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JOHN J. TRAYNOR & CO. LEIX DAIRY M I.A.V.1., M.I.R.E.E. MILK, CREAM, EGGS, BUTTER AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS, INSURANCE BROKERS District Office: First National Building Society. Director: W. E. Byrne * DELIVERED FRESH DAILY * COLLEGE ST., CARLOW. Phone (0503) 31712 CASTLE ST., CARLOW. Phone 31123 CARLO VIANA CONTENTS 1£1 1987/88 N0.35 From The Chair ...... 2 Editor Toma.s MacGabhann ~ Printed by The Nationalist & Leinster Times Museum Report ...... 2 I.S.S.N. 0790-0813 Democracy In Ireland ..... 3

Glasnost Aerial Photography - The Past ...... 6 LASNOST is a newly-arrived word that has found its way Ginto our language from Russia. It means openness, or publicity, freedom from criticism and freedom to criticise. Cobden's Works ...... 8 Openness is freedom from obstruction or disguise or it can mean frankness, candour or mildness. It was introduced to us by Mikhail Gorbachev and indicates an ease in the dictatorial Gems Of History ...... 11 approval in affairs of the Soviet. More likely it is not complete freedom to criticise the system, nor does it grant the right to free expression of principles. Art Mac Murchti To us it coincides with neighbourliness, kindliness, civility. Caomhanach ...... 12 Arbuthnot advised "Judge if this be neighbourly action". Would he have said the same of the British Government re the Diplock Letter From Nicky Courts? A contemporary review in the early 1900s observes Furlong ...... 13 'Neighbourliness is forgotten and the action of the Samaratian has become one of those obsolete myths only useful to round off a period and fill the ears of persons who like to feel the sensations of Dr. Joseph G. Byrne ...... 14 piety". Milton weighs in with "being neighbourly admitted ... by the courtesy of England, to hold possessions in our province, a country better than their own". Shades of the Pharisees. Coolyhune Fort ...... 16 The approaches of Russia and America to each other on the matter of nuclear bombs seem to indicate a touch of Glasnost and give hope to the rest of the world. Easing of general strain is in the Drama at a Fair ...... 18 air, and perhaps Reagan and Gorbachev can, by goodwill and kindliness, bring an era of peace to an unhappy world. Maybe the Skibbereen Eagle displayed far-sighted wisdom when it Gaelic League Hall, announced that it was keeping an eye on Russia. Glynn ...... 19 Friendliness seems to be spreading and it is no coincidence that it arrives with world-wide financial crisis. If the poor are not grown too poor, and the rich are growing poor then the meeting of Looking Back ...... 20 equals can occur with the absence of jealousy and greed. Lord Byron had vision of th{s when he Qpined "the land self-interest Slievedurda ...... 23 groans from shore to shore, for fear that plenty would attain the poor". Not only is the extension of kindliness and neighbourliness Clone gal ...... 24 from world power to world power of importance, but is required from small nation to small nation, from parish to parish and is Secretary's Report ...... 28 needed in each community. Divisions create hatred and lack of trust: promote jealousy and unhealthy rivalry. Such results are to Members' List ...... 30 be avoided where possible. The meithiol was an old native habit in Ireland whereby neighbours collected together to assist in gathering the harvest, Clashganny ...... 31 making hay, etc. it included all activities that could be shared to ease one's lot. Similar habits exist, in mainly rural areas and We acknowledge with grateful occupations in other parts of the world. Such practices are the thanks the efforts of our very stuff of neighbourliness. Long may they last. contributors written and Glasnost should be fostered and encouraged to spread photographic and sponsors. In everywhere.Joy could be unconfined. The world would be a lovely especial we thank The place. Go dtiocfadh an la seo go luath. Beir Beannacht, Nationalist & Leinster Times for Eagarth6ir, access to its files and allowing Nov. 1987. helpful extracts.

(:over Photograph: Stone Staircase At St. Patrick's College, Carlow.1818. The Carlow Morning Post of May 28th, 1818, carries the following Notice, under the heading: To Stone Cutters: Proposals will be received by Mr. Cobden, on or before the first day of June, for the erecting of a stone stair case, to the College of Carlow, May 25, 1818. A fine cantilevered Stone Staircase leading from the ground floor of the inner hall at the North entrance to St. Patrick's College can be seen. The elegant balusters standing on the granite treads are of cast iron, and the hand rail is of mahogany. It is believed to be Cobden's work. See article Page 8. Photo courtesy Miss Iona MacLeod. 1 From The Chair By Veronica Crombie

S one nostalgically looks tural land in the country. the historian and the archaeol­ A back on the 41st year of the Mr. O'Toole has taken the ogist. founding of the Old Carlow valley lying between the Barrow History is a living thing. We Society we feel justifiably proud and The Burrin, and proves that make it every day whether it is our membership is increasing, it was inhabited 2000-3000 B.C. good or bad. Don't let us make and the growing interest in our His description of the history unworthy of the name, historic past is very encouraging development of this area down by destroying or allowing to be indeed. This, however is not to the centuries makes fascinating destroyed what our ancestors say that we should allow reading. He pinpoints what we have placed in our keeping. We ourselves to become complacent. have lost, as well as what we will be remembered for our Far from it. As a nation we are have retained. This concise and contribution to the Society in not good at selling ourselves. very readable book establishes which we live. Let that One is tempted to ask if we have Carlow as a county worthy of contribution be worthy of a complex about our past. Is the more than a passing glance by remembrance. fact that we very often have to rush out and put a preservation order on an old ruins, or a fort or mound a cause for concern? Is this a sign that perhaps there are those amongst us who would Museum Report prefer to forget our heritage? Let us look elsewhere for guidance. By Alec Burns In Norway, for example, artifacts have revealed that man was active in that country 9,000 NOTHER good year of Duckett's Grove in 1921. He was years ago. In the Folk Museum Aimprovement and develop­ amazed at their quality now near Oslo, old village ment can be summed up in the after so many years and recalled homesteads, and farmsteads, as Annual Report by the Museum the names of many of his well as Viking ships, have been Committee. associates all of whom had re-erected and preserved. The number of visitors is well passed on since. He it was who It is now well established that up to the standard of former took an inventory with the then 3000-4000 years B.C. temples years; school groups are more British Army Commander of the were being erected on the numerous - it is good to watch Military in Carlow, of the European mainland and the pupils with their copybooks contents of the Barrack to be European farmers were using taking notes and asking handed over to the Provisional advanced methods of cultivation. questions about the different Government in June, 1922. Copper and gold were widely objects on view. Sundays are In connection with the used all over Europe. still the favourite as the Visitors' Federation of Historical Book shows names from all of Societies Week, an exhibition of In the Americas, the Incas, the the neighbouring counties, photos of many facets of life in Mayas and the Aztecs have left a especially family groups out for Carlow from the early part of the rich treasuary of artifacts. In the afternoon. century, industrial and North America the Museum in The Arles Banner of the Land otherwise proved to be very Plymouth re-creates living League was hoisted in position popular. It is hoped that more conditions as they were in 1627. early in the year; some of the exhibitions of this type can be The Pilgrim Hall and the exhibits have been improved held at regular intervals. History of the Boston Tea Party and extended through the good While on a visit to St. Patrick's are reproduced down to the most efforts of the present caretaker College recently, a PP from minute detail. Dr. Pat Jones who has given Northern Ireland happened to Further inland we had Quichee, trojan service since his appoint­ see our plaque to the memory of Burlington and Shelbourne, to ment early in the year. Val Vousden. He sent a letter to mention just a few. In all cases, We were favoured with a visit us intimating that he had a conservation and preservation by the Russian Ambassador to personal letter from Val of about of the historic past are the first this country when he visited the 50 years ago, which he would priority. town as a result of an invitation like to donate to the Museum; This year Carlow has been from the Rotary Club. this he has done along with the more firmly established on the He expressed his keen interest words of a monologue compiled historical map by the publication in some of the artifacts on view by Val, which later was of "Grange" by Mr. Jimmy especially those dealing with the contained in his book of poems O'Toole. It is easy to get a old methods of farming. and monologues. It was "The distorted picture of Co. Carlow, Retired Maj. Gen. James Lillis Old School Reunion". The letter the second smallest county in also paid a visit and was greatly and monologue are now on Ireland, with its fertile plains interested in some of the photos exhibit in the case dealing with and some of the finest agricul- which he had taken himself in past amusement in the town. 2 Book Review by Thomas McGrath The birth of democracy in Ireland Review of Donal McCartney, The Dawning of Democracy: Ireland 1800-1870 (Helicon Ltd., £6.50)

