Carloviana 1957

Carloviana Journal of the Old Carlow Society. 1ff/

One Shilling December, 1957 I

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I 1903 OVER FIFTY YEARS SHOE MAKING 1957 "A GOVERNEY SHOE " and GOVERNEY AGRICULTURAL BOOTS are widely known OUR REPUTATION is backed by over 50 years experience. GOVERNEY'S FOOTWEAR, made by Craftsmen, is a Household "Word"

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For the Lady with a passion Our Bread is FIRST-CLASS and the proof for FASHION First Prizewinners at Carlow You'll find it in "The Modern." We have a wonderful selection of Ladies' Show in Bakery Section Coats, Costumes, Frocks, Skirts, Blouses, Knitwear, Underclothing, Nylons, Gloves, Handbags, Scarves, DELIVERIES DAILY Umbrellas, Etc. No matter what time of the season you call, you'll always find we have Wedding Cakes a Speciality something new and exciting. Unique Designs A VISIT TO US ALWAYS PAYS

•> Carlow Bakery Co. Ltd. 1he Modern Montgomery Street, SPECIALISTS IN LADIES' WEAR, Carlow Phone 245 Tullow St., Carlow First-Class Proficiency Dip oma, Academy of For Best Drinks Gent's Hairdressing, London, 1932. and Groceries Visit

CARLOVI ANS We take pride in being The Crystal Bar the oldest established Gentlemen's Hairdressers in Carlow, but we also Proprietor: JOHN McEVOY take pride in our work and are always prepared to cut your hair as you wish it. A trial will convince. Comfortable Accommodation and High-Class Catering BURN·S Lunches, Dinners and Teas College St., CARLOW Parties catered for on short notice

Prize-winner Mallon Cup. Hairdressing Competition, Dub'in, Tullow Street, Carlow 1952.

Everything CARPENTERS take over all the trying details of funerals from Relatives and Executors. Let us quote for " all-in " arranged for arrangements including FUNERALS CEMETERY NEWSPAPERS WREATHS, MEMORY CARDS, Etc. and without For the finest and most economical service in unnecessary expense I the county, telephone, call or write to: CARPENTER BROTHERS FUNERAL UNDERTAKERS BARRACK STREET, CARLOW CJJ Phone: Cariow 237 l Telegrams: "Dempsey, Carlow." Telephone 44. Willie Hosey James Dempsey 138 Tullow Street IRONMONGER

Carlow HOUSE FARM FURNISHING. IMPLEMENTS BUILDERS' SEEDS ... HARDWARE GARDEN TIMBER REQUISITES. WALLPAPER LEATHER Tailoring and Outfitting CHINA & GLASS FIREARMS · · Men's Shoes · ·

Agent for Hoover Electric Washing Machines, Sweepers, Cleaners, Etc. HIGH-GRADE CLOTHES FOR MEN AND BOYS 87-88 TULLOW ST., CARLOW.

Electrical Installations A~ E. COLEMAN

RADIO AND CYCLE REPAIRS MOTOR AND CYCLE DEALERS Agent for Phillips, Pilot and Mullard Radios, and latest Television· Sets. 19 DUBLIN STREET Sunbeam, Hercules, Silver Cross Cycles. CARLOW

Cookers, Fires, Irons, and all Agent for Electrical Appliances. RALEIGH CYCLES And DOT. VIVI. Let us quote you for wiring your house. Repairs a Speciality.

PATRICK KINSELLA Accumulators Charged ELEOTRICAL ENGINEER

15 Dublin Street, Carlow. Oils, Greases and Spares 1n Stock. TULL Y'S Hugh es Bros. OF CARLOW MONUMENTAL WORKS Phone: Carlow 257 ALSO WILLIAM STREET, ATHY Carlow Phone: Athy 180

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"God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen"

There may have been Carolsingers in Carlow before them, but the first we remember, in the mid~twenties, had a magical uniqueness which has never been recaptured. One night, the lamplighter had gone his rounds and the street~lights had been extinguished, when we heard voices singing to a guitar accompainment. Rushing to the door, we saw outside a group of figures in red cloaks and hoods, islanded in the glow of the torches they carried. True to the medieval spirit they remained anonymous, though his great height betrayed their leader as Dr. Franz Born, the Cathedral Organise In recent years the tradition of Carolsinging has been splendidly maintained by St. Cecilia's Choir, the Cathedral Choir, St. Mary's, St. Fiac's. But a generation to whom the rE'petition of radio was then unknown, these first Troubadours as bringing a fresh re~statement of the great Christmas Mystery, truly, "tidings of comfort and joy" ·

Murray's, Dublin Street, Carlow 1

The Old House with the New Name MELVILLE & CO. (formerly Murphys) Greetthrough "Carloviana" the many new found friends they have made in Carlow since their opening in Novem­ ber and hope by a continuance of the value already offered to retain those friends and add to their number. MEL VILLE & CO. 2, 3 and 4, · Tullow St., Carlow

J. J. WALL !JJrian Cunningham PHOTOGRAPHER 17 GJJublin Street, Carlow Motor Garage and Service Station .!lndustrial, Commercial, <:Press and 'Wedding Kilkenny Road <:Photography Carlow

Phone: 197 <:Phones: Carlow 281 and 324 NO ONE KNOWS BETTER THAN OLD CARLOVIANS THAT W. & G. Hadden, Ltd., have carried on the family business for over one hundred years and that the Carlow Branch was purchased from Mr. Adam Ford in 1909. Mr. Ford's predecessor was Mr. Luttrell~ in partnership with Mr. Burgess of Athlone, and Mr. Luttrell's predecessor was Mr. Henry Banks (a grand uncle of Mr. W. H. Hadden and at one time Chairman of the Carlow Urban District Council) who owned the main part of the present business in the middle of the 19th century. HAD DENS W. & G. HADDEN LTD. CARLOW.

fil'he ~ atinnali st Tobacconist A M D I. ~S T I:. ~ T I M E.- S

42 TULLOW STREET, CARLOW

Advertising Cigar Divan The Nationalist and Leinster Times circulates in seven counties. It DUBLIN STREET reaches the buying public and is kept and referred to until the next issue appears. It is an excellent advertising medium. If you have CARLOW anything to sell, advertise it in The Nationalist and Leinster Times. Established 1882 Rate Card on application.

+ + Printing Our Works are equipped to deal For all Smokers' Requisites with all Classes of General and Commercial Printing. Ask for Phone: 189 quotations. Ca 1doviana_.------Journal of the Old Carlow Society Vol. I. No. 6, New Series, Dec. 1957 W. V. HADDEN and MISS M. T, KELLY, Joint Editors An Appeal THE aim of the Old Carlow Society is to encourage and foster an interest in the history of Carlow and surround­ ing country. Many old familiar landmarks have disappeared; others are fast following suit. For this reason we would appeal again to our members, and especially our younger members, for papers about these places and the people EDITORIAL connected with them. It is the human touch that counts * most. WHAT'S IN A NAME The Hon. Editors are most anxious to build up a library * of papers that can be selected from later on for publishing LOOKING BACK ON in our journal. BROWNE ST. * In these modern times the old traditions of our country CARLOW'S FEUDAL are in danger of being lost to us forever. It is the role of FORTRESS societies such as ours to do our best to preserve, as far as possible, the local lore, at least. * THE LIFE AND TIMES OF FATHER MAHER There are few amongst us that cannot recall tales of our childhood, dealing with events in our own neighbour­ * hood. The preservation of these should be the aim CONDUCTED TOUR OF of each member. No matter how short the story is, CLOPOOK AND TIMAHOE it may be something that no one else can relate, and may * be a worthwhile contribution despite its brevity. WILLIAM DARGAN We would like to pay a special tribute to Mr. Liam * Bergin who has been Hon. Editor of " Carloviana " since TALE OF A TOWN the first issue. In fact the foundation of the Old Carlow Society is due in a large measure to the enthuasism of Mr. * HOME WORK AND PAY Bergin. He called and presided at the Public Meeting in IN GREAT GRANDA'S DAY Carlow Town Hall on April I st, 1946, with a view to forming the Society. * SECRETARY'S SURVEY The first General Meeting was held in Carlow Technical * School, on May I st, 1946. Since then Mr. Bergin has given of his best to the production of the journal. It is only the LIST OF MEMBERS extreme pressure of other work that compells him to relinquish the Hon. Editorship.

SEVEN • What's lll a Name? Or Who's Who 1n the New Building Schemes. BY MISS A. TREACY

INCE 1930 the Carlow Urban Council has meanwhile going on in the Graiguecullen area S built upwards of six hundred houses and and it wasn't until 1950 that forty-four houses not a street amongst them! in the Porerton Road area were completed and Stranger, please do not jump to the these got the title of St. Patrick's A venue in conclusion that these houses are in huddled honour of the National Apostle. groups. They are built in orderly 1:'ows with, In the same district in 1953 one hundred in practically every instance, spac10u,; front and fifty-six houses were ready for occupation and back gardens but while we have one and these were named after four prominent crescent and numerous roads, avenues, places figures:- and terraces the designation " street " is lacking except where the new buildings have .T.K.L. A VENUE recalls a prominent figure filled in gaps in already existing streets. in Church and State who died at the early age This is presumably, the modern tren~ ~nd of forty-seven years in 1834, Dr. James Doyle, in keeping with the higher standard of hvmg Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. generally, and so perhaps in days to come the Dr. Doyle, a member of the Augustinian older parts of the town may be termed " The Order and a native of New Ross came to St. Streets.'' P~trick's College in 1813 as a Professor of Rhetoric. In 1819 he was consecrated Bishop ST. KILLIAN'S CRESCENT. The first block of the Diocese and sometime later went to of houses to be built in Carlow for many a reside at Old Derrig. year was built by a few enterprising business­ Thirty-three years old when he became men. Eleven in all, they were just completed Bishop, he was already known amongst his when Very Rev. John Killian, Adm., was ?olle~gues as a ma~ of exceptional ability and transferred from the town to the parish of m his new role this soon became evident to Arles. a much wider circle. In reply to a statement Most of his priestly life had been spent made by a prominent non-Catholic cleric from in Carlow and as a token of esteem it was the pulpit, which was given wide publicity decided to ask his permission to name the new Dr. Doyle took up his pen and wrote the first crescent after him. of many letters over the initials of James of His reply was, " Call it 'St. Killian's' and Kildare and Leighlin. not after me." St. Killian was, of course, one These letters dealt with a multitude of of the seventh century Irish Missionaries who religious and political topics of the time and played a great part in the evangelisation of much speculation was indulged in regarding the Continent of Europe and whose names are the identity of the author which, of course, still revered to-day. To those who knew became known before long. As a result of Father Killian it was a distinction with little twelve letters dealing with the State of Ire­ difference and the houses were duly named. land he was called before the Lords and Between St. Killian's Crescent and Commons in Committee. Staplestown Road the Urban Council then His evidence impressed his hearers and built their first houses to accommodate the had a powerful effect in clearing away many people from one of the condemned areas and erronous opinions and prejudices prevailing at the title was in turn extended to embrace the time against the Catholic Church and the them. Irish people. A disciplinarian, he was ruthless On the lamented death of Father Killian, in his endeavours to exterminate the secret then P.P. of Edenderry in 1956, the residents societies to which the people in their wretch­ erected a memorial slab in a prominent posi­ edness resorted and this same wretchedness tion and it recalls the fact that in addition and poverty he strove unceasingly to ameli­ so many other services rendered by him as orate. He was associated with Daniel O'Connell a zealous priest and good citizen, he was in his fight for Catholic Emancipation and in largely im:trumental in getting the Sugar Beet anticipation of the successful outcome of the Industry for the town. Struggle, he commenced building Carlow Cathedral in 1828. P AIRC MHUIRE : at the same end of the He died in Braganza House, which had town the Carlow Urban Council completed in been purchased for him and his successors in 1943 a group of sixty-one houses named in the See by the clergy of the diocese. honour of Our Lady, Paire Mhuire. His remains were laid to rest in the Cathedral which he had dedicated to the ser­ ST. PATRICK'S AVENUE. Building was vice of God a few months before he died. He

EIGHT is commemorated there by a magnificent piece his comrades, stands on the road facing the of statuary, the work of the famous Irish Church in Killeshin. He died on the 23rd July, sculptor, Hogan, which depicts the Bishop in 1943. the role of Protector to a desolate Eire. O'HANRAHAN A VENUE. Michael O'Han- MAcGAMHNA ROAD. Padraig MacGamhna rahan was born in Tullow Street adjacent to was a well known citizen of Carlow for most the house which bears the MacGamhna plaque. of his life. Born in Killeshin, he attended the Son of a Wexford man who plied a craft no National School there and later the Christian longer known in the town, that of cork cutter, Brothers' Secondary School in Carlow. He he was educated in the Christian Brothers' was apprenticed to the Milling businesi-i in School and took an active interest from his Shackleton's Mills, Graiguecullen, but in a early days in everything pertaining to the short time he became absorbed in public national interest. He was instrumental in affairs and left the Mill. Prominent in the having the first branch of the Gaelic League Sinn Fein movement, he was arrested and im­ formed in the town and was a founder mem­ prisoned in Belfast Gaol for reading the Easter ber of the Workman's Club. At his instigation Week Proclamation in Carlow. On his release the lantern was erected over the door with the he continued his activities and in 1921 he was Club's name in Gaelic and English. again arrested and interned. Elected to the The family moved to Dublin on their second Dail by a record majority not since father's death and Michael continued his equalled in the area, he resigned his seat patriotic activities. He took a prominent part rather than take the Oath of Allegiance to in the Easter Rising for which he paid the the English Monarch which was at the time extreme penalty being executed on the 4th obligatory. He was such an outstanding char­ of May, 1916, the day after Padraig Pearse. acter amongst the notabilities in public life His remains rest with those of the other lead­ at this critical period that a French journalist ers in the plot at Arbour Hill. writing pen pictures bf these for his paper devoted much space to a description of Mac­ KEVIN BARRY A VENUE. Kevin Barry was Gamhna, his mannerisms and his obvious the son of a well-known family in Tombay, sincerity. Instrumental in founding a branch Hacketstown. He was a student in the of the Transport Union in Carlow, he was its National University and though still in his President for twenty-four years and was ever teens he took an active part in the struggle zealous for the welfare of the worker. for freedom during the Black and Tan period. He was arrested following an ambush and was A plaque to his memory can be seen on executed on All Saints' Day, 1920. His case the front of the Misses Mahers' house in Tul­ aroused particular interest at home and abroad low Street, where he resided for many years, as it was expected that owing to his extreme and a magnificent Celtic Cross, a tribute from youth the death penalty would be commuted.

