee) and wife Mary (50), (nee Mangan), Ballyglass, both nation- Mae to Pat Egan, Fairymount. Thomas married Nora al school teachers, lived here with their family Annie Gilligan from Cloonmullin and lived here. They had Maria (24), also a national school teacher, Elizabeth one son Paddy and three daughters Mae, Peggy and Mary (22), Patrick Joseph (17), Hanoria Teresa (13) Tessie. Paddy, Peggy and Tessie emigrated to England. John Anthony (6). Bridget was born earlier. Bridget Mae lives in America. Peggy was married and had no Costello (13) a female servant and James Lafferty (16), family. Paddy emigrated, married, had a family and he from Currasallagh, a male servant were also recorded. died young. Bridget married Tommy Roddy, Creevy Annie Maria married Michael Callaghan and they had and they had no family. Michael remained single. He ten children. One of their sons, Micheál O’Callaghan lived here all his life. The house is now a derelict. later became editor of the Roscommon Herald. Patrick

54 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No 11 – Doherty (Longon) The 1911 census shows Martin Doherty (61) and his wife Catherine Hopkins (42) lived here with their fami- ly, Mary K (16), John (14), Patrick (13), Lizzie (12), Thomas (9), Martin (7), Annie (4) and Michael an in- fant. The boys went to England and the girls went to the U.S.A. Mary married Jim Duffy from Kilmovee. They had one daughter Bridie who married Frain in Kilmovee. Annie married Bob King, Feigh (see Feigh). Michael went to England and remained single. Martin married O’Brien, from , in England and they had one daughter. Lizzie married Baxter, from Cav- an ,in America. Stephen married Mr. Baxter’s sister in Ireland and then went to England. The house is now demolished. Brendan and Linda Cox (nee Mahon, Feigh) and their two sons have a new house on this land. Fergus Hamilton and his partner Lisa O’Neill and their children live beside Cox’s.

Bríd and Samuel Hanley House No 12 – Coleman John Coleman (39) and his wife Catherine (40), nee Regan, lived here with their two sons Michael (8) and John (2). John’s father, John Coleman (88) is also rec- House No 14 – King orded in this house. John had a dance hall in Corra- Robert King (24) his sisters Ellen (22), Jane (19) and a coggil and he was also a mechanic. Michael married brother Patrick (18) are recorded on the 1911 census. Delia Giblin, sister of Jim, from Kilgarriff and they had Robert (Bob) married Mary Kate Greevy from Corra- three sons P.J., Kevin, and Eugene. P.J. married Shei- coggil. They had five children, Josie, Tommy, Kathleen, la, (nee ) from Cookstown. They have one son, Pauline and Mae. Josie lived here until his death. Liam, Ball Alley Road and one daughter Claire, U.S.A. Tommy went to England, married but died young. Kevin is married to Helen, nee Reidy from Carraroe, Kathleen married Mr. Bradshaw in England and had a Sligo and they have four daughters. Eugene is married daughter and two sons. Pauline married McEntee from to Mary, nee Browne from New Ross, Co. Wexford. Monaghan in England and had one son, Séamus. They They have a daughter and a son. John moved to Dun- later moved back to Monaghan. Mae married Pat laoghre and remained single. Egan, Fairymount. They had one son Séamus who lives in Castlemore, Ballaghaderreen. Robert’s sister Jane moved to Brinabeg. No information on Ellen. The house is now derelict. (Around here was called Lahera) House No 13 – Doherty (Ned Winey) Edward Doherty (58) and his wife Elizabeth (62) are recorded on the 1911 census at this house. No family and no further information. House No 15 – Maxwell Jim Giblin from Kilgarriff married Catherine Mannion William Maxwell (37) and his wife Sarah Martha (28) from Cloontowart and they bought this place. They had are recorded here in 1911. They later had a family, five in family, Tommy Joe who married Mary Shaugh- Robert (Bertie), William, Douglas, May, Irene, and nessy from Ballintubber and they moved to Cloonto- Georgina. Bertie was married in and had a wart to his mother’s home place. Maureen went to Bir- family. William married Rita Grehan from Dublin and mingham and married Tony Price. Philomena also they had one son Billy who now lives in Dublin. Doug- went to Birmingham where she married Joe McNally. las moved to Dublin. May died in her 20’s. She was a They have five children. Séamus went to England and teacher in Screen. Irene, who married Grehan and lives later returned to live here until his death. Frances mar- in Rushfield, Boyle, has a family of five or six. They had ried John Doolin, Roscommon, they have five in family. a guesthouse. Georgina married Sam, had two chil- The house is now vacant. Two new houses have been dren, but died young. Jim and Jane Fahy bought this built on this land, one occupied by Anne Marie Webb house and lived here with their family, Raina, Cody, and her family, the second by Carl and Jackie Morris Shannon and Janie. They recently returned to England. and their family. The land is owned by local farmers.

55 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No 16 – Freeman Pat McCormack bought this house. His wife Bridget was sister to Tommy Gallagher, Lisadaly. They had a Thomas Freeman (73) his son Patrick (39) and daugh- son Josie who lives in Ballinasloe and daughter Mon- ter Margaret (18) are recorded on the 1911 census. ica who married Herb Schoen in the U.S.A. The house Patrick married Ellen Roddy and they had six daugh- is now derelict. ters. Lena died in her 20’s in Corracoggil. Sissy (Sheila) went to England and married Grant. They had House No 18 – O’Donnell a family. Bea went to America and married Mr. Head. Michael O’Donnell (79) his wife Mary (64) their son Margaret married Ned Cunningham and lived in Dub- Patrick (37) and a grandson Patrick Finan aged 7 were lin; they had three girls and two boys. Elizabeth present on census night 1911. It also shows that they worked in Loughglynn Post Office for years. Elizabeth had seven children. No further information is available. and her sister Mary moved to Dublin in 1950. This The house is now derelict. Maxwell’s bought the land. house is remembered as a great ceile house and for playing cards in olden days. Maxwells bought the House No 19 – O’Donnell place. The house is now demolished. Pat O’Donnell (84) and his son John (23) are recorded House No 17 – McGlynn on the 1911 census. John married Corrigan (The late Baby Roddy’s aunt) and they had one daughter who James McGlynn (57), his wife Elizabeth (54) and their went to America. His first wife died and he remarried son Martin (16) lived here in 1911. The census shows Mulrennan and they had one daughter Annie Agnes they had five children. A daughter Bea was a teacher in who emigrated to America. His second wife died and he Loughglynn. She was married to Andy Keaveney. They then married Lizzie Reynolds from Oran, they had no lived in the residence in Loughglynn with their family, family. The house is now demolished. Ita, Edna, Maeve and Ernie. Other family members emigrated.

______

Francie - A Dear Friend and Neighbour Remembered by Catherine Regan

Francis or Francie Regan was born in on the 9th of July in the middle of July.” One year Francie won a large 1911. One of nine children, Francie stayed at home on Christmas hamper from Creaton’s shop in Loughglynn. the farm. After a brief stint in America, where he de- It was full of all sorts of yummy treats and my brothers cided the grass was greener on this side of the Atlantic, and I were feasting on the goods until what felt like Francie returned to Currohoguile and remained there June of the next year. for the rest of his life. He lived alone, across the road from our house. I remember one day going across the road to show off He used to enthral myself and my brothers John and my new yellow wellies, which my dad had just bought James with stories from his own childhood and time me. I was sitting in the house and I had my feet left up spent in America. His door was always open for us and on the hearth at the fire. Francie never kept a large fire, there was always the offer of a cup of tea made with just enough so it wouldn’t die out. After a while I felt powdered milk. Francie treated us like grandchildren my feet getting warm and I had a look down, I had always bring us a few sweets from Loughglynn on a burned a hole in one of the wellies. Needless to say that Friday, after he collected his pension. On one particular was the end of them. There were three things that were occasion he brought me a packet of viscount bis- guaranteed to be in Francie’s house - major cigarettes, cuits ,when I offered him one and he accepted I got a of which he smoked nearly 20 a day. Rennie tablets for little upset and as my mother recalls I came home cry- his heartburn and powdered milk. ing “Francie ate my biscuits.” I hope I’m not as selfish Francie passed away in September 1997 at the age of these days! 86 after a short illness. As our grandparents passed Francie wasn’t one for Christmas, always turning down away before we had a chance to get to know them we my mother’s offer of Christmas dinner. One of his were lucky to have Francie and I hope he knows how much we appreciated him. phrases about Christmas was “I often had happier days

56 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Days of the Thresher

Down memory lane with Seán Regan

The thresher came to most farms in the area twice a stood close to where the stacks had being stored. Some- year and Farmhill / Currohogulie South was none dif- one had to feed the oats or barley into the machine and ferent. This was an important aspect of the yearly farm- my father normally stood at the other end where the ing cycle. Oats and barley were traditionally grown on grain was coming out. Throughout the year he saved all every farm and the end results produced feed and bed- the fertiliser bags and they were used to store the oats ding for the cattle throughout the winter months. On and the barley. He checked every bag to make sure our farm, one acre of barley and a half an acre of oats there were no holes and where holes were found he were sown at the beginning of April – word has it that used a packing needle and twine to sow them up. crops sown after the tenth of April were known as It took the thresher about an hour to complete a stack ‘cuckoo oats.’ and we thrashed two in October and another two in Jan- The crops were taken up in September by a horse and uary. The weather had to be dry for the machine to op- mower and in the latter years a tractor and mower were erate and I never remember the thresher not being able used. Some of the neighbours used a device called a to come because of rain. reaper and binder which pulled the crop and tied it When we were children we were in awe of this big ma- ready for the thresher. Once harvested the oats and bar- chine. For us the horse and cart was all we knew. I re- ley were bound into sheaves. Eight to ten sheaves were member myself and my brothers - Seamus and Padraig used to form a stook and they were left outside to sea- and our neighbour Billy Maxwell used to hang around son for up to ten days. With the help of the horse and the stacks with sticks and our terriers. Most farms had a cart the stooks were brought to where they would be terrier back them. The rats used to build homes in the stored known as the haggard, ready for the thresher lat- stacks and when they were being moved to go into the er in the year. The stooks were built up into stacks and thresher the dogs were ready to attack and kill them. thatched with rushes to protect them from the wind and the rain. On each farm the men who worked the thrasher were brought into the house for dinner or a cup of tea de- The giant threshing machine came to the farm in Octo- pending on the time of day. Every famer in the area ber and late January. Standing six foot wide and eight helped each other out and when one farmer was done it foot in height it was in our eyes, a huge machine. While was on to the next. in the area it served all the local farmers. I remember three different men coming with the thresher – Tim The thresher last came to our farm in 1979 and with the Kenny, Paddy Crawley and Robert Lilly. It made short advances in farm machinery it is now a distant memory. work of the oats and the barley. The humming device

57 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Creevy - Bushy land

House No. 1 - Merriman There is no more information on this family and no re- mains of the house In 1911 Pat J Merriman, a widower, resided here with his three daughters, Mary Kate, Annie, Ginnie and his House No. 8 - Breheny son John. Also present was a male servant, Peter Hig- Bridget , a widow, had one daughter Margaret and twin gins. The Merrimans owned the local Post Office until sons John and Michael. John and Michael lived here 1931 when it moved to O’Connors. After that the Doc- all their lives,and neither married. tor’s clinic was held here once a week. John Merriman was married to Lizzie Doherty. They had two sons Pad- House No. 9 - Mulligan dy and Seán. Paddy married in Charlestown and was a Pat and Margaret had four daughters: Maggie and school teacher. Seán opened a grocery shop and also Kathleen emigrated to England, Mary E married Mi- had a travelling shop for many years. He married chael Grennan (Cloontowart) and lived here in the Imelda Mullin. After Seán’s death the shop was closed home place, Norah lived all her life here too. In her but his wife Imelda still resides here. The lands were retirement Kathleen returned home. The house is now sold and there are three new houses built there now vacant. named the “Larches”. House No. 3 - O’Donnell On the 1911 census this house was occupied by James O’Donnell and his wife Bridget, but nothing else is known about this family.

House No. 4 - Corrigan The census shows Bridget aged 73, a widow, lived here with her daughter Ellen and son Michael. There is no more information on this family. House No. 5 – Roddy Michael and Catherine Roddy had eleven children. All of this family emigrated to the USA except for the youngest, Patrick (Pake). He married Mary Anne Cos- Martin Roddy, Beezie O’Donnell, Kitty Roddy (nee tello (Cloonagh). They had two children Agnes and Grady) and unidentified friend Michael (Haulie). Agnes emigrated to London and married there. Michael married Joan Higgins House No. 10 - Finn (Kilmovee) and they lived in Feigh. They had seven Andrew and Catherine had six children. Andrew was children. (See Feigh) national school teacher in Lisacul for many years. The House No. 6 - Roddy house is on the land beside Mulligans and is still stand- ing. John and Catherine Roddy had five children, they are not named on the 1911 census. The house is long since House No. 11 - Regan gone and was on the opposite side of the road from John and Mary Regan had four children. Their son Pake Roddy’s house. There is no more information on Tom married Bridget Morley, Feigh, lived in the home this family. place and they had five children. Mary married in Lon- House No. 7 - Corrigan don , Rosie married in Boston, while Annie married in England but returned to live in Carlow. Sean also lived James and Anne Corrigan had five sons – Pat, James, in Carlow. Tommy married Susan and lives in Bal- Thomas, Andrew and Francis. Known as the ‘Captain laghaderreen. Home has been vacant for many years. Corrigan’s’, the house was up the lane on the right On another part of this land there was a house built in hand side opposite Breheny’s house, now Roddy’s land. the 1960’s owned by Tom Concannon, now deceased.

58 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No.12 - Doherty in homestead at crossroads and married Kitty Grady, Briarfield. They had four children, Breege, Jack, Mari- The Doherty family came originally from Car- an and Martina. Jack married Pauline Doherty, Car- nagruckane where they were shopkeepers. They bought the crossroads property from Regan. On the nagrukane, they built a new house on the same site and 1911 census there were three sisters living here. Mar- they have two sons, JJ, Paul, and a daughter Marian. garet aged 20, shopkeeper, sister Annie aged 19, shop assistant and their 9 year old sister Bridget. Margaret married Brogan (Ballaghaderreen), where they ran a grocery business in Market Street. Annie married James Moran. Bridget married Feeney, Ballaghader- reen, a publican. John Joe their brother ran the busi- for many years, he married Agnes Finn. They had two children Maureen and Michael. Maureen married and resided in Ballyhaunis. Michael married Colette Mullarkey and they had two daughters Denise and Genevieve. Genevieve is married to Patrick Callaghan Feigh. Denise married Liam Deery, Loughglynn, lives in Creevy and teaches in Kilmovee N.S. They have two sons, Sean and Noel, and a daughter Sandra. Doherty’s shop has been closed since the 1960’s.

House No.13 - Regan Margaret Regan widow had five children, four sons and a daughter. Peter, Joseph and Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. James went to London. Tom married Kath- leen Raftery, Briarfield, and they had four sons. Tom and Michael emigrated to Australia, Joseph lives in Ballaghaderreen and James now lives in Briarfield. Martin Roddy The house was bought by Eddie and Peg Finn who moved from Whitestown. They had three children – Michael, Eamon and Maureen. The house was sold House No. 15 - O’Donnell again to the Neary family who came from Dublin. John lived here with his son, John, and daughter Brid- There are five new houses built on those lands at the get (Beesie). Son, John, married Anne Regan crossroads. House 1 Helen McDonagh widow and her (Currasallagh) . After John’s death Anne remarried son Barry. House 2 Martin Johnston lived here until Pat Dyer and they had one son Noel who emigrated to his death. House 3 Michael and Majella Roddy who England. John O’Donnell’s sister Beesie lived next have three children. House 4 Patrick and Suzanne door. Both houses are now gone. Dyers field was Roddy who have three children. House 5 Paul and bought by Noel and Cait Deane, and they built a new Louise Deane who have two children. Directly across house there. They have six children, five sons Paul, the road on lands originally belonging to the Regan ‘s Ronan, Colm, Declan, Noel, and one daughter Olivia. there is a new development of six houses. House No.16 - McGovern House No. 14 - Roddy Mary, a widow, aged 84 years at the time of the 1911 Martin and Bridget Roddy had seven children, and also census lived here with her daughter Bridget and grand- there on the census night was a grandson, Martin son Daniel. They had a shop. After the McGovern Mulrennan, aged 21 years. Kitty emigrated to the USA. family this place was owned by James Mulrennan Mary, Lena and Arthur emigrated to England. Brid- originally from Kiltomaine, who was married to Anne get (Baby) married Jim McDonagh and they had four Roddy, and they had one daughter Mary . Mary spent children. Martin married Bridget Carney some time in the U.S.A. before returning home to marry (Currasallagh) and they had eight children. John lived Sean Freeman, Kiltobranks.

59 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No.17 - Mulligan Andrew and Ellen had five children. Mary Ellen mar- ried Patsy Doherty, Creevy. Winifred married Tom Corrigan, Kiltobranks. Michael married Phillips, Cloonard. Lizzie married Tommy Feeney, Castlemore. Beesie married McNeally and they had four sons, Kev- in, Peter, Michael and Martin, who all emigrated to England. The McNeallys were the last family to live in this house. There are three new houses built on this land at the Creevy crossroads. House No.18 - Fitzpatrick Mary, a widow, had two sons and a daughter – Ter- ence, Michael and Anne. Anne lived here all her life and never married. After Anne’s death Terence Fitz- patrick her nephew and his wife Kathleen (Baby) re- turned from England and built a new house and they have one son Terence . House No. 19 - Kelly Elizabeth had five children (known as Parnells). The remains of the house can be seen. Three new houses have been built on the lands occupied by John and Thomas Regan and his mother Bridget in 1932 Trudie Dolan and three sons, James, Thomas and Ciarán, Sean Jennings and Charmain Kelly, Liam and Denise Deery and their three children Sean, Noel House No.23 - Gavins and Sandra. Bridget widow lived here with son James , daughter Janie and granddaughter Bridget Mary Bogan. Janie House No. 20 Boyle married Corrigan, Carnagrukane. Bridget Mary mar- ried Doherty. No house remains now. Thomas and Anne Boyle had one child. No more infor- mation on this family and no house here now. House No.24 - Rogers

House No.21 - Caulfield Thomas and Ellen had three children. Their son An- drew married Mary Moran from Curneen. Their son James and Kate had eight children – Patrick, Thomas, Thomas sold the house and lands to Martin Roddy, Mary, Michael, John and Joseph all emigrated to USA. Creevy. The house was at the bottom of the hill and Kate married Michael Horan (Culcastle) and they had some remains can still be seen there. five children. James married Bridget Doherty, they lived in the home place and had three children. James House No.25 - Roddy Jnr. emigrated to England. Anne Teresa married Sean John and Anne had four children, sons Thomas, Martin, Byrne and lives in London. Kathleen married Jim John P and daughter Anne. Anne married James Mul- Murphy and lives in the home place. They had five rennan and had one daughter, Mary. Thomas married children Katherine, Teresa, Helen, Margaret (R.I.P.) Bea Greevy, they had no family and lived in home place and Michael. until their death. House No.22 - Corrigan House No.26 - Finn John and Mary had three children. Their son Patrick John and Anne had four children, three sons and a (Pake) married Delia and they had two sons Sean and daughter. John, Thomas and Mary Kate emigrated to PJ. Sean’s son Michael now lives here with Evelyn and England. William lived all his life here and never mar- they have five children. ried. John returned to Creevy to retire.

60 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No.27 - Mulrennan Mary, a widow, lived here. Her house was up the lane beside Finns.

House No.28 - Duffy Patrick and Catherine had ten children. Their son Thomas married Rose Anne Scally, Kiltobranks, and though they had no children of their own, they did rear his nephew Jimmy Duffy. John Duffy (cousin) and his wife Mary live here now they have three children John Gerard, Kevin and Mary. House No.29 - Moran Beezie O’Donnell’s sister, James Regan and Catherine, a widow, had two daughters. Bridget mar- Beezie O’Donnell ried John Kelly, Creevy. Maria married Jim McCor- mack from Kiltobranks and they had two children, House No.32 - Doherty Kathleen and Tom. Kathleen married Mike Doherty, Mary, a widow, had a son Patrick and daughter Anne. Currahard . Tom lived in England for some years but Patrick married Mary Ellen Mulligan, Creevy, and they returned home to live most of his life here. had five children, Roger, Paddy, Kathleen, Ellen and Mary. All of them emigrated to England. Paddy re- House No.30 - Moran turned to live here until his death when the house was sold to the Forkan’s who now reside here. Thomas and Bridget had nine children. Their son Pat married Mary Anne Brehony, Lisadaly. They lived in the home place and had four children. Mary, Teresa House No.33 - McDonagh and Tom emigrated to London and Kathleen lived all her life in Dublin. Bridget, a widow, lived here with her two sons James and Hugh and daughter Mary. James lived here up to his old age when he moved to Carracastle. After his House No.31 - Moran death the lands were sold. Mary aged 78 years, a widow, had sons John and Mi- chael and a daughter Margaret, all single. The house House No.34 - Freeman is shown on the map but there is no house here now. Thomas and Ellen had four children. Matt, Tom and Mary Ellen emigrated to England. Patrick married Mary Kenny, Cloonagh, and they had three children. Pauline, (R.I.P.), emigrated to England, Bridie married Paul Cunningham, Ballinlough. Their brother, Tom ,lives in the home place.

House No.35 - Lynch Martin and Winifred had four children. Patrick and Michael emigrated to the U.S.A. and Martin to Eng- land. Domnick married Nora Roddy, Creevy, and they had one daughter, Teresa, who married Tom Cunning- ham, and they live in Feigh. House No.36 - Shryane Mary Shryane, a widow, lived here. There is no house John Carney, Johnny Gallagher and Tom Regan on these lands now.

61 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No.37 - Moran House No 42 - Moran Martin and Bridget had four daughters. Bridget and Patrick and Kate had three children. Winifred emi- Mary Kate emigrated to England. Honoria married grated to the USA, while James and John went to Eng- Michael Regan, Creevy, and they had one son, Connor. land. John (Jack) and his wife Nora retired back here Margaret married Joseph Beirne, Silverfield. They had and built a new house. They had no family. This house two daughters Mary and Breege. Mary married in Bir- was sold to Shane and Pauline Mullin who have four mingham and Breege married in Donegal. The home sons. James also retired back to the old family home was sold to Anthony and Ali Twentyman who had one and this house was later bought by a retired couple daughter. A new house has been built on these lands who now reside here. owned by Susan and Craig. House No.43 - Corrigan House No.38 - Caulfield Mary, a widow, had four children. Bridget married Michael and Mary had seven children. James, Mi- Martin Roddy, Creevy. Patrick, James and Honoria chael, Mary Kate and Catherine emigrated to USA and emigrated to the U.S.A.. Honoria married Corrigan Patrick to England. Margaret died as a teenager. (Kiltobranks) in the U.S.A.. Patrick, who never mar- Thomas married Rose Finneran, Kilmovee, and they ried, returned home and lived here for the rest of his had three children, Mary, Michael and Anne. Michael live. lives in Kilmovee and Anne in Sligo. Mary married House No.44 - Regan Peter Touhey and they had two daughters, Vida mar- ried Andrew Pain and lives in Feigh, Ciara lives in Connor and Mary had four sons – Tom, Michael, Con Galway. and Patrick. Mary’s niece Julie Horan was also brought up here. Tom emigrated to England, Con and House No.39 - Regan Patrick to the U.S.A. .Mike married Norah Moran and Thomas and his sister Anne lived here, neither married. they had a son Connor, who married Evelyn Conroy, Ruins of house still remain. Cloonbunny. They had two sons. Kieran is married to Angela and lives in England, Michael is married to House No.40 – Toolin Noreen Duffy, Kilmovee, they have three children and Peter and Bridget had seven children – Kate married they now reside in Loughglynn. Thomas Casey, Tully, Margaret married Dominick Dal- ton, Silverfield, (later relocated to Cloonfower), Ellen married Michael Coen, Kiltobranks. Thomas married Rose Mulligan, Kilmovee, and lived here. They had no family. The place was bought by James and Kateryn Kilboyle who built a new house on the land and they had two children. An additional new house was built on the site of the old house by Michael and Fiona Cat- tigan, who have two children. There is also a third new house on the Toolin lands owned by the O’Neill family who came from Dublin.

House No. 41 - Moran and Madden Conor and Mary Regan with Julia Horan

Anne, a widow, had three daughters, Bridget, Nora and Mary. Mary married John Madden and they had two House No. 45 Roddy children, Bea and Patrick, neither of whom married. John Madden and his son Patrick were well known and Martin and Kate had nine children. Martin Jnr. lived respected carpenters. There is a new house built on the in Dublin, Norah married Domnick Lynch, Creevy, and site of the old one by Helen and Brendan Ryce, who they had one daughter Teresa. John lived in the home have four children. Michael and Kate Murphy built a place and never married. The remaining children all new house on these lands and they have four children. emigrated to England.

62 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 46 - Roddy Giblin, Fr. Flynn, Fr. Martin, Fr. Healy, Fr. Rooney, Fr. Beirne, Fr. O. McDonagh, Fr. Brady, Fr. Costel- Michael (Ned) married Kate Mulligan, Kilmovee, and lo, Fr. Duignan, Fr. McManus, Fr. T. Crean, Fr. B. they had seven children, two sons and five daughters. McDonagh Ellen married Jim Doody and lives in Limerick. Lucy lived in Dublin. John lived at home and never married. House No. 53 - McDonagh Dominick, Kate, Mary and Agnes emigrated to Eng- Pat was a widower, he lived here with his son Michael land. Their house has been sold several times. and daughter Lizzie. We have no more information on House No. 47 - Breheny this family. Lands are now owned by Michael Corri- gan. John was married to Beatrice Gallagher, Lisadaly, and they had no children. Place now owned by Tommy House No. 54 - O’Donnell Gallagher’s nephew. Old house still standing. Edward and Margaret had three daughters - Mary, House No. 48 - Regan Margaret and Catherine, who all emigrated to the U.S.A.. Mary returned in later years to care for her Michael and Norah had nine children two sons and sev- elderly mother. She never married and after her death en daughters. Mary and Norah emigrated to the U.S.A., her cousin Sean Corrigan lived here. He was married Bridget went to Dublin and married Charlie Dorris. In to Mary and they had four children, Patricia, Sean, Mi- his later years Patrick who never married, also went to chael and Stephen. live in Dublin, Place now belongs to the Dorris fami- ly. The old house is still standing. House No. 55 - Kelly

House No.49 - Caron Thomas and Honoria had six children. Son, John, mar- Henry and Ellen had no children. This house and lands ried Bridget Moran, Creevy, and they had eight chil- were brought by Jim Mulligan, brother of Kate Roddy dren, five boys and three girls. Tom, Pat, John, Mi- (house 46) and after his death place was owned by Nell chael, Nora, Winnie and Bea emigrated to England. Doody (niece). Lands were then sold to John Cole- Joe remained in the home place and never married. man , Ballaghaderreen, whose daughter, Regina and House and lands have been sold and there are two new her husband, Derek Marren, built a new house here houses built on part of these lands. and have two children. House No.50 - Roddy Martin and Ellen were brother and sister and neither married. This house was known locally as Martin Ar- thurs. Now owned by John Coleman, Ballaghaderreen.

House No.51 - Merriman Patrick and Anne had five children. Their son Stephen lived here all his life. The house and lands were pur- Mrs. O’Mahoney, wife of Stephen, Magheraboy with chased by John and Vera Creaton who built a new Jim McDonagh house and opened a shop and petrol pumps, now closed. They had two children Gerard and Miriam. House No. 56 - Corrigan This house has been sold again recently to Patrick Stephen and Mary had seven children Ellen, Mary Roddy. There is also a new house on these lands the Catherine, and Margaret went to the U.S.A Agnes went home of Kevin Roddy. to the U.K. and later joined her sisters in the U.S.A. House No. 52 - O’Beirne (Presbytery) Thomas and William stayed on the farm and neither married. This house is now owned by John and Mary Fr O’Beirne was the Curate in Lisacul at this time. Teresa Baverstock, (nee Corrigan—see House 57), who Sarah Cunningham, his aunt, was his house-keeper. have a daughter Laura and grandson Dylan. Mary was Also here was Elizabeth McKeon, described as a gen- a nurse tutor in University College Hospital, Galway eral servant . Since 1911 the priests that served in and is a cousin of the previous owners. Lisacul were; Fr. Glynn, Fr Keane, Fr. Duignan, Fr.

63 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 57 - Corrigan and later retired back to Creevy. Martin and Bridget (Bid) wrote the song “The Woodlands of Loughglynn”. John and Mary had seven children. John, Stephen, Mi- Bridget also wrote poetry and her house is still stand- chael, Lizzie, Mary and Frank emigrated to the U.S.A. And Thomas went to England. Frank married Bridget ing. A new house is built on these lands, home of David Fennell from Co Clare in the U.S.A. and they returned and Catherine Keane and they have two daughters to Creevy. They had eight children, Patricia, (R.I.P.) Rachael and Breena. Jackie, (R.I.P.) Mary Teresa, (see House 56) Frank, House No. 60 - Regan Bernadette, Breege, Ailish and Paula, all of whom mar- Margaret, a widow, had one son Michael, who was the ried and settled in Ireland , apart from Jackie, who local tailor and never married. went to England, where he died in 2013. Frank married Eileen Roddy and they live in the home place. They House No. 61 - McDermott have seven children, Vanessa, Fiona, Rory, Sandra, Claire, Dermot and Brendan. Charles and Catherine had five children. Son Charles Jnr. married Kate Callaghan and lived here. They had House No. 58 - Johnston two sons James and Michael, who both emigrated to James and Lizzie had four children, Michael, James England. House was sold to Liz and Pascal Cunnane. and Lizzie emigrated to England. Tommy also moved House No.62 - Rogers – Gallaghers to England after his father’s death. The house was Andrew Rogers from house No 24 married Mary Moran bought by Terry Fitzpatrick, nephew of James Snr. Fr from Cumeen. They bought this house and lands (or James Johnston, P.P. St Louis, donated to the parish built new house). The house is where Mattie and the statue of Christ the King that stands in the Church Breege Gallagher now live. Mary Rogers was an aunt grounds. of Bea Gallagher (nee Barrett). Andrew and Mary had House No. 59 - Doherty no children. Bea and John Gallagher moved from Corrohoguile to take care of Mary in her old age and Mary, a widow, had two children. Martin married in they had two sons Mattie and Sean. Mattie and Breege the Roscommon area. Bridget emigrated to the U.S.A. have two sons Terry and Martin. Sean lives next door.

The Junior fishing pond developed in Creevy in a joint venture between Lisacul Community Development Company and Loughglynn and District Angling Club in conjunction with FÁS Community Employment Scheme

64 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

The Woodlands of Loughglynn Author: Bridget (Bid) Doherty, Creevy, Lisacul

The summer sun was sinking low, behind the western sea, The Lark’s loud song was pealing sweet but it brought no joy to me, For the one I loved is far away, he left his tyrants din, He fought till death and then he left the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

A noble Irishman was he, John Bergin was his name, He belonged to Tipperary and from Nenagh town he came, But now thank God that he is gone, he is free from harm and sin, And he let them have his parting shot in the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

McDermott, too, was brave and true, from the plains of Ballinagare, He is missed from many a fireside in the homes, both near and far. He is missed at home in Brackloon by his own dear kith and kin, And his comrades, true, shall miss him, too, in the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

When our heros brave were dying there, they called for a Clergyman, Let no one think they feared to face the English Black and Tans, The Clergy came and were in time, but as they said “Amen”, McDermott’s soul was parting through the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

Young Bergin said that he was proud to die for Ireland’s cause, “The deed was done that should be done against England’s cruel laws Saying good-bye to Tipperary and to every dale and glen, And to all my faithfull comrades in the Woodlands of Loughglynn”.

“Take this message to our own brave boys and tell them we are dead, Tell them to be of utmost cheer, and to hold no drooping head, To keep old-brains a-using, to fight and not give in, And be proud to die ‘neath an Irish sky in the Woodlands of Loughglynn”.

65 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

A Lifting Experience By Brendan Corrigan

For one, and at the risk of appearing contradictory on bit awkward being in the car with one of the teachers. the walking front, a big , old yellow bus (it was later The conversation rarely got above asking how the older replaced by a slightly less old, less noisy red and white siblings were getting on and how she fondly remem- version) would come thundering down the road and, bered them (a sentiment I didn’t always share). depending on my location and timing, stop to give me a Free lifts apart, for a spell during my latter time at the lift - this worked both ways, going to and coming home school and with years of walking experience behind from school. Only the occasional fear of the nasty bus me, I was entrusted with the responsibility of escorting inspector being about would halt the practice - nowa- a new recruit. In what I recall being ‘big news’ at the days over the top health and safety laws and begrudgers time, Seán Deery swapped the school where his mother not wanting to see anybody get anything for free have taught, Kilmovee (a place we at Lisacul knew very little no doubt ended Mick Leetch’s generosity. That and the about, aside from the fact that they spoke good Irish fact that there are no longer any walking schoolkids to there), for Lisacul. It was my job to accompany him pick up. It certainly was a welcome treat for me. from his house at the crossroads (what some of you Indeed you could picture it as something from a classic more senior folf might call Doherty’s) to the school “Thomas the Tank Engine” episode, getting a front row yard - a task I undertook with diligence, once I got over seat on a bus that almost seemed to talk, sharing a joke the initial “why me?” that is. with the jovial (but not fat, I hasten to add) conductor - Alas today it seems that car-pooling is the closest the aforementioned Mr. Leetch - while he puffed on a you’ll get to children making their way to school to- cigarette (or two). Plus, part of the morning lift route gether. They are more inclined to ‘virtually’ walk these involved going into the strange, seldom visited lands of days on a Playstation or Wii rather than actually get out Currasallagh to pick up the guys that lived in those and take to the road. Habits, of course become hard to parts, and driving into the enemy territory of Mayo to break, especially if the alternative requires a little bit make a U-turn. Spellbinding stuff!! But it wasn’t just more effort and energy. So perhaps a ‘walk/cycle’ too the bus that we young walkers from Creevy could rely school ‘fun Friday’ or something similar could be or- on for the odd lift. On the homeward trek, the late Ms. ganised - make an event out of it and let our youth re- Coen would stop and ask,” do you want a seat”, on her discover the delights of walking on the roads. A whole- way to Ballaghaderreen after a sweaty day in the class- some blast from the past you might call it. room. Our silent response was that we would prefer an actual lift, rather than a seat - much more beneficial. Of You can read more from Brendan under the ‘Wrong course the offer of the lift (not the car seat) would sel- Way Corrigan’ name at his blog dom be turned down, even though at times it did feel a www.wwcorrigan.blogspot.com

“Take a Look at This”

These cattle would appear to be in- specting the mural painted on the wall close to the crossroads by mem- bers of Lisacul Foróige club and visiting friends from a youth group in Mansfield during a youth ex- change project in 1997.