EADERS in this region and this was still a relatively small the unwary traveller in Irish R in the diocese of Kildare and number it was sufficient to history. But Professor McCartney Leighlin in particular will find ensure that from then on the concentrates on finding the much of interest in the recent return of a member of heart of the matter and a major work of Professor Donal parliament for the borough was chapter is entitled 'The Question McCartney, head of the contested. of Religion'. The Act of Union Department of Modern Irish The Act of Union in 1800 purported to copperfasten the History at U.C.D. As might be declared that the two kingdoms privileged position of the expected in the work of a of Great Britain and Ireland be Established church whose • historian who hails from this forever united under the name of resources were vastly dispropor­ area the counties of Carlow, the United Kingdom of Great tionate to the number of its Laois, Kildare and Offaly figure Britain and Ireland. The Union adherents. Of its disestablish­ prominently in his text. ment in 1869 the author writes: Professor McCartney's thesis 'The age of ecclesiastical princes is that the period 1800-1870 Dr. Thomas McGrath was over'. witnessed the formative recently completed a In a useful account of the little beginning of Irish democracy - Ph.D. thesis on Bishop researched period 1800-1823 he by which we understand the James Doyle in the highlights the important fact concept of government by Department of Modern that then (and periodically representatives of all the people. Irish History at U.C.D. thereafter) Irish nationality was Pari passu with this rise of primarily defined in terms of the democracy was the decline of was 'a marriage of convenience', independence of the Irish ascendancy, the retreat from writes Professor McCartney, Catholic Church vis-a-vis the public office of the privileged few moreover, 'The convenience was state or for that matter a British who were immune to public mainly Britain's'. This was a influenced Papacy in Rome. It is opinion by virtue of hereditary time when Britain was engaged well-stated that 'By the time that title or landed wealth. Obviously in a dangerous war with France the Pope had pronounced in this transfer of power did not and as the author states 'If favour of allowing a veto to the take place without a long and throughout history, Britain had crown in the appointment of bitterly contested struggle for no always been too close for Irish bishops, Catholicism and privileged class willingly cedes Ireland's comfort, Ireland, in nationalism in Ireland had power and most especially not to time of war, was always too near become so entwined that the the representatives of the for Britain's security'. ancient connection with Rome impoverished masses. One of the primary purposes of seemed to be less sacred in Irish the Union, which was achieved eyes than that the Irish national church should be independent of Father James by a measure of patronage, bribery and corruption, unusual England'. Professor McCartney Maher, P.P. comments that the accession of even then, was to protect the Bishop James Doyle of Kildare insecure Protestant ascendancy and Leighlin (J.K.L.) to the That indomitable ecclesiastical in Ireland for all time by integrating Ireland with Catholic Association 'added a warrior, Fr. James Maher, P.P. most powerful intellectual of Killeshin, who frequently Britain. Political integration never worked however, indeed it influence to the emancipation battled with the conservative cause'. forces of the Bruens and the might be said that it was never Kavanaghs in County Carlow, really tried. stated that 'the difference . . . Perhaps because Irish history Shrewd analysis between the aristocrat and a is such a controversial subject and commentary popular member of parliament is with ongoing disputes between that the former is always for revisionists (sometimes unfor­ Professor McCartney's narra­ things as they are, the latter tunately more politically than tive is a clear and vigorous seeks a change for the better'. historically motivated) and exposition of plain, unadorned, Carlow town or borough in the those a shade more sympathetic often brutal realities enlivened early nineteenth century was to the Irish national experience by a sharp, shrewd analysis and controlled by thirteen burgesses (occasionally, however, verging commentary. One of the great under the patronage of the earl towards nationalist propagan­ strengths of the book is the of Charleville who between them dists) historians have tended to author's appreciation and elected an unopposed member of treat possibly the most understanding of what motivated parliament according to the contentious theme of all - the the ordinary Irishman in the earl's wishes. The 1832 Reform religious issue - like an old war nineteenth century. No effort is Act increased the number of zone where some mines still lie made to smooth over realities eligible voters to 278 and though waiting to explode in the face of which some might have found 3 unpalatable. For example, he get and hold land. In 1845 over supplied by expanding Cathol­ writes: 'Violence was the only three quarters of all holdings icism. In effect the fall of one form of protest known to the poor were less than twenty acres in religious establishment saw the and inarticulate in early size. Broadly defined the conflict rise of another. nineteenth-century Ireland was between the landless A question raised is why did before O'Connell had imposed labourer and the cottier on the the Catholic church neglect the his leadership on the people, and one hand and the farmer and the Irish language? Perhaps it was extended his methods of passive middleman on the other though because a somewhat relaxed resistance throughout the land. it could be between any popular Catholicism expressed O'Connell's huge success in this combination of these. The through venerable cultural, respect, however, must not blind conflict between landlords and devotional and linguistic us to the fact that the most tenants assumed much more patterns was steadily eroded by, violent agrarian conspiracies importance in the second half of and replaced by, a new persisted. It was almost as if the the nineteenth century when the 'modernising' and 'respectable' two went hand in hand: that the latter became a much more Tridentine conformity articulat­ endemic violence made O'Connell socially cohesive group and ed through English language proclaim his constitutional issues of tenant-right eventually catechetics and ultramontane methods and his passive led to the land war. practices. As far as Irish resistance message all the speaking culture was concerned louder, and that the violent the famine was followed by the peasant protests took courage Initiated resistance "great silence". Professor from the very success of to tax payment McCartney's comments on the O'Connell's campaigns against fate of the language might even ascendancy and the government'. The father of the social be applied today. 'A generation Such has been the pace of revolutionary theorist and of Irish people was being change in the writing of modern activist, James Fintan Lalor, instilled with the lesson that Irish history that one of the best was Pat Lalor, an extremely cultural values should not be chapters in the book, that large Catholic farmer and allowed to stand in the way of dealing with 'Secret Societies middleman in Queen's County. material progress' . . . and Agrarianism' would have In 1830-1831 he initiated 'Bilingualism was a middle class been inconceivable even less resistance to the payment of tax luxury, or dream, of later and than twenty years ago. The to the Protestant minister, the more prosperous times which the author's handling of this tithe, in the county. In 1832 he struggling peasantry, small complex issue is impressive. A displaced Sir Henry Parnell, a farmers and small shopkeepers host of shadowy rural agitators long-standing supporter of in Ireland in the nineteenth Threshers, Caravats, Catholic rights, as a member of century could not afford'. Shanavests, Ribbonmen, Rock­ parliament for the county. Lalor, ites, Terry Alts, Whitefeet, unlike Parnell, supported Daniel Blackfeet, etc., - are unearthed O'Connell's repeal of the union O'Connell, Parnell from their dark resting places agitation and was elected as a and deValera among the Outrage papers in the repealer. Yet despite these State Paper Office and subjected popular credentials, as Professor In the pantheon of modern to the clear light of historical McCartn~y points out, Lalor's Irish nationalist heroes, by scrutiny. Bishop Doyle's most house and property were attack­ popular acclaim, three men - rigorous pastoral letters were ed by agrarian insurgents. These O'Connell, Parnell and De directed against the nefarious were generally the unemployed Valera - stand pre-eminent. activities of the politically and most affected by downswings Arguably the greatest contribu­ motivated Ribbonmen of north in the economy caused by bad tion to Irish democracy was Kildare and the agrarian weather, poor harvests, etc. made by the indefatigably insurgency of the Whitefeet and They aimed to keep rents down 'tireless' and 'characteristically Blackfeet of the Queen's County and wages up so that their large exuberant' O'Connell who not and the Castlecomer plateau. families could subsist on alone brought Catholics fully potatoes grown on cheap into parliamentary and conacre patches. This class and constitutional politics but set the Jostling to get its culture was largely wiped out pattern and the agenda for hold of land by the famine, the greatest social almost a century of nationalist calamity in Irish history. the politics. This book offers an Until fairly recently the major author's account of the ravages interesting assessment of theme of Irish land history was of the famine in the Kilrush Poor O'Connell's profound historical judged to be the predominance of Law Union is a harrowing legacy: 'O'Connell has been to the conflict between the wealthy portrait of a desperate tragedy. Irish historiography what landlord class secure behind Ironically the decimation of Napoleon is to the French. He is their high demesne walls and those at the bottom of the social an argument without end. He the humble tentant in his scale furthered the speed of has been, and remains, the roadside hovel. This simplistic democratisation by strengthen­ touchstone of Irish political and crude interpretation has ing the position of the rising attitudes. When we catholicised now given ground to an bourgeoisie, the strong farmers him we were as a people pious appreciation that particularly in and the Catholic church in post­ and devotional. When we the pre-famine period the famine Ireland. There is plenty condemned his retreat from conflict was mm G usually of evidence to support the Clontarf and his moral force between those who were one aurhor's contention that the doctrine we were in militant rung above another on the social culture of advancing democracy nationalistic mood. When we ladder and who were jostling to in Ireland was in large measure wrote him off as a mere 4 i politician and pragmatist we vote was even more restricted. It of a myriad of inexpensive were in doctrinaire and idealistic was not until 1884 that the newspapers, journals and mood. And what we omitted to electorate was increased to periodicals satisfied the say about him was as much tell­ 738,000 and it is hardly burgeoning demand for literacy tale evidence against ourselves unrelated that the Parnell-led and information. The Young as what in fact we did say. Parliamentary Party was Irelanders' paper The Nation O'Connell as a European figure returned with 85 Home Rulers in reached 250,000 weekly in the introducing French revolution­ 1885. When the next major 1840s partly through the Repeal ary ideas of liberty and reform took place in 1918 (when Association's public reading democracy without French among other measures women rooms. The Fenian paper The revolutionary republicanism or over thirty years of age were Irish People brought the concept force was noticeable by its given the vote) and the electorate ofrepublicanism to the Catholic almost total absence from the expanded from 0. 7 million to 1.9 masses for the first time in the consideration given to O'Connell million, Sinn Fein contesting its mid-1860s. in a nationalist age'. first general election swept the polls. In all this the north went New primary its own way both economically school system Hold their heads and politically. Professor In 1833 just over 100,000 up proudly McCartney sees Orangeism as a pupils were educated in the new 'counter-revolutionary move­ primary school system. By 1860 O'Connell had a fine insight ment', entrenched, defensive, despite the continuing impact of • into the psychology of a down­ protecting the Protestant post-famine emigration, just trodden people. He regaled them ascendancy and the status quo over 800,000 were attending the with his scurrilous and of the union. In the early national schools. But in 1871 in a vituperative attacks upon the nineteenth century Mountrath population of 4.25 million great. McCartney suggests that and Mountemllick were both Catholics only 12,000 (or three in what appeared to be the tactics Orange towns. every 1,000) were in second level of a gutter politician were used education. In independent deliberately and relentlessly by Ireland by 1944, according to O'Connell to build up the self­ Foundation of Coolahan (Irish Education: its confidence of the people. He Irish democracy history and structure, p.44) believed that if he treated the 'there were about 20,800 pupils ascendancy 'as equals or even in The foundation of Irish in the age range fourteen to ways as inferiors then the democracy was laid by Daniel sixteen enrolled in national Catholics who had been treated O'Connell in the first half of the schools, about 4,000 of them in so oppressively that they almost nineteenth century. Catholics "secondary tops" which were came to believe in their own could now sit in parliament. national schools offering the inferiority, would learn to Some were given positions of secondary school curriculum. Of develop a self-respect and hold responsibility in the bureaucracy the same age range only 16,400 their heads up proudly and and judiciary during the were in secondary schools'. stand up to their oppressors'. O'Connellite alliance with the There was no great improvement O'Connell's success in whig government of 1835-41. until Donogh O'Malley's free winning Catholic Emancipation The Boards of Guardians of the secondary education scheme in 1829 after a great struggle was Poor Law Unions established in allowed a significant break­ the greatest achievement of 1838 gave Catholics some through into the benefits of incipient Irish democracy in the experience of local government education to many normally first half of the nineteenth politics. The reform of the deprived of more than a basic century. Emancipation meant municipal corporations in 1840 primary schooling - but even primarily the right of duly 'broke the absolute control of the this scheme is now subject to elected Catholics to take their Orange faction' over the cutbacks. For all that, in 1987 no seats as M.P.s in the House of administration of Irish cities less than twelve per cent of Irish Commons without being obliged and towns. Nonetheless tangible adults are officially classified as to take unconscionable anti­ evidence of the increasing illiterate. Over one in ten cannot Catholic oaths. The significance democratisation of Irish society read this paper. Must not a of the act was that it meant that took several generations to genuinely democratic state put Catholics could participate fully become apparent. For instance the opportunity of education in the parliamentary process. It in the years between 1854 and within the reach of all its made constitutional Catholic 1879 the Catholic University children? politics possible and practicable. (forerunner of U.C.D.) had an But we can take heart from the Emancipation however was average yearly intake (excluding lesson of Professor McCartney's accompanied by a distinctly evening, affiliated and medical book that unless individuals anti-democratic measure namely students) of only twenty-five. were prepared to make a stand, the disfranchisement of the to struggle and to fight for forty-shilling freeholders. The liberty and justice no progress number eligible to vote in the Could neither would have been made against Irish county constituencies was read or write the conservative forces of reduced in 1829 from 216,000 to privilege, entrenched interest, at most 37,000. Almost half-a­ On a more fundamental level, and the status quo. Without the century was to pass before the in 1841, fifty-three per cent of the effort of the O'Connells and the franchise was broadened again population could neither read Doyles the degree of democrati­ to include more than 200,000. In nor write. By 1891 the illiteracy sation which obtains in Irish the boroughs, as we have seen in figure had been reduced to society today would have been the case of Carlow, the right to sixteen per cent. The publication unthinkable. 5 Aerial photograp'hy, a window into the past By Thomas Condit and Michael Gibbons

HEN we think of the monu­ camera is recorded. Few vertical reconnaissance mission demon­ W ments and sites in County photographs are taken specific­ strating the potential of further Carlow, we tend to conjure up ally for archaeological purposes. and more detailed flying pictures of castles, mottes and Most vertical photography is programmes. Generally, the ringforts picturing in the mind's taken for geological, engineering, sites photographed are levelled eye images of what these sites or map-making purposes. The sites which show as crop-marks. would have looked like at the photographs generally overlap Very few of these sites would be height of their occupation. so that a three-dimensional discernible on the ground. The However, the sites which we can image can be seen when viewed Geological Survey of Ireland's visit form only part of the through a stereoscope, this is collection is the main source of archaeological record for Co. particularly useful in locating vertical photography for the Carlow. Many sites have relief sites. county. These are high altitude disappeared totally from the The oblique photographs for photographs (15,000 ft.) and landscape because of agricultural Co. Carlow come from the were taken between 1973 and improvements, road building, Cambridge University Committee 1977. They are most useful in and industrial and housing for. Aerial Photography locating previously unrecognised developments at various times (CUCAP) who conducted a upstanding archaeological sites in the past. However, not all the flying programme for all of (Condit and Gibbons, 1986, 8-9) sites which have been levelled Ireland over a period of ten years along with many crop-mark are gone without trace. Air from 1963 to 1973. Because of the sites which also appear on them photography is by far the most massive area covered, this flying to a lesser extent. productive method of discovering programme is best seen as a Sites which are difficult or sites which would otherwise remain indiscernible on the ground. Of the 820 sites contained in the Sites and Monuments Record for Co. Carlow (Gibbons, 1986), 124 (approx. 15 per cent) of these sites were located by aerial photography. These 'new' sites range from previously unrecorded upstanding earthworks to levelled ringforts and barrow complexes. The aerial photographic archive for Co. Carlow consists of two main types of photography, oblique and vertical. An oblique aerial photograph is one taken with the camera pointing between the horizontal and the near vertical. This method of photography can be relatively economical since sites can be photographed at the most opportune times of the year and when low sunlight is likely to highlight some of the more subtle features of a particular site. This is considered to be a Plate 1: Friarstown (sites and monuments record no. 8:18, subjective method of recording national grid ref. 28021 17642). The photograph shows the archaeological sites since only stump of castle surrounded by various enclosures showing as sites which are recognised in the soil-marks. The darker lines are the darker fill of the ditches. course of a flight are recorded. The light coloured soil-marks immediately beside the ditches Vertical photography (i.e. taken indicate the spread of bank material which would have with the camera pointing originally been constructed of the up-cast from the ditches. The straight down at the ground), on overall pattern suggests several phases of activity centred on the other hand, is generally non­ the castle. The soil-marks could be interpreted as the remains of selective in that the entire a ringwork, an earthen bawn, or a moated site with various landscape underneath the annexes. (By courtesy of CUCAP). 6