His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Keogh, blessing the new houses at Paire Mhuire. Courtesy of " The Nationalist and Leinster Times." NINE GRAIGUECULLEN many years, an example which is happily fol­ lowed by members of his family to-day. ST. FIAc's TERRACE, Graiguecullen, was built in 1933 and '34 and these seventy-two ST. CLARE'S ROAD recalls the connectiou houses marked the beginning of a valiant between Graiguecullen and the Saint of Assisi, effort to improve living conditions in the dis­ a community of the Order of St. Clare having trict which has, in this year of 1957, almost been established here since 1893. reached its successful climax. PA CELLI A VENUE is named in honour of St. Fiacc, as the name is generally spelt Pope Pius XII, the reigning Pontiff, whose by historians, was ordained priest by St. Pat­ work for peace and goodwill amongst the rick who later made him the first Archbishop nations has been pursued with unflagging zeal of Leinster. He built his church at Sletty on throughout his Pontificate. the site marked and consecrated for him by St. Patrick, and ancient remains and crosses STAUNTON AVENUE. Father Henry are still to be seen there. Staunton became P.P. of Carlow in 1787 and at the same till).e was made Dean of the THE NUMBERS. A group of houses facing Diocese of Leighlin. Dr. Keeffe, then advanced the street known as "The Numbers" from the in years, was at the time commencing the fact, it is said, that they were the first houses building of St. Patrick's College. Dean in Carlow to be so distinguished, was dubbed Staunton became his enthusiastic assistant by its residents "St. Clare's Terrace," but a~d when in. a few months the aged Bishop this it seems has no official backing and so died, he carried on the work which was com­ "The Numbers" covers old and new buildings pleted in 1793. He was elected first President in the street. of St. Patrick's and added his duties in that office to those of Parish Priest. He was zeal­ MORRIN'S A VENUE used to consist of four ous in the cause of education and established small houses, and an old map shows one of a Free Scho_ol for the education of boys and the two Police Barracks in Carlow Graigue, was r~sponsible for the building of the Pre­ as it was then, situated at the Chapel Street sentat10n Convent and the school adjoining end. Two modern bungalows were recently -yv-here the Nuns took on the education of girls built on the cleared site. m 1811. A memento of him stands at the Convent ST. LASERIAN'S TERRACE is another of Mercy. The cut stone entrance arch sur­ unofficial designation for a group of bungalows mounted by a wrought iron framework bearing in Chapel Street and Henry Street. The clear­ his initials and the date "H.S. A.D. 1792" was ed site at the end of St. Fiac's Terrace in originally the entrance to the old Parish Chapel Street holds twelve houses. Church and had been erected there by him Dean Staunton died on 1st September 1814. CHURCH STREET takes its name from and was interred in the Parish Chu;ch but Killeshin Church and its twenty-four houses ~hen work on the Cathedral, which covers the now face the portion of Governey Park, also site .of the old church, was commenced, his known as Church Street. remams w e r e removed to the College Cemetery. GoVERNEY PARK is the comprehensive title given to the latest undertaking of the MAHER ROAD. Father James Maher is a Urban Council which is now for the most part proud tradition in Graiguecullen and elsewhere completed and occupied. It comprises 199 i~ the Journal is an article giving details of houses, six of which are divided into two flats his career. each. The name recalls a worthy citizen of the PEARSE ROAD. Patrick Henry Pearse is town, the late Mr. Michael Governey, who a name that needs no explanation. University died on the 23rd January, 1924. He was Pro­ graduate, poet, scholar, dreamer if you will prietor of Corcorans' Mineral Waters Co., but founded. ~t. Enda's College in 1908 to fulfili felt there was great need for further indus­ an ambit10n to mould the lives of boys to tries in the town. In the early years of the noble ends. He prided himself that it was "the most Irish school since the Flight of the century he attended Cork Exhibition, keenly Earls." alert on what would be the most practical idea to put into practice on his return home. An enthusiastic Gael and patriot his T~e stand displaying Irish made boots caught sta~d in the G.P.O. in Easter Week 1916 his fancy and he lost no time in getting a agamst overwhelming odds is an epic 'worthy factory erected. It was opened in 1903 and of our greatest traditions. soon achieved a good reputation and both the He. was one of the first to be executed industries mentioned still hold their place f(?r takmg part in the Rising and he lies with to-day. He was well-known as a kind employer his comrades in Arbour Hill Cemetery. and cordial relations ever existed between him and his ·employees. . DERRIG A VENUE. Thomas Derrig was a native (?f Westport and took an active part in He took a major part in . civic affairs for the Nabonal Movement from the age of sixteen. TEN Between !916 and 1923 he was deported and and the absence of military came into Potato three times imprisoned. A teacher, he was head­ Market which immediately became a scene of master of Ballina Technical School and was horrible slaughter when the soldiers emerged later attached to the North Richmond Schools from their hiding places and opened fire. The in Dublin. hideousness of the scene was increased when He was Fianna Fail Deputy for Carlow­ the mud cabins into which many of the unfor­ Kilkenny and was Minister of Education from tunate men rushed for shelter were set alight. 1932 to 1939 and again from 1940 to 1948. Few escaped and for days afterwards the He was Minister for Lands from 1951 to 1954. authorities pressed every available vehicle into He died on 19th November, 1956. service removing the bodies to a sandpit across the river where they were interred. WHITNEY PLACE. Liam Whitney, a mem­ ]for many years the spot was unmarked ber of a well-known family in Graiguecullen, until in the middle of last century Rowan was an enthusiastic supporter of the local McCombe, the Barrow Navigation Company's G.F.C. An energetic worker, he played a big Agent in Carlow, erected a plaque to their part in the transformation of the old church memory on the wall of an adjoining hous~. A into St. Fiac's Parish Hall.' The new football fine Celtic Cross was later erected in the cen­ ground, Father Maher Park, was the realisation tenary year of the Rising by public subscrip­ of his dearest dream. tions. Fo:r over twenty years he was a valued (NOTE: Rowan McCombe's plaque was pre­ employee of Knockbeg College. He died in served on the demolition of the '98 Street houses March, 1957, and at the request of the Old Carlow Society has been re-erected by the Carlow Urban Council close COLCLOUGH AVENUE. Mr. John Colclough to the memorial cross). played a useful part in civic affairs for many years and was Chairman of the Urban District Council for two periods of a considerable length of time. He was first elected in 1925. The plaque bears the following inscription: A well-known and popular businessman, his death in September, 1955, was deeply regretted. Erected by Rowan McCombe, Esq., DUGGAN A VENUE. Mr. Edward Duggan Superintendent of the Barrow Navigation who died in 1954 was a member and for a Company and Town Councillor of Carlow great number of years Chairman of the Urban to the memory of the six hundred and forty Council. In this capacity he was one of the deputation to Belgium to negotiate for the United Irishmen establishment of the Beet Sugar Industry in who fell in Tullow Street on the 25th May the town in 1925. 1798 He was c~nnected with the local confer­ ence of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for whose remains rest beneath this mound. over forty years. Keenly interested in local "Who fears to speak of '98." affairs he was connected with many business intere;ts in the town. He was the last surviv­ ing trustee of Carlow Show Committee. SLEATY STREET. The new houses in Sleaty Street are built immediately behind the CROPPIES' PLACE is so named from its site of twenty-one mud cabins which valiantly proximity to the Croppies' Grave, the burial ·weathered the storms for many a year. place of six hundred and forty United Irish­ They were built in the 1850's by Edward men who fell in Tullow Street on the 25th of Tracey, Leather Merchant, Tullow Street, who May, 1798. later sold them to Luke Wynne of Dublin · Several contingents from surrounding Street. districts planned to meet and capture the town but the military Commander became aware of Carlow certainly sports a new look and the plan and took immediate steps to circum­ the Town Fathers may well take pride in a vent it. great achievement. In turn the various districts, with the exception of Tinryland, got more or less timely It will warm the heart of the exile warning and remained outside the town. who left his native town a rather backward The Tinryland contingent, led by a man place, though it ever prided itself on its named Reydon, entered through Tullow Street cleanliness, to see his townsmen so well housed and encouraged by the quietness of the streets and with gardens gay and well stocked.

ELEVEN Browne Street and College Street as seen from the top of the Cathedral (Photo by Godfrey)

TWELVE In this article Miss M. T. Kelly 1s Looking Back at Browne Street

BROWNE STREET unlike the other streets of attached to the Methodist Church in Charlotte Carlow did not retain its original name. Street before the new church was built on the In the late 17th and early 18th century this Athy Road, and opened in 1898. street was called "Cuckoo Lane" and "Moysless Afterwards a Mrs. Smyth had what in Lane" and later, these names were changed those days was called an "eating house," the (again) to Hunt Street. In the early 19th forerunner of the restaurant. century thls street was given the name we Coleman's Garage was the out-offices and know it by to-day. livery stables attached to her house where In the 18th and early years of the 19th country people stabled their ponies or horses century, Browne Street was the principal resi­ and cars. dental street in the town. It housed the first Brennan's slaughter yard was · a house Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin to live ar!d die occupied by James Keating. He was the father in Carlow; and was the birthplace of another of Michael and John Keating. Michael had a illustrious Bishop of the diocese. Surgeons, victualling business in Dublin Street (now Attorneys, Professors, all had their residences Miss Breen's). John owned the house that ii, in this street. In Browne Street one can see now Governey's Boot Depot. He made soap, very fine examples of early Georgian doorways tallow and dip candles which succeeded the and fanlights, the latter having the same design old rush lights. in tracery. THE GLOBE INN RUSH LIGHTS I am starting at the Dublin Street end; and going back to the early 18th century. The rush light was made from long green There is a record that in 1735 Jonathan rushes peeled and steeped in mutton fat or Watson who signed his name with a "cross" tallow contained in a trough called a leased a holding in "Moysless Lane" to Arthur " grisset." It was then left to cool. Hunt, a British soldier in Col. Fitzwilliam's One steeping made the rush light, but if it Regiment of Foot. This holding was said to was decided to make a candle for special occasions like Christmas and , Easter, a few be part of Robert Edward's plot. Mr. Watson strands of cotton thread were joined for. a was the proprietor of the " Globe Inn," one wick, steeped and resteeped until it was suf­ of the oldest inns in the town. This inn was ficiently thick to be called a candle. the site of Miss McElwee's and Mr. Cunning­ When the rush had cooled, it was attached ham's in Dublin Street which was originally slantwise to its holder and lit. one house. Miss McElwee's property also This holder is an interesting relic of the extends down Browne Street to Mr. Tierney's past, and often a high testimony to the skill house. The plaque on the gable wall of No. of the local smith who made it. 15 Dublin Street bears the date: 1776 Hunt The rush light is associated with all the Street, so that for a period of over half a old home industries. They were used at the century the Hunt family owned this . property spinning wheel and loom. Shoe Makers and which I think was extensive. other Tradesmen had to work by their light The property, with lands in Graigue, were in the dusk. The old Irish Scholars also bought "under degree of court" by William burned the midnight rush light writing and Finn, Tanner, Coal Market, when the third · I illuminating the old manuscripts. · generation of Hunts was sold up for debts . . This Arthur Hunt had got himself into the hands of Dublin money0 lenders and the King's DR. JAMES KEEFFE Chief Remembrancer took over. I do not Bishop Keeffe lived in Mr. J. McDonald's know the date that Hunt was dispossessed, house when he came to Carlow from Tullow. but it was before 1805 when William Finn Dr.. James Keeffe was the son of Edmund made his will disposing of the property. Keeffe of Currane in the parish of Borris. He Mr. Tierney's and Mr. Hart·nett's were was born in the year 1702 and went at an originally one house. It was built on the site e~rly age t? Par~s where ·he distinguished of a ruin by Mr. Ryan, a retired member of h1mself at his etud1es. He took his Doctor of the R.I.C. Mr. John Curran was the stone Divinity at the Sorbonne. mason. · He was Parish Priest of Tullow and was Mrs .. Kavanagh's was occupied by a Mrs. consecrated Bishop in Wexford in 1752.· White who was a dressmaker, and later by Dr. Keeffe was · living in Tullow but Miss Cahill, also a dressmaker. having failed to get a site for a Di~cesan Guard King's, this house was for a num­ College there, he came to Carlow and got a ber of years the residence of the Ministers lease of a four-acre field from Mr. William

THIRTEEN Fishbourne. He took up his residence in this house and started the building of the College in 1782. The iay-out of Dr. Keeffe's house was: DR. KEEFE'S WILL on the ground floor to the left of the. hall­ The following is an extract from the door was the kitchen; on the right, a sitting­ Will of Bishop Keeffe-" As my worldly sub­ room; over this room was the Bishop's stance (which indeed is next to nothing) I bedroom; over the kitchen were two small dispose of in the following manner, to the rooms. The front room was the Bishop's representives of my sister, Mary Roche, if Oratory, and the other was for his house­ they think fit to call for it I bequeath one shilling and one penny. The same I bequeath keeper. to the representives of my brother, Luke Dr. O'Keeffe died on the 18th September, Keeffe. The same I bequeath to the represent­ 1787, at the age of 85 years. atives of my sister Honor Dunne. A faithful servant who had long attended " The same I bequeath to the representives him had hidden £5 from his master to pur­ of my brother Arthur Keeffe. The same I chase a coffin and shroud for him when he bequeath to the representives of my sister should be laid in the tomb. Jany Bagott. The same I bequeath to my These five pounds defrayed the funeral sister Nelly Lanagan. expenses of the Bishop. "The rest and remainder of my wordly sub­ stance namely my holding in Carlow under His obsequies were celebrated in the old Wm. Fishbourne, Gentleman, I bequeath to penal chapel, the site of which was between my Co. Adjutor Bishop, Daniel Delaney of the College junior football pitch and corner Tullow and Rev. Henry Staunton of Graigue­ of College Street (then Mass House Lane) namanagh whom I also appoint executors. and Dublin Road. The funeral Office was " Done the best I could in my own hand­ attended by seven Bishops and two Arch­ writing this 9th Aug., 1785 to be hereinafter bishops. signed, sealed and delivered in the presence In the Diocesan Visitation Journal of of subscribing witnesses." Dr. Patrick Joseph Plunkett, Bishop of Meath, The will was signed and witnessed on the the following entry appears: 19th September, 13th September, 1785. The two witnesses were Thomas Crosby and Edmund Doyle. 1787: " I set out from Kilkenny to Carlow, (The full text of Bishop Keeffe's will is where, on the 20th, I assisted at the funeral printed in Knockbeg Centenary Handbook Office of Dr. Keeffe of Kildare who died on 1947). Tuesday, 18th, a model of disinterestedness and piety." Dr. Keeffe expressed the desire that his Mr. Farrell was grandfather of Mr. remains be interred in the "Graves" amidst John Slater, Mayor of Kilkenny, and Mr. the poor for whom he had lived and with Frank Slater who followed his grandfather's whom after his death he desired to be associ­ business and also had other business concerns ated. in Carlow. Dr. Doyle (J.K.L.) from whose "Diocesan Mr. Joe Moore's was originally the gate­ Book " these extracts are quoted, had the way entrance to out-offices and yard of vacant plot enclosed and a memorial raised to his premises. Mr. Issac Langrell who lived at memory. Dr. Keeffe made his will when he Fairymount had the contract to supply post was over 80 years. cars to the Carlow Post ·Office. Cars went to Ballickmoyler and The Rushes, Crettyard, William Finn, Tanner, Coal Market, in Tullow and Coolkenno. He rented these out­ his will and codicils, 1805-1812, mentions offices and yard and used them as stables for " The house in Cuckoo Lane lately held by horses and cars. Thomas Crosby as well as five other houses and their tenants, Garrett Wall, William SHILLING A WEEK Hughes, Jos. Crawley, Banks and Farrell. We know that Bishop Keeffe lived in Mr. P. D'Arcy's was Mrs. Fennell's, who Browne Street, so Thomas Crosby must have had what I referred to earlier as an "eating been a friend and near neighbour. house." Mrs. Cunningham's was occupied by Mr. Greene, a travelling draper of the Jewish A FOWL MARKET fraternity who was the first (I am told) to introduce the "shilling a week" to the town. Mr J. Parker's and vacant premises next Mrs. Kearney's was occupied by Mr. Byrne door. These two houses were the property of who was a dairy man. The cows were put Mr. Valentine Farrell, poulterer and licensed out in the summer on land at Mortarstown. game dealer. In those days a fowl market The milking bawn rail is still there. Mrs. was held in Carlow on two days in the week, Byrne was a relative of Mrs. Kearney. Monday and Thursday, and there was lively competition among the buyers and sellers. I ST. PATRICK'S FLATS am told Mr. Farrell's premises was a hive of industry at Christmas with the women wear­ These are large Georgian houses with ing large "praskeens" or sack aprons plucking three stories over basement. In the Carlow turkeys, geese and other poultry for the fes­ Morning Post, 1817, the following advertise­ tive season under the glare of naptha lights ment appeared: - (no gas or electric lights then). Classical and Mercanter A c a d e m y,