66 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Eileen Doody,formerly Roddy from Creevy, whose son Frances Flanagan, Johnny Gallagher, Annie Hallis and John Doody runs Ballyhoura Forest Luxury Homes in Mary B. McCann heading for Cobh in 1956 Limerick, and sponsored a weekend break as 1st Prize in a raffle held by Lisacul Community Development Compa- ny earlier this year

Bishop Christopher Jones plants a tree during a visit to Lisacul

Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former U.S. president Jimmy Dignan with son James JFK meets Maureen Cremin (nee Hallis) Carnagrukane

67 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Currahard - High moor

House No. 1 - Towey mained in the homestead. Anthony Cahill now owns the property. In 1911 Michael Towey lived here with his wife Ellen, son Michael, and his wife Nora and baby daughter House No.6 - Regan Mary Ellen. There is no other information on this fami- In 1911 Mary Regan, a widow, lived here with her son ly. There is no house here now. Michael, daughter-in-law Mary and their children Eliz- House No. 2 - Moran abeth and Bridget. After the census there were five Thomas Moran with his wife Mary and children, Mar- more children, Mary, Kathleen, John, Patrick and Mi- tin, Mary, Thomas, Annie, Bridget, John and Winifred chael. Mary and Bridget (Delia) lived in Gorey Co. lived here. Martin married and lived in Co. Clare. Wexford. Kathleen married Luke Mullen, and they Mary married and lived in Ballinameen. Thomas emi- lived in England before returning to Maheraboy. Pat- grated to England. Annie emigrated to America and rick and John emigrated to England. Elizabeth married became a nun. Bridget also emigrated to America and P Mc Loughlin (see Lisadaly). Michael married Mary got married. John stayed in the homestead. Catherine Mullen from Culclare, Kilmovee, and stayed in the & Liam Walsh and family have a house built on this homestead. They had six daughters, Delores Flynn, land. Winifred married Michael Scally from upper Roscommon, Loretta Duffy, Aughaurine, Bernadette Currahard. (See Scally) Adams, Gorthaganny, Annette Morris, Loughglynn, Imelda Horan Carnagruckane and Mary, who married House No. 3 - Flanagan Shane Maxwell, Ballinagare, and they live here now In 1911 Pat Flanagan lived here with his wife Cathe- with their children Jane, Rebecca and Emily. rine and mother in law Margaret McCann. After the House No.7 - Melvin census they had four children Lily, Kathleen, Mary and John. John, Lily and Kathleen (Sr. Patrice) emigrated In 1911 John Melvin lived here with his wife Mary and to England. Mary (known as Baby) married Michael children John, Andrew and Hanoria. There were six Keane and they had seven children. John and Frank more children whose names are unknown, except for are in Galway. Patrick and Gerald (R.I.P.) went to Ann. Ann married Tim Doherty. John, Andrew and England. Kathleen, (R.I.P.), married Paddy Madden, Hanora remained single. John Weir lives here now. Ann (Keadin) lives in and Michael lives in the homestead. House No.4 - McCann In 1911 Thomas McCann lived here with his wife Brid- get and children Pat, Martin, Michael, Thomas, John, James and Bridget. Pat died at a young age, Thomas and John lived in Sligo. Michael married Winnie Ca- halin, Cloonaugh. Bridget married Michael Flanagan, Derry. Martin married Mary Kate Dyer. Pat Breheny now lives at this homestead. House No.5 - Regan Bridget Regan, a widow, lived here with her son Mi- chael, daughters Margaret, Ellen and niece Mary Mul- rennan. Michael married Bridget Jordan from Cur- rasallagh. They had five children Rita, Bea Ann, Win- nie, Ellen and Anthony. Winnie went to Canada, Rita went to Dublin. Bea Ann went to England. Ellen mar- Jane Rush, Mary Joe Giblin and Marion Scally ried Frank Cahill and lives in Castlerea. Anthony re-

68 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No.8 - Raftery Higgins, also Currohoguile, bought this place and built a house across the road in 1936. They had four chil- In 1911 Michael Raftery lived here with his wife Mar- dren. Alice married in England, Peggy in Aclare Co. garet and seven children, Patrick, Thomas, Bridget, Sligo. Eugene in Ballaghaderreen and Vincent married Michael, Andrew, Mary and James. Bridget married Kitty Kenny from Cloonaugh, and settled here. They Sonny Regan Currasallagh. The rest of the family emi- had eight daughters. Margaret McCann, Kiltobranks, grated except for Andrew. There is no house here now. Carmel Grady, Clooncah, Mary Dunne, Lisadaly, Ei- leen McKeon, Dunboyne, Geraldine Brudell, Stroke- stown, Catherine Murphy, Toulestrame Co .Sligo, Alice Vonke and Eva,who with her husband, Pat Flannery, and daughters, Amy, Nianh and Katie now lives in the homestead. House No.14 - Raftery In 1911 Michael Raftery lived here with his wife Jane. On the night of the census there were three children Patrick, Michael and Bridget, also two nephews Pat- rick and James Raftery, from Liverpool. After the cen- sus there were six more children, Nora, Jane, William and John (twins), James and Annie. Michael, Patrick and Nora went to the U.S.A. Jane died at the age of 15. Mrs. Madden with Harry Barrett James went to England and married local girl Vera Dignan. William and John also emigrated to England. House No.9 - Scally Bridget married Patrick Rushe from Maheraboy and In 1911 Michael Scally lived here with his wife Cathe- lived in the homestead. They had one daughter Jane. rine and son Michael. Michael married Winifred Mo- Jane married Larry Casey from Aughalustia. They ran, and they had three daughters. Marian and Annie have seven children. No one lives here now. Teresa are in England and Una married in Bal- laghaderreen. Una’s daughter Tracey now lives here with her husband Greg Connolly and son Fionn. House No.10 - Moran In 1911 Patrick Moran, a widower, lived here with his sons Patrick, James and daughter Bridget. Four chil- dren had emigrated at the time of the census. George married Mary Mahon from Dromod, and they had three children, Mary, Margaret and Michael. Mary and Margaret emigrated to England. Michael married Bridget Kenny from Cloonaugh. They had six children Padraig, Michael, James, Marion, Mairead and Jose- phine. The house is now unoccupied.

House No.11 - Raftery In 1911 Catherine Raftery, a single lady, lived here. She passed away on 29th January 1951 aged 90. There is no house here now.

House No.12 - Moran In 1911 Ann Moran a single lady lived here. She was a great story teller and visited all the neighbours. Owen Owen Madden in U.S. army uniform Madden from Currohoguile and his wife Margaret

69 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No.15 - Moran In 1911 Mary Moran a widow lived here with her brother John Flanagan. They had no descendants. There is no house here now. House No.16 - Moran In 1911 Andrew Moran lived here with his wife Mary Ellen and daughter Annie Maria. Annie Maria married Thomas Giblin from Fairymount, and they had four children Mary Josephine, Frank, Christopher and Jo- seph. Mary Jo lives in London. Frank married Cathe- rine Towey from Barnaboy, they live in Dublin and have four children. Chris married Maureen Flanagan, (R.I.P.), from Urluar, they have three children and live in Dublin. Joseph married Mary Waters from Milltown and they have three children and reside in England. Frank and Chris Giblin with their mother Anna Maria

Frank now owns the homestead. House No.18 - Doherty In 1911 Michael Doherty, a widower, lived here with his son Martin. Martin married Margaret Lavin from Kilmovee and they had four children Frank, John, Mi- chael and Nora. Frank and John went to England. Nora lived in . Michael married Kathleen McCormack from Creevy. They had four children. Frank lives in England, as did Gerald before his un- timely death some years ago. Margaret married John Cunniffe, they live in Ballaghaderreen and have four children. Mary Teresa married Tommie Costello, they have three daughters and live in Mullingar.

Tom Giblin with his children L to R: Chris, Joe, Mary Joe and Frank

House No.17 - Duignan In 1911 Bridget Duignan lived here with her son John known as ‘Jennings’. He married Delia Melvin from Shrule. They had two sons Sean and Patrick. Patrick went to England, where he died some years ago. Sean I.C.A. stalwarts: Bridget Moran and Pauline Dignan (front) remained at home but now resides in a nursing home in Kitty Madden and Mary Costello (at back) Ballyhaunis. The house is now vacant.

70 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

House No. 20 - Kenny married and lived in Dublin. Jim married Pauline McGuire from Kilbegnet, Creggs, they settled in the In 1911 Mary Kenny, a widow, lived here with her son homestead and have eight in family, Patricia, Teresa, James and sister Kate Connor. No further information Sheila, Jimmy, Pauline, Martina, Kieran and Susan. is available. There is no house here now. House No. 22 - Maxwell House No. 21 - Dignan In 1911 Sarah Maxwell, a widow, lived here with her In 1911 John and Catherine Dignan lived here with brother, George, and sons Hugh and George. Hugh their children James, Thomas, Kate, Margaret Ellen, and George emigrated and there is no house here now. John, Bridget and Martin. John married and lived next door. Kate, Margaret Ellen, Thomas, Bridget and Mar- House No. 23 - Taylor tin all emigrated. James, who remained in the home- In 1911 James Taylor, his wife Kate, daughter Jane, stead, married Rose Clifford from Cloonaholly. They sons John and Hugh and granddaughter Fanny Kate had nine in family Vera, Mary, Rose, Paddy, James, Collins lived here. Two other siblings had emigrated. Liam, Frances, Terence and Eamon. Vera, Mary, Rose, Hugh Taylor and Fanny Kate Collins emigrated to Eng- Paddy, Frances and Terenceall went to America, and land. Jane and John were unmarried and remained in all married. Eamon, who won an All Ireland minor Currahard. There is no house here now. football medal with Roscommon in 1951, joined the priesthood, and he also moved to the U.S.A. Liam

Threshing in Currahard

Helping to keep the thresher going Currahard were: On thresher L to R: Mike Doherty, Vincent Madden, Mike Scally and Eamon Dignan. On the ground: Mike Moran and Tommy Giblin.

71 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 An Old Woman of the Roads By Fr. Eamon Dignan

Padraig Colum once wrote a beautiful poem about a “Were you ever at the moss house where the birds do homeless woman who dreamed of having a home of increase her own, “out of the wind’s and rain’s way”. He called At the foot of Mount Leinster or some silent place that poem “An Old woman of the Roads”, and that po- em, most of which I can still recite by note, always re- By the streams of Bunclody where all the damsels meet minds me of another old woman who lived her whole And all I request is one kiss from my sweet”. life in the village of Currahard (Upper). She had a I never knew the title of that song, but to me it will al- modest home of her own, but loved to wander the roads ways be Ann Moran’s song. Another love song, the of Currahard, Cloonaholly and Cloontowart. Her name title of which I don’t know either, had a line that was was Ann Moran, but was affectionately known as Ann memorable for somewhat obvious reasons; Boo. She lived in a small whitewashed house across the road from the Owen Madden residence. She might “And you and I in one bed lie, and I lie next the wall” have been a bit confused, we thought she “wasn’t all Rumour had it that when Ted Grennan asked her to there” but I cannot in retrospect put a medical condi- sing “Up Agin the wall” there was a giggle around the tion on what ailed her. Ann was truly a woman of the room, but Ann was quite happy to launch into her song. roads, her problem was not how, but when to return She was as innocent as a newborn baby of the implica- home. The Ireland of the 1930’s and 1940’s had little tions that so amused some of those present. That kind of the hustle and bustle of modern life. If something of “childlikeness” could never survive today in the face didn’t get done today it would keep until tomorrow of the media blitz that is radio, television and press, not (except for the haymaking). Ann had no noticeable to mention facebook and twitter. time constraints, she seemed as free as the wind to come and go as she pleased. I have no idea how she kept bread on the table or the wolf from the door, un- And the final chapter in the Ann Moran story is her less of course she had access to the hidden pot o’ gold final chapter. I now suspect that she was living with of the local Leprechauns. Something we’ll never know. death for many years - she had sores on her cheek which never seemed to heal even though she applied all

sorts of folk remedies, such as herbs, leaves and moss- I can only remember Ann as an old lady, and to this es. I now suspect Ann had skin cancer and her light day I have no idea whether ”old” meant she was over complexion and outdoor life would have been contribu- 70 or under 60 - to a lad of eight or ten summers any- tory factors. I remember hearing of her death, but can- one over thirty had that “old” look. She spent her days not remember a wake or funeral. I do remember a few visiting neighbours like old Catherine Dignan who of us young Maddens and Dignans being in her house a lived to be almost 100, or not quite so old Catherine few weeks after her death. We were gathering what Raftery, where she smoked her pipe and caught up with might have been little medicine bottles and I had the all the local news. Our local “old woman of the roads” misfortune of spilling the foul smelling contents of one didn’t just close her door and go to bed when the sun of them on my hands. I don’t know what was in the went down behind Reek Patrick, she had a night life bottle, but Eugene Madden had me pressing the panic too. She would drop in on the local house dances and button when he suggested that I might catch Ann’s dis- the village meeting houses. She didn’t dance herself, ease. I was scared out of my wits and it took me a week but loved to interact in story and song. I wasn’t old before I decided I might live a normal life. enough to participate in those activities but the stories circulated around the village. Ann had several songs That kind of life experience is history and will never that I have never heard, even in the great renaissance of again return to planet earth. I should add, of course, my Irish traditional songs by artists like Bridie Gallagher recollections are not from personal experience but from or the Clancy Brothers. I recall a few lines from the stories that circulated at the time. As Vince Madden lyrics of her songs, lines I have never heard since. used to say about the way of spreading the news, Among the lines I remember particularly were; “that’s the way Nellie had it from the well”.

72 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Leaving of Lisacul By Jane Casey

It wasn’t the custom to I moved to London, and was there when England won pack a rucksack and head the World Cup in 1966. I was never remotely interested off across the world in football, but I remember the city coming to almost a dressed in casual clothes standstill. I offered to work and was hailed as a darling in the early ‘60s. I left for for that day. Every member of staff at the Strand Palace Yorkshire carrying the Hotel crammed into any place where there was a TV to standard brown suitcase watch the match, and neglected guests didn’t seem to bought in Duff’s or Flan- mind. I loved London, a city teeming with people and nery’s. I cannot recall constant excitement. Quite a few Irish girls and many what I wore, but I know it Europeans worked in the hotel, and we all ‘lived in’. I would have been my Sun- remember a Belfast girl called Eileen and myself paying day best. Leaving home 6d or a shilling to stay on the underground train for seemed the perfect adventure, some of the journey I almost the whole day and thinking it was a great adven- forget, but the sea-sickness and the foul smell of the ture. Trying on new clothes in big stores or having pho- boat stay at the pit of my memory. tos taken with friends in the instant booths was the stuff of youth. Eating out in little cafés tucked down some I lived for almost two years in Maltby and couldn’t be- side street was magic. The only eating out at home lieve people described it as a village. To me it seemed would have been in the hayfield or the bog. like a big town. The Coronation Street setting describes exactly where I lived. The local pub was called The I came home in 1968 very little richer than when I went, Queens, where people went to solve all the problems of but with new experiences to add the journey of life. life and find out each others business. I got a job in

Byfords Knitting Factory and earned £7.10.00 per week. It was a very new experience, but when I settled in I enjoyed it, made and was delighted to join the local Drama Society. I had little parts in two plays, but was never discovered by any scouting agent though. Until then I had scarcely ever heard of a Vicar, never mind meeting one, and talking to Vicar Auckland on a few occasions was something different. Fr. Paddy Cole- man, a native of Banada, Ballaghaderreen and uncle of Joe Dillon and of Paddy Coleman, Banada, was the priest in the church I attended. I remember him as being a kind and wise man, and a good pastor to his flock. May he rest in peace. Looking back now, Maltby was a very harmonious place, where Catholic and Protestant families lived and worked side by side. One of the great abiding memories I have is the esteem, even reverence in which farmers were held. If a girl could win the heart of a farmer’s son she had really arrived. In the west of Ireland at that time the opposite was very much the case. The family members who had a job or a profes- sion in the city were greatly admired, while the lad kept at home to manage the farm was considered well down Jane Rushe and Larry Casey the pecking order. Like most people at the time I missed home, but I enjoyed my experiences in a different set- on their wedding day in April 1969 ting.

73 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 DIAMOND DIGNANS

Jim and Pauline Dignan who celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in June 2013

Jim and Pauline Dignan, Currahard, reached a major milestone in their lives last June, when they celebrated the 60th anniversary of their wedding. Jim Dignan, a native of Currahard and Pauline McGuire, a native of Creggs, were married in Manchester on the 20th June 1953 They resided in England at first, before returning to Lisacul in 1959, where they reared a family of eight; Patri- cia, Teresa, Sheila, Jimmy, Pauline, Martina, Kieran and Susan. Both were involved in local community activities. Jim played handball and was involved in the local club for many years. Pauline was a member of the I.C.A. - later to become the Ladies Guild, and also a member of the Church Choir (on which she still sings on Saturday evenings). They marked their special day with a Mass in Lisacul Church, attended by family and friends. There was a pleasant surprise for them also, when none other than Michael English turned up to sing during the ceremony. There followed a lively party at the Dignan residence in Currahard, where the big occasion was celebrated long into the night (and maybe even morning). Congratulations to both Jim and Pauline on their sixty years together and we wish them continued happiness and good health.

74 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Currasallagh - Plain of the sally rod

House No. 1 - Jordan Kiltybranks (See Kiltybranks House no 30). There were five other children born to James and Mary Higgins – Winnie Jordan, 72, lived here with her son Martin and three sons, Martin, John and John F and two daughters, sister Annie. Annie married Tom Kenny, Driney, Bridget and Elizabeth. Martin died at the age of 21, Loughlynn. Martin married Margaret Carney from Bri- John and John F died in infanthood. Bridget settled in arfield. They had two sons and four daughters. Patrick Manchester, where she married Frank Colson and they joined the Irish Army, became a Colonel, lived in Kil- had a daughter. Elizabeth (Lil) married James Madden dare and had a family, Martin John also married, had from Currohoguile (House no 1). They settled in her a family and lived in Roscommon. Katherine married home place in Currasallagh where they raised six chil- Joe Quinn, Ballaghaderreen, Elizabeth emigrated to dren. Their son Joe now farms the land and the house is England as did Winnie; Mary stayed at home and mar- currently unoccupied. ried Charlie Taylor from Dromod and they had one son John who lives at home with his mother. House No. 4 - Keenan Thomas Keenan, 50, and his wife Catherine lived here with their five sons, James, Michael, Thomas, Ned and Patrick and two daughters, Mary Ellen and Kate. Mary Ellen married Eddie Regan, Briarfield. Kate did not marry, Thomas married Annie Mc Donagh, Cur- rohoguile North, (see Lisadaly). Michael, who did not marry, stayed at home and worked as a tailor. Ned also did not marry and also stayed at home and worked the land. Patrick emigrated to England, married, and had one son Peter, who lives in Dublin with his wife Valerie and family House No. 5 - Keenan Bridget Keenan, 72, a widow, lived here with her son Patrick and daughter Bridget. No house stands on this site now and there is no other information available.

House No. 6 - Duffy James Duffy ,66, and his wife Maria, 50, lived here with their sons Patrick and Tom and their daughters Kate, Lil Madden (nee Higgins) and her mother. Bridget, Mary Anne, Jane, Winnie and Ellen. Jane and Winnie emigrated to the U.S.A. Mary Anne married Mi- chael Forkin, Aughadeffin, and Kate married Tom House No. 2 - McGrail Egan. Ellen married John Doherty from Curragruckane Mary McGrail, 54, and a widow lived here with her two Tom did not marry and Patrick died. Bridget married sons, Patrick and John. Patrick married Kate Dyer, James Lafferty, and their son Dominic married Mary Currasallagh. They had two sons, Mike and James and (Baby) Green from Silverfield. They remained in the three daughters, Kathleen, Baby and Eileen. Baby, Ei- homestead and had two children, Marion (R.I.P.) who leen, Kathleen and James emigrated to England. Baby married and lived in Kilkelly, and Donal who now lives married Bill Butler and had one daughter, Eileen mar- In the home place. ried Martin Rushe from Kilmovee and they had eight House No. 7 - Doherty children, Kathleen married John Killeen and they had three daughters and two sons. James married Noreen Mary Doherty, 40, lived here with her sons, Thomas Horan from Culgarriff, and they had one son, Michael and Patrick and daughters, Winnie and Mary. All the remained single. The original house is no longer on family emigrated to England there is no longer a house this site. John Clarke with his wife Geraldine now have on this property. a house on these lands. House No. 8 - Dyer House No. 3 - Higgins James Dyer, 59, and his wife lived here with their James Higgins and his wife Mary were listed with two daughters, Kate and Bridget. Kate married Pat Mc daughters, Kate Agnes and Mary Anne. Kate emigrated Greal; Bridget emigrated to the U.S.A. and married a to the Bronx where she married Lou Allen and they had Mr McManus from Geevagh in Co. Sligo. There is no three sons. Mary Anne married Patrick Coen from longer a house on this property.

75 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 9 - Grady James Grady, 59, a widower lived here with his daugh- ter Bridget, 29. Bridget married Michael Dyer who came from Cloonfad, Tibohine. They had five chil- dren ,Kate, Winnie, Mary Ann, Bridget and Martin. Mary Ann became a Nun and emigrated to England, as did Winnie, Kate married Paddy Finn from Cloonfad, Tibohine. Martin did not marry. The house still re- mains on site and is currently vacant House No. 10 - Reid John Reid, 42, and his wife Maggie lived here with their son James .James emigrated to the USA. Tom Gara bought and built a new house on the land, He Married Anne Grady from Cloonagh. They had three daughters, Bernadette, Francis and Angela. Anne Gara lives in homestead now with her daughter Frances and her sons Thomas and Kevin. House No. 11 - O’Donnell John O’Donnell, 65, and his Bridget, 51, lived here with their sons Thomas, Michael, John and daughters Anne and Winnie. Thomas, Michael, John Annie and Winnie all emigrated to the U.S.A., Michael Timon and his wife Catherine, (nee Fleming), built a new house and are now living on this site.

House No. 12 - McDermott Michael McDermott ,48, a widower lived here with his daughter Maggie and six sons, Thomas, Patrick, John, Charles, Michael and James. John married and lived in Ballinlough. Charles emigrated to England, as did Michael, Mary Ann, and Kate Raftery in 1934 Maggie, Michael and Thomas James married and lived in Cloonfaulus. Patrick remained at home and married Ellen Cox, Aughadiffin. They had six daugh- Jim, Eugene and Mary, all of whom emigrated to the ters and one son. Mary was a nurse and remained sin- U.S. Margaret and Mary remained single; John mar- gle, Bridget married Darby Grogan and lived in Tav- ried Peg, an American, with whom he had four chil- rane, Kilkelly, Nora emigrated and married in Eng- dren. Following Peg’s death he remarried to Carol. land, Peggy married Pat Geever, Briarfield, Ann mar- Jim married Annie Regan from Culcastle and seven ried Richard Grennan, Cloontowart, (See Cloonto- children were born to them. Eugene married Geraldine wart). Katherine died when she was a baby; Michael from Derry and they had three children. The house is emigrated and married in England. now occupied by Ms Patricia Casey.

House No. 13 - Boyle House No. 14 - Boyle Thomas Boyle and his wife Catherine are listed here John, 74, lived here with his wife Catherine, 75, they with their sons John, Thomas and Martin and daugh- had one son, John, but there is no further information ters Mary Anne and Margaret. They also had a son available about John or the rest of the Boyle family. Patrick who emigrated to England and remained un- Dominick Dyer was the next owner of the property and married. It is known that John went to Boston, where he married Bridget (nee Grennan) from Cloontowart he married and raised a family. One of his sons, Broth- and they had four children, Johnny, Michael, Bobby er Theodore, of the Brothers of Charity, paid many vis- and Mary. Johnny, Bobby and Mary emigrated to Eng- its to Currasallagh. Mary Ann also went to Boston and land, while Michael remained at home and was single. was joined by her sister Margaret who also settled and The original house still remains on site and is used as a raised a family there. Martin married Kathleen Mad- holiday home and there is also a new house built on den from Currohoguile, (house no 1), they lived in Cur- site. Colin and Samantha Friel live here with their rasallagh and raised a family of five, Margaret, John, children Kieran and Mathew.

76 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 15 - Gara Thomas Gara, 52, a widower lived here with his daugh- ter, Winnie and sons, Dominick and Martin. Martin married Kate (nee Rodgers) from Briarfield, (see Briar- field). Dominick married Kate (nee Griffin) from Cloonfinish, Swinford, and they had six children. Mary, Winnie, Martin, Michael, Tom and Ann. Mary and Win- nie emigrated to the U.S.A. Martin married Kathleen Regan and emigrated to England. Michael also emi- grated to England and married Olive Sherlock from Gurteen. Tom married Anne (nee Grady) from Cloon- agh (see Cloonagh). Ann stayed at home and married Sean Jennings. Pat and Bernie Cox built a house on this site and have two sons Brendan and James House No. 16 - Dyer Michael Dyer, 53, and his wife Mary, 55, lived here with their sons Pat and Dominick and daughter Winnie. Winnie married Tom Fitzpatrick, Lisadaly, Pat mar- ried Mary Ann Connor and they had three children, Winnie, Mary Ann, and John. Winnie emigrated to Eng- Tom Raftery, Currasallagh, and Jimmy Carney, Briarfield land, Mary Ann married Tom Grennan, Cloontowart, (see Cloontowart). John, who remained at home, mar- They raised a family of three. Elizabeth (Lizzie) emi- ried Margaret Mc Kenzie and they have two sons John grated to the U.S.A. where she met and married Mi- and Joseph, There is a holiday home on site now. chael O’Kane, who had emigrated from Northern Ire- land. They had two sons. Philip married Mary Roddy House No. 17 - Towey from Kilmovee and they settled in Currasallagh, where James Towey, 40, and his wife Bridget, 40, lived here they had a family of six children. John remained single with their three daughters, Annie, Bridget Teresa and and lived in Feigh. Patrick (Paddy) went to England Katia Celina, who all emigrated to the U.S.A. No other and married Mary Connolly. They settled in Lancashire information available. where they developed a horticulture business and raised a son and daughter. John McDermott and his House No. 18 - Corrigan wife had nine other children not listed in the census. John Corrigan and his wife Mary are listed here with There is limited information available on some of them. their three children, Bridget, Pat and John. Bridget (Mary remained in Ireland where she married a man remained at home where she ran the family shop, one named Bradley. Winifred emigrated to Boston. Bridget of the many grocery shops in Lisacul at that time. Pat married John Mc Donagh, and they had seven children. and John spent some time in England but returned to Catherine married Michael Coffey. Jane emigrated to live in the family home. The house is now occupied by the U.S.A. and settled in Philadelphia with her husband Trudy Kelly. Michael Gallagher, raising a family of three. Ellen (Nellie) married in Chicago, it is thought her husband’s House No. 20 - McDermott name was Bruen and they raised a large family. Mi- John McDermott and his wife Bridget are listed here chael emigrated to England and joined the police force, with their daughter Elizabeth (Lizzie). Lizzie married his wife died in childbirth and he also died shortly af- Philip Duffy from Carracastle. They reared a family of terwards. Ann emigrated to the U.S.A. where she met ten children. Delia married Michael (Dick) Carney. and married John Wells, who was a police officer. They settled in Currasallagh and raised four sons. Margaret died at a young age. The house is now occu- Dominick, Michael, Patrick and William (Bill). Mary pied by Mary Duffy wife of the late Phillip. emigrated to the USA where she married James O’Toole an American. They raised a family of four chil- dren. Katie emigrated to the USA where she married Eugene Madden from Currohoguile (house no 1) and they had three children. Michael (Mick) emigrated to the U.S.A. where he married Mary Eileen Blewett. They had seven children. Ellen (Eileen) emigrated to the U.S.A. where she married Jack Donahue an American and they had four children. Jane emigrated to the U.S.A. where she married Martin Rushe from Kilmovee.

77 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 21 - McDermott both of them died earlier this year. Mary was an inval- uable source of information to those of us gathering In 1911 Thomas McDermott, 70, lived here with his material for this and previous local publications. There wife Winnie,64, and their son Patrick. Patrick married is no house here now. Catherine (nee Duffy) from Cloonrow and they had five sons, Mike, Paddy, John, Jim and Tom. Mike emigrated House No. 23 - Toolan to the U.S.A. Paddy, John and Jim emigrated to Eng- John Toolan lived here with his wife Mary (nee Noone). land. Tom remained at home and married Mary, (nee Following the death of Mary, John married Kate Hur- Shryane) from Fairymount, and they had eleven chil- ley. The land is now owned by a Mr Roddy from Ma- dren, four boys and seven girls. Thomas, James and gheraboy and there is no house here now. Sheila emigrated to England, Breege and Kathleen live in Loughlynn, Michael lives in Aughalustia, Asumpta, House No. 24 - Toolan Toreen, Geraldine, Tuam, Denise, Gurteen and Connie In 1911, Bridget Toolan lived here with her daughter and Damien live in Dublin The original house is still on Mary Anne. Mary Anne married Tom Jordan from site. Connie and her husband Tony Greally built a new Kilmovee. They had no children. Mary Anne had an house on another part of the property. older brother John, who lived next door in house no 23. House No. 25 - Boyle John Boyle, aged 67, lived here but no other infor- mation available. House No. 26 - Connor John Connor, 40, and his wife Kate, 27, lived here with their daughter Ellen. Following the 1911 census the rest of the family were born, Mary, Bridie, Brian, Emi- ly, Winnie, Kathleen and Rita. Ellen and Bridie emi- grated to the U.S.A., Mary and Brian emigrated to Eng- land. Winnie, sadly, died at the age 10. Kathleen mar- ried Tom Loftus, Cloontowart, (see Cloontowart). Emi- ly married Paddy Duffy, Aughadefflin. Rita married Jim Dolan and lived in Currasallagh. They had four Martin and John Boyle with their nephew from U.S.A. children, two sons James and John, and two daughters Kathleen and Nuala. James now lives at home. House No. 22 - Corrigan Thomas Corrigan and his wife Annie lived here with their five children Kate, Thomas, Bridget, James and Maggie. Kate married Jim Towey from Bockagh and lived in Silverfield (See Silverfield). Thomas went to the U.S.A., where he married an American. No children were born to them. Bridget went to England where she married Peter McKenna, and they ran a public house in London. They had three daughters, Patricia Francis and Margaret. James emigrated to the U.S.A. where he married his first wife, an American, with whom he had a son who died in the Korean War. Following the death of his wife, James later married Kathleen Kane from Ballinasloe, and they returned to Ireland to live in Boyle. Maggie emigrated to England where she trained as a nurse and subsequently went to live in the U.S.A.. There were two older sons, John and Pat who had emi- grated prior to 1911. Pat lived in the U.S. where he married but had no children. John returned and mar- ried Mary Moran from Kilmovee. They had two daugh- ters, Mary and Annie and one son Tommy who died in 1939. Mary remained on the family farm and worked in the Vocational School in Ballaghaderreen. Annie Philip Duffy and his wife Elizabeth (nee McDermott ) worked in the hotel business in Dublin and Sligo. Both of them retired to live in Ballaghaderreen, and sadly on their wedding day

78 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 27 - Connor House No. 34 - Lafferty Winnie Connor, 69, a widow lived here with her son Bridget Lafferty, 67, a widow, lived here with her sons Patrick. Winnie is also mother to John Connor in house John, Martin and James. John and Martin emigrated to No.26. Patrick Connor married Mary (nee Towey), England, James married Bridget (nee Duffy) and they they had three sons, Bernard, Jimmy and Paddy and had six children, two boys and four girls. Josephine they lived in Cloonrow, Urlaur. There is no house now remained single. Marry emigrated to England. Kath- on this site. leen (Baby) married Terry Fitzpatrick, Creevy. Jamey married Martin Boland, Winnie married Bill Corrigan House No. 28 - O’Donnell Killobranks and Dominick married Mary (nee Green) In 1911 Eliza O’Donnell, 72, a widow, lived here with from Silverfield. Jacko remained at home and was sin- her daughter, Mary. There is no further information gle. They also had a step sister Mary who lived in Eng- available. land. The house still remains on site and is currently vacant. House No. 35 - Lafferty Ellen Lafferty,74, and her sister Catherine, 69,lived here. No other information is available there is no longer a house on this site. House No. 36 - Freeman Pat Freeman, 72, and his wife Bridget, 72, lived here. There is no further information available House No. 37 - Carney Dominick Carney, 43, and his wife Bridget, 40, lived here with their son Michael and daughters Nellie and L to R: Elizabeth Duffy, Eileen Duffy, Elizabeth Duffy (nee Catherine. Their other children, Annie, Mary Agnes McDermott), holding Philip and Jane Duffy and Bridget where born after the 1911 census. Nellie and Catherine emigrated to the U.S.A., Annie and Mary House No. 29 - Carney Agnes emigrated to England. Bridget married Matt James Carney, 72, and his wife Catherine, 59, lived Roddy, Whitestown. Michael married Bridget (nee here with their son Michael, daughter Kate, and two Duffy) and they had four sons, Dominick home, Patrick nieces, Mary Agnes and Ellen Doherty. There is no fur- deceased, and Bill and Michael living in Sligo. ther information available. Dominick lives here now. His son Michael emigrated to the U.S.A. and lives in Texas. House No. 30. - Boyle In 1911 Pat Boyle, 45, lived here with his wife Anne, 46, There is no further information available. House No. 31. - Lafferty In 1911 James Lafferty, 74, and his wife Catherine, 76 ,lived here with their sons James, and Martin and their daughter Marie who all later emigrated to Eng- land. There is no longer a house on this site. House No. 32 - Lafferty Martin Lafferty, 50, and his wife Catherine lived here There is no further information available and there is no longer a house on this site. House No. 33 - Lafferty John Lafferty, 76, and his wife Margaret, 75, lived here with their son Martin and daughter Mary. Mary mar- ried Tom Moylan. Martin married Winifred Madden and they had three children, Patrick (Sonny), Sean and Eva. Eva emigrated to England, Patrick (Sonny) and Sean stayed at home and neither married. The house Bridget Margaret Regan, Tom Regan and property is now owned by Ken Wright. and unidentified friend

79 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 38 - Carney In 1911 Kate Carney lived here with her son John, and servant, Ellen Duffy, aged 15. John remained a single man. There was once a shop on this site. Dominick Ga- ra was then the next owner and, with his wife Kate and children, moved into the homestead from their original home at Currasallagh Crossroads. Ann and Sean Jen- nings now live there and they have two in family. Bri- die, who married Marty Dowd, built a new house on the site and lives there with their children Nigel, Alan, Leona and Natasha. Son, Seán, now lives in Creevy. House No. 39 - Towey Anthony Towey, 38, and his wife Ann, 41, (nee Dunlea- vy) lived and had no children. Their nephew, Johnny, came from England and lived with them. Johnny mar- ried Ann (nee Grady), Currasallagh, and they had two daughters, Margaret and Ann. Margaret married Buddy Grennan, Currohoguile. Ann married Bobby Clarke and lives in Dublin. House No. 74 - Regan Rose Regan, 60, lived here with her son Michael, 21. Michael emigrated to England and the property was Philip Duffy, his wife Elizabeth and daughter sold to Michael O’Donnell, a single man, who lived there for a time. No house remains on these lands.

House No. 75 - Boyle Martin Boyle, 39, lived here with his sister Marie, 38. They both died during the year of the big blizzard in 1947. There is now a new house on this site, in which Robert and Mary Saunders live. House No. 76 - Cafferky John Cafferkey and his wife Maria lived here with their son Martin and daughter Mary Ann. Mary Ann married Johnny Grady also from the village (see Grady). Martin married Catherine (nee Moran), from Der- rinacartha. They had seven children, sons Jim, Martin, Michael, Tom and John, who all emigrated to Eng- land ,and daughters, Mary Ann and Nellie. Mary Ann emigrated to England while Nellie remained at home and remained single. Nellie now lives in Ballaghader- reen. The house still remains on site. House No. 77 - Towey Ann Towey, 71, a widow, lived here with her son John 38, and her sister Margaret Morrisroe, 74. John mar- ried Jane (nee Gara), from Kilmovee they had three children, Tom, Annie, and Janie. Tom married Kathleen Morley from Whitestown. Annie married Tom Duffy from Cloontowart and Janie died at an early age. House No. 78 - Rodgers Andrew Rogers, 41, and his wife Maria, 39, lived here with their five children, Ellen, Bridget, Mary, Patrick Mary. Barrett and Delia Madden, Kilruane and Andrew who all emigrated to the U.S.A.. There is no house on this site now.

80 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 79 - Raftery married Martin Gara and they also went to England. Mary Ellen married Alfred Melvin and moved to Dub- Dominick Raftery, 72, and his wife Ellen, 62, lived here lin. There is no house standing on this site now. with their daughters Kate and Anne. Anne emigrated to the U.S.A., Kate married who came from House No. 83 - Raftery Commeen, Currohoguile. They had one son, Nicholas, Michael Raftery and his wife Bridget lived here and had who married Helen Coughlan from Limerick, and they three daughters and two sons. Mary Ann married Jim had a family of three Katherine, Johnny and Helen. Carney, Briarfield, (see Briarfield). Bridget died at a Nicholas and Helen Fleming live here now. young age. Kate married Tom Regan, Creevy. Michael House No. 80 - McCann emigrated to England, while Tom remained at home and was a bachelor. Kate’s son, James Regan, with his John McCann and his wife Mary lived here with their wife Betty and family, Tommy, Kevin, and Martina, three sons, Thomas, James, and John and two daugh- built a house on the land in 1994. ters Mary Kate, and Maggie. Thomas emigrated to Eng- land, as did John, who married Annie (nee Raftery) House No. 84 - Raftery from Currahard. James died, and Mary Kate and Mag- Mary Raftery ,43, lived here she was a sister of Michael gie emigrated to the U.S.A. There is no house on this in house No. 83. No further information is available. site now. There is no house here now. House No. 81 - Moylan House No. 85 - Grady Thady Moylan and his wife Bridget lived here with their Michael Grady, 68, and his wife Eliza, 70, lived here son Tom, who later married Mary Lafferty. They had no with their five children, Johnny, Mike, Tom, Bridget and family, and there is no house standing on this site now. Kate. Tom and Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. and Kate House No. 82 - Regan went to England. Johnny remained at home, married Mary Ann Cafferky, and they had six children, Tom, Mary Regan, a widow, lived here with her four daugh- John, Mike, Kate, Lizzy and Annie. Tom and John emi- ters, Kate, Mary Ellen, Lizzie and Annie and her son grated to England. Mike remained at home and was a Patrick (Sonny). The daughters all emigrated to the bachelor. Kate married Jodie Roddy, Creevy. Lizzy U.S.A. Patrick married Bridget (nee Raftery) from Cur- married Joe McDonagh, Currohoguile North. Anne rahard they had six children. Patrick and Tom emigrat- married Johnny Towey, Currasallagh. The house is now ed to England, Michael moved to Dublin, Kathleen used as a holiday home.

