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Journal of the Old Carlow Society Price One Shilling R

Journal of the Old Carlow Society Price One Shilling R

Journal of the Old Society Price One Shilling r

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What a wonderful Year 1 960 has been for the children of Carlow. Two magnificent schools completed, the equal of any in . And now the old St. Joseph's is facing a new span of life. Soon it will be filled with the hum of teaching activity. A site on the Road will add a further wing - Carlow's island of learning still expanding to accommodate the throngs coming from near and far. Out on the Green Road the successor to the Barrack St. Schools is already under way. Other Carlow seats of learning are planning extensions and improvements. Let us salute those on whom falls the responsibility for providing Carlow with this incomparable tally of educational facilities. Carlow owes them a debt of gratitude : they will be remembered with pride Morrays, 25 Dublin Street, Carlow IT PAYS TO SHOP AT SHAW'S

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Vol. I. No. 9, New Series, Dec. 1960 Journal of the Old Carlow Sociery. W. V. HADDEN and MISS M. T. KELLY, Joint Editors EDITORIAL THE first issue of Carloviana, the journal of the Old Carlow Contenl3· Society, was published in January, 1947, with a modest 500 copies. Every year since, except one, due to circumstances beyond our control, the Society has brought EDITORIAL out a journal. * In 19.52 Mr. L. D. Bergin decided to launch Carloviana ON WITH THE MOTLEY in a new format. Thanks to his keen foresight, since this change has been made, the sales of each succeeding number * of the journal has steadily increased. · Now over 1,000 copies HEDGE SCHOOLS are printed. The 1959 issue was sold out a few days after publication. This year the editors present the "thirteenth " * edition of Carloviana. We hope it will be a lucky one. The CARLOW MILITIA success of the printing of our journal depends entirely on members' subscriptions, the voluntary work of a few faithful * FAIR LAND OF LAOIS enthusiasts who write papers, the editors who compile them; our photographer, who produces the beautiful pictures which * will eventually become history, and above all, the advertisers BORRIS LACE without whose help Carloviana could not be presented to the public for +he modest sum of one shilling. * Local history is the Cinderella of historical research. THE WORKHOUSE Our aim is to try and enlist the interest and help of the * ordinary people who have a tradition behind them; to en­ courage them to tell or, better still, to write down the LAHEE LETTER history and folklore that has been handed down to them. * What is not recorded is lost for ever. HISTORY OF There is a mine of local history still untapped. Local 19th century newspapers are not given much attention and * seldom quoted. NEWS ROUND-UP 1960 The pattern of our local life is rapidly changing, because * change is the lot of us all, where was once peaceful green THE OLD GAOL fields new housing estates are springing up. " The Big House " around which a certain feudal system prevailed is * slowly disappearing from the Irish landscape. SECRETARY'S REPORT We send this "thirteenth " edition of Carloviana to * press with the hope that our appeal will spur the members LIST OF MEMBERS to greater efforts to record the history and traditions of the Town.and County of Carlow.

SEVEN ON WITH THE MOTLEY A Review of the Activities of the Choral Society, 191 r-194-4-

BY MISS ALICE. TRACEY

'fHERE is little tradition of music or drama memories to the older folk to whom " Opera in the amateur field in Carlow records of Week," which sometimes occurred twice a the last century. This may have been due to year, was an event to which they eagerly the lack of a suitable hall or theatre. At looked forward whether participating on the any rate when the C.Y.M.S. acquired the old stage or enjoying the show from the audi­ racquet court from the trustees of the County torium. Club House in 1885, the Carlow Amateur Those present that eventful evening were: Dramatic Class bobbed up and shortly after­ Mesdames Alexander, Morris, M. McDonnell, wards staged what was described as "that Young, Carberry, Misses C. McCaul, Julia Kelly, splendid drama in four acts, ' Don Cesar T. Conlan, K. Conlan, G. Hearne, - Kirk, J. de Bazan '," a near relative of Wallace's McDermott, E. Cullen, D. Burke, L. Reidy, "Maritana," if there's anything in a name, R. Smith, - Mitchell, M. McDonald, Messrs. a suspicion strengthened by the fact that it M. Governey, Robert Bell, David Henry, E. was accompanied by vocal and instrumental Shackleton, J. J. Nolan, Lawrence Whelan, A. music incidental to the piece. G. Hayward, F. J. Williams, J. Dugan, J. A. The effort was lauded by The NationaJist, Craig, J. Farrar, Geo. Langran and John S. an infant newspaper at the time. The producer, Aylmer. anonymous, was hailed by it as a master of Mrs. Governey, Miss A. Hearne, Miss Thespian Science. Henry and Mrs. Reid, who had sent letters of 'fhe cast, an all male one, as was custom­ apology for non-attendance and expressed their ary at the time, was given by Mr. John Ellis intention of becoming members, were also in his paper on amusements in Carlow " Before enrolled. the J;>ictures Came " which was published in Apologies were also received from Mr. M. the i954 number of " Carloviana " available Molloy, M.P., and Mr. Kane Smith who wished as are other numbers of the Old Carlow the project every success. Society's journal in the County Library. One wonders if the modest producer was OFFICERS ELECTED Mr. W. P. Hade who made such a hit the The meeting proceeded to elect officers following year when he sang solos with the and committee as follows: President, Mrs. "Carlow Amateur Christy Minstrels" at the Alexander; Vice-President, Mrs. McDonnell, same venue and who was later associated with Hon. Sec., Miss C. McCaul; Hon. Treas., Mr. the Carlow Choral Society for very many years. Robt. Bell. Committee: Misses Conlan, G. He played the part of Sir Joseph. Porter, Hearne and J. Kelly; Messrs. Hayward, Williams K.C.B. in a production of " H.M.S. Pinafore " and Duggan. staged by the Irish National Foresters in 1899 The rules of the Society were drawn up in the Racquet Court. Others of his generation as follows: who tciok part in this opera were Miss Elizabeth 1. That this Society be known as the Oliver as Josephine, Miss Julie Kelly, Buttercup, Carlow Choral Society. and Mr. Ned Rodgers, Ralph Rackstraw, and 2. All the Societys undertakings to be nobly they and the other members of the strictly undemoninational and non­ cast acquitted themselves. political. Mr. Ellis did an amount of research when 3. Subscriptions to be paid in advance. compiling his paper and the three foregoing The minimum subscription of 5 /- per were the only amateur efforts he uncovered. session from each member. Inactive members to have maximum presenta­ SOCIETY FOUNDED tion tickets to the value of 5 /-. All credit then to the group of thirty-one 4. All music to be supplied by and to enthusiasts who met in the Boardroom of the remain the property of the Society. Town Hall on 25th October, 1911, and with Consent of librarian to be obtained Mr. Michael Governey as their chairman before taking same. Any loss in founded the Carlow Choral Society. retaining to be paid by the person Carlow has good reason to be grateful retaining or losing it. to them, for the Society filled a void in the 5. The class to meet one evening in the cultural life of the town and it played a week for practice, commencing at 8 valiant part through the years-many of them p.m. difficult, until in 1944 it took its final curtain Note. These rules will be subject to altera­ call. The mention of its name brings nostalgic ations on termination of first session. No

:CIGH'f alteration to be made except at general meet­ her time freely to those reqmrmg instruction ing. Punctual attendance on the part of active in bowing and violin fingering. Her capabilities members particularly requested. and connection with the class were a great CONCERTS. Keen co-operation between the inducement to the younger folk especially." members and the musical director, Mr. John More ambitious efforts in the concert line A. Craig, was such that the infant Society were achieved in January and April 1914 when staged a successful concert on the 19th April, guest artistes from Dublin were engaged as 1912, in the Town Hall. soloists. Miss Jean Nolan, Feis Ceol gold medallist GALA PERFORMANCES (mezzo), Mr. Victor Haviland (baritone) and Mr. Wm. Reidy (cellist) thrilled a crowded Mr. Craig was at this time organist in Town Hall in January. Church and this concert was the Miss Ursula contributed violin solos precursor of many gala performances over the and the Society's choir and orchestra acquitted years when the Society, in concert and opera themselves very creditably. showed its worth under his baton. In passing, I must record that Bill Reidy His name will be recalled with affection paid many visits to Carlow to assist the while the memory of the Society's achievements orchestra up to 1944. are remembered, no less for his genial person­ Still more ambitious was the April concert. ality than for his wonderful knack of bringing Divided in two parts the cantata St. Cecilia's out the best in his artistes regardless of the Day was sung by the choir with Madame Borel work involved, plus unlimited patience. as guest soloist. At the outset interest was mostly centred The second part was a miscellaneous in part singing and glees, while simultaneously programme to which Madame Borel, M. Robert an orchestral section was being worked up. Harrison (tenor) and Mr. Wm. Reidy contri­ Mrs. Alexander and Mrs. McConkey gave buted and selections, of Irish airs were played painstaking service to the orchestra as did by the orchestra. It was noted that there Miss Ursula Dunne, who, to quote from the was a marked improvement in the choir at report of the general meeting, 1912, "gave these concerts.

The cast of "Patience" 1917. (Photo-courtesy Mr. G. McDonaul) NINE NINETY MEMBERS presented the first of a long sequence of Gilbert and Sullivan operas for three nights in May, Membership of the Society now numbered 1915. ninety and it was the general opinion that prospects were rosy and another step forward PACKED HOUSES was indicated, to wit, the production of an opera. "H.M.S. Pinafore" was hailed with Alas, for plans to produce Gilbert and enthusiasm by packed houses. The cast was a Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore." The war clouds purely local one and judging by the critique had gathered and broke irr August and a special in The Nationalist the members acquitted them­ general meeting called in September showed selves creditably. that the Society was in debt. A concert planned A brief resume may revive nostalgic for October failed to materialize and at the memories amongst the older generation: As annual meeting held in January, 1915, it was Sir Joseph Porter (the Right Hon. K.C.B.) Mr. deplored that owing to so many efforts being W. P. Hade ably sustained his part and gave on hand in the town in connection with ambu­ a meritorious performance. Miss Rose Smith lance work and the raising of funds the Choral and Miss G. Geoghan appeared on successive Society had not been able to proceed with their nights in the part of Josephine and each gave rehearsals. Mr. Craig urged that there should most charming impressions. Miss Clare Mc­ be no further delay in taking up seriously the Donald as Little Buttercup, not only capti­ projected production of " H.M.S. Pinafore " vated the gallant crew but she took the hearts which gay opera would provide some little of the vast audiences by storm. Miss Josephine lightening of the prevailing gloom. O'Donnell as Cousin Hebe, was truly delightful Evidently there was hearty concurrence bringing as she did, both brains and business with the suggestion and the Choral Society into the part; Godfrey McDonald as Dick

The Principals of "The Yeomen Of The Guard," 1920. (Phot

THE GRAVE OF ST. OD RAN

AN acknowledgment is due to '' Maski " of In additional support of the claim, tradi­ The Guardian () for the kindly tion pin-points a well dedicated to the Mother notice he gave in that paper of the last issue of God in the of Clybanane, adjacent of (Jarloviana and particularly with regard to to which and adjoining the Monastery Grounds the article on St. Odran. is the place known as " Feart an Aradh " the With reference to the supposition that grave of St. Patrick's coachman. Dise:rt Odran in Offaly, near which Odran ( or This is also further proof that St. Odran Odhran) met his death, was · in all probability was a native of Tipperary. Patrick spoke highly his burial place, " Maski " makes a strong of the hospitality he had received when he case for having that honour. visited that county immediately prior to the He quotes from Dr. D. J. Gleeson's History tragedy, which goes to show that even in the of Roscrea in which he says that it is stated fifth century gallant Tipp. had already estab­ in the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick, that Iiehed the reputation for kindly welcome Patrick returned to Brosna with the martyr's embodied in the well-known saying: "On the remains and they were interred near that place. hills of Tipperary, the stranger is a king." A.T.

Old Photographs The Editors would be interested to hear from anyone who has old photographs of Carlow and District, no matter how faded or uninteresting these may appear to be. Such photographs sometimes print surprisingly well and may be invaluable when _m;ed as iUustrations for some article we are considering for the Journal.

THIRTEEN The Hedge Schools of Carlow

BY HUGH CLIFTON fHE Hedge Schools of Carlow-town and appears that of 11,823 schools, not less than county, like those· -0f.- the rest of , 7 ,600 were Independent Pay Schools. A number owed their origin to the suppression of the of the latter were town schools and city ' acca­ ordinary legitimate means of education; first, damies ', but the vast majority of the Pay during the Cromwellian regime of 1649-59, schools were truly hedge schools, and it was and then under the penal code introduced in to these the great bulk of the children went for the reign of William ill-1697-1746, and education. operating thence until less than 20 years after The standard of work in hedge schools the opening of the 19th century. These schools, was higher than that done in any other school however, really took root in the early 18th of equal social status, its curriculum more century when the continued rigorous enforce­ extensive, and the hedge schoolmaster's attain­ ment of the laws against education of the type ments usually of a more liberal nature. The acceptable only to the majority of the popula­ least he taught were the three " R's " viz. tion, rendered teaching a dangerous calling. It reading, writing and arithmetic, but subjects was then, no doubt, that the term ' Hedge like history, geography, book-keeping, survey­ School ' arose. ing, and navigation would appear in curriculum. The teacher in such school, as a marked Latin and Maths. were commonly taught, man, had to go ' underground ' in his scholastic occasionally Greek. activities, doing so, however, in a converse These teachers were themselves products fashion, by teaching out of doors on the sunny of the Hedge School. They went far afield­ side of a hedge or bank in a remote spot, known as 'poor scholars '-in search of further where his pupils and himself would be hidden knowledge, ultimately returning to their native from prying eyes. Naturally, this school could hearth to settle down vocationally. There was only be held weather permitting. In wintertime, keen competition between the schools. Reputa­ he desisted, turning his hand to farmwork or tions were only won by the superiority of the living on the hospitality of the people, teaching master's teaching. In an age when the cost his host's children sub rosa. (The householder of school books · was prohibitive, the popular was liable under the law for harbouring a method for imparting knowledge was that of recalcitrant teacher, or abbetting him in any rehearsing although the immense variety of way). books mentioned in the official· returns of 1824 Later, when the laws relaxed, although was remarkable. the name " hedge school " was retained, the school took the shape of a cabin or · barn. PAID IN KIND Hence the reference 'poor hut or cabbin' (sic.) in contemporary writings. Obviously, those The schoolmaster's income was usually schools were of peasant institution and main­ very small. His fee for teaching spelling was tained by people determined to have their about 1/8d. quarterly; reading, 2/- quarterly; children educated in the· way they considered writing from 2/2d. to 3/3d. a quarter, but best, and by the individual they claimed to the standard of payment depended on three be the proper teacher. And such men coming factors, viz: number of school's pupils; their ' from the people ' to the task of educating all-year attendance; the actual payment of the their children, invariably believed that teaching fees. He was often paid in kind, e.g. turf, was their life mission. butter, eggs or home-cured meat. But be might make a bit ' on the side ' by way of STRONG· PJ\.SSION surveying, will-making, etc. And his high social status compensated for frequent slack In the late 18th century the legal code pockets in that ' poor but or cabbin '. But having been modified somewhat, the Hedge what was available, be it cash, kind, shelter Schools increased rapidly in number, but still or respect-was given to him freely. The they were illegal establishments until the people wanted education for their children. passing of Catholic Emancipation Act 1829. Now for a glance into the Carlow Hedge Another reason for their increase was the Schools per the above-mentioned Returns (these growth of population, but, said John L. Foster were swox:n statements made to a Royal Com­ in a letter in 1811 to Secretary, Board of mission appointed in 1824 to inquire into the Education: " The strong passion for education state of education in Ireland). Let's first visit which marks the lower classes of our people the Free School in Chapel Lane, Carlow, where . . . assures us that if we do not assist them, Michael Wholohan presides with his assistant. instructed nevertheless they will be." Michael bas a yearly salary of 30 guineas, In 1824, official returns were made of with 3 guineas rent allowance. The assistant the schools in every parish in Ireland, and gets £12. A two-roomed building with 180 of the children attending each school, and it male pupils. The three ' R's ' are taught, also