FOURTEEN Browne Street taken from Dublin St. showing the Old Globe Inn (McElwee's) (Photo by w. V. Hadden)

Browne Street, Carlow, opened on Monday, mencing 12th July, ending 1st August. 17th December, 1817, by Mr. M. Ryan, late Professor of Mathematics, Geography, etc., SCRAGGS ACADEMY for several years in St. Patrick's College. Course includes Greek, Latin, French, English Mr. Ryan's Academy was the first house History, Mythology and use of the Globes-a on the corner of Browne Street and College well regulated English education comprising Street. Mr. Ryan's ownership did not last Spelling, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Com­ long, for in 1822, Messrs. J. and M. K. petition, Book-keeping and Mathematics. Scraggs, M.A., F.C.D., took over. They taught Terms: Boarders, 25 gns. per annum, and 3 the same subjects, but with this difference, gns. entrance fee, washing included, to be there was only the one fee for all .subjects, paid half-yearly in advance. viz., £1 14s. Hd. per quarter and £1 2s. 9d. Day Scholars learned languages £1 2s. 9d. entrance. quarter; entrance fee, do. Mr. Scraggs had his private residence on the Athy Road (Park's house), at least he Geography, Book - keeping, Competition was living there in 1838. They also owned and Mathematics, 16/3d. quarter, and as en­ a row of two-roomed thatched houses in trance, English spelling, reading, writing, the Potato Market area which was known as arithmetic, 11/Hd. quarter; entrance, do. " Scraggs Alley." Mr. Ryan would also receive four parlour boarders at 30 gns. per annum and 3 gns. A Mr. Costello also had an evening entrance fee, washing included, to be paid school in Browne Street. William Farrell in half-yearly in advance. his journal "Carlow in '98" states "that he Vacation, only one in the year, com- and Peter Ivers attended the best English

FIFTEEN t,,

School that was in the town, the Master of In the voters' list 1869-1871, William Prosser, which was Mr. Banks." pensioner, is listed as caretaker with use of He taught Reading, Writing, Arithmetic kitchen, aitting-room, bedroom and out-offices, and Book-keeping, nothing else. In the Carlow Board of Guardians Landlords. In Carlow MMurphy and T. Moran. The l lishment under the superintendence of the annual subscription was 5/-, but it was found '\, President and Professors of St. Patrick's that this amount was not sufficient to work College. It was called " St. Lazerians Classical on and it was raised to" 10/-. When this house and English Seminary." was offered for sale as part of the estate of The Rev. E. W. Burke was the director. Miss Frances Byrne, the Society secured a I do not know when this Academy closed. bank overdraft for £150 and bought it. The It was open at the time of Bishop Comerford's members cleaned, repaired and furnished it death in 1895. The Students walked in the themselves, had electric light installed and funeral procession. Afterwards the second finally had the whole outside rough dashed in house from College Street became the College pale green with their motto over the door. Laundry, and Misses Hannah and Maria Nolan Their door knocker decorated the door of one lived in the first house and managed the of the Georgian houses a few doors away. Laundry. Their mother was housekeeper in the College. IMPERIAL' HOTEL Miss Taylor succeeded them. Miss Annie Murphy,· one of our members, also lived with Miss Bolger's was owned by Mr. Pat her sister in this house. Mr. D. Carbery O'Toole and was known as the " Imperial bought the premises in the early 1930's and Hotel." In 1895 Mr. O'Toole put up for auction reconstructed them into the present St. Pat­ the " Imperial Hotel," Carriage Mart and Old rick's Flats. Dispensary house adjoining, all of which are held under lease for the lives of the Prince HIGH CONSTABLE OF CARLOW of Wales and the Dukes of Sax-Coburg-Gotha and Connaught and of the survivors and sur­ In my search for information the names vivor of them at the almost nominal rent of of the following appear as having resided in £20 per annum on which the landlord allows Browne Street in 1824. Richard Byrn, half the Poor Rates. Surgeon. A descendant of his, Rev. Mr. Byrn, The Imperial Hotel contains five bed­ was Rector of Kilternan, Co. Dublin, in the rooms, two large bar parlours, kitchen, garden, 1920's. Arthur Reed, he was a surgeon to the large yard and first class stabling accommo­ Infirmary and to the Carlow Militia. Singleton dation. The Carriage Mart is let by vendor Walker, Attorney, and James Holland, High at 3/6 per week and old Dispensary house at Constable of Carlow, but I regret I have been 7 /- per week. The old Dispensary house con­ unable to find out which of the houses they tains seven large rooms, kitchen and yard. lived in. Mr, O'Toole was father of " Nipper " Crossing to the opposite side of the street O'Toole who died a prisoner in Ballykinlar to Nurse Glovers. This house was occupied by Camp, 'ith February, 1921. He is buried in Miss Glover's aunt, Mrs. McAssey, who had the Republican Plot, St. Mary's Cemetery. almost reached her 100th birthday when she Mrs. Farrell was next tenant. She was died. daughter-in-law of old Val. Farrell (opposite Miss Bridget Kelly's and late Stan Cul­ side) and sister to Mr. Byrne who owned Pat len's. This row of houses from Cullen's round Duggan's, Dublin Street, and Bacon Curing the corner to the last house facing the College Factory in Bridewell Lane (now Brennans). gate were built by the Brown family, but were Mrs. Farrell later married James Bolger, acquired at some time by Mr. Tracey of Tullow Turnerstown, Athy, and her daughter is now Street who owned the boot and leather shop the owner. (noy.r Doran's). Mr. Tracey's· daughters in­ herited the property, and on their deaths it CARLOW WORKMAN'S CLUB passed to their niece, Mrs. Doolan (nee Carroll). This is the only one of the four large early Georgian double houses which has sur­ CARLOW LITTLE THEATRE vived the ravages of time. The Carlow Workman's Club was founded This Georgian house was the Old Dispen­ "in 1899 and the first meetin~ of the newly sary and probably the doctor's residence also. elected committee was held in the present

SIXTEEN premises on the 9th April, 1899. Nationalist, Leinster Leader, Evening Herald Mr. Thomas Little in the chair. Also and Telegraph, Irish Bits, United Irishman, present were: Messrs. Kellet, Delaney, War­ Truth, Tit Bits, Sport, Irish Catholic, Rey­ ren, Fenelon, McAssey, Sparks, Dwyer, nolds, St. Patrick's, Strand, Harmsworth, Brennan, Dooley, Brophy, Ellis, Clifford, Harpurs, Irish Monthly, Chambers, Wide Comerford, Walsh, Quillan, Wetheral, Mulhall, World, Graphic, Black and White, New Ire­ Cullen and the three O'Hanrahan Brothers. land, Review, Gaelic Weekly, · Racing World, Of the twenty-three who attended that Comic Cuts, Golden Penny, Snapshots and first meeting, there is only one living, Mr. Caideain Bolus. Thomas Little, Potato Market. Michael Mr. Benjamin Coleman painted and O'Hanrahan was executed as one of the Lead­ papered the entire Club premises free of ers after the Easter Week Rising, 1916. charge and was suitably thanked by the com­ It was decided at this meeting to pur­ mittee and members. Mrs. Kingsbury who chase the following Club requisites: draught lived nearby was appointed to look after and board and men, two packs of cards, one box clean the premises at 3/6 per week. dominoes ( double set), card book and Secre­ At later meetings it was agreed to buy tary's Account Book. It was also agreed to a Billiard Table for £68 5s. Od., £45 Os. Od. purchase two dozen chairs of Irish manufac­ cash to be paid down, the balance in instal­ ture from Mr. Thomas Richards at 3/3 each. ments. It was disclosed later that the chairs supplied Card playing was charged at one penny were not of Irish manufacture, and a lot of per sitting, only 15's and 25's permitted. correspondence took place about them. The Any member who broke any of the rules was following papers and magazines were ordered expelled. The papers and magazines were sold to be supplied to the Club: Daily Freeman, by auction annually, a member of the com­ Daily Independent, Iris h Times, Carlow mittee being appointed to the post.

Looking down Browne Street towards Dublin Street (Photo by Godfrey)

SEVENTEEN It was decided to purchase a lamp and amber. The Cumann-na-mBan also met in a bracket from Mr. Hennessy for £2 12s. Od. room in this house before they had to move and have it erected over the entrance, the about during the War of Independence. name of the Club in English on one side and Below I give the names of officers of the the equivalent in Irish on the opposite. Dur­ Carlow Wanderers Cycling Club, 1894. ing the War of Independence the Club was Captain, N. P. Roche; Sub. Captain, used by the LR.A. as a secret meeting place. James Oliver; Treasurer, John Doyle; Hon. Here plans were made and orders issued to Secretary, Daniel Fenlon. Committee : S. members. Freeman, Robert Gough, Michael P. Tynan, T. THE NATIONALIST Byrne, Ben. Coleman, J. McDonald. Afternoon and evening runs were held by The house beside Workman's Club. I can the Club to various beauty spots in and only go back to the year 1883 in connection around Carlow and County, a favourite Sun­ with this house, but, of course, its history day outing was to Poolaphouca. goes back much further to the 1700's. I have No. 11 Browne Street. This house was tried to find out who built these four houses the residence of JameR Comerford, father of and who were the first tenants, but I have not Most Rev. Dr. M. Comerford. He was a native been successful. of Bunclody, but there is & probability that The first offices and printing works of the Bunclody Comerfords sprung from Co. the Nationalist were in this house. The Carlow. In the early time we find the name Nationalist was founded in 1883 during the in the following passage in a " History of Land League days by the late Mr. Patrick Carlow." Conlan who felt there was a great need of a Carlow, 18th January, 1636.-"The Earl local national weekly paper to offset the views of Ormonde, Lady Elizabeth, his wife, and of the conservative Sentinel. Thomas Comerford were seized of the Castle During the bad years of 1888 and '8~ the of Clonmore with appurtenances in the tenth tenants of Carlow, Kildare and Leix petitioned year of the reign of Charles I." the landlords for a reduction of their rents. They, the landlords, refused, like Shylock they demanded their "pound of flesh." Evic­ tions followed, the worst area was Lugga­ BISHOP COMERFORD curren, Leix. Dr. Comerford was born in the year 1832. Mr. Conlan took up the cause of the He was baptised, received his First Com­ evicted tenants and wrote about their suffer­ munion and was confirmed in Carlow ings in his paper in January and February, Cathedral. He entered St. Patrick's College 1889. He was arrested on a charge of sedi­ at an early age, and was the first priest tious writing and tried at Carlow Petty ordained by Dr. Walshe when he became Sessions, 23rd March, 1889. Bishop in 1856. He ministered at Kill, Arles, He refused to give bail and was sentenced Maryborough and Monasterevan. to two months' imprisonment and was lodged He wrote his Collections of the Diocese of in Kilkenny Jail. Mr. Conlan was released Kildare and Leighlin in the years 1883-1886. from jail on the 20th May, 1889. The Mayor He was a member of the Royal Irish of Kilkenny escorted him to the station. Academy and Vice-President of Kildare Arch. There was a big crowd waiting at Bagenals­ Society and contributed papers to the town station where an address of welcome Society's Journal. was read. When Dr. Lynch former Co-Adjutor suc­ H~ was met on the arrival of the train ceeded the late Dr. Walshe he also asked at Carlow station by the new Carlow-Graigue for a Co-Adjutor. Dr. Comerford who was Brass Band, headed by the banner of the P.P., V.F., of Monasterevan was elected. Be!nnekerry and Tinryland National League, He was 57 years old when he was con­ and escorted to his residence in Brown Street secrated on 1st January, 1889, by Dr. Walshe. where he addressed his supporters. The Arch-Bishop of Dublin assisted by Dr. Browne, Ferns, and Dr. Power, Waterford. On the following Sunday, 26th May, Mr. As Dr. Lynch continued to live in Tullow, Conlan w a s entertained to a banquet in Dr. Comerford went to reside in Braganza. Tynan's Hotel (now Ritz Cinema). The chair Dr. Comerford was seized with a fatal ill­ was occupied by Rev. Fr. Kavanagh, Adm., ness and died on the 19th August, 1895. He Vice-Chairman, Mr. Thomas Keogh, Park. was buried in the nave of the Cathedral Covers were laid for seventy guests. Some alongside Dr. Nolan. very fine songs were given during the evening to intersperse the speeches. The accompani­ ments were played by Professor McAlinden, At a later date this house was occupied organist to Carlow Cathedral. by the Mullins family. Martin was a boot and Later, the Commercial Club had their shoe repairer. Mr. Mullins (his father) won first rooms in this house. £100 in a raffle that was run in connection The Club had an excellent billiard room with a bazaar held in Carlow in 1895 for the with billiard and bagatelle table and a reading renovation of the Cathedral. room. CYCLING CLUB THE BROWNES OF BROWNE STREET The Carlow Wanderers Cycling Club held Last house on corner of Browne Street meetings here, their colours were black and and Charlotte Street. This house, I am told,