Eugene Madden and Katie Duffy on their wedding day

81 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Some Currasallagh Tales

By James Regan

The Plain of the Sally Rod The sally rod was very important as out of the sally Scallabhs were made which were used for Thatching Roofs of houses, Farm Buildings and stacks of oaths and Wheat. The Scallabhs kept the straw in place other- wise it would blow away with the wind there is a say- ing in Irish Ni he La na Gaoithe La Na Scallabh Trans- lated means The day of the wind is not the day for the Scallabh. Johnny Fleming was a Thatcher as young lads we would often watch him Thatch.The Sally Rods where also used to make Cleaves for Turf and Baskets, A round Basket type made from Sally Rods was called a Cisean it was used for holding Potatoes after the wa- ter was drained off them, they were tipped out of the black pot into the Cisean where they stayed some were used for the dinner and the rest went for Pig or Hen Annie Corrigan and her mother Mary with Kathleen and feed. The Sally Rods can be seen growing in the hedge Thomas McDermott rows to this day. Eventually the Road was finished then a Bridge needed to be constructed over the river as the river was in flood each year from October to May so time and opportunity for building work on the bridge was short. A local house that had fallen down was used as fill during the Construction of the bridge when the bridge was com- pleted the bog road finally opened quietly and with no big Fan Fare. On dark winter nights a bright light could be seen from the bridge, it was said that the bridge was haunted by the people whose house had fallen down and stone used as fill when building the bridge. It was also said that on bright moon lit nights a man with a flat cap smoking a pipe could be seen marching up and down the bridge with a shovel on his shoulder he must have been on guard duty. So there you have it the Burma Road was finally fin- Tom and Mary McDermott with their children Kathleen, ished only then to discover it was too narrow as the Thomas and Breege road was being built some smart alike cut a few yards of the measuring tape nobody coped or noticed it. So now we have a narrow road to the bog but narrow or The Burma Road not it still beats going all around the country side. One of the big events to happen in the village of Cur- rasallagh was to make a road through the Bog. The road would cut the journey travelling time and save people having to go through the villages of Lisadaly, Carnagruckane, and Silverfield they would now be able to cut through the Bog, after all “The shortest way be tween two points is a straight line” The road went through Andrew Carney’s land it gave work to the men of the village the building of the road went on for a long so much so Jim Towey and Thomas Corrigan Nicknamed it the “Burma Road” after a road that was Jimmy Carney, Tom (Langen) Regan and John Carney built in Burma during the Second World War.

82 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Mike Doherty and his father stooking the oats Jimmy Towey, Cloonaugh

Members of the Dignan family, Currahard, with Fr. Eamon, following his ordination. L to R: Terence, mother Rose, sister Rose, Frances, Fr. Eamon, Vera, Mary, Liam. Front: Paddy and Jimmy. Children L to R: Jimmy Raftery, Bernadette Raftery and Rosemay Byrne

Mike and Kathleen Doherty on their wedding day Eileen, Johnny and Mary Maloney, Corrohoguile

83 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Derry

House No. 1 - Flanagan In 1911 William Flanagan, 37, lived here with his sister Beesie, 48, and niece Kate age 8 years. Michael Flana- gan, a nephew, who inherited this house later, married Bridget Mc Cann from Currahard, and they had four children, Seán (R.I.P.), Bridie Hynes, Athlone, Berna- dette O’Sullivan, Dublin, and Mary Keighey, London. The house in now vacant House No. 2 - Conry Martin Conry, 40, lived here with his wife Bridget (nee Higgins) and children, John, Mary-Ann, Martin and James. Bridget’s father, John Higgins, 78, also lived here in 1911. John, Mary-Ann and Martin emigrated to the U.S.A., James married Ellen Toolan from Car- nagruckane and they had eleven children. Mary-Ann, Bridget, Eileen, Kathleen and James emigrated to the Kate Cahelin (nee Healy), Derry U.S.A. John, Martin and Josie went to England. Chris married Michael Greene from Trien, Castlerea. Angela (R.I.P.) married in Sligo and Ann died at a young age. The house is now used as a holiday home by Trevor and House No. 4 - Finnegan Jane Sweeney. Another house built on this land is owned by Kenny and Louise Fagan Murray and their Martin Finnegan, 44, lived here with his wife Mary, son children. Thomas and daughter Mary. Thomas married Mary Mangan from Cloonaugh, and they had three children. House No. 3 - Barlow Michael died as a baby in 1956, Mary (R.I.P.) married In 1911 John Barlow, 73, lived here with his wife Mar- Thomas Fitzgerald from Rabbitboro, Ballinlough. garet, son Thomas and daughter-in-law Kate. Thomas Thomas lives in homestead and is single. and Kate had three sons, Thomas, John and James, House No. 5 - Healy John died young, Thomas married in England, and James remained single. The house is now owned by In 1911 Michael Healy lived here with his wife Bridget Jean Cadman. and six children, Patrick, Mary, Ellen, Bridget, Maggie and Kate. A sister-in-law, Maria Kilgarriff, also lived here. Patrick lived in Ballinasloe, while Mary, Ellen and Bridget emigrated to the U.S.A., Maggie married Tom Cahalin, Cloonaugh, and Kate married Peter Ca- halin, Cloonaugh. The house is now derelict House No. 6 - Healy William Healy, 54, lived here with his wife Elizabeth and four of their eight children. John, Maria, Margaret and Edward are listed on the 1911 census. There was also another son, named Patrick. The names of the oth- er three children are not known. The family later emi- grated to England and no house remains. House No. 7 - Healy In 1911 Mary Healy, 58, a widow, lived here. She came from Co. Mayo and was a midwife. No house on the site now. House No. 8 - Moran Michael Moran, 68, is listed as living here in 1911 with his daughter Mary-Ann aged 17 years. The family later moved to a new ‘take’ in the vicinity of Elphin. There is Ellen Conry, Derry and U.S.A. no house here now and Tom Finnegan owns land.

84 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Dromod

House No. 1 - Bogan Tom emigrated to Manchester and was killed in an ac- In 1911 Owen Bogan, (41), lived here with his sister cident. Janie and Kathleen emigrated and returned lat- Margaret, (39). They were both single. Owen later mar- er. Margaret emigrated and married Jack Gogarty, ried Mary Higgins from Mayo. They had two daughters, from Meath. They had one son Chris. Janie died in the Mary and Kate and four sons. Mary married Jim Mu- 1990’s. Her nephew Chris Gogarty, who lives in Eng- larkey from Cloonfad. Kate married Ted Grennan, land, now owns the house. Cloontowart, and moved to England. The four sons House No. 3 - Kilgarriff were, Owen who was married in Dublin, Mike lived in In 1911 Conor Kilgarriff, (58), lived here with his wife Mountmellick, he had a big family. Tom married a Ker- Bridget, (52), and son Patrick John, (11). Bridget was ry woman and they lived in Birmingham. His daughter, originally Waldron from Dromod. Patrick lived here Teresa, is the producer of country file on BBC1. Pake until his death in the 1980’s. Christine and Tom Finan married a Limerick woman and lives in London. There live there now, with their son John. is no trace of the house now. House No. 4 - Gorman House No. 2 - Elwood In 1911 Pat Gorman, (78), from Mayo, was living here In 1911 Bridget Elwood, (50), lived here with her sons with his wife Bridget, (80). Their daughter Mary was John, (19), and James (15). Bridget was originally from married to Pat Mahon in Dromod (House 6). Their two Gorthaganny. Her husband’s name was William. They sons were in the British Army. House is unoccupied. had a son, William who died in France during the war. John who was 19 in 1911 married Ann Flanagan from Clooncagh, (Willie’s aunt). He bought Coney Island. House No. 5 - Forkan His son Bill lives in Coney Island now with his family. In 1911 Michael Forkan, (50), from Mayo lived here His brother John lives in Ballyhaunis. Tom (R.I.P.) with his wife Nora, (45),his mother-in-law, Fanny Ma- lived in London. Mary lives in Ballyhaunis. Francis hon, (81), and his son Patrick Joseph, (12). Nora was lives in Sligo. James, who was 15 in 1911, emigrated to originally Mahon from Dromod. Michael had been a England. John and Margaret Lyons bought the house cowboy in Colorado and he had the full cowboy outfit in the 1920’s. He was from Logboy, Ballyhaunis. they which fascinated local youngsters. Patrick Joseph lived had three sons and three daughters. Their son Mike in Dromod all his life. The house is empty since his went to England and married there. Jack emigrated. death in 1977.

House No. 6 - Mahon In 1911 Patt Mahon, (58), a widower lived here with his two daughters, Maria, (30), and Delia, (19). Both Patt and Mary (nee Gorman house No. 4), were from Dromod. Daughter Maria who was 30 in 1911 married Malachy Giblin, Carrowbehy, and she lived in house No. 4. They had one daughter Mary who married John Finan from Cloonfower. They lived there too. Mary and John’s son, Tom Finan married Christine Waldron from London (with Dromod connections). They have one son John and live in house No.3. Delia who was 19 in 1911 married Tom Dillon known as ‘Lord Dillon’ from Clooncagh and lived in house No.6 in Dromod. Their brother James emigrated to England and married Mary who died when her son Michael was 3. Paddy Giblin, Carrowbehy

85 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Original Coney Island Pub, Gorthaganny

Lisacul Church - A View From Above

86 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Michael came to live with his aunts, Maria (Giblin) Cadburys and married an English woman, had one son and Delia. He later married Mary Ellen Moffitt from Kevin and a daughter Maureen. He later emigrated to Errisaune. Their daughter Mary married Willie Cahill the U.S.A. for a few years and retired to England. from Clare and they live in the house now. Her brother House No. 8 - Duffy Michael died tragically with his two friends at Ballyca- hir level crossing between Ballymoe and Roscommon in In 1911 Maria Duffy (46), lived here with her five chil- 1977. dren Patrick (15), Delia (17), Mary (13), Cornelius (11), and Maggie (9). Maria married a Mr Gorman, but was later remarried to Pat Duffy from Cloontowart. The children were Gormans. They moved to ‘Mahera’ where they were given land (‘a take’). The ruins of the house is beside Tom Gormans.

House No. 9 - Mahon In 1911 Frances Mahon (75), a widow, lived here with her daughter Annie (38) and son Michael (34), and two grandchildren Annie Frances Kelly (5), and John Val- entine (1). Frances was Groarke from Cuiltyboe. Mi- chael, who was 34 in 1911, married Bridget Duffy from Kilmovee and lived here. Their family were Michael John ,who emigrated to England. He was married, had a family of four and died in an accident years ago. Eugene emigrated. Tom lived in London, he had a fami- ly of seven. Phillip lived in Birmingham, was married and had eight in family. Annie Frances emigrated, mar- ried Mr Flaherty, has three daughters and one son and lives in Birmingham. Katie emigrated, married, has one son and lives in Cheshire. Mary Lizzie emigrated to Birmingham, married Mr Lavin from Tibohine, and

Johnny Flanagan (Johnny Dan) House No. 7 - Gorman In 1911 Thomas Gorman, (58), lived here with his wife Nora, (58), daughter Nora, (24), son Bartly, (18), and daughter, Saragh, (15). Nora, who was 24, emigrated to the U.S.A. and married there. Her sisters Mary Ann, Winnie (Brasack) and Bridget were already in the U.S.A.. Other sons, had already emigrated. Their son Jim was already in Leeds, he was a well- known flute player, married with one daughter, who had ten in family. Saragh who was 15 in 1911 married Paddy Freeman from Ballyglass. They had one son Tom. An- other son of Thomas and Nora, Conor, later returned. He married Ann Greene from Silverfield. They had one son Tom who lived in this house until 2011. He lives in Loughglynn now. The house is empty. Bartly who was 18 in 1911 emigrated to Birmingham, he worked in Jimmy Barlow

87 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Tibohine, and they have six in family. Delia lives in Tom Forde from . Mary Anne emigrated to London married Paddy Brennan from . England, married there and had one son. The house is Son, Austin (Augie), came home and married Maura gone. Eammon Mahon has built a new house on the from Galway. He died in 1990. Their family lands and lives here with partner Cathy Kelly and are Austin, who lives in Dromod in a new house built daughter, Jennifer. on McNamaras land. Paul, who built a new house on

Grennans land and Eamon, who built house on Johnny Flanagans land. Daughters Marie in Galway and Una House No. 11 - Grennan who lives in Newcastle, England and son Keith, who In 1911 Pat Grennan (75), who was born in Co. Mayo lives in Australia. Annie Frances who was 5 in 1911 lived here with his wife Ann (70). They were related to was granddaughter of Frances. Her parents Patrick J Grennans in house No.20. This was joined to house and Mary Kelly lived in Curraghoguile Nth. (house No.10. No trace now. No.8). She became a teacher like her parents. She lived in Scotland. She married Charlie O’Connor from near Kilkelly. They had one son, Charles. They had a pub on New Street, Ballaghaderreen. Denis Egan bought it in 1951. John Valentine Kelly, who was 1 then was grand- son of Frances Mahon and brother of Annie Frances Kelly. He later married Nell Hallis, from Curraghsal- lagh and Ballaghaderreen. They had three in family, Brid, Eugene and Maureen who later married Denis Egan. John V. also had a pub in Ballaghaderreen. He was involved in Clann na Poblacht. He was chairman of Roscommon Co Council and was also an auctioneer. He later emigrated, lived in Cumbria and worked in Windscale as an electrician. He later worked in Taylor Woodrow in London. He was involved in the Trade Un- ions. The Dromod house is now in ruins. Michael Ma- hon sold a site on this land. Thomas Doherty and his wife (nee Finnegan) and daughter Kathleen lived here. His sister-in-law Bridget Doherty and her family, Alice, Frances, Eugene and James (Dippy) lived here from the 1950’s. Frances married Sean Gilmartin from Offaly and lived between Fairymount and Loughglynn. Alice Dorothy Flanagan, sister of Ger and Mick married and died shortly afterwards. Eugene went to

England and remained single. James emigrated, mar- ried Mary Mulligan from . They had no fami- House No. 12 - Waldron ly. Melanie Boyce from England now owns the proper- In 1911 James Waldron (40), a single man lived here ty. with his sister Margaret (50). James later married House No. 10 - Flanagan Beesie Flanagan from Dromod (house No. 22) and they In 1911 Michael Flanagan (35), lived here with his lived here. Their son, Fr. Patrick, was a priest in Lon- Mayo born wife Anne (30), who was originally from don. He built a church while he ministered in Hampton Tavrane. They had two sons and two daughters. Johnny Hill, and he later retired there. Son Michael emigrated never married and lived in Dromod. Pat was in the to London and remained unmarried. Son Willie emi- English Army. He married in England and moved back grated to London and married Winnie Flatley from to Claremorris in the 1950’s. They had two daughters Kilmovee. He came back and lived in Dromod (house and a son. Sarah emigrated to England and married 3). His daughter Christine Finan now lives in Dromod.

88 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Willie had two other daughters, Martina and Pauline and a son William, they are all in London. Their son, James, went to London and married Maureen McLoughlin from Clara in Co. Offaly. They have four daughters. Their son Harry emigrated to England and lives there. He has a daughter, Claire. Their daughter, Bridie, was a nun known as Sr. Josephine in England. Another daughter, Eileen, emigrated to England and died there. Margaret who was 30 in 1911 later married Mr. Crinnigan from Clooncan. They had a daughter, Mae, who was married to Mike Commins in Clooncan and a son Pat, who emigrated and later bought the school in Clooncan. They had another son, Mattie about whom there is no further information. When James died all the family were in England and it was sold to McNamaras and later Auggie and Maura Ma- hon bought it and built a new house here.

House No. 13 - McNamara In 1911 James McNamara (45), lived here with his wife Anne (46), and four children Patrick (17), James (13), Ellen (12), and Thomas (9). Anne was nee Bogan (from House No. 1), Dromod. Patrick who was 17 in 1911, Frank Loftus married in Dublin and went to live in England. He later bought Waldron’s house (No. 12). He had one son, Jim- Mary Anne later emigrated to Washington, where she my, a teacher who lived in Fourmilehouse. James, who married Mr Marchese (Italian). She died in her 30’s was 13, then never married and lived in this house all and is buried in Cuiltyboe. Delia Agnes went to Wash- his life. Ellen, who was 2, married Pat Lyons, Spad- ington. She married Jim Clarke, an English man, and dagh, Ballyhaunis, and had one son and two daughters. they had 1 daughter Maureen. She lives in Maryland. Tom (9) later emigrated to Leeds, married and had one She married Jack Collins and they have four children. son Tommy and one daughter Mary. Austin Mahon Patrick Martin was 7 then. He later emigrated to New and familybuilt a house here. There is no trace of the York. He married Ann Regan from Currasallagh. They house now. had four children. Edward who was 1 then, later went House No. 14 - Beirne to the U.S.A. and he died young in Philadelphia. Thom- In 1911 Martin Beirne (70), a widower lived here as was born in October 1911. He lived in this house and alone. His wife was from the house in front of this, there married Catherine Waldron from Derrylahan, Brack- is no trace of either house now. loon. They had three daughters, Maureen, Kathleen and Frances. The family emigrated to Birmingham in the House No. 15 - Scally 1950’s. Catherine still lives there and is in her 90th In 1911 Bridget Scally (80), lived here with her son Mi- year. Daughter Maureen married Hugh Donnolly, from chael (35), daughter-in-law. Mary (33), and their chil- Co. Tyrone, and has two children. Daughter Kathleen dren Mary Anne (11), Delia Agnes (10), Patrick Martin emigrated to New York and married John McCarthy (7), and Edward (1). Bridget Scally was nee O Brien and has three children Lori, John and Darrin. Thomas from Dromod. Her daughter-in-law, Mary, was Caron and Catherine’s third daughter Frances lived in Bir- from Dromod. Mary’s husband, Michael, later emigrat- mingham all her life. She had one son. The old house is ed to America. He worked in construction and was still standing. Kathleen and John McCarthy built a killed in Buffalo, New York in a work related accident. new house in Dromod in 2006 on this land.

89 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 16 - Cunnane Hunt, a widow. The Hunts were from Dromod. Thomas was from Crossard, Tooreen. John who was 12 in 1911, In 1911 Anne Cunnane (75) a widow lived here with never married, and lived here until his death in 1970. her son John (33). John later emigrated to the USA, he Peter, who was 8 in 1911, emigrated, remained single married there and had a family. No trace of the house and returned to their house. Mary Kate, who was 3 in n o w . 1911, later emigrated to America and married Denny House No. 17 - Garrahan Fitzpatrick from Kerry. She, too, retired here. She sold In 1911 Alias Garrahan (74), a widow lived here alone. the house and moved to Castlerea and was later buried Her daughter Mary was married to Pat Coffey. (House in Kerry. Sammons lived here in the 1980’s. Marie No.18) No trace of house now Theresa O’Rourke has lived here for the past 20 years.

House No. 20 - Grennan House No. 18 - Coffey In 1911 Mary Grennan, (37), a widow lived here with In 1911 Pat Coffey (King) (47), lived here with his wife her sons, John (13), and Richard (18), and her sister-in Mary (39), and son Pat (13). Mary was daughter of -law Jane Roddy (70). Richard went to America and Alice Garrahan (house No. 17). Pat emigrated to Eng- married there. Jane Roddy was nee Grennan. Another land and was killed in an accident. Joe Garrahan lived son, Pake, who was a step dancer, emigrated to Ameri- here with his wife Mollie Moloney from Cloonmaul and ca and married there. Son Tom lived in Clooncan. John their family from the 1940’s. Their son Michael lives in later married Delia Fitzpatrick, Cloontowart. They had the Jersey Islands. Their daughter Bríd, now decreased one son Richard who married Ann McDermott from lived in England. Phylis lives in Dublin, Angela is in Currasallagh and they lived in Cloontowart. Paul and England and daughter Mary Farmer lives in England. Michelle Mahon built a house on this site. There is no trace of the house now. House No. 21 - Cinane House No. 19 - Clarke In 1911 Maggie Cinane (68), a single woman, lived her In 1911 Thomas Clarke (59), from Mayo lived here with her niece Ellen (19). Maggie lived here alone until with his wife Bridget (45), three children, John (12), her death in the 1930’s. She had brothers in the British Peter (8), Mary Kate (3), and his mother-in-law, Mary Army. There is no trace of the house now.

ALL ABOARD Lisacul altar servers on a visit to Dublin Airport in the 1980’s

90 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 22 - Flanagan (7), Thomas (5), Kate (3), and Norah (1). Pat was from Lower Currahard (Keane’s House). Norah was Flana- In 1911 Norah Flanagan (71), a widow lived here with gan, from Dromod. James, who was 10 in 1911, emi- her son Thomas (34), and daughter Bridget (28). Thom- grated to Leeds, he married and had three sons. Patrick as, married Mary Glavey, from Urlaur, and lived here never married and lived in Dromod until his death. all his life. They had three sons and a daughter. Their Mary went to America, married Bob Walshe, had three son Michael emigrated to England, married Norah and in family. Thomas went to America, married a Dublin was a publican in London, later in Epson and he was girl, had three sons. Kate went to America, married and the longest serving tenant with the Brewery. Their son, had two in family. Norah went to America, married Jack, married Kitty Sherwin, Cloontowart ,and moved Jimmy Curran from Ballbriggan, had three daughters to her home and lived there all his life. They had a shop and one son. Margaret who was born after 1911, went and he ran a travelling shop for many years. Their third to America, married and had no family. Bridget was son, Tommy, married Margaret Fitzpatrick (house No. born in 1917. She married Jimmy McNulty from 34). He worked in England for a number of years. They Gortaganny. They built a new house in th e1950’s and owned the Western Hotel and a pub in Ballaghaderreen lived here. Their family are; Paddy, who married in the 1960’s and retired to Dromod, to a house which Breege Lavin from Annaghmaghera, Castlerea, and was built by his father in 1950. His wife, Margaret, sold built a new house on Cunnanes in 1973. They have five the Dromod house in the 1980’s and lives in girls, Fiona, Ruth, Gráinne, Ciara and Clara. Séamus Loughglynn. Tommy’s sister, Mary, married Jim Dui- emigrated to Manchester, married Angela Roberton gnan, Ballyglass East, they later moved to Pake Bridge. and had one daughter. Mary married Willie Cahalin They had three daughters. Bridget, who was 28 in 1911, (deceased) from Loughglynn. Frank married Hilda married James Waldron from Dromod (house No.12). McGowan, Loughglynn. They built a new house beside Norah’s other sons had moved away in 1911. They were the family home in 1980. Their have one son, David and John (Cahir), Billy (Carrowbehy), Bartley (Cloonmaul), daughters, Sandra, Lorraine and Joan. David is build- Michael (Clooncan) and Patrick (Currahard). Vincent ing a new house beside this. Peggy married Austin and Vera Gallagher from Philadelphia bought the Egan from Tavrane and lives in Shammer, Kilkelly. house as a holiday home. They have two sons and one daughter. The house is House No. 23 - Horan empty. In 1911 Thomas Horan (34), and his wife Frances (37) ,lived here with her children Andrew (9) James (6), Mary Ellen (3), and Catherine. Thomas was from Co. Mayo and Frances was O’Donnell from Meelick. An- drew, who was 9 in 1911, lived here until his death in the 1960’s. He remained single. James emigrated to America, married there and had no family. Mary Ellen also emigrated to America married and had no family. Catherine emigrated to America, married and had four in family. She has a son a priest in New York, Fr. Pat- rick Dunne. The house is derelict. There is a new house on this land and a Dublin family lived here until recent- ly. Angela and Michael Thompson and daughter Grace from Lancashire live in another new house built seven years ago on the land.

House No. 24 - McCann In 1911 Pat Mc Cann (50), lived here with his wife Norah (44), and children James (10), Patrick (9), Mary The Waldron Family

91 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 25 - Sharkey House No. 31 - Creaton In 1911 Winnie Sharkey (50) a widow lived here alone. In 1911 Michael Creaton (50), lived here with his wife Winnie’s late husband was Michael Sharkey and Win- Maria (53). Maria was McGreal before she married nie was McNulty. Their only daughter Katie emigrated Michael. She later married John Higgins from Lisacul. and never returned. There is no trace of the house. He lived here until his death in the 1940’s. After this Lizzie and John Garrahan lived here. Their son Joe

lived here until the 1970s. The house is now derelict. House No. 26 - Flanagan House No. 32 - Creaton In 1911 Catherine Flanagan (75) a widow lived here In 1911 John Creaton (77), a widower, lived here with her son John (45) and daughter in law Mary (35). alone. No further information and no trace of the house. This home was in Sliamh down by the river. John and Mary emigrated to England. There is no trace of the House No. 33 - Goraghan house. In 1911 Michael Goraghan (59), lived here with his House No. 27 - Flanagan wife Bridget (55), and children. John (16), Bridget (14), Eliza (14), Michael (13). John lived here until his death In 1911 Mary Flanagan (74), a widow lived here with in the late 1950’s. Bridget and Michael emigrated to her daughter Bridget Hickey (47), and son in law America. Eliza lived here, had one son Joe who married Thomas Hickey (67). This house was in Sliodh, down by Mollie Moloney, who had one son, James Moloney, who the river. Bridget was previously married to Mr Foster. later emigrated to England. There is no trace of the The Hickeys lived here until their deaths. The house is house. now derelict. House No. 34 - Fitzpatrick

House No. 28 - Sharkey In 1911 Roger Fitzpatrick (70), lived here with his wife In 1911 Pat Sharkey (24), a single man, and his sister Winnie (70), son Henry and granddaughter Mary Jane Mary Ellen (21), lived here. This house was down by Coffey (4), who was visiting her grandparents on the the river. Pat lived here until his death in the 1940’s. night. She later emigrated to America. Henry went to Mary Ellen emigrated to the U.S.A. and died in the America. John married Kate Fitzpatrick from Cloon- 1960’s. This land is now under forestry. bunny, and they had three in family. Roger emigrated to England but never married. Sean emigrated to England, House No. 29 - Mahon he married there and had two sons. Margaret married In 1911 Mary Mahon (55), a widow, lived here with her Tom Flanagan from Dromod (house No. 22). No trace children. James (23), Mary (20), Norah (18), Thomas of house. (17), and Delia (15). This house was down by the river. Mary’s late husband was Thomas Mahon. Mary, who was (20) in 1911, married George Moran from Cur- rahard, and was Mike Moran’s mother. James, Norah, Thomas and Delia emigrated to the U.S.A.. There is no trace of the house.

House No. 30 - Mahon In 1911 James Mahon (58), lived here with his wife Ma- ria (52), and children Annie (14), and Patrick (12). This house was beside house No. 29 down by the river. The family moved from here to ‘a take’ in Mahera. Patrick Pat Caron (2nd from left) Catherine Scally, Michael Wal- later moved to Kilgarriff. There is no trace of the house dron (on right) her three daughters and a friend now.

92 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 35 - Fitzpatrick (2), and Antony (1). Mary was formerly Fitzpatrick from house No. 34. Their daughter, Mary Jane was In 1911 Frances Fitzpatrick (73), a widow, lived here with her grandparents that night. Robert lived in with her son John (45) and daughter Kate (35). This Dromod in this house all his life he died in the 1970s. house was beside Fitzpatricks (No. 34). John later mar- Addy later emigrated to America and married there. ried Ann Corrigan from Lisacul. They had a son and a Antony emigrated to Slough and had three sons and two daughter. The son, Tom, emigrated to England but daughters. Willie, who was born after 1911, married came back to Dromod for a few years in the 1950’s. His Carney girl from Briarfield, Lisacul and lived in Bir- son, John, was killed in an oil rig accident. His daugh- mingham, where they had sons and one daughter. ter Ann and son Tom live in England. John and Ann’s Sonya Staff lives in a new house on this site. daughter was Mary Frances, who married Mr Forde and lived in Galway. They had four sons. Their son House No. 39 - Coffey John lives in Galway. Kate married Michael Flanagan In 1911 Robert Coffey (70) and his wife Anne (71) in Kilrudane (she was his second wife.). There is no lived here. They were parents of Antony in house No. trace of the house now. 38.

House No. 36 - Caron House No. 40 - Caron In 1911 James Caron (68), lived here with his wife In 1911 Thomas Caron (53) lived here with his wife Margaret (71), son James (30), and daughter Margaret Anne (nee Regan) (51), sons Pat (18), and Dan (16). (28). Margaret married James Cahalin from Cloonto- Their eldest son John was already in America. Pat lat- wart. James married Mary Mulrennan, and they had er married Grace Thornton from Cloontowart in one son, James, who lived here all his life. Stefan Ni- Loughglynn Church in 1918. They emigrated to Bir- land lives in the house now. Paul Woods and Michelle mingham and had nine in family. During the second live in a new house on this land across the road. world war Grace returned to Ireland with six of their children. The older children stayed in England. Of the House No. 37 - Caron children who returned, some stayed with their cousins In 1911 Rose Caron (72), a widow lived here with her the Phillips’ in Frenchpark, and some in Cloonmaul son Thomas (38), and his wife Winnie (26). Rose was with other cousins, the Carons. Grace returned to Eng- originally Horan from Dromod. No information on land in 1945 with the children. The family were Paddy, Thomas and Winnie, but they probably emigrated. Mar- Grace, Terry, Eileen, Kathleen who later married garet Cahalin (Caron) spent her final years here. No Frank Harris, Mary who died young, John, Dan and trace of house. Maurice who is married to Sheila and lives in Warwick- House No. 38 - Coffey shire. Dan, who was 16 in 1911, later emigrated to England. He worked in Birmingham and Leeds. He In 1911 Antony Coffey (36), known as ‘Shepard’ lived married Nora, a Yorkshire girl. They had one son who here with his wife Mary and children, Addy (2), Robert died in childhood. The ruins of the house remain.

This horse is keeping a watchful eye on the wall painted by members of the Foróige club

93 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Bridget Waldron (nee Flanagan) with her Bridget Waldron with her sons Harry and William granddaughter, Christine

Bridey Waldron, on left with her dog, and on right after she became Sr. Josephine.

Fr. P.J. Waldron pictured on his ordination with his family: Eileen, Harry, Bridget, Michael, James and Jamsie

Michael Waldron in 1943 Fr. P.J. Waldron gives first blessing to his mother

94 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Feigh - A wood

House No. 1 - Harrington homestead. Donika Monk lives here now with her daughter. In 1911 James Harrington 45, lived here with his wife Maria 41, and their daughter Mary. Another son, House No. 6 - McDonnell James, was born 1912. James remained at home and John McDonnell 40, lived here with his brother Martin later married Bridie (nee Luby), from Aghaderry, 30. Martin married Bridget (Nee Lynch), from Rooskey, Loughglynn, and they had seven children, Seamus, Ballaghaderreen. They had no children. Mae and Eamon, Angela, Mary, Margaret, Ann and Bernadette.. James Connally lived here, while Edward McDonnell Jim Harrington, who is recently deceased, reached 101 and Shauna Clifford have a new house here now. years of age . House still remains on site. House No. 7 - Madden House No. 2 - Noone In 1911 Hanora Madden 75, a widow lived here with Michael Noone 58, lived here with his wife Bridget 55, her son Thomas 36, and daughter Hanora 22. Her oth- and their daughters Ellie and Winifred, Winifred mar- er son, John, was not present on the night of the census. ried a Mr Frehill, from Rooskey. Ellie married Cormac Thomas and Hanora remained single. Johnny married Callaghan from Cloonfad, Tibohine, and they had nine Bridget (nee Moran) from Creevy. No house remains children, Annie, Teresa, Lena, Bridie, Kathleen, here now. Noreen, Thady, Sean and Patrick. Bridie and Kathleen emigrated to the U.S.A., The rest of the family emigrat- House No. 8 - Reid ed to England. Patrick married Eileen Spellman, from Francis Reid 35, lived here with his wife Katie, their Co. Galway and they returned from England to live in daughter Annie Marie, and sons, William Henry and homestead. They had four children Patrick, Michael, Joseph. Martin, George and Alex were born after the Cormac and Mary. Michael and Mary live in England, 1911 census. Annie Marie emigrated to England and Cormac lives in Feigh. Patrick lives in the homestead, became a nurse, William Henry emigrated to the U.S.A. is married to Genevieve Doherty, and they have a and became a priest. Joseph emigrated and married in daughter Anne and a son Eoin. the U.S.A. Martin also emigrated to the U.S.A. and be- House No. 3 - Greevy came a priest. Alex married Margaret (Peggie) Cun- nane from Bekan. George married Mary (nee Mannion) In 1911 John Greevy 40, lived here with his wife Mary from Cloontowart and they had nine children. Concep- 40, and their daughters Kathleen and Mary Josephine . ta, Frank, Ann, Catherine, George, William, Marian, They had another daughter, Bridget, later. sadly both Loretta and Tony, Their daughter, Concepta, lives in Kathleen and Mary Josephine died at a young age. Wicklow. Their son Frank is in London also their Bridget remained in the homestead and remained sin- daughter Catherine. Son, George, lives in Loughglynn gle. Eileen Callaghan has a house on this site and lives and son, Billy, lives in Kilmovee. Their daughter Mari- here with her son Cormac. an lives in Cheshire. Daughter Loretta lives in Buckhill House No. 4 - Hoome and son Tony (R.I.P.) lived in Feigh. Daughter Ann married Art O’Brien from Wexford. Tony (R.I.P.) re- In 1911 Pat Hoome 81, a widower lived here with his mained in the homestead and married Patricia Wynne daughter Maria Mahon 49, and her son Thomas. from Sligo. They had two children Martin and Laura, Thomas married Mary Gallagher from Lisadaly, and Patricia lives across the road from the original home- they had three children, Mary, Eileen and Thomas. stead. Mary is married and living in France, Eileen is married and living in Dublin and Thomas married Teresa (nee Nolan) from Ballinagare (see house No. 24) and they have four children. House is now vacant House No. 5 - McDonnell In 1911 Mary McDonnell 73, a widower lived here with her son Hubert 30. Hubert married Mary Kenny from Driney and they had seven children, Edward, Hubert, Charles, James, Joseph, Mary (Mae), and Bridie. Ed- ward married Teresa Connolly from Moyne, Joseph emigrated to the U.S.A. James, Hubert, Bridie and Charles emigrated to England. Mary (Mae) married James Connolly. James married Kathleen from Done- gal, they had no family, and later returned to the Fr. Tom Mangan, Fr. William Reid and Fr. Martin Reid

95 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Anna and Marian emigrated to England. Michael E. was a Garda. He married Eileen Burke, from Bruff in Co. Limerick, they lived in homestead and had four children, Eileen, Anna, Marian and Thomas. The house is now owned by Matt and Elizabeth Keigher. House No. 11 - Morley In 1911 Thomas Morley lived here with his wife Ellen and their five children, Anne, John, Edward, Ellen and Bridget. Another daughter, Maria, was born after the census. Edward emigrated to England and did not mar- ry. Ellen emigrated to the U.S.A. Annie married. John Kenny from Cloonaugh and they had three children. Bridget married Tom Regan from Creevy and they had five children. Maria and John remained at home and neither of them married. House is now derelict.