FOURTEEN Christian Doctrine. The Bishop is patron. since 1820, enlightens 50 children. Terms are Nearby is Presentation Convent, opened (weekly), 5d. for writing and 6d. for arithmetic, 12/1/1812 and Superioress has five nun assist­ and 11/Hd. per quarter for the scientific ants. 300 pupils learn the three 'R's', branches of knowledge. All this in one room. Catechism, spinning, knitting and plaiting. Has private pupils also. Easton House, Road. Opened 1810, where Mrs. David Kelly teaches 27 girls for THREE R's 30 guineas yearly (each presumably). We find another school in same street, that of Mrs. Then we became acquainted with the Frances Redmons (sic). Opened 1822 and has remarkable John Garrett. In a room, 28ft. by 38 girl pupils apparently, who pay each £2: 5: 6 19ft., he teaches 56 pupils (19 Protestants) annually. the three 'R's', as well as Catechism, History, Down to Dublin Street to find Miss Grammar, Euclid, Geometry, Algebra, Trigo­ Costello teaching 12 pupils (four of them nometry, Surveying, Navigation, Gunnery and ). Her terms are 10/- a quarter. In Fortification, Astronomy and Book-keeping. same street we meet a Maria Lindsay who in Up to Barrack Street, where, in a small her small house teaches 31 children, each for room, since 1801, Ellen Poor (sic.) educates l/7d. weekly. 24 pupils for three-ha'pence a week, per child. Crossing over to Centaur Street, we find In Pollerton Road, we meet Daniel Molloy, Michael Taylor teaching for approximately in an old malt house, teaching 16 pupils for 3/9d. per quarter per capita, 48 pupils. The two pence a head weekly. So far none of the school has been there since 1819, and he says children can read, but the poor man (he has his total income yearly is £30. no other source of income than the sum total And in Water Lane, James Redmond, of the tuppences) asks for 18 months in

A "Hedge School" of over a hundred years ago as it still standlJ in the ,vfftage of Palatine. (Photo-Godfrey) FIFTEEN which to make good in the scholastic arena. REMARKABLE MATT In same street, we find James Neil. He was educated " at Brown's Hill " (no doubt In Slaty (Sleatty) we meet Matthew Hoey another ' poor scholar.') For a total income (or Haughey). He teaches 16 pupils in an of £20, he teaches 61 pupils, in a thatched Outhouse on an annual income of £13. But house. concerning this remarkable Matt., let's digress In Potato Market, we find-in a very a few moments, whilst I project myself into small room-McDonald's school, operating for the pages of the Knockbeg Annual of 1935 18 pupils at 3/9d. per capita per quarter. which say: -" This schoolmaster lived opposite But we mustn't forget some non-Catholic Miss Dunny's door. His domicile was a barn. establishments, which seem to be of the hedge Matt went from house to house teaching. . . . school class, for example: - He taught the three ' R's " and Greek and In Rutland Place, Rev. John Caldwell Latin. Matt used wear a tall hat and priest's teaches 10 children. Appears to be a classical clothes given to him by Fathers Pat and James school. Says : " He was of the Established Maher. He taught the Dunny children their Church but won't say what his religion may lessons, Catechism and prayers. He used to be." teach them ' Glory be to God on High ' and And in Tullow Street, we find Mr. Jenkins, he pronounced ' High ' in such a way that the "a Dissenter," with four pupils (of whom two children thought he meant ' Glory be to God are Quakers). We're told the school may be on Hoey (Matt.') . . . Miss Dunny often saw discontinued. Matt. praying on his knees in the fields." A Mr. Scraggs teaches classical subjects And in the same Annual we learn that the in Montgomery Street to 11 pupils. They pay late Miss Dunny (Sleatty) went to a Hedge £1: 2: 9 quarterly. In Rutland Place Mrs. School at Harristown in a vacant farmhouse. Hoffman presides over 26 female pupils for A Miss Margaret Cummins was the teacher £4 : 11: 0 yearly per head, and we hear this of about twenty children. They sat on planks school is progressing ' on account of the great laid on big stones. There was table and chair attention of the Mistress.' for the Mistress. School lasted from ten to In Bridewell Lane, we meet Mrs. McAuliffe three. The children were allowed out to eat in her Methodist (thatched) school, educating their lunch about noon. . . . They were taught girls of various religious persuasions along Catechism, the three 'R's' and geography. with her five daughters. She has 16 day Miss Dunny used a Primer with a paper cover, scholars, the rest are boarders. We note that her sister had a manual called " Reading Made ' dissenters ' are on her roll. Easy." There were no other books that Miss We find a Michael Lynch in Potato Market Dunny could remember. Quill pens were used. teaching-in a small room-ten pupils, at She subsequently went to a school in Graigue " prevailing rates." taught by an old woman named Mrs. Delaney, Then, into the Misses Strahan's school who had 20 pupils in her one-roomed thatched (in her parents' house) where 32 children are cabin. (It was still standing on top. left-hand taught, paying 9/9d. for writing and 5/5d. side of Henry Street in 1935). for reading and spelling. Back now on our tour per Official Returns And we visit William Carleton's Parish of 1824: -At New Acre or Newgarden, Pains­ and Free School, in Tullow Street. It seems town, Carlow, we find 20 children being the school's patrons each pay a guinea, annual taught by a Mr. Hennessy in a small hut, subscription. The boy pupils number 62, girls, and he receives 2/6d. a quarter from each. 90. We note that spinning, knitting, plain and Over then to Palatine Town, Knockard, fancy work, are included in the curriculum where in a thatched poor cabin James Scully (these items, no doubt, concern the girls, over instructs 80 pupils (13 of whom are non­ whom a Mrs. Adams and her daughter preside). Catholics). Again the writer must digress into At No. 12 Dublin Street, we meet William self-projection. He recalls his own mother tell­ Condell, with his 40 pupils, in a stone and ing him about he:r childhood's schooling in slated house. His fees iµ;,e. 7 /- quarterly. Pat Curran's hedge school in (or near) 'Pal' And although the County Gaol in Barrack and that on a fine day the scholars used sit Street is scarcely the headquarters of a Hedge near the ditch outside. No doubt, Pat was a School, yet it is intriguing to find an M. Mills scholastic descendant of James Scully. Maybe teaching here eight pupils on an average her school was the latter's once? Tempus fugit; daily. not fond memories! Escaping reluctantly from his classroom, we resume our ' run ' through neighbouring MUD CABIN schools of ' hedge ' type. Across the parish to Busherstown. There In Graigue (Carlow) we meet James John Kelly in his mud cabin, which was built Haughey, for a total income of about £10: 8: 0 for £8, instructs 60 children, from whom he yearly, imparting knowledge to 26 children. derives an income of £5. He must love his Mary also teaches in Graigue-for work! Remember these Returns were made about £20 annual income-37 children. So on oath! does a James Mulhall, who in his whitewashed next, where Michael Coghlan cabin, instructs 30 pupils, and his yearly teaches, for an income of £20, some 70 pupils, remuneration comes to the princely sum of £13. in a mud cabin also.

SIXTEEN And there is a poor cabin in Graiguena­ At Baliykriocldui,.'.we:come >acr6ss JOh.n spiddogue where we find a Thomas Bryan Conwill, in a limestone schoolhouse, on a yearly presiding over 77 pupils for a yearly income income of £18, teaching 50 children,, and in of £10, towards which the Parish Priest and another school in this parish, similarly con­ Incumbent give £1 each. The school cost £6 structed, we meet Michael Delaney with the to build. same number of pupils. The schoolhouse at Milford, Ballinabran­ . John is doing better in Banniga­ nagh, looks far more pretentious. It should, gole-financially, anyhow. For £20 a year, he for it cost £50, being provided by Mr. Alexander rules the educational world of 51 subjects, for his tenants' children. There are 68 pupils. in his stone and clay schoolhouse, but at neigh­ James Murphy is the teacher. His income is bouring Coolnakisky, Ann Byrne only earns better too, viz: £30. £9 from her 30 pupils. In adjoining townland of Tomard, for an There are some non-Catholic schools income of £20, we discover Patrick Kehoe scattered through the last dealt with area, enlightening 50 pupils, in a mud cabin rented which may, or may not, be ranked as hedge for £1: 14: 1, whilst in Upper Tomard, John schools, e.g., we find that Anne Rogers, a Conran, for the same remuneration, is busy Protestant, in , teaches in a with 51 children, in a school built by their ' Pay School ' 24 pupils for an income of £8, · parents which cost £5. · and it is ' a poor cabin.' In Leighlinbridge, Elizabeth Money (sic.) And it is interesting to find that at Old in a rented room teaches 15 pupils. Her income Leighlin in the aisle of Cathedral, a Mrs. is £5. And John Dalton in , for Armstrong teaches 30 children without any the yearly sum of £40, attends to 85 pupils income. in the aisle of the Cathedral. Space does not permit me to deal -with

Part of the new Presentation Ccnvent Schools opened in 1960. (Photo-Godfrey) SEVENTEEN every Hedge School in Carlow County (about to build, teaches the three ' R's ', plus sewing, 100 are mentioned in the Returns). I will have fancy work, music and drawing. to be content with giving a general picture And in Cashel, Parish of Kiltennel and instead of our resuming that tour. Borris, we find Darby McDonald, a ' moral correct man,' teaching the three 'R's' to 80 SINNER'S GUIDE pupils in a miserable hovel, and as the £7 income cannot support him, he has to get meals In Ballon parish there are five schools. from the childrens' parents. In this school, Here, economic distress is evident. Yet, elocu­ the Spellers sit on stones, and the Cipherers tion is taught in one sclfbol. In another, after and writers use the new forms available. The teaching Catechism, the teacher uses her own building is roofed with sticks and badly " Volume of Moral Entertainments " and " Sin­ thatched. (Those schools generally show the ners' Guide " as text books, but the good woman same constructional ingredients, viz: stone, " fears she'll have to give up her school unless mud, thatch, low roof, cramped accommodation, some public institution gives her financial poor ventilation). Here's what a assistance." priest says in his Parochial Return to Com­ At Rathoe, James Tallon, for an income mission of 1824. of -about £15, teaches reading, writing, arith­ " In these small schools, on the other metic, book-keeping, mensuration, surveying, hand, there can be no order or regularity dealing, geometry, trigonometry and English (in general) observed. The poor naked grammar. The curriculum of James Lyons at children pine with cold on the stone, or Ballontraine is practically similar (we note imbibe the seeds of consumption and decay Aesop's Fables and Robinson Crusoe among his on the damp floor. Cleanliness is banished, text books), whilst in same townland, Jane and nothing can exceed the filth in which Murray, aged 20, in a clay house, costing £5 they sometimes wallow . "

A view of the Christian Brothers' Schools on the. Railway Road. ( Phot~Godfrey) EIGHTEEN rI

In Kilcarrig, Bagenalstown, Catherine Neill, John and Thos. Gahan (Roscatt), Pat Byrne, aged 56, holds school for eight pupils and John Neill (sic.), Michael Hynes (Rath­ in a small bedroom, in a thatched house. Her rush), Elizabeth and Bridget Murphy, Mary income is between £3 and £4. She teaches the Nowlan, Elinor and Elizabeth Dawson, three • R's ', and the Catechism. One of her Elinor and Ann Headen, Ann Malone (Ard­ text books is the Imitation of Christ. ristan), Elizabeth Bulger, Margaret and Then there is Patrick Burns, who, in a Bridget Dargan, Margaret Foley, Mary Neill barn in Slyguff, ministers educationally to 36 (Roscatt), Ann and Mary Hynes (Rathrush). children, and his income totals £8 therefor. But Alexander Roche's school at Tullowbeg has a brighter aspect. It and his dwelling-house SEATED ON STICKS (stone and mud) are under one roof and the scholars number 34. His quarterly rates are: But striking a brighter note, I find Mary Reading, 2/2d.; Writing, 3/3d.; Arithmetic, Barron in her little thatched schoolhouse at 5/5d. Ballyellin gambolling-with her flock-through a text book labelled ' Little Red Riding Hood, NO INCOME whilst at Ballyhacket, Thomas Griffin, with And run in connection with the Patrician pupils numbering 60, seated on long sticks, Brothers' Monastery, is Tullow's " Poor School introduces another old favourite of mine, named (Free)." Here Edmund Kelly handles the educa­ Robinson Crusoe, after the Catechism and three tion of 60 boys for no income. Presumably he R's have been dealt with. is a Religious. Now for the tribute paid in Returns to If the teaching abode of the Hedge School­ Mistress Anne Doyle of Englishtown, . master was generally wanting in character, Age between 20 and 23. (Must have been as not so the Master (or Mistress). reticient or uncertain in this respect as modern The Returns speak of his ' excellent char­ ladies): "She is · of character, manners a~d acter ' ' moral character,' ' patient and mild qualification that. entitle her to . a ran~ m dispo'sition,' 'sober, religious and diligent in society far superior to that of Mistress m a the discharge of his duties,' 'conducts himself country school." Mistress Anne was educated with great propriety,' whilst as to the school­ by the Nuns of Carlow Convent, and for about mistress, she is eulogised for her meekness, £8 or £9 a year she taught, with Master John humility, patience, unblemished character, ~nd Cain, the Englishtown school's 153 pupils. for her desire to inculcate in the youthful mmd A flying visit to Tullow and district, where the spirit of decency, honesty and truth. we find the Tree of Knowledge in full growth, These people--with pride in their roots­ even if the gardeners and garnerers are labour­ were truly generous with their time and energy. ing under disabilities. Most of the schools are The introduction of the State primary the Hedge type, the one at Ardristan is "in school system in 1831 tolled the passing of an old ditch built of sods by one Murphy " the Hedge School, but so strong was its hold (I presume it is the school which is built of on the affections of the people, so firm its sods-as well as ditch). Its Master is Pat foothold in national traditions, that death Byrne, whose income . i~ £4. As this i~ the didn't come till after the passing of the Inter­ only case in which puptls names are mentioned mediate Act in 1878. in the 1824 Returns, and in case- some of my The Hedge School had its critics, of course. readers are their descendants, I give the But it stood for a system of education that scholars' names as follows: - was national and democratic, and signposted Martin Nowlan, Paul Nowlan, William the way of life our forefathers sought, fought Nowlan, Michael Carney, Thomas Carney, and bled for; died for. Edward and , John Dawson, Let's resolve therefore never to forget the Pat Byrne, John Kepple (Ardristan), Ed. Hedge Master and his ilk, their and our fore­ and James Dargan, Thomas Bulger, James, 's Hedge Schools, OR OUR ROOTS. Michael and Thos. Bryan, Pat and John

Our Cover Picture

THIS year our Cover Picture is a study by our faithful photographer, Mr. 1;>onal I Godfrey, of the Carlow Railway Station. The Great ~uthern & Wes~ern Railwa_y was opened to Carlow in August, 1846. A Mr. Lacey visited Carlow specially for this occasion and later wrote in his " Home Sketches ":- " The new Railway Station and the other Offices are very neatly fitted up. The area occupied by the Offices and terminus is 640 x 350 feet; a new and wide street has been laid out in front of the Station, with fine sites for Building; in fact the hand of improvement is quite apparent in this vicinity."