EIGHTEEN I was the town house of the Brownes of Clayton Browne Clayton. This gentleman Browne's Hill. Of this family Brewer writes: assumed the additional name of Clayton by " The line of this Browne f~mily settled at Royal Licence in 1889. He also built Barrack this place (Browne's Hill) derives from the 0\t. eet National School in 1867 as the Browne House of Rokewood Hall, Abbess Roding and Memorial School. I Weald Hall in Essex. "In the year 1650 Robert, second son of I John Browne, Esq., of Wickham and Abbess BROWNE'S HILL Roding, passed into Ireland and his decendant This was the former townland of purchased the estates." Kernanstown or Ballykernon also ( Cargan l and was owned before the 1641 rebellion !\~ In the reign of Charles II (1660-1685) a·· I, by the Wale or Wall families. The I' new charter was granted to the town of Car­ present name of the place is said to have low, and in 1675 this Robert Browne was gradually come into use at the time the l appointed to be the first modern sovereign of main approach was a public road. It was the borough of Carlow, he had been tlie last used by the Castlecomer coal carters, who t Portreeve under the old charter. His son, half way up the steep incline would stop John Browne, married about 1680 Mary, and rest their horses under the heavy loads, daughter of Robert Jennings of Kilkea Castle, with frequent remark " Arra, bad cess to Co. Kildare. Their son, William Browne, set­ auld Browne's Hill." tled at Browne's Hill. He married Elizabeth, Thus in course of time the name came daughter of John Clayton, Dean of Kildare. into general use. In 1951 Lt. Col. W. Browne Clayton sold the Estate to Mr. G. W. Harold Mr. Browne died in 1772, aged 88, and and went to live in Connemara. was succeeded by his son, Robert Browne, who married 27th March, 1762, Eleanor, daughter of Raymond Morris, M.P. for Dublin. CHARLOTTE STREET Arthur Young in his " Tour of Ireland " As regards Charlotte Street, the buildings wrote: "July 8th, 1776: "Passed on to Mr. which go as far as the Bonne-Bouche were Browne at Browne's Hill. Tillage is very the stables and coach houses of the Browne much increased here and almost entirely to house. There was also a right-of-way to all the ' Inland Premiums.' " houses down to the house occupied by the Workman's Club. Mr. Browne died January, 1816, aged 87 The entrance to the Society of Friends' years and was succeeded by his son, William meeting house was also in Charlotte Street as Browne, J.P. (custus Retolum), Co. Carlow also the Methodist Church, now Coleman's M.P. for Portarlington. Garage. He married first Lady Charlotte Burke, Mr. Piggotts. This large house, coming daughter of the Third Earl of Mayo. back to Browne Street again is situated on It was in honour of this lady that Char­ the corner of Browne Street and Charlotte lotte Street was named, before that I am told Street. It has an unusual knocker on its hall that it was merely referred to as " The Lane.'' door and was occupied by an old lady named Lady Charlotte Browne died in 1806 and Mrs. Austen. was buried in St. Mary's Churchyard. He In Kelly's lived Thomas Higgins, boot married secondly in 1815 Lady Letitia, daugh­ and shoe repairer, who for some unknown ter of Earl of Norbury, Lord Chief Justice of reason was called "Shiggins." the Common Pleas in Ireland. (Lord Norbury, Next house was Joe Piggot's, bakers the Hanging Judge). (also Walshes). Beside Piggot's lived Mr. Connolly, an old man who was a Crimean Mr. Browne died in 1840 and was suc­ veteran. ceeded by his eldest son, Robert Clayton Browne, M.A., J.P. Mr. Browne died in July, A BIBLIOPOLE 1888, aad was succeeded by his son, William Next door there lived Mr. McKiernan, known as " Mac." He bought, sold and ex­ changed books, mostly school books. When he NOTE :-PREMIUMS ON THE INLAND lived in this house he had a pony and cart CARRIAGE OF CORN and drove cut the country doing business. I An Act was passed by the Irish Parliament in 1757 which gave a bounty on the Inland Car­ NOTE :-LORD NORBURY, THE HANGING riage of Corn from all parts of Ireland to Dublin. JUDGE The idea was to encourage tillage by bringing the Dublin Market to the farmer's door by paying He sat on the bench at the Carlow Assizes the carriage at the public expense. The bounty held in th3 old Sessions House (now Deighton although it stimulated agriculture was a heavy Hall) in 1810-1811. charge on the revenue, and was discontinued At each Session more than 20 people were after 1796. sentenced to be hanged for sheep stealing.

NINETE"N remember him when he was living in one room shop owned by Pat Kirwan, commonly known in the house next the Workman's Club. as "Pat the Barber." He was a venerable old man with a long white Next to Kirwan lived Bob Saunders who beard. Every fine day he would bring down carried on one of the old trades of a wire­ the stairs to the street two large cartwheel cutter. He made wire nails, calf-muzzles and shaped bundles of books and carry them to wire cages for chimney pots. the steps of the old Assembly Rooms in The last two tall houses in Browne Street i Dublin Street, where he displayed them for were Doyle's and Mrs. Smyth's who belonged i, the benefit of the passers-by. to an old Carlow family. Thus ends my story of Browne Street, " PAT THE BARBER " and looking back I can almost see the carri­ ages, link-boys, footmen, and all the pomp Beside the gate entrance to what was that was attached to the paying of "an after­ Bourke's yard (now Oliver's) was a barber's noon call" in those far-off days.

The House in Browne Street where Bishop Keeffe lived. (Courtesy " Knockbeg Year Book "l

A WORD OF THANKS The Honorary Editors and the Committee of the Old Carlow Society wish to thank all who have contributed in any way to this issue of Carloviana. They are particularly indebted to the support of our advertisers without which it would not be possible to continue the publication of our Journal.

TWENTY Carlow's Feudal Fortress By W. V. HADDEN

OST writers in the 19th century Lacy erected a for~res_s of the Mote-an~­ M attribute Carlow Castle to Hugh de Bailey type at this important strategic Lacy, but Lord Walter Fitzgerald in his point on the River Barrow, but that years article on " The Castle and Manor of Car­ afterwards, probably after 1208, William low " writes as follows: - Marshall built a stone Castle to replace the fortress which had been built by Hugh de " When and by whom the Castle was Lacy. This explanation seems a highly built has not so far been decided with probable one, and there can be little do1;1bt certainty; but as it is first mentioned that a considerable amount of confusion in a charter granted to the Burgesses arises from the fact that in early times the of Carlow about the year 1209 by word " Castle " was used to describe any William le Mareshall or MarshaU, fortified position including · an earthen Earl of Pembroke a:nd Lord of . t_he fortress. Manor its erection in all probability was u:UZertaken by him after he suc­ THE SITE OF THE CASTLE ceeded to the Lordship of Leinster on his marriage in 1189 with Isabel, From the Norman point of view the daughter and heir of Strongbow." Barrow valley was always one of the life lines of the Country; passing north and Many other authorities could be quoted south between Waterford and Dublin with and it would be found that most of them the wild lands of Leix to the West and the credit Carlow Castle either to Hugh de Mountains of Wicklow to the east, it Lacy or to William Marshall. But Hugh de formed a corridor of immense strategic Lacy was in this part of the country at an importance. Crossing the River at Leighlin­ earlier period than William Marshall; he bridge and traversing en route the site of almost certainly had neither the time nor the town of Carlow, lay the most direct, the opportunity to build a Castle at Carlow the most convenient and the least vulner­ of the type of Carlow Castle. Hugh de able passage from the south to Dublin. Lacy was a prolific Castle builder: in his When Hugh de Lacy decided to build a own territories of Meath he built a great fortress at Carlow, not because of the im­ number, and he died building Castles. It portance of the town or to protect it, but seems clear, however, that the majority of because of its strategic position, it was the Castles which he founded were earth natural that he should choose a site which works of the Mote-and-Bailey type, and protected the Ford over the Barrow. He that few of them were strong stone may have established a Bridgehead on the fortresses. Leix bank of the river in which case the site of his Castle was probably at Killeshin, County Carlow is generally considered guarding the gap in the hills, where the to have been created in the reign of King remains of a fine Mote-and-Bailey Castle John, and Leinster was confirmed as a Lib­ of the Norman type can still be seen to-day. erty to William Marshall, Earl of Pem­ More probably, however, he chose a site broke, in the year 1189. William Marshall, which protected both the Ford over the however, did not settle continuously in Barrow, and the Ford over the Burrin just Ireland until about the period 1207 to 1213, above their confluence at Carlow. and he would then have had much more opportunity for building stone Castles than At this point there was a natural slight Hugh de Lacy had some 30 years earlier eminence most suitable for his purpose and the River Barrow protected the Western It seems, therefore, that the answer to flank of the site while the River Burrin the qustion-" Who built the Castle at protected the Southern flank of the site. Carlow?", is, not that it was Hugh de Lacy Hugh de Lacy almost certainly noticed or that it was William Marshall, but that that when the rivers are in heavy flood it was both of them, and this is the con­ the waters of the Barrow join the waters clusion which has been reached by Dr. of the Burrin in what is to-day known as Leask, one of the best authorities on Irish Coalmarket on the North East of the Castles. Dr. Leask suggests that Hugh de Castle. This being so there can be little

TWENTY-ONE rt :I r doubt that when Hugh de Lacy erected his wall of a lock or landing place; there fortress he made a fosse connecting the was a wall on the opposite side also; River Barrow with the Burrin and that this would seem to be a lock or land­ this took a line somewhere near John ing place for goods brought by boat Street to-day. The late Mr. Marlborough from the Barrow up the Burrin and Douglas referring to this matter said: delivered at this particular spot for the people of that part of the town." " The Barrow and Burrin were joined at one time in the present Coalmarket, The River Burrin is not normally and no doubt helped to form the fosse navigable at Carlow for more than 20 or of the Castle. That part of the town 30 yards and the fact that not only a boat was · swampy and occasionally when but a landing place was located in what is digging, black mud mingled with now Coalmarket is strong evidence leaves and reeds is turned up. The that the fosse of the Castle at one time late Mr. James Ryan of Coalmarket connected the Barrow with the Burrin told the writer that when re-building through Coalmarket. The Carlow-Leix his house, in sinking the foundations, Road ran through the Bailey of the he discovered the remains of a boat Castle and no doubt a toll was customary. which, · however, he was unable to This would naturally encourage the use of remove. In old Deeds that locality ferries which are mentioned in early re­ is styled "The Moneen '' or "Little cords as doing a lively business. A ferry Bog." operating from the site of the landing

A drawing of Carlow Castle based on Thomas Dineley's drawing of 1680 The Very Rev. F. Hickey of St. Pat­ place discovered by Mr. Ryan almost cer­ rick's College, Kiltegan, writes more fully tainly serv~d both for the Burrin and the on this interesting discovery: Barrow. In the latter case by-passing the Castle. "At the time Mr. Ryan was having If the Fortress built by Hugh de Lacy his new house built, it was built on in Carlow was of the Mote-and-Bailey the site of his old house in :!.902, in type, the mud which was excavated to making the foundations which were form the fosse would have been banked very deep, the men discovered a boat up to form the mound for the Mote and near a wall which seemed to be the the platform for the Bailey. The fosse TWENTY-TWO was probably very deep and the Mote, its three storeys were of timber, as also therefore, could have been fairly high. were those of the corner towers. The Both the Mote and the Bailey would have entrance doorway which was spanned by a have been surrounded by wooden palisades, pointed arch was at the level of the first a wooden tower, or guard house, was floor, close to the north-west tower and in probably erected on the top of the Mote the northern wall, access to this being by and the Bailey provided quarters for the means of wooden stairs, all trace of which troops. has long since disappeared. The upper floors and roof and also the basement were THE STONE CASTLE: reached by way of stone stairways which William Marshall granted a charter were in the thickness of the long western to the Burgesses of Carlow about the year wall and traces of these are still visible 1209, and in this the following was in­ to-day even though only one third of the cluded: thickness of this wall remains. There was "If any Burgess shall of his own ac­ a second stairway in either the North­ cord lend chattels to the Bailiffs of Eastern or South-Eastern tower. The my Castle, if they be not delivered up original openings were few and very simple within forty days, he shall be paid for -being mere narrow loops for defensive their use beyond that time." purposes. When we in Carlow to-day think at all As William Marshall settled in Lein­ about the Castle we have in mind the in­ ster in the year 1207, and from the complete remains of the original keep of foregoing he clearly had a Castle in the Castle and no more. We entirely over­ Carlow in 1209, the stone Castle was prob­ look the fact that the keep formed only a ably erected in 1207 and 1208. In building part-though the most important part-0f his stone Castle William Marshall chose the original fortifications on the site of the the same site as Hugh de Lacy for the Castle. These · included the outer curtain same excellent reasons. He probably had walls of the Castle around the edge of the to level out the Mote, to some extent at Bailey and probably a gateway to the west least, as this would not have provided a and a gateway to the east, c1s well as other suitable foundation for the Castle he was towers and buildings, such as a hall, an building. Otherwise, however, the plan Exchequer House, a Prison and a kitchen. for the stone fortifications which were There may also have been <;lividing walls built by William Marshall were probably within the Bailey between various wards very similar to the plan for the wooden of the Castle. fortifications of Hugh de Lacy. It was the usual custom in Norman Dr Leask tells us that the form of Castles to use the vaults or dungeon as the Carlow Castle-a strong rectangular prison, but the prison of Carlow Castle tower, two or three storeys high, provided appears to have been a separate wooden with a massive turret rising from the building within the Bailey; in any case we ground at each of its four corners-seems are informed that the vault was used to to be peculiar to Ireland in the first half store valuables and records which were of the thirteenth century; it appears to first put into sacks of canvas or hide and have had no fore-runners. in England or then packed in chests. In the bac;ement as France and the few extant English ex­ well as . storerooms were probably the amples belong to the following century. armoury, the larder and the Buttery. Those that remain in Ireland are greatly On the first floor was the great hall of ruined but the plan and much of the de­ the Castle where the Lord of the Castle, tail is recoverable from the fragments. It his family and intimate guests took their is most interesting to learn that even if meals on a raised dais at the top of the Carlow Castle is dated as late as 1208 it hall and the lesser Officials and servants is still the earliest keep of this type. sat at the lower tables. Here also was the entrance hall, a kitchen in one of the cor­ The plan of Carlow Castle was a ner towers and possibly a Chapel in rectangle, and not a square as has often another-as at Ferns. been stated. The walls were about 8' thick There also were the private rooms and attached to each corner was a circular which, no doubt, had a certain rude magni­ tower about 25' in diameter. The length ficence, and the dormitories for men and of the eastern and western walls from the women. Soldiers, servants and hangers-on extremity of the two towers was approxi­ would, of course, have slept in the out­ mately 80'. The upper floors and roofs of buildings of the Castle under the shelter of