~ impossible to see on the ground manifest thems elves in three principle ways on aerial photographs; as shadow-sites, soil-mark sites and crop-mark sites. Shadow-sites are low relief earthwork sites which, when photographed in low angled sunlight, are accentuated by the long shadows they cast. The shape and pattern of these low earthwork sites is usually very difficult or impossible to appreciate on the ground, but an aerial photograph taken in the right conditions can present the next best thing to a measured plan of such a site. Soil-mark sites are levelled sites which can be detected by variations in soil colour in a ploughed field (plate 1). For example, ditches or pits - generally fill up with soil containing more organic matter which will contrast strongly with the surrounding ploughsoil. Plate 2: Fenniscourt (sites and monuments record no. 16:64, Since soil-mark sites appear in national grid ref. 26915 15927). This photograph shows a ploughed fields, the Spring or mound (approx. 25m. in diameter) surrounded by three circular late Autumn months are the ditches showing as crop-marks (overall diameter approx. most opportune time to 1OOm.). The site was originally designated as trivallate rath by photograph them. The extent to Norman and St. Joseph (1969, 44-5). However, the absence of which a soil-mark is visible will any entrance features and the fact that the three circular depend on the depth of ditches are concentric (indicating that the ditches were most ploughing. Crop-mark sites are likely laid out before the construction of the mound) would recognisable by differences in suggest that the site is barrow. The site bears some similarity to growth caused by buried the site excavated at Ashley Park, Co. Tipperary (Manning, archaeological remains. They 1985) which contained a Linkardstown-type burial. can be sometimes recognised at (By courtesy of CUCAP). ground level but again aerial in colour and relief. This is called likely to coincide with the dry photography will highlight the a positive crop-mark. A negative conditions necessary to cause shape or pattern of such sites crop-mark is caused when the differential crop growth. Root­ (plate 2). There are two different plant roots encounter a barrier, crops such as potatoes or turnips kinds of crop-mark site, positive such as a buried stone wall. The are unlikely to reflect buried (where the crop grows taller) and crop growth above such a feature sites in their growth. However, negative (where the growth of is stunted, fails to reach the beet-crops (sugar-beet is a the crop is stunted). same height as the surrounding popular crop in Carlow) because A number of factors are crop and is generally paler in of their deep penetrating roots involved in the production of colour due to parching. and their sensitivity to soil crop-marks. The climate at a As stated above, the differences are a good medium particular time of year, the underlying geology of an area is for the revelation of crop-marks. underlying geology and the type important with regard to the Even crops such as beans and of crop. The majority of crop­ appearance of crop-marks. The even grass may also show crop­ marks are caused by plant stress free-draining limestone gravels m arks under favourable which, in turn, is caused by Soil along the River Barrow provide conditions. Moisture Deficit (SMD). SMD the sensitive conditions Aerial photography is a can be defined as the extent to necessary for crop-mark method which can dramatically which available moisture in the development. In other districts expand the archaeological soil falls short of the amount where the soil is not as record by bringing to light necessary for optimum plant permeable crop-marks appear hidden and buried remains. The growth. Where man-made more sporadically and it would evidence from existing aerial ditches have been cut into free­ take an extreme drought to photography for Co. Carlow draining sub-soils, and are provide conditions to show crop­ hints at the great potential of allowed to fill up again the mark sites. further aerial research. backfill tends to retain moisture The final factor which effects better than the surrounding sub­ the appearance of crop-marks is BIBLIOGRAPHY: the type of crop growing over a Condit, T. and Gibbons, M. (1986) Two hillforts at soil. Thus, in a dry Summer Knockscur and Ballinkillin, Co. Carlow, Carloviana, when the planted crops are particular site. Cereal crops such No. 34, 1986-7 Gibbons, M. et. al. (1986) Sites and Monuments Record starved of moisture the plants as barley and wheat are for Co. Carlow. Office of Public Works, Dublin. growing over backfilled ditches particularly sensitive to soil and Manning, C. (1985) A neolithic burial mound at Ashley Park, Co. Tipperary. Proc. Roy. Ir. A cad. Vol. 85, No. 3, tend to grow higher and ripen moisture and are the most 61-100. Norman, E. R. and St. Joseph, J. K. S. (1969) The early later than the rest of the crop. productive in reflecting crop­ development of Irish Society: the evidence of aerial This differential crop growth is mark differences. Moreover, photography. Cambridge. Wilson, D. R. (1982) Air photo interpretation for visible from the air as variation their growing season is most archaeologists. London. 7 Works By Thomas Alfred Cobden, Architect 1794 - 1842 By Iona MacLeod

HE following article covers Whether he stayed on living in 1842, The Kilkenny Moderator in T some works done by Cobden Carlow after this date for some their issue of December 3rd, 1842 in Carlow and District between time, is not certain. carries the following Notice. 1818 and 1833. His letters to Bishop James "Nov. 27th at his residence the "The excellence of every Art Doyle, (J.K.L.), Bishop of Terrace, Upper Clapton, must consist in the complete Kildare and Leighlin, (under Thomas A. Cobden Esq. Late of accomplishment of its purpose". whose auspices he built the Carlow, Ireland". This has been attained by Cathedral), were always Cobden was married and had Thomas Alfred Cobden, courteous, very respectful and two sons and two daughters, Architect in the Province of deferential. This eminent Mrs. Cobden's name appears in Leinster. Catholic Prelate was recognised a local Directory (England) for Where Cobden was born, as an outstanding Ecclesiastic 1843 and again in the form of married or under whose auspices of his time. He was ecumenical Mrs. Ann Cobden in 1845, but he came to Carlow has not been in spiritual outlook, and a strong not in 1847. ascertained. The earliest Nationalist. reference I have found to his Cobden travelled between having been in Ireland is Ireland and England as is Contributed to contained in an advertisement shown by his letters to Dr. Doyle. worthy causes which appeared in The Carlow The Seal on his letters to him on Morning Post of May 28, 1818 June 7th, 1822 and also on April Cobden's personality would addressed to Stonecutters, in 8th, 1831 presents a Winged appear to be that of a courteous, which he requests that proposals Cherub which shows a refined kindly and generous person as for the erection of a stone and artistic mind, the Winged has been shown by his staircase to St. Patrick's College, Cherub being symbolic of an contributions to Worthy Causes, Carlow, be addressed to him Angelic being. as well as his assistance to the before June 1st. Between 1835 and 1839 his poor and those in need of help. address cited in a Catalogue He attended St. Mary's Church which listed some of his works oflreland, Carlow, the Tower and Resided in was Grove Camberwell. A magnificent Spire which are Chapel Lane search in Camberwell Rate amongst his important works, Books show that Thomas A. and also helped in adminis­ When in Carlow Cobden is Cobden has been traced at ration of the Church. He was believed to have resided in Pembury Place, Camberwell appointed a Church Warden Chapel Lane, now College Grove. He is also listed at this (Vestry Book 1819-1912), on Street, and according to local address each year from 1834 to April 13th, 1830 and on April tradition in the house now 1840. His name appears in the 14th, 1830 he was appointed an occupied by Mr. William Jury List for 1841-1842 Applotter, and also on that date Duggan, Solicitor, a house (published in August 1841) he is an Overseer. (I wish to which would have been described as 'Gentleman of acknowledge, my thanks, to convenient for his Architectural Clapton Terrace'. Venerable Archdeacon Patten work in and around Carlow. Thomas Alfred Cobden died of for permission to have access to In Pigotts Directory (1842) he consumption at the early age of the Vestry Books). is described under the Heading forty eight at No. 14 Clapton The Province of Leinster, and "Nobility, Gentry and Clergy, as Terrace, on November 27th, particularly County Carlow Thomas Cobden Esq. The Carlow Sentinel under Carlow Cathedral. Agreement signed by two plasterers, and date April 7th, 1832 carries the signed by the Architect, Thomas A. Cobden, following Notice, under the To do the plastering, lathing, and enriched work of the Vestry, Tower heading "To Be Let: To be let or and Porches for the sum of £438.7.6. Dated February 14. 1832. the interest sold the dwelling Carlow. February 14, 1832. house and office in Chapel Lane "We agree to execute all the lathing plastering moulded and enriched lately occupied by Thomas A. work that may be directed to be done by Mr. Cobden the Architect and Cobden which are furnished in equally to his Plans and directions in the new Catholic Church of the best manner, having large Carlow and to provide two labourers to attend the plasters during the garden, coach house and stable, progress of the work all of which including the plastering of the Vestry also a carpenter's workshop and Tower Porches as well as every other description of plastering work that may be directed to be done from time to time in the interior of the Church saw pit in a yard fronting the Tower Porches and Vestry we agree to execute for the sum of £438.7.6 lane with a large gate entrance Edward Kinsella so as not to interfere with the John Kearney dwelling house or garden and Architect. Thos. A. Cobden. would answer for an Architect or By courtesy of His Lordship. Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Lennon, Bishop of Kildare and Leigh/in. person requiring room". 8 L ~~~~~~~~~~~~~------•

Interior of Carlow Cathedral. North Transept. In the North Transept of the interior of the Cathedral is to be seen a detail of the ceiling which differs in design from that in the Nave, also the elegant pillars. The Stations of The Cross, the work of the well known Artist, George Collie, placed between the lovely stained glass window, and the marble statue, erected to the memory of Bishop James Doyle (J.K.L.) executed by John Hogan, Ireland's famous Sculptor of the 19th Century, make a very spiritually impressive "ensemble". Photo courtesy Miss Iona MacLeod.