NINETEEN THE CARLOW MILITIA BY VICTOR HADDEN

~ Militia was a form of organised The Bill of 1793 had hardly become law force made up of-.soldiers who were not before most of the Thirty-Two Counties in professional in the ordinary sense and not Ireland started forming their Militia. In Carlow normally in permanent service. It was a con­ a Regiment was raised as early as April 20, stitutional force comprising a citizen army-an 1793, and Henry Bruen, Esq., was appointed army composed of propertied men with a per­ Colonel. Colonel Henry Bruen had been a sonal stake in the preservation of public order. member of Parliament for the of As such it was quite distinct from the regular Jamestown, but having recently purchased large army and also from the yeomanry. estates in the County of Carlow, he settled at The Irish Militia when first raised in 1715 Park, just outside the town, and in the was restricted to Protestants between the ages Election of 1790 became Representative for the of 16 and 60, who were bound to appear or County; he was also Custos Rotulorum and provide substitutes. Down the years there were one of the Governors of the County Carlow. various amendments in the laws governing the Col. Bruen promptly signed Commissions Militia until in 1793 a new Act was passed in the Carlow Regiment of Militia as follows: - providing for raising a force, both Protestant To be Major-Walter Kavanagh. and Catholic, by ballot. Modern interest in the To be Captains-Thomas Whelan, Philip history of the Militia in Ireland usually begins Newton, John Newton. with the Act of 1793-" An Act for amending To be Lieutenants-John Wolseley, John and reducing into one Act of Parliament the Bennett, John Lecky, William Astle, Abraham Laws relating to the Militia of Ireland." Jones, and Constantine Brough. The Bill of 1793 was introduced largely to To be Ensigns-William Carter, Ashley meet an emergency, but it envisaged the Militia Crofton, Jnr., Joseph Malone, - Haggerty, Jnr. routine of peacetime conditions, such as annual To be Adjutants-John Wolseley. training and drilling for a strictly limited period, with, at the same time, permanent staff VOLUNTARY SUBSTITUTES arrangements and appointments for each During the months that followed the county. In fact, however, from 1793 onwards requirements of the Militia Bill were duly com­ continued almost indefinitely plied with and we find the following account and the Militia once established remained more in " The Irish Militia " by Sir Henry McAnally: or less continuously on active service until it " After some intial trouble the ballot was eventually disembodied in 1816. proceeded harmoniously enough. There were The Bill also laid down the compliments some riots in mid-May in which colliery­ of Officers, who did not require previous Mili­ and quarry workers appear to have been tary service, or qualifications ( except for concerned. ' Fathers to be taken from their adjutants) but did require clearly defined families' was the outcry (why not try to get Property qualifications. Both Officers and men volunteers and do without balloting?). A week might be either Protestants or Roman Catholics later the ' designs of malcontents had been and the free exercise of both religions was defeated by the publication of abstracts ' allowed, but, in fact, in most Counties the vast (of the Act presumably) and recruits were majority of Officers were Protestant and the offering themselves to the Colonel in such vast majority of men were Roman Catholic. numbers that he could raise the unit without Unlike the Yeomanry, the rank and file of the balloting. Nevertheless the prescribed pro­ Militia were predominantly of the peasant and cedure was followed and we have this artisan class. account of what took place: ' On Saturday last (the date is June 8) the ballot for the A POLICE FORCE Militia commenced here, when instead of The duties of the Militia were mainly those any kind of opposition being given or the of a Police Force rather than those of an army. least appearance of discontent the different At this period in our history, riots and feuds parishes then appointed to be drawn came had to be quelled, coaches had to be escorted, forward, cheerfully submiting to their lot; bailiffs had to be protected, criminals had to one parish in particular - , whose be arrested, and, certainly outside the town, quota amounted to no more than thirteen these duties and many ot.her functions of the men, assembled to the number of 200 and Police had to be exercised by the Militia. In entered the Court House, when, after supply­ times of civil strife it was called on to establish ing the number allotted, they to a man Public Order and it was hoped that when faced voluntarily offered; their services as substi­ with rebellion and invasion the men would tutes in case any ,other part of the County remain loyal to their Officers and to the Govern­ should seem desirous of being excused.' " ment. There appears to have been five Companies,

TWENTY totalling in all about 240 men in the Carlow was while they were here in December of Militia when first formed but the Battalion that year that Col. Henry Bruen died at his was increased by one Company some years house in North Great George's Street, Dublin. later. His remains were conveyed to Oak Park and from thence to his " new town of Nurney " DECIDED SUPERIORITY (Co. Carlow) where they were interred. In a rare contemporary broadside we find an account Training began immediately and with of the ceremonial observed by his Regiment enthusiasm. Before the first review by a general on this melancholy occasion: - Officer, the men were to be proficient in march­ " The Carlow regiment of militia, quar­ ing past the General, forming .into line, manual tered at , paraded for the purpose exercise, platoon exercise, firing by companies, of doing military honours to the memory advancing in line, firing by wings, retreating of their deceased commandant. The whole in line, firing by battalion, advance, open ranks regiment were in mourning, the officers with and general salute. A book of rules and regula­ uniform cockades, swordknots, mourning on tions relative to field exercises was issued to the arm, all of black crape, scarfs, hat­ the newly-formed unit. Indeed, we read in a bands and gloves, and every other individual report published by the Dublin Evening Post of the regiment with black crape round the describing one of the first reviews of the Car­ left arm; the colours festooned with crape, low Militia: " The Regiments of Militia here, the pikes, band instruments, drums, fifes, compared with regulars from , etc., all in mourning; and the late Colonel's have the most decided superiority; and as to sword, sash, gorget, etc., were bound with the efficient appointment of the men there is crape, and borne by an officer. Arms were no degree of comparison." then ordered to be reversed, and the whole One of the early ceremonials was the pre­ were put in march by Captain Wolseley, the sentation of colours to the Regiment. This was commanding officer, the band playing a dead an expensive item but was probably met by march. In this order the regiment proceeded Col. Bruen, and no doubt in honour of the to the review field, where it formed a line, occasion " the men were all dressed in new rested on reversed arms, and gave room for clothing and made a truly martial appearance." the officer carrying the late Colonel's sword, No doubt, too, "the privates were most hos­ etc., to pass through the band playing and pitably regaled by their Colonel." drums beating a dead march. The line was Like most of the other County Militia the then formed, when the commanding officer Carlow battalion had its band and here, too, claimed the attention of the regiment, and it was almost certainly indebted to the liberality with much pathos addressed them. An awful of its Colonel. Under the law two drummers silence followed, the regiment leaning on were allowed to a company but if the Com­ their reversed arms, when the band com­ manding Officer wanted to keep up a greater menced solemn music; a signal was then number of drummers to be employed as fifers given and the regiment fired three volleys and musicians he could have them provided he with great precision, the band filling up the was willing to defray the expense. Indeed, he interval of time required for loading. On may also have had to pay for the instruments the whole, we never were witness to a used by the band and these were costly. Even procession and ceremony more solemn and the clothing of the bandsmen which was splen­ affecting." did in the extreme was almost certainly paid From Waterford the regiment was ordered for by Col. Bruen. to Trim, then to Downpatrick, Blairismore A NOMAD FORCE Camp, , and thence to , where they were quartered in the summer of that From the very beginning it was customary ill-fated year of 1798. to quarter units at a distance from the county of their origin and this became the accepted 1798 policy. Fraternizing and close associations with It is well known that the leaders of the the surrounding people would make policing United Irishmen assumed that, to use the difficult and could lead to coruption. The rank words of Tone-" The Militia, the great bulk and file could not be expected to exercise repres­ of whom are Catholics, would, to a moral sive measures as impartially against friends certainty, abandon their leaders." The events and relations as against strangers and for this of 1798, however, proved this theory to be and other reasons the Irish Militia from the ill-founded. Again in the words of Tone-" The start became virtually a nomad force. Militia have thus far, as well as the yeomanry, When embodied in 1793, the Carlow bat­ to their eternal degradation, supported the talion was ordered to Nenagh and started on enemy." Or in the words of Sir Henry McAnally routes and marches which quartered it in "when the rebellion came in 1798, they (the numerous centres during the following years. Militia) seem, with little exception, simply to From Nenagh they proceeded to Charlesfort, have done, or attempted to do, their soldierly then to Kinsale and thence to Cobh where in duty. There was no question of their being August 1794 they were quartered at Cobh pronouncedly for, if not of their being speci­ Fort and Spike Island, Ram Head and Hawbow­ fically against, the insurrectionary movement; line. In 1795 they moved to Waterford and it they were simply for their employers-which

TWENTY-ONE most persons regard as the correct attitude 1854, the Militia was revived and enrolment for soldiers." of volunteers was commenced in December of And so while based in Navan in June that year. A large number presented them­ 1798 the Carlow Militia proceeded to Nitts­ selves but it was found that the attestation town, on the Banks of the Boyne, where an papers were in short supply and it was only action took place with the rebels. No details possible to enrol thirteen at the first meeting. of this skirmish are available but· , in The Eidtor of the Carlow Post, however, anti­ his history of the County Carlow, records cipated that the· required complement would (rather characteristically) - "The latter fled soon be filled up and went on to express the almost immediately although they were in great sentiment that should the war continue for any numbers." length of tim.e, he might have to record some well-known names among the list of brave ON PERMANENT DUTY Irishmen who had already distinguished them­ The rebellion over, the regiment started selves in the present struggle. The officers at again on its wanderings. From Navan they this stage were as follows: - marched to Robertstown, to , to Charles­ Colonel-Sir Thomas Butler, Bart. fort, to Midleton, to , to Roscrea and Lieutenant Colonel-John Henry Keogh. were in Carlow for brief disembodiment in Major-Sir Clement Wolseley, Bart. 1802. When war broke out again, after the There were six Captains, five Lieutenants, Peace of Amiens in 1802, the regiment was four Ensigns, an Adjutant, Surgeon, Assistant again embodied and remained on duty almost Surgeon and an Acting Paymaster. permanently until the Napoleonic War was over. THE CARLOW RIFLES In Wakefield's "Account of Ireland," 1812, It was at about this time that the Regi­ we read that " the Carlow regiment of Militia ment began to be cal\ed the Carlow Rifles and consists of a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, two its function seems to' have been for the most Majors, six Captains, thirteen Lieutenants, five part that of an . It was based ensigns, a pay-master, adjutant, quarter-master, mainly in Carlow though it may have spent surgeon, assistant surgeon, 34 sergeants, 14 periods in other parts of the country, possibly drummers, and 600 rank and file. Of the Officers at Kinsale. During the Summer of 1855, how­ all are Protestants, except the adjutant, ever, it was in Carlow and the Carlow Post quarter-master, assistant surgeon and one en­ gives us a graphic picture of a Ball given by sign. The non-commissioned officers, drummers, the Officers of the Carlow Rifles at the Barracks etc., are almost all Protestant and the rank in May of that year. and file in proportion of 5 to 2, the Catholics "The decorations of the ballroom, the being in the larger number." viands supplied, the manner in which they The Regiment was disembodied on March were arranged before the guests-the cour­ 26, 1816, and on that date the officers were tesy and gallantry (of course) of the hosts as follows: - -the excellence of the music, together with Colonel-D. la Touche, Jnr. the unflagging animation and good humour Lieutenant Colonel-Robert la Touche. apparent throughout - rendered this the Majors-Richard Baillie, John Falkener First Ball, given by the Officers of our Rifles, Cornwall. everything that could possibly be desired Captains-Benjamin D. Galbraith, Harmon and if they acquire as much renown during Herring, James Butler, Gilbert Rudkin, Pills­ their future campaigns abroad as they are worth Whelan, Thomas Henry Watson. likely to gain by their fetes and feats at Lieutenants - Richard Clifford, T. F. home, they will be as famous for their brav­ Eames, Richard King, B. McMahon, Richard ery and their conquests as any of those who Ryan, John Sherlock, Henry Morton, Michael have shed a glorious lustre on the history Thorogood, Richard Butler, N. Bishop, John of their country." Horton, Thomas Proctor, R. Byrne. At the end of the war, it would appear Ensigns-Francis Courtenay, B. Hobart, that the Carlow Militia was disembodied but C. Brough, William Hill, William Cook. if so it was reorganised for peacetime condi­ Paymaster-Constantine Brough. tiom1 and for many years afterwards had its permanent establishment and regular annual SLEEPY HOLLOW periods of drilling and training. It continued The long marches were over and " this to be a reserve providing regular recruits for was the end, for about 40 years, of the Irish the Army and this seems to have been one of Militia as an embodied force. They went into its primary functions. Sleepy Hollow. 'The permanent staff,' says a GREAT DINNER regimental record, 'from disembodiment grew gradually less and less, vacancies not being In August, 1856, the gentry of the County filled up, until at length at the beginning of Carlow gave a great Dinner in the Assembly 1855, it consisted of but a few old cripples Rooms to the Officers of the County Carlow whose one duty was to receive their monthly who had fought in the Crimean War. The Chair pay.'" was taken by Captain McClintock Bunbury, On the outbreak of the Crimean War in M.P., and towards the close of the proceedings

TWENTY-TWO he proposed a toast to " The Carlow Rifles and as any country could boast of. I am proud tc; Sir Thomas Butler their Colonel." In doing be thef:r Colonel ( cheers). For my part I only so he said-" They have not had the good desire the ranks to be filled with such Iiien fortune to be engaged in the Crimea but I and they will reflect credit on every officer am sure from what I have witnessed, if their connected with it." (Loud cheering). services had been required, they would have done credit to the County Carlow: I must say 20/- A DAY I am sorry they have been disbanded." In responding to the toast, Sir Thomas Lt. Col. Keogh was then unanimously Butler said-" I beg leave to return you my called on to speak. He was a young man of most sincere thanks for the wtl.y in which you thirty-two years, tall and strikingly handsome. have spoken to me as Colonel of the Carlow He said-" Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, I Rifles but I must say that the praise is mostly rise as you have been kind enough to call upon due to Lt. Col. Keogh and Captain Knipe, the me but I thought &ofter the eloquent speech two principal Officers of the Regiment. At my of our Colonel I should have escaped being time of life I could not accomplish the task of called on. It is rather dull work speaking of organising them nor have I been enabled to the Militia now. As long as the Queen was spend as much of my time with them as I pleased to give me 20 /- per day it was all have wished. They have given satisfaction very well-as long as I got that I worked wherever they have gone and they have sent hard for the Carlow Rifles but that is now all as brave a body of men into the regular army gone by and I think the Carlow Rifles very

The Officers and Colours of the Garlow Rifles, circa 1885. L. to R. front row:-Gapt. the Hon. H. F. Maxwell (Adjutant), Colonel Butler, Lieut. G. Duckett­ Steurt, Major H. Eustace, Doct

TWENTY-THREE stale talk indeed. I did not value myself very the but their place was highly-only at 20 /- a day! The only thing taken by the battalion; instead it for which I am proud of the Carlow Rifles is became a Militia battalion of an English Regi­ that they sent as fine a body of recruits to ment as the 8th (Militia Battalion) The King's the line as any Officer might be proud to Royal Rifles Corps. They now changed their receive." red-coats for rifle green jackets with black The Carlow Militia at this period was, of buttons and scarlet facings and their colours course, a red-coat Regiment and was known, were laid up in 1890 in St. Mary's Church, affectionately or otherwise, as the "Old Fogies." Carlow, where they still hang silent and serene. The rank and file servecl 27 days' intensive In 1887 the Regiment sent a detachment training every year and new recruits did drill under the command of Major Lord Walter training in addition. The permanent staff Fitzgerald to take part in the Royal Review remained on duty all the year round and the for Queen Victoria's Jubilee. They were sta­ intention was that the regiment could be mobil­ tioned at Battersea Park and it was probably ised in full force at any time at short notice. on this occasion that they distinguished them­ selves by winning the tug-of-war tournament. INTENSIVE TRAINING Other commanders of the Carlow Militia at about this period were G. W. Lestrange and In July 1871, the Carlow Militia was put Lord Frederick Fitzgerald. through its paces after some weeks of highly intensive training. The inspection took place in THE BOER WAR the Carlow barrack-yard and the Inspecting During the Boer War, the Regiment was Officer was the Inspector General of Militia, stationed in Templemore and sent a draft of Col. F. F. Maude, C.B. & V.C.S. On his arrival Officers and men to the front line where they he was saluted by the regiment which was were quartered in block houses. In the later drawn up in line and immediately after broken years of its existence it was based on Carlow into Companies when a most minute inspection Barracks and did its training either locally took place-probably the closest to which it · or at the Camp. It now consisted of had ever been subjected. The men were put four Companies and its last Colonel was Col. through a variety of evolutions by the Colonel J. K. Milner who had fifteen years command. after which they marched past in fine style He was a famous shot who with revolver or and with the greatest precision, in column and rifle could hit the target, time and time again. quarter column, took ground to the left in It is on record that at one International Con­ fours, wheeled to the left, halted, fronted, test, as a member of the English team, he opened in column, wheeled to the left in line, placed every shot in the Bull's Eye. and were put through the manual, firing, and The last Officers of the Regiment were as field exercises. The senior Major (J. C. Vigors) follows:- was then requested to put the regiment through Colonel--Colonel J. K. lHlner (Command­ some movements which were executed most ing). creditably. The regiments' quarters and the M.0.-Surgn. Lieut.-Colonel E. A. Rawson. hospital, etc., were then thoroughly inspected Captains - Sir Richard Butler, D.S.O.; and in due course Col. Maude and a numerous Captain H. Wheeler, both subsequently pro­ party were entertained by Col. Keogh and the moted Major, and Captain Cockburn. officers of the Regiment in the Officers' mess­ Adjutant--Captain A. Rennie, D.S.O., later rooms. After further inspections and exercises Brigadier-General. in the afternoon Col. Maude addressed the men. Instructor of Musketry - Lieut. (now He complimented Col. Keogh on the state of Major) A. J. W. Fitzmaurice. the Regiment and said that it would be his 2nd Lieutenants - E. M. Thomas (later duty to report favourably on it to the Lord Captain), Gordon Mocket (later Major), A. G. Lieutenant. Ferrier (later Captain). All except the C.O. and M.O., who were REGULAR F'.ORCES over-age, served in the First Great War, 1914- 1918. In 1881 the Militia virtually ceased to The Regiment was finally disbanded in exist as a distinct body. It became part of the 1908 under the Haldane Scheme, which affected regular forces with a limitation as to the time all three English Regiments in Ireland, includ­ and area, the· conditions of service, and Militia ing The Carlows-the 8th King's Royal Rifles. Battalions were united with the line battalions The only survivors in Carlow in 1960 are to form territorial regiments. The Carlow Rifles Major A. J. W. Fitzmaurice and Sergeant H. were lh,ted to become a Militia battalion of Hopkins.