TWENTY-THREE the curtain wall. These were often rough bandry, in the organisation a~d conduct '?f shanties littered with straw. Horses and markets, in military tactics and m logistics. cattle were kept within the walls. Sir Philip's " Chancellor of the Ex­ especially in troublesome times. chequer" was called the Treasurer, whose Such in general outline must have been duty was to manage the funds and fin!lnces the plan of Carlow Castle in Feudal days. of the Liberty· he collected rents, vJewed accounts, pur~hased supplies, received THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS moneys and made payments. He purchased and distributed the Earl's livery which was Strange as it may seem, Carlow Castle worn by all Administrative Officials of in the thirteenth century was not so much higher rank. The Treasury was, of course, a strategic military base domina~ing a at Carlow Castle though the Treasurer con­ hostile district as a highly effective ad­ stantly travelled backwards and forwards ministrative h~adquarters responsible for on his official duties, and ,me of the out­ the welfare of the Liberty of Carlow-an buildings in the Bailey of the Castle was area which included County Ca.rlow and reserved for the Exchequer. Accounting parts of the Counties Kildare, Leix and was done by the mediaeval system of using Wexford including the port of New Ross. a chequered cloth, called a "Tapetum." The mo;e we know about the Castle in Sir Philip's " Chief ·)f Police " was Norman times the more we must admire the called the Sheriff of the Liberty. He was efficient system of organisation which was responsible for military and ~olice dut~es responsible for the mil_itary, _legislative, of all kinds, and every year, ~1th the chief judicial, agricultural and mdustrial develop­ sergeant and staff, he made. }ns annu3:l tour ment of a region covering some 570 square of the Liberty and held his courts m the miles which was controlled in all aspects chief towns and Manors by a competent Executive operating in, and Below these Officials were lesser fun­ from Carlow Castle. Let us look, for ctionaries such as Constables of Castle~. insta~ce, at the picture as we find it to­ reeves of towns, reeves of manors, .1rnepers wards the end of the thirtccmth century. of meadows, keepers of ferries, and master In the year 1280, the Liberty of Car­ shepherds. These, and others of even more low formed part of the estate of the Earl humble positions were, in the last resort, of Norfolk whose affairs were managed by responsible to Sir Philip .and a~ regu~ar his Seneschall, or Steward, Sir Philip de intervals gave an account of their affairs Bocland. Sir Philip was a highly profes­ to the Earls' Auditors and submitted re­ sional man who was able to demand the ports which, with meticulous care and equivalent of £4,000-£5,000 per annum for accuracy, were noted in the records at his services. He was responsible for the Carlow Castle. entire administrative system of the Liberty, iii All the higher Officials of the Liberty '" for the Liberty's Treasurer, for the Con­ of Carlow wore the Earl's livery which was stables of Castles and Towns, reeves of provided at the Earl's expense. He pre­ towns and Manors, custodians of mills, sented them with a change of raiment keepers of meadows and ferries and a large every Summer and every Winter. If, for number of lesser functionaries. For in­ instance, you had met Thomas Wade, the stance even the Chief Shepherd of the Treasurer, riding down the Castle Hill you Manor of Balisax in County Kildare and would have observed that he was dressed in the Keeper of the ferry between New Ross a fine robe of Burnet lined with satin; to and Rosbercon were answerable to Sir protect him from the cold and to proclaim Philip and had to submit audited accounts his rank he wore a fur of squirrel and a of their stewardship. The whole Liberty hood of miniver, or in Summer, of silk or was governed and controlled by an efficient linen, in all a costume costing the equiva­ team of capable officials who were well lent of at least £100 to-dav. paid and .competently supervised by Sir Under Sir Phipil's regime the Liberty Philip at his administrative headquarters of Carlow enjoyed long periods of peace and in the Castle of Carlow. abundant prosperity. With the possible ex­ Sir Philip was a man who knew how ception of the borders of Wicklow and Leix to manage the revenues of Courts, the there was little or no strife, and even growing and sale of grain and livestock, thieving was a rare occurrence. Good and the commercial activities of fairs; ht, husbandry, wise mangement and efficient was well versed in the methods of account­ administration combined in developing the ing, in law and court procedure, in tech­ natural resources of the Barrow Valley so niques of agriculture and animal hus- that this area enjoyed a high level of pro-

TWENTY-FOUR nI I

duction and a high standard of living. The Bruce, there was a steady resurgence of Barrow, itself, formed the highway of Com­ the native Irish Chieftans. In Carlow under mercial activity and the port of the Liberty Donnell Oge McArt the Kavrmaghs secured at New Ross, founded by William Marshall to themselves their ancient Barony of earlier in the century, rapidly became the Irdone and during the next two hundre!i largest in the whole country, its import and years not only retained but extended their export trade exceeding all rivals. possessions. By 1435 they had overrun the i whole of the Liberty of Carlow and only the CHANGED TIMES Castles of Carlow and of Tullow remained to the King as two isolated stepping stones ~ Sir Philip de Bocland was succeeded as among the remnants of the Pale. Seneschal of the Liberty by Sir William After 1300 the role of Carlow Castle 1 Kadel in 1282 and the affairs of the Liberty began to be less and less that of an ad­ I of Carlow were carried on very much as ministrative centre controlling the vast before, but early in the fourteenth century ramifications of its highly developed the Fifth Earl of Norfolk surrendered his economic system More and more it became English and Irish possessions to the King. the headquarters of a Military force fight­ In Carlow this removed the family tie be­ ing a rearguard action against increasing tween the McMurrough Kavanaghs and the odds, and the old Bastion by the Barrow Marshalls and Bigods who had dispossessed stood subdued but defiant frowning its them, with the result that strife and unrest vengeance on " Our Irish Rebels " across I began to increase. In 1310 robberies and " The Rubicon of the Pale/' Many stirring I depredations in County Carlow had become chapters in its history had yet to be r I I so notorious that " in order to check the written; there were sieges to be withstood, same" Edward II appointed one, J. de surrenders to be made, battles to be fought Bonevill "in his Majesty's C'lstle of Carlow, and lost and won, e~r at last William Seneschal of Carlow and Kildare." Monsieur Marshall's four-turretted keep crumbled de Bonevill had a war on his hands. before the assault, not of a Military Com­ Following the general uprisings which mander, but of a certain Dr. Middleton­ coincided with the expeditions of Edward but that, of course, is another story.

1.

Aerial view showing the Castle at the confluence of Barrow and Burrin (Irish Independent Photo)

TWENTY-FIVE The Life and Times of Father JaIT1es Maher

On the 8th July, 1937, the bodies of work. James four parish priests of the parish of Maher was for­ Graiguecullen, Carlow, were exhumed and tunate enough to reinterred in the grounds attached to the get a place in new Church of St. Clare. The bodies were tileir House for those of Father Patrick Maher, Father Retreat at Monte George Byrne, Father Daniel Byrne and Citorio. When his Father James Maher. studies in Rome Father James Maher, pastor of w e r e completed Graiguecullen, was a native of Donore, Co. he was ordained Carlow. He was born on 24th May, 1793, on the 9th Sep­ the son of Patrick Maher, an industrious, tember, 1821, and well-to-do farmer, and Cathrine Moore, a some weeks later native of Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny. Short­ set out for home. ly after his birth the family moved to Kilrush, Co. Kildare and lived in a house REV. J. MAHER His first appoint- which is now the residence of a family ment was to the named Doyle. They had no sooner settled curacy of Kildare, but after a few months there than they were exposed to all the he was transferred to Carlow, where he anxieties of the troubled period of 1798. lived with J.K.L. at Old Derrig. On one The Catholic farmers at that time had no occasion during his stay there he was in­ protection from the marauding bands of strumental in saving the Bishop's life. It military and yeomanry, who frequently was Dr. Doyle's custom to read a few raided their homes at night. The Mahers, chapters of The Imitation of Christ each for safety's sake, used .to abandon their night after retiring to bed. One night he home each night during the summer months was greatly fatigued and fell asleep while of 1798 and take refuge in a nearby sandpit. reading. The book fell from his hands and Father Maher recalled in later times how overturned the candlestick and the bed ·he enjoyed these nightly excursions and curtains caught fire. Father Maher, hear­ how the other members of the family en­ ing the Bishop's cry, rushed into the room deavoured to restrain his boisterous and in a few moments succeeded in ex­ amusement lest it might attract the atten­ tinguishing the flames. tion of chance prowlers. In Carlow the Prelate and priest were When the young James Maher was united in their efforts to help the poor and old enough to go to school he went to live the oppressed. It is hard nowadays to with his brother-in-law, Hugh Cullen of visualise conditions in those days. Tenants Prospect so that he could attend the were held in a state of abject slavery by Quaker School at Ballitore as a day pupil. their landlords. An incident, related by His nephew, Paul Cullen, later Cardinal Edward Wakefield, in his book, An Account Cullen, who was very little younger than of lrel,and, which took place at the Carlow himself, accompanied him to school. races in 1809, gives us a very vivid In 1808 James Maher entered Carlow glimpse of the social demoralisation of the College as a lay student. He pursued his people. A local landlord struck a man studies there for eight years He felt the across the face with a riding whip simply call to the priesthood but remained at because he happened to be wandering on home for a year before he went to Rome the course " But what astonished me to pursue his ecclesiastical studies. In the even more than the deed,'' writes Wake­ Eternal City at that time many of the field, " was that not a murmur. was heard, ho~ses and colleges of the religious orders, nor a hand raised in disapprobation." It which suffered under the Napoleonic re­ is little wonder then that Ireland at that gime, were still closed. The Vincentian time was so disturbed by secret societies. Fathers, because of their French origin, The Whitefeet-a society which operated were allowed to carry on their educational widely in some of the parishes in which

TWENTY-SIX r

Father Maher laboured-opened its arms curate's house in Graigue. Three years to the embittered and distracted peasantry later he suffered from a severe illness and and organised them to avenge themselves. was advised to rest from his labours for At that time, too, the agents of prosely­ awhile. He went to Rome and remained tism, who were nowhere more active than for two years at the Irish College, where in Carlow, were a further cause of anxiety his nephew, Dr. Paul Cullen, was Rector. to the Catholic clergy. When he returned in June, 1846, the people In 1827, Father Maher was appointed of Carlow-Graigue welcomed him as a Parish Priest of Leighlinbridge, a parish father. which at that time was greatly disturbed. Shortly afterwards "Black '47" came Dr. Doyle, who had become intimately down upon the land. Famine and pestil­ acquainted with Father Maher's exalted ence claimed victims day and night. In character, knew that nobody was more Carlow people were dying unattended in fitted for this perilous post. their homes. Sheds were erected on the Father Maher realised most of the Graigue side of the Barrow and Father trouble which beset his new parish could Maher used to cross the river in a boat with be traced to excessive drinking. He there­ the dead bodies to have them buried in a fore directed his efforts towards the erad­ plot adjoining " The Graves," donated by ication of this fundamental abuse. That Col. Bruen for the interment of the victims his efforts were pretty successful may be -It was' forbidden to bring them by land. deduced from the fact that a local pub­ The Malt-House, near the Gas Works, was lican, considering the Parish Priest a also used as a hospital. The position was menace to his livelihood, lay in ambush so bad that, at one time, Father Maher one evening armed with a blunderbuss, was seriously considerig taking the youth awaiting his return from a sick call. For­ of his flock to America and settling with tunately, Father Maher decided to take them there. News of this contemplated advantage of the fine summer night for a move came to the ears of Charles Kickham, stroll, and returned home through the who addressed a poem to him begging him fields sending his horse along the road. He to give up the idea. came unexpectedly on the intending Father Maher remained with his assassin who was so concentrated on his people in Carlow-Graigue, working unceas­ wicked purpose when he heard the horse's ingly in their interests He visited the sick hooves that he did not hear the footsteps and dying, brought them the comfort of behind him on the grass. A friendly chat the sacraments and consoled them with followed and the publican repented of his words of hope for a better world. He in­ evil impulse. spected the soup-kitchens daily. He even Towards the end of 1830, Father spent most of the night writing letters on Maher was transferred to the united par­ their behalf. No man ever laboured with ishes of Goresbridge and Paulstown, where such a spirit of self-sacrifice to relieve the he lived at Kellymount House. It was in suffering poor. He gave them his food, his that district that the Whitefeet were most clothes, his blankets, and, indeed, every­ active. However, by his charity and zeal, thing he had. He sold his horse and gig the new Parish Priest succeeded in induc­ in order to offer them some little assist­ ing many, even the most hardened, to give ance. His relatives, who were well-to-do, up their arms. gave him substantial sums of money. These At Dr. Doyle's request he resigned the were immediately distributed in ch):l.rity. parish in 1833, and came back to live with Father Maher was frequently visited by his him at Braganza. Dr. Doyle was now in brother and when he expected him he failing health and felt the need for his would announce at Sunday Mass: " I hope friend's assistance However, they were to get a few pounds during the week. If I not long re-united when the bishop's illness get it I will pass around word and you can became more pronounced. Father Maher all come to Miss Wilson's! and get flour assisted him to the end and administered and meal." At length his sister, Mrs. the last sacraments to him on his death­ Cullen of Craan, was given a sum of money bed. to dole out to him weekly. He continued to act as Administrator When the Famine days were over Dr. of the Parlsh of Carlow, under Dr. Doyle's Taylor, the President of Carlow College, immediate successors until he was appoint­ brought him back to live there. He was ed Professor of Theology and Sacred thus within a few minutes' walk of his Scripture at Carlow College in 1837. In parochial Church, while he enjoyed all the January, 1841, he was appointed Parish advantages that living at the College could Priest of Carlow-Graigue. He lived at the offer. He continued to live there until a

TWENTY-SEVEN .j

few years before his death and throughout were carried to the Church in Carlow­ this long period he was loved and venerated Graigue and buried at the Gospel side of by all. the altar where they remained until 1937. Children were, in a remarkable way, What one writer said of the great attracted by Father Maher's personality. J.K.L. is equally true of Father James He was very fond of them and used to get Maher: "He was raised up by heaven, in them to run races from the old barracks. critical times, for extraordina:ry circum­ opposite Brennan's forge to the Church­ stances; and whether we consider his char­ gate where he rewarded them with goose­ acter in an ecclesiastical, literary or berries. This spot was known as " Goose­ political view, we cannot withhold from it berry Corner " to the older generation the loftiest tribute of our admiration."2 He took a prominent part in all the His energies were exerted in every possible political struggles of his time. In every sphere for the betterment of his people, public question that arose his pen was but above all his name will be remembered always ready to defend what were the in­ in connection with his work for the poor. terests of religion and the rights of the The people of Graiguecullen and Killeshin poor. Cardinal Moran edited and published revere his memory; his Rosary beads with a selection of his many letters together penal cross of 1809 attached are still pre­ with a precis of his life in 1877. served. Father Maher's fine physique was at When even a cup of cold water is re­ last broken down by his labours. During warded a hundredfold what must be the his last illness he was cared for in Carlow glory of him in eternity who spent his life College and there he passed to his reward in the service of God and in that of the on the morning of Holy Thursday, 1874. least of his brethren? His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Eas­ BLATH AN MHISNIGH ter Monday by Dr. Moran, Bishop of Ossory. His nephew, Cardinal Cullen, and Dr. Walshe, Bishop of Kildare and Leigh­ 1 Wilson's had a flour and meal store in Mary­ lin, and Dr. Lynch, his Coadjutor, and borough Street where Mrs. Begley has a shop now. upwards of two hundred priests, were pre­ 2 The Author of " The Priesthood Vindicated " sent. After the ceremonies his remains The Life of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Doyle, Dublin 1834, P.36

The Altar in the old Graiguecullen Church, at which Father Maher offici~ted.

(Photo kindly lent by Mr. T. Meighan, Tullow St.}

TWENTY-EIGHT Conducted Tour of Clopook and Ti1nahoe

HE Editors feel that some readers might wish to spend a few hours following in the footsteps of T the Old Carlow Society and looking at places of historic interest at their leisure. This tour is based on the visit to Leix led by Mr. H. l<'cnnell. We have tried to give sufficiently detailed directions to enable readers who wish to visit the places mentioned, to find them without difficulty or waste of time. {Take the road to Stradbally and proceed through Ballickmoyler, Aries, Castletown. About three miles beyond the Castlecomer-Athy main road turn left for Luggacurren-it is the only tarred road to the left thereabouts--and continue for about two miles until you come to Clopook graveyard on the right hand side of the road, just beyond the second junction left for Lugga­ curren). CLOPOOK GRAVEYARD The ruin of the ancient Church of Clopook still stands within the Graveyard; it consisted of a nave and chancel and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The round-headed chancel arch is worthy of note and there are also traces of several windows. Within the choir may be seen the flag tomb of Roger Moore, P.P. of Stradbally (1672). This tomb is said to contain the mortal remains of four brothers, all of whom were Priests-the last of the male heirs of the O'Moores of Stradbally. Over the rude stone tomb is the following moving inscription: - " Roger Moore, Priest, to our greefe is dead and, in this narrow grave now takes his rest; let all that reads this with devotion pray God rest his soul in peace. Amen say." Among the other historic tombs in the graveyard, filled with graves and headstones inscribed and uninscribed, is the supposed grave of the O'Lalor who escaped from the massacre of Mullaghmast. {About a quarter of , a mile north of the Graveyard is a large Mound with steep overgrown sides. This is the Dun of Clopook. Approach it from the large field between it and the Grave­ yard and in the left hand corner you will !find a gate and path leading to the top).