owes much to Thomas Alfred a Ballad, "A Tour through the with the branch of it which Cobden for his Architectural Vicinity of Carlow", which belongs to Religious Architecture achievements in the early 19th appeared in The Carlow Sentinel as gave the most satisfaction to Century. He has shown by his of September 6th, 1834, by H.S.I. every person present." expertise, energy and taste, a is apt, it highlights the works The site chosen is near that of great dedication to the work done by Thomas Alfred Cobden. the old Parish Church which has which he accomplished in so formerly served the Catholics of short a time. He has left an Though imagination was the district. The Choir at the Architectural Landmark in amply feasted Ceremony consisted of the Leinster. With views so dear to the children of the area. At the As the year 1987 is the fortieth cultur'd mind conclusion some of those present anniversary of the first Yet approaching Carlow, proceeded to a Tent where Mass publication of Carloviana the with pride we gaze on had been celebrated in the Journal of The Old Carlow Her splendid buildings of Art morning. There, Rev. Mr. Society, in January 1947, I wish refined". McDonald on behalf of himself to pay tribute to the memory of and Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald Thomas Alfred Cobden who did Church of The Holy addressed those present. In his so much to enhance the beauty of Cross, Killeshin speech he paid tribute to the Carlow. He should be acclaimed members of the other denomin­ and commemorated for leaving Cobden was present at the ations for their generosity, to posterity a heritage of laying of the Foundation Stone support and co-operation. They Achitectural Value. Some form for the new Catholic Church at had contributed towards the of appropriate regognition Killeshin, of which he was the funds for building the Church. should be made, this could take architect. On May 5th, 1819 he Rev. Mr. McDonald then the form of a Plaque put on a exhibited his Plans for its requested the Rev. Mr. Stennot prominent building or street, or a construction and delivered an of Bridge Street Chapel, Dublin, suitable sculpture commissioned, address. The Carlow Morning to address the audience. In his to represent Architectural Art, Post of May 6th, 1819 carries the speech he quoted from the words be placed in a prominent following notice. "Mr. Cobden of Solomon's prayer at the position in Carlow Town, it the Architect now exhibited his Dedication. "For if Heaven and would be a gesture of Plans executed in a style the Heaven of Heavens cannot appreciation and gratitude to a evincing at once such a contain thee how much less this great Architect. knowledge of his Art joined to a house which I have built". (iii The following quotation from most particular acquaintance Atiag. Kings. Chap.8.V.27). "He 9 proceeded to show the origin of public worship by giving examples of Noah, Moses, Solomon, the Patriarchs and Prophets. He paid tribute to the work done by Rev. Mr. McDonald for his parish and emphasised the need of charity, toleration and understanding amongst all those of different religions. The Ceremony concluded with a generous meal during which the Band of the Carlow Militia played Loyal Airs. Amongst those present were Mr. William Cooper, who gave the ground upon which the church was to be i, built. Colonel Rochfort, Mr. J. 'Thomas, Mr. Fishbourne, Capt. Herring, Mr. T. Houghton and Mr. Cuffe. Some ladies were also present at the function.

Intended to have a spire

It was origionally intended to have a Spire added to the ~ Catholic Church of Killeshin if ~ finances were available, but his ~ aspiration never materialised. 3 0 An interesting note in The ..c:: Carlow Morning Post dated May ~ 18th, 1820, relative to this from John Ryan of Gowlin points to the latest Mrs. Vigors of "Erindale", example of Rock Art to be identified in Carlow, addressed to Rev. Mr. County Carlow. It is located in the foothills of McDonald on the possibility of the Blackstairs on the border of the erecting a Spire on the Church, townslands of Gowlin and Ballybeg. shows her wish that this may be achieved. "Mrs. Vigors compliments to Curragh. Dated May 16, 1820. Fitzgerald, President of Carlow the Rev. Mr. McDonald, she has The following are also a list of College £5.15.0. S. Walker Esq. been quite pleased with the those who contributed towards being the amount of his Bill of elegant taste of his place of the building of the Church:- in Costs for the Deeds of worship as it appeared this day. the words of Rev. Mr. McDonald. conveyance of the land upon Mr. McDonald having repre­ which the Chapel is built from sented that a Spire or Steeple Expression of W. Cooper Esq. to the Rt. Rev. should be erected when his funds Dr. Doyle and the other Trustees would admit of such an gratitude £5.6.8. Mrs. Vigors £5.8.5. ornamental and additional beauty. Mrs. Vigors begs leave to "The Rev. Mr. McDonald begs contribute £5.8.5 as a Lady's to acknowledge the receipt of the Good for mite to so desirable an following sums in aid of the undertaking". Chapel which is building at Carlow Killeshin and he is instructed by Erindale, Wednesday EDMOND D. Whelan an Irish­ the Roman Catholic inhabitants American traveller of the nineteenth evening, May 5, 1820. to express their gratitude and Writing to the Proprietor of century, describing his travels in respectful sense of the kindness Ireland, in the Chicago Western The Carlow Morning Post in the and liberality of the respectable same issue, Rev. Mr. McDonald Catholic News had this to say of a liberality of the respecfable visit to Carlow. requests in the following words, individuals to whom they are so that Mrs. Vigor's letter to him be ... I was not a little surprised at deeply indebted. Sir Charles night when I found my surroundings published. Coote £10. Thomas Cosby Esq., lighted by electricity, bedrooms, "Mr. McDonald requests the Governor of the Queens County­ coffee rooms, corridors and the rest. Proprietor of The Carlow £10. Wm. Browne Esq. Custos The streets, too, as well as the hotels Morning Post will insert the very Rotulorum of County Carlow £5. and business houses, have the handsome note that he had been Nicholas Vigors Esq. £5. Wm. electric light which points out Carlow honoured with from Mrs. Vigors Cooper Esq. in addition to his as one of the most up-to-date county accompying her subscription". former subscription £2.10. towns in Ireland. Good for Carlow! ... His address at this time was Anonymous per the Rev. Mr. -Nationalist & Leinster Times, 1895. 10 Gems of History By Ina Doyle

ollowing the Treaty of religion), aunt of Marie Established Church, however he F Limerick (1691) and the Antoinette. remained close to the Catholic flight of the Wild Geese many After the French Revolution faith, his children were Catholic Irish men and women left their according to the St. Denis and he is buried in the Catholic native shores in search of a Archives, Sr. Stanislaus plot in St. Mullins. Thomas I fuller, more open religious returned to Borris House, where was M.P. for the City of observance than was possible at she lived as a religious, her Kilkenny in the last Irish home. Among them were Mary family being opposed to her Parliament at College Green and and Honora Kavanagh of Borris entry into an Irish convent. With subsequently at Westminster as House, lineally descended from the Rebellion of 1798 it must M.P. for the County of Carlow'"' the Kings of Leinster, and have seemed as though the (Burkes Irish Family Records (maternally) from the Ormonde French Revolution was catching 1976). His son Thomas II Butlers (grand-daughters of up with her "Borris House was married Elizabeth Butler (1st famed Lady Margaret Butler of attacked to secure arms and wife), all their children were Kilcash and The Gaelic Lament ammunition", Rev. Patrick J. Catholic. A white marble • "Cad a dheanfaimid feasta gan Kavanagh, The Insurrection of monument sacred to the memory adhmaid"). 1798. The Kavanagh ladies of their daughter Wandersforde Mary Kavanagh, Sister including Sr. Stanislaus took who died aged 14, may be seen on Ursula in religion entered the temporary refuge with their the wall of the Church oflreland Ursulines in Rue St. Jacques in kinsfolk in Kilkenny and later in St. Mullins. His mother Lady France on the same day as her returned to Borris House where Elizabeth Kavanagh died two sister Honora entered the Sr. Stanislaus died on June 7th, years later and was also buried Carmelite Order of St. Denis in 1816. She was laid to rest with in St. Mullins. France. her ancestors, among them King Thomas Kavanagh II M.P. re­ Art Mac Murrough in St. married, his second wife was Canon T. J. Walsh in his Mullins. "Nano Nagle and the Presen­ Harriette La Poer Trench, she tation Sisters" states "The immediately changed the family Ursuline and Presentation Another religious religion from Catholic to the annalists mention a single vocation in family Church of Ireland. This incident that has retained a Kavanagh lady was mother of tenacious hold on Ursuline and However our Borris Carmelite "The Incredible Mr. Kavanagh" Presentation traditions in Cork. had the consolation of another and was responsible for creating The four founding Sisters of the religious vocation in the family and fostering a cottage industry Ursuline Order in Ireland, when a niece followed the in Borris, handmade Borris lace. having received the blessing of example of her three aunts. This She died on July 14th, 1883, aged their Archbishop, stopped off at was another Honora (daughter 85 and is buried under the aisle the Convent of St. Denis on their of Thomas I, M.P. and his wife of the Church of Ireland in St. way out of Paris in April 1771, Lady Susanna Butler) who is Mullins. one of the four was Sr. Ursula entered in the family book kept It is almost three centuries (Mary Kavanagh) of Borris, Co. at Borris House as "a nun". since the signing of the Treaty of Carlow". On the twenty third of Information verified by Mr. Limerick, and still our beautiful January it fell to. Mary Andrew Kavanagh, present country remains divided and Kavanagh then Reverend Chief of the name. torn with religious and political Mother Ursula, to give the Black Sr. Stanislaus also witnessed differences, we witness in ever Veil to Sr. Ambrose Curtin, since religious changes in the increasing numbers the flight of • the Bishop of Cork, Mother Kavanagh Clan when her our young people, many of whom Ursula's kinsman, failed to nephew (mentioned above) will be remembered like the arrive for the ceremony. Thomas I Mac Murrough above mentioned as gems in the Lucy, youngest of the Kavanagh conformed to the history books of tomorrow. Kavanagh sisters, also joined the Cork Ursulines along with her cousins Elizabeth and Anne Coppinger. Honora Kavanagh, Sr. 1915 Food Prices Stanislaus Koska, in religion AVERAGE labourers wages were £1 weekly, this is received the Black Veil on what it could purchase: 21/z cwt. Coal, 1/z lb. Butter, 21/z December 29th, 1771, Feast of St. 1 Thomas a Becket "her relative". Loaves, 2 lb. Sugar, 3 lbs. Rice, 11/z lbs. Beef, /2 lb. Tea, Sr. Stanislause had as a 3% pints Milk, 5 lbs. Potatoes, 9 oz. Chocolate, 4 companion novice in France Eggs, 5 lb. Cheese, 4% Bars of Soap, 6 Pairs Socks, 8 King Louis XV s youngest oz. Wool, 40 Cigarettes, 6 1/2 Whiskeys, 40 Cigarettes, daughter Madame Louise Marie de France (Sr. Theresa in 5 ozs. Tobacco, 4 Bottles Ale. 11 Art Mac MurchU Caomh