TWENTY-FOUR

r~· ~~~~~~~~~--!!!!!!!!!!!!!------THE FAIR LAND OF LAOIS

BY MICHAEL DELANEY

" ffISTORY is the life, the soul and the light ran district about 80 years ago. These articles of illustrious men; consequently every are to be seen in the National Museum. Not Irishman blessed by the valuable honour of far from Luggacurran, also is to be seen " The splendid ancestry should pride in the range Ligan Stone." These standing stones occasion­ of his ancient glory, and wish to have the ally rise over bronze-age graves with which fame of his fathers transmitted to posterity." they are contemporary. It was in that long That is the reason I undertake the task forgotten period that such stones were habit­ of assembling a few lines to insert in Carloviana ually manipulated. These relics of the past for the entertainment of its readers who may were found near the two great Duns of Clopook be interested in The Fair Land of Laois. and Luggacurran where the first settlers made themselves secure from the wild animals that LAOIS is an inland county in the roamed the county in those far off days. of Leinster, bounded on the north by The first permanent settlers of whom we Offaly, on the west by Tipperary and part of have a record were a tribe of Firbolgs that Offaly. Its greatest length is north and south had first settled on the south-east coast of 33 miles; and its greatest breadth east and in the baronies of Fort and Bargy. west is 37 miles; comprising an area of 664 After some time they moved inland and even­ square miles or 424,854 acres. tually arrived in the hilly district which has The surface is generally flat, rising in since been known as "Slieve Margy," or the the north-west into the mountain of people from Bargy. They were whose summit is 1734 feet above sea known as Ui Barriche tribe until the 11th level. The subsoil is for the most part lime­ century when surnames became compulsory. stone but in the hilly country much boulder They then called themselves MacGurmond or clay is found. There are eskers or ridges of O Gormond from a Norwegian pirate who was sand around and a great ridge of at one time their leader. The name was sand extends for a distance of about 8 miles Anglicised O Gorman. from Kissan's Cross by in the They seem to have been a war-like people direction of . These Eskers were as there are several references to their being formed during a pause in the melting of the engaged in battles and slaughters. In 886 ice-caps that covered Ireland for a long period Conn, son of Lord Ui Barriche, was slain up to about 20,000 years ago. The ridge at while demolishing the fortress of the foreigners. Portlaoise was used as a road a couple of In 1016 Connmhach, Abbot of Agha, was hundred years ago, but it is much gapped now, slain by Ui Barriche. Several raids were made due to the removal of sand for building pur­ on the Cathedral at Leighlin and so great was poses and for road making. There are large the destruction and annoyance that the Bishop bogs in swampy places which favoured the petitioned Rome to have the ecclesiastical estab­ growth of peat. In former times iron mines lishment transferred to some other place. were worked principally at and In 1124 Murreadhach MacGorman, Lord . The art of metal casting is still of Ui Barriche, the ornament and glory and practised in Mountrath but Ballinakill has only chief hero of Leinster, died. This clan remained the memory in the name " Ironmills." in Slieve Margy until after the Norman invas­ There are extensive coal deposits under ion when the chief of them ultimately fixed the Slieve Margy hills where coal pits have his residence in the of Ibrickan, in been worked for over 20.0 years. There are Thomond, Co. Clare. also extensive beds of fireclay which provides the raw material for the manufacture of stone­ THEO MORES ware pipes at The Swan. Tllere are rich tracts of highly cultivated arable land all over the The O Mores are descendants of Ir, son county and a considerable amount of plantation, of Milesius who derived his origin from Fenius all so interspersed as to justify the ancient Farsa, King of Scythia, reputed great grandson name of Laois-Inagh Riada, which means of J ophet, son of Noah. Ir was a prince of " The Speckled Plain." great bravery; his posterity kept a splendid court in for 900 years and were known GRAVES by the name of Rudricans or Clanna Rorys. They gave 24 monarchs to Ireland and one Inagh Mach Riada was inhabited at a very Queen, namely Macha of the Golden Tresses. early period, probably during the bronze age. Macha reigned before Christ 350 years, and Bronze age burial sites were discovered near was the only supreme Queen that ever reigned "The Asses Manger," a druids' altar near over Ireland. Amongst the most celebrated of Luggacurran. An earthen urn and bronge rings the Irian kings were Ollam Fodhla, Camboath were unearthed in another part of Luggacur- and Rory the Great. Rory flourished about 150

TWENTY-FIVE years ·,b_emr~· Christ, consequently the Kings Laighseach. The princes enjoyed great privil­ and Chie~ .. of the · Irians took the name of eges and were represented among the other Clanna Rory. From the first settlement of Chiefs of Leinster with their respective musters Ulster down to the fourth · century (1,000 of men. years) the Irian Kings ruled. over that province and the royal heroes of the race were known ESTABLISHED by the name of the Red Branch Knights of Ulster. The Psalter of Cashel and the Psalter At the beginning of the sixth century of Tara assert that those knights for their Christianity seems to have been generally valour, generosity and military exploits, were established in Laois. The following centuries the glory of the Irish nation. produced a wonderful array of holy men. About 50 years before Christ Conan Cear­ However, there were warriors as well as nach, son of Ameirgin, a prince descended in saints and it was unfortunate indeed to have the fourth degree from Rory, became much so much disorder and crimes, having their celebrated for his great exploits during the origin in a state of social disunion and the wars between Connaught and Ulster. He slew clan system of semi-independence, which gave many of his most famous opponents in single free scope to the ambition and passions of combat, and carried away their heads on the rival factions. The Northmen invasions had point of his spear. Conall had two sons, Irial­ their share in producing this demoralization. Glunmhar and Laoigleach Ceann-Mor. Irial was Owing to the dangers of pillaging by the King of Ulster for 40 years and Laoigheach Danes the sacred relics of St. Mochanoe were resided in Leinster and was called the great transferred from Wexford to in A.O. head of the Leinster people. He had a son 819. by name Lisagh who was as brave as his It is not too pleasant to reflect that owing grandfather Conall and by his skill in the arts to unfortunate squabbling between the King of war became more renowned than his grand­ of Leinster and many of the Chiefs father. It is from him that Laois got its name. of Laois and Ossory were slain at the battle It means Lis-Light; Agh-field-The Light of of Clontarf while ranged on the side of the the Field. Leinster King. There seems to have been a great number of murders and blindings BLOODY BATTLE during the century after Clontarf. This was probably due to jealously and spite and a In the year 119 A.O. the Munster army desire to revenge the wrongs of the past. invaded Leinster. The King of Leinster gave There seems to have been " bad blood " amongst command of his army to Lisagh. The two them. O'Connor, the cruel King of Connaught, armies met at the which is not was recognised as supreme monarch of Ireland far from and a bloody battle from the year 1136. During his reign no ensued. The Munster forces were badly defeated fewer than 17 of the Leinster nobility with and one of their leaders was killed at a ford many others of inferior rank were either killed on the Barrow. The place is since known as or blinded by him. Athy. Historians tell us that the forces of Leinster made so dreadful a slaughter of the EXPULSION Munster men that they were forced to desist for want of enemies to kill. After the Norman invasion, Laois was The line of battle can still be traced, as invaded by the English who took over Duna­ there are large standing stones. marking the mase and William De Braose erected it into places where the principal leaders fell. It passed a manor and there established a court-baron, by Morett, on by , Ballinakill and to which tenants should resort, for the purpose on to the borders of Tipperary. The Munster­ of rendering suit or service. That was the men were then in their own territory. The beginning of a lc.ing period of wars and con­ victory re-settled the state of the province and fiscations that culminated in the expulsion of the men of Munster were glad to confine them­ the clans after the death of the last chieftain, selves to their own territories. The victorious Owney MacRory O More in August 1600. Lisagh on his return to the King of Leinster In 1600 all the county of Laois except received as compensation for his valour the the town of Maryborough, was in the hands seven districts of Magh-Riada, afterwards called of Owney MacRory O More, the chief of that the seven Laoighises to be enjoyed by him name. The Four Masters in recording his death and his heirs for ever. And being sensible that in that year thus refer to him-the same he owed his crown to the bravery of Lisagh, Owney, son of Rory Oge, son of Rory Ceach he obliged himself and his successors to make O More, who had been for some time an a perpetual acknowledgment to the Kings of illustrious, renowned and celebrated gentleman, Laois, namely the descendants of Lisagh. The was slain by the Queen's people in an over­ seven divisions of land are now known as the whelming and fierce battle which was fought seven baronies of Laois, namely , between them on the borders of Laoise in the , Maryborough, Cullinagh, Bally­ month of August this year. His death was a adams, Stradbally and . great check to the valour, prowess and heroism In ancient times one prince governed the of the Irish of Leinster and of all Ireland. seven septs of Laois. The first Christian King of Laois was Barr, tenth in descent from (Continued on page 35) TWENTY-SIX Borris Lace 1875 to 1960 BY MISS I. M. MacLEOD NEEDLEPOINT lace is Italian in origin, a patterns enriched by a wide variety of ' fills ' development from sixteenth century cut­ and diapers, achieved fame for Irish needlepoint work. on linen. This was an enrichment of at home and abroad. spaces in cut or drawn-work with ornamental Another Irish needlepoint of the later fillings of buttonhole and overcast stitches. nineteenth century, although produced on a Gradually the cut-work developed into what is small scale and less ambitious in designs and known as ' reticella.' The linen ground became technique, deserves .to be better known to the more and more cut away until there remained public. It is Borris Point Lace, introduced no foundation except the skeleton threads to Borris, Co. Carlow, by Lady Harriet McMor­ worked over by needlepoint stitches in button­ rough Kavanagh of Borris Castle about 1857 holing and overcasting. Thus, the first true and fostered by succeeding ladies of the family needlepoint lace evolved. until to-day. In Ireland no specimens of cut-work sur­ FAMILY TRADITION vive although references prove that it was made here and used for the decoration of men's Family tradition holds that Lady Harriet shirts. Neither are there any examples of Irish Kavanagh while visiting Corfu island with her needlepoint extant which can be attributed to son Arthur became so impressed by specimens the eighteenth century, despite the Dublin of 'Old Greek' lace which she saw there that Society's encouragement of the craft in the she bought some pieces, with the idea of having offering of awards for the best pieces presented it copied in Borris. She also brought from both in needlepoint and pillowlace. Venice and Milan specimens of Genoa Tape In Ireland lacemaking on a small organ­ lace. ised scale began about 1820. Carrickmacross Lace had become fashionable in late was the earliest centre and the next Victorian and the demand led to a in date and importance. The lace produced in revival of the industry. In order to take these places was not a true lace in the technical advantage of the market and to provide home sense of the term, as the net used for the employment for Irish girls, lace schools and ground was not a hand-made net but a Notting­ centres were set up in many counties in Ireland. ham, machine-made net. On this net the Each local enterprise was usually sponsored designs were applied in various ways. These by the lady of the ' Big House,' or by the laces are really types of embroidered net. wife of the local Rector, or by the Religious True needlepoint lace also developed in in the Convents. The designs were procured Ireland from the middle of the nineteenth and teaching done under their direction. By century. It, too, was promoted as a means of 1862 lacemaking was so well established and relieving distress caused by the famine years, the numbers employed were so high that the 1846 to 1848, and provided employment for craft constituted a national industry. The Irish women. girls with their intelligence and fine hands took Needlepoint was chiefly fostered by the readily to the work and Juror's Report on 'The Religious of Convents at Y oughal, , International Exhibition of 1862,' noted " the New Ross and . In these centres, undoubted aptitude for lacemaking of the designs drawn by good artists showed to advan­ women of Ireland." tage and wonderful hand-made grounds; and It was certainly in the keenest interest

Ouff of Borris Lace. (Photo-courtesy of National Museum) TWENTY-SEVEN r.1,

for the people and in order to help to relieve of a variety of deep and narrow borders, local poverty that Lady Harriet undertook to fl.ounces and insertions. There are also squares have lacemaking taught in Borris. and round pieces suitable for table linen. The The conventionally termed "'' Greek lace " pieces illustrate some of the early and later which Lady Harriet brought from Corfu was work and are mounted as specimens of types really an old Italian lace. It was a needlepoint available for sale. Each item bears an attached lace, a development of the 16th century ticket with a number and the price marked. " reticella " or cut-work introduced to the Greek One beautiful border, five and a half inches isles as a result of their political, economic deep, illustrates the Pomegranite pattern, fruit and cultural ties with the Republic of Venice. and leaves. It is executed with true pillow-braid It was a true needlepoint lace; the work was and a large hexagonal needlepoint ' reseau ' of executed with a needle only as opposed to twisted threads. The border is finished by a Pillow lace which is made by the aid of pins richly picoted edge. The pomegrate, a motif on a stiffened lace-cushion. The earliest Italian symbolising The Promised Land was much used designs were geometrical but later patterns in Italian velvets and lace. The Pomegranate with more fl.owing lines were adopted. Examples borders made in Borris may have been intended of the Corfu type of lace made in Borris appear for trimming Church linen. to be very rare. One specimen, a small cuff, in the National Museum of Ireland, illustrates BROUGHT FROM ITALY a needlepoint tape lace. The main design used in this piece consists of a trailing, ' coral ' pat­ Other pieces show varieties of the popular tern laid down in a needlepoint braid. Venetian Coralline or Mermaids 'Point,' where an unending tape winds through the piece and RICHNESS AND STRENGTH the design is merely held together by stout picoted bars. Mrs. Alice McMorrough Kavanagh The outer sides of the pattern are con­ believes that the specimen patterns include nected by picoted bars, technically called some pieces brought from Italy in 1857. ' brides ' and in Borris locally termed ' crags.' All types of articles were made in Borris The centres of the design are ornamented with lace, collars, cuffs, inlets for garments and lace needlepoint stitches. The very fine, closely by the yard for trimming. In the early days wrought braid, which forms the top border of it was mostly lace by the yard which was the cuff as well as the main, sprawling design produced, and was generally made in six yard was executed first. It appears to be worked in lengths in different widths. Mrs. Alice McMor­ Genoa-stitch, which produces a tight, plaited rough Kavanagh says that "from about 1910 effect. The completed braid was tacked over till 1930 it was used for trimming underclothes, the design, previously being drawn in black "collars, cuffs, etc., and wh,en this ceased to on to glazed cotton, further stiffened by a paper be fashionable we changed to making table lining. The outer lines of the braid pattern mats in different shapes and sizes.'' She con­ were then connected by ' brides ' or bars over­ tinues, "When I visited these places (Venice cast by buttonhole stitches and further enriched and Milan) in 1932 I found that the identical by minute knots called ' picots.' The centres patterns were still being made and that most of the design were then worked with the various of the Borris lace· patterns had not varied from needlepoint 'fills.' The cuff is finished off by the pure Italian lace;0 a vandyked and picoted edging. Although this Most of the lace made was supplied to piece of Borris point-lace is made only from Givans Irish Linen Company, London. Private fine linen thread, it is so closely and evenly orders were also received. It was customary wrought that a richness and strength of texture for the London firm to send " Rubbings " to are achieved by the bold pattern which must the headquarters at Borris and ask to have have looked striking on a dress of dark velvet special articles made according to a special or woollen cloth. " rubbing " or pattern. The " rubbing " con­ This cuff may represent the earliest type sisted of the impression of a special lace design of lace made in Borris and which gave the being taken from a_ piece of the lace on to name of Borris Point to the lace made there. a piece of paper, this would then be transferred Recently a number of mounted lace speci­ to the calico, the base of the lace design upon mens have come to light, in Borris Castle. These which the braid was stitched. All the designs appear to represent the standard type of Borris were numbered and had prices affixed in order lace as made for about a hundred years. The to facilitate customers' orders. specimens are worked in what is known as Tape-Guipure. It is a mixed lace. The pieces SKILLED LACEMAKERS are executed with separately woven Pillow-lace tape--instead of the more laborious Needle­ From the start in 1857 and under the point tape. The tape was tacked on to the direction of Lady Harriet, the women of Borris pattern, as outlined on the parchment. Tl!e became skilled lacemakers; and the early type outer portions of the design were then united made there--became known as Borris Point, by the ' brides ' or worked around with a Mrs. Arthur McMorrough Kavanagh (nee needlepoint ground of hexagonal mesh. The Frances Leathley) succeeded Lady Harriet and piece was then completed in the usual way with took the greatest interest in promoting the the ornamental ' fills.' The specimens consist craft. Each week a class was held in one of