THE DUN OF CLOPOOK The name means the " Fortress of the Phoca'-, Rock " or the " Fortress of the Rock of the Lonely Spirit " and the country people tell many weird tales of this interesting· old mound and its fortress. The rock rises steeply with scarped sides to a height of 140 feet and is circular at the top, which is level, where the diameter is said to be nearly 110 yards. Around the edges are remains of circum­ valations or walls, of mortar and stone, of THE ROUN,D TOWER AT TIMAHOE uncertain date but obviously intended for for- (Ph0to, c.ourtesy Bord F'ailte EiT'eann)

TWENTY-NINE r~ '1 i! !' ' tification, and the base was defended by a Teach-Mochua, at present known as Timahoe. :I doub.e entrenchment. In former days a Castle '!; The Monastery was founded in the seventh ! stood overlooking the southern verge and part century and flourished until the Norman In­ of its walls can still be seen half hidden in vasion, when Hugh de Lacy is said to have ivy and undergrowth. According to tradition, used some of its stonework to build a Castle. this was one of the strongholds of the In olden times a Church and Monastic O'Moores. Establishment were situated beside the fine There is a cave in the side of the rock and well-proportioned Round Tower which near the old Castle on the South-West side. still proudly lifts its head to a height of The opening is about seven yards in width and ninety~six feet. A place of burial is known to three in height, but contracts to about four have been hereabouts though not a vestige of or five yards before being closed by a wall of a tomb still remains. The Round Tower at dry stones; put there presumably to prevent Timahoe is remarkable of its kind having cattle descending further into this remarkable notable structural fea:tures, not least its beau­ nautral cavern. It is said that a narrow pas­ tiful doorway. The Tower is surrounded by sage leads on into an internal chamber which crumbling walls, which, however, are of more is extensive and the height of a man. recent date. To this cave, it is said, St. Fiaac, Bishop It is related that the Cosby family, when of Sleaty, was wont to retire during the Lenten in possession of the Manor of Timahoe, built season bringing with him five barley loaves a Castle there during the reign of Queen mingled with ashes. At the end of Lent he F,lizabeth. (The Chancel Arch of an old returned to Sleaty to celebrate the Festival Church can be seen incorporated in one of the of Easter with his brethren, bringing with him walls). The Abbey and lands appertaining a portion of one of the loaves. Here he spent were granted to Sir Thomas Loftus and he the time in prayer and mortification. A legend died in the C>tstle of Timahoe in 1635. still lingers that he used to return the seven During the War of the Confederation, miles to his church by a sub-terraneou1 pas­ Colonel Lewis, O'Moore and his men held pos­ sage leading south and which is supposed to session of Timahoe b11t t},e English neneral be still in existence. Monk defeated the Irish under General Preston From the top of the Dun can be seen near the town in 1642. The ruin<, near the various places of interest in the district: the Rr11nd Tower are in great part traces of the Liagan (standing stone) is in a field about former Castle which stood there in the 17th half a mile distant; the Pass of the Plumes cf'utury. It is said to have been finally destroy­ away to the west, and just across the valley ed by Cromwell's Generals, Reyno1ds and to the south is the Dun of Luggacurren, on Hewson, who among other acts of cruelty and the north side of which there is also a cave. devastation, murdered all the Friars of the To the east is a fine view of the Barrow Val­ Abbev. The nlace where they were massacred ley with the Wicklow Mountains beyond; the Wl'ls long called "The Road of Murder." The town of Athy is visible about seven miles Abbev is not mentioned later than 16fi0. away, just north of east. it is on record that in the year 1827 a young man climbed the Round Tower on thP iI' (Returning now to the road, proceed a short outside without any assistance whatever and j distance further in a westerly direction and take croWI'Pd. the exploit bv standing- on his head the junction left for Timahoe; from here it is when he reached the topmost stone. He fas­ about three miles straight into Timahoe). tened his coat on top of the Tower as a memPnto of his performance and then descend­ TIMAHOE ed. the way he had come. The feat was One of the most celebrated of the local witnessed by a great crowd of spectators. saints of Leix was St. Mogue. At first he was a warrior but afterwards embraced the Mon­ (To return to Carlow by a different route, astic Profession. Admonished by Divine take the road to the South through Fossey and inspiration he came to a place where he Knocklaide to "The Swan " and thence to Car­ erected a religious house, called after him, low).

A BLUE OUTLOOK

B!ue seems a fashionable colour at Carlow. The walls of their houses are blue, something being mixed with the lime for that purpose. Their doors, windows and window-shutters are blue. The ladies' heads are ornamented with this cC1lour. At the prison, the drop, the pulleys, and the spikes, on which to put men's heads, are blue; and cotton stockings, dyed blue, are common, imd much worn by some of the belles in the country, when in their best attire. Rev. J. Hall in Tour Through Ireland, 1813.

! I! TffiRTY WILLIAM DARGAN By ALEC BURNS

ILLIAM DARGAN was born in February, the Dublin and 1799, in Leix, not far from Carlow town. Drogheda Rail­ HeW was always recognised as being a Carlow way, then the man but the exact location of his birthplace Great Southern has unfortunately not been established despite and Western, a diligent search. His father was a substan­ and the Mid­ tial farmer on an estate of the Earl of Port­ land Great arlington and when William finished schooling Western lines. he was lucky to get a place in a Surveyor's At the time of Office to learn Engineering. When his train­ the Irish Ex­ ing was finished he carried out ~mall pie~es hibition in of surveying and related work which the dis­ 1853, Mr. Dar­ trict offered until two men of ratl?,er more gan had con­ than local importance had marked his talents structed over -Major Alexander of Milford and Sir Henry 600 miles of Parnell. It was their influence succeeded in railway, and placing him as overseer with Telford, the great he had then English Railway Engineer, who was. then con­ contracts for structing . the London-Holyhead Railway and 200 miles his work was so pleasing to Telford that it more. All his earned him his life-long friendship. lines have Under Mr. Telford, William Dargan been admired learnt the true art of road-making, then for the excel­ applied for the first time by his chief, the lence of the secret of which was raising the road in the materials and middle that it might have something of the workmanship. strength of the arch, and making provision GREAT for the effectual draining off of the surface CAPITALIST water. When that work was finished, Mr. At one Dargan returned to Ireland and obtained ,time he was several small contracts on his own account, the largest the most important of which was the road Railway pro­ from Dublin. Soon after this he embarked on prietor in the a career of enterprise which, owing to the (Irish Independent Photo) country, and state of the country at that time, and the one of its nature of the works which lie achieved, will greatest capitalists. The amount of business cause him to ~tand alone as a leader of indus­ he got through was something marvellous. trial progress in the history of Ireland. The secret of his success, as he once said him­ self, consisted in the selection of agents on THE FIRST RAILWAY whose capacity and integrity he could rely, and in whom he took care not to weaken the Kingstown had superceded Howth as the sense of responsibility by interfering with the Dublin Harbour. It was increasing fast in details of their business, while his own ener­ population, and the traffic between it and the gies were reserved for comprehensive views metropolis was immense. It was carried on and general operations. When his mind was chiefly on outside cars rattling away through occupied with the arrangements of the Exhi­ stifling dust in summer and splashing mud bition of 1853, he had in his hands contracts in winter. Mr. Dargan was then a young man to the aggregate amount of nearly two mil­ comparatively unknown, except to a circle of lions sterling. To his personal character and appreciating friends. He inspired them with influence that Exhibition was mainly due, and, his own confidence; a Company was formed, although many of the first men in the country, and he became the contractor of the first including the highest nobility, co-operated railway in Ireland-the Dublin and Kingstown with alacrity, and aided with liberal contri­ line-a most prosperous undertaking, which butions, he was the man who found the capital. has always paid better than any , other line He began by placing £30,000 in the hands of in the country. Canal conveyance was still in the committee, and before it was opened in the ascendant; a Company was formed for May, 1853, his advances reached over opening up the line of communication between £100,000, of which his loss amounted to over Lough Erne and Belfast and Mr. Dargan be­ £20,000. came the contractor of the Ulster Canal, which was regarded as a signal triumph of At the opening of the Exhibition Mr. engineering and constructive ability. Other Dargan was highly complimented by the Qu~en great works followed in rapid succession; first (Continued on page 33)

THIRTY-ONE Tale of a Town By W. V. HADDEN N the townland of Castlemore as you proceed Raymond's Mote-and-Bailey), it had become from Carlow to Tullow you pass, unaware, the second largest town in the Liberty of Car­ I down the main street of what was once the low. It then had 80 burgesses (paying a rent second most important town in the County of 1/- each) and 29 cottagers (paying together Carlow. Yet so completely has it disappeared 13/11 and 14 geese); in addition there was a that not only does no trace of it remain but smith's workshop (paying four horse shoes) a even those who live in the neighbourhood have mill down by the Slaney and Courts were held almost certainly never heard its name. For at the Manor. Thomas de Clene was Constable over 500 years its location was completely of the Castle, and Robert, son of "Roger, was unknown, yet such is history that we can turn provost of the burgh; Peter Multon was miller back its pages, reconstructing the past, and and paid. every year £9 6s. 8d. to the Bigod not only learn something of the township but estates for the farm of the Mill. the very names of some of its officials and its chief citizens. LOSS OF LIBERTIES In the year 117 4, Strongbow granted the Barony of Forth O'Nolan to his brother-in-law In 1281, due to some horse-play up at . Raymond le Gros, one of the most accomplish­ the Castle the Earl of Norfolk's men mislaid ed of the Norman Knights. Not long after- the keys. It was a serious matter and no . wards, in 1181, Raymond, with the help of doubt Thomas de Clene took disciplinary Hugh de Lacy, built a Castle at Rathsilan; action. This, however, did not produce the this was a Mote-and-Bailey Castle, the re­ keys and it was eventually necessary for Robert, mains of which are known as Castlemore the provost of Fothered, to invest in four new Mote, beside the road to Tullow, just beyond ones for the hall, the chamber, the pantry and Grangeford. Raymond also built a church the buttery. The total outlay involved was near the Castle and called it " The Church of 4d.-and in those days 4d. was 4d.-in fact St Mary and St. David at Rathsilan." Nothing you could buy two of the best geese for 4d. ! remains of this church except its graveyard In the same year the town disgraced itself, which is to-day Leameneh Cemetery at Castle­ we don't know how (it was hardly the loss more, and possibly a slab from one of its of the keys) but Sir Philip de Bocland, the I Earl of Norfolk's· Seneschal at Carlow, penal­ 1) tombs which can now be found erected verti­ cally at the top of Castlemore Mote. Having ised it to such an extent that the Burgesses built the Church, or possibly rebuilt it on an called a Council to consider the matter and earlier site, Raymond and his wife granted to after long deliberation it was, agreed that all it certain adjoining lands, which to this day the citizens of Fothered would club together are known as the townsland of Cannons­ to raise a fine to obtain the restoration of quarter. their common liberties. They subscribed in Not long afterwards Raymond and Basila all £6 13s. 4d. made over by Grant to the Church of St. About 20 years later, a fracas took place ! Thomas of Dublin, the Church of Rathsilan, at Fothered which involved the families of ! together with its lands and ecclesiastical bene­ two of the most highly respected burgesses of fices. In course of time the Church of St. the place and which ended in Court. First of Thomas let some of these lands and there is all let us get introduced to the personalities a grant extant headed "Terra de villa castri." concerned: the citizens were two brothers, (Lands of the town of the Castle) by which well-to-do farmers, named Robert and William . Simon, Abbot of St. Thomas allotted proper­ Glannoc. Robert had a son, Nicholas; whose ties "at Fotheret (Forth), in the carucate of wife was Juli&na. William was married to land which Thomas holds close to the 'vill of Cecelia and they had at least three sons, Fothered, between the River Slaney and the David, Gregory and Philip, all upstanding said vill." young men. THE TOWN OF FOTHERED IN CONTEMPT OF THE KING !,. . It v,as :usual in Norman times for towns It :;,eems that one evening in 1305 a · ·to spring up and prosper in the vil:!inity of a certain Maurice le Criour, acting for the King l castle, as at Carlow, and this is exactly what (to whom the Earl of Norfolk's estates had was taking place .at Rathsilan, but the grant now passed) · came to Fothered to procure iust quoted is the first record we have .of the horses to draw the carriage of victuals for the town and the name of the town at Rathsilan. Custos of Ireland. Maurice reported himself It was known as "Villa Castri," alias Castle.­ to William Cachepol, then Sergeant of the town, hence Castlemore, and the name of the Castle of Fothered, and enjoined him to pro­ town was " Fothered." duce the necessary horses. William Cachepol, As the years passed the town of Fothered as was required of him, set about the task of ·grew ·in importance, until in the latter half rounding up a few hacks in the town and of the thirteenth century (after Roger :8igod neighbourhood. In the course of his duties he had built there a stone Castle to replace set his eye on some animals belonging to Wil-

THIRTY-TWO liam Glannoc, but Philip Glannoc was watch­ guilty and "committed to Jail for deforce­ ing and tried surreptiously to make off with ment." the best of his father's stud while the going But the quality of mercy was not strained was good. This only attracted the Sergeant's and the tale has a happy ending for we read: attention, however, and he thereupon decided "And because it appears to the Court that to confiscate the very horses which Philip was the Sergeant came in the night-time to the trying to remove. The result was a slight town to take the carriage, so it may have difference of opinion between Philip and the happened that Gregory and the others did not Sergeant in which Nicholas Glannoc and know him to be the Sergeant, Prison is by Maurice le Criour joined, and Philip "struck grace remitted." the Sergeant and deforced him" while Nicholas Thus "Gregory and the others," and ill-treated Maurice and tore the hair from his Maurice and the Sergeant pass from the pages head-"in contempt of the King." Indeed of history and thus, too, passes the town o( before the affair was ended most of the Glan­ Fothered for it is never mentioned again and noc connection was implicated----especially for six or seven hundred years there has not Philip, Nicholas, Gregory, David and indeed been a sign of the flourishing town that once Cecilia and Juliana. centered round Castlemore Mote and Leam­ eneh Graveyard where, no doubt, many of the Peace was eventually restored in Fothered eighty burgesses and the twenty-nine cot­ that evening in 1305 but Maurice le Criour, tagers, the Glannocs and the Sergeant, are having suffered in his pride and dignity, took laid peacefully to rest. the matter to Court and the case was heard among the " Pleas of Plaints at Tilagh (Tullow), on Friday after the Octave of the REFERENCES Purification before the said Custos." Surely Dr. O:rpen~s articlei on "The Castle of the dye was cast in favour of his victuals! Raymond le Gros at Forth O'Nolan." Journal The Jury heard the evidence and after R.S.A.I. 1906. sole:rpn deliberation gave judgment that Mr. Mills' Article on " Accounts on the Earl Maurice by the loss of his hair had suffered of Norfolk's Estates ln Ireland." Ibid 1892. "to his damage of 2/-" and that he "recover Mr. Nugent's article on " Carlow in the his damage found by the Jury." Nicholas, Middle Ages." Ibid 1955. William, David and Philip Glannoc were found Calendar of State Documents for 1289-1305.