House No. 12 - Morley In 1911 Michael Morley 41, lived here with his mother Mary 78, his sisters Bridget 45, Mary 36, his brother Patrick 34, and nephew Thomas 4. Michael and Bridget remained at home and were both single. Mary, Patrick and Thomas all died young. Tom Kneafsey later owned of lands and it is now owned by Gerard Flynn a nephew of Toms. No house remains on site now. House No. 13 - Morley Michael Morley 82, lived here with his wife Bridget 73, their daughter Margaret and sons, Edward and Antho- Mollie King and Bridie McGreal ny. Margaret married Mick Quinn from Aughurine. Ed- ward and Anthony remained in the homestead and where both single. A relative Thomas. J Morley then became owner of the house and lands. He was married House No. 9 - Creaton and had three sons, Michael (R.I.P.), Ian and Vincent. In 1911 James Creaton 55, lived here with his wife Ian now lives in homestead Catherine 54, and their seven children, Thomas, An- House No. 14 - Doohan drew, James, Michael, John, Mary and Agnes. James Creaton’s sister, Kate 45, also lived here. Kate, Thom- Patrick Doohan 56, lived here with his wife Jane 59, as and Mary all remained single. James and Michael and their daughter Winnie, and son Patrick. Winnie emigrated to England. John married Kathleen (nee Fi- married Pat McGreal from Currohoguile North and nan), from Cloontowart and they had no family. Agnes they had five children, four daughters and one son. Pat- was a nun in Loughlynn Convent, and later emigrated rick remained at home and did not marry. Michael to England. Andrew married Bridget (nee McGinty) McGreal now has lands. from Aghaderry, and they had two children Their son House No. 15 - Callaghan James married Una Scott from Ballinagare who lives here now. In 1911 James Callaghan 73, lived here with his wife Hanora 70, and their daughter Lizzie 25. Lizzie mar- House No. 10 - Neafsey ried Michael McGreal from Currohoguile North Mary Neafsey 71, a widow lived here with her son (Whitestown). They had six children Patrick, Joseph, Thomas 32, his wife Francis 31, and their children, Mi- John, Margaret, Maureen and Teresa. Patrick married chael E., John W., and James F. Following the 1911 Ita (nee Duignan) from Aughurine and they have four census other children born were Thomas, P.J., Marian children. Carmel who is married and living in Dublin. and Anna. John W. died at the age of 16. James F. was Ciaran married and living in Ballinasloe. Michael is a school teacher in , Co. Sligo, and he married to Tara White, lives adjacent to Ita and they married a girl from Williamstown. Thomas married have four children, Alice, James, Sinead and Niall. Teresa (nee Flynn), from Castlerea, and they had a Brendan also lives in Feigh, is married to Christine grocery shop in Loughlynn. P.J. married Mary (nee Kilroy, and they have four children, Conor, Alannah, Towey), from Castlerea and they had two children. David and Ava. Ita lives in the homestead.

96 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 16 - Callaghan House No. 20 - Higgins Mary Callaghan 73, a widow lived here with her Thomas Higgins 64, lived here with his wife Winnie 60, daughter Mary 32, and son Andrew 22. Mary married and their daughter Jane 20, and their sons Thomas 22, Pat Towey from Cloonaholly, tand hey had no children. and Michael 18. Teresa Mahon is now the owner of this Andrew married Helen (nee Murphy) from Kiltybranks property. and they had three children, Thomas, Mary, and John. House No. 21 - Cassidy Thomas emigrated to England. Mary married Paddy Hora from Meelick, Loughglynn. John also emigrated In 1911 Elizabeth Cassidy 79, a widow lived here with to England but returned to the homestead when he re- her son, John 40, a widower, and his daughter Eliza- tired.. beth 5. Also there was Elizabeth’s married daughter, Catherine Coleman 38, and her son Michael 5. John House No. 17 - Callaghan married Nora (nee Coleman) from Edmonstown, they In 1911 James Callaghan 56, lived here with his wife had one daughter and sadly Nora died at a young age. Catherine 50, and their daughter Jennie 16. Another John remarried Nora (nee Regan) from Kilmovee, they daughter, Catherine, was not present when the Census had two sons, John and Patrick. James Creaton is now was taken. There is no further information available the owner of this property. and the house no longer remains on this site. House No. 22 - Moran House No. 18 - King Michael Moran 48 lived here with his wife Honoria 39, Robert King 53, lived here with his nephew Robert 18, their daughters Kate and Mary, and sons John and Pat- and his niece Rose-Ann 21. Rose-Ann married in Cas- rick. John emigrated to England. Mary married Mike tlerea. Robert (nephew) married Ann (nee Doherty) Johnston from Rooskey, and they had no children. Pat- from Currohoguile, and they had nine children. Rose, rick married Sarah McNulty from , Bellmullet, and Anne Mae emigrated to the USA, Eamon, Bridie, Co. Mayo. They had four children, Rose (R.I.P.), John, Gerry and Florrie emigrated to England, Martin lives Mary and Michael. John emigrated to England. Mary in Tipperary, Kevin emigrated to Holland, and Robert lives in Athlone. Michael lives in Loughglynn and Rose (Bobbie) lives in the homestead. (R.I.P.), who married Ray Ingram lived in Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. House is now derelict. House No. 19 - Higgins In 1911 Michael Higgins 54, lived here with his wife House No. 23 - Regan Mary 50, their daughters, Jennie, Mary Ann, Kate El- In 1911 Margaret Regan 75, a widow lived here with len and their sons Martin and John. All of the family her sons Martin 44, Patrick 42, and her daughters Brid- emigrated to England. The house no longer remains on get 38 and Honoria 32. No further information availa- this site. ble. The house no longer remains on this site.

STARTING WORK ON REBUILDING THE ALLEY

97 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 24 - McGreal James Patrick. Thomas and Mary King later had three daughters Eva, Florrie and Mollie. Eva married Frank Michael McGreal 47, a widower, lived here with his Roche and they had a son, Ger, and a daughter Mary. daughters Kate, Norah, May, Annie and Bridie and Florrie remained single and lived in Dublin until her sons Michael, James and Patrick. Bridie married a Mr death. Mollie married Joe Madden. They bought Farm- Coleman from Edmonstown, but the whereabouts of the hill in the early 1950’s and had four daughters Mary others is unknown. Tom Cunningham has a house on Carty (Cloontowart), Claire (Sligo), Gabrielle these lands with his wife Teresa (nee Lynch) and (Barrett), Ball Alley Road and Ann (Leetch) Farmhill. daughters Teresa and Niamh. Tom (R.I.P.) and Teresa No house remains on site now Mahon (nee Nolan) also has a house on this property and have 4 children, Michelle, Linda, Thomas and House No. 27 - Byrne Sinéad. In 1911 Thomas Byrne 58, lived here with his wife Jane House No. 25 - King 57, and their daughters Winnie 19, Katie 17 and Janie Agnes 15. All the family emigrated to England. Haulie In 1911 Bernard King 50, lived here with his wife Brid- Roddy bought and became the next owner. He married get 50, and their daughter Maggie 12. Maggie married Joan (nee Higgins) from Kilmovee and they had seven Johnny Giblin from Fairymount. They had four chil- children, Michael, Maureen, Siobhan, Kevin, Pat, Shei- dren , Eugene (R.I.P.), John Joe, Maureen and Peggy. la and Caroline. Maureen went to America where she married, had no family and is now widowed and living in Donegal. Peg- House No. 28 - King gy married, spent most of her life in the Middle East, Bridget King 62, a widow lived here with sons Michael and had two children , Diana and David. John Joe 28,and Edward 20. Ned King married Bea (nee Hig- spent most of his life in South Wales before returning gins) from Feigh, they had a son Jerry who emigrated home, where he died in 2009. Eugene married Gladys to England and did not marry. Caroline Hotson has a and they had a family of five, Catherine married Ray house on this site and lives here with her children. Joe Johnstone, they have two children, Anthony and Emily Morgan also has a house on lands. and live close by. Matthew, his wife Ann and their son , Daniel also live nearby. Joseph, who lives in England House No. 29 - King has two children, Ella and Dylan. Brian lives in Bal- Bridget King 59, a widow lived here with her daughter laghaderreen and has two children, James and Ethan. Ellen 20, and her sons Patrick 29, and Michael 18. The Robert also lives in Ballaghaderreen and has a daugh- next owner of the property was John Duffy, now de- ter, Leigha. Eugene Giblin, who was the first baby bap- ceased. His nephew Philip Duffy, from Currasallagh, tised in the reconstructed Church in 1942, died in 2007 now owns the property. R.I.P.. House No. 30 - King House No. 26 - King In 1911 Catherine King 66, a widow, lived here with James King 72, lived here with his wife Anne 78, and her sons Patrick and Jack. Jack married Mary Ann (nee their son Thomas 37, and daughter-in-law Mary (nee Higgins) from Feigh, and they had three children. Tom- Cryan) 25. Their older son, Michael 46, had emigrated mie and Joe (R.I.P.) emigrated to England, Patrick to the U.S.A. He married Catherine (nee Gara) from (R.I.P.) moved to Galway. No house remains on site Gurteen and they had three children, Rose, Collette and now.

First Bride in Reconstructed Church

Mary Agnes Mangan was a At the age of 23, she mar- native of Cloontowart, the ried George Reid of Feigh youngest child of Edward in November, 1942. and Annie Mangan (nee The couple subsequently Conroy). moved to Feigh where they Mary was the first bride to raised nine in family. be wed in the newly restruc-

tured Church of Christ the King, Lisacul.

98 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Story of an Eviction in Feigh As told by an American visitor

We started on a bright morning and went north and because of the water and it wasn’t good for the cattle. northwest from Castlerea, in the opposite direction to So I couldn’t pay the rent”. where lay the rich grazing lands. We had not gone I wondered where this evicted family was living. many miles when the difference in the country became “Would you like to come and meet my wife, sir” he marked. The green fields disappeared and there lay said and so we walked a few hundred yards up the road miles of unkind looking land on either side of us, with and stopped in front of - - - a stable. There was no mis- wide stretches of brown bog. Here, everything con- taking the place. The broken thatch had been repaired spired to cheat husbandry and make life hard. Cabins and new windows and doors put in, but there was little were on every side, where stones were sown thick in doubt this building was meant fot cattle and had housed the soil and down in the lowlands where the morasses cattle. It was ten feet by eighteen and in one corner was lay. The houses were pitifully mean, the tilled patches a bed made of rough planks. Against the wall was a pitifully small. The poverty was glaring. dresser with rough dishes, a table, two chairs and a In the course of time we came to a place called Feigh, smolder of turf in the chimney - that was all. Mrs. King which comprised a cluster of hovels on the ridge road, came forward, smiling bravely with a little baby in her with hill slopes of stony ground and hollows of bog and arms. On hearing that I was from America, she broke swamp. The bailiffs had been there before me, as in down and cried. “I lived there” she said, “for thirteen half a dozen of the poor houses I saw the “emergency years, working in New York and New Jersey, trying to men” who are placed in charge after an eviction. Each get a bit of money so I could have a home in the old place was guarded by policemen. Most of the unhappy place. First I sent a lot to my own folk, then I saved up people had disappeared, but one stalwart man, still for myself. I brought back $565. Thirteen years I young, came swinging along the road with a big creel worked for that money and I paid it out in three, sixty full of turf strapped to his back. His name was Bernard golden sovereigns to Lord de Freyne for the arrears in King, and he was thirty six years old and as we walked rent”. The poor woman might better have stayed in along the road together he told me the story of an evict- America, but to her nothing was so blessed as to spend ed tenant. the savings of years to buy a farm near her old home. But her sacrifice and her husband’s hard work were to “There were thirty acres of land” he began. “It be- no avail as the land could not be made yield food and longed to my father before me and to his mother before clothing for the family and rent for the landlord. Little him. My grandmother went to London and worked for by little the savings melted away - the “golden sover- seven years until she got enough money put by, enough eigns” disappeared. to get a farm near her own home. Then she came back here and rented the thirty acres from Lord de Freyne. The beginning of the end came the previous February, She paid a big fine to get the land and a big rent besides when a writ of eviction was served on the King family - £8 a year. My grandmother and her husband worked along with many others. Though they struggled to raise hard to raise a living out of the farm, and even got some money, the remorseless machinery of the law through the famine. After that they had improved the ground on, and to their rent arrears was added $200 in place so much that the landlord raised the rent to £10 a costs. It was hopeless, so they just gave up. And so the year. When my grandmother died the land came to my following August the bailiff and his men came, guarded father, and even though he did his best, he somehow by fifty or sixty policemen with rifles and amid this couldn’t make a go of it. When he gave it to me five display of force this little household was cleared out. years back there were four years rent due on it. I had The poor furniture was carried out and flung on the married and my wife had a bit of money, and even ground, the little treasures of the household piled up for though she paid up every shilling of the back rent, still all to see. Who can measure the grief and shame that we couldn’t raise enough crops to keep us going. burdened this man and woman? The brutal turning out Twenty five acres of my land is under water, flooded in the open of things sacred to the hearth, that seems so for eight or nine months of the year. In the other three cruel. In the words of Mrs. King, “the baby, poor dear, months I tried to raise a bit of hay, but the grass soured was only two months old when he was evicted”.

99 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 I summed up the case in my mind thus: Seventy years a horse he valued. This is the end of seventy years of ago a woman, having worked in London for seven work. Yet it is all perfectly legal, and the most civilized years, saved enough to pay “the fine” as it was called, nation on earth quite approves of it. for the privilege of taking a farm. She and her husband As we left the sorry little home of Bernard King and his cleared the land, reclaimed it, built fences, a house and wife, I put a piece of silver in the baby’s hand. The outbuildings. Her son and her grandson continued the mother tried to give it back to me, but her eyes filled work of improvement and her grandson’s wife spent with tears and she gave up. “God bless you, sir”, she $500 in cash keeping the place up. Leaving aside the whispered brokenly, “and a happy , happy home to expenditure of money, there was the expenditure of you”. three generations of heart breaking labour. And the end result? For an unpaid claim of $125, the whole farm, She had wished for me the supreme blessing, which she buildings, improvements and all were seized by the herself had never known, and most likely never would. landlord. The third generation was left homeless, poor- er than the brave grandmother was when she emigrated to London seventy years before. When the Kings were put on the roadside, neighbours took their misery upon themselves as part of the com- mon burden. One man offered a cow stable for which he had no use, his cattle having been sold by the bailiffs to satisfy a rent claim. In this reeking place, the father, mother and their two children took refuge. With the help of neighbours the filth was cleared out, the thatch repaired and the doors made tight against the cold weather. There the family are living today, in a place where no self respecting man in America would stable Bernard King outside his “stable” home

Lisacul Active Age group: Seated L to R: Michael Boyle, Mary P. Carty, Mary Barrett. Standing L to R: Imelda Horan (Facilitator), Kathleen Moffitt, Mary Noonan, Mary Costello, Maureen Clifford, Pauline Dignan, Breda Conroy (Facilitator)

100 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

A group from Lisacul receiving the Co-operation North Award for their exchange with Ballywalter in 1988. Included are: Patricia Cunningham, Nora Reid, Fr. Declan Brady, Pauline Fitzpatrick, Tommy Joe Giblin, Catherine McCormack (R.I.P.), Mary Dunne, Mary Regan (R.I.P.), Mary Carty, Tom Coppinger, Mary P. Carty, Mary Giblin, Margaret McCann, Kathleen Doherty (R.I.P.), Mae Regan (R.I.P.), Mike Carty

Lisacul Ladies Guild members on a night out. Seated L to R: Pauline Dignan, Lil Madden, Delia Coleman, Mary Regan. Standing L to R: Baby McDonagh, Annie Woods, Anna Mae Boyle, Baby Keane, Mrs. Morahan, Mrs Hand, Mary Coppinger, Annie Regan

101 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Kilruane - The church of Rowan

House No. 1 – Vesey The 1911 census shows Michael Vesey (40, and his wife Kate (36), (nee Regan from near Gorthaganny), lived here with Michael’s mother, Mary (72), and their chil- dren Patrick (2) and John an infant. Another son Mi- chael was born later. Patrick (Pake) emigrated to Eng- land but later returned. John remained at home. Mi- chael was killed in an accident in Australia in the early 1960’s. The house was sold and rented for a number of years. Reconstruction work commenced a number of years ago but never completed. There is an unoccupied house, which was built approximately 10 years ago, on this land.

House No. 2 – Mahon The 1911 census shows Thomas Mahon (71), and his wife Ellen (59), lived here with their family Tom (23), Owen (19), Bee (29), Norah (17) and Maggie (13). Tom John V., Fran and Mick Kelly in 1925 went to England. Bee, Norah and Maggie went to America. Maggie married Martin Scally’s brother from Cloonbunny in the U.S.A. and they had a family. Owen The McCrudden Family lives in a house in Kilruane remained single and died in 1970. Richard Crinigan (beside Greenes). now owns the land. Johnny and Mary Maloney lived House No 5 – Doherty here for a number of years. No trace of house now. On the census night Mary Doherty (71) and her daugh- House No. 3 – Doherty ter Ellen (35) lived in this house. Ellen married Mi- Thomas Doherty (25) and his brother John (35) are chael Finn and moved to the house which John Carty recorded on the 1911 census. John remained single and now owns. Ellen had a brother who returned from died here. Thomas married, Roddy from Creevy, and America and married Ellen Waldron from Dromod, a she died with her baby. Thomas later married Mary returned Yank. They had no family. She later married Regan, Creevy. They had three sons Johnny, Martin Duffy from Clooncara, Kilmovee and they lived here. and Paddy, and two daughters, Mary and Kathleen. When he died she sold the place to Morans, (aunts of Mary married Stan Hicks in England and has two sons. Sarah Moran’s husband) from Feigh. The three sisters, Kathleen became Sr. Teresa, a nun in London. In the Kate and Aggie Moran, and later Nellie Bussey, nee 1960’s the family moved up to Bishop Doherty’s house. Moran (her husband was American) lived there. All had Johnny died in his 30’s and Martin died later in Eng- returned from America. Mike and Mary Barrett land. Paddy lived here until his death. Jack Fox bought bought the house around 1953 and Mary still resides this house in the late 1990’s and sold it on again. It is here. now partly reconstructed and unoccupied. There is no trace of the old house. House No 6 – Barrett

In 1911, Martin Barrett (38) and his second wife Anne House No. 4 – Doherty (Bishops) (32), nee Moran, Comeen, with three children Mary The 1911 census shows Michael (Mike Ted) Doherty (7), Bridget (3) and Anne (1) lived in this house. Mar- (33), his sister Mary (35) and his brother Patrick (25) tin’s first wife, who was Doherty from Currahard Up- lived in this house. An older brother Thomas was later per (aunt of Mike Doherty) and mother of Mary, had to become Bishop of Galway. Michael married Mary died. Anne was the mother of Bridget and Anne. Mary McDonagh from Taughhnoose, Castlerea. She went to went to America where she married Jim Cullen from America for a number of years and when she returned Kildare; they had a daughter Maureen and two sons they built the house which Paddy Doherty later bought. Martin and James. Bea (Bridget) married John Gal- It was known was Kilruane House. Paddy lived here lagher; they lived in Creevy and had two sons Mattie until his death. John Greene now owns the land and and Sean. (See Creevy). Annie married Jim Merriman has built a house here where he lives with his wife (see Currahard). They had no family. Martin’s sister Philomena (nee Waldron, Cloonaugh) and their son was mother of American actress Nancy Carroll. The John. house is now demolished.

102 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Jackie and Padraig; and five daughters, Kitty, Marian, Tessie, Bernie and Martina. Seamus is married to Mary Hanifin from Kerrry and they have three sons Paul, Keith and Alan and one daughter Anita. Micheál is married to Veronica O’Çonnor and lives in Kildare. They have two sons Michael and Thomas. Jackie was married to Kathleen (R.I.P.) and lives in Greystones. He has a son Brian and a daughter Amanda. Padraig is married to Elizabeth Murphy from Tooreen and lives in Kilruane in a house built approximately 20 years ago. They have a son Mark and a daughter Eilish. Kitty is married to Tom King from Galway and has two daugh- ters Aisling and Tara. Marian is married to Pat Hanley from Limerick and lives in Scotland. They have three daughters Andrea, Olivia and Stephenie and one son Barry. Tessie is married to Sean Dolan from Leitrim, and they have three in family, Marie, Conor and Ciara. Joe Kelly on the of his granary Bernie is married to Padraig Mulligan, Ballaghader- reen and they have four children, Linda, Barry, Paula and John. Martina is married to Ben O’Neill and has four children Peter, Michelle, Sarah and Stephen. No trace of this house now. House No 7 – Madden (Billy’s) On the 1911 census Catherine Madden (58) lived here House No 10 – Doherty with her daughter Maggie (24) and son William Joseph (21). Maggie and William went to America. William The 1911 census shows John Doherty (43) and his wife (Billy) became an auctioneer. They remained single Catherine (42), (nee Vesey) lived in this house. Cathe- and never returned to Ireland. They had a shop here in rine died and John married Beesy Carney from Car- the 1920’s. Three families lived on one street at Billy’s. nagruckane and they had one son Martin T. who mar- They were house No. 7, Madden, No. 8, John Barrett ried Mary Baggott from Ballinlough. They have five and No. 9, James Barrett - he was Padraic Barrett’s children; Brendan is married to Carmel and they have grandfather. Seamus Madden has the land now. There one daughter Sheila. John is married to Karina. They is no trace of the houses. live in Knock and have three girls. Maureen married Tom Finn, Cloontia. They live in Maynooth and have a family. Teresa married Jimmy Corcoran from Castlerea House No 8 – Barrett (Same Street as Billy’s) and they have two daughters. Eileen is married to Mi- chael Feeney. They live in Ballaghaderreen and have The 1911 census shows that John Barrett (68) and his three daughters. The house is now unoccupied. wife Mary (55), nee Raftery, lived here. They had no family.

House No 9 – Barrett On the census night James Barrett (47) and his wife Catherine (44), (nee Towey), lived here with their chil- dren, Patrick (18), Mary (15), John (12), Annie (10), Agnes (4) and Michael (1). Patrick (Pake) went to England. He married Kitty who was from Kerry. They had three sons and a daughter. Mary went to America. She married an Irish man there. They had a son and a daughter. John went to America and married a girl from Carlow and they had a big family. Annie went to America, married there and had a son and two daugh- ters. Agnes went to America. She married a man from Roscommon and they had one son who died young. Mi- chael married Mary Griffin from Culclare, Kilmovee in 1940’s. They bought house No. 5 around 1953. Five children were born in this house and four were born in Joseph, Eugene, Joe and May Kelly house No. 5. They had four sons, Seamus, Micheál,

103 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 50th EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS, DUBLIN 2012

A Reflection by Lisacul Active Age member Mary Barrett

The Eucharistic Congress of 1932 was far from my the use of one of the corporate boxes for the occasion, mind one fine morning in March of last year when I which meant all facilities were on hand and we had a collected a letter from my postbox. That letter, contain- perfect view of the whole ceremony and the vast crowd. ing an invitation to attend a “Gathering and Remember- The place was full, over 80,000 people, ranging in age ing 1932” event at a Dublin hotel was to take me on a “from the cradle to the grave”, and from all corners of journey back to 1932 and forward to the Eucharist Con- the world. The special prayer for the Congress says gress of 2012 being held again in Dublin, a gap of 80 “Lord Jesus, you were sent by the Father to gather to- years. gether those who are scattered” and that is what it seemed to me the crowd represented. It was a truly As a young girl of eleven years I had the privilege of moving ceremony and worth waiting a lifetime to be attending the Congress in Dublin in 1932, an event present again at a Congress and to experience again a which left a lasting impression on me and which spiritual uplifting and a renewal of faith. We mixed strengthened my faith as a Catholic. You can well un- with so many Cardinals, The Papal Nuncio and Bishops derstand how a slip of a country girl aged 11 would be that it was like being at the election of a new Pope! All affected by all the pomp and ceremony, the singing of of them took time to speak to us and to listen to our hymns and the great crowds of people, but it had the stories and each congratulated us on our devotion to the like affect on me when attending the 2012 Congress as faith over such a long lifetime through the many trials a ninety year old. A minor miracle for sure! and tribulations life must have thrown at us. The invite letter, addressed “Dear 1932 Veteran”, asked One of the main impressions I took from the day was me to attend the “Gathering and Remembering 1932” the presence of so many young people in the huge event in the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin, to share per- crowd. They were there from many countries and all sonal memories of traveling to and participating in the parts of Ireland. I have no doubt that each will be re- 1932 Congress. All a part of the preparation for the newed in their faith and my wish for them is that they 50th Eucharistic Congress a few weeks later. And so, would have a long, happy and content life, which the we gathered as requested at the hotel, 100 surviving Good Lord has favoured me with. I thank God for giv- veterans in total from the 1932 Congress. Following a ing me these two wonderful experiences…even if he lovely Mass, we had time to meet and speak with each did keep me waiting for 80 years!! other and though every story was different, we all had the same wonderful experience of that event which was still clear in our minds. Remember there was a gap of 80 years so none of us were spring chickens! One of the veterans I met and talked to was the former Taoi- seach, Mr’. Liam Cosgrove, a true gentleman. The well known broadcaster, Micheál O Muireachtaigh, acted as Master of Ceremonies. There were reporters from the papers, radio and television there, all interested in hear- ing our memories and stories. I had the good fortune to be interviewed by Pat Kenny for RTE Radio and by a television reporter for RTE television news, which meant my personal memories and experience of that event were shared with the whole country. A radio and T.V. star at 90, surely a minor miracle! God works in mysterious ways.

The veterans, including myself were then invited to attend the closing ceremony of the 2012 Congress being held in Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday 17th June. We had a privileged position in Croke Park, having been given Mary Barrett with the Bealtaine Trophy won for her writing

104 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Kiltybranks - Branks wood

House No. 1 – Brady chael and Amy. They live in Dublin. Michael married This house was occupied by James Brady 67, a widow- Breda Gallagher from Sligo and they have one son er and his four children. The children were Thomas, James. The Kerrane house is no longer standing. Mi- John, Margaret and James. He was known as Tailor chael Kerrane’s other daughter married Tom Freeman Brady. Thomas married Brigid Corrigan from Lave- from House No. 20. They had no family. lock. They had no family. The other three children went to Scotland. No information available on them. House No. 6 – McCormack The house is long gone. Seamus and Teresa Foley Occupied by Jane McCormack, a widow aged 40, and have a house on that site now. her six children Annie, John Michael, William. Nora and Mary were not on the 1911 census. Annie, Mi- House No. 2 – Hanley chael, Nora and Mary went to America. John and Wil- Occupied by Patrick Hanley 50, his wife Kate Hanley liam stayed in Kiltobranks and neither married. Nora 45,and their seven children, Mary, Packey, Bea, Mar- retired to Kiltobranks and all three are buried in garet, Kate, Ellie and John. Bea, Kate and John went Lisacul cemetery. The house is now occupied by John to England. Mary married Michael Higgins from Cal- and Margie Whitfield. low, Frenchpark. Margaret married Michael Corrigan House No. 7 – Mc Cormack from House No. 12. Ellie and Packey lived in Parents: Pat Mc Cormack, 64 and Mary (Nee McDer- Kiltobranks and were unmarried and are buried with mott) 63. They had five in family, Eliza, (the only child their parents in Lisacul cemetery. This house no longer on the 1911 census), Thomas, John, Patrick and Mary. exists. Eliza married John Quinn and lived in Ballaghader- House No. 3 – Scally reen. Thomas married Bea Griffin from House No. 39. Occupied by John Scally 64, and Catherine Scally 52, They had three sons John, Martin, Michael and two (nee Solan) and their children Martin, Annie Kate and daughters Mary and Teresa. John and Martin went to Rose Anne on census night. Four other daughters were England and died there. Mary married Gerald Raftery not on the 1911 census. They were Ellie, Bridget, Lizzie and they emigrated to America. Teresa went to Ameri- and Mary and they all went to America. Martin mar- ca and married there. Michael lived in Kiltobranks ried Mary Finneran from Clooncara. They have one and died on 15th of February 2013. He was unmarried. daughter, Martha who is married in Cavan. Annie There is no further information on Pat and Mary Mc Kate married Bernard Corrigan. Rose Anne married Cormack’s other children who are believed to have Tom Duffy from Creevy. They had no family. gone to America. The house is now derelict. House No. 4 – Raftery Occupied by Brigid Raftery 73, a widow. She had two daughters Annie and Rose. Annie married Tom Butler. No information on Rose. There is no trace of this house but it was probably on the Ballure road.

House No. 5 – Kerrane Michael Kerrane had two daughters Margaret and An- nie. Margaret married Dominick Conroy from Cloon- bunny. They had six in family, Annie who went to America in 1928, Teresa died aged 18, Mary Elizabeth died aged 13 and Andrew died in 1956. Margaret (Peg) married Jim Lavin from Callow, Frenchpark. They had three in family. Michael married Bridget Farrell from Castlerea. They had two in family Dominick and Michael. Dominick married Lucy Annie Kate Scally-Corrigan, Martha and Martin Scally, Delaney from Dublin and has a son and daughter, Mi- Bernard Corrigan and Rose Ann Scally-Duffy

105 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 8 – Mc Donnell Beirne married John O’Hara from Ballaghaderreen, Occupied by Pat McDonnell 76, a widower, and his who was a sculptor. They had no family. House is now daughter Mary. His son John was not on the 1911 Cen- derelict. sus. John married Mary Tarpey from House No. 38. House No. 14 – Higgins They had no family. The house is no longer there. Anne Higgins 62, a widow, and her three children John, House No. 9 – Mc Cann Ellen and Martin lived here. John Higgins never mar- Occupied by Martin McCann 45, and his wife Annie ried and lived in Kiltobranks all his life. Ellen Higgins McCann 40. They had four children Mary, Ellen, John was married near Castlerea to a Mr Garvey. Martin and Annie Josephine. Mary and Ellen went to America Higgins was married in Loughglynn. They had no fam- and John went to Australia. Annie Josephine married ily. This house no longer exists. Tom Lavin from Clooncrawfield. They are both buried in Castlerea cemetery. Their son Tom Lavin now lives in the house. House No. 10 – Kelly Thomas Kelly 64, and Bridget Kelly 45, lived here. Thomas died and Bridget married Mike Gara who orig- inally came from Aughurine. They had no family. The house is now occupied by Gerry McPartland and his wife.

House No. 11 – Corrigan Dominick Corrigan 63, his wife, Catherine 57, and their sons John and Michael were the occupants of House No. 11 on census night 1911. Michael went to Patrick and Bridget (Baby) McCann with children Thomas Joseph and Michael America. John stayed at home and married Marsie Kenny from Derry, Lisacul. They had four in family, one son Paddy and three daughters. One daughter married in England. The other two daughters went to House No. 15 – Shryane America. Paddy was married in Tonroe, Ballaghader- In 1911 Bridget Shryane, a widow, lived here with her reen. This land is where Willowbrook camping site is daughters Kate and Anne. Other siblings who had emi- now located. grated were Bridget (Bessie), Thomas, John and Pat- rick. Kate married Michael McCann from Ardull and House No. 12 – Corrigan lived in the homestead. They had eight children. Jo- Francis Corrigan 54, and his wife Winnie 47, lived here seph died young. Christopher and Mary emigrated to with their family, Michael, Frank and Annie (who was England. Michael, John and Tony emigrated to Ameri- not on the 1911 census). Michael married Margaret ca. Josephine became a nun and now lives in Edge- Hanley from House No. 2 and they had one son Patrick worthstown. Patrick married Bridget Duffy from Francis. Patrick Francis married Kathleen Lavin from Crenane. They had seven in family, six boys and one Clooncara. They had nine in family, six girls and three girl. Kathleen died at fifteen months. Joe, Michael, boys. Frank Corrigan lived in Dublin. Annie Corrigan Patrick, Andrew and Gerard all emigrated to America. married Robert Gara from Aughurine, and they had Sean married Margaret Madden from Currahard and three in the family, two sons and a daughter. P.J. lives lives in the homestead. They had four in family Elaine, in the family home with his mother. Cathy, Andrea and Patrick. Elaine married Tom House No. 13 – Beirne McNicholas from Carracastle, they have two in family On census night 1911 Luke Beirne 84, a widower, his Breen and Oisín. They built a house on the McCann son Thomas and daughter Ellen lived in House No. 13. lands. Cathy married Martin Raftery from Creg- Thomas married Winifred Dalton. They had four in nameen, Castlerea and they have one daughter Lucy. family Patrick, Luke, Jimmy and Tom. Patrick, Luke Andrea lives in Dublin. Patrick married Audrey Fitz- and Jimmy married in England. Tom was unmarried gerald and they have two in family, Jason and Sean. and moved to live in Crenane, he died in 2010. Ellen They also live in Kiltobranks.

106 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 16 – O Hara House No. 20 – Freeman Parents John 36 and Mary 36 and their four children Margaret Freeman 66 a widow lived here with her son John, Patrick, Luke and Mary lived here. Patrick and Thomas and his wife Annie (nee Kerrane from House Luke emigrated. Mary was married and lived in Dub- No. 5). They had no family. Michael Conroy from lin. John married Bridie Gribben from Rooskey. They House No. 5 came to live in this house later as Annie had five in family two boys and three girls. Jack O’ was his aunt. Michael and Breda Conroy and their Hara lives in the family home now. son James now live in this house. House No. 21 – Freeman Mary Freeman 76, a widow, and her two sons Luke and Martin and her sister-in-law Annie lived here. Martin married Mary Hanley from House No. 17. Luke was unmarried. The house is no longer there.

House No. 22 – Corrigan Michael Corrigan. a widower, and his five children Dominick, Mary Kate, Bridget, Robert and Ellen lived in this house. Dominick, Robert and Ellen later went to America. Mary Kate married Mike Roddy from Slieveroe. They had two daughters. Robert returned to Members of the O’Hara family taken in 1952 Kiltobranks and opened what was known as Corrigan’s Hall. He married Delia Rush from Maheraboy. They House No. 17 – Hanley had five in family. Robert died in 1937. His wife and John Hanley, a widower, aged 50, lived here with his family emigrated to America. Delia died in 2002. The family Bridget, Mary, Ellen, Margaret, Annie and his house was afterwards occupied by Michael and Mrs mother-in-law Bridget Freeman. Mary married Martin Whelan and their family who came there from Meath, Freeman and lived in the Hanley house. They had four though both hailed originally from Galway, The house in family. Tommy and Martin went to England; Peggy was later occupied by Des Doyle and Jane Holohan went to America. Sean later married Mary Mulrennan and Jane’s daughter, Emir Holohan Doyle is a former from Creevy. They had two daughters Catherine and Miss Ireland. More recently the house was occupied by Mairead. Patrick and Audrey McCann are now in this the Robertson family, but it is now unoccupied. house House No. 18 – Carty Parents Michael 40, and Mary 27, and children Mar- tin, Kate, Mary Anne an infant, Michael McDonagh a nephew and Catherine Duff, mother-in-law. Martin Carty married Brigid Towey from Crenane. They had two sons Michael and Tom. The house is now unoccu- pied. Tom lives now in Crenane. Thompson Butler built a house on a site on this land and lives there with his wife Pat and family.

House No. 19 – Murphy Mary Murphy a 66 year old widow lived here with her family Ellen, Hubert and Pat (who was not on 1911 census), and another daughter. One daughter married a Callaghan from Feigh. Another daughter called Mrs McCoy came back from America and lived in the home house with her brother Pat. Pat was unmarried and both he and Mrs McCoy are buried in Lisacul ceme- tery. This house no longer exists. Robert Joseph Corrigan

107 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 23 – O’Hara House No. 25 – Lynch Occupied by Mary O’Hara 71 and her son Patrick’O lived here and moved to Rooskey when he Hara. There were two visitors at the time of the 1911 married Sarah Corrigan. They had seven in family. census, Mary’s granddaughter Katie O’Hara from John went to Australia, Thomas became a priest, Joe England and grandson John C. Reid. Patrick O’Hara and Kathleen worked in England, Teresa who died at a married Margaret O’Brien from Moyne and they had young age and Annie married Mattie Towey in Bal- three in family Teresa, Sadie and Gerald. Teresa mar- laghaderreen. Kevin lived and farmed in Rooskey. Fr. ried Cliff Brooks in England, they had two children Thomas was President of St. Nathy’s College in Bal- Martin and Eamon. Sadie married Jim Deery from laghaderreen and later became parish priest in Aughalustia, they had four in family Margaret, Billy, Kilmovee. The Lynch house in Kiltobranks is no long- Sarah and Pauline. Gerald never married. This house er there. no longer exists but on the land attached there are five houses occupied by descendants of the 1911 occupants, House No. 26 – Roddy Margaret (nee Deery) and Frank Dunne, Karen (nee Martin Roddy 65, and his wife Catherine 61, and their Dunne) and Glynn Jackson and their sons Liam and 22 year old daughter Anastasia lived here. There is no Sean, Pauline Regan (nee Deery), Sarah McElhone further information on this family and there is no trace (nee Deery) and Billy Deery. of the house. It is believed that the house was on the

Butler land.