TWENTY-EIGHT I ! t ~ --- -~------======--_:==-====--===:...:::::::;;..;...;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,;;,; ______lllliiiiiiiiil the tenant's houses on the demesne. At a in time for the management of the lace work. later stage the class was held in the Protestant The duties entail the giving out and receiving school and after that in one of the local cot­ the lace, drawing patterns for it, correspondence tages. The workers used to number about respecting orders and account-keeping. Great twenty poor widows who were in special need firmness and strictness with the workers is of financial help. The class- consisted of distri­ required and very methodical habits. Should you buting the materials together with the direc­ think Rebecca would be able to undertake the tions for carrying out the work. The techniques situatio,n (it will be vacant on August 6th) of lacemaking were also taught and markets she will be required to put herself under Mrs. were found for, the finished products. Poole for daily instructions in the manner of Beginners were started on small lace carrying on the duties for the next month. squares for which they were paid one shilling. After that I would superintend and advise her After that they graduated to making narrow until she should be able to act independently borders. Prices paid to the workers varied without detriment to the trade in lace. Till that from four shillings to one pound, according to time she should receive at the rate of £12 the width of a border or flounce. The lace was a year. Once she is competent to carry it on mostly sold to London firms whose agents alone she should receive ld. in the shilling on travelled round the country collecting from all sales of work. This brought in Mrs. Poole various centres. from £32 to £36 a year at the lowest estimate. Should this situation be likely to suit your HIGHEST STANDARDS daughter and that you are of opinion she would fulfill it well I should of course before she Mrs. Arthur maintained the highest stand­ accepts it require from you and her an assur­ ards in the interests of quality and workman­ ance that so far as you both know at present, ship and even to-day it is recorded that if a she is not likely to leave Borris, and also that piece of lace was carelessly worked she would before resigning it, she would give me three put her scissors through it. Only with such months notice." a discipline is it possible to produce and main­ " As no time is to be lost in Mrs. Poole's tain fine quality work. The following extremely successor being taught, if Rebecca agrees to interesting letter written by Mrs. Arthur testi­ my proposal, she must at once take enclosed fies to the qualifications and standards required note to Mrs. Poole and begin learning the by contemporary lacemakers in Borris: - business in every department. Please telegraph R.N. Squadron Castle, Cowes, July 6th. your reply to me to the post office, Southamp­ "Devines" (this family was in the employ­ ton.-F. Kavanagh." ment of the McMorroughs, a Mr. Devine was In addition there is a separate note to their land agent) Mrs. Poole having resigned Mrs. Poole. It states, " Mrs Poole, please to her situation of work-mistress, etc., I think teach the Bearer all the duties required of the possibly your daughter Rebecca might be able workmistress in every department.-F. Kav-

A General View of Borris today. (Bord Failte Photo)

TWENTY-NINE r· I

anagh. July 1872." ·., Most of the lace made now is for export. Mrs.· Kavanagh. was succeeded probably by A Mrs. Rudkin of Corries House, gives orders a Miss Christine Alexander of Milford, Co. for table mats which generally find a market Carlow, who travelled by train each week to in America. The writer possesses a tea cloth Borris to supervise the lace-class. with square inlets of pattern on a needlepoint " reseau." LAST INSTRUCTRESS It would be regrettable if this hundred years old Carlow cottage industry should be A Work Agent was appointed by the lady allowed to die out completely. Efforts should sponsoring the work at Borris. Mrs. Poole be made to revive it not only in Borris but appears to be one of the first of these as Mrs. also in other parts of Carlow, perhaps through Arthur's letter is addressed to her when she the Technical Schools. The tradition is there requests her to teach Rebecca the work. Miss and should not perish, lacemaking would also Rebecca Devine succeeded her. She was suc­ serve to give employment if done in an organ- ceeded by a Mrs. Purdy and the last instructress ised way. . was a Mrs. Jacob, grand-daughter of the Estate Great praise is due to the McMorrough Agent, Mr. Devine. These workmistresses were Kavanagh family for having initiated the paid £12 per annum and ld. commission in the industry and fostered it along the years, we shilling for lace sold. hope that some member of the family will After the first world war, lacemaking continue to do so. declined because of several reasons. The cost of materials had risen. Labour was less easily LEADING EXPONENT obtained and wages were much higher. Above all the competition with cheaply made and Mrs. King, formerly Carlow Library Branch mass produced machine-lace was too great for Librarian in Borris, is the leading exponent of the handicraft to survive easily on an economic Borris lace now and two others also do the basis. work under her supervision. She learnt the Well-wishers made various attempts to craft at the age of twelve from her grand­ keep the craft alive. mother who also was a well-known lace maker. VALIANT ATTEMPT Mrs. King keeps this craft alive by making lace for private orders herself and encouraging About 1930 Father Murphy, Parish Priest others to an active interest in the work. of Borris, made every effort to find markets Amongst the articles made by her are for the lace by obtaining private orders from table mats, designs for tea clothes, collars and wealthy connections of war-time comrades. cuffs and lovely lace motifs for inserting in Whenever he came to Dublin, he brought blouses and various garments. Mrs. King took samples with him and had them displayed in second place in the National Competition for the Shelbourne and Hibernian Hotels, where a set of table mats which she made of Borris they were inspected by visitors and friends. In lace. This was sponsored by the Irish Country­ this way he managed for some time to obtain woman's Association on April 14th, 1959. It sufficient orders to keep the workers employed. was an inter-federation competition. It was a valiant attempt but one that could I wish to acknowledge with thanks especi­ not last. ally, the assistance I have received from Mrs. A beautiful altar cloth of Borris lace, Alice McMorrough Kavanagh of , Co. made for his church about 1936 typifies the Kilkenny, for her courtesy in supplying informa­ quality of lace made at that time. It was made tion and for lending lace specimens for by Mrs. King, one of the last of. the lace makers inspection ; I should also like to thank Mrs. in Borris. To-day there are only three lace­ Jacob and Mrs. King of Borris. makers working. The lace, though coarser Photograph produced with the permission because of the thicker, modern thread, is still and through the courtesy of the National made according to the old techniques and pat­ Museum of Ireland. terns.

A Word of Thanks

The 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. ::::: ==

THIRTY The Workhouse or Old Union Kilkenny Road

BY MISS TERESA KELLY

CARLOW Union came into operation in other work. The result was that on July 22nd September 1840. A meeting of the Poor a committee was appointed to inspect Carlow Law Guardians took place on Monday, 24th Poor House and report to the Board of May, 1840, Sir Thomas Butler in the chair. Guardians. Also attended Wm. R. Stewart, James Butler, H. Faulkner, Wm. C. Cooper, Wm. Fishbourne, COMMITTEE'S REPORT Wm. Butler, Thomas Singleton, Henry Newton, Joseph Fishbourne, Henry , Sam Haugh­ REPORT. "We, the committee appointed ton, A. Fitzmaurice, John Hanlon, P. Kehoe to inspect the workhouse and report on, have and Robert Farrell. visited the institution and find things to which Transactions of the last meeting were we wish to call attention. read and it was announced that the title to the " (1) The flagging of the principal hall and site for the workhouse was established; and other parts of the house is very bad and by no a sum of £1,000 was paid for 7 acres 2 roods means suited to the building. The tiles on the 19 perches statute measure; subject to a head roof are not of the best description and not rent of £7-19-8! per annum, this was some­ according to specification. thing about the rate of £200 per acre (Irish) " (2) The step flashing in parts of the and still subject to a smart head rent. (Lady house was not completed in a proper and work­ Julia Bailey was landlord of workhouse and manlike manner and we are supported QY the lands attached in 1866). The Board were further opinion of the architect, Mr. George Wilkinson, informed that the erection of the workhouse sent down by the Poor Law Commissioners. would cost £9,000, and that a Clerk of " (3) The flooring in the dormitories has Works had to be appointed by the Commission­ shrunk considerably and is in a very unfinished ers at £2-2-0 per week. Mr. George Wilkinson state, several other defects wet'() noticed all was the architect for all the Poor Law Unions of which the architect stated would be brought in Ireland. At the monthly meeting of the to the notice of the Poor Law Commissioners Board of Guardians held on November 8th, for the purpose of having them rectified. 1840, a report was laid before the Board " The sewerage and water system arrange­ that portion of the building in process of ments were dreadful. erection in front of the workhouse was built " The furniture of the aged and female with rubble instead of " cut stone " as was wards, schoolrooms and other parts of the generally understood at the commencement of house are deficient in scantlings, badly finished the work. As a result of this complaint a and by no means according to the plans, draw­ committee of five were elected to inspect the ings and specifications. building and report to the Commissioners viz. " The Visiting Committee are also sup­ William Duckett, Henry Faulkner, Sam Haugh­ ported by the opinion of the architect, who ton, Wm. Fishbourne (Jnr.) and Henry Carey. asserts ' that in all his professional experience Those gentlemen inspected the building and he never saw such badly executed work sub­ expressed their deep disappointment that the mitted by a tradesman as finished.'-Signed contractor had not executed the work in the Sam Houghton, Wm. Fishbourne (Jnr.), Peter manner proposed by the Guardians. Gale, Jos. Fishbourne, John James Lecky, The Probationary house was being built Esqrs." with rubble stone, and was so placed as to In June, 1844, contracts for supplies for shut out the view of the " cut stone " in the Carlow Union of the following list of articles main building from the public road. Mr. to Carlow Board of Guardians were published: Robinson, the contractor, seemed to act as he FuRNITURE FOR BOARD-ROOM. One board­ thought fit; and the Board had no control of room table in the form of a letter T, 36 the disposal of public money. mahogany chairs, armchair for chairwoman; The construction of Carlow Union seemed umbrella stand and set of good fire irons and to cause trouble all along, as the Carlow fender. Sentinel wrote in its leading article, July 6th, CLERK'S OFFICE. Surgery, masters, sitting 1844. " That there are objections to some of and bedroom, school master's and school mis­ the internal details which must be remedied tress's rooms, nursery and porter's room. before the Guardians are given possession." In the kitchen, various items including The Sentinel complimented the work done by four ladles for stirabout to hold one quart, Mr. Graham compared with the report on the two ladles to hold one pint, one large ladle

THIRTY-ONE I!"" I

with a long wooden handle and iron bowl, more than the number allocated. It was there­ 10 to 14 inches in diameter and two inches fore 'decided to change the "menu." Breakfast deep ; cleaning articles and supplies for garden now consisted of a very unpalative mixture of and yard. (Robert Davies,, 'Clerk of Union). rice and Indian meal. This " menu " was not changed for dinner, these being the only meals FIT FOR PAUPER given each day. Towards the end of the year 184 7 oatmeal Carlow Union, which catered for most of was substituted for rice at breakfast and a the Co. Carlow and part of Slievemargey, was pint of mixed milk added to this fare. The declared fit for the reception of paupers on " Table d'Hotel " dinner was changed to one 16th September, 1844. The first rate demand pound of brown bread and one pint of butter­ was made 29th January, 1844. It was built milk. to accommodate 800 inmates. The expenditure of Carlow Union from Conditions in the workhouses of Ireland 1st January to 31st December, 1846, was were appalling. Families were separated; hus­ £3,442-1-8!; number of inmates in workhouse, band from wife; parents from children whom 366; number admitted and born in workhouse, they often never saw again in this life. Visitors 1,452; discharged or died, 972; number in were allowed on one day a week and that only Union on 1st January, 1847, 846. in the presence of an officer. Tobacco and Expenditure for provisions for paupers in drink were strictly forbidden ami the inmates Carlow Union, 1846: The total cost for neces­ had to submit to periodical searches to see setive provisions and clothing for the half-year that the rules were kept. Breaches of the rules ending March 25th, 1846, was £962-8-6!; total were punished severely; the offenders being paupers relieved, 666; average weekly cost per left without portion of the too scanty rations head for provisions, 1/10!; clothing 3! total, doled out to them. 2/U. On May 1st, 1847, sheds were erected Until the spring of 1847 the diet in and used as dormitories. An addition to the Carlow Workhouse consisted of 8 oz. of oat­ Infirmary was also contemplated. meal stirabout for breakfast and one pound The following is an extract from a letter of wheaten bread for dinner, together with written by Rev. James Maher, P.P., Carlow- some milk. During this time the workhouse was getting over-crowded having 273 persons (Continued on page 4f)