WILLIAM DARGAN (Continued from pa;g,e 31) and the Prince Consort in public, and at its by borrowing which could not have been con­ close he was offered, but declined, the honour genial to a mind so practical as his. In 1866 of a baronetcy. A meeting was subsequently a fall from his horse incapacitated him so convened by the Lord Mayor, in compliance that he was unable during such a period of with a requisition bearing 2,200 signatures, financial stress, to give his attention to his which resulted in a suitable monument to Mr. many interests and he had to appoint Trustees Dargan-the Irish National Gallery erected in his stead. Gradually circumstances turned on Leinster Lawn, with a fine bronze statue against the once great chieftain of enterprise of himself in front looking out upon Merrion and he died broken-hearted on 2nd February, Square. 1867, at his house in Fitzwilliam Square. Wishing to encourage the growth of flax, Mr. Dargan took a tract of land in Cork, The mourning for him was universal and which he devoted to its culture; but owing to genuine, hundreds of railway workers marched some mismanagement, the enterprise entailed behind his remains to Glasnevin; newspapers a heavy loss. He also became a manufacturer paid glowing and deserved tributes to his and set some mills working in the neighbour­ unselfish work for his country. A plain, but hood of Dublin. But that business did not substantial, gravestone marks his last resting prosper. Latterly he devoted himself chiefly place. Little else in the way of memorial is to the working and extension of the Dublin, thrust on public notice but his best memorial Wicklow and Wexford Railway of which he is the system of railways in this country of was Chairman. He was also for many years a which he built the greater part and on which Magistrate and Deputy-Lieutenant for the he expended his fortune and time so that never City of Dublin. again should the country see the horrors of famine, which ravaged the country in 1847, THE TURN OF THE TIDE when the food which was so charitably don­ ated by other countries for the relief of the His manner of retiring was painful but starving Irish was left to rot in Irish ports not without honour. Due to the depopulation because there was no suitable transport to and despair left in the wake of the Famine, carry it to those who hungered for it. Dargan's he was forced to finance successive contractfl Railway will always remain as his monument. THIRTY-THREE Hugh Clifton writes on • Hon1e, Work and Pay Ill Great Granda' s Day N the year 1831 a Government Commis­ The Rents of twenty-five of the new I sion was appointed to investigate the houses in Carlow ranged from 4/-d. to conditions of the Poorer Classes in Ireland 4/7d. weekly, but these, no doubt, were and having had many sittings, heard every better than the cabins just referred to. evidence, and sent out numerous question­ Rents of remainder of new houses on aires, it issued its final Report which filled average ranged from 7d. per week to 2/-d. many volumes. The witnesses were, no for those occupied by tradesmen and doubt, truthful and practical men who had labourers. (It was mentioned that 75 the best interests of the community at houses had been built in the three years heart and their testimony enables us, in preceding 1831). the face of present-day stresses and alarms, to go back in imagination to the first half EMPLOYMENT: of the last century and consider some aspects of Carlovian life. Labourers worked in flour mills, malt­ Of those who represented the town of houses, brewing houses, serving tradesmen Carlow I will endeavour to summarize the and in making roads; there were also tan evidence of the Rev. Fr. Maher, P.P., the yards, distilleries and " such like descrip­ tion of manufacturers." In the Spring and 1. . Rev. W. Blood, "Pres. M."-(presumably the Presbyterian Minister) and Mr. Thomas Harvest-time there was work for a few Haughton, Justice of the Peace; with their weeks in the country. Women found little help we can draw the following picture. outside employment; children none. Some women had constant employment as house POPULATION AND HOUSING: servants and in attending the markets as dealers in vegetables, milk, potatoes, The population of the town of Carlow butter, eggs, poultry, etc., but for the was nearly 10,000, having increased by greater part they had no regular employ­ over 1,500 in the previous 10 or 15 years. ment except in harvest time and in the This was due to the system of consolidat­ culture and weeding of onions; " which are ing farms, then starting, and the subse­ extensively cultivated here." (I wonder is quent disfranchisement of the forty shill­ this the reason for the bestowal of the ing freeholders, which threw many of the title " Carlow Scallioneaters ?"). smaller landowners of the neighbouring It was claimed that there were about counties into the lanes and backstreets of 2,000 labourers and of these not more than Carlow. 700 were in constant employment; nearly There appear to have been about 1,400 all were occasionally employed. There was houses in Carlow and 250 in Graigue. a "Ladies' Association" employing hundreds Those of the Shopkeepers and Professional of the poor in spinning, weaving and net . men were generally "respectable," but the making. These goods were sold in a shop numerous cabins in the suburbs and back for the support of the Institution. lanes were " filthy, narrow, thatched hovels consisting of two apartments-kitchen and WAGES AND CONDITIONS bedroom." There were about 600 families lI residing two or more in the same house. The average yearly earnings of a ~ach family having four or five persons labourer would be about thirteen pounds, About 2,600 persons in all were said to be whilst the total average yearly earnings of so circumstanced. Lower class lodging his wife and, say, two children, might be nouses, with few exceptions, presented no­ three pounds, ten shillin~s, though · it thing but filthy rags and wretchedness. might equally be as low as one pound. The The beds and bedding therein were of the daily wages of labourers were ten pence worst description and no attention was paid to one shilling, without food; in harvest to ventilation. "Many were worse housed time it was the same, but with food, or than hogs in a farmer's yard!' 1/3 to 1/6 without it. Wages of women,

THIRTY-FOUR harvesting, were fourpence to eight pence many to gratify their appetite for tea and a day. Children aged fourteen or fifteen whiskey. It comes under my observation received fourpence a day. Tradesmen re­ at Petty Sessions that a considerable num­ ceived about thirty or forty pounds per ber of the breaches of the peace have been, annum. Wages were generally paid in in some way or other, connected with pawn money. A herd usually got a cottage or office or whiskey shop, the former, in my cabin and an acre or two 0f land. opinion, a necessary adjunct to support the Labourers ate two or three meals daily latter." of potatoes with milk or a salt herring BENEFIT SOCIETIES perhaps for half the yea.r; in the slaughter­ ing season they were sometimes able to There were no Savings Banks, but purchase a little bacon offal Trades­ three or four Benefit Societies, their prin­ people' s food consisted of a tea breakfast cipal members being tradespeople, who pay but a meat dinner occasionally and a better a quarterly subscription, receiving a weekly supply of potatoes. About seven pounds, sickness benefit when eligible. On his death ten shillings, for the lowest diet would be or on that of his wife, funeral expenses are the yearly expense for food for an . able­ paid, and a donation from other members bodied labourer in full work at average is paid to surviver. One Club is in exist­ price of provisions. When unemployed, ence for upwards of a century. nature was scarcely maintained-life was "bravely supported by pittances from A WEDDING FEAST friends or strangers; some were maintained by a scanty supply of potatoes produced Information on conditions in Leighlin­ from part of a con-acre." bridge, Clonmelsh, Cloydah, Killerig, Fen­ Clothing was described as "wretched" agh and Ballon was given by Rev. Fr and as "squalid rags." With reference to Kehoe, P.P., Rev. T. Dixon, Rev. R. Fish­ country districts it was ,'3tated that "in bourne, John Alexander, Esq., W. Duckett, many instances the children are as naked Esq., J.P., and others. The lot of the as when Nature sent them into existence " working classes in the country districts On the other hand it was admitted that on seems to have been similar to that of those Sundays people were for the most part well in the town. Father Kehoe, for instance, clad. According to Mr. Haughton, J.P., stated: -" In Old Leighlin, the poorest of "Working trades people are generally in­ my districts, the greatest number of mar­ dustrious and in good employ but many riages take place. In many cases they have spend great part of their earnings in drink­ not a pair of blankets, a potato pot, or ing." beyond one meal in reserve fo11. next PUBS AND PAWNS morning. One bridegroom had two pence halfpenny to buy his wedding feast, con­ There were 57 Public Houses, though sisting of potatoes and a few herrings." only about 40 of these appear to have been We close the volume of the Commis­ properly licensed, and there was the sinis­ sions report and my word picture is com­ ter statement that in addition "there is a plete. Has it more shade than light? I nrivate still in Carlow; it is impossible yet respectfully submit that for us in Carlow to locate it." There were two pawnshops, in 1957 heavy shadows darken the econ­ and Mr. Haughton had some pertinent omic vista of 1831 People may declaim: comments on the relation between these " Oh, for the light of former days," but and the Pubs: "Nine-tenths of the cus­ " let's not put the clock hack "-I don't tomers are from the labouring classes, like salt herrings!

OUR COVER PICTURE The Picture on the cover of this issue of " Carloviana " is a view of the "Grand Gate" entrance to Oak Park Demesne which until its recent disposal had been in the possession of the Bruen family since 1775. The Great Gateway was designed by the Architect Johnston, who also designed the main portion, portico and stone steps of Oak Park House built by the first Henry Bruen. The pillars and capitals of Oak Park resemble those of the Court House which Johnston also designed. [Photo: By L. D. Bergin.

TffiRTY·FIVE Secretary's Survey

OOKING over the minutes of the first Toibin, M.A., who accompanied them to general meeting of the Society I find Vinegar Hill and recounted the historic L that three types of activity were pro­ events connected with that famous landmark. posed. Indoor meetings at which papers Mr. Toibin also gave a short account of the would be read, outdoor excursions to places history of Enniscorthy Castle, which is one of historic interest and the setting up of ·a of the earliest Norman castles, dating back local museum which would also house books to the 12th century. Mr. M. Kehoe, N.T., of Carlow interest-these were the objects Glynn. then brought the party to Wexford specified. In general it may be said that the halting at Boro River, Macmine Castle, Deep~ Old Carlew Society has come to be accepted Bridge and Carrig Bridge. as an organisation which contributes sub­ stantially to the social amenities of our town. SELSKAR BRIDGE Our meetings in the Foresters' Hall continue to attract good attendances. The Society After lunch, Rev. T. Nolan, St. Peter's appreciates the hospitality and comfort of College, brought the visitors on a tour of these rooms for which we have acquired a Selskar Abbey, the Redmond family vault, homely affection. Chartres Cathedral and and the Franciscan Church where the reliqu­ Spanish coast towns were the subject of two ary of St. Adjutor was exposed for their illustrated talks on wider themes. Kavanagh veneration. Afterwards they visited St. Kings and Carlow Castle, what visitors to Peter's College. Mr. H. Fennell and Mr. B. Carlow saw during the nineteenth century; O'Keeffe, on behalf of the visitors, thanked William Dargan, the Irish railway king, were the speakers. The party had tea at Curracloe. local topics discussed in a stimulating way. Mr. T. P. Hayden, a valued friend and student A second outing to Clopook and Timahoe of local affairs, continues to delight audiences was well supported. A detailed account is by the keen insight of his observation~ and given elsewhere. Here let the thanks of the · researches. His October talk on an eighteenth Society be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. H. century election encourages us to look for­ Fennell who entertained participants to tea ward to the fruits of his further researches. at their Everton home. And not for the first Miss Mary O'Hanlon, one of our junior mem­ time,. as our members well recall! bers, read an account of social life in Carlow at the turn of the century. We hope to enlist The July outing to Castlegrace and many more junior members. A local history Castlemore brought members to the Norman society has a lot to offer young people in country . where so many memorials of the helping them to develop a mature outlook and invader.:J are preserved in place names and an adequate appreciation of what qthers have ruined sites. done for the community whose services they enjoy. Mr. and Mrs. George Kellet, who so Premises have recently been offered to often entertained us with coloured slides of the Old Carlow Society with a view to setting Irish scenes, left for Canada during the up a local museum and having their own Spring. The good wishes of the Society were meeting rooms. The obstacles in the way of conveyed to them at the general meeting. accepting the offer are mainly financial as the Society would have to find £50 in rent, meet Summer outings to Cashel in 1956 and rates and repair bills as well as the hazards to Wexford in 1957 were among the most of flood damage. enjoyable and informative functions organised by the Society. The annual social held in A word about Oarloviana. The standard January deserves special mention and a word of production of the recent issues, in point of appreciation of the services of the ladies' of content, lay-out and illustrations, has pro­ catering committee. A society must have its voked very favourable comment. Mr. L. D. social side and sociability distinguishes these B.ergin, who has edited Oarloviana for a few meetings. years, is unable to continue to shoulder this burden. Succeeding editors owe him a debt The Summer excursion to Wexford, of gratitude as does the Society for his covering places well known in connection with generous services since its foundation. He the Rising of 1798, attracted fifty members has set a standard which put Oarloviana into on Sunday, June 2, 1957. a foremost place among local hi.story publica­ tions. At Enniscorthy. they were met by Mr.