f Bhionn tagairt da laghad d'eirigh thar barr leis. Sa tsli scabhta don Rialtas. Theadh se N ins na leabhair staire do cheanna d'fuoghlaim se scriobh. timpeall ar chapall ag iarraidh abhar an ailt seo. Is m6r an trua Nuair a bhi se 9 mbliana d'aois dli agus ord a choimead. Is cosuil e mar sceal iontach thar na bhi ealadha na scribhneoir­ go mbiodh gn6 eile idir lamha bearta isea sceal a bheatha. Se eachta ar a thoil aige. Mhuin si aige, freisin - bhiodh sear th6ir tosach an sceil an chuid is iontai. leamh d6 freisin agus leag si na mban. Shocraigh a mhathair Tosaionn an sceal sa bhliain beim mh6r ar an mBi6bla. Nuair gurbh ea leas a thuilleadh taistil 1831 ar an 15u Marta. Ar an la a bhi se timpeall 9 mbliana a dheanamh ach nior inis si do sin rugadh Art Mac Murchu d'aois bhi se tugtha do Art cen fath! Pe sceal e, bhi se Caomhanach in aras na chleasaiocht cosuil le gach sasta dul. Chuaigh a dhearthair, gCaomhanach i mBuiri6s. Bhi­ buachaill 6g, slaintiuil. Mar sin Tom agus an tOirmhinneach ionadh agus alltacht ar an chuir a mhathair go dti teach an Wood leis. Dochtuir Boxwell nuair a Oirmhinigh Somhairl Greer, chonaic se an leanbh 6s a curaideach Celbridge mar a Taisteal Aris chomhair. Bhi se gan cosa gan raibh scoil. Bhi col ceathrar le Chaith siad 5 bliana ag Lamha - ni raibh ach stompai Lady Harriet, an Coirneal 0 taisteal an uair seo. Thug siad aige. Ach bhi se d'adh ar Art go Conghaile ina ch6nai i cuairt ar chuid mhaith den raibh mathair chr6ga aige - Castletown, in aice le Celbridge. Eoraip, an Mean-Oirthear agus Lady Harriet La Poer Trench, Bhi clann 6g ag an gCoirneal an Ind. Is ioma eachtra iontach inion Riocard, larla Clancarty. agus ag an Oirmhineach Greer a a tharla d6ibh agus is minic a Bai an dara beancheile a bhi ag bhi mar chomhluadar aige. bhi siad i mbaol bais. Mar Tomas O Caomhanaigh, athair Chuire se feabhas m6r ar a chuid shampla bhi siad uair amhain, Airt. N uair chonaic a mhathair e scribhneoireachta agus scriobh­ ag dul isteach go baile m6r sa don chead uair duirt si "Thank adh se abhaile go rialta. Faid a Pheirs nuair a bhailigh roint God he was born to me and not to bhi se ann fuair se crucai a rinne madrai ocracha timpeall ortha. someone else". obair na lamh. Theadh se ag D'ith ceann de na madrai sicin Pe sceal e, d'fhas an leanbh iascaireacht go minic. ar an sraid. Chuir muintir an suas go slaintiuil. Chaith an Tugadh abhaile e agus e in bhaile an millean ar Art agus a mhathair leis mar a chaith si leis aois 14 bliana. Thug a mhathair chompanaigh. Gabhadh iad na paisti eile. Ni6r lig si d'einne paiste beag talun d6 ar an eastat agus cuireadh faoi ghlas iad i tagairt a dheanamh da eagruth. ch un eolas eigean a fuail ar dteach i gcearn6g an bhaile. Mhol an Dr. Boxwell di fein bhainistiocht feirme. Choimead Thosaigh na daoine ag mhuinin a chothu ann tre gan se cuntaisi e.g. "Dhiol me caitheamh uibheacha agus ligint d6 bheith ag brath ar cruithneacht ar £8 agus oraisti lofa leo. Is ortha a bhi an dhaoine eile. N uair a thainig cheannaigh me muca leis an tathas eal6 6n ait sin! tuiscin d6 mhol se don mhathair airgead". Ag teacht chun deireadh 1849 eolas a thabhairt d6 ar Stair na Fuair a mhathair muinte6ir d6 d'imigh Mr. Wood agus Tom to gCaomhanach i dtreo go - an tOirmhinneach David Tiflis agus fagadh Art leis fein i mbeadh si broduil as a Wood. Mhuin se matamaitic, Tabriz. Chuir se aithne ar oidhreach. Rinne si amhlaidh. eolaiocht, tir-eolas, loingseoir­ Phrionsa na haite agus chaith se Nuair a bhi se timpeall 2 eacht d6. Chuir Art suim i an N ollaigh leis. Thainig bhliain d'aois bhi ar a chumas mbad6ireacht agus rinne se fiabhras ar Art agus cuireadh e rudai a tharraingt chuige lena staidear ar shruthanna na san harem agus thainig feabhas stompai agus dul 6 ait go hait ar farraige. iontach air tar eis tamaill. a th6in. Tugadh capaillin d6 mar Shroich siad an Ind, Eanair, bhronntanas breithe nuair a bhi Taisteal 1851. Chaith siad tamall ag se 2 bhliain d'aois. Thugadh an Bhi Art ag eiri mi­ fiach tiogar. An chead tiogar a dochtuir timpeall an eastait e. shuaimhneach sa bhaile. Mar chonaic Art mharbhaigh se e. Tareis tamaill fuair a mhathair sin, sa bhliain 1846 thug a Thainig deireadh leis an sport cisean. Cuireadh an cisean ar mhathair ar thuras na Fraince nuair a d'eirigh Tom an-tinn leis mhuin an chapaill agus Art chun Fraincis a fuoghlaim. Ina an eitinn. Ar chomhairle istigh sa chisean. Theadh se dhiaidh sin thug siad cuairt ar an dochtura thug Wood ar thuras timpeall ansan ag marcaiocht Eigipt agus an Talamh N aofa. farragie chun na hAstraile e. ina aonar. Nuair a bhi Art 5 D'fuill siad abhaile go Buiri6s sa Fuair Tom bas ar an turas in bliana d'aois fuair a athair bas. bhliain 1848, bliain . an Eiri earrach na bliana 1852. In ionad Bhi se 69 mbliana d'aois. Amach. filleadh go dti an Ind d'fuan Mr. · Thug a Mha th air faoi oideach­ Chuaigh Art ansan chun Wood san Astrail agus fagadh as a thabhairt d6. Peinteir maith tamall a chaitheamh le haintin Art ina aonar. ab ea i. Cheap si gurbh fuearr leis ag Gairericin, laimh le Bhi a chuid airgid imithe faoin peinteireacht a mhuineadh d6 Muilleann na h U amhan, am seo agus chuaigh se ag lorg roimh leamh na scriobh. Chuir Tiobrad Arann. Nuair a tharla poist. Fuair se post mar ghiolla se an scuab idir na fiacla agus an Eiri Amach liostail se mar turais timpeall Hyderabad agus 12 i gceann tamaillin ceann eile sa Mhuine Beag go Buiri6s agus ar 1880 chaill Art a shuiochan sa Roinn Suirbhe i Poona. Faid a aghaidh go Ros Mhic Treoin. Is Phairlimint. Parnelliteach a bhi se sa phost seo bhuaigh se le hairgead Airt a t6gadh an bhuaigh air. Bhi tinte cnamh i ras capaillini. tarbhealach alainn ag bun na mBuirios ag ceiliuradh na Faoin am seo fuair se sceala go sraide. hocaide. D'eirigh se an-searbh raibh cursai go dona maidir le Sa bhliain 1868 toghadh ina da bharr mar cheap se go raibh hairgead i mBuiri6s. Chuaigh se fheisire e i bP air limin t na tion6ntaithe mi-bhuioch ar abhaile agus shroich se Buiri6s Westminster. Thaobhaigh se le fad tar eis a raibh deanta aige ar ag deireadh 1853. Pairti na gCaomhach. Chuir se i a son. gcpinne Di-Bhonu Eaglais na Art ina Thiarna Tabin hEireann agus Polasai an Bas Bhi fonn ar Art leas na toirmisc ag Biggar, Parnell, etc. Theip ar a shlainte sa bhliain dtion6ntaithe a dheanamh. Bhi se fial i gc6nai lena chuid 1886 de bharr diabetes agus Leag se pleananna amach le airgid. Thug se cead an seipeal lagar spride. Tri bliana ina haghaidh tithe nua dona daoine priomhaideach a bhi ag na dhiadh sin thainig broncitis air. sa sraidbhaile. Niorbh fbada go Caomhanaigh a usaid mar Fuair se bas maidin lae Nollag, raibh tithe nua ceann slinne ar sheipeal par6iste agus thug se 1889 in aois 58 mbliana,. Mar sin dha thaobh na pri6mh-shraide. £100 sa bliain don Mhinistir. bhi deireadh le saol duine de na Ta an chuid is m6 aca ann f6s. D'ainneoin a chuid dualgaisi fir ha iontai dar mhair riamh, Sa bhliain 1855 ph6s se sa bhaile agus sa Phairlimint dar liomsa. Nuair a chuirtear Francis Mary Forde Leathley, theadh se ar thuras farraige i san aireamh na constaici a bhi le inion Mhinistir Phrotastunaigh. luamh a bhi ceannaithe aige saru aige. Iascaire, Loingseoir, Bhi seisear clainne aca. Mhuin roimh re u air amhain agus e ag sealgaire, taistealai cr6ga agus mathair Airt do mhuintir na d ul tre Loch Ness in Al bain d uirt san am ceanna scribhneoir ,, haite conas las a dheanamh. se go bhfaca se "a strange grey litreacha, tiarna talun cinealta Thug Art agus a bhean gach patch, interspersed with agus M.P. ab ea e ce nach raibh cabhair d6ibh. Ba ghearr go heaving of a black fish". Ni cosa na lamh aige. Is abhar raibh clu agus cail ar an las. fbeadar arbh e an "Loch Ness br6id agus d6chais e do mhuintir Chuir Art airgead ar fail chun Monster" a chonaic se. Bhuirios, do Cheatharloch agus b6thar iarainn a th6gail 6 In olltoghachan na bliana don tir ar fad.

LETTER Dear Editor, of the very first mercenary - night and this is the one and I am sending you this photo Flemish - hired in 1167 by only shot of that incredible not because I am in it myself on Dermot Mac Murrough instant in modern history, dare I the extreme left but because of FitzGodebert de la Roche. You say, an extraordinary, happy • an incredible coincidence. It was know of course Andrew Mac occasion after such centuries of taken at the launch of my book Murrough Kavanagh of Borris strife. Of course I'm the on the Dermot Mac Murrough Castle who launched the book descendant of one of Mac adventures, for children (9-13) with a resounding speech, and Murrough's hired mercenaries "Foster Son to a King" on the extreme right is Nicholas myself, a crowd who remained so published by The Childrens Sweetman, nephew of the loyal to the family of Mac Press, 90 Lower Baggot St., 0 Conor Don (the late S.J.), Murrough that we were Dublin 2. The three to my side descendant of course of the last nicknamed by other Normans are all descendants of the major clearly recognised High King of "The False Furlongs". (My actors in the twelfth century Ireland, Rory Mor O Conor of grandfather by the way was drama of Dermot Mac Murrough Connaught. John Kinsella of Cranemore, and the Norman Landings of Kildavin, Co. Carlow). 1169 - and of course their It was the most amazing moment of my life, a moment of Best wishes and kindest · ancestors are major characters regards. (in both my books) of eight strange, unrecognisable centuries ago. David Roche of emotion. Inside a second the Nicholas Furlong, Garrylough, Screen, Wexford, group had split up, the Drimagh Lodge, alongside me is the descendant photographer vanished into the Wexford. 13 ". . . To-day he holds an enviable reputation as a teacher and practitioner in his speciality ... " - Gaelic American, 1915. Dr. Joseph G. Byrne Compiled by William Ellis

Joseph G.* Byrne was born in Bagenalstown in March, 1870, his father's name was Patrick and his mother's maiden name was Margaret O'Neill. He was the youngest of a family of seven, four boys and three girls. One of his brothers, George, became a priest and died P .P. of Graiguecullen in 1909. From his youth Joseph displayed a fondness for study and took a keen interest in sports. At St. Patrick's College, Carlow he was awarded the medal for Arts and Philosophy, and in 1890 received his B.A. degree from the Royal University. While a student he not only achieved high scholastic distinction, he also won fame on the athletic field. In track and field sports he was rated one of the best men of his day in Ireland, not only in special events but as an all-round performer. In 1891 Joseph Byrne emigrated to New York to pursue his studies. He became a naturalzed citizen of the U.S. in 1897. Even in the U.S. he continued . his interest in sport. Handball had a special attraction for him, he regarded it as Ireland's only Dr. Joseph G. Byrne. real national pastime. As a unifying element Photo courtesy John Byrne. Joseph Byrne said handball was worthy of the support of all research work. With slight which won immediate recog­ Irishmen at home and abroad, facilities and little or no outside nition from the leading medical and indeed of all who can assistance or encouragement he authorities in the U.S. and appreciate the merits of a clean, persisted in his investigations, abroad. This work alone was manly, athletic pastime. He despite the handicap of a large sufficient to establish a lasting played American football with international reputation for the Columbia's varsity team in the Doctor in scientific medical "Among the numerous works U.S. College League in 1894 and which have won him a wide circles. He was the author of 1895. reputation, may be mentioned many books and contributed a Receiving his M.A. degree especially his investigation into prodigious number of articles to from the College of St. Francis the cause and treatment of sea­ medical journals. Xavier in 1893, and graduating sickness, in which he described Dr. Byrne accepted the from Columbia University with the functions of the internal ear Professorship of Diseases of the a M.D. in 1895, Dr. Byrne went more satisfactorily than did Nervous System at Fordham on to receive a LL.B. degree at even Barany, the farnous University in 1912 and was the New York Law School in Viennese, whose work on this appointed dean of the subject was awarded the Nobel University's medical school in 1900. He was admitted to the Bar prize." the same year. The Ram. 1918. Other positions he held Specializing in diseases of the were, president of the medical nervous system, Dr. Byrne board of the Central and commenced practice in New general practice, until he won Neurological Hospital, Welfare York in 1898. His striving after recognition. Island, New York, and was a knowledge was not satisfied by In 1910, after competition, long time consultant to the City, mere acquisition of degrees. On Columbia University awarded Fordham, and Neurological the contrary it increased, and him the Alumni Association Hospitals and a member of the· after graduating in medicine he Prize of £125. In the same year advisory board of the New York immediately began extensive the result of Dr. Byrne'·s Health Department. investigations were published in In the Spanish-American War * The "G" in Dr. Byrne's name stands for Dr. Byrne served as a captain in Grandson, i.e. grandson of Byrne, he a work entitled "The Physiology used it for his books. of the Semicircular Canals", the Sixty-ninth Volunteers. 14 •

Joseph Byrne as a young boy is seated in the front row, next to him are his brothers, John J. (seated third from right) who also emigrated to the U.S., next to him (with cap) is James William who had a grocery business in Market Square, Bagenalstown. The man at the end of the front row is Patrick Byrne, their father and Fr. George Byrne, Dr. Joseph's third brother is third from left of back row. Photo courtesy John Byrne.