i I

The Old Union vn the Kilkenny Road as it is today. ( Phot~Godfrey) THinTY-TWO The Lahee Letter of 1798 (HARLES LAHEE of Carlow wrote a letter a man behind him. He was then taken dated September the 6th, 1798, to Charles prisoner to the Rebel camp near Ross and Lahee, Perfumer, Chelsea, London. Mr. H. S. they put the United Man's Oath to him and Boxer states that he has reason to believe that he and the sergeant refused to take them the writer (Charles Lahee) was born in 1733 and the Rebels said they would give them and died in 1799, the year after the letter was but 24 hours to do it and they would hang written. He also believes that he was the them. Many others took the oaths but they husband of Sarah Lahee, who survived him by would not and they were hanged up and 50 years and died aged 96 in 1849. Her when they were up about 3 minutes there Portrait with her Obituary is in his possession. was a great cry in the camp that a large Mr. Boxer also states that at the time the body of the King's. Troops were coming. letter was written there were either three or They ran participantly from the camp and four Charles Lahees', the writer of the letter, left them hanging and the little Fifer that the recipient, the Charles who was left with was prisoner cut them down and when they his uncle at Wexford and the Charles who was recovered a little they crawled towards Ross sergeant of the Fifth Dragoons, though these and from that to the fort of last two may be the same person. and there got a pass from General Fossett The letter commences with a paragraph to Carlow. He had the mark of the ball in dealing with personal matters and in particular his cheek and the rope on his neck. mentioning the writer's bad health. The last paragraph deals with his personal circumstances BURNED AND ROBBED and his recent misfortune. The remainder of the letter reads as follows: - I am told that never a boy could be I had the good fortune to get a way more stout in the different battles. He killed from Wexford a few days before the 21 of them one day. The first day of the town was taken by the Rebels. There were great attack was on the 25th day of May near three hundred of the inhabitants piked in the many and in Carlow there was and thrown into the river by the Rebels near 700 killed that day that they knew of and the houses robbed of all their effects. besides the many that were taken and There were a great number of the Inhabitants wounded. John was in the Carlow fight and got away on board ship but the sailors Charles in the Wexford on the same day. Our betrayed and put them in again and gave troops burned about 60 houses that day them up to the Rebels. Your uncle was where the Rebels ran in for shelter. A num­ prisoner for some time but Providence ber of the inhabitants were also 'burned that spared his life a little longer. He was robbed wuld not get out in time. There were many of all he had but I am told the Government small towns in the County of Carlow, Kildare, will reimburse the sufferers by the confisca­ Wexford, Kilkenny, etc., by the Rebels burn­ tion of the Rebel Lands of the County of ed and robbed. Then when the King's Troops Wexford. would get the better of the Rebels they would take from them all their plunder so OVERRUN BY THE REBELS that everyone that had cash to spare could buy W!:ltches, horses, cows, beds, etc., for Your uncle has no family now but his twenty times less than their value from the wife, his three daughters are very well mar­ Soldiers or the Rebels. There were several ried, but as I told you above I took Charles Camps of King's Troops and Rebels in many to his uncle but as his aunt was not willing parts of the nation. There has been a great that he should not ta,e him, I brought him number of men of consequence killed by the home again and in about three weeks after Rebels and their houses burned. We hanged he went on a visit to a gentleman's house and shot several of the inhabitants of Carlow about 16 miles from Wexford. He had not who were United Men and many of the been three days there till the Rebels over­ United were men of Fortune that were Com­ ran them and he with the family went manders of the Rebels hanged in Wexford. towards Wexford and on the way joined There has not been since the year 91 such with the Wexford Militia and other troops bloodshed and robbery. How it will end I and they were defeated by the Rebels. A few know not but at this time Lord Cornwallis that got away went towards the town and with a great Army went to Connaught joined the Corps there with some other against some French that are after them troops and thought to retake the town but with a great Army. We hear: that there has to no purpose. They were too many in num­ been about 80,000 of them ktlled. Your bro­ ber for them to encounter and the Com­ ther Ben was wounded and ~s well Charles mander of the Wexford Corps turned Rebel Lahee, sergeant of the Fiftl:). Dragoons, was and brought all he coµlq over to them. Then greatly wounded but is recovering. Your Charles and many oth~fs fled towards Ross Aunt Lahee's house was burnt with many and had many skirmishes by the way and others in the same street but it will be the Rebels still conquering. Charles got a rebuilt as it was by the adjoining house shot in his cheek and the same ball killed that took fire. THIRTY-THREE The History of Moone BY REV. v. O'KELLY, c.c.

fHE derivation of Moone is interesting. It against a neighbouring headstone, until 1893 comes from the . Latin word " Moenia;'' when it was successfully placed in its original a rampart, or fortified walls. Associated with position as it now stands. This very skilful, this meaning is a story which is a good example and delicate, operation in masonry reflects great of the romance of words. St. Bridget was on credit on Michael O'Shaughnessy and his three her travels in Kildare, when she reached sons, Daniel, William and Stephen. The cross, Moone ,she was so taken by the beauty of with its capping stone missing, ranks as the the landscape that she cried out, "Glory be finest specimen of its kind in Ireland. In fact to the name of God, here surely there should there are some peculiarities in connection with be a house dedicated to the praise of God Who it which make it quite unique among the High has made this countryside so beautiful." Saint Crosses. Columcille, returned from exile from the Island Firstly, the Panels include the Patriarch of Iona, was at that time in Swords, Co. Abraham as seated in the Biblical Scene depict­ Dublin, when he miraculously heard her cry, ing the sacrifice of Isaac. Secondly, in the Panel and replied: " Bridget, you may do with the depicting the loaves and fishes, contrary to land as if it were your very own by legal the usual custom, there is no figure of Our right." A little later he reached the spot, and Lord. Thirdly, in the Panel representing Daniel on it at the present site of the , in the Lion's Den, the usual number of lions Moone, he established a Monastery, and sur· represented is two; but on the Moone Cross rounded it with a great stone-protecting· the Scriptural number seven is found, and this Cashel. And so this monastery became known is the only example of the kind we possess. as Moenia or Moen·Columcille. It is of course to be noted that some of In the present district of Moone, which these Figured Panels on the base and sides was a separate parish from from of the High Cross have not yet been deciphered, 1883 until 1913, there are many interesting while some of the descriptions and interpreta­ historical areas, chief of which are Moone tions here given are at best only conjectural. Abbey, Castle, , Belan House, One may observe that these Scriptural Themes Davidstown and Bolton Hill Castle. and Subjects were not selected at random St. Columba is founder and patron of the by the sculptor or sculptors, but followed very Parish of Moone. The actual ruins of the mon· fixed and definite rules of Iconography, whereby astery founded by St. Columba in the 16th these figures carried a definite meaning. They century are to be seen at the rear of Mr. A. served in the days before printing and books Boland's house. Adjoining the once famous to teach the rude and unlettered the great Abbey of Moone may be seen one of the finest truths of our holy faith. The High Cross, set and most perfect High Crosses which was up amid graves of the dead before the eyes probably erected in memory of St. Columba. of the faithful, is an expression of faith and hope in the power and mercy of God. THE HIGH CROSS OF MOONE THE PANELS OF THE HIGH CROSS This Cross was discovered in about 1835 buried in Moone Abbey Churchyard, near the The Panels of the High Cross are properly south-east wall of the old Abbey Church. It read not from the bottom upwards but from measures 17! feet from the platform to summit, the top downwards. They begin on the east and is constructed from which must face and proceed in an orderly sequence, sun-· have been brought from the nearest granite wise, to the south and west. quarry at Castledermot. The roofing stone, On the face of the Cross is the figure of probably another 12", has not been found. The Our Saviour Crucified with arms outstretched, cross is 4 feet across the arms, and in all there and a fish like a dolphin over his head. The are 51 panels on the face and sides. rest of the shaft has small square Panels, About the year 1835 a local mason, Michael enclosing simple figures of animals and geo­ Shaughnessy, found the stone cross when he metric ornaments; these probably represent the was drawing stones for building purposes. The Power and Providence of God in the forms of then owner of Moone Abbey House, a Mr. Creation. Yates, had the two portions fixed together on On the upper part of the base is the a solid base. It was not however until the Crucifixion; the figure of Our Saviour on Irish year 1875 or '76 that the remaining portion crosses is usually draped. The only accessories of the shaft was dug up in the course of are two Soldiers, one with a spear and the making a grave for a man named Kelly in the other with a sponge on a reed. It is not stated south-east corner of the Abbey. Since then this in the Gospel Account of St. John which side portion, measuring 4! feet in length, had rested was pierced. On Irish crosses it is generally

THIRTY-FOUR shown on the left side but on the Moone cross Order in Castledermot. The house of the Order it is on the right side. There is also the at Moone Abbey may possibly have been estab­ Temptation of Adam and Eve depicting the lished at the same time. It would seem that the fall of . man and two figures on thrones facing had a great contempt for Irish Saints, each other with a circular loaf between them and they supplanted them where possible. and a bird hovering overhead. These are St. The actual Church of the Franciscans was Anthony and St. Paul of Thebes-4th century a long narrow building. In the centre was a holy men of the desert. A fourth Panel depicts square belfry or keep, and the eastern end the three children in the fiery furnace as of the building was apparently adapted for recounted in the Book of Daniel. defence-a very necessary precaution then. On the base of the cross the 12 Apostles Adjoining the north-east wall was a Lady are arranged in three rows on the front side Chapel. The belfry fell about 1814 and the panel. There is also a representation of Daniel "Lady Chapel" and northern wall of the and the Lions as referred to above. On the church were pij.lled down about 10 years later. back two Panels there is the sacrifice of Isaac The materials were used for the construction and the flight into Egypt as well as other of an adjoining farmyard. St. Columcille's well representations of Biblical stories and incidents. is a short distance from the old ruins on the low ground at the back of Mr. Boland's farm­ THE OLD ABBEY yard. Here at this well, which is very well constructed and canopied, was held the The old Abbey of which the ruins remain " Patrons." There is a tradition that the bells was probably built in the 13th century on the of the Abbey (said to be of silver) were hidden old foundation of the Columban Abbey, by the in the "Buggaun," a marshy piece of terrain Franciscan Friars when they got possession of adjoining the river Griese close-by. it. There was another monastery of the same

( Continued from page 26) He was by right the sole heir to his territory refused absolutely to do so and made suit of Laois and had wrested the government of that they themselves might be made freeholders his patrimony by the prowess of his hand of for which they would give £40 and the resoluteness of his heart, from the instead of £5 which Mr. Crosbit:: undertook hands of foreigners and adventurers who had to pay his Majesty. This proposal seemed its fee-simple possession passing into a pre­ reasonable and the Council consented to it. scribed right for some time before, and until On returning ' to Laois the chief men he brought under his own sway and jurisdiction explained their resolutions to their friends and and under the government of his stewards followers and meetings were held to debate and bonnaghts according to the Irish usage; the matter jointly, but for a long time there so that there was not a village from one seemed to be no unanmity of opinions. At last extremity of his patrimony to the other which they agreed generally to choose Crosbie. They he had not in his possession except Portlaoise sent for him and desired him to undertake alone. After the death of Owney O More, the the business as it seemed a matter of necessity last chieftain, Mr. Crosbie put forward certain for them to remove. They promised to depart proposals whereby the O Mores and six other with him, some to Tarbert and others farther septs of Laois would be transferred into Muns­ into the land of Kerry, wherever he should ter, Ulster or Connaught; and he hoped his dispose of them. proposals might be fav-ourably considered. As Crosbie found there were many loose After lengthy negotiations it was at length people among them he prayed to have .some arranged to transfer the seven septs to Tarbert of them in his Majesty's entertainment. He in . undertook in return that the septs of Laois should become good subjects and perform good MATTER DEBATED service. In the Royal Irish Academy there is a When the seven septs were expected to manuscript preserved written, it is said, by depart with Crosbie they refused to do so, one of the O Mores exiled in Kerry, dated and he alleged that some of the freeholders June 1610, which states that the banishment envying him the employment had wrought and extermination of all the survivors of his underhand with some of these people to with­ sept - men, women and children - was then draw from him. Wherefore Chichester sent finished. During the whole week the Governor for one of the chiefs of every sept to appear and of Laois had been employed in at the Council Board. They were there con­ destroying the people remaining there, in seizing fronted by Crosbie, and the matter debated. It their cattle and all they possessed while a was then conveyed to them that as they were savage order had been issued to hang any of formerly required they should now depart. They them found in their ancient principality.

THIRTY-FIVE NEWS ROUND-UP 1960

JT is with much diffidence that your new Very Rev. Fr. Coughlan, and his wonderful commentator takes up the pen laid down band of voluntary helpers. by Hugh Clifton on his departure from Carlow. A very effective start has been made too You will agree that few could equal him in on the new by-pass road from Barrack Street the manner and execution of his job and in the to Burrin Street which will be completed in gleaning of " the unconsidered trifle " as well 1963, and if we are to by the look of as the big outstanding item. However, here the Burrin Street end it will enhance the town, goes for 1960, and unskilled as these notes to say nothing of relieving traffic problems in may be I hope they will call to memory a Tullow and Dublin Streets. May we hope how­ few pleasant highlights of this damp and dismal ever that long before its opening the sordid year. ruins that deface so many of our roads and Probably . the biggest change in the face st,eets will have been dealt with. of Carlow is the new look acquired by St. Joseph's Road and Green Lane corner. The Have you begun to look at TV sets yet? New Schools were opened and blessed on a You soon will. Since has been JuP-e day of blazing sunshine by His Lordship oe'.ected as the site of the second transmitter, Most Rev. Dr. Keogh. Models of beauty and CarlovianJ are expecting Grade A reception. efficiency they stand witness to the unswerving Opinions differ as to the effect on homework ideals and hard work of our Administrator, and outdoor sports.

Another view of the New Schools opened in 1960. (Photo-Godfrey) THIRTY-SIX HOME ECONOMICS Quigley went to the Congo as Operations Officer to the 33rd Infantry Batt. With him there Visiting Carlow in April Miss Crowley, are a number of young men from Carlow, Home Economics Advisor to I.C.A., suggested Graiguecullen and surrounding· districts. that Home Economics might well become a Dutch stoves will probably glow with hot University subject. Belated recognition for the Irish coal from now on. mines have most worthy of professions ! secured a two year contract to supply anthracite I suppose " Home Cooking " links up with and the first consignment was shipped from Fishing. Our two Angling Associations are Waterford in August. More power! quietly doing a splendid job. Numbers of British Former very active young member of Old fishermen visited Carlow during the season Carlow Society, Mary O'Hanlon now a medical and were highly pleased. One husband and student at U.C.D., spent some time this sum­ wife I spoke to said they were coming back mer studying 8.!3pects of World Peace under here for good " when Dad retires." Among the Fr. Pire at Huy in Belgium. We look forward Salmon Anglers Ken Tucker brought glory to to hearing or reading about her work in the the town by returning from Waterford with future. the Festival Cup, and Michael , Aylmer and Muintir na Tire pursued its busy way in Mervyn Lewis by catching the two biggest its John St. Guild Hall during the year­ fish during the Festival. debates, meetings and chats and a visit to Girls! Next year wear your smartest shoes Rural Week at Rockwell College. Feverish acti­ when walking on "The Track," and bless the vity I imagine too in the Scout Den, culminat­ name of . No more rocks ing in their camping holiday at Dunmore East. and pot holes. The Council has decided to " esplanade " as far as Montgomery Street, NEW PREMISES with £300 of the Shaw gift fund. No mean gift! We all look forward to seeing the Rowing A sombre note: Carlow Town Rate climbed Club (our oldest off-spring) installed m new to 46/6 in the £ this year "and we have still premises in time for next season. Wholehearted not reached the ceiling," says a Councillor. plunging in the " Barrow Pool " should ensure them the funds for their 2nd century! GOLF CLUB FffiE Our river was enlivened during the sum­ mer by the arrival of the cabin cruiser Secretary Charlie Gough's feelings of " Cliona " manned by Dr. Boland and family " horror and shock " were shared by golfers from Dublin. They had spent seven days afloat and non-golfers alike at the loss by fire in and voted it "terrific." Mr. Early's M.V. Thetis August of the 40 year old Club House. Lady too, was a familiar and pleasant sight on the members were the worst sufferers but it is river but has deserted us for a new, anchorage. good to know that no fixtures were affected. " To fly through the air with the greatest The Open Meeting in September and the Mid­ of ease "-not my ambition, but it is the land Scratch Cup in October went on as planned achievement of James and John O'Neill and and we look forward with all golfers to seeing Tom Jones who took an advanced course in in the near future a new Club House in keeping gliding at Baldonnell this summer, soaring with the magnificent Oak Park Links. sometimes for up to 34 minutes. This is Carlow was roused from its customary definitely do-it-yourself stuff. placidity in September by the realisation that Carlow Show was an innovation - an its Junior Team were All-Ireland indoor affair - this year. It comprised all the champions. We have to look back over a span exhibits usually shown under cover and was of fifty-odd years for a similar famous victory a great and colourful success. -and how fitting that the hero of that 1907 The gallant efforts of the Swimming Club match, Paddy Coyne, should still be the guide personnel to provide us with a swimming-pool and inspiration of the ,team, are as yet unrewarded. But no such effort You who were schoolboys here 45 golden could be entirely in vain. This week it seems years ago will remember with affection Rev. there is a possibility of obtaining sanction­ Brother J. C. McKenna. This year he completes and a grant - for a pool on the River Burrin. his 70th as an Irish Christian Brother. He has seen his ideals flower and fruit in the CULTURAL formation of a truly Irish nationhood. Long may he be spared. Carlow Gaelic League Branch was much in evidence all the year. In addition to sponsor­ CONGO ing a series of very interesting lectures they inaugurated a week-long Festival of Drama, Two Carlow men took up high executive with trophies presented by the Arts Council positions in different types of emergency dur­ and Gael-Linn. (Incidentally the competition ing the year. In January when severe flooding produced a budding dramatist from the took place in the Shannon Valley, relief opera­ Presentation Convent). tions were in the hands of Lt.-Col. P. Crowe, The Feis in June was blessed with sun­ formerly of Chaplestown and Maryboro' Street, shine-a happy Irish day, so like the Feiseanna Graiguecullen. And in August Comdt. E. J. of one's childhood memories-the thin sounds

THIRT-SEVEN "71' r:i I,I: I '!

of the fiddle, the smell of oranges and crushed " L'Elisir " was - a painless introduction to grass, and the bias on every side. Grand Opera, as I think Martin sug­ What are we to do about our Technical gested. Carlow voted a mighty thank-you to students, and what with our. Public Library all concerned, particularly to the Director, Rev. Books as they both overflow from totally Fr. Waldron. But for his tenacity and enthusi­ inadequate premises? These are questions of ism Carlow would still be operatically silent. the moment-and the solution of swapping We look forward to "Traviata "-it is good " the Tech " for the old Union and transferring to hear the singing voices of our own people the Library to the " Tech " does not seem to in these knob-controlled days. be the answer. At the moment both Library Carlow was well represented at the Passion and Tech are orphans. Oh for a rich Uncle Play in Oberammergau. Some of our friends to donate them about £30,000 and a couple of went on there after attending the Eucharistic nice sites. Congress in Munich. A feast of colour, sound Carlow suffers from a shortage of Guin­ and fervour, they say. But we stay-at-homes nesses and Oliviers. (No pun). Where are the had to be satisfied with their descriptions and male Thespians lurking? Their modesty has their lovely postcards. deprived us of a Little Theatre play this At the time of writing the C.Y.M.S. has Autumn, and our theatrical treats are all too announced a significant new feature-a series few for that. of Lectures in Social Ethics to be given under Carlow, by the way, was honoured by its auspices. The titles are stimulating and seeing Cyril Cusack in Macken's new play " The suggest a corrective for many of the grouses Voices of Doolin " before its first night in of our day and age. Dublin's Theatre Festival. Glad to say Carlo­ And now-if you are still with me-accept vians crowded the Hall both nights and formed my wonderful gratitude: and my apologies a very commendable audience. for all errors and omissions. May 1961 when it come3 hold for you much that is good and THE OPERA interesting and exciting.