THIRTY-SIX Officers and Members of Old Carlow Society "Rockfort" Sandvcove Point, Dun- PATRON: laoghaire. ' · His Lord3hip, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Keogh, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Gash, Rev. J. G., "The Rectory," Carlow; Governcy, Mrs. Madeleine, HOiV. LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS: "Barrowville," Carlow; Governey, Francis, " Barrowville," Carlow; Rt. Rev. Monsignor Miller, D.Ph., V.F., P.P., Newbridge; Very R,ev. _P. Grogan, Sean, Athy Road, Carlow; Swayne, M.A., P.P., K:1ldare; Bernard O'Neill, M.Sc ... and Mrs. B. 0 Neall, Gaffney, Capt. William, Killeshin, Wilton Gardens, Cork. Carlow· Gaffney, Mrs. W., Kill­ eshin, Carlow; Giddy, Mrs. E., Athy CHAIRMAN: Road, Carlow. Miss Alice Tracey, "Stella Maris," Athy Road. Hadden. W. G., Court View, Car­ VICE-CHAIRMEN: low: Hadden, Mrs. W. G., Court Mr. W. V. Hadden. Mr. L. D. Ber~n, Mr. H. Fennell. View, Carlow; Hadden, W. V., " Four Winds," Carlow; Hadden, JOINT HON SECRET ARIES: Mrs. W. V., " Four Winds," Car­ Rev. P. J. Brophy, B.D., St. Patrick s College, and Miss Maureen Doyle, low; Hayden, T. P., "Hundred The Shamrock. Acres," Killeshin; Halley, Miss M., G.P.0 .. Carlow; Halpin, John, Mul­ HON. TREASURER: lawn, Tullow; Hanlon, Mrs. J., Col­ lege St., Carlow; Hutton, Frank, Mr. Alec Burns, Collegt: Street. Staplestown Road, Carlow; Hughes, HON. EDITORS: Patrick, College St.. Carlow: Healy, Richard, College St .. Carlow; Hosey, Mr. W. V. Haddt:n, "Four Winds," !Carlow; Miss M. T. Kelly, "The Joseph, Governey Square, Carlow; · Stream," Carlow. Harding, John, Tullow St., Carlow. Kelly, Miss M. T., "The Stream," COMMITTEE: Carlow; Kelly, Mrs. J chn, St. Kil­ Rev. J. G. Gash.. Miss 1. MacLeod, B. O'Keeffe, Miss B. Oliver, lian's Crescent, Carlow; Kealy, F. Hutlon, E. Broughan, Mrs. \V A. Fenlon, P. Purceli, Miss A. Fitzroy, Thomas, Maryborough St., Graigue­ E Corcoran cullen; Kelleher, Miss M., N.T.. Dublin St., Carlow. Aughney, Dr. Honoria, Co. Chmelar, Edward, "Larkfield," M.0.H., Wexford. Carlow. Lillis, Col. James, Beggars Bush Barr:.1cks, Dublin; Lillis, Mrs. E., Bergin, Liam D .. " Nationalist and Doyle, Miss Maureen, The Sham­ Lumclone House, Fenagh, Carlow; Leinster Times, ' Carlow; Breen. rock. Carlow; Doyle, Miss Dillie, Leslie, W. A., 32 Eccleston Square, Miss G., Dublin St., Carlow; The Shamrock, Carlow; Doyle, London; Leslie, Mrs. W. A., 32 Burns, Alec., College St., Carlow; Mrs. Leigh. Dublin St., Carlow; De­ Eccleston Square, London. Burns, Mrs. A., College St., Carlow; laney. Michael, "The Swan," Athy. Brophy, Rev. P. J.. St. Patrick's Co. Kildare; Duggan, William L., Millar, Rt. Rev. Monsignor, P.P., College, Carlow; Brophy, Michael, College St., Carlow; Duggan, Mrs. Newbridge; Murray, Aidan, Dublin M.C.C., Ardattin, Tullow; Broughan. W. L., College St., Carlow; Doyle, St., Carlow; Murray, Mrs. A .. Dub­ Edward, Coal Market, Carlow; James J., Granby Row, Carlow; lin Street, Carlow; Murphy, Miss, Broughan, Mrs. E., Coal Market, Doyle, Miss D., Church St., Bag­ Clodagh, Tullow St., Carlow; Mur­ Carlow; Brennan, Mrs. W., 18 St. enalstown; Doyle, Miss M., Matron phy, Mrs. D. Coal Market, Carlow; Killian's Crescent, Carlow; Breen, Mental Hospital, Carlow; Darcy, Murphy, Miss A., Castle St., Car­ Miss P., "Heatherlee," Larkfield, Michael, Castle Hill, Carlow; Daly, low; Moore, William, Mental Hos­ Carlow. Mrs.. ·'Glenone,'' Dublin Road. pital, Carlow; Morrow, Paul, Lum­ Naas; Dowling, Rev. E., S.J., 3115 clone House. Fenagh, Carlow; Carbery, D. J., "Glenart," Car­ Sth. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis 18. Mahon, Mrs. James, Kelvin Grove, low; Carbery, Mrs. D. J., " Glen­ Missouri, U.S.A. Carlow; Monahan, John, Castle­ art," Carlow; Cannon, Mrs. K. town, Carlow; Monahan, Mrs. J., 8317-60th Ave., Elmhurst, New Ellis, John, Burrin St., Carlow; Castletown, Carlow; Moore, Mrs .. York; Colgan, Miss M. '' Green­ Eustace, E. A. R., Newstown, Tul­ N.T., " St. Anne's," Athy Road, ville." Athy Road, Carlow; Conroy, low· Egan, Miss, G.P.O., Carlow. Carlow. Miss M. Castle St., Carlow; Cor­ coran, Eustace, J.K.L. Ave., Car­ Fennell, Harry, Everton. Carlow; MacLeod, Miss Iona, Co. Lib­ low; Corcoran, Mrs. E., J.K.L. Ave., Fennell, Mrs. H., Everton, Carlow; rarian, Carlow; McCaul, Mrs. A., Carlow; Corr, Rev. Joseph, S.J., Fenlon. William A., Montgomery Dublin SL Carlow; McCormac, P., " St. Ignatius," Preston, Lanes., St., Carlow;. Fenlon, Mrs. W. A., Town Clerk, Carlow; McCluskey, England; Corr, Aid. Michael J., 70 Montgomery St., Carlow; Fitzroy, Miss B., "Wayside," Bagenalstown; Victoria St., Westminster, London; Miss Alice. Dublin Road, Carlow; McDonald. Mrs. Boherduff, Bag­ Corr, James J., 9 Bay Ridge, Park­ Fitzroy, Miss Maureen, Dublin Rd., enalstown. way, Brooklyn, New York; Collins, Carlow; Fitzmaurice, Major A., Mrs .. "Greengates," Newbridge, Co. ·'Laurel Lodge," Carlow; Finegan, N oude, Mi;ss R., Tullow Street, Kildare; Cogan, Miss, 63 Burrin St., Mrs. A., Tullow St .. Carlow; Fin­ Carlow: Nolan. Thomas, "Mol­ Carlow; Clavin. Miss J., 1 Castle egan, MacCartan, Tullow Street. loys," Tullow St., Carlow; Nolan, St., Carlow; Clifton, Hugh P., 42 Carlow; Friedl, Miss Trudy, " St. Miss C., Burrin St., Carlow. St. Killian's Crescent, Carlow; Ge~trnde's," Carlow; Foley, Franck

THIRTY-SEVEN LIST OF MEMBERS-Continued

O'Keeffe, Bernard, St. Killian's Carlow; Oliver, Miss B., Dublin rin St., Carlow; Smith, Mr. T., Crescent, Carlow; O'Keeffe, Mrs. St. Carlow; O'Neill, Denis, 2251 Leinster Crescent, Carlow; Smith, B., St. Killian's Crescent, Carlow; Sedgewick Ave., Bronx, New York; Mrs. T., Leinster Crescent, Carlow; O'Keeffe, Miss Eileen, St. Killian's O'Neill, Mrs. T., Granby Terrace, Spollen, Bernard, Graiguecullen, Crescent, Carlow; O'Leary, Sean, Carlow; O'Donovan, Miss D., Carlow; Spollen, Mrs. B., Graigue­ Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny; N.T., Barrow View, Graiguecullen; cullen, Carlow; Scanlon, Miss K., O'Leary, Rev. Sean, C.C., The Pres­ O'Reilly, Mrs. J., Fruithill, Carlow; Pembroke, Carlow; Smith, Michael, bytery, Carlow; O'Donnell, Hugh, O'Reilly, Miss Breda, Fruithill, Car­ Newtown, Bagenalstown; Saywell, Dublin St., Carlow; O'Dooley, S.. low. J. E. H., 18 Montagu St., London, Grange, Stradbally, Leix; O'Hanlon, W.I. Mrs. J., Hanover, Carlow; O'Han­ Purcell, Gerard, St. Killian's Cres­ lon, Miss M., Hanover, Carlow; cent, Carlow; Purcell, Patrick, Quin­ Tracey, Miss Alice, "Stella O'Carroll, Dr.. "The Elms," Athy agh, Carlow; Poole, Percy, Han­ Maris." Athy Road, Carlow. Road, Carlow; O'Neill, Thomas P., over. Carlow; Power, James, Dublin "Gayville," Dublin Road, Carlow; St., Carlow; Power, Noel, Barrack Waldron, Austin, C.E.O., Voca­ O'Reilly, Miss A., Dublin St., Car­ St., Carlow; Peevers, John, Staj)les­ tional Schools, Carlow; Waldron, low; O'Donovan. Miss A., G.P.O., town, Carlow. Mrs. A., Frederick Avenue, Carlow; Carlow; O'Neill, Miss D., G.P.O., Wilson Maurice, Montgomery St., Carlow; O'Grady, P. J., Rathmore Reddy, James, Lower Staplestown Carlow: Wilson, Mrs. M., Mont­ House, Tullow; O'Grady, Mrs. P. Road, Carlow. gomery St., Carlow; Wilkin, Mrs. J., Rathmore House, Tullow; Oliver. G. A., "Belleville," Athy Road, James, Kilkenny Road, Carlow; Swayne, Very Rev. P., P.P., Kil­ Carlow. Oliver, Mrs. J., Kilkenny Road, dare; Sheehan, Miss K., N.T., Bur-

Extracts from

"The Opening of G.S. and W. Railway to Carlow"

Once again in swift motion we dashed through On, through scenes ever changing, yet beauteous the bogs, each view, Where the rail it is surely laid down upon logs; By Carlow lads loved, yet to strangers so new, This dreary scene over Athy soon appears­ In this valley of meetings are mingled in peace, Each station we came to received us with cheers, With the Barrow, the waters of the Burn, Lirr and Greece. And 'twas here that a cro,vd met our eyes to be sure, Each beauty increased till 'twas like one demesne, Who thought for a shilling, good berths to secure, From the bounds of the county to " near the Green At the end of the run a fine dinner to get, Lane·" But they were not to make just such SPOONS of The Barrow flowed nobly, the boats stole along, us yet. While the engine stole us through the midst of a throng. Thus for all this great throng that were so well inclined Then our welcome from town, by the gallant gay To join in the fun, everyone staid behind! crowd, They looked daggers, 'tis true, and they flund down Was like Carlow boys ever, uproariously loud; their cards, But we sat down to dine, a delighted, gay throng, To "Call us all out," but "No go" said the guards. And the joys of the day found a rest in the song. So we past them like birds, midst their groans, shouts and cheers, Quoted in •• Ierne," 1861. And we had not gone long when Mageney appears, Like minuted magic we fly past that place, To come on a landscape of grandeur and grace.

THIRTY-EIGHT CARLOVIANS-for all your footwear requirements Merne Brothers

Manufacturers of Household, Office and School Furniture, Shop Fitments, Kitchen Units, Governey's Joinery, C.D.B. Hives, Bar Frames and Bee A.ppl iances.

Boot Depot QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST

Where you can choose CARLOW­ Give us a trial and be assured of MADE Shoes and Boots from an High-class Workmanship extensive range.

OFFICE AND WORKS:

Stockist of all the leading Brands: Tullow Rd., Carlow Clarks, Rawson, Joyce, Belvedere, Dubarry and Hanover. Phone 214

If you offer better value than your EWING'S neighbour The world will make a beaten path to Restaurant and your door THAT IS OUR EXPERIENCE Confectionery CARLOW Phone 154 OUR TAILORING DEPARTMENT OFFER JUST THAT TO YOU Silver Grill & Snack Counter Gentlemen-It's worthy Fully Qualified Chef at your Service of your investigation. Morning Coffee Lunches Afternoon Teas ,Grills

Private Parties a Speciality The House For Men Your Satisfaction is our Concern (Prop. M. V. Hanley) Open Daily, including Sundays, until 10 p.m.

Dublin St., Carlow ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS CAKES NOW Proprietress: SHEILA EWING e;;:­ William Mulhall J~n~n 3:t/k;u/ !7lteet Auctioneer and ~t{;w Valuer

Vea) Wine) 0pirit and Dublin Street 'Provision :Jrlerchant Carlow

Phone 121 Gver at lJOUr 0ervice

KEHOE1 S FOR RADIOS

CHEMISTS Sole Carlow Agents for For All High-Class Pharmaceutical MURPHY AND PYE RADIO Preparations Philips, Pilot, Bush Models Manufacturers of the highest grade also stocked. Medicines. All the Leading Brands of Ethical Proprietaries i-:,tocked. Local Agent for Helena Rubenstein's Fam­ Efficient After Sales Service ous Cosmetics. Sight-testing daily by and Repairs to all Makes. fully qualified Opticians. Servis and Electrolux Agent Films Developed and Printed. Quick Service. Best Results. E. ]. NOLAN GERALD KEHOE M.P.S.I., F.B.O.A., Prop, Radio and Electrical Service 1 DUBLIN ST. and 1 CASTLE ST., 136 TULLOW ST., CARLOW CARLOW. 'Phone 80 Moore's Garage 'TONY'S Burrin Street, Carlow Carlow's Leading Volkswagen and Standard Ma.in Dealers + Ladies' and Gent's Main Dealers for the famous Hairdressers Allgaier Porsche Air Cooled Diesel Tractor

* >< * Make your appointment now All Classes of Tractor Implements · Supplied. for Christmas

Rcpafrs carried out to any make of Car, Van, Truck or 1rractor. TULLOW STREET * * * CARLOW Enquiries Invited. 'Phone: Carlow 153

~/tc£ae/_//t9Jonne// Carlow's Leading fY5aiku:) Sac/ Drapers

Purveyors of Pure Food Supplies Clothiers, Ladies' and Men's Outfitters. and House Furnishers, B~ot and Shoe Wine Merchants Warehouse. Tea and Coffee Specialists Ladies' and Gentlemen's High,Class Tailoring on the premises by expert Cutters and Tailors. Service and Ccurtesy Civility -- Value You can get your Odearest Mattress here.

MICHAEL MOLLOY Tullow Street, Carlow Phone Carlow 16 and 202 Carlow's Leading Bakers JOHN HARDING and Confectioners Builder, Contractor and Joinery Manufacturer

ALL TYPES OF BUILDING AND Christmas Cakes a Speciality REPAIR WORK EXECUTED Purest ingredients only used

SPECIALISTS IN PLUMBING and DUNNY'S SANITARY INSTALLATIONS CASTLE STREET Enquiries: CARLOW 48 Tu I low Street, Carlow ESTIMATES FREE Phone 151 I Works: John Street '--~~--~~~~--~-~I

o(aJie3' anJ C/ii/J,,en?1 Specia/i3t3 LAWLERS

102 Tullow Street, Carlow

Tel. 260 I~

'l ' 1 Hugh Lupus & Co. DARCY'S Racing Office for Value

For Best Odds and Best Service FURNITURE & DRAPERY

J 10 COALMARKET CARLOW P. & M. DARCY CARLOW & TULLOW Phone Carlow 219

(itaiguecullen Cotn & l~al Co. ~tJ. l"'arlow

Dealers in Wheat Barley Oats Manures Best Quality Coals

ENQUIRIES INVITED. Telephone 39. Telegrams: Corn Co. Carlow IT PAYS TO SHOP AT SHAW'S l GENERAL DRAPERS OUTFITTERS FANCY STATIONERS BOOT AND SHOE WAREHOUSE

Uhe ..Nou3e 9o'i Value SHAW'S LTD. 11 TULLOW STREET, CARLOW

PHONE 159. 'GRAMS: SHAW'S, CARLOW.

Michael Doyle M .. White, M.P.s 1.

Veterinary and Dispening Chemist Grocery and Provisions

General Hardware Sick Room Requisites Coal Merchant PHOTOGRAPHIC AND TOILET GOODS THE SHAMROCK 71 Tullow Street, Carlow 39 TULLOW STEET, Telephone: Carlow 7 CARLOW

t\. ---~----- ii BUILDERS

Carlow Telephone 78

Athy Telephone 17 CONTRACTORS

I11 -·------~---~------=~===-c-- 1-=~---- -~======-======

An Old Carlow Industry

CARLO ORANGE CARLO LEMON MINERAL

LEMONADE LEMON FLAVOURED /I WATERS SODA 11I, ii II II Ii DRY GINGER STONE BEER ALE 11 II I

Manufactured by 11 II GRAPE FRUIT TONIC WATER 11 11 Corcoran & Co. 11 I I CJDERETTE Limited COLA

CASTLE ORANGE Carlow ORANGE CRUSH

Established 1821. Phone 9.

------I,

1 lte ,·utiorrnlist & Le,nster Time&. Oarlow.