The Doctor also spt¥J.t some finally going into exile time studying abroad, particul­ carrying with him Emmet's arly in Paris and London. last official communication to While attending the Inter­ the Irish leaders in France. national Medical Congress in Miles Byrne died in exile. London in 1913 he received a When in Paris, Dr. Byrne degree from the English Royal never fails to visit his grave in College of Surgeons. At the Montmarte Cemetery, and International Physiological pays tribute to one oflreland's Congress held at Edinburgh, noblest sons." Scotland in 1923 he was Dr. Byrne's only son by his awarded the William Harvey first wife died in Paris in 1922 Gold Medallion. where he was attending medical The following tribute is taken school. from the Gaelic American, Joseph G. Byrne died at his March, 1915: home in New York on May 13, "Today he holds an enviable 1945. His second wife pre­ • reputation as a teacher and deceased him. in 1943 . practitioner in his speciality, In his Will Dr. Byrne inside the profession he is stipulated that some of his estate known as a profound scholar, be set aside to provide a " a persistent investigator, an memorial to his parents who are original thinker and a buried at Myshall. His intention moulder of medical opinion". was to provide vocational "The doctor is a fine type of training for children in Myshall Irish gentleman. The tempera­ parish. After nearly forty years NOTEWORTHY ment of the race is finely of litigation a fund was ANNIVERSARY interwoven in his character. established. A detail from the memorial stone In word and deed he reflects which marks the last resting the high ideals and lofty place of Bishop James O'Keeffe Acknowledgement to John Byrne at The Graves beside the River sentiments of the Celt." (nephew of Dr. Joseph), New York for Barrow in Carlow. Bishop He is a profound admirer of information and photographs. O'Keeffe was responsible for building Saint Patrick's College, his famous kinsman, Miles Further sources: The Nationalist & Carlow, the first seminary to be Byrne, who with Father John Leinster Times, April 10, 1915; Gaelic built in Ireland after the Murphy, led the Wexford American, March 15, 1915; The Ram, relaxation of the Penal Laws. Fordham University, February 14, 1918; Rebels in 1798, and who later The New York Times,, May 14, 1945; Who Bishop O'Keeffe died 200 years on played a conspicuous part Was Who in America, Vol. 2; The New ago, on September 18, 1787. in the Emmet rising of 1803, York Public Library. 15 J Coolyhune Star Fort I By Ina Doyle ART of the ancient barony Coolyhune Fort is built of could afford to a small garrison P of Ui-Chuinnsilagh lies uncemented masonry, the walls with local knowledge. between the River Barrow and are immensely thick measuring Within signalling distance of the Blackstairs Mountains. It approx. six feet at the base the passes across the mountain was, for centuries, the territory narrowing to about four feet at at "Scoulagh Gap", the White of the Kavanagh clan. Camden the top to a maximum present Mountain and Coppenagh Hills, in his "State of Ireland" 1598, height of eight feet. The interior the Barrow Valley warning of describes Carlow as "rich and area taken from the Ordnance approaching armies from tolerably wooded, in these parts Survey Sheet is given as .996 of Wexford and elsewhere could be livegreatnumbersofKavanagh's an acre. While the surveyors did passed on and preparations good soldiers, famous horsemen". not indicate the entrance to the made in good time. Could this fort it is believed that the present have helped James Duke of Until recently it was believed Ormond in his success against that this area had but one link opening is not the original, but with the ill-fated Henry VIII, the should be located to the west. the Confederate Army of Lord While the arrowhead projections Mountgarrett and Preston in suppression of one of Ireland's 1642. Dr. Comerford in his largest and architecturally were constructed to afford covering for gunfire at all "History of the Diocese of richest Cistercian Abbeys, at Kildare and Leighlin" tells us: Duiske in Graignamanagh (now angles, missing is evidence of happily restored to much of its embrasures through which "On the 18th March 1642 a battle f original splendour). Following a cannon could be fired; however a was fought at Ballybeg near St. visit by the Kilkenny Archaeo­ singular feature of the fort is Mullins. The English under ' logical Society and their that it followed the contours of James Marquis of Ormond on research into Hilltop Sites, it the hill giving rise to the belief this march from Ross, were then was pointed out that the "Rath" that cannon was fired across the encountered by Lord Mount­ of Coolyhune Hill played a walls. A distinct feature garrett and General Preston at significant role in the activities associated with star forts was a the head of a well disciplined of this period. surrounding trench or ditch, and well armed contingent of which was not possible at 3,000 horse and 10,000 foot. Here on Coolyhune Hill Coolyhune because of the rock Ormond defeated the Confeder­ (approximately 500 ft. above sea outcrop on which it stands. In ate Generals and compelled level) in the parish of St. Mullins recent years diviners established them to save themselves and the in South Carlow can be seen a that there is a considerable remains of their army by a mediaeval "Star Fort" of source of water underneath the speedy retreat to Kilkenny. The exceptional interest, enriching fort. night after this battle, Ormond' s the already generously endowed army encamped over against environment in the area. Graignamanagh (Meehan's Henry VIII's dispute with Huge boulders History Confederation)". This Rome over his attempted divorce in walls townland of Ballybeg is from Catherine of Aragon raised approximately one mile distant the possibility of an invasion to the east from Coolyhune Hill. from the Continent, resulting in The fort itself shows little Midway across the valley an immediate strengthening of evidence of attack by artillery, between Ballybeg and Graig­ coastal defences. The advent of the outer layer is almost intact namanagh was the town "Nova gunpowder and the use of and contains huge boulders Ville" (Newtown) where artillery necessitated a search giving strength to the walls. No artisans and craftsmen with for something different in design evidence could be found of a their families resided during the from the traditional type castle, ramp or other means whereby construction of Duiske Abbey. which now presented a artillery could be moved into Following the dissolution of the relatively easy target. The result position or switched from place Abbey the residents of Nova was a low-profile angle bastion to place within the fort, Ville slowly moved away. In this fortification manned by depending on the direction from way protection for the once professional soldiers. While this which the attack might come. important centre at Nova Ville design may have varied it Neither was there anything to or Newtown gradually became continued in use for succeeding suggest positions which the less important. centuries. garrison could occupy to repel Coolyhune Hill can be seen These sixteenth and seven­ such an attack. quite clearly from the windows teenth century structures Situated about two miles north of Borris House. Its present became known as "Star Forts" east of Graignamanagh, owner Mr. Andrew Kavanagh and are found in Ireland mainly Coolyhune Fort affords the when asked for information in river estuaries and coastal visitor a superb view across the about Coolyhune Star Fort areas. This new defensive beautiful countryside between mentioned that some years ago proved to be as impregnable the Mount Leinster range of when in London a friend asked if against artillery as the earlier mountains to the east and the he was familiar with this unique castles had been before the Mount Brandon Hills and monument so near his ancestral arrival of gcunpowder. Coppenagh to the west, a view home. A comment by the present Unlike the masonry-built which enables one to appreciate owner of the fort Mr. Doyle that "Star Fort" at Kinsale, the the advantage and security it on sale by the Kavanagh Estate 16 ,

• to the Land Commission this particular monument was specifically excluded. It was not until the lifetime of his late q,:, ./ ,J. r,ornmemoration Association. father that the site was acquired and added to the Doyle family St. Molings Rranch. holding. Fort of the Kinsellas? Oi1J ~ J~(}~ Whatever its ongm many ~ questions are posed by this unusual monument. Was it do f/C . erected in haste, if so, why? Was the construction overtaken by events? Was it a sham or folly do-~ IJ/,~$8 erected to satisfy the whim of the local landlord? Could it have been the "Fort of the Kinsellas ~ (location uncertain) mentioned ~Jr~ in Seventeenth Century Fortifications" by Paul M. al; Kerrigan. Events may have II· 3o~ dd.tJ overtaken the need for this fortification. We know that the anticipated invasion from the 1/}'dfv ~ -fJJ

HIS is a story of an extra­ There were a few others sitting then as ringing up a Hospital or T ordinary incident which at the table and everything went the fast well equipped made medical history in well for a short while, 'till Lory ambulance with anaesthetists Leighlinbridge. The day and the began to choke on ah uge piece of standing by. His fight for the setting was, as it had to be, the steak. At first the other diners man's life must begin and end 14th of May "The Fair of began to splutter and laugh but here. And so the ageing Dr. Scott Leighlin". Big Tom apprehended the began his dreadful exhausting It was about the turn of the situation quickly and cleared the struggle. last century or perhaps a little table, lifted Lory along the Some relatives of Lory Daly way into this century and the length of the table and began to came to the door, entered for a Fair was in full blast with pound him on the back. The very short time, came out and hundreds of people from all parts effort failed and he sent the girl jumped into a rubbertyred trap of the country milling around in the kitchen scurrying for and swept away at great speed to through the bellowing animals Doctor Scott who was doing duty Bagenalstown. Word passed and spilling down from the at the dispensary in Church St. through the waiting crowd 'They Bawnogue into the streets; The other diners found are gone to Church Road for Dr. through the Booths and themselves out on the street and Delaney'. Dr. Delaney was a standings of the traders who soon the hulla-balloo was up rising star in Bagenalstown, a were set up on every street and 'Lory Daly is chokin' above in wild bright young man, a great corner. There were children Big Tom Farrells' kitchen and a Surgeon who was making everywhere. The Schools were crowd soon gathered on the inroads into Dr. Scott's rich closed on that day and their joy street outside. clientele. added to the noise as they tasted Inside the sweating Dr. Scott and looked on the exotic fruits Extraordinary fought to get up the piece of steak which would never be seen but on each occasion that he again, 'till the next Fair of long fingers brought it so far some Leighlin which was light years obstruction seemed to expand away in the mind of the child. Nicholas Kehoe was a and the forceps cut through the There were Buyers, Jobbers shoemaker who lived opposite meat. At times he got a good grip and Drovers, the Piper and the Farrells shop he heard the of something hard but he lost his Ballad singer and the cry of the uproar and came over to help. He nerve for fear of what he might cheapjack rising above the din. was a good natured rogue, a be tugging at or what might And the strange mixture of great entertainer and a come up with the meat. He knew smells, the suckling calves, the dangerous man with a pack of he was doing to loose his patient, spilled porter, crushed orange playing cards, possessing the man was sinking fast, indeed peel and the high scent of the extraordinary long fingers, two news came out that the man was fruits from distant lands. All of which were of equal length (at dead. Katie Brennan told the this was part of the Fair and a least that was what I was told). man in the adjoining yard that way of life now gone forever. He shouted loudly "Don't worry he had finished breathing. Tom I'll doctor him" and thrust At this point of the drama Dr. his long fingers down the Delaney arrived at the door in unfortunate man's throat, his Gig, he threw off his cloak, Huge plate of gripped the meat which came up steak and onions took his black bag, smiled at the a little way but held fast and the waiting crowd like a true Doctor Kehoe's fingers lost their performer and went inside. Lory Daly lived on the Ridge of grip. He tried a few more times Carlow about one quarter of a and failed, then dashed across mile off the Castlecomer the street to wax his fingers to Patient near Leighlin road and towards get a better grip but when he to death Bawnree. He 'sold', probably returned the real Doctor had had a few drinks and was arrived and he was left outside ravenously hungry. He had the so we will never know what The sweating Dr. Scott was choice of a dozen eating houses. might have happened but at glad for once to see him, the Big Tom Farrell lived in Chapel least he earned himself the patient was near to death. The St., he was a Victualler and nickname 'the Doctor Kehoe'. conference was short and Dr. weighed 17 stones. He kept an Doctor Scott, who was doing Delaney did not try any eating house for the Fair day duty in Leighlin at that time, repetition of Scott's endeavours. and his idea of a dinner was as was a man with a good clientele He took a bottle from his bag, ample as his weight. The strong in Bagenalstown, and he could pured a little of the liquid on a middle aged Lory Daly made well have done without the call pad and placed it on Daly's face; straight for Tom Farrells and sat to attend this poor man from the a strong overpowering sickly down to a huge plate of steak and hills whom he did not know. As smell wafted through the whole onions, with a big dish of soon as he entered the house he house. They worked to get the potatoes in the middle of the knew he was in trouble but there man some inhalation and soon table. was no way out, no such thing Lory's struggles ceased and he 18 Gaelic League Hall, Glynn