House No. 27 – Corrigan This house was occupied by Bridget Corrigan 54, a widow and her six children Sarah, Bernard, Joseph, Mary, Bridget and Nora. Two of the girls became nuns. Joseph was a teacher. Bridget was a nurse and lived in Loughglynn. Bernard married Annie Kate Scally from House No. 2 and lived in the homestead. They had no family. Leo Corrigan now lives in this house. House No. 28 – Corrigan Bridget Corrigan 63, a widow, lived here with her two sons William and Thomas. Thomas Corrigan married Winifred Mulligan from Creevy. They have six in fami- ly William, Thomas, Maureen, Leo, Vincent and Eileen. Maureen and Eileen were married and lived in Dublin. Thomas lived in Dublin. Leo and Vincent lived in America. William married Winnie Lafferty from Cur- Maggie O’Hara rasallagh and lives in this house now. There are two new houses on this land now, one owned by a Whelan family and one by a Horkan family. House No. 24 – Butler Thomas Butler 41, and his wife Annie 39, and their six children George, Thomas, Vincent and John. Paddy House No. 29 – Coen and Nano were born after the 1911 census. The four Pat Coen 38, and his wife Mary 38, lived here with elder sons went to America. Paddy married Molly their five children Maggie, Michael, Frank, Mary Anne, Giblin. They had six in family Thompson, John, Ange- John and John Kerrane 80, father-in-law. Maggie and la, George, Maureen and Patricia. Nano married Cor- Mary Anne both went to America. Michael and John mac Griffin from House No. 39. They had four in fami- went to England and were married there. Frank lived ly Marie, Michael, Brendan and Gerry. This house is at home and never married. Frank died on St. Ste- now occupied by Steve Dobson and Shelia White. phen’s Day 1982. House no longer there

108 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 30 – Coen House No. 30 was occupied by Michael Coen 30, and hiswife Ellen 30 (nee Toolan), and their six children, Mary Elizabeth, Patrick, Gertrude an infant and Thom- as. Michael and Kathleen were not on the 1911 census. Mary Elizabeth went to America and was married there. Thomas, Michael and Kathleen married in Eng- land. Gertrude married and lived in Ballina. Patrick lived at home and married Mary Ann Higgins from Currasallagh, and had four in family, Mary, John, Catherine and Ann. Mary went to England and was unmarried. Ann lives in England and married Harry Hamer. Catherine married Joseph McCormack from House No. 34. They had seven in family. John died in The monument erected at the entrance to Kiltybranks cave 2005, Mary died in 2008 and both are buried in Lisacul cemetery. the Gardaí and married and lived in , Co. Offaly. John lived in Kiltobranks and married Bridget Glynn from Aughaderry. They had six in family, five girls and one son. Joe lives in the home now and was married to Catherine Coen from House No. 30. They had a family of six boys and one girl. Catherine died in 2001. House No. 32 – McCormack Margaret McCormack 52, a widow, lived here with her three sons Martin, Thomas and James. James married Maria Moran from Creevy and went to live in Creevy. They had two in family Tom and Kathleen. Tom is un- married. Kathleen married Mike Doherty from Cur- rahard. They had four in family. Thomas was married in Kilmurray, Castlerea. There is no information on Martin and the house no longer there. House No. 33 – Raftery Pat Raftery 54, and his wife Ellen 32, lived here with their family of eight, Kate, Mary Ellen, Joseph, Annie and Delia an infant. James, Andrew and Patrick were not on 1911 census. The four daughters all went to Joseph McCormack America and married there. Joseph and Andrew were married in England. Patrick went to America and was House No. 31 – Mc Cormack unmarried. James married Mary McCormack from House No. 31, was occupied by Joseph McCormack 56, House No. 7. They had one daughter and emigrated to and his wife Anne 54 (nee Scally). They had nine in America in 1958. Paddy Horkin and his wife Mary family. William and Charles were twins and had gone lived in the house afterwards. The house is now unoc- to America. John and Winifred were gone to England cupied. Ciaran McCormack built a house on a site on at the time of the 1911 census. Living at home were this land. Ellie who became a teacher in England, Celia Ann who House No. 34 – Raftery married Owen Grady from Crenane, Joseph who went Mary Raftery 72, a widow, and her son William lived to America and became a missionary priest. Edward here. No further information on this family. The house went to America and married there. Christopher joined is no longer there.

109 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 35 – Corrigan Kiltobranks and died in 2003. Two of the girls went to Martin Corrigan 37, and his wife Maggie 28, and Nora England, one became a nun the other a music teacher. Cassidy, Maggie’s sister and their three children lived The third daughter married Tom Dooney from here. Martin was the local carpenter and had a work- Loughglynn. The house is now occupied by Sarah But- shop there. His wife was from Kilmovee. Their son ler. Tommy Joe married Rhona Beirne from Rooskey and House No. 39 – Griffin lived there. Kathleen married Phillip in Dub- John Griffin 50, and his wife Bridget 53, and their fam- lin. Rosaleen never married and worked in the civil ily Bridget, Michael, Anne, Cormac and Kate, (who service in Dublin. The house is now rented. Martins was not on the 1911 census) lived here. Bridget mar- great-granddaughter, Caroline Higgins, has a new ried Tom McCormack from House No. 7. Anne mar- house on this land now. ried Mike Duffy from Kiltymaine. Michael remained single. Kate married a Mr O’Gara from Cortoon. Cormac married Nano Butler from House No. 24. They had a daughter Marie, and three sons Michael, Bren- dan and Gerry. Marie died at a young age. Brendan built a new house on this land. There are two more houses built on this land, both owned by the Deeney family. Gerry Griffin lives in the family home now.

Mary, Tony, Sr. Josephine and Patrick McCann

House No. 36 – McCormack John W. McCormack 50. and his wife Nora 45, lived here with their six children, Kate, Michael, Florrie, William J., Martha and Margaret. William J. joined the Gardaí and lived in Cork. Margaret married Ned Regan from House No. 37. All other family members went to America. The house is no longer there. House No. 37 – Regan Sarah Regan 71, a widow, and her son Edward and her Brendan Griffin, Michael Joe Regan and Dominick Naughton sister Bessie Higgins lived here. Edward Regan mar- House No. 40 – Griffin ried Maggie McCormack from House No. 36. They had Michael Griffin 61, and his wife Winifred 62, lived in five in family. John was an engineer in Dublin, James this house. This house was adjacent to the other Griffin was in the civil service in Dublin, Sally was a nun in house and is long since gone. There is no more infor- Charlestown and Margaret was married in Kerry. Mi- mation on this family. chael Joe was farming in Kiltobranks and was married to May Honan from Charlestown. They had a son and House No. 41 – Roddy a daughter. There are two new houses built on this land The occupants of this house were John Roddy 74, and now. One is owned by the Lynch family and one by the his wife Bridget 69. They had three in family Ellie, Ce- Kilcoyne family. cilia and Thomas. Thomas married Sabina Cafferky House No. 38 – Tarpey from Drumalasson and they had nine in family, eight The occupants of this house were Patrick Tarpey 72, girls and one boy. Three of the girls went to America and his wife Bridget 69, and their two daughters Mary and married there. The other girls married in Ireland. and Kate. There was a son Ned who was not on the John lived at home and married Ann Kilkenny. They 1911 census. Mary Tarpey married John McDonnell had four in family, three boys and a girl. The house is from House No. 8. They had no family. Kate married still there and the family built a new house on the land Pat Mulrennan from Cloonaugh. They had three and Mary the daughter also has a new home on the daughters and one son Paddy who lived all his life in land.

110 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 42 – Rogers The occupants of this house at the 1911 census were Mary Rogers 49, a widow, and her six children. Brid- get, Mary, Patrick, Kate, Elizabeth, Annie and Thomas who was not on the census. Thomas, Bridget, Mary, Kate and Elizabeth all went to America. Pat, Annie and Edward lived at home. Annie died in her thirties and is buried in Kilruane graveyard. Pat died in 1959 and Edward died in 1998. Both are buried in the new cemetery in Lisacul. The house is now owned by Vin- cent Higginbottom as a holiday home. Cyril and Mary McGuire built a house on the land, and have two in family, Sinéad and Barry.

Michael Conroy at work on the land

House No. 45 – Dalton Ann Dalton 54, a widow, and her daughter Winifred and son James lived here. James married M. Kearns from Kilmovee. They had four in family three girls and one boy, John who lives in Ballaghaderreen. Bridie married Jim Meehan from Kilmovee. Annie married in England and May (R.I.P.) lived in Kiltobranks. Win- ifred married Tom Beirne from House No. 13. This house is now derelict. House No. 46 – Killoran Owen Killoran 35, his sister Ann and nephews Owen Patrick and Michael Joseph lived in this house. There Ned Rogers does the shopping is no information on this house or family. Owen Kil- loran may have been a teacher in Lisacul School. House No. 43 – Rogers Occupants John Rogers 68, and Sarah Rogers 47, were brother and sister. They lived next door to House No. 42. They were aunt and uncle to the children of that house. The house is now demolished.

House No. 44 – Coleman The occupants of this house on Census night were Thomas Coleman 74 and his wife Marcella 69, their two sons Patrick and Thomas and daughter Mary. Pat- rick married Bridget Cafferky from Aughaderry, they had no family. Thomas and Mary never married. Wil- lie and Margaret Duffy later purchased this house. Their son Martin Duffy and his wife Betty built a new house on the land and they have three in family, Tere- sa, Sandra and Martin. Teresa and Kevin Cahill also have a new house on the site of the old one, while Mar- tin Duffy and his wife Elaine also built house a new house on the lands. Robert Corrigan and his dog

111 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 My Five Years in a Chinese Prison

As told by Fr. Joseph McCormack

The nightmare began one morning in December 1947, and a half feet and I shared it with four other prisoners, when five armed Communist soldiers entered the house all Chinese. I named it “the pigsty,” but actually my of Fr. Maurus Pai, a seventy year old Chinese attached father would never have kept his pigs in this filthy, to the Maryknoll mission territory I headed in Manchu- maggot ridden place. Shortly after my arrest I was in- ria. Without giving any explanation, the soldiers or- troduced to a Communist court, where “justice” is ad- dered the old priest to accompany them to their head- ministered. There were about twelve people present, quarters. There, despite the frigid Manchurian winter, amomg them two women, one of whom was an inter- Father Pai was stripped of his clothes and thrown into preter, a few male secretaries, political workers, a cou- an unheated prison. After ten days of torture they tried ple of judges and the ever present machine gun guard. him, and naturally he was convicted and sentenced to My first impulse on seeing such a pompous group was death. He was shot three times in the back of the head. to smile and say “And the top of the morning’ to you too!” I knew then that if our thirty seven Chinese seminari- ans were to escape torture and possible death I must During the first eight months of imprisonment I had move them from Red infested Manchuria. We decided seventy two separate interrogations. The questioning to set up a temporary base in Peiping. The constant usually lasted about two and a half hours. After every pressure of the Communists made it necessary for me interrogation, we prisoners had to write down every- to move to Shanghai in December 1948. But things thing we had said in court. This not only was very try- weren’t much better there. For as the Communist ing, but it gave the Communists a chance to cross ex- movement grew stronger the persecution of the Church amine us again if we changed one word of testimony. intensified. Every day Priests and Sisters were impris- Two years and eight months later, after hundreds of oned where some were executed and others brain- trials and thousands of questions, I was finally given an washed - their minds twisted, made insane. I anticipat- open trial and was sentenced to five years in prison. I ed arrest at any time and was tipped off on June 15 was charged with collecting political and economic 1953 that I was to be arrested. I just sat there in my information for the American government. But the real room, that beautiful summer evening, waiting for them. charges were for performing priestly duties, protecting It was an appropriate day - the twenty-ninth anniver- the seminarians and “knowing too many people in sary of my ordination to the priesthood. And sure prominent positions.” For these “crimes” according to enough they came, about thirty of them - both men and Communist “justice,” I merited five years of mental women. One even carried a machine gun to arrest a and physical torture. To say the prison food was mere simple old priest after his twenty eight years of work in garbage is simple, but to eat it for five tears is some- China. thing else again. The Chinese prisoners told me that the rice we were given was fifth grade, and poorly cooked They swarmed all over my house, a soldier pointed a at that. Even the prison guards, who were iron men in machine gun in my face and a woman soldier asked me most respects, couldn’t stand the stench of it. But I was in English, “Are you Joseph P. McCormack?” “I guess hungry, and I ate it - at times with an appetite. I am” I answered, to which she replied, “You are under arrest for for your destructive activities.” When I asked Not permitted to move or talk we soon learned that, by what she meant, she said “No questions asked, no an- wetting a finger, we could write notes to each other on swers given.” When we arrived at the prison I was the dust covered floor. Annoyed for months by the stripped, my clothes torn off me and searched. Then weird looking shapes that seemed to appear on the they gave me back my shirt, trousers and shoes, with- peeling, whitewashed walls, we found that turning out laces. I was taken by the back of the neck by a big them into a game like ink blots helped to pass the time fellow who half carried me to the cell door. With one away. A simple coat button provided us with weeks of shove he sent me sprawling into a darkened cell, my amusement, before a prison guard discovered our sport home for the next year and a half and one of a long line and trampled our button to pieces. All in all I was de- of cells I was to occupy. My cell was six feet by four tained in four prisons during my first year’s sentence.

112 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Each was as bad as the others. Late in 1955 they moved blocked the doorway, screaming and shouting violent me to the Ward road prison - the motherhouse of the invectives against us. So we hightailed it over to the pigpens scattered around Shanghai. I figured from the British Consulate then, and when I saw the British flag number of buildings - thirteen - and the number of pris- hanging there over the entrance, I cheered , “Hooray!” - oners in each - 2,500 - that there were over 30,000 most unusual for an Irishman. We rushed inside like prisoners incarcerated at Ward Road. To substantiate beggars, dumping all our rags and junk from the prison my estimate the prisoner number I was given on enter- on the clean floor of the consulate. But no one seemed ing was 28,198, the number I had to respond to at all to mind. They gave us a wonderful welcome and we sat times. A few months later , at the beginning of 1956, I down with the vice consul, drinking coffee and talking asked for an interview with the prison officials. I ex- for hours. Five days later the British ship Changsha plained to them that I was a sick, stupid old man, which steamed into Hong Kong, and Fr. Wagner and I were was partly true as I was actually very sick, my entire aboard her - absolutely free, and believe me, very body swollen and distended because of the prison diet. thankful. Lack of vitamins, no doubt. I’d wake up in the morning in fairly good shape, but as the day wore on my arms, feet and stomach would begin to swell up. By the time I was ready to sleep I looked like a monster, my feet and hands were masses of chilblains. The judge took one look at my emaciated condition and ordered me to the prison hospital immediately. The reason was obvious, too many priests had already died in the jails and pris- ons of China, and they didn’t want that to happen to me. Injections and treatment at the hospital improved my condition somewhat, but the swelling of my body and limbs still continued. In June 1956 my health improved considerably, so I was moved into a small jail on the other side of Shang- hai, where I lived with other American priest prisoners. It was my first contact with westerners since my arrest. One of the priests was Fr. Cyril Wagner, the Franciscan from Pittsburg, who had been framed on espionage charges similar to mine. We were scheduled to be re- leased together. One by one the other priests were re- leased, until only Fr. Wagner and myself remained. During this period the food was terrible and we would all have died had it not been for the food parcels sent to us by friends and relatives. Ironically it was the relax- ing of the ban on food parcels that provided me with the greatest consolation of my five year prison career - Fr. Joseph McCormack was born in Kiltobranks in the ability to celebrate Mass secretly with wine and 1893. After he left school he emigrated to the United hosts that were smuggled in. States, entered Maryknoll seminary and was ordained a The weeks rolled by pretty quickly after that. We were priest. In 1925 he left for the mission of Fushun, Man- released on June 14 and the first thing we did was to churia. During World War II after being interned by report to the Franciscan church in Shanghai. But Fr. the Japanese, he was repatriated on the S.S. Gripsholm Wagner and I had a surprise waiting for us there. A in August 1942. Five months later he took up new work small crowd of Chinese who claimed to be “progressive in the missions of Chile, but soon after the war ended Catholics” - the name given to those who joined the returned to Manchuria, where his five year ordeal in communist controlled “Independent Church” - were Chinese prisons would soon unfold. He was the uncle waiting for us. When we tried to go in to say Mass, they of Joe McCormack, Kiltobranks.

113 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Corrigan’s Dance Hall Gerald O’Hara and Tony McCann. With England’s en- trance into World War 2, many of the Irish living there Robert J. Corrigan had emigrated to America in 1916, returned home to avoid being drafted to serve in the but returned home to Kiltobranks in the 1920’s with an army. While the war lasted it was these returnees who idea for a project that would transform the social scene filled Corrigan’s dance hall and ensured that Robert’s around the village and the surrounding areas. His idea dream project in his native village would be a success. was to transform an old barn into a dance hall and But similar to many projects before and since in our around 1930 commenced work, removing the roof of country, circumstances were to change dramatically the barn, extending the height of the walls as well as the within a few years. With the ending of the war most of length of the building and slatting the roof. those who returned, along with many more, began to head back to England to work on rebuilding cities badly damaged as a result of bombing. Attendances began to fall and finally in 1948 Corrigan’s hall closed its doors to the dancing public for the last time. The Corrigan family have long since left Kiltobranks, but the build- ing, like its counterpart McLoughlin’s hall, still stands, a reminder of an era in our parish fondly remembered but long since gone. ______Kiltobranks Cave

Corrigan’s dance hall as it looks today

The main entrance to the hall was close to the road, and above the entrance he built a gallery, which was origi- nally to be for the use of the band. However it was dis- covered that this was not the ideal location for bands as the full volume of the music didn’t reach to the dance- floor. And so, later, a raised stage was added at the oth- er end of the building. A coat room and counter were placed at the entrance, where refreshments could also be sold. Both ladies and gents toilets were constructed, The entrance to Kiltobranks cave which could be accessed from inside the hall. A wood- A cave in the of Kiltobranks may well be a en floor was installed and timber benches fitted all pre-historic tomb. It is located on high ground which around it. There were two emergency exits and the hall was one of the forts of Lisacul. The entrance is careful- was lit by kerosene lamps hanging along the walls ly constructed and a lintel can be clearly seen. It is cov- The project took about seven tears to complete and was ered by a low mound of stones. John O’Donovan’s Sur- scheduled to open on Easter Sunday night, 28th March vey notes in 1836 says that it was called Umhaidh 1937. Sadly, though, Robert would die as a result of Phadraig. It is possible to enter the cave but there is complications from pneumonia on the day before his some water as it gets deeper. Human remains were dream was due to become reality and the opening had found there in the late 1950’s as electricity poles were to be postponed. The hall did open, however, at a later being erected. After an archaeological inspection of the date and was run by a committee of young men from site, the line of the poles was changed, as it was be- Kiltobranks, consisting Tommy Beirne, Paddy Butler, lieved this could have been a burial place in the past.

114 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Members of the Dignan and Madden families, Currahard

Jim McDonage and friend

Pat Mulrennan, Kiltybranks, and his son all tackled up

Kiltybranks neighbours Mike Conroy and Ned Rodgers

Jim and Bridie Harrington, Feigh. Bishop Christopher Jones pays a visit to Mary Reid, Whitestown Jim died earlier this year aged 101

115 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Camping in Kiltybranks

17 years ago we arrived in Kiltybranks, to start our ad- Parallel to the development of the camping park, was venture, and finally after many years of hard work the the development of the Willowbrook Centre of Oriental Camping Park is looking very picturesque, with the arts. landscaping, riverside walk, and Japanese tea house The centre teaches Traditional Japanese Martial arts overlooking the lake. Kobudo and Tai Jitsu, Chinese Yang Tai Chi and Qi From the beginning we had decided not to work with gong. the banks, having had experience with recessions in We run courses on the healing and martial arts of both England, it was decided to take the slow path and pay Japan and China. as we go, with the majority of work being carried out by ourselves, friends and wonderful Wwoofers Recently we had the first Japanese tea ceremony work- (Worldwide opportunities in organic farming). shop. Our two children, Richard and Victoria, grew up and Over the last five or so years we have run workshops became adults, Richard is now a qualified acupunctur- on the following: Origami, Calligraphy, relaxation and ist, working from here in our clinic at the Willowbrook distressing, Element theory. centre of Oriental arts, every weekend. Also from the In the near future we will be running a herbal balm Willowbrook medical Centre in Ballaghaderreen on workshop. Fridays. For more information please visit Our daughter like so many from Ireland now lives in www.willowbrookpark.com and www.wcoa.ie Australia with her Irish boyfriend Wes, they have set- tled down to life of sunshine, hard work and fun. Dave and Lin Whitfield

Best wishes on your Gathering and the publication of your book

116 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Kiltymaine - The middle wood

House No. 1 - Mulrennan the family, but it is known that following the death of his wife, Mike remarried to Bridget (Biddy) Kelly from Resident here on census night were James and Mary Kiltybranks. They moved away and the house was sold Mulrennan, sons James, John, Pat and Michael, daugh- to John and Catherine Corcoran, who had one adopted ter Mary Vesey and her six year old daughter, Molly. son Thaddeus (Teddy). Teddy remained in Kiltymaine James and Pat were both shot during the Irish civil until his sudden death and the house is now vacant. war. The other two sons, Michael (Kruger) and John (Dice) remained in the house for their lifetime. Daugh- ter Mary who had married (Vesey) also came back to live with her brothers along with her daughter, Molly, who would later marry (Howley) and settle in Achill. She had two sons, one of whom, Enda, joined the priesthood and celebrated his first mass in Lisacul church. Another sister, Elizabeth, not on the census, also married. The house and farm were later pur- chased by Noel Deane who then sold it on to Martin Tommy (Sailor) Corrigan, centre, with Eamon DeValera and Margaret Tynan, who renovated the house and At back is Michael Boyle, Lisacul now reside there. They have a family of four, Kieran House No. 6 - Keigher (R.I.P.), Noelle, John Joe and Fergal. A new house has In residence here on census night were John and Anne been built on the land and is occupied by... Keigher, sons, John and Patrick along with daughters House No. 3 - Roddy Jane and Ellen. Another daughter Mary was not pre- sent. The Keighers arrived from another area of Ros- Present here on census night were Thomas Roddy, his common as ‘herds’ on a divided farm in Kiltymaine. son Thomas and daughter Sabina. No further infor- Jack and Ellen remained in the house and worked the mation is available on the family and the house, which farm. Mary and Jane both married, while Patrick also was along the river behind Mulrennan’s, is long since married and resided in . There was a big gone. G.A.A. connection in the family, who were related to House No. 4 - Corrigan the family of the famous Kilkenny hurler Eddie Keigher. Recorded here on census night were John (Sailor) and Then Mary’s son, Eamon Boland, was one of the stars Ellen Corrigan, their son Thomas, John’s father Thom- of the All Ireland winning Roscommon football team of as and his sister Mary. Son Thomas (Tommy Sailor) 1943/44. The house is now vacant. went to England for a time but returned to the home place eventually. They also had three daughters, two of whom, Ellen and Mary Agnes, emigrated to the U.S. where Ellen married (Sullivan). Mary Agnes became a nurse and returned home later in her life and lived in Kiltymaine before moving to Ballaghaderreen. Their other daughter, Anastasia married Tommy Duffy and they settled in Crenane and had a family of three, twins Seán and Maura, and Breege. The house is now vacant, while Anastasia’s son Seán works the farm. House No. 5 - O’Gara In this house on census night were Michael (Mike) and Catherine O’Gara, sons James, Michael ,Martin and daughter Mary Jane. There is no further information on Ellen Corrigan feeding her turkeys

117 Kiltymaine Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 7 - Duffy age of 100 and Peg is still alive and living in New York. Teresa went to England where she married (Simpson) Present here on census night were James and Mary but had no family. A new house was built close by in Duffy and their children Ellen and Patrick. Little else is the late 1950’s, in which Jim, Ellen and Eddie (who known about the family, although it is believed the remained at home) lived. Eddie later married Mary house may have been behind Keighers. Kate Cafferkey from Kiltymaine. The farm was pur- House No. 8 - Duffy chased by Frank Hunt from house No. 9 and he lived in Honoria Duffy was the sole resident of this house on the house for a short time, but it is no longer occupied. the night of the census. No further information could be House No. 11 - Flanagan obtained either on her or the whereabouts of the house. The residents here on census night were John and House No. 9 - Corrigan Catherine Flanagan, their daughter Kate and son Pat- On census night, this house was occupied by John rick as well as a female cousin, Bridget Duffy. They (Boxer) Corrigan and his wife Bridget (Beezie Boxer). had one other son Thomas who was living in Bal- They had no children. After John’s death Bridget re- laghaderreen. Neither Kate or Patrick married and married Philip Hunt from Kilmovee and they later sold Patrick continued to run the farm. Thomas had married the house to Philip’s nephew, also Philip Hunt, who Mary Ann Flanagan from Silverfield and they had four had married Mary (Mamie) McCann from Lavelock. children, Bridget, Patrick (Pake), Mary Ann and Thom- They had four children, John Patrick, Francis, Teresa as, who joined the priesthood as a missionary. Mary and Christina and built a new house adjacent to the old married John Coppinger from Co. Galway and they one. Francis who married and had a family of six still came to live in the house in Kiltymaine with her uncle resides in Kiltymaine. John Patrick now lives in Bal- Pat. They had a family of two, Tom lived in the house laghaderreen. Teresa (Foley) lives in Kiltybranks and until 2007 when he moved to Ballaghaderreen and also has six in family, while Christina (McGee) lives in Pauline who married Tony O’Hara, has one daughter and has two children. The house is now oc- and also lives in Ballaghaderreen. The house was sold cupied by one of Francis’ sons. to an English couple who sold it again after a short time. It is now occupied by a Hunt family, no relation to the neighbouring Hunt family.

Eddie Roddy loads up the trunks

House No. 10 - Roddy Present in this home on census night were James and Ellen Roddy, their daughters Anne and Ellen (Lena), and James’ mother Anne. They afterwards had four more children, Edward (Eddie), Margaret (Peg), Brid- get (Bea) and Teresa. Four of the girls went to the U.S.A. where Anne (Corbett) and Bea (King) both mar- Tom and Pauline Coppinger with their granduncle ried and both had two sons. Lena died in 2011 at the Pat Flanagan

118 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 12 - Corrigan Those present on census night were Michael and Ellen Corrigan, daughters Mary Kate, Honoria, Ellen and sons Patrick and Michael. Mary Kate and Honoria both emigrated to the U.S.A. while Ellen later married John O’Hara from Kiltybranks. Patrick went to England where he married and had one son. Michael (Mike the Eelweir) remained at home and later moved to a self built cottage in another part of the village. His nephew, Bernard came to live in this cottage for a short time following Mike’s death but returned to England, and the cottage is now occupied by Seán and Breege Corri- gan (no relation) and family. House No.12 itself is now Lena Roddy, Mary Kate Roddy and Mary Coppinger derelict.

House No. 14 - Mulrennan Present here on census night were Thomas and Cath- arine Mulrennan, daughters Kate, Mary, Ellie, Marcel- la , Nora, sons James and John. All the girls emigrated to the U.S.A. and while there is no further information on Mary, Ellie, Marcella and Nora, we know that Kate returned home to live with her brother John in house No. 14. James, meanwhile married Sis Roddy and set- tled in Creevy, near Lisacul crossroads. They had one daughter, Mary, who went to the U.S.A but returned Children L to R: Breege Duffy, Mary Whelan, Christina home to marry Seán Freeman of Kiltybranks and they Hunt, Maura Duffy, Marie Kinneavy, Pauline Copping- had two daughters, Catherine (Isle of Man), and Mai- er, Teresa Hunt. Adults L to R: Mrs Duffy, Anastasia réad (Co. Tyrone). The old house is still standing but Duffy, Ellen Corrigan, Mike Doherty, Ann Doherty, has been vacant since the deaths of John and Kate. Mary Kate Roddy.

House No. 13 - Corrigan House No. 15 - Duffy On census night, this house was occupied by Michael and Mary Corrigan, daughters Bridget, Mary, Lizzie Resident in this house on census night were Ellen Duffy, and sons James and John. Bridget is believed to have a widow, her sons Michael, Martin, Thomas, daughters married and moved to Laois, while both Mary and Liz- Ellie, Winnie Kate and Teresa. Two other daughters not zie are thought to have emigrated to the U.S.A. but no on the census, Bridget and Mary, emigrated to the further information about them is available. Sons John U.S.A. where they both married. Ellie married (Egan) and James both went to England and more information and settled in Aughalustia, while Winnie Kate became a on them could not be found either. Another daughter, nurse, married an Englishman and settled in Kenya. Annie, not on the census, went to England where she Teresa died at a young age. Martin also emigrated to married (Toolan) and had one daughter Marie who the U.S.A. Thomas married Susan and both married and had one son. Annie returned home follow- were teachers in Fairymount. Michael (Mike) married ing the death of her husband and built a new cottage Ann Griffin and settled at home with a family of two, on land in another part of the village, which was later Martin and Eileen. Martin went to England where he occupied for a time by Mary Agnes Corrigan from married and had a family of two. Eileen married Harry House No. 4 but is vacant at present. Frank Hunt from Duffy from Banada, Ballaghaderreen, and they had a House No. 9 also built a house on this land of which he family of three, John, Marion and Eugene (who joined is now the owner. House No. 13 is now derelict. the priesthood). House No. 15 is now derelict.

119 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 16 - Flanagan moved into a nursing home shortly before their deaths. Those present here on census night were Henry and Dominick (Dompey) married and moved to Brenamore, Mary Flanagan, sons John, Dominick, daughters Kate Loughglynn and had family of five, one of whom, Mi- and Mary. Kate married (Cunningham) in Tibohine and chael, works the farm in Kiltymaine. His daughter had two in family. Dominick and another son Thomas Christina McDonagh built a new house on the lands. (not on census) went to England and there is no further House No. 21 - Doherty information on them. Mary and John remained at home The occupants here on census night were Michael and and worked the family farm. House and farm were later Mary Doherty and their daughter Mary. Mary, the bought by Seán Corrigan, Creevy and are now owned daughter married James Cafferkey from Culliagh and by his son, also Seán Corrigan who is at present build- they settled in Kiltymaine, at first in House No. 21, be- ing a new house on the lands. Another new house was fore building a new house nearby. They had one daugh- built on these lands some years ago and is occupied by ter Mary Kate who remained at home and later married James and Christina Dooney and son Ross. Another Eddie Roddy from House No. 10. The house is now new house has recently been built on part of these lands owned by Michael Conroy, Kiltybranks and rented to by Richard and Vanessa Anderson, who have a family Des Doyle. The original house no longer exists. Two of three. House No. 16 is still standing but no longer new houses have been built on the lands, one occupied occupied. by Jim and Agnes Hagen and the other by Nadine House No.17 - Doherty Croghan and the other by John and Clara Seery

This house was occupied on census night by Martin and Winifred Doherty, daughters Mary, Bridget, Kate, sons House No. 22 - Roddy Michael and Martin. Kate died at a young age while Martin and Bridget both went to the U.S.A. and no fur- The only resident here on census night was Mary Rod- ther information is available on them. Mary and Mi- dy, a single woman. There is no information available chael (Mike) remained in the house and worked the regarding Mary or the whereabouts of the house, alt- farm during their lifetime. The house is still there but hough it could possibly have been in the vicinity of no longer occupied. House No. 21. House No. 18 - Regan House No. 23 - Corrigan Present here on census night was Honoria Regan, a The only two people residing here on census night were widow. There is no further information available re- Bridget Corrigan, a widow and her daughter, also garding her or the whereabouts of the house, though it Bridget. Again there is no further information available is thought it may have been along the main road close on either or on the whereabouts of the house. to House No. 17. House No. 19 - Mulrennan In this residence on census night were Thomas and Bridget Mulrennan, son Thomas and daughter Bridget. Again there is no information available on the family or house, but it is presumed it was also close to House No. 17. House No. 20 - Doherty Those present in this house on census night were Dominick and Norah Doherty, their son Dominick and daughter Kate. Son Dominick is thought to have emi- grated. Kate married Charlie McDonagh and settled in the homestead and had a family of six. Bridget (Bea) is married in Ballinasloe and Nora is married in England. Peggy went to the New York, where she married. Mi- Members of the McDonagh family, Dominic (Dompey), chael (Mick) and Mary remained in the house until they mother Kate, Mary and Michael.

120 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 My Memories of Kiltomane A poem by Pauline O’Hara (nee Coppinger)

Born in the fifties myself and Tom Annie Toolan was lovely with a heart made of gold To wonderful parents Mary and John But always she’d say she was feeling the cold A magical childhood in Kiltomane She would head off to England at least once a year Memories so special will always remain Bringing back white chocolate you couldn’t get here

Dad worked hard as he whistled along We longed for the times when Lena came home And mam did her work while singing al song This yank from America was out on her own They read library books when they sat down at night We’d all gather around the big trunk on the floor With the paraffin lamp as their only light For all in the village she had presents galore I know every inch of this house and the farm Back in New York she had her card shop So full of mystery, adventure and charm But when she came back it was parties non - stop Every tree in the field and each blade of grass Dad he would drive her around in the car And the fairy tree that scared us as by it we pass And we’d visit the Kelly’s outside Castlebar There was no television in those early days But we were amused in various ways The travelling people with no fixed abode Dad hung a swing from the branch of a tree Would set up their camp on the side of our road A plank on a barrel a see - saw would be With their horses and dogs and wandering goats I think of our neighbours like Ellen and Jim And Dad got so angry when they flattened his oats The Hunts were so special, Mamie and Phil They would pull up his carrots, oh how he’d be on edge The well for spring water was just past Hunt’s gate As they hung up their washing all over his hedge Up in the field behind Johnny and Kate When threatened with the guards soon they were gone The old village pump as you walked up the hill But you always knew they’d be back before long Where people once flocked their buckets to fill Many years later in an out of use state It looked sad and redundant at Mike Duffy’s gate You’d meet Eddie Roddy going to see Mary Kate Always destined to marry even if it was late

And then Mike the Eelweir who lived all alone

Down by the river in an old house of stone

I’d shout up to Christina “will you come down” And listen to hear my echo resound She would run in to Mamie to see what she’d say Mary & John Coppinger on the Eelweir footbridge And she’d give her one hour to come down and play First we would play hide and seek in the hills The river to me was a magical place Then doctors and nurses with smarties for pills As I sat on the footbridge with the wind on my face Then all too soon we would hear Mamie call I’d watch all the fishermen catching their pike And Chris ran up the field jumping over the wall. And before I went home I’d call in to see Mike With broken up radios and clocks that did stop I’d ramble across the ‘new road’ as a child His house it was like an old curiosity shop And meet Mrs. Corcoran so gentle and mild Mechanical problems you had no need to fear A man we called ‘Sailor’ also lived over there Mike he could fix it though it might take a year And in a two storey house you might see Jack Keigher I remember John Corcoran with his horse and plough Mike Doherty and Mary lived along the main road No tractors or balers like farmers have now Mick McDonagh was funny when on stage he strode Teddy and John always lent us a hand Next door Mary Kate who was always so nice When saving the hay or ploughing the land And up near the bridge were Kruger and Dice

On long summer evenings we’d bring Pal for a walk Now I stand on the footbridge as the river flows on Mam said the rosary and sometimes we’d talk The water of yesteryear is now so far gone One thing I remember which disrupted the peace And people like water drift quickly away Twas the flapping and hissing of Flanagan’s geese Much though we love them we can’t make them stay

121 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisadaly - O’Daly’s fort

House No. 1 - Giblin (Tony) and Patricia Cunningham bought the lands and shop in 1970 and lived there with their family Marie In 1911 Maria Giblin lived here. She had no depend- Angela, Kieran and Joseph until 2009. The house is ents. Pat Mc Greal owned the lands after her death. Pat now unoccupied and for sale. Melvin now owns the land there is no house there House No. 5 - Cafferky House No. 2 - Brehony In 1911 Anthony Cafferky lived here with his wife Cath- Thomas Brehony lived here with his wife Bridget, erine (nee Boyle) they had eight children, Bridget, daughters Bridget , Mary, and son James. Their daugh- John, Anthony, Pat, Martin, Katie, Agnes, and Joseph. ter Bridget emigrated to the U.S.A. Neither Mary or When Anthony senior passed away his wife and family James did not marry. Keenan’s have a house on the all emigrated to the U.S.A. Joseph and Patricia Cun- land now. ningham have a house here and live where the Cafferky House No. 3 - Rodgers homestead once stood. In 1911 Michael Rodgers lived here with his wife Anne, daughters Bridget, Winifred and sons Thomas, Andrew House No. 6 - Breheny and Michael. The family emigrated to England. Pat Boyle was the next owner of the lands. Joe Madden now Michael and Catherine Breheny lived here with their owns the land, Pauline and Terry Fitzpatrick have a children Michael, James, Patrick, Catherine, Elizabeth house on the lands and Eamon and Carol Beirne also and Mary Ann. Michael, Catherine, Elizabeth and have a house on this site. James emigrated to the U.S.A. Mary Ann married a Mo- ran from Creevy. Patrick married Ann Melvin from Cloonaugh, and they had a daughter Catherine (Katie). Katie married Tommie Greene they had 7 children Brendan, Angela, Imelda, Catherine, Eileen, Rosaleen and John. Brendan lives here now with his wife Karen and their family Manus, Thomas, Meaveen, Jamesie and Brian. House No. 7 - Finn Pat Finn and his wife Mary lived here with children Patrick and Agnes and Pat’s mother, Mary. Patrick went to England and did not marry, Agnes married John Joe Doherty (Carnagruckane). Tom and Marga- ret Toolan lived there for a time, as did Pat and Madge Towey with their family. John and Geraldine Clarke own the house presently.