The talk of the town after was MARY SMYTH, " The Opera." And what a lovely production 11th October, 1960.

!·' THE OLD G·AOL. (NOW HANOVER WORKS)

BY MISS TERESA KELLY

JHE first part of these expensive prison took place. Michael and Hue (Hugh) Finnegan, premises were completed in 1800. This new father and son, and William Nolan were sen­ gaol replaced the old Co. Bridewell, which tenced at the July Assizes to be hanged for still stands at the end of Bridewell Lane and robbery and burglary in the house of Patrick where most of the United Irishmen were Farrell, Grangeford, on April 18, 1822. The imprisoned in 1798. execution took place in front of the goal where the unfortunate men were attended by Rev. The wide spacious square in front of the W. Fitzgerald, P.P.; the Sheriff delaying the new goal did not exist before 1840. The hanging until after the arrival of the Dublin entrance to the goal was originally in Barrack Coach. The CarlCYW M m-ning Post wrote that no Street almost opposite the Military Barracks. less than 20,000 persons ( ?) assembled to wit­ The Governor's House was situated inside the ness the execution which took place at 3.30 archway. The scaffold was over the gate. p.m. Finnegan the elder had fifty acres of On August 6, 1822, three public executions land, 30 cows and a well appointed set of

THIRTY-EIGHT farming implements so there was no reason Free School in the gaol which received £12 why he should resort to violence. from the County and £5 from Kildare Place. The school-house was situated in the gaol STIRABOUT AND BUTTERMILK with Mr. Mills as Master. In the Summer of 1824 the average attendance was 16. (Dr. M a j o r Palmer, Ih!;!pector General of Brennan's Schools of Kildare and Leighlin). Prisons, visited Carlow Goal on December 30, Through changes in prison arrangements 1837, and expressed his pleasure with every­ Carlow Gaol, which for nearly 100 years housed thing he saw. There was then a total of 66 offenders against the law, was disused and it prisoners in the· goal, and 22,485 prisoners was decided to sell the property. were fed in a year at a cost of 2~ pence per man per day. As a matter of interest during OFFERED FOR SALE the " " of 184 7 it was better to be in "Gaol" than in the "Union." In the On Tuesday) February 9, 1897, the "Old gaol no Indian meal was served. Breakfast Gaol " was offered for sale by public auction consisted of 1 lb. of brown bread and 1 pint by directions of the Co. Carlow Grand Jury. of sweet milk. " Luncheon " menu was 8 ozs. The whole plot which is rent free covers two of oatmeal stirabout and 1 pint of buttermilk acres of ground. The premises consists of on weekdays. On Sundays 2 lbs. of brown bread Governor's House ( 4 storeys), Matron's House and a quart of milk was given for dinner. (2 storeys), female prison of 30 cells, male At the July Assizes of 1840 the Grand prison of 35 cells, all surrounded by a 20ft. Jury approved a plan submitted by Mr. Semple, wall. Engineer, for the building of a new addition The gaol is built of limestone coped with to the Co. Gaol and passed presentments for granite with a fine cut granite entrance. For the sum of £6,000. The new block was to some time it had been occupied by a caretaker. contain 42 prison cells with Chapel, kitchen Mr. Thorpe, Bagenalstown, represented the stores and workrooms, also officers' quarters Grand Jury as vendors, and Mr. Robert Bell and airing yards. was the auctioneer. There was a large attend­ On Saturday, September 16, Col. W. ance and a great interest in the sale. Acho.12, John Synge, Esq., and Rev. F. Chumley, Bidding commenced at £100 from Mr. three of a committee appointed by the Grand Michael Molloy, T.C.; Mr. Carbery, Athy, and Jury, opened the estimates, which had been Mr. Frank Murphy, Carlow, went up to £200. lodged with the Secretary to the Grand Jury Mr. Fred Thompson joined in at £600. The and declared John Edwards, the contractor­ bidding was then between Mr. Molloy and Mr. his tender was the lowest. His securities were Thompson. When the figure of £1,150 was John Wright of Springfield (Paupish ?) and reached Mr. Molloy requested the auctioneer to Joseph Pim of Wicklow (a Quaker). suspend the sale for fifteen minutEis until he It is probable that the new and present consulted his colleagues. On the resumption entrance to the gaol was built at this period. the bidding went to £1,200 at which figure Mr. When this new block was added to Carlow Molloy was declared the purchaser. Gaol in 1840, the Governor's House was moved to the Potato Market end. The condemned cells HANOVER WORKS were to the left of the present gate entrance. The Tread Mill and Debtors' Prison were on Some of the buildings were levelled and the Barrack Street side. The prisoners worked the materials used to build the new wing of the tread mill to pump water from a well Knockbeg College. In 1901 the premises were for use in the gaol. During this reconstruction taken over by T. Thompson and Son and the work part of the Old Carlow Wall was dis­ name changed to Hanover Works. In 1870 covered in Potato Market near the gaol. Thomas Thompson (a member of the Society of Friends) came from England and founded A HARD SEASON an engineering firm which specialised in repair­ ing and manufacturing machinery, chiefly On May 1, 1853, another addition to the threshing sets, portable and later steam. Their gaol was commenced. Mr. Faircloth was the first works were in Bridewell Lane and Green contractor. James Kavanagh and Michael Lane. During the first World War (1914-18) Robinson were carpenters on the job. An Hanover Works became a munitions factory, account of this work was found written on a making ammunition cases and Bristol Fighter door taken down on October 18, 1955 (102 Wings. years later) at Hanover Works. James Kavanagh After the war Thompsons reverted to wrote: " This is a hard season for the working building work. The Bishop Foley Schools (built chaps-beef is 6d. per lb., mutton the same. with the cut stone from Duckett's Grove Potatoes, 5d. per stone; wheat, 36/- barrel; Mansion), Carlow Factory, St. barley is 19/- barrel. Now this is the last Clare's, Graiguecullen, to mention only three day of September (30th) and the English and of their contributions to Carlow town. The French with the Turks are with the Egyptians " Old Gaol " today is a humming cell of industry and attacking the Rusians." with far-flung connections at home and abroad Mr. Wilson was the Governor and Mrs. under the guiding hand of the present owner, Gavin, Matron. There was also a Protestant Mr. P. Thomas.

THIRTY-NINE r

~'.·:_, ,/ · Secretary's Review for Past Year

fHE Old Qarlow Society continues to prosper. At Ballytore Miss A. Tracey gave a talk on :ivlembership has increased, and a wider the history of the village, its founders and interest is taken in the activities of the Society. "The Famous Ballytore School." The members · Tlie sale of the 1959 issue of Carloviana also inspected some museum pieces at Mrs. was amazing. Within a few days of publication Morrins. of the Journal it was impossible to l;>uy or At the High Cross, Moone, a short paper borrow a copy. was read by Miss T. Kelly in the absence of Rev. V. O'Kelly, C.C., Moone. Due to the very SOCIAL inclement weather the committee were com­ · Our Annual Social was held on January pelled to cancel the outings arranged for Aug­ 7 in the Town Hall. A turkey supper was ust and September. served by Ewing's Silver Grill. We were very happy to have with us on that night two former VISITORS Chairmen and founder members, Monsignor On Good Friday the Belfast Naturalist Miller, P.P., V.F., and Very Rev. P. MacSuibhne, Field Club led by Mr. Richard Hayward paid P.P. After supper Rev. P. J. Brophy, M.A., a return visit to Carlow (last visit 1952) on gave a talk illustrated with slides on "Castles their way to Kilkenny. The party visited Carlow in France." Castle, Brown's Hill Cromlech and Killeshin Church Romanesque door. The tour was con­ PAPERS ducted by Mr. H. Fennell. The ladies' com­ At the end of January Miss A. Tracey mittee entertained the visitors to tea. read her paper "On With The Motley," a In May members of the Kilkenny Archae­ history of the Carlow Operatic and Choral ological Society visited Leighlinbridge, Tullow Society. We were pleased to have two of the and Carlow. The party were met by members founder members of the Choral Society with us of the Old Carlow Society who gave short talks at that meeting, Mr. M. O'Rourke and Mr. at these venues. • G. McDonald. Mr. McDonald entertained the The New Ross Archaeological Society held members with some interesting reminiscences of an outing to Leighlinbridge district and Carlow some of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas per­ in September and were also met by the mem­ formed by the Society. bers of the Old Carlow Society. Despite the In February Mr. H. Fennell read his inter­ shocking weather conditions the visitors ex­ esting and detailed paper on "The History of pressed their pleasure with their visit. St. Mary's Parish." Rev. Dean Gash, former Rector, was a visitor on that night. WINTER SESSION The Annual General Meeting of the Society The Society opened their Winter Session was held on May 7. There was a full attendance in October with a paper read by Mr. W. V. of members. The reports of the various officers Hadden on " The Trial and Execution of Sir were very satisfactory. Miss A. Tracey, Chair­ Edward Crosbie in 1798." man for the past two years, announced that Father P. J. Brophy gave a talk on The she was not seeking re-election; and Rev. P. Parish of Tullow" on November 3. At both J. Brophy, M.A., was unanimously elected new these talks there was a full attendance and Chairman. Fr. Brophy paid tribute to the work lively discusions took place afterwards. Miss Tracey did, and is still doing, for the Society. LECTURES On Friday, November 11, the Society is SUMMER OUTINGS sponsoring an R.D.S. Lecture by Mr. Kevin The Society's annual outing was held on Donaher, M.A., on "Local Variety in Tradition." first Sunday in June to New Ross and district. Unfortunately we shall be gone to press A short stop was made at St. Mullins and before the visit of Sir Charles Petrie, the Graigue-na-Managh. The party were met in historian. Sir Charles is to give a lecture on New Ross by Mr. Donovan and after lunch "The Jacobite War" in the Deighton Memorial were brought on a conducted tour of the town. Hall on Monday, November 21. The Society Mr. Tom Walsh, N.T., a former Secretary and hopes the members, their friends and the public Editor, also came along to greet old friends. will give the lecture their full support. On Sunday, July 11, an afternoon outing From the foregoing report it can be seen was held to Kells Priory and that the Old Carlow Society had a busy year Abbey. The members were met at Kells Priory and we look forward to even greater things by Mrs. Lanigan of the Kilkenny Archaeological in 1961. Society, who gave a short talk on its founda­ In conclusion I would like to thank the tion. The party then went on to Knocktopher committee and members for their support dur­ and visited Carmelite Church and Abbey. This ing the year; our hosts, the Irish National outing ended with a picnic tea. Foresters, who make us so comfortable for our An evening outing was held on Thursday, meetings, and the members with cars who July 21, to Ballytore and High Cross at Moone. provided transport for our summer outings.

FORTY Officers and Members of ()ld Carlow Society.,

PATRON: W. J., Montgomery St., Carlow; His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. , Bishop of Kildare and Fitzroy, Miss Alice, Montgomery Leighlin. St., Carlow; Fitzmaurice, Major A., " Laurel Lodge," Carlow; Friedl, Miss Trudy, " St. Gertrude's," HON. LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS: Carlow; Furr, H., 54 Humphrey Rt. Rev. Monsignor Miller, D.Ph., P.P., V.F., Newbridge; Very Rev. P. Street, Bootle, Lanes., England; MacSuibhne M.A., P.P., Kildare; Bernard O'Neill, M.Sc., and Mrs. B. Finnegan, Mrs. A., Tullow Street, O'Neill, wiiton Gardens, Cork; L. D. Bergin, "The Nationalist and Carlow. Leinster Times," Carlow. Gash, Dean J. G., Kilkenny; Governey, Mrs. Madeleine, " Bar­ CHAIRMAN: . rowville," Carlow; Governey, Rev. P. J. Brophy, B.D., St. Patrick's College. Francis, " Barrowville," Carlow; Gaffney, Capt. William, Killeshin, Carlow; Gaffney, Mrs. W., Killeshin, VICE-CHAIRMEN: Carlow; Grogan, Sean, Athy Rd., Miss Alice Tracey, " Stella Maris," Athy Road; Mr. W. V. Hadden; Carlow. Mr. H. Fennell. Hadden, W. H., Court View, Car­ low; Hadden, Mrs. W. H., Court JOINT HON. SECRETARIES: View, Carlow; Hadden, W. V., Miss M. T. Kelly, "The Stream;" Mrs. W. J. Fenlon, Montgomery Street. "Four Winds," Carlow; Hadden, Mrs. W. V., "Four Winds," Car­ low; Hayden, T. P., " Hundred HON.TREASURER: Acres," Killeshin; Halpin, Mrs. J., Mr. Alec Burns, College Street. Mullawn, Tullow; Halpin, John, Mullawn, Tullow; Hanlon, Mrs. J., HON. EDITORS: College St., Carlow; Hutton, Frank, Mr. W. V. Hadden, "Four Winds," Carlow; Miss M. T. Kelly, "The Road, Carlow; Hughes, Stream," Carlow. Patrick, College St., Carlow; Healy, Richard, College Street, Carlow; COMMITTEE: Hosey, Joseph, Governey Square, Miss Maureen Doyle, Miss B. Oliver, Miss M. Keleher, Miss A. Fitzroy, Carlow. Miss I. MacLeod, Mrs. H. Fennell, Mr. J. Ellis, Mr. E. Corcoran, Mr. Kelly, Miss M .T., "The Stream," Carlow; Kelly, William, 26 St. Pat­ M. Smyth (Newtown), Mr. F. Hutton, Mr. B. Kealy, Mr. P. Purcell. rick's Avenue, Carlow; Kelly, Mrs. M., Burrin St., Carlowj Kelly, Mrs. Aughney, Dr. Honoria. Co. Villas, Meath Rd., Bray; Chemelar, W., 26 St. Patrick's Avenue, Carlow; M.O.H., Wexford. Ed., " Larkfield," Carlow; Chemelar, Kelly, Thomas, 31 Avenue I, Faring­ Bergin, Liam D., "Nationalist and Mrs. E., " Larkeld," Carlow; Dale, New York; Kealy, Thomas, Leinster Times," Carlow; Blackett, Canavan, Mrs., S. Joseph's Rd., Maryborough St., Graiguecullen; Maj. C. W. S., "Arbigland," Kirk­ Carlow. Kelleher, Miss M., N.T., Pembroke, bean, Dumfries, Scotland; Breen, Doyle, Miss Maureen, The Sham­ Carlow; King, Rev. P., Catholic Miss G., Dublin Street, Carlow; rock, Carlow; Doyle, Miss Dillie, Presbytery, Swan Hill, Victoria, Burns, Alec., College St., Carlow; The Shamrock, Carlow; Doyle, Australia; Kilkenny Archaeological Burns, Mrs. A., College St., Carlow; Mrs. Leigh., Dublin St., Carlow; Society; Kidd, Mrs. Maureen, Moat­ Brophy, Rev. P. J., St. Patrick's Doyle, Miss D., Pembroke, Carlow; field, Athy, Co. Kildare. College, Carlow; Brophy, Michael, Delaney, Michael, "The Swan," Lillis, Maj. Gen. James, " The M.C.C., , Tullow; Broughan, Athy, Co. Kildare; Delaney, Mrs. Bush," 2 Wynberg Park, Blackrock, Mr. E., Coal Market, Carlow; M., "The Swan," Athy; Duggan, Co. Dublin; Lillis, T. J., Lumclone Broughan, Mrs. E., Coal Market, Wm. L., College St., Carlow; Ho., Fenagh, Co. Carlow; Lillis, Carlow; Brannigan, Patrick, Mor­ Duggan, Mrs. W. L., College St., Mrs. E., Lumclone House, Fenagh, tarstown, Carlow; Butler, Mrs. A. Carlow; Doyle, James J., Granby Co. Carlow; Leslie, W. A., 32 L., 8, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin; Row, Carlow; Doyle, Miss M., Eccleston Square, London; Leslie, Breen, Miss J., Castle St., Ca