The only known person in above photograph now living is Mike Doyle, St. Mullins and New Ross. He is the boy on left of the Irish sign. The hall was built by locals, it was of felt and timber. It was reconstructed and kept intact until 1950s. It was demolished when the new Community Centre was constructed in 1984. Fr. Brennan is the priest; Master O'Donovan is the schoolmaster. Photograph contributed by Larry Byrne, Bahana, St. Mullins. settled back into a condition in intake of the pipe and this time Dr. Scott exchanged a few which he would quickly die. Lory fell into a deep sleep with brief words with the others, then Moving rapidly Dr. Delaney the sonorous sound of the pipe walked away with his coat and made an incision low down on breaking the silence of the hat and perhaps he was like the the man's throat and punctured house. 'Wedding Guest' a sadder and the windpipe and quickly With conditions still anything wiser man. But to his credit, he inserted a tube. ("They" said it but safe, though vastly had kept the patient alive until was a silver tube). A strange improved, Dr. Delaney went into the arrival of the younger and high weird sound came from the the second stage of the operation better equipped man. pipe and the people outside knew and soon an enormous chunk of Dr. Delaney chatted a little that the fight was not over. Some steak was removed from Daly's while at the door, then jumped said it was like the sound of a throat. into his Gig and sped away in Bellows before the tune was The Ambulance arrived next the wake of the Ambulance on struck up. (The Bellows was a at the door, a drab green four the way to the Cottage Hospital musical instrument, a poor wheeled horsedrawn vehicle, at Bagenalstown. relation of the Irish pipes, which which was at once high and low. Lory Daly recovered and lived was commonly used at dances at High because the buxom nurse out his normal life span. that time. It emittec;l. high, could stand full height between The piece of meat was wheezy sounds of limited the two couches and low because preserved and kept in ajar in the notation). of an ingenious crank in the axle old Dispensary in Leighlin for Daly began to regain which brought the floor near the many years until the great and consciousness again. Dr. ground. Lory Daly was carried terrible events of this century Delaney poured the chloroform out resting face down on a obscured the wonder of such on a pad and held it close to the stretcher. things. 19 Looking Back By Alec Burns

RECENT donation to the premises now occupied by the by William Dunny & Family A Museum included a copy of Leix Pharmacy. Her brother who continue in the Bakery, a 1934 Calendar and Year Book Thomas was a Corn & Wool Confectionery & Grocery of the Cathedral Parish. Merchant in Haymarket. A business. John O'Neill was a Looking through the advertising machinery firm now occupies Wine & Spirit Merchant at 9, columns I was struck by the that site. Mr. M. Byrne had a Coal Market. It is sad to recall number of businesses which Wine & Spirit Store on the Quay that the last member of his have changed hands in the opposite the Boat Club. The late family died only recently. Jones intervening years. P. Losty carried on the same Business Systems in Burrin For instance, Duggan's of business for many years. M. Street is located where Annie Dublin Street had a Stationer's Shanahan has renovated and Nolan had a Grocery, Confec­ shop at number 58 which sold extended the premises and he tionery and Provisions Shop. everything in this category. The trades under the name of The Carlow Cinema was same business is carried on by 'Amadeus' with a very located in Burrin Street on the Miss Hayes their successor. At successful Disco Bar. site now occupied by the General number 59 they had a large Post Office. Part of Kennedy grocery store with a Wine and Avenue was occupied by the Spirit business at the rear. This Sweep ticket Cinema also. Their advertise­ was a great meeting place for the shares from 1/- ment said, "You are always sure proprietor's friends. Peter and to see the best pictures and enjoy Betty Gorman are the present Foley's Lending Library & them in absolute comfort". Seats owners. Sationery, Newsagency and could be booked at No. 26, Tullow Pat Donohue had a Paint and Confectionery, was a great Street where the proprietor, Wallpaper Shop in No. 38 and business house on the Bridge Frank Slater, lived. He had a also was a Painting Contractor between Carlow and Graigue­ Fish Shop and Poultry Store employing several tradesmen cullen. Sweeps Tickets and there and "one was sure to during the season. There does Shares could be had from 1/­ obtain the very best quality by not seem to be any business (one shilling!) upwards. The ordering in advance". It is now being carried on there now. McDonald family carry on the an Amusement Arcade although Frank McAnally was a Chemist same business now. Harte of the Meighan family from in No. 44 and carried on a very Castle Hill had a Fruit, Sweets Graiguecullen had continued successful business. He sold it to and Cigarette business. This with the Fish Shop for many F. Corless who continues to house is now occupied by the years. T. Crotty & Sons have serve all the pharmaceutical Curran family. Francis Kirk had their Bakery & Confectionery needs of his many customers. a Family Grocery, Tea, Wine & where Frank ran a similar Murray's of Dublin St. prided Spirit business in No. 44 Castle business for many years. Mrs. themselves as the Premier Sweet St. The same business is being Crotty is the proprietor of Stores & Ice Cream Cafe. They carried on by the present owner, "Creations", a Ladies' and had large stocks of high class Mr. Griffin. Childrens' Boutique at 125, confectionery and a variety of John Brennan had a Tullow St. where Mrs. James cigarettes and cigars. They are Pawnbroking, Leather & Shoe Walsh had a Grocery & one of the few original stores still Business at Nos 1 & 2, Castle Confectionery business. trading in the town. Street. Both businesses have died in the intervening years. Formerly the Mineral waters Pawnbroking was a great help for poor people in hard times. In Swan Hotel and Guinness those days people of modest means repaired all of their Miss Phelan had a Millinery Maggie Bolger, 11 Brown St. is family footwear and No. 1 was a Shop at 74, Burrin St and this another of the few businesses great source of leather and was continued by Mrs. remaining from that time. She grindery. There was a Pet Shop McDermott. It was taken over by and her successors carry on a in these premises until recent M/S Gillespie who sold the busy Wine & Spirit Lounge for times and Attic Conversions Co. premises to the Nationwide their many friends. are the new owners. Thomas Building Society. Katherine Corcoran & Co. have their Reddy was a Family Grocer & McDonnell ran a Family usual banner headlines for their Provisions Merchant at No. 15, Grocery & Wine Merchants Mineral Waters and also for Castle St. Now in the possession business in Haymarket until their bottling of Guinness Stout, of Mr. Cullen, it is a snooker-hall taken over some years ago by Irish Ales, Bass & Co. Pale Ales. under the name 'Casablanca'. Ewings. In time they transferred They advertised as Whiskey Jack Walsh and his sister had across the Market to Collier's Bonders & Wine Importers also. a High Class Machine Bakery, premises which was formerly Annie McWey was a Family Confectionery and a Flour Meal the Swan Hotel. The new Grocer, Wine & Spirit Merchant & Barn Store at Nos 5 and 6, proprietor at McDonnell's at 9, Wellington Square in the Castle St. This was taken over renamed it "The Crow's Nest". 20 Mrs. Robert Gough carried on a Drapery, Millinery, Boot & Fancy Warehouse at 139, Tullow St. Her daughters sold the premises to George Good for his hardware business. Later he sold it to M/S Saxone for a Boot & Shoe store but he retained Gough's shop for the sale of Paints and Wallpaper supplies. Next door at No. 138, M. J. Graham had a small Drapery for Ladies and Children, also Millinery and Haberdashery. Eilis O'Neill is the current proprietor of a successful Confectionery, Stationery, Cards and Souvenir business.