House No. 8 - Breheny Taken outside Lisacul P.O. were at back L to R; Padraic In 1911 Pat Breheny lived here with his daughters Moran, Brendan Costello, Michael Lundon, Jimmy Hunt, Catherine and Maria. Maria married Michael Duffy Frank Doherty. Front L to R; ajohn Morley, Marie Cun- from Kilmovee and they had a daughter Kathleen. She ningham, Kieran Cunningham (on bike), Angela Cunning- married Paddy Flaherty and lives in Monasteraden. ham Mary Dunne lives here now with her daughter Annie and Annie’s two daughters Emma and Avril. Mary Dunne (nee Madden) also has a house on this land. House No. 4 - Fitzpatrick

John Fitzpatrick lived here with his wife Winifred (nee House No. 9 - Hunt Rodgers) and sons Thomas, John, and Michael. John and Michael emigrated to England, Thomas married Pat Hunt and his wife Winifred lived here in 1911 they Winifred Dyer (Currasallagh), they had two sons John had seven children, Michael, James, Patrick, Annie, and Terrance and two daughters Mary and Teresa, Norah, Mary and Winifred. James and Patrick emigrat- John married in England, Terrance married Kathleen ed to England, while Annie, Norah and Mary emigrated Lafferty (Baby) Currasallagh, Mary married Jerry to the U.S.A. Winifred married Edward Hallis Reid, Ballaghaderreen, Teresa married Jodie Geelan, (Carnagruckane). Michael married Bridget Rodgers and they live in Ballina. Johnny and Nancy Cummins (Currasallagh) and they had a son James (R.I.P.) and bought the lands and lived there for one year. Joseph daughter Mary (Mae) who lives here now.

122 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 10 - Murren U.S.A. except John. Bridget returned and lived in Creevy with her husband Jack Brehony. John married Thomas Murren who was a teacher lived here with his Winnie Sharkey (Tibohine). They had five children house keeper Bridget Niland. A Mr Fogarty then came Mary Kate Mahon (Feigh), Beatrice McCormack Cur- to this residence and after that James Glynn and his rohoguile, John Lissian Ballaghaderreen, Michael wife, both teachers, lived here with their family. The (R.I.P.)and Tom remained at home. There is no house residence was the home to Fr Michael, Sligo, Fr Sea- here now. mus and Fr Tom, Maureen McGuinn (Charlestown) Sr. Nuala, Sr. Cora and Sr. Concepta (R.I.P.). Patrick McGreal (R.I.P.) with his wife Roseleen (nee Doherty) House No. 17 - Hopkins (R.I.P.) also lived there with their family (see Whitestown). Claire Taylor (Teacher) lived here with Domnick Hopkins lived here with his wife Bridget (nee her husband Bill (R.I.P.), daughter Frances Lavin and Duffy). The land was sold to Gallaghers. The Health son William (lLoughlynn) Margaret Colton and her Centre is now on this site. Michael and Connie Duffy husband Joe, (R.I.P.) were the next owners and Marga- also have a house built on these lands. ret still lives here.

House No. 11 - Freeman House No. 18 - Mulligan Bridget Freeman lived here with her son Thomas. John Mulligan lived here with his daughters Rose, Thomas emigrated to England. Thomas Keenan built a Mary Ann and her husband Martin Daly, (a Police Pen- house on this site and lived here with his wife Annie sioner). Rose married a Carney from (Currasallagh). (nee McDonagh) and his daughter Mary and son Gerald O’Connor (Teacher), with his wife Frances and Thomas. Mary (R.I.P.) married Padraig Meehan from family, Sr Doreen, Frances (R.I.P.), Denis, Manorham- Cloonfinish Swinford. Thomas (R.I.P.) married Eileen ilton and Gerald (R.I.P) took up residence here. They (nee Mullarkey) (R.I.P.), from Cloonfad, They had three ran the Post Office here from 1931 to 1972, before children, Alan, Nigel and Dympna. Dympna now lives building a new house next door. The new house was here now with her sons Lee and Rhys and her brother sold to James (R.I.P.) and Mary Creaton and then Nigel. Frank and Noelle Hannon took it as a holiday home. It House No. 12 - Hunt is now owned by Sean Creaton. Shane Dunne and Lor- raine Freeman now live here. Michael Gallagher then Thomas Hunt lived here with his wife Margaret and son moved into the original house. Sadly since this article John. John lived here with a female aunt Bridget Re- was first written Michael Gallaher has gone to his eter- gan. The Hunt family emigrated to England. John Tay- nal home and this house is now vacant. lor now owns the land. House No. 13 - Freeman Brian Freeman lived here in 1911, but there is no trace of any house now. House No. 14 - McLoughlin Kate McLoughlin lived here in 1911 with her daughters Maggie, Kate and sons John and Patrick Joseph. Pat- rick Joseph married Elizabeth Regan (Currahard). They had six children, Margret Casserly and Maureen Cagney (Manchester), Kathleen Moriarity (R.I.P.) (Kilmovee), Michael and Patrick Joseph (England) and Ambrose (Dublin). Michael and family have a holiday home here now.

House No. 15 - Raftery Mary Raftery lived here in 1911 with her daughter Honoria and sons John and Andrew. John emigrated to England. Tom Gallagher lives here now. House No. 16 - Gallagher In 1911 Dan Gallagher and his wife Mary lived here with seven children, Bridget, Patrick, John, Michael, Anthony Cafferty, Patricia Cunningham, and some young Thomas, Kate and Ann. All the family emigrated to the friends have a party.

123 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Memories of Shops in Lisacul By Patricia Cunningham

My first memory of a shop is in Carnagruckane, where great asset to people who did not have any means of Mrs Mary Ann Doherty and her daughter Rosaleen had travel as well as to the elderly. Creaton’s Pub also sold a shop. The shop was situated adjacent to the house, groceries, while Mrs. Winnie Gallagher opened a shop when we went there they would leave their kitchen and in her house after her family had grown up. Next to unlock the shop door. They sold all the main commodi- McLaughlin’s run by Johnny. Mrs Winnie Fitzpatrick ties that were needed at the time, including lamp oil for built a lock up shop across the road from her house cir- the lamps. When we would see the Dyars Bread van ca 1950, and with the help of her daughter Teresa they from Castlerea pass by our house we would cross the ran this shop until 1968. Johnny and Nancy Cummins field to the shop and buy four batch loaves fastened to- purchased the premises and ran it over for one year, gether for half a crown, the equivalent of twelve and a with Johnny also providing a travelling shop during this half pence today. They also supplied a tray of lovely time. cream pastries, although it was only an odd occasion we In 1969 Tony and I took over and ran it as a lock up were lucky enough to be able to purchase one of those. shop for two years. In 1971 we moved into our new Another shop in Carnagruckane was owned by Maura house in Lisadaly with two children, Marie and Angela. McNeill (Doherty), a lock-up shop, which she operated In 1972 a vacancy for a Post Master/Mistress became adjacent to where Bridie Doherty now lives. This available, for which I applied and was successful. I be- served also as a meeting spot for the boys and girls of came Post Mistress on the 1st of March 1972. Since my era, To Cloonaholly we go next to another lock-up there weren’t any phones in the houses at that time, we shop, owned by Martin Kenny, his wife Rose and were busy delivering all kinds of messages. It was great daughters Agnes and Mary. When Agnes married Mal going to a house when a new baby had arrived but there Coleman she still ran the shop until 1975 when she were also a lot of sad messages to be delivered. There called it a day. Currahard is the next port of call, where were also a lot of Telegrams and Money Wire, whereby Raftery’s had a shop. This was later to become Rushe’s. men working away from home would wire money In Silverfield Tom Finn had a shop in his house, and I home to their families, a faster way of getting money remember going there for Tobacco and Lamp Oil. On to home. The phone kiosk was located inside, and when a Cloontowart where Kitty and Mary Sherwin had a person needed a call, I logged it in a book and rang shop. This was to become Flanagan’s when Kitty mar- Loughlynn Exchange, who would pass it to Castlerea, ried Jack Flanagan, who operated a Travelling shop and so there was a long wait even for a local call. How and took in a large area. Corrigan’s had a shop in Cur- technology has changed! As well as a Post Office and rasallagh where Trudie Kelly now lives, and Janie Bo- shop it served many purposes, messages, parcels to be land (nee Lafferty) opened a shop in her uncle’s house. picked up, directions etc, I must say I enjoyed every This was later run by Mary (Baby) Lafferty who kept it day of my work for forty years, we met wonderful peo- in operation for many years afterwards. The main shop ple and lifelong friends. It was with great sadness we in Lisacul was Doherty’s at the crossroads, ran by Mrs closed our door in 2009. Annie Moran (nee Doherty) and her brother John Joe. They employed a few people and had accommodation for their employees at the rear of the premises. Many people brought their eggs here, where they had a lady who tested them before they were packed into creates and brought by lorry to Dublin. They also ran a travel- ling shop. Tom Regan also had a shop at the Cross- roads at one time. I have very good memories of this, as one day on our way from school we got loads of ice- cream. There was no electricity in Lisacul at the time so Tom operated a fridge from a generator. That day there was a problem with the generator and the ice-cream was getting soft and had to be used immediately. So need- less to say there were some happy kids that day. John and Vera Creaton had a shop the other side of the Crossroads, at which they also operated petrol pumps for a time. Up the road Mrs Merriman opened a shop with her son Sean, whose wife, Imelda, later ran this shop. Sean also had a Travelling shop. These Travelling shops were a Doherty’s shop in the 1920’s

124 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Silverfield - Meadow of silver

House No. 1 - Walsh home later in life. Both remained single. Michael went to live in Ballaghaderreen and remained single. The In 1911 Catherine Walsh a widow lived here with her house is now derelict Ena Melvin and her son Joe have son, Pat 36. Pat never married and remained living a house on lands. here. No house remains on this site

House No. 2 - Regan Pat Regan lived here with his wife, Bridget, and their House No. 6 - Finn daughter Mary Kate. Pat’s brother John and his moth- On thenight of the census Martin Finn lived here with er Mary 73, also lived here. Pat and Bridget Regan had his wife Margaret and their daughters, Anne, Mary and six more children after the 1911 census, John, James, Bridget and their son Thomas. There is no information Michael, Thomas, Patrick and Maggie Delia. John, and the whereabouts of Anne or Mary. Bridget married James, Michael, Thomas and Maggie Delia all emi- Patrick Hunt from Brenamore, Loughlynn, Thomas did grated to England. Mary Kate emigrated to the U.S.A. not marry. No house remains on this site. Patrick remained at home and married Annie Moran House No. 7 - McCormack from Tullyganny, Urlaur. They had four children, Thomas in England, Breege in Wales, Maureen in Gal- Martin McCormack, his wife Jane and their children way and Patrick (R.I.P.) remained at home. Patrick Mary, Jane, Patrick, James, Martin, John, William and (Paddy) married Pauline (nee Deery) from Kiltybranks. Michael were present here on the night of the census they had four children Lorraine, Angela, Sarah and in1911. Elizabeth was born after census. Patrick mar- Kieran. The house is now vacant. ried Beatrice (nee Gallagher) from Lisadaly, (see Cur- rohoguile). Elizabeth married Thomas Higgins from House No. 3 - Regan Kilmovee. Mary, Jane, James, Martin, John and Mi- In 1911 Patrick Regan lived here with his wife Hanora. chael all emigrated to the U.S.A.. William married On census night five of their seven children were pre- Mary (Mae) Higgins from Kilmovee. They had three sent, Thomas, Laurence, Michael, Mary Ann and Hano- children Paddy (R.I.P.), Mary Kate, London, and Eliza- ra. Thomas married Bridie Buck from Kerry and they beth Mullingar. The house is now vacant, but Joe and had two children, Thomas and Nora Margaret, who Jenny Mulvanney live on a new house built on the land both later emigrated to England. There no further in- adjacent to it. formation available on Laurence, Michael, Mary Ann or Hanora. Anthony and Niamh Melvin and their two daughters have a new house on lands House No. 4 - Dalton On the night of the census in 1911 Dominick Dalton lived here with his wife Ellen and mother Ann Gorman. This family relocated to Cloonfower. The next owners were Jack (John) and Mary Ann Green. They had five children, James, Thomas, John, Mary (Baby) and Bri- die. James and John emigrated to England. Mary mar- ried Dominick Lafferty from Currasallagh. Bridie mar- ried John Sharkey from Tibohine, and Thomas married Catherine Brehony (see Lisadaly). Thomas’s son John and his wife Stephanie and son Jack are now owners of the property. House No. 5 - Beirne In 1911 Martin Beirne a widower lived here with his sons John and Michael and daughter Mary Ann. Mary- Ann married Thomas Flanagan from Kiltymaine. They settled in Ballaghaderreen and had four in family, Pat- rick (Pake), Bridget, Mary Anne and Thomas, who joined the priesthood. John married Winifred Caulfield from Kilmovee and they had a daughter Mary and a son Martin. Martin remained at home while Mary worked for many years in Dublin before returning Janie McCormack (nee Flatley) and daughter Mary

125 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 House No. 8 - Melvin In 1911 Pat Melvin lived here with his wife Mary and their children, Mary, Kate, and Pat. Mary’s wherea- bouts are unknown. Kate married Joe Doherty from Carnagruckane, they had no family. Pat married Cathe- rine McMahon from Clare. They had seven children, Alfred, Jack, Joseph, Mary, Peg, Kathleen and Bridie. Jack married Pearl Noone from Ballaghaderreen, and lived in Dublin. Alfred married Kathleen Regan from Currasallagh, and lived in Dublin. Mary married Pa- draig Feeney from Ballaghaderreen, and lived in Eng- land. Peg married Joe Grennan from Orlar, and lived in the U.S.A. Kathleen married Vincent McGarry from Tibohine. Bridie married Tom Gaffney and they live in Ballaghaderreen. Joe married Ena, from Dublin. They had six children, Pat, Joe, Michael. Anthony, Mary and Caroline. Pat lives here now with his wife Therese they have four children, April, J.R, Melissa and Ross. Mary and Elizabeth McCormack

House No. 9 - Morrisroe House No. 14 - Beirne In 1911 Thomas Morrisroe lived here with his wife On night of census in 1911 Pat Beirne, his wife Mary Bridget, and son Patrick. On census night, his nephew, and five of their six children at that time, were present Thomas Flanagan, and sister-in-law Winifred Caulfield in this house; Kathleen, Thomas, Edward, Josephine were also present. Patrick remained single. No house and William. Rose was not listed. In the following remains on this site years, Bridget, Mary, Winifred, Teresa, Joseph and Pat- rick were born. Rose died at a young age, Thomas, Pat- rick, Bridget, Kathleen, Josephine (Josie, who became a House No. 10 - Melvin well known recording artist) and Evelyn all emigrated Dominick Melvin lived here with his wife Catherine. to the U.S.A. Edward and Teresa emigrated to England. They had no family. Dominick was a step brother of Teresa later returned to live in Sligo, Joseph married Patrick in house No. 8. No house remains on this site Margaret Moran (see Creevy). Winifred and William remained at home they did not marry, Mary (Mamie), House No. 11 - Hunt who became a Nun (Sr. Aidan), still lives in Sligo and st On night of census in 1911 Margaret Hunt, a widow, we are proud to say she celebrated her 101 birthday lived here with her son, Martin and daughter-in-law this year. The house is now derelict. Kate. After the census was taken, Martin and Kate had a daughter, Mary, who married Dominick Doherty from Carnagruckane. They had a daughter Mary Tere- House No. 15 - Grady sa who emigrated to England. The next owners of the property were Pat Stenson his wife Violet and children Thomas Grady a widower lived here in 1911. The next Margaret and Patricia. Martin and Freddie McMahon owners were James and Catherine Towey, James came are the present owners and they have four chil- from Brosna and his wife Catherine (nee Corrigan) dren ,Con, Laura, Martin and Maureen. from Currasallagh. They had three children, Thomas, Michael and Mary (Mae). Thomas emigrated to Eng- land, Michael emigrated to the U.S.A. Mary (Mae) mar- House No. 12 - Mulrennan ried Peter Quinn from Co. Armagh. The house was then occupied by Tom O’Mahony his wife and children. It is Peter Mulrennan and his brother William are listed in now vacant. this house on the night of census with a niece, Mary Ann Walsh, from Mayo. Later John Joe Mulrennan and his sister Delia Mae lived here and they both emigrated House No. 16 - Greene to England. No house remains on this site. In this house in 1911 Michael Greene lived here with House No. 13 - Beirne his wife Winifred, son John and daughters Mary and In 1911 John Beirne lived here with his wife Jane and Annie. Two other sons James and Thomas had emigrat- daughter Mary. Mary married James Doherty original- ed to England. Annie married Conor Gorman from ly from Carnagruckane, and they didn’t have any chil- Dromod, John was a bachelor. No house remains on dren. No house remains on this site this site

126 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Sister Aidan Celebrates 100th

Sr. Aidan Beirne re- Brendan McDonagh accompanied by her nephew turned to her native Eamon and his wife Carol who reside in the parish. Al- Lisacul in February so in attendance were many relations and friends from 2012 for a celebration the locality as well as the pupils and teachers of Lisacul of her 100th birthday, national school who provided some beautiful hymns organised by the local during the Mass. Fr. McDonagh commended Sr. Aidan parish pastoral council. on her own long life of service and also remembered This was the second the other women from the Lisacul area who had an- celebration of the spe- swered the religious call down through the years. cial occasion as a Among the gifts presented during the Mass were birth- function was also held in the Sligo Park hotel early in day cards hand made by each individual pupil of the January to mark not only Sr. Aidan’s birthday, but also national school. Afterwards all present adjourned to close on 80 years as a religious sister. A thanksgiving Lisacul Community Centre for refreshments and the Mass was celebrated by Bishop Christopher Jones in cutting of a birthday cake prepared specially for the the presence of family, relatives, friends and fellow occasion and iced with a picture of Sr. Aidan. She was sisters. Among those in attendance was her 92 year old also treated to an exhibition of Irish dancing from six brother Patrick, (since deceased) who travelled from the year old Jenna Cunningham, back from New York to U.S. for the event with his daughter Geraldine and her visit her grandparents Tony and Patricia Cunningham, husband Tony. Bishop Jones in his homily paid a glow- Lisadaly, with her parents Joseph and Gail. Among ing tribute to Sr. Aidan for her long and dedicated ser- those present to celebrate the occasion were two sen- vice to the church and the community. Afterwards she ior members of the local community, 92 year old Tom- was presented with a cheque on behalf of President Mi- my Gallagher and 91 year old Mary Barrett. Sr. Aidan chael D. Higgins by the Mayor of Sligo, Councillor thanked all those who attended, including all the Rosaleen O’Grady. schoolchildren and said it was lovely to come back to her own home parish to celebrate. As for her recipe for Born Mary Beirne in Silverfield, Lisacul on 2nd Janu- her long and healthy life; “I put my trust in God and ary 1912, she was better known as Mamie and was the helped anyone I could”. A very good motto and thank seventh child in a family of thirteen, eight girls and five God Sr. Aidan is still hale and hearty. Here’s to many boys. She attended Lisacul national school and from more years of faithful service to her vocation. there went to the Franciscan Convent in Loughglynn where she learned sewing, embroidery, knitting, cro- chet, dressmaking and various other crafts. In Decem- ber 1932 she entered religious life in St. Patrick’s Con- vent of Mercy, Sligo, and was soon putting her talents as a seamstress to good use making all the long habits with pleated skirts, veils and cloaks for the sisters in the convent. Indeed even at 100, Sr. Aidan can still ma- chine and hand sew as good as ever. Among her other talents were making pictures from pressed flowers, sheepskin rugs and fire screens by needlework. She loves flowers and plants, has a great talent for flower arranging and to this day loves to keep an eye on the garden. Coming from a musical family- one of her sis- Sr. Aidan pictured in Lisacul Community Centre following ters Josie, was a recording artist in the U.S. - Sr. Aidan her 100th birthday celebrations with some of her relatives; loved Irish music and delighted her friends with a song L to R: Angela Butler. Teresa Gallagher. Patricia Madden. on her 100th birthday. Sheila O’Doherty. Tom Coppinger. Pauline O’Hara. Paul- In Lisacul Sr. Aidan attended Mass celebrated by Fr. ine Dignan. Jim Dignan.

127 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisacul’s Own ‘Calvary’

In a hidden corner of a field in the heart of Silverfield Fr. Costello was then transferred from the parish later lies a patch of land known locally as ‘Calvary’. It is in that year, but his replacement, Fr. Michael McManus fact a children’s burial ground, the final resting place of proved equally enthusiastic about the project. Further unnamed babies, some of whom were stillborn and oth- collections were held and a number of local ladies even ers who did not live long enough to be baptised. The took part in the Ladies Mini- in Dublin to teaching of the Church at that time did not allow unbap- raise funds to restore the burial ground. Gradually, un- tized babies to be buried in consecrated ground. And so der the supervision of Mary P. Carty and her team of it was that the parents of such children would go to this workers on the local FÁS scheme the plot was trans- spot, usually under the cover of darkness, to bury them formed, with a proper fence erected, landscaping, in- and mark their little ‘plot’ with a stone. cluding the addition of a rockery, and a limestone cross was placed on a specially built plinth. For many years this this small burial plot remained hid- den in this field, overgrown and indeed only known to And so on Sunday 27th August 1995 a special Mass some of the local families who had siblings buried was held in Lisacul church to commemorate those bur- there. One of those who happened to have a sister bur- ied in ’Calvary’. On the altar was the image of a foetus, ied in ‘Calvary’ was Patricia Cunningham and she de- with a flickering light giving the impression of it’s cided to bring it to the attention of Fr. Martin Costello, heartbeat, all designed by local girl, Lorraine Regan. the local curate in 1994. Having inspected the plot it Afterwards another ceremony was held in the burial was decided to do some further research on it, and on ground itself, during which it was blessed and those talking to some of the older members of the communi- tiny infants buried there remembered. It was a special ty, it emerged that at least fifteen families had immedi- moment for the families of those with relatives buried ate relatives buried there. With local interest now there and it meant the now had a place they could visit aroused, fundraising commenced and a clean-up was and pray for members of their family they had never undertaken. known.

128 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Fair Day Seán Regan remembers a time long before cattle marts

The traditional fair where livestock were bought and cattle were sometimes transported by train to their des- sold has long since died. For many, it was a way to tination in . earn a living the likes of which we are very unfamiliar It was a long day standing around waiting for cattle to with today. The process of buying a selling livestock, in be sold. Once the deals had being struck there were two particular cattle were carried out on a large scale from yards in the town where cattle could be left so we could September to May. At that stage the bulk of the heavy get something to eat. There was Dooney’s yard, which farm work was complete for another year. The turf was was opposite the co-op and a yard behind Dennis home from the bog, the crops had being harvested and Egan’s shop. The cattle could be left in there at a price the horses had being re shod. of one shilling each. Dinner was usually had in Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis, Charlestown, Killkelly Towey’s, where a great meal was always provided. Af- and Swinford were the big market towns in the local ter getting up so early in the morning it was always area. My father used to buy two to three cattle in one much appreciated. There was always good craic and town and they were sold off at the next fair in the next banter to be had at the fairs. Some days we left the fair town. I remember on occasions where he bought and town happy having secured a good deal however that sold the same cattle on the one day and a couple of was not always the case. In Ballaghaderreen once the pound profit was made. Back then a good animal made deals were struck the cash normally parted hands out- between 40 – 50 pounds. In those days there were no side the or the National Irish Bank (no tags or paper work to be filled out for the Department longer in the town) of Agriculture. Some farmers put paint on the animal’s tails so they could distinguish them if they got mixed up.If we didn’t walk the cattle home they were trans- ported to our house by Lorry. Sometimes they were only carried as far a Lisacul crossroads and we would walk them the rest of the way. Eugene Casey from Ed- monstown and Josie Melvin from Silverfield were the two local men with lorries. Getting cattle transported cost from five to ten shillings. There were 14 fairs in Ballaghaderreen each year with the first of these taking place on the 8th of September. Taking into account all the local towns there was nor- mally two fairs every week. Along with cattle there were sheep, horses and pigs for sale at all the markets. There was always good craic and banter to be had at the fairs. Some days we left the fair town happy having secured a good deal however that was not always the case. In Ballaghaderreen once the deals were struck the cash normally parted hands outside the Bank of Ireland or the National Irish Bank (no longer in the town) Cattle dealers from the North often came to the fairs and they always seemed to have plenty of money with them. They landed very early in the morning and so we had to be in the town very early. On fairs days we would be on our way by 7.30am. These northern deal- Peter Higgins, Ned Hallis and Mike Flanagan pictured in ers normally bought a large quantity of cattle and Ballaghaderreen on Fair Day brought them back by lorry. At the fairs in Castlerea the

129 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 There was always good craic and banter to be had at the get something to eat. There was Dooney’s yard, which fairs. Some days we left the fair town happy having was opposite the co-op and a yard behind Dennis secured a good deal however that was not always the Egan’s shop. The cattle could be left in there at a price case. In Ballaghaderreen once the deals were struck the of one shilling each. Dinner was usually had in cash normally parted hands outside the Bank of Ireland Towey’s where a great meal was always provided. Af- or the National Irish Bank (no longer in the town) ter getting up so early in the morning it was always much appreciated. Cattle dealers from the North often came to the fairs and they always seemed to have plenty of money with A contentious issue on many a day was luck money. them. They landed very early in the morning and so we Some people were willing to give less that others ex- had to be in the town very early. On fairs days we pected. The normal amount was five shillings. would be on our way by 7.30am. These northern deal- Bonnives were sold on the square in Ballagh. Most ers normally bought a large quantity of cattle and houses kept a pig or two then as they were cheap to brought them back by lorry. At the fairs in Castlerea the rear. Scraps from the house such as potatoes were used cattle were sometimes transported by train to their des- to feed them along with the odd bag of meal. tination in Northern Ireland. Being the oldest in my family I missed more than one It was a long day standing around waiting for cattle to of two days off school as a result of the fairs. From the be sold. Once the deals had being struck there were two age of nine I regularly accompanied my father to the yards in the town where cattle could be left so we could

______

It Says In The Papers 100 Years Ago

Unlicensed Dogs Run Over During the past week or two much activity has been To be knocked down and run over by a motor –car displayed in the districts surrounding Ballaghaderreen without sustaining any very serious injuries has been by Crown forces on the lookout for unlicensed dogs. In the experience of a child of Mr. Hugh Towey, New Creevy and Kiltobranks many “offender” have been Street, Ballaghaderreen.. It had been playing in the found and summonses have been issued in a large num- street last fair day and was unable to get out of the way ber of cases, Whether the court at which the case will in time to avoid the car. It must have fallen under the be heard will sit at Frenchpark or Ballaghaderreen we car and clear of the wheels as beyond slight injuries the cannot at present say, but a rumour is going the rounds child was none the worse of the incident. that petty sessions will be held in Ballaghaderreen in the near future. Lady Commercial

The fact that women are worming their way into many professions, which a few years ago were considered Belfast Goods peculiar to the sterner-sex, was demonstrated here a few On Thursday evening of last week the train from days ago, when a lady “commercial” paid a visit to the Kilfree junction to Ballaghaderreen was held up at Is- town to solicit orders for a well-know cutlery firm. She land Road Station by a party of armed men for the pur- went about her work, with the air of one born to the pose, apparently of searching for Belfast goods. As a professions and we must say that he would be a very result of the examination, a large quantity of oatmeal, ungallant business man who would refuse any order and consigned from the North, was thrown out on the line the business men of Ballaghadeerreen are not ungallant and was later set on fire and completely destroyed. by any means.

130 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Some of The Awards

131 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Schools Folklore Collection Compiled by Patricia Clancy

This collection of local folklore was gathered in1937- for the year. They believe that on May Day nobody 1938 by the pupils in national schools. Among the top- should give out anything. If you go to a house for a coal ics they were instructed to research included local histo- they would not give it to you. On the 23rd of June St ry, folktales, work practises, customs and beliefs and John’s night a big fire is lighted at a crossroads. The crafts. The children collected this material mainly from boys gather turf and blocks for it. They play tunes and their parents and grandparents and other older members dance round the fire until midnight. On Whit Sunday it of the local community. The following extracts were is not right to go fishing, boating or swimming for collected and recorded by the children of the senior there is danger of being drowned, A domestic fowl is classes in Curraghsallagh and Lisacul schools. killed on St Martin’s Day and the blood is put in the four corners of the house in honour of him. St Swithin’s Local Cures day is on the 15th of July. People believe that if it rains Warts were cured by rubbing them with the water taken on that day it will rain for forty days. from a hollow in a limestone rock or in a stone, or rub- Famine times bing them with a black snail. Swelling was reduced by putting a coin on it or applying cow manure .To cure The village I live in suffered much in famine times. whooping cough a drink of milk left behind by a ferret The village was more thickly populated before it but was believed to be effective. Another cure was to pass people emigrated. The whole families were almost under the belly and over the back of a white mare ass wiped out in some cases. The families that were in the feeding a foal and drink some of the milk. Bread soda house Tom Regan lives in, left, the same happened in or flour put on a burn would ease the pain. Also St Frank Regan’s. The potatoes failed both in the pits and Patrick’s leaf called “Cruac Padraig” was hammered in the ground. The blight killed the stalks. The ones that into a pulp and put on the burn . were left were for seed and shaken like seed. The peo- ple used Indian meal porridge instead of potatoes. Peo- Festival Customs ple died in great numbers with famine and disease. Poor On Stephen’s Day all the boys under sixteen in this dis- people could not bury the dead, but passersby buried trict go out gathering money. They dress in old clothes them. Great sickness followed. Nettles were often and in women’s clothes. Their faces are blackened with boiled and eaten. Corn was good that year but had to be soot and false faces so they are not known. They bring given to the landlord instead of money. People from flutes with them and play tunes. They buy a football for this district went to Frenchpark with the corn, which the money. On Christmas Eve night and the 6th of Janu- was sent to England. The cause of the free emigration ary people light candles in every window. On New was that the English wanted to make grazing ranches for their followers. The people left from Derry on mis- Year’s Day people do not like to throw out water or put erable ships supplied by the English, Some went to Liv- out ashes. They believe that money should not be given erpool and from that to America. Any person sick in the out that day or the floor swept. On Shrove Tuesday they ship were thrown out. After the famine many evictions eat pancakes. Up to lately the first Friday in Lent was took place and people hunted away called “Salting Friday” locally. The boys throw salt on the girls who did not get married to preserve them until the next year. On Good Friday people start sowing but not ploughing. It is considered a lucky day to begin sowing but unlucky to plough. On Easter Sunday morn- ing the people get up early to see the sun dancing. They say it dances with joy because Our Lord rose from the dead on that day .On the last day of April people get a bit of the different flowers and bushes and hammer them into pulp. They rub them of the cow’s udder be- cause they believe that they will give you plenty of milk

132 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Local Landlords Long ago when the English held possession of this Charles Murphy. He did not live in this district, he lived country and ruled it there were landlords throughout the in Kildare. He never came himself to collect the rent, he country. The duty of the landlord was to gather the rent sent his agents. He also had bailiffs. The bailiff was off each tenant. Some of these tenants were very poor some person who lived in the district. The people usual- and often times they had no money to pay their rent and ly boycotted those bailiffs. There was a certain day for the landlord evicted them. Evictions were very com- paying the rent. On this day the road was thronged with mon in those days and of course caused great hardship. people. The agents did not go about from house to When a tenant did not pay the rent bands of soldiers house, they stayed in the hotel in Ballaghaderreen and and police came, They locked the doors, closed the every tenant had to go in and pay windows and put bags in the chimneys. Old crafts Evictions were often carried on in this district up to the year 1900. It was usually people that had large holdings Thatching: Many men carried on the work in conjunc- of land. In a small house near the school, a man named tion with their everyday farm work. There was at least Barrett lived. He had a large farm of land. He was not one man who made a trade of this;. Edward Keenan, able to pay the rent. The “crow-bars” as they were often Carnagrukane, who lived where John Corcoran now called came and evicted them. The people came back lives. again and broke into the house. The soldiers came back Weaving; The trade is long since dead but some of the again and evicted them and burned the house. That old people tell of a linen weaver, who lived in night all the village people gathered together at nightfall Aughadeffin named Andy Gordan. Another named and the next morning the smoke was rising fast from Thomas Craig lived in Culliagh, Kilmovee. the chimney. They built the whole house in the night, Basket making; This craft lives down to the present even thatched it. The soldiers came the fourth time and here. Nearly every man can make his own “cleeve” of evicted them and to make sure the people would not sally rods for carrying turf, potatoes, manure etc. The come back some of the soldiers came and lived there. more skillful make them for sale in the local market. The people emigrated to America and they never re- They also make a round basket for their own use and turned home to their native land again. The land is now for sale - this too is made of sally rods. held by Mr Duffy. The local landlord in this district was

The traditional Irish thatched cottage and outhouses that was the old Roddy homestead in Kiltomaine

133 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Old schools up by a man called “Ned Bawn”. When the water had flown away the Crannog was destroyed and many times Currahard: Patrick Cummins taught school where Owen since the poor lonely enchanted sister was heard crying Madden now lives. They gave money and sometimes and wailing her loss. The spot where the beautiful lake food. He slept in the barn. The children had an English once was is now a lonely looking bleak bog. There is an reading book and a slate to write on. There was no Irish old tradition that the day will come when the seven taught there, and there were no seats and no blackboard. lakes stretch out and meet each other and this district He stopped for a month in each district. He used to will be drowned. In the “Dunan” and on the Crannog teach for a few hours each night. and all around Cloonacolly lake people often found Curraghsallagh: There was a barn where Pat McDer- many articles which all pointed back to the time that mott Michael now lives. An old teacher named Higgins were many thousands of years ago. One man found a taught there three times a year. The children of the vil- golden stirrup in the “Dun Mor” and another got the lage gave him a shilling each for the instruction he gave head of an elk which he carefully preserved and painted them. The subjects he taught were English and arithme- tic. At this time there was no Irish spoken in this dis- trict. There were no seats in the school, and all classes remained standing, they had no pens and pencils, but they wrote with slate and slate pencils. Weather Lore A rainbow in the morning was the sign of a storm. A lone curlew was the sign of bad weather. Swallows or crows flying low was a sign of rain. When the dog ate grass or a cat scraped timber it was a sign of rain. Glit- tering stars were a sign of frost. Crannogs In this district there are many lakes, on each of which is a Crannog or lake dwelling. In Feigh lake there is an island but the most important island of all is on Cloonacolly lake. It stands in the lake at a distance of about one hundred yards from the northern shore. On it are two historic green mounds which have a close con- nection with the island itself. This island according to the oldest tradition handed down to us, was built by the Danes as a place of refuge in times of danger. Fierce battles took place between the Danes and Irish on the Part of the Golden Mile walk at Kilruane cemetery shores of the lake. The Irish Generals who lost their lives in this battle were laid to rest in the “Duncan Mor” a name which is given to the largest of the two Crannog as it is said to be occupied by one of the seven enchant- ed sisters. On a clear summers evening, people stand- ing in the Dun Mor can see her row around the Cran- nog on a little Curragh. It was on the shore of that lake admiring the beauty of the scenery when suddenly a death like magic spell was cast over them and they were doomed to live for many thousands of years in a lake. One of them went to Feigh Lake, another to Lough Ga- ra, another to Errit, another to Loughglynn, another to Lough Peick ,and another one went into the Crannog in Cloonacolly lake. Lough Peick was drained and dried

134 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisacul Foróige Club 30 Years of Youth Activity

Youth activity in Lisacul goes funded by the Co-operation North Youthlinks pro-

back quite a number of years. gramme. This was a catholic/protestant exchange with Local historian, Tom McCor- the Ballywalter group first coming to Lisacul for a mack, spoke of a youth club of weekend and then a return visit to Co. Down by the sorts based in an unused house Lisacul club. The exchange went on to win Co- in Creevy back in the 1940’s. operation North’s national Youthlinks overall award for Then in the late 1960’s another that year, and the following year an exchange involving young group came together to stage some sketches for a both youth and adults from the two villages also won a concert organised by the local Muintir na Tíre guild. national award. The links continued between the two Many of the members of this group would later go on to groups with annual visits across the border by both form a branch of Macra na Feirme in Lisacul, and they groups. enjoyed considerable success in debating and question In 1991, though, came another dimension to the Foróige time competitions. Then there was a lull until 1977 club’s exchange activities with the decision to under- when another group of young people came together take a European exchange with a youth group from with a view to restoring the Memorial Hall, as it was Germany. In April of that year a group of nineteen Ger- then, which had fallen into disrepair. They succeeded in man teenagers and their leaders arrived in Lisacul for a their efforts and proceeded to stage a series of variety week long visit, during which they were hosted in the concerts which they titled Laughtime. They also had homes of the Lisacul members and participated in vari- regular Discos and then decided to try their hand at a ous activities, including a trip to the bog and playing a full three act play. “The Rale McCoy” was chosen as game of . On their final night in Lisacul their first production and was followed by plays such as the German group joined with their hosts to stage a con- “Anyone Could Rob a Bank”, “The Down Express”, cert which was thoroughly enjoyed by the local audi- “Troubled Bachelors”, “Swan Song”, “Don’t Bother to ence. In late August of that year a group of twenty six Unpack” and J.B. Keanes classic “Year of the Hiker”. members and leaders headed for Horhausen in Germa- But just as this group began to break up came a devel- ny , where they would enjoy a hectic week of activities, opment which was to bring a new lease of life to youth including visits to Bonn and Cologne. There were also activities in Lisacul. visits to a local steel factory, a mining museum, a morn- In 1982, Fr. Seán Beirne, who had arrived as a young ing at school with their German hosts as well as a curate in the parish realised there was need for a club barbeque. And it all concluded with another joint con- catering for the needs of younger teenagers and went cert, during which the Lisacul members performed a about setting one up. So early in 1984 the club was es- comedy sketch partly in the German language. It proved tablished and affiliated to Foróige a national youth or- to be an unforgettable experience for those who took ganisation catering for young people between the ages part and indeed contact has been maintained between of 12 and 18. The members met weekly on Friday some of them over the intervening years. nights, elected their own officers to run the club and On their return from Germany came the unexpected took part in other activities. As the Community Centre news for members that their popular leader, Fr. Declan, was being refurbished in 1987, the club decided to get was being transferred from the parish. There was a little involved in fundraising, and hit on a novel idea of rear- doom and gloom for a while, but soon it was back to ing a floor of turf and raffling it, which they did with business as usual under the guidance of Tom Copping- great success. Then in 1988 came the start of another er, who took over as the principal leader having been new chapter for the club with the arrival of another involved in the club since its foundation. The trips north young curate, Fr. Declan Brady. This would mark the of the border continued and in 1993 came another Euro- beginning of the era of youth exchanges and foreign pean trip along with their friends from Ballywalter. This trips. five day trip would involve meeting up with a Danish The first youth exchange came during the summer of club in Brussels, before moving on to Luxembourg and 1988, with a youth club from Ballywalter, Co. Down, then to Strasbourg to visit the European Parliament.