FORTY-ONE Dublin St., Carlow; McDonald, Mrs. House, Tullow; Oliver, James, Kil­ dare; Sheehan, Miss K., N.T., E. Boherduff, Bagenalstown; Mc­ kenny Road, Carlow; Oliver, Mrs. Burrin St., Carlow; Smith, Mr. T. Donald, Mrs. Hollymount, Carlow; J., Kilkenny Road, Carlow; Oliver, Leinster Crescent, Carlow; Smith, Mcl)J~nnell, Mrs. ,R. D., Dublin St., Miss B., Dublin St., Carlow; O'Neill, Mrs. T., Leinster Crescent, Carlow; Ca,rlow. · · . .· . . Denis, 2251 Sedgewick Ave., Bronx, Smith, Miss M., Leinster Crescent, · N'oude. Miss R., Tullow Street, New York; O'Neill, Mrs. T. Granby Carlow; Spollen, Bernard, Graigue­ Carlow; Nofan, ·Thomas, " Mofloys," Terrace, Carlow; O'Reilly, Mrs. J. cullen, Carlow; Spollen, Mrs. B., Tullow_ St., Carlow; · Nolan, Miss Fruithill, Carlow; O'Neill, Miss Graiguecullen, C a r 1 o w; Smith, C., Burrin ·st., Carlow:; Nelson, Dr. Mary, Barrack Street, Carlow; Michael, Newtown, Bagenalstown; G., Myrtleford, Victoria, .Australia. O'Neill, Miss Leonie, Barrack St., Saywell, J. E. H., 18 Montagu St., · O'Keeffe, 'Bernard, St KU!ian's Carlow; O'Neill, Mrs. J., 40 Thayer London, W.I.; Sheehan, Richard Crescent, Carlow; O'Keeffe, Mrs. B., Street, New York; O'Neill, Miss W., Warlingham Park Hospital, O'Keeffe, Miss Eileen, St. Killian's Lucy, Barrack Street, Carlow. Warlington, Surrey. Crescent, Carlow; O'Leary, Sean, Purcell, Gerard, St. Killian's Tracey, Miss Alice, " Stella , Co. Kilkenny; Crescent, Carlow; Purcell, Patrick, Maris," Athy Road, Carlow. O'Leary, ·Rev. Sean, C.C., The Pres­ Quinagh, Carlow; Poole, Percy, Waldron, Austin, C.E.O., Voca­ bytery, Carlow; O'Donnell, Hugh, Hanover, Carlow; Power, James, tional Schools, Carlow; Waldron, Dublin St., Carlow; O'Dooley, S., John Street, Carlow; Peevers, John, Mrs. A., Frederick Avenue, Carlow; Grange, Stradbally, Leix; O'Hanlon, Staplestown, Carlow; Peevers, Mrs. Weakley, E. A., Central Fire Mrs. J., Hanover, Carlow; O'Han­ J., Staplestown, Carlow; Patterson, Station, Oriental Parade, Welling­ lon, Miss M., Hanover, Carlow; Mrs. 52 Groomsport Rd., Bangor, ton, New Zealand; Whelan, P. J., O'Neill, Thomas P., " Gayville," Co. Down; Purcell, Mrs. T. J., St., 156-8, Riverside Drive, New York, Dublin Road, Carlow; O'Donovan Joseph's Road, Carlow; Phelan, 32; Wall, Michael H., 170 West St., Miss A., G.P.O., Carlow; O'Neill, Mrs., County Hospital, Kilkenny. 109 St., New York; Wall, Miss B., Miss D., G.P.O., Carlow; O'Grady, Reddy, James, Lower Staples­ Barrack St., Carlow; Wilkin, Mrs. P. J., Rathmore House, Tullow; town Road, Carlow. G. A., "Belleville," Athy Road, O'Grady, Mrs. P. J., Rathmore Swayne, Very Rev. P., P.P., Kil- Carlow.

(Continued from page 32)

Graigue, to a Dublin paper, 4th December, 1847 which the Sisters continue to do to this day (year of Famine): "The annexed Statistics of in the present Sacred Heart Home. the Union of Carlow though apparently not important, will exhibit, if I mistake not, the DEMANDED POSSESSION state of Ireland, its crimes and its miseries, more fully than the eloquent and elaborate On the 18th December, 1922, the Irish speech of Sir George Grey in the House of Free State Military Authorities demanded pos­ Commons." session of the Union as the Military Barracks Carlow Union Workhouse, built for the could not accommodate the 500 military station­ accommodation of 800, now has 1,243 in the ed there. A military representative came before workhouse and fever hospital. the Board of Guardians and explained the matter to the members. The late Rev. John THIN STIRABOUT Killian, then Adm., was very upset about the change, but the officer assured him that the Fr. Maher also gave the scale of diet, barracks would be handed over in a habitable December 4th, 1847. state. The change-over took place early in 1847. BREAKFAST FOR ADULTS. 6 OZS. of February, 1923, and most of the older people Indian meal and 2 ozs. of rice made into two can remember the poor inmates and the good (2) pints of thin stirab6ut; milk (sour), one Sisters being driven in Crossley Tenders from pint. DINNER-Same as for breakfast. SUPPER the old Union to their new home, " The Bar­ -No supper. Total amount per day, 16 ozs.- racks." 1 lb. The military did not DIET FOR THOSE UNDER 15 YEARS - remain long in occupation of the old Union. BREAKFAST-3 ozs. of Indian meal and 1 oz. It was rumoured that when they finally settled of rice, half-pint of sweet milk. DINNER-same. in, the Superior Officers found that they had SUPPER-4 ozs. bread and no milk. made a bad exchange and had the idea of The enforcement of the Poor Laws by moving back to the barracks again. This plan brutal and incompetent officers did not improve was so strongly opposed by the people and the lot of the poor inmates, many of whom Fr. Killian that they abandoned the idea and chose to die alone and uncared for in their the " Old Union " as well. cabins or on the roadside rather than go into In the 1930's a sum of £3,000 was offered the " House." In 1849 five of the officers in for the " Old Union " for demolition, but the Carlow Union were dismissed. deal did not go through. The derelict building In the last decade (1880 ?) of the 19th is now used by Carlow Co. Council as stores century the from St. Leo's, for equipment and also part of the building Carlow, were appointed to the care of the sick is occupied as offices by Co. Council clerical and infirm in Carlow Workhouse, a great work staff.

FORTY-TWO Telephone 53. Telegrams: " Sutton, Carlow " FRESH MILK, CREAM AND EGGS Suttons' Supply Stores LEIX GOOD GOOD

FOR FOR Wholesale and Retail Grocer and 1 CARLOW YOU Provision Merchant, Hardware, CASTLE ST , Glass and Delph CARLOW

In sunshine, snow, wind and rain, Castle Street To serve you well is our aim Carlow

EWING'S KEHOE'S FOR RADIOS Restaurant and * * * Confectionery Sole Carlow Agents for CARLOW Phone 154 MURPHY AND PYE RADIO Philips, Pilot, Bush Models Silver Grill & Snack Counter also stocked All Confectionery made on premises * * * Efficient After Sales Service Morning Coffee Lunches and Repairs to all Makes Afternoon Teas Grills * * * Servis and Electrolux Agent Weddings & Private Parties a Speciality at Kilfane House * * * Your Satisfaction is our Concern Open Daily, including Sundays, until 10 p.m. , • GERALD KEHOE ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS CAKES NOW Radio and Electrical Service Proprietress: SHEILA EWING 136 TULLOW ST., CARLOW Getting Engaged ? , "ALWAYS ON TOP CHRISTMAS AND ENGAGEMENTS OF FASHION" The words are bound together by tradition. We are proud to offer a You will find a marvellous selection of all beautiful selection of rings--destined the latest styles in:- to make your big day even more memorable. Make your choice in our private room and avail of the fine COATS .. UNDERCLOTHING service which we have been giving COSTUMES * NYLONS for years. FROCKS .. GLOVES WATERPROOFS * HANDBAGS FOR THOSE WITH GIFT PROBLEMS SKIRTS * SCARVES SLACKS UMBRELLAS -why not give Waterford cut glass? * BLOUSES * STOLES It is bound to please, and we have a KNITWEAR EVENING FROCKS, &c. wonderful display for you to pick * from. YOU'LL GET EXCLUSIVE STYLES Watches and Jewellery to suit all tastes. AND A BETTER SELECTION AT- BRAlV\LEY'S (THE SHOP UNDER THE CLOCK) The Modern Dublin St., Carlow Specialists in Ladies' Wear Phone-346 TULLOW STREET. CARLOW

Purchasing is an Investment when Phone: 233 vou Buy the Best 0,-­ A GENUINE SCOTCH CROMBIE OVERCOAT COSTS ONLY £17-1-9-6, :#'en7an £16-19-6, £15-19-6

A SUIT OF MAGEES THORNPROOF TWEEDS COSTS ONLY £12-12-0 ~/low A "CLUBMAN" SHIRT, Ireland's Super Shirt, Costs Only 27 /6 to 39/6 They pay dividends in years of satisfactory service and give the wearer pride of ownership. * * The House For Men SJrocerIJ J sBar and f!ounqe Carlow * * * FOR REALLY GOOD CLOTHES Gver at vour cServ1ce

,,, ( I FOR BEST DRINKS J. Ja WALL AND GROCERIES VISIT THE CRYSTAL BAR MOTOR GARAGE Proprietor John McEvoy and * * * SERVICE STATION Comfortable Accommodation and High-Class Catering. Lunches, Dinners and Teas Kilkenny Road Parties catered for on short notice Carlow * * * Phone 197 Tullow St., Carlow

NOLANS JOHN HARDING Builder, Contractor and CHEMISTS Joinery Manufacturer FOR ALL HIGH-CLASS PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS ALL TYPES OF BUILDING AND * * * REPAIR WORK EXECUTED Manufacturers of the highest grade medicines. All the leading Brands of Ethical Pro­ prietaries stocked. Local ·Agent for Helena SPECIALISTS IN PLUMBING Rubenstein's Famous Cosmetics. Sight­ testing daily by fully qualified Opticians. and FILMS DEVELOPED AND PRINTED SANITARY INSTALLATIONS QUICK SERVICE :: BEST RESULTS * * * Enquiries: E. J. Nolan 48 Tullow Street, Carlow M.P.S.I., F.B.O.A., Prop., I, DUBLIN ST, & I, CASTLE ST. ESTIMATES FREE CARLOW, Phone: 80 Works: John Street "Doctors, Statesmen, Sportsmen Hughes Brothers and Editors SMOKE :- Monumental Works G.B.D., Dr. PLUMB & K.P. PIPES and no wonder! they are manufactured from 1st ·grade material and give 100 per cent. Carlow satisfaction " * * * * * * 'The Thinking Man Smokes a Pipe' Memorials erected in * * * Marble, Limestone For all Smokers' Requisites and Granite YOUR PORT OF CALL IS * * * All work carried out under CIGAR DIVAN Personal Supervision 50 DUBLIN STREET, CARLOW Designs &Quotations on Request Estd. 78 years. Phone 189.

TULLY'S Michael Doyle 142 TULLOW ST., CARLOW Phone: Carlow 257 * * * Grocery and Provisions ALSO 34 MAIN ST., GOREY Phone: Gorey 27 General Hardware * * Coal Merchant GENERAL DRAPERY,* BOOT AND SHOE WAREHOUSE, HOSIERY SPECIALISTS * * * * * * TRAVEL AGENTS THE SHAMROCK World-wide Bookings by Air, Rail and Sea. Tours now a speciality. 71 TULLOW STREET * * * Radios, Records and Electrical Goods at CARLOW 145 TULLOW ST., CARLOW Telephone Carl.ow 7 Carlow's Leading Drapers M. WHITE M.P.S.I. Clothiers, Ladies' and Men's Outfitters, and House Furnishers, Veterinary & Dispensing Chemist Boot and Shoe Warehouse.

Ladies' and Gentlemen's High­ Class Tailoring on the Premises Sick Room Requisites by expert cutters and tailors.

Photographic and Toilet Goods You can get your Odearest Mattress here. MICHAEL MOLLOY 39 TULLOW STREET Tullow Street, Carlow CARLOW

Carlow's Leading Bakers Willie Hosey and Confectioners

ll8 Tullow St. ;·-, -~:' 1,;,' Carlow Christmas Cakes a Speciality Purest lnqredients only used

Tailoring and Outfitting Men's Shoes DONNY'S CASTLE STREET

HIGH-GRADE CLOTHES CARLOW FOR MEN AND BOYS Phone 151 r

A. E. COLEMAN HUGH LUPUS & CO. Motor and Cycle Dealers I: 19 DUBLIN STREET RACING OFFICE

ii CARLOW ~ i<> I

i * * !( * For Best Odds 1: Dealer for an.d Best Service RALEIGH CYCLES & MOPEDS * * * + + + REPAIRS A SPECIALITY 10 COALMARKET ACCUMULATORS CHARGED CARLOW

I,ii' i * * * I•,, Oils, Greases & Spares in Stock Phone Carlow 219

·Merne Bros. Manufacturers of Household, DARCY'S Office and School Furniture, Shop Fitments, Kitchen Units, Joinery, for Value C.D.B. Hives, Bar Frames and Bee Appliances FURNITURE QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST & DRAPERY Give us a trial and be assured of High-class Workmanship * * * P. & M. DARCY Office and Works: CARLOW & TULLOW Tullow Road, Carlow Phone Carlow 208 Phone 214 BUILDERS

CARLOW TELEPHONE 78

l !! II Ii

I

ATHY TELEPHON'E 17 f

CONTRACTORS

1------~------An Old Carlow ,Industry

CARLO ORANGE .. ,. , CARLO LEMON ERAL LEMONADE LEMON FLAVOURED W ;T RS SODA

DRY GINGER STONE BEER ALE

GRAPE FRUIT TONIC WATER Manufactured ~y

CIDERETTE CORCORAN & CO~ COLA Limited

CASTLE ORANGE CARLOW ORANGE CRUSH

Established 1821 Phone 9.

Printers: The Xrtionalist & Leinstcr Times Ltd., Carlow

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