135 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Club member Martin Gallagher introduced the club to a rota system throughout the night. There are usually a hundreds of young people from all the EU countries at few trips to the cinema during the club term as well as Euroscola, a day long forum where those attending were attending inter - club events, including Foróige run mu- allowed to put forward their views on various topics. sic festivals such as Band On The Strand in Lacken, Co. The club members were back on European soil again in Mayo and the Hype Festival in Longford. At present 1995, this time along with members from Loughglynn members of the club have become involved in fundrais- and Ballaghaderreen Foróige clubs as they visited Paris ing to complete the extension to the Community Centre, and Eurodisney. A total of forty three members from in particular the room which will become the club’s the three clubs along with seven leaders undertook the new meeting room. With the existing space being high- long journey by coach and there was a stop of at Canter- ly utilised by the playschool, having their own space bury on the way home to visit the famous Cathedral will be a whole new experience for the members. associated with the murder of Thomas A Beckett. The It has indeed been an exciting and eventful thirty years following year the club was on the road again, this time for the young people who have been part of the Foróige twelve members making the trip to Nottingham to at- club. And let us not forget the numerous leaders who tend a youth summer camp as guests of a youth group have given their time and energy to looking after mem- from Mansfield, with the Mansfield members making bers during that time, as well as the many parents who the return trip to Lisacul in 1997. have also been involved. Thanks to their support, the Lest one should think the club did nothing other than club is now the longest continuously operating Foróige travel down through the years, this is far from true. club in Roscommon and one of the longest running in Members have been involved in a variety of activities, the country as a whole. from raising money for charity, to involving themselves in community events and taking to the stage. For many years the members took part in a 24 hour Easter fast, THE raising money for various third world charities as well COINATHON as some closer to home. They even joined up with their friends from Ballywalter to collect second hand school books and materials for children in Lithuania. At local Congratulations level they have contributed to many events in the par- ish, painting walls and buildings for the tidy towns on the publication of competition, providing entertainment at the senior citi- Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 zens party, running discos for the younger children and even at one stage taking over the organising of Lisacul Sports. Their exploits on stage have seen them stage From members and leaders of numerous variety concerts, taking part in the Roscom- mon Foróige Tops competition which they won on two occasions and even staging a full three act play, “My Wife’s family” in 1999. Lisacul Club members have also served on the Foróige Refer- ence Panel, a national body for members elected from Foróige Club various regions of the country, who meet to put forward their views on Foróige. John Carty was the club’s first representative on this panel, followed by Brendan Cor- CELEBRATING 30 YEARS rigan a few years later, then it was the turn of Stephanie OF ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT Gallagher and this year the club is again represented, this time by Ciarán Roddy. In recent years the members FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE have held an annual Wake - a - thon where they collect OF LISACUL sponsorship for staying up overnight in the community Centre. They bring various games, watch TV, have re- freshments and are supervised by leaders and parents on LEARNING BY DOING

136 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 A YEAR OF PRIDE

We have all become very familiar with the Tidy Towns we highlight this in some way in our presentation and Competition over recent years, as Lisacul’s marks have so a phone call was made to Ballywalter, who immedi- steadily increased and a number of local awards have ately agreed to send representatives down on the day of been won. While Tidy Towns has been in existence the adjudication and speak in our favour. Everything over many years, just two years ago a new and separate was falling into place and there was a real buzz about competition called Pride of Place was introduced. Pro- the place as judgement day approached on 28th June. moted by Co-operation Ireland and local authorities, it The day itself turned out to be one of best days of the is a 32 county competition, which focuses not so much year as regards the weather, with warm sunshine ensur- on the outward appearance of towns and villages, but ing that the area looked it’s best for the occasion. A more on what is taking place within local communi- ties. Lisacul entered the competition for the first time considerable crowd turned up at the Community Cen- this year and it proved to be an exciting and rewarding tre, which no doubt impressed the adjudicators regard- experience. ing community spirit. The presentation got underway with Tom Coppinger doing the welcome and introduc- The first stage of the Pride of Place competition is run tions. Then came the speakers, Mary Maxwell on local on a county basis with each county selecting a winner in three separate categories, based on the population of development, Claire Carty on community life, Colin the town or village. Entry is by way of a form on Dempster on the Ballywalter exchange, Mike Carty on which all the details of activities within the community recreational life and Fr. Tom Crean with the final re- are submitted for scrutinising by a judging panel. The flection. All were excellent, but it must be said that winner in each of the three categories then goes on to Colin Dempster’s speech was extremely moving and represent the county in the 32 county competition. So certainly had the adjudicators glued to their seats. The it came as a pleasant surprise when Lisacul emerged as whole thing was enhanced by a powerpoint presenta- winner in Category A when the results of the county tion capably controlled by Patricia Madden. Following competition were announced in King House, Boyle last the presentation the adjudicators looked at all the dis- Spring. Now the real work began as we needed to pre- plays around the hall and spoke to representatives of pare for the All Ireland competition and the visit to the various groups and organisations. Next was a visit Lisacul in June of two adjudicators. These adjudicators to sites of interest in the parish, starting at the school would spend two and a half hours in the parish, part of which involved a presentation on the development and fort where four pupils of the school gave a fine presen- activities within our area. It was decided to organise a tation on the history of the forts. Then it was on to the meeting of all groups and organisation working within junior fishing pool at Feigh, a look at the Grotto in the the parish, and amazingly it transpired that there were church grounds and finally a visit to the children’s bur- in fact 23 of these. There was an almost 100% re- ial ground in Silverfield. After a quick cup of tea back sponse for the special meeting and immediately the in the centre the adjudicators were on their way. Eve- wheels were set in motion for the big presentation. ryone felt the whole presentation had gone extremely First a special booklet was to be produced for the adju- well and we could only wait and hope that their time in dicators, to which all the groups and organisations Lisacul would bear fruit when the results were an- would contribute an article outlining their history, pre- nounced in October in Belfast. sent activities and future plans. On the day of the adju- dicators visit all the groups and organisations would And sure enough, when the results were announced on have a display in the Community Centre outlining their the night, Lisacul was among the winners, with a spe- activities and achievements. A lot of hard work lay cial award for it’s cross community link up with Bally- ahead then for all involved and of course there was walter. A year of pride indeed. also the main presentation to the adjudicators to be prepared. It was decided to break the main presentation into three segments, local development, community The life and recreational life, with a speaker on each seg- Pride of Place ment. Following our win at county level it was pointed out to us that one of the things that impressed the ad- Trophy judicators was our involvement in cross border ex- changes with Ballywalter, Co, Down. It was suggested

137 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Dancing for the Minister Trophies Galore

Sinéad and Barry McGuire, Kiltobranks

Jane Maxwell, Currahard, Caroline Morley, Whitestown and Sinéad Walsh, Currahard , with their teacher Ethna Fahy and Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin at the opening of the extension to Lisacul N.S. Lisa Hunt, Kiltomaine

Ethna Fahy T.C.R.G. SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Registered under the rules of An Comhdháil Convent Rd. Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon - Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Tel. 094 9877080 / 087 6661905 / 087 3205484 Classes held in Lisacul Community Centre: Friday 6.30pm - 9.00pm Durkin’s, Ballaghaderreen: Monday 5pm - 9pm Wednesday 4pm - 9pm Thursday 4pm - 9pm

New beginners welcome. Pre-school children also catered for. Feel free to contact me on any of the above numbers

Wishing you the best of luck with Lisacul the Gathering 2013

138 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Brightsparks Playschool

Brightsparks is a community run pre-school in cation) and Aistear (Early Childhood Curriculum Lisacul ,which was set up in September 1997 to supply Framework). Play is a vital part of a child’s develop- a pre-school service to an area with many young fami- ment process and through play a child learns about the lies. Without this pre-school, children would have to world around them. The indoor and outdoor equipment travel over five miles for a similar service. Brightsparks is structured so that the child can get the most out of provides a sessional service which runs for three and a their time spent in Brightsparks. The various aspects of half hours in the morning over a 38 week period. The our curriculum include: imaginative, creative, physical, pre-school participates in the ECCE (Early Childhood social and constructive play; art and crafts, large group/ and Education) and the CCS (Childcare Subvention small group time (developing gross and fine motor Scheme). Since its establishment, Brightsparks has been skills), music & movement, musical instruments, sto- a vital aspect of the local community providing a very ries, songs & rhymes. The children also get the oppor- worthwhile and enjoyable service for local children. tunity to go on school outings and also get to meet vari- ous members of the community who come to visit to Brightsparks is based in Lisacul Community Centre. share their stories about their lives and professions. The centre is bright and spacious, allowing for twenty children, aged between two and a half to five years old, The pre-school is run by a voluntary management com- to avail of the service. The pre-school offers a curricu- mittee who employ highly motivated staff. The staff in lum, which incorporates a range of activities to help Brightsparks are involved in regular training and up- develop the social, physical, emotional and educational skilling ensuring implementation of a quality planned needs of a child. Planning is carried out each week to program of pre-school education. The pre-school has meet the needs of each child and to help further their had great support from the local community and also learning and experiences. The school’s planning is runs a Parent and Toddler group every Friday where achieved through the use of guidelines from both Siolta local parents can meet and young children have the op- (National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Edu- portunity to interact with their peers.

Brightsparks Playschool

Lisacul Community Centre

Best wishes to Lisacul Gathering from all at Brightsparks

139 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 An Irish Miracle By Frank Ruhle

In 2012 I planned a vacation to visit the UK and Ireland land in the short amount of time we had. Jeannette with my wife and I wanted to learn more of the life of asked if I was planning to check out the farm of my my maternal grandparents who were born in the coun- grandfather. This information of the farm was provided ties of Sligo and Roscommon years before the turn of to us by the genealogist based on the land records of the the 20th century. Prior to our trip, my wife located a ge- 1800’s. He had also provided pictures of the houses that nealogist in Sligo, Gerard Geary, to do some research stand on the property today. Based on this information on each of my grandparents. His research led to many together with the driving I told her probably that we surprising findings with details occurring while we will not go to the farm. She suggested that it would be a were on our trip! mistake not to take the time to visit it since we are in Ireland. After some careful reflection I agreed to remap Our trip in September 2012 was made up of 2 parts; the my travel and visit these farms despite that it would first half was an escorted tour of the UK and Ireland take me down those dreaded lane routes where some- and the second half was a self-directed drive to the times there is only enough room for one car to travel! western part of Ireland from Dublin. I was experiencing some anxiety even before the second half began based I prepared my GPS for the next day by typing in the on learning to drive on the opposite side of the road as first major town, Loughglyn, where the family farm in well as the opposite side in the car. But I knew this was Figh is located near. I decided to get a good night’s rest going to be the only way I would be able to visit the for the journey the next day! Wednesday, began with a towns of my grandparents. The second half of our trip good breakfast of bacon and eggs at the B&B! Fortified began by spending the weekend in Dublin and taking in with a good Irish/American breakfast, we got into our the sights. Our first 2 days driving on the road were car and began our journey on the dreaded narrow roads spent in Gurteen, Sligo to visit my Grandmother Cathe- to Figh. Fortunately the traffic was light and the roads rine O’Gara’s birthplace. Father Caulfield of St. Pat- not as bad as I had visions of! The day began sunny so rick’s church was very helpful in getting some records that was a good omen! On our way we passed a church of birth and marriage. in Fairymount, St Mary’s. Fairymount was a village mentioned by Father Caulfield in my meeting as a pos- At my wife’s Jeannette‘s suggestion I telephoned our sible parish to check in Roscommon as it was near genealogist to see if had uncovered any new infor- Figh. This led to another chance encounter of another mation on the Gara’s. Unfortunately he had no further family tie, Seamus Egan, which I will expand on sepa- information but he did find something new on the King rately. side. He found information on Thomas King, my grand- father’s brother. He told us the maiden name of Thom- After going through Loughglyn I came to the road that as’s wife was Mary Cryan. Not knowing it at the time my Grandfather’s farm in Feigh was located. After a but this proved to be an important piece of information. drive of a couple of miles we came across the lands. We knew about the location from the genealogist infor- The next day, Tuesday, we went to Boyle in County mation of maps and pictures. The houses on the land Roscommon, Boyle is known for King House and the were of recent vintage as my Grandfather’s house was Kings of English origin who were wealthy land holders no longer. It was interesting to see the flatness and feel in the county. We have no connection to these Kings the peaceful solitude of the land. At around that time and honestly, I was happy to know this as they had tak- there was a “call from nature”! Rather than backtrack- en lands from the Irish during the difficult years of Eng- ing I decided to go further west to explore the country lish occupation! I had verified this with the records that and try to locate a public restroom. Another couple of they had at the King House. It was interesting though to miles or so we came to an intersection in the village of see how the wealthy lived in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Lisacul where a , Christ the King, stood and there was a sign that restrooms were there. We Upon return to our B&B I began planning our next day. stopped and my wife tried the door but it was locked, or I was kind of tired of driving the narrow roads and was so she thought. I decided to speak to a woman that was looking for the best roads to travel to minimize driving outside at the back of the church, of my wife’s predica- on the narrow lanes and also get to see as much of Ire- ment. She told me that the church should be unlocked

140 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 and she would check. Sure enough it was opened, just stroyed by Cromwell’s troops in the 1600’s. Only parts had to turn it the other way! While waiting outside with of walls remains. There is also a beautiful pastoral path the lady I mentioned that my grandfather was from the that the monks walked that has been restored as” the area. I mentioned his name, Michael King. She said she golden mile”. knew of a King in the area and would give her a call. The day flew by and we said our goodbyes but commit- She called Mary Carty, the same name as hers but no ting to stay in touch with each other. So, on this 19th relation, from her cell phone. Mary said she would love day in September 2012, I had started without any to see us. Mary from the church gave the directions of known living relative in Ireland and now I leave with ”past the woods and the third house on the right” I was the amazing knowledge of many, with three in particu- incredibly excited to have a chance of meeting a poten- lar, Mary Carty, Bobby King, and Seamus Egan. An tial relative but figured it would probably be a very dis- incredible journey of fulfillment and family roots! tant one, at best.We thanked Mary from the church and were on our way to see the Mary “past the woods”. Reflecting back on this experience I firmly believe my About a mile or so we came upon the third house and grandfather, Michael King, was guiding me from above saw the new Mary waving to us from the door way. to find his roots and his brother’s descendants. How else could you explain these amazing events! Thank We pulled into the side street and she greeted us warm- you Grampa King! ly. I mentioned it was so kind of her to see us. She said that was no problem. I mentioned that my grandfather Also as confirmation and validation of the connection had a brother named Thomas and Mary nodded. I then my cousin Patrick had letters from my Uncle Jim King said that Thomas had married a school teacher, to that talked about writing to Uncle Tom and his children which Mary said “yes, Mary Cryan, she was my grand- by name, Mary’s mother Mollie and aunts Florie and mother”! In disbelief I staggered and stammered that Eva. He had written these letters to his family, when he was stationed overseas during WW2. Once again this meant we are really cousins! We hugged!! An unbe- was a miracle that I came in possession in March 2013 lievable chain of events had led us to this amazing oc- as a result of assisting in the inventory of assets after currence! Patrick’s death. Had I not been there with the executors Mary invited us into her home and told us about her there was a good chance that these family treasures family starting with her grandfather, my great uncle, would have been lost. I never knew they existed! Thomas. The King clan is alive and well with many cousins with different last names because of marriage but nevertheless cousins! From not having any Irish cousins to now having dozens! Cousins in England and Australia as well! I will capture this in another chapter. Mary spent the rest of the day taking us to the ancestral lands of the Kings and the farm that my grandfather worked on. We visited the farm of Bobby King who Mary introduced as “the last King of Figh”. It was great to see and talk to Bobby. We are not sure of the exact relation but we are very certain he comes from the fam- ily tree of Owen, the Patriarch of my King family. We videoed part of our conversation and it was great to hear the Irish accents of Bobby and Mary! The Church Crib Later that day we visited the old cemetery and found This crib featuring a piece of bog oak came about as a the graves of Kings, all unmarked stones except for result of a mission in the parish during the 1990’s One of one. Bobby King had told us the Kings were in un- the missioners was a bog oak enthusiast and asked that marked graves around the only King gravestone we people might donate any pieces that were lying around in saw. Our great grandfather and great grandmother were local bogs. This was one of the pieces which came in and buried here in 1912. This old cemetery is on the site of some other pieces which were collected are now featured old abbey going back to the 1200’s. Most was de- in the Millennium Garden

141 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisacul’s Celebrities Denis King ly in 1950. In the following year, she guest starred in the television version of “The Egg and I,” also starring her Denis was born in Hornchurch, Essex, daughter, Patricia Kirkland. On August 6, 1965, she was and was grandson of Jack King, Feigh. found dead after failing to arrive at the theatre for a per- His father had emigrated some years formance. The cause of her death was an aneurysm. She previously. He began his musical career at the age of six as a banjo-playing sing- was 61 years old. er at children’s matinees. By the age of thirteen, with his brothers, Mike and John Griffin Tony, he was part of one of the most successful British pop groups of the 50s and 60s, The King Brothers. In John Griffin emigrated to the U.S.A. from Cloontwart, 1956 became the youngest variety act to appear at the London Palladium. They made it into the charts with Lisacul, in 1917. He recorded over thirty ‘78’ records in songs entitled “A White Sportscoat” and “Standing on the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. Affectionately know as the Corner,” and were in constant demand on the variety ‘the 5th Avenue Busman’, he worked on the New York concert scene until the arrival of and Rolling bus system and was a unique and accomplished perform- Stones changed the whole complexion of the music in- er, playing the flute, singing and lilting. dustry. With the disbanding of the group in 1968, he studied Josie Beirne orchestration at the Guildhall School of Music in Lon- don and soon got his first break as a television composer with the theme for Black Beauty, which won the Ivor Born in 1909, the daughter of Patrick and Mary Novello Award. . His debut as a theatrical composer was (Clifford) Beirne, Josephine was one of a family of thir- with the Royal Shakespeare’s production of Privates on teen and attended Lisacul national school. She and her Parade which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Mu- siblings were reared on music, with many evenings spent sical. having sessions around the kitchen fireside. While some of her brothers were great flute players, Josephine’s tal- Nancy Carroll ent lay in her singing - she possessed a lovely soprano voice. Born and christened Ann Veronica Lahiff in New York In the late 1920’s, like many of her generation, Jose- city, she was the daughter of an Irish emigrant, Ann Bar- rett, a native of Kilruane, Lisacul. Along with her sister phine had to take the boat to the U.S.A. Once there she made full use of her vocal talents and made numerous she once performed a dancing act in a local contest of amateur talent, which led her to a stage career and then recordings, her most successful being “Far Away in Aus- tralia.” She would later marry Tim Donovan, himself a to the screen. talented musician, and together they recorded songs She began her acting career such as “Mary on the Silvery Tide” and “Buachalín in Broadway musicals and then became Dhún.” She also sang with the Killoran Céili Band, and a successful actress on screen because even to this day her records are requested on some her musical background enabled her to American radio stations. She died in 1982 play in the movie musicals of the 1930s. Her film debut was in “Ladies Jet Black Must Dress” in 1927. In 1928 she made eight films, one of which, “Easy Come, Easy Go,” co-starring Richard The drummer with the band ‘The Stranglers’, Jet Black Dix, made her a star. In 1930 she was nominated for was born Brian John Duffy and his father was a native of the Academy Award for best actress in the film, “The Corrahoguile. The Stranglers are an English punk rock Devils Holiday.” In 1932 she starred alongside Gary group. They have twenty five UK Top 40 singles and Grant and Randolph Scott in “Hot Saturday.” She re- seventeen Top 40 albums to their credit in a career span- tired from films in 1938, returned to the stage, and ning four decades. starred in the early television series The Aldrich Fami-

142 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Best of luck to Lisacul Gathering 2013

Well done to all involved in the publication of this book

From the staff and pupils of Lisacul National School

Lisacul National School

There is evidence of schools in Lisacul as far back as The present school opened in 1886, with Ned Madden 1837, with schools in Creevy and also in a house in as principal of the boys section and Mrs. Kelly in Currahard. The two schools in Creevy were recorded as charge of the girls school. Among some of it’s most having around ninety pupils each. The first post famine noted past pupils were Bishop Thomas Doherty of Gal- school in Lisacul was situated in Lisacul Lane, behind way, Canon George Maxwell of the church of Ireland, where The Larches housing estate now stands, and who ministered in the Diocese of Kerry. Another pupil where the original church was also located. According at the start of the last century was Bridget (Bea) to a recollection in a previous publication by Clare Tay- Doherty of Creevy, who would go on to write the popu- lor, a former teacher in Lisacul, English, geography, lar local song “The Woodlands of Loughglynn.” mathematics and catechism were taught by Mr. Hig- The school underwent various alterations during the gins, the schoolmaster, who was also a classical schol- past sixty years, including the addition of toilets, provi- ar. Most of the boys could only attend school during the sion of a playing pitch and up to date technology. As winter months because they were labouring on farms the present century began, plans were drawn up for a for much of the year to help support hard pressed fami- major extension to the school, with the addition of three lies. The pupils who passed through the school were new classrooms and a utility room among them. Finally tough although very gentle people. They had to be grants were obtained and early in 2008 the then Minis- tough in order to make a living from the minimum ter for Education, Mary Hanafin was on hand to open amount of land allotted to them, and had come from a the new facility. people who had survived the Great Famine. Because of their Gaelic-Celtic origin they had inherited a great tra- Now Lisacul has a modern school with excellent facili- dition of music, singing, dance, story telling and oral ties geared towards all aspects of education for children history. They were, indeed, the custodians of our tradi- of the parish and currently has three green flags to its tional culture. credit.

143 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Fr. Séamus Glynn Mrs Simpson- The Lisacul Connection By Catherine Doherty (nee Moffatt) Tom Beckett and his wife were always referred to as “The Yanks”. Mrs Beckett was a member of the Gren- nan family from Whitestown and they had married in America. Their claim to fame was that they had both worked for Mrs Simpson before she married the King of England, Edward the 8th. Mrs Beckett was a cook in the household and Tom Beckett was Mrs Simpson’s chauffeur. When she married the king, they sent her a letter of congratulations, but she never responded. The Becketts were very private people. They grew ex- cessively tall hedges in front of their house and the gate to their yard was covered with galvanize. Everything was under lock and key. This was probably a carryover from living in secluded mansions away from prying eyes. Every Spring their garden was a blaze of colour. They had beautiful rose bushes and tulips lined the walkway to their front door. When we children stopped I was born and raised in Lisadaly in the house called the to see the flowers, Mrs Beckett would rap her knuckles residence. My neighbours on one side were the Hunt’s on the window, giving us the signal to move on. Also, and Duffy’s, and on the other side the Hopkin’s and Keenan’s. I attended Curasallagh National School they had a very prolific donkey! If you ever went to where my parents were teachers. My mother died in Lisacul school you had to hear the expression, 1948 and in 1952 my father moved to Loughglynn Na- “Beckett’s Ass” tional School where he had attended himself as a child. The Becketts had no children and when they died, Mike After finishing in Curasallagh School I cycled daily to Grennan inherited the farm. Mike was a very friendly St. Nathy’s College along with Denis and Gerlad fellow and soon the high hedges disappeared and it was OÇonnor, Paddy Merriman and Eamon Dignan. I then attended St. Peter’s Seminary in Wexford where I was okay to look at the flowers.! ordained in 1958 for the Diocese of Los Angeles. Since July 1958 I have lived in Southern California. I am now Hip Hip Hooray retired and live in the city of Anaheim well known for I’ve joined the hip replacement club, so now I’m one of Disneyland amusement park. My father died in 1959, those my youngest sister Concepta in 1942 and my oldest Who can eventually bend right down and nearly touch sister Maureen in 1990. their toes My brother Micheál lives in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo I’ve joined the hip replacement club, it’s sleek and it’s and brother Tom lives near me here in Long Beach city. brand new Nuala my oldest sister lives in Limerick and Cora, the A shiny piece of metalware with a ball, cement and glue youngest lives in Dublin. Both of them are now retired I didn’t want to join it, of that there is no doubt after spending their lives as missionaries in India. But walking, running everywhere it simply just wore out It’s a long time since I left Lisadaly and Curasallagh For all the years I’ve climbed those stairs, up, down school and wonder if any of my class mates or friends and roundabout are still alive. To all of them I send warm greetings and Surely it’s a wonder that the other one didn’t conk out obviously if ever in this area I would love to meet you. It is a long way from Lisadaly to Southern California For those who soon will have to join, there is no need but good memories can jump in seconds across oceans to panic and I have many great memories of my childhood As we are in a special club, where we are part bionic years. To whoever might see or read this “may you live So thanks to you Mr. McCabe and all those on your as long as you want and not want as long as you live”. team May God bless us all. The future now looks brighter and not a distant dream

Séamus A. Glynn Breege Coleman

144 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Mary Doherty and Mary Agnes Duffy pictured in Cunningham’s shop, Lisacul

Anthony Regan with his sisters Bea Ann and Rita

Mary, Patrick, Annie and Dominick Mulligan Taking the strain at Lisacul sports with Susan Mullen and Bernadette Doherty

Lining up for the Fancy Dress at Lisacul sports

145 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

The Dance in The Memorial Hall

By Evelyn Regan

For us who are in the golden years, gone into our retirement Such a difference since our youth, when we worked each hour God sent There is for and against the changes, but we all must recall The highlight of our week back then, was the dance in the Memorial Hall Teenage life in the forties and fifties, could be very dull for us No Music, radio or television, but we never made a fuss Our work was there, left out for us, and tried to do it all Will mother have a half-crown on Sunday, for dance at the Memorial Hall, The half-crown always turned up, and we’d be there for sure, Lined up with all the other girls, the men right across the floor, One sound of music, they were off, no please or thank you at all, Just a nod of the head was your invitation, to dance in the Memorial Hall. As we danced around the floor, the courting it began Did you square anything yet, or can I be your man? I’ll carry you on the cross bar, promise not to let you fall Many a rough ride was taken, after the dance in the Memorial Hall. The first whisper of a girl or boyfriend, sure the parents got involved If boys had land or girls a dowry, their troubles were all solved Whiskey out, matchmaking on, sure they didn’t care at all About the broken hearted lovers, left to dance in the Memorial Hall When the match was all set up, farm checked and dowry got The pair were marched to Fr. Tom, and he tied the knot He must have tied it very well, sure we never heard at all Of any broken up marriages, from the dance in the Memorial Hall

146 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Dramatic Times in Lisacul

Stage drama has been an integral part of life in Lisacul, The play was very controversial, particularly with some with some memorable productions particularly in the of the clergy of the time, due to the fact that, Sive, in early 1960’s and again in the early 1980’s. During that the face of all the attempts at matchmaking announced time many talented actors and actresses have graced the that she was pregnant. One neighbouring parish priest, stage and given some top class entertainment to local on being asked by John Coppinger if they could stage audiences, and indeed to audiences in surrounding par- the play in his parish said this was not possible be- ishes to which they travelled with their productions. cause, in his own words, “a girl has an illegitimate child in that play”. To which John famously replied, “well, The 1960’s productions included plays such as “The she doesn’t have it on the stage, Father”. But thankfully Down Express”, “A Will and a Woman” and “The that priest was one of the exceptions and the play was Green Boxeen”. But by far the most memorable and seen in by audiences in some neighbouring parishes. talked about play staged by the local group in that era was without John B. Keane’s “Sive”. Produced by local The drama ceased for close on two decades before be- school principal, Joe Noonan, and with an outstanding ing revived in the 1980’s, with plays including cast, the play filled the Memorial Hall on each night of “Anyone Could Rob a Bank”, “Troubled Bachelors”, a four night run. The cast featured Bernadette Corrigan “Swan Song”, “Don’t Bother to Unpack” and yet anoth- in the title role, with Kitty Fitzpatrick and Gerry King er John B. Keane classic, “The Year of the Hiker”. as her overbearing aunt and uncle who were her guardi- There were great performances by Michael Muldoon as ans. Ann Roddy gave a stirring performance as her the “Hiker” Lacy, with Kathleen Lundon as his long sympathetic elderly grandmother, while John Copping- suffering wife, Anna Marie Noonan as her bitter sister, er was the interfering matchmaker. He was intent on Johnny Loftus and James Lavin as his sons, Deirdre marrying Sive off to a less than eligible bachelor, Seán- Noonan as his daughter and Séamus Regan as her doc- ín Dóta, played by Mick McDonagh, much to the dis- tor fiancé. After a few years of a break drama returned may of her one true love, played by Tommie Keenan. with a production of “The Rale McCoy” in 1990 and Added in to the mix were travelling men Pats Bocock nine years later the Foróige club took to the stage with and his bodhrán playing son Carthilaun, in the shape of “My Wife’s Family”. Since then the drama has died Mattie Gallagher and Francis Morahan. down, but you never know when it might make a “dramatic” comeback.

“Sive” - The Cast

Seated L to R: Bernadette Corrigan, Ann Roddy, Joe Noonan (Producer), Kitty Fitzpatrick. Standing L to R: John Cop- pinger, Tommy Keenan, Mick McDonagh, Francis Morahan, Mattie Gallagher, Gerry King

147 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Sister Bríd Hanley 1916 - 2004

Born in 1916, when the winds of freedom and change Economics were honoured and recognized. were sweeping over Ireland, Sr. Brid Hanley, often said In the spirit of St. Angela, the Foundress of the Ursu- that she had breathed a spirit of freedom and a desire line Order, Sr. Brid recognized her work in St. Ange- for justice from her earliest years; these ideals became la’s College as a corporate enterprise, which she shared part of her being. She was educated in the Ursuline with her Ursuline community, her staff and her stu- boarding school in Sligo and entered the Ursuline Or- dents. For her, the mission to further the Kingdom of der in 1934. Her intial studies as a young woman were God was not an individual enterprise but a communal in the area of Home Economics in St. Catherine’s Col- endeavour in which she was unfailing in recognising, lege, Sionhill and her interest in and endeavours to ad- appreciating and affirming the contribution of others. vance this subject became a life-long project. On her retirement in 1983, she spent a year in Mater In 1950, when the Ursuline Order bought Clogherevagh Dei auditing a course in theology and enjoying the House on the shores of Lough Gill and opened what company of the young students for whom she had a became St. Angela’s College of Home Economics, Sr. great affection. She also had time for the other great Brid was appointed Principal. Backed by a bank loan love of her life – poetry and literature. Lines from her obtained by the Ursuline Order (St. Angela’s College own poem “Hope” may serve as a fitting summary of did not receive any building grant until 1972) her plans Sr. Brid’s life. for the expansion of the College began with a major building project. Alongside this, she became a tireless “Hope waits in green-drenched splendour campaigner for university recognition for the academic On the hills whence Christ will come.” discipline of Home Economics. She brought unswerv- ing single-mindedness, breath of vision and a wide cul- For Sr. Brid, “yesterday’s uncertainties” are over. To- tural background to her efforts to have Home Econom- day she is enjoying “the endless reassurance” of the ics recognised as a subject within the university system. love of the One to whom, in her youth, she committed She believed passionately that Home Economics of- her whole life. fered a broad and integrated education and that it was an injustice and to “the discredit of the Irish educational system to omit from its rightful place a branch of teach- er education that was accorded recognition a t graduate and post-graduate levels in other countries.” Her voluminous correspondence with succeeding Min- isters of Education, her public statements at local, na- tional and international meetings of Home Economics teachers and her publications in educational journals bear testimony to the fervour and resolve she brought to her quest for University recognition for Home Econom- ics. Her educational vision is evident in her 1972 essay in Oideas, written in response to the publication of the Higher Education Authority’s Report on Teacher Train- ing. This received headlines in the national press. In it she urged the HEA to “take a fair and enlightened ap- proach to a branch of the teaching profession which has rendered signal service to the nation and to family life.” Her efforts on behalf of Home Economics were crowned with success, when finally, on April 13th, 1978, St. Angela’s became a constituent College of the National University of Ireland under the auspices of University College, Galway. Dr. John Bourke, Regis- trar of the National University of Ireland, writing to Sr. Brid with the news, recognized that ˝it was the end of a long road and the climax of her efforts.” In 1980, in Sr. Bríd Hanley, along with her brother, Samuel, who be- recognition of her work for education, University Col- came a missionary priest, lived for a time in Corrohoguile lege, Galway conferred an honorary degree on Sr. Brid. In the citation, delivered by Dr. Kieran Woodman, Sr. South, in the house now occupied by Michael and Ann Brid’s vision, her leadership, her reputation among edu- Leech and known as Farmhill. The house had been pur- cators and her commitment to advancement of Home chased by her uncle, Patrick Hanley in 1912.

148 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisacul Handball Alley In the early 1900’s when facilities cess. It attracted players from all for sport were, to say the least hard over the County was strongly pat- to come by, the building of a hand- ronised by the local youth, so ball alley must have been regarded much that it was possible that one as one of the greatest contributions might have to wait for up to two to sport that any parish could hope hours to get a game. At that time a to make. At that time the parish of box provided in which the contest- Lisacul was no different from the ants put a halfpenny for each game rest, and it was with great joy that they played, in that way the debt the young people of the area re- on the alley was paid off. Sunday”s ceived the news that an alley was to proved the most popular time for be built in their town- land To construct a ball alley playing, being in progress from after first mass until under the best of conditions must be regarded as a ma- dark. Evenings were also very popular, games often jor undertaking, but to build one at a time when money being played until darkness made playing impossible. was hard to acquire and when the country was in the As the games progressed so did the standard of the grip of a revolution must have taken tremendous cour- playing, until in 1918 it was decided to hold tourna- age and determination. It was these obstacles that the ments. This was a good idea as it gave the local boys a young men of Lisacul had to contend with, when in the chance to meet, not only some of the best players in the spring of 1916, they decided to build an alley. county, but also many in the Country. To facilitate a major tournament, a ball alley had to be of high stand- The original idea was first discussed over a card game ard and Lisacul certainly was in those days. During in the house of Tom Beckett of Currohoguile. Here the those tournaments the boys of Lisacul had the honour decision was made that despite all obstacles, work was of playing against such great players as Perry of Boyle to begin. Sadly the majority of the men who attended and John Leech of Kilkelly, All-Ireland handball cham- that card game are no longer with us. Martin Roddy pion. Famous players in Lisacul in those days were and Mike Regan of Creevy, also Jim and Pat Mulren- Tommie Roddy of Creevy and Henry Duffy and Josie nan of Kitomaine have long since departed. Once the Maloney, will always be remembered by the people of decision to build was taken, the generosity of the neigh- Lisacul. Paddy Mc. Greal of Feigh, now living in Dub- borhood soon became evident. Joe Kelly of Cur- lin, who won four Roscommon doubles championships, rohoguile offered a very suitable site ideally situated beating the Kelly brothers of Ballintuber on four occa- just off the Ballaghaderreen-Ballyhaunis road. John sions. Other great players who played in Lisacul but Duffy, also of Currohoguile , donated building lime- never won championships were men like John Shryane stone and Bob King of Feigh provided sand. Work on of Ballaghadereen and John Caulfield of Castlerea. Lo- the building began immediately tradesmen and laborers cal players like Michael (Nicholas) Regan, Stephen offering their services free and it must remain a tribute French, and Kevin Forde Henry Duffy and Josie Malo- to their dedication and hard work that the alley was ney will always be remembered by the people of built within a year and formally opened in 1916 by Bill Lisacul. Ford, then principal teacher of Lisacul School. Space does not permit me to name everybody who worked on All the names I have given of the people who built the the construction of the ball alley but I hope I will be alley and the players of that time are now dead R.I.P. I excused for mentioning the three Mulrennan brothers of wrote that article in 1978, since then the alley was de- Kiltomaine, who as tradesmen plasterers were responsi- molished and rebuilt and is now a boxalley of modern ble for a large amount of the finishing of the walls. standard being roofed and having electric lights and sand floor. Unfortunately, two of the brothers did no also all mod-cons. Since my time the game has live long to enjoy the fruits of their labours, both Jim changed as we played off three walls now they play off and Pat giving their lives for Ireland in the troubled four. The ball has also changed as our ball was the old times of the 1920’s. The third brother, Jack (dice) sur- elephant, a half -solid which was very hard on the vived them for many years, living to an old age. From hands, and very expensive, for us at the at time because the begining the alley proved to be an immense suc- money was scare. 149 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Memorial Hall in Lisacul

A recollection by Tom McCormack

As the name suggests the Memorial Hall in Lisacul was many great bands played there, still the one I remember built as a tribute to the memory of the martyrs who died most is, Stephen Garvey’s which was said at that time in the fight for Irish freedom in the early 1920’s. Due to be the best in Ireland. As it was wartime at the time I to a lack of information about the lives and deaths of am writing about most of the Memorial hall clients those brave young men, I want this article to be taken traveled by bicycle, and there were very few cars any- not as an attempt to write their history but, as account way. I remember Tom Carney who lived next door to of the memorial hall as I remember it through school the hall minding bicycles in his garden at six old pence days as a boy, and later when I danced there as a young a time. man. Now known as the Community Centre the name At that time I thought my time would never come until of the noble young men to whose memory it was built I would be old enough to go dancing to the Memorial. I can still be seen on a plaque over the hall’s front door. was very excited at the time of my first dances in the Erected by mostly local labour the hall was erected on Memorial but I was in for a little bit of a let down as I land donated by Ned Creaton and run by a Committee. was not the hit I thought I would be with the young The nearest information I can get on the year of its ladies. Unfortunately I did not grow up either tall dark erection is sometime in the early nineteen thirties but I or handsome and I had to put up with several refusals know it was booming as a dance hall in the thirties to dance from the girls, especially the ones I wanted to when due to the renovation of Lisacul school we were dance with, still after a time like anything ordinary they transferred there. Under the tutorship of Mr. And Mrs got used to me in the end. I would think I missed some- Forde who were principal teachers at that time we thing if I missed a dance of a night. Please excuse the were taught there until the renovations of the school false modesty but it is true. During those years the Me- were completed and it was with some regret we went morial was still booming with large crowds and big back to the old school again. I remember we enjoyed bands and just to name a few of the ones that come to the extra freedom the hall gave us as having no yard we mind are Billy Hughes, with Tosh Regan from Long- had the roads to play on. ford and the Clipper Carlton with Hugh Toovish from Northern Ireland. Those were the pre-rock and roll I remember several lunch hours spent in the two black- days, but I remember dancing rock and roll when home smiths forges that Lisacul had at that time. I remember on holidays from England. It was with a certain sad- standing there intrigued as I watched with interest ei- ness I saw the old dance hall die and the singing pub ther Paddy Hopkins or Joe Beirne blow the bellows to take over, still it is heartening to see the memorial hall redden the iron and then hammer it on the anvil into the becoming a Community Centre and I hope it prospers shape of either horses or asses shoes. At that time Hop- as such. It is with a touch of nostalgia I look back on kins forge was at the back of Creatons Pub and Joe the dances in the old Memorial Hall and to us old tim- Beirnes stood somewhere near where Tommy Gal- ers it will always be remembered as the “Memorial”. lagher’s house now stands. I do not know how much knowledge our class of the thirties acquired in the Me- morial hall but I can never remember any of us being that bright that the teacher had to cover our heads to keep us from dazzling the rest of the school, still we managed somehow to scramble up the grades until we left school at the age of thirteen or fourteen. During the adolescent years we had little contact with the “Memorial” as we called it, only sometimes after the pictures in Ballaghaderreen we would assemble outside the hall to listen to the music and watch the crowds going to the dance. At that time the Memorial The plaque over the entrance to Lisacul Hall was the Mecca of dancing in the west of Ireland and

150 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

The Community Pride Competition

1987 was designated as “The European Year of the There followed three months of hard work for the Environment” and communities throughout the EU members of the Community Council as they set about were encouraged to play their part in preserving and getting entry forms around to all the areas taking part promoting their local environment. Lisacul Community and promoting the competition as best they could. Next Council decided to do their bit for the local environ- it was time to decide on the grand finale, when all the ment and came up with the idea of a garden competi- results would be announced and prizes presented. This tion in the immediate vicinity of Lisacul, which might was to be held in Midas night club, Ballyhaunis, with help to brighten up the area. However as word spread none other than Margo providing the entertainment. to our neighbouring parishes some people in these ex- Then came the really tricky part, sifting through hun- pressed interest in taking part. Suddenly the whole idea dreds of entries, arranging the judging and having eve- took wings and it was decided to add further categories rything in order for the big night. Tibohine took the such as best vegetable garden, best pensioners garden, overall prize for their new community centre and there best kept farmyard, best community project and best was jubilation when the best youth club project award youth project. It took even more literal wings when it went to Lisacul Foróige club for their turf rearing fund- emerged that Ryanair, who had just started flying into raiser. Other prize winners on the night were; Knock airport, would sponsor two tickets to London Best Mature Garden: Mary Nolan, Clooncan. for the overall winner, and First National Building So- ciety were also providing sponsorship. Overall Best kept Farmyard: Tony Towey, Aughadeffin. Entitled “Community Pride” the competition was launched with great fanfare on Sunday 12th April. First Overall Best kept Farm: Anne Leetch, Farmhill. a tree was planted after Mass in each of the participat- Best kept farm Lisacul area: Michael Conroy, ing parishes - Loughglynn, Gorthaganny, Kilmovee, Kiltybranks. Urlaur, Ballaghaderreen, Monasteraden, Tibohine, Best kept Farmyard Lisacul area: Joe McCormack, Fairymount, Frenchpark, Castlerea and Cloonbonniffe. Kiltybranks Later that afternoon the competition was formally launched at a ceremony back in Lisacul. Balla Pipe Best New Garden: Eileen Corrigan, Creevy. band were on hand to provide music for the occasion, Best Pensioners Garden: John Coppinger, Kiltymaine. with local public representatives and dignitaries attend- ing. A tree was planted in the church grounds by Brian What was a gigantic undertaking for a small communi- Mulooly, Chairman of Roscommon Co. Council and ty group proved an outstanding success and was repeat- blessed by Dr. Thomas Flynn, Bishop of . ed for a number of years after that.

Launching the Community Pride competition in 1987

151 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 A Blast from the Past

This letter appeared in the Roscommon Journal in 1909

Receipt for grave purchase in Kilruane cemetery in 1948

Sales receipt from Creaton’s, Lisacul, in 1948 with old penny stamps attached

152 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

LISACUL’S FIRST MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST Pictured following their conferral as Eucharistic Ministers in Donamon in 1988. Front Row L to R: Catherine McCormack R.I.P., Patricia Cunningham, Pauline Fitzpatrick, Mary Carty. Middle Row L to R: Mary Giblin, Evelyn Regan, Teresa Foley. Back Row L to R: Fr. Declan Brady C.C., Pat Carty, Tom Coppinger.

Members and leaders from Lisacul Foróige club and Ballywalter Youth Club, Co. Down, pictured at Trinity College, Dublin, after picking up the overall Co-operation North award for their cross border exchange in 1988

153 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Millenium Garden

When the clock ticked past midnight on 1st January All was now in place and it was time to get the work 2000, it marked not only the start of a new decade but underway, most of it done by those working on the lo- also of a new millennium. Throughout Ireland, and in- cal Community Employment scheme. Peter Kelly from deed the world, communities decided to mark the occa- Brickens was drafted in to oversee the stonework on the sion in some special way. Here in Lisacul it was decid- grotto itself, while John Niland from Glenamaddy ad- ed something should be put in place which would serve vised on the planting of the rockery and the water fea- as a reminder to future generations of the transition into ture. As it began to take shape the people of the parish a new era. responded magnificently with donations towards the cost of the garden. A beautiful statue of Our Lady was Fr. Michael McManus, who was then curate, had sug- obtained for the grotto by an anonymous donor from gested a grotto in the church grounds and the Foróige outside the parish. Soon the garden began to take shape club had come up with the idea of a fountain some- and those who were working on it could see their ef- where around the crossroads. So after consultations forts beginning to bear seeds. A plaque was erected to with the Community Council it was decided to merge mark the opening of the garden and acknowledging the two and create a millennium garden in the church those who had been involved in it’s construction. grounds, and that instead of a fountain a water feature would be incorporated into the design. Local landscape Finally on Sunday October 8th, the garden was blessed gardener, Paul Hennessy, was brought aboard to design and officially opened by Fr. Michael. The large crowd the project and soon a picture began to emerge of what present were highly impressed by the finished product the new garden might look like. The grotto was to be and it has also received much praise from people from the main feature, a stone structure with a circular wall outside Lisacul who have reason to visit the church. It around it. Descending down the garden in front of it also acts as a beautiful backdrop for photographs on would be a rockery with a small stream running special occasions such as weddings, first communions through it and featuring miniature waterfalls. Lisacul and confirmation. It will stand as a reminder to genera- N.S. also wanted to be part of the project, so a piece of tions to come of the effort made by the people of bog oak was incorporated into the garden as well. Lisacul to mark the new millennium.

154 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 An Ode to McLoughlin’s Willie Grady remembers one of the local shops

It’s a fine September evening, and ramblin I will go. Down the road to Lisacul, as there’s no place else to go. I’m traveling and rambling and when I,m tired I’ll stop. And sit on the old stone wall around Mc.Loughglin’s shop.

It was an old establishment, had it’s roots in the long ago. In a place called Lisadaly, I’m sure ye all do know. The window’s of the shop front, oh that I can plainly see, With the show-board across the lentel, and the sign for Lipton ‘s Tea.

If this old shop could only speak, what would it bring to mind. The bygone scenes and the fair colleens and the friends we left behind. Now I’m going a shopping as we often did before. And see Johnny behind the counter as he did in days of yore.

Now I want some loaves and candles, Robin starch and Recketts blue We’ll get some Tay and Sugar to make the bog-mans brew. Lots wife for the ducks eggs, and soda for the cake, The apples pie and parleys our Mother’s used to make.

The woodbines and the matches. The tobacco off the block. And a penny for a razor blade it was known as seven o clock. The lovely home cured bacon that streaky fat and lean. To dress the cabbage for the dinner, let it be gathered white or green.

The bag of flour called Irish Maid, 10 stone as a rule, And Londonderry oatmeal by a miller called McCool. The Herrings on a Thursday night he sold them by the shoal, When meat was not allowed on Friday’s, they saved many a Christian soul.

The carbolic soap, the rinso to make a tub of suds, And margarine we used for butter to mash up with the Champions spuds. Now I must buy a yard brush, a shovel or a twig. The clarando and the pollard to feed the hens and pig.

155 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The brack and the jam and sweet cake as some yanks and calling down To visit their friends and neighbors in Creevy and Whitestown. The young folk gathered there each night they danced and joked and sang Bought the carmels for the colleens, and the place with laughter rang.

Now I must get the biscuits with the lovely cream on top The swiss roll and scribona the pride of Johnny’s shop The sugar stick and the butterscotch and the buns called Yellow man. The bulls eye 10 a penny from the shiny bright sweet can.

But times have changed and all is strange, everything is still There is no shop, no counters or no rattling of the till. The shop is gone and Johnny’s gone and the dancing it did stop Now all is lost in the mists of time, that once was McLoughlin’s shop.

Loughglynn Convent

Recalled by the late Peggy Leonard (nee Madden, Currahard)

The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary convent in we were divided into groups of four. We had a few Loughglynn was home to a large number of nuns during hours a week in the dairy, laundry, kitchen, poultry, the war years. All the retired sisters who worked on the housekeeping and the sewing room We were taugh to missions all over the world as well as the postulants cooked a meal and set the table properly. I can remem- who entered the order during these years (war) lived in ber after all the years eating bread pudding that we the Convent. burned black as our teacher stood looking at us. There was no way it could be hidden. They Nuns had a farm where a steward and several lo- cal men were employed to look after cattle, tillage, gar- The dairy I enjoyed, they made butter, cheese, Edam, dens etc. The nuns looked after the dairy, poultry, pigs, cheddar, Camembert and other French cheese. Sister bee keeping and flowers. They also had a school where Evelle a French Canadian looked after the dairy while sewing, carpet making, knitting, embroidery and vest- Sister Matilda was over the churning, she was very ment making, cheese making etc. were taught, The girls nice. We had some good times too on our way to and attended from surrounding areas. Every morning eight from the Convent. When we got a puncture we had to of us from Lisacul, Lena French, Bea Jordan, Bridie O walk home and mend it before we went to bed as the Connor, Nellie Morley, Dell Costello, Rose Dignan, morning wasn’t long coming. After the war ended most Mary Clifford and myself Peg Madden cycled over at of the girls went to England and started nurse training, 8.30 am and didn’t get home till 6 p.m. Tyres were hotel work etc. hard to get owing to the war but Dominic Carney R.I.P A lot of them married and returned back to Ireland. who has a bicycle shop in Loughglynn village always Others have retired, many of them have gone to their “kept “ one for us, a front wheel tyre was 3/6 a back one final resting place R.I.P. was 6-7 shillings. Mother Sabbas was over the school,

156 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

This report appeared in the Roscommon Journal over 100 years ago

Lisacul Active Age group members with their prizewinning craftwork L to R: Ray Goulding, Kitty Madden (R.I.P.), Mary Costello, Kathleen Moffitt, Mary Barrett, Mary Noonan, Pauline Dignan, Michael Boyle

157 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Exile’s Story

Twas a cold December day with sadness all around, the ship tat now was anchored would soon be outward bound Once more to cross the stormy seas,it would be on its way, another load of emigrants to sail from Dublin Bay I stood upon that lonely deck gazing at murky waters, as around me broken hearted were Ireland’s sons and daughters Bound for foreign lands what did the future hold, one thing I knew and it was true no streets were lined with gold There was no welcome for us then a fact you can’t deny, the notice seen on factory gates “No Irish need apply” The great war now was over and of course that changed it all, their cities had to be rebuilt on the Irish they did call They came here in their thousands arriving night and day, every boat was fully booked as it sailed from Dublin Bay Now every man was on the lump and there was mighty craic, there was a saying among the lads “you never will go back” They packed the pubs at weekends and as they earned they spent, but back to dear old Ireland a lot of money went Big Irish lads stood round the bar and really looked at ease, they bought and sold low loaders, Hymacs and JCB’s They talked about the manholes and pipes that should be laid, so many cubes of ready mix and what the subby paid Each morning at the crack of dawn they were on the site, Many worked the seven shifts and some worked through the night. They were here to do a job there was no time to relax, on thing the Irish didn’t like was paying Income Tax. Some claimed for wives and children that never did exist, If there was a loophole to be found some lads could not resist. But they built the towns and cities and their big long motorways, the lump is now past history they were the good old days. When summer came around each year homeward I would go, the old folk have all passed away, most young folk I don’t know. The old home stands deserted no sound or laughter there, The old thatched roof now caved in the walls look cold and bare It’s there I stank in silence a sure it makes me sad. When I think of all the Happy days I spent there as a lad Now my thoughts go roaming back to that cold December day, When I bade farewell to Ireland and sailed out of Dublin Bay. Tommie Casserley

The Old Church Bell

The bell began its working life in Lisacul Church. placed all over the trees and on the ground. When the It called people to mass, rang out the Angelus twice a boys would come the bell would ring in the house and day, it rang for weddings and funerals. When our the lads were so busy robbing apples that old Tom was church was reconstructed in 1941 the bell became re- out from the house before they knew it. All was dundant, its working life was over. The priest at the dropped and the lads scurried across the fields in all time Fr. Giblin gave the redundant bell to my father. directions . Tom never did catch them but he had a fair The bell wasn’t long redundant in our house, as young idea who they were. The system worked or so he children we made some noise with it, dad stuck it for a thought. One day while Tom was at the shop the lads while, then one day the bell disappeared. Dad put it up had a field day, the lad with the loudest whistle stood at in the loft of the barn and it became redundant again Curragh cross roads and on seeing Tom returning he and was forgotten about. My Uncle Tom Rafferty was would whistle and that was the signal to get out. The famous for his apples, they were sold in Ballaghader- loot was spilt between the lads. reen and other local towns but as you can imagine he Uncle Tom is now gone to his heavenly reward. My had one big problem a lot of his apples were stolen by house now stands where the apple trees once stood and the local youths and he desperately needed to do some- the bell is in the shed, completely unaware of its place thing about it. The old church bell came to mind and in local history my father gave him the old bell. The bell was hung on (By James Regan) the wall inside the house and very strong twine was 158 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisacul and The Tennessee Waltz

Few people outside the family circle in Lisacul, will be Hills, California in 1984, was a renowned choreogra- aware of the village’s connection with the legendary pher and director and worked on several of the Elvis American singer Patti Page who died early in 2013 at Presley movies, including Blue Hawaii. the age of 85. Pattie was a superstar in the US music Patti Page was born Clara Ann Fowler in Oklahoma charts in the 1950s where her recording of the Tennes- and later adopted the stage name that was to become a see Waltz became one of the biggest songs in the histo- household name across America. The Tennessee Waltz ry of US singles, selling in the region of 10 million became synonymous with her while another novelty copies. song, How Much Is That Doggie In The Window also Back in 1897, Catherine Marie Roddy emigrated from topped the charts as did a number of her other songs in Creevy, Lisacul to America. She was the second eldest that era. She became one of the very few female singers of a family of eleven children, ten of whom made their ever to have country hits in the American charts in five homes in America. Only Patrick Roddy, the youngest different decades. of the family stayed at home in Lisacul. He lived to the The Roddy Family say they were unaware of the family age of 87 and died in 1987. Patrick never left Ireland connection until a cousin brought it to their attention in and never saw his eldest sister Catherine on this earth recent years. “We have a massive amount of cousins in and never laid eyes on any of his brothers and sisters America, as ten of the family of eleven left Lisacul in after they left Ireland. Patrick married Mary Ann Cos- that generation. It is only now through the internet and tello from Cloonaugh, Lisacul. They had a family of other ways that people are making the connections Two, Michael (Haulie) who lives in Feigh, Lisacul and again. Our grand-aunt Catherine, known in the family Agnes (Croghan) who died in London a few years ago. circle in America as Aunt Kate was mother in law to Catherine Roddy married William Mc Crory in 1898, Patti Page. It is an amazing connection with one of the the year after she arrived in America and they raised a most famous songs in the world.” family of seven children in Philadelphia. William died Maybe in the year of The Gathering the time is right to in 1909 and Catherine later married Daniel Curran. hold a celebration of the Lisacul association with The Catherine and Daniel had six children together and Tennessee Waltz. It would definitely be a chart-topper lived in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They separated soon for Lisacul and that’s for sure! after the birth of their youngest child, Rita Claire. Dur- ing Prohibition in the USA, Catherine ran hotels and piano bars. And when the depression came along in the 1930s, she prepared her delicious homemade soup for long lines of people. One of their sons, Charlie, became the second husband of Pattie Page in 1956. Prior to that, he had been married to actress Betty Hutton from 1952 to 1955. When Patti and Charlie married, she too was on her second marriage. Her first husband was Jack Skigo and that lasted only a year before ending in divorce. By then, Charlie was known as O’Curran. The ‘O’ had been added before the traditional Curran name, many believing the ‘O’ made the name synonymous with Ire- land in the American mind. The Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia on April 2 1965 carried a lovely photo Charles and Patti, relaxing in their Hollywood home with their newly adopted children (from Ireland), Kath- leen (29 months) and Danny (8 months). Kathleen (now 50) resides in Tuscan, Arizona and Danny and his wife Jennifer live in California with their two children Killian and Lynn. Patti and Charlie divorced after 16 years of marriage in 1972. She married her third husband Jerry Filiciotti in 1990 and they resided in New Hampshire. He died in Charlie Curran pictured with Elvis Presley 2009.Charlie O’Curran, a first cousin of Haulie Roddy on the set of Blue Hawaii and the late Agnes Croghan, who died in Granada

159 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Mike Doherty, Kiltymaine, gathers the turf The Duffy family, Currasallagh. Front L to R: Kate (Madden),

Bridget Doherty, Atlantic City, U.S.A and Eva and Florrie King, Feigh

Manning the barricades: Mattie Gallagher, Tom Freeman, Mick and Tommy Gallagher, Eamon Beirne and Tom Coppinger

160 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Another Blast from the Past

161 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 A Sense of Place By Brendan Greene

Silverfield, Briarfield & Whitestown are places those If we look for a moment at the name and place of who are gathering from afar and live locally might be Lisacul, we may have a little difficulty in finding the more than familiar with and are also names which exact village – if it is an exact place. For definite we might trip off the tongue with ease. If we think about it, can find the Fort (Lios) and for definite the Hazel any of those place names could just as easily be in (Coill) which still survives with gleaming bark and near Somerset or Devon or anywhere in England. vertical rods so beloved of our local fishermen in past times. It is unlikely that those names grew out of the local ‘landscape’ but would have arisen through the heavy The village names and townlands of the past do still hand of imposition. The hand of relatively recent histo- survive to some degree in their anglicised form. These ry has left an indelible mark on the naming of our areas place names are in part preserved and the written word and we have about as much choice on the place name is effective in that regard. After the war of independ- we come from as the surname we carry. If we travel ence and creation of the new state we seemed to go for from West Roscommon, east from Lisacul through the a very fundamentalist version of regener- town of Ballaghaderreen on the N5 through Tibohine, ation which did not create a loving relationship for we meet the village of Frenchpark. It’s name has very many with Irish. There seems to have been a few direct little to do with thousands of years of natives living translations direct from English for some places but at there before. If your name is Gara you might have least we were spared Pairc an Fhranaigh. (Frenchpark) something to say about that and the long history associ- as we head to the pale. ated with Roscommon. However, there is another world of words and places already lost and being slowly lost. was so rich in these names, that when the language in Gaelic We can have attachment to our own place but that at- was lost to the people through persecution and death of tachment is much deeper, more earthy, more personal, an older generation, so were the place names that never more innate and more community based than any place made it onto the letter (envelope) from Lincoln or the name. It is a hugely spiritual experience to think that parcel from America. These were the names that were some of those gathered in Lisacul either on a short visit never accepted by the authorities of the day and were or as residents could trace their very souls, their very more verbal in use. I am going to present a menu of DNA to the inhabitants of the seven forts that exist in these in the hope that someone more knowledgeable Lisacul – built before Saint Patrick ever set foot in than I might take up the baton and preserve these. Lisacul!

Lisacul church as it appeared on a postcard in the distant past

162 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 A Sense of Place (Continued)

Baile Atha (Fhata) – Location: Briarfield. Togh na Coille- Location: Silverfield. Guessed meaning - Village of the Ford (crossing) or Guessed meaning – Take your choice-The cocks arse or Village of the Potatoes. perhaps rear of the wood. Ath na gCaora – Location: Curraghasallagh. Baile Ur – Location: Carngruckane. (Brendan Doherty’s) Guessed meaning – Ford of the sheep or berries. Guessed meaning New Village. Carragin (Carrageen) – Location: Carnagruckane. Brians bothrin - Location: Lisadaly. Guessed meaning – Little Rocks. Guessed meaning - Brians little road. The census from Caiseal – Location: Curraghsallagh. the early twentieth century clearly indicates Brian Free- Guessed meaning – Stonefort. Could refer to any stone man lived there with an ability to speak Irish and Eng- fort in the vicinity. We could lay claim to the hugely lish. impressive structure across the border in Mayo consid- Scorriff (Scairbh) - Location: Creevy turf cutting area. ering the whole county structure devised by the British Authorities is only an infant in terms of time compared Guessed meaning - Rough land. to the age of this structure. The last Irish speaking house in the Curraghsallagh area Coimin (Cumeen) – Location: Lisacul - nearest inhab- is reputed to have been at Curraghsallagh crossroads, ited house Adrian Boyle. but the loss of the language did not mean the loss of all Guessed meaning – a small hollow. forms of written words with one as yet unidentified lo- cal poet taking to the English language penning the Poll na Gunnai (Poll na gCoinini) – Location: Cur- following verse, recognising the importance of numer- raghsallagh. ous local Laffertys : Guessed meaning – hole of the guns or of the rabbits. Poll an Mhadaigh – Location: Beside Creatons Pub “Peakle, Audi, Ribs and Skin Guessed meaning – hole of the dogs. Martin Jack and Jamesie Jim”

All smiles for the official opening of the extended Lisacul national school

163 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Anthony Cafferky By Patricia Cunningham & Patricia Clancy A Recipe for a Happy Life

Anthony Cafferky was born in Lisadaly in 1905, His By Patricia Cunningham parents were Catherine (nee Boyle) and Anthony. Like his other siblings he immigrated to America when he was 17 years old. Anthony was the founder of the Bos- ton Meat Market, which still thrives today, and he made A heaping cup of Kindness, two cups of Love and Caring his living teaching people how to cure pork correctly. One cup of Understanding, one cup of Joyful Sharing Before that time may people died from Trichinosis be- cause of poorly cured pork. He returned to Lisadaly A level cup of Patience, one cup of Thoughtful Insight every year until he passed away in 1991. Since he was a One cup of Gracious Listening, one cup of Sweet For- past pupil of Currasallagh National School he always giveness made a party for the children of that area and also Mix ingredients together, toss in Smiles and Laughter brought them a souvenir. Serve to everyone you know with Love forever after. He also sponsored scholarships for the best pupil in the school. He was married to Esther Coleman from Cork and they raised a family of four children.

Reading the Script Members of Lisacul Drama Group L to R. Michael Muldoon, Kathleen Lundon, Tom Coppinger, Martina Dignan, Mary Teresa Doherty and Johnny Loftus, preparing for “The Rale McCoy”

Wishing you every success with The Gathering From John and Patricia Moynihan

164 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Lisacul representatives among those receiving Pride of Place awards in Belfast were , Mary Maxwell (second from left front), Annette Morris and Claire Carty 9Last two on right front) and Mike Carty (last on right at back)

Holy Boys Kieran Dignan, James Moran, Gerard Creaton

Out to Pastures New Mike Carty and Mary P. Carty, who both retired earlier this year as Supervisors - Mike on the local Rural social scheme and Mary P. on the FÁS Community Employment Scheme. They had little time to settle in to retirement though, as both were members of the editorial com- Tony Cunningham and his father-in-law mittee for this book Edward Hallis getting the hay home

165 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 Lisacul - A Retrospective View 2013 By Maureen Duffy Costello

Lisacul the place of my birth, my youth and of my and perhaps have the odd wager!!. formative years. Indeed, it was the centre of my uni- Weddings were usually celebrated in the bride’s home verse in the forties and fifties. So perhaps, it is no sur- in those days when all the neighbours and friends prise that many memories of that happy, carefree, alas would be invited to partake in a meal and perhaps a by gone era are still vivid in my mind although some- glass of sherry or a bottle of stout! It was customary for times the best things in life cannot be written or even children to celebrate St Patrick’s Day by visiting the spoken, here are just are just a few of my retrospective local shops. So it was, we gathered at the crossroads, thoughts. pennies in our fists to converge on Gallaghers, Mc In the Lisacul of my youth, to see a car on the road was Loughlin’s or Fitzpatrick’s shop. There we feasted on almost akin to seeing a UFO today! So it was that vil- slab toffee, bull’s eye sweets and liquorice. Wren Boy’s lagers walked or cycled to and from mass, shop and Day and Bonfire Night were other memorable occa- post office. On route there was always time for a sions. friendly chat, or even a cup of tea. Every house had an The Memorial Hall and Mc Loughlin’s were the Mecca open door, as crime was virtually unheard of. So neigh- of entertainment for the adults. It was there that many a bours interacted with one another sharing their joys and lifelong partnership had begun. I could often hear the sorrows sadly. I think the invent of cars and today’s music from my bedroom on Sunday nights. Sometimes lifestyle has diminished that lovely tradition somewhat. a travelling show would visit the area. I remember see- If Austerity is the buzz word or perhaps the bad word ing the beautifully coloured horse drawn caravans of this millennium, it would be appropriate among rural which served as homes to the travelling communities communities in my youth in a much different way of when they arrived in the locality, they mended pots and course. I remember the ration books which were allo- pans and were always well received. cated to each household as tea, sugar, oil and cigarettes Finally when we recall the Lisacul of sixty years ago were in short supply during the war years. Resilience and its people, perhaps with some nostalgia we must and resourcefulness were the order of the day. Families spare a thought and a prayer for our families and had to economise and their food supply came from friends, who because of the aforementioned post war their farms. austerity, had to emigrate. Suffice it to say, they did I can recall my Dad using the horse drawn plough, the Lisacul and its people proud, where ever they settled. harrow, the scythe, the slean, the hay-knife and the To those who remained, well done for making Lisacul steveen today’s generation probably never even heard the vibrant, modern and welcoming place that it still is of such farm implements? But they were the “tools of today. their trade” in those days Turf was brought home from the bog with a donkey and cart, a journey of some Rath De oraibh go leir, ar do cuid oibre, agus ar an miles. On fair days, cattle were walked to the nearest “Teacht Le Cheile” um bhliana town to be sold on the street, no matter what the weath- er conditions were. But neighbours helped each other whenever the occasion arose. I really think the small farmers of that era were the forerunners of our present day co-operatives. I remember the now derelict white-washed thatched houses that dotted our neighbourhood in the forties, when the Thatcher was an essential tradesman. His Craftsmanship had to be seen to be believed!! . While those houses looked cosy and picturesque, conditions inside were unbelievably basic. It was on an open hearth fire that the ‘bean - an - tí’ baked, boiled the wa- ter and cooked for her family. That was after the turf was carried in from the yard and the water brought from the well in pails. But with the advent of the rural electrification in the late fifties, life on the farms got much easier. Prior to that era the radio was to some extent, the only communication with the outside world. So on football final day neighbours would go to the house that had the radio, enjoy listening to the match Mary McDonagh and Maureen Duffy

166 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 An Appreciation by Mary Barrett

I wonder if people realise the hours of work that were put in, on a voluntary basis, by so many people to produce this book on Lisacul. The many donations of stories, pictures and information freely given are greatly appreciated. It is a great achievement for the parish to have such an account of life in Lisacul over the years in book form to buy for €10, and to be passed on to future generations. The production of this book is a testament to the sense of community spirit that exists and always has existed in this small parish that we can all be proud of. Our Senior Citizens

Mary Barrett and Tommy Gallagher are the two oldest members of our community still residing in the parish

167 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

Home for the Gathering

An adaptation of a Commemorative Poem by Willie Grady

I’m over here in Boston, 3,000 miles away. I’m dreaming of my old homestead and going back some day. Though an exile now for many years, I’m thinking of it still. My dreams become reality and a promise I’ll fulfill, So I’m going home tomorrow, my heart with joy is full, To meet my friends and family, at the Gathering in Lisacul. There I’ll meet my friends and neighbours, who’ll say “Fáilte Leat a Stór”. For in every house in Ireland was an ever open door.

I’ll visit the Community Centre that was once the Memorial Hall, And there I’ll proudly say “Anseo”, when my name is called. I’ll go next day to the Parish Sports, fond memories to recall, The sportsmen of the past who were the finest of them all. They played the game both hard and fast, no grandeur or display, But God’s hand seemed to guide them o’er life’s long weary way. For some of them, the whistle blew and before His throne they came, It was not the score that counted, but how they played the game.

Then I’ll see across the Callows the white Chapel on the hill, And stroll into the graveyard, where all is quite and still. I’ll walk down to the Crossroads, the road to anywhere, To feel the lovely Irish breeze, a breath of my native air. There I might meet some friends or pals as often times before, And have a drink in Nedeen’s Bar, just like in days of yore. Reading through the Gathering Book, to photographs I stray, Some are dead for many years, the others turning grey. As I turn back the pages on the intervening years, To memories of happy days, my eyes are filled with tears

There I invoked God’s Blessing, as I knelt on Holy Ground, And when the sun was setting, to Creaton’s we were bound. Our hearts were filled with merriment as we danced our cares away, But then alas, it came too soon, the end of a perfect day. We sang our way through “Auld Lang Syne”, embraced one another all, And as we grasped each well known hand, a tear or two did fall. So to our friends and exiles, it’s time to say adieu, ‘Twas good to have our Gathering and share some time with you.

168 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013 The Gathering

Composed by Fr Brendan Mc Donagh to commemorate The Lisacul Gathering

It was the year of 2013, another year like it will never be seen, Then off to the bog for turf cutting and what a sight to behold, People came from all over the world, they heard of events that had been. Arms were strained, a sod in the air, wooden wheelbarrows taking the load. Our country had been through a bad patch, the people in it felt down, A fire was burning nearby on the bank; a kettle was singing, eggs on the boil, Each face told its own story, on each forehead was carved a deep frown. The heavens opened, to the bus we did run, and our meal the rain it did spoil.

They asked us to hold a gathering, invite our people back home, Inside the bus we were comfy and dry, sang songs that made us feel jolly, Use face book or letters or email, maybe you could use the phone. Played tunes on tin whistles, told stories and jokes, we sang of sweet Cloonaholly. Tell them of events we are planning throughout our neat little Isle Our young folks worked hard raising funds for the hall; in fact it just wasn’t funny, Ask them to come for a visit, linger among us a while. We met them and talked, they gave us a cheque, simply handed over their money.

I’ll tell you of events that did happen, just to whet your appetite On Sunday the clouds made rain tumble down, good Christians began to pray, In Lisacul from Friday to Sunday, we worked all day and all night. Then twelve on the dot the sun it got hot, it stayed dry for the rest of the day. A book first of all was produced; it was launched by Patsy Mc Garry, We offered our mass for those who have gone to their heavenly home up above, It told tales of all sorts of shenanigans and who met who and did marry. We remembered them all, while some shed a tear, assuring them of our great love.

Then a group set out on a bat watch, it was held at a secret location, In the sports field the crowd reassembled, each child got a medal we hope, It was led by a lovely young lady who has an interesting occupation. Then there was great joy and excitement when we saw the tug-o-war rope. This walk started off in the dark and was spooky for our young people Two teams got ready for battle, on the ground facing each other they lay, In Kilruane they stood silent and stared as bats flew out from the steeple. Pull! The order was given and the boots they dug into the clay.

Next morning feeling happy and cheery we filled our lungs with fresh air, Later that night in Creaton’s pub, we all gathered to wrap things up, Then off for a walk round the village and interesting things we did hear. Speeches were made the dancing began, we presented the trophies and cup, We stopped at the school for a cuppa, saw pictures of long ago, And early next morning on this we agree, as back to our homes we did drift, The air was alive with excitement seeing faces that once we did know. Though tired after the effort and fuss, our Gathering gave us a lift.

169 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

170 Lisacul - The Gathering 2013

171