Was Hosiery factory

Michael Molloy had probably the largest store along with Haddens in Tullow Street. They stocked everything in the Drapery & Footwear depart­ ments and had an extensive Hosiery factory. The 5-Star ~ Supermarket and Woolworths ; traded at this location :nntil it ::i was purchased by M/S s McLaughlin who reconstructed 0 the premises into the present ~ shopping arcade of Tullow Tullow Street shop front photographed in 1970s. Street House. Gerald Donnelly ran a High Class Grocery, Wholesale & Retail, Wine & Miss M. T. Kelly carries on a Goods & Haberdashery Store Spirit business at Nos 8, 9 & 10 Newspaper, Confectionery, and a Confectionery at No. 66, Tullow St. This area is occupied General Stationers & Fancy Tullow St. His son carries on by Shaw's Drapery Store and Goods Warehouse business. This with a Pharmaceutical business. they took over the adjacent was started by her grandparents Michael Doyle, The Shamrock, General Drapery Store once run in Nos 57 & 58, Tullow St. Tullow St. was in business as a by Youngs and later Browns. another of the oldest premises Family Grocer & Spirit Foley Bros. of 112, Tullow St. under the one family name in the Merchant. He sold Coal, Timber, were Family Grocers and Wine & street. Slates and Hardware require­ Spirits Merchants. It was called Miss Maher had a Family ments also. The latter business "The Old House". Aidan Grocer & Confectionery shop at is continued by his grandson in Lennon, the present owner No. 92. A plaque to the memory an enlarged and most successful carries on the Lounge Bar of Padraig Mac Gamhna is on venture. business. Mary Walsh had a the outside front wall. Charlie most successful Bakery & Byrne now occupies the Confectionery in the adjacent premises. Saddler and premises for many years. It is Gerald Kehoe was close by in harness maker now occupied by Celtic Cleaners. No. 101, now demolished. He Across the road at No. 40, James sold Gramophones and Radios. George Branagan was a Hickey had a High Class Tom Seeley had a Ladies' & Saddler & Harness Maker at No. - Grocery, Tea, Wine & Spirits Gents' Hairdressing Saloon at 150. Sadly, that trade seems to business. The Carlow Bakery No. 50 across the road. A. have died out. Frank Tully runs Co. succeeded him for several Gannon now has a Meat & a Sports Shop at this location. years until it reverted back to the Bacon Shop there as previous Helena B. Nolan advertised as Wine & Spirit business. owner Eugene Dooley did for a "Merchant" at Court Place. Lawlers of "The Plough", many years. She had a Grocery, Wine & Spirit Tullow St., had a High Class Willie O'Neill & Sons had a Business. "The Irishman's" was Victualling business along with large garage at No.s 55 & 56. He its title and this is retained their Family Grocery and Spirit was an agent for leading makes by her grandnephew, John Bar. Changes have taken place of Bicycles and Motor Cars. Hargaden who runs a very since the arrival of the Several shops occupy the space successful Lounge Bar. Supermarket era. They now now including a Dry Cleaners Annie Nolan had a Green­ confine themselves to High and the Trustee Savings Bank. grocery & Confectionery Class lounges for Wine & Spirit John Foley had a General business at No. 77, Tullow St. customers. Provisions, Stationery, Fancy She had a "Pure New Milk 21 Depot" also. Sadly there is no business there at present. Tynan's Hotel, Tullow St. advertised that it was unbeatable for its excellent cuisine and extensive Grillroom. It was renowned for its large Ballroom, Lounge and Supper Rooms, the largest in South Leinster. M. J. Dease, the proprietor's nephew, was the manager. It was replaced by the Ritz Cinema. This building was in poor condition but is now being renovated. Patrick Molloy had a Bakery ~ & Provisions Shop at 137, ; Tullow St. It is now occupied by ~ MIS Tully Travel Agents. Close 0 ~ by, P. Colgan had a Stationery 0 and Fancy Goods Warehouse in Nos 135 & 136 and was a branch .~.~~~------~-~~·~~~~ Another shop front of the 1970s. of the Torch Library also. Allied Irish Finance now occupy No. years until retirement. Jim remained closed ever since. 135. 'TOP GEAR' is at No. 136 Fogarty was his successor and Harry Mayer had a Motor which had been the residence of carries on the Wine & Spirit Hackney business in 66, Tullow Gerald Kehoe who had a Radio & business. St. He was the husband of Bridie Television business there for· J. J. Dunphy was a Builder & Hayden who had a very many years. Contractor at 52, Tullow St. successful General Supply Shop Sanitary Work was a Speciality. for many years. The shop is now He also had a Wine & Spirit closed up. Garage and business. MIS Archbold now service station continue the Wine & Spirit business with a Lounge & "The Bishop J. J. Wall had a Motor Garage Ballroom titled 'El Ruedo', Byrnes" and Service Station on the mainly Disco Dancing. Kilkenny Road. This site was "The Cafe", No. 6, Tullow St., Patrick Byrne was a Tea, Wine sold to the Texaco Oil Co. Proprietress - B. Dillon, was a & Spirit Merchant at no. 72. It Several houses nearby were Private Hotel, Restaurant and was commonly known as "The cleared by the Council many Soda Fountain with a Ladies' Bishop Byrnes". He also sold years ago. Hairdressing Saloon attached. Delicious Teas. Mis. Caulfield The advertisement for T. McDonald runs a Men's continue the licence trade there Murphy's at 2, 3 & 4, Tullow St. Drapery Store now under the now. said, "Don't fail to visit our title of "Mac's". John McEvoy was a Wine and House, it is noted for Value in Richard Byrne had a Motor & Spirit Merchang at No. 66, he every class of Drapery, Millinery Cycle Works and Garage. He also sold Groceries and & Piece Goods". MIS Melville was also a Haulage Contractor "Limerick Bacon & Hams" at carry on the same business in at No. 80, Tullow St., now lowest prices, Mis. "Cee Gees" the premises. occupied by part of the L & N have a successful Lounge Bar Miss Hoey of 28 & 29, Tullow Stores and he had a there at present. St. was a Stationer & Confectionery Shop at No. 39. Mis. E. J. Nolan had a Newsagent. Catholic Prayer Michael White, Pharmaceutical renowned Chemist Shop at the Books and Irish-made Rosary Chemist, is now the occupant. corner of Tullow St. and Dublin Beads were a speciality. A. St. They had a large clientele O'Brien has a Jewellery and were also fully qualified business there now. "The talk of Opticians. It was known as the James McDermott carried on a Carlow" "Arcade Pharmacy". His son Family Grocery, Wine & Spirit has an extensive photographic Merchants and his descendants Tuomey' s Bacon is "the talk of business supplying all amateur are still in the same business, Carlow" according to their advt., photographers needs there now. another of the few families also their Teas & Grocery. Finally my own advertisement remaining at the same location "Denny's" quality only stocked. reveals the fact that Unisex over the years. Lennons Bar & Lounge now Saloons are not an innovation of Brigid Kearney had a Flour occupy the premises. They also recent years. It states that I Meal & Corn Stores in Coal have an Auctioneering business catered for both Ladies and Market. It is now occupied by under the title, "Real Estate Gents and that I held a Greg Fitzmaurice as a Bacon & House". Proficiency Certificate from the Meat Store. William Purcell & Sons, 86, Gents Academy in London for Mrs. King was a Grocer and Tullow St., were Ironmongers, my work, also that we were Spirit Merchant at No. 27, Coach Builders & Undertakers. established in 1905. I retired Tullow St. Her son Jimmy Sadly the premises closed on the from business last year for carried on the business for many death of the owner and have health reasons. 22 My Native Place By Mrs. Mary Murphy

y native place lies in the the circular shape of the townsland with only one family M upper end of St. Mullins traditional Irish Rath. One of living there. There are two other Parish and is over-looked by the fields on Lawlors land (near farms, one belonging to both Goolin Hill with its the site) is still called the Camp Jackmans, Ballybeg, formerly distinctive stone-built ditches, Field. owned by Callaghans about and further back by the high In this general vicinity ninety years ago. One of the rising Blackstairs with its between Ballybeg Lane and the Callaghan family was Fr. Tom famous Cahir's Den. The exact Skeogh also existed a Hedge Prendergast's mother and Fr. meaning of Slievedurda is not School. The pupils brought sods Prendertast diligently visited known. Some historians take of turf with them for a fire, so the ruins of where his mother Slievedurda to mean "Sliabh there may have been a shelter or was reared on visits to the dubh Arda", or the high black hut there. In famine times a lot of locality. The other farm belongs hill. However, the more likely families left Ballybeg at the time to Martin Farrell, Glencoumb, meaning is Sliabh Durda or the according to folklore, and this formerly owned by Jim Hill of Durda. trend could well have signalled Grennan. Jim worked as a At the entrance to our lane is the end of the Hedge School. butcher and general houseman situated a rath, with the old lane in Knockbeg College when Fr. Four farms in Ballybeg are Tom Prendergast and Bishop passing in circular fashion called Ballybeg Little or behind it. When travelling along Tom Kehoe was there. Jim was Ballybeg Stafford. Kavanagh of very friendly with the two young this lane in a vehicle the hollow Borris, the local landlord sold engine sound suggests a cavern students and later when Tom this part of Ballybeg, along with Kehoe became Bishop he came to or cave beneath the ground, Slievedurda to Lord Courtown possibly burial chambers. visit Jim Grennan. (surname Stafford) and to this Many of the places in Of great historical interest is a very day that sale is having its Quern stone which was Slievedurda bear Irish names effects on Ballybeg Stafford, as including Gort na Mhaca - the unearthed in 1938 by the people the farms there have no here while making a new road road leading from Slievedurda mountain rights and lie outside bridge to the top of our lane. below the dwelling house. This the disadvantage area. type of stone was used from Towards the Mt. Leinster side ancient times up to about 200 In the 1940's there were "great of Slievedurda lies a vast years ago for the purpose of horse and pony races", in expanse of low lying bog where grinding corn. As two quern Ballybeg, which ran as the in times gone by each family had stones were used to grind the racing card says, "Over a its own turf bank, and these were corn its comrade lies quietly Splendid Course, kindly given used extensively especially beneath the Slievedurda clay. by Messrs. Ryan, Byrne and during the war years. Also unearthed in the 1940's Jackman". Surrounded by hills on all sides was a silver bank token coin, Newtown has also a lot to offer (Slievedurda, Goolin, Tinne­ dated 1806. It was found on the of historical interest. Two carrig) the bog was full of site of stone cottages which churches once stood in treacherous swamps and shakes disappeared during famine Kavanagh's field (known to this with many cattle and horses times and in years shortly after day as the Church Field) which being lost, some without trace. as emigration and death took have since disappeared with the In the last ten years most of the their toll. exception of the Holy Water bog was planted and it is now Ballybeg and Newtown are Font. A Mass path passed under covered by a beautiful and lush the adjoining townslands. our house and up to the Barrack young evergreen forest. Ballybeg on the Mount Leinster Lane. People coming from Close by that is the remains side and Newtown on the Borris Ballybeg passed under our house of the old Railway Line (Great side. There are three raths which with the stepping-stones in the Southern and Western Railway) I know of in Ballybeg each with rock field existing to this very which opened in the mid 19th its own distinctive design. The day. This later came to be used Century and ran for over one most interesting one had a huge as a school path as Newtown hundred years, closing down in mound of stones in the middle School House was opened in 1964 and many of the sleepers and is said to have been an 1829. and Railway gates are still in ancient burial place. It is A new school was built in 1946 daily use on the local farms. A situated in a fairly recently but the old school serves the piece down from Slievedurda planted forest but the place was local community as a Parish Bridge where the railway ran is always known as The Wood. Hall. Many Raths also exist in a milestone which read 79% A large battle was fought in Newtown and tradition has it miles to Dublin. Ballybeg in 1643 between James that there are three priests Realising that I have just Marquis of Ormonde and Lord buried in one of Lennons fields skimmed the historical surface I Mt. Garrett. There was terrible facingCollyhune. Newtown was bring this short account to an bloodshed and loss of life in the also the site of the local forge for end but at the same time battle, the bodies are said to be generations, which was denoted acknowledging that the few buried in one of these raths, a on the old maps as "smythe". facts jotted down make me part rath which does not conform to Slievedurda is a small of and proud of My Native Place. 23 The Parish Of Clonegal By William White

ONG before the historians or an Augustinian Abbey, said to castles of Clohamon, Clonmullen L the peoples they wrote about, have been founded by the Danes, and Clonogan. Queen Elizabeth's came to the valley in the shadow who although they generally set forces captured three castles in of the Blackstairs mountains, up their settlements along the the district in 1588. This region the waters of the sea washed the coast, sometimes followed the was known as the "Leveroch", Irish shore near where the rivers many miles inland. They and was given by Royal Order to village of Clonegal now stands. were referred to by the native the Netterville family, who sold A geological upheavel saw the Irish as the Gaul, or strangers, it to the Esmond family about seas roll back and the range of thus, Meadow of the Stranger. 1615. Clonogan Castle was just the Wicklow foot-hills, down to Some hold that it could be a outside Clonegal on the Tullow the Gibbet Hill rise to cover one misspelling of the word Gaul for Road. The building is known for of the most western Faults in the Irish for Meeting, and that years as Huntington Castle and Europe. the real meaning is "Meadow of now once more called Clonegal Tremors have been felt along the Meeting" or where the rivers Castle was turned into a fortress this fault in the 70's and 80's Slaney and Derry meet. in 1625, taking five years to down the coast as far as complete. It was sold to the Enniscorthy. This Fault is said Leslie family of Limerick, but to run from Norway and Sweden "Labba na was purchased by Alexander under the North Sea, the Shee" Durdin in 1780. Scottish mountains, the North The Esmond's had called Channel, Mountains of Mourne, How far back into history we Huntington after the town of and the Wicklow mountains, to can trace life in the valley of Huntington in Lincolnshire in just north of Enniscorthy. Clonegal is hard to define but a England, where the family came What is now the parish of grave in the townland of from. The Durdin family later Clonegal comprises the ancient Moylisha is known as "Labba intermarried with the Esmond's, parishes of Moyacomb and na Shee", the bed or grave of the and a great-grand-daughter of Barragh. Magh-da-chon, "The fairies. This is taken to refer to Alexander Durdin, Helen, plain of the two Hounds" cover­ one of the first races of people, or married Herbert Robertson, and ed the region from the foot of as they were often spoken of, the their descendants are still in the mountains (Blackstairs) in fairies of ancient Irish history, possession. The Castle is built the South-east, to Balisland, and The Tuatha-de-Danaan. The over a well, 1 7 feet from crown to northward through Orchard to Tuatha-de-Danaan, were a timid bottom, which is still in use. The Ardattin, then westward to people and, when the more war­ well is said to be pre-christian. Kilbride and Barragh. like Milesians came to our The original walls of the castle shores, they shrank into the are six feet thick at the bottom. Meadow of deeper forests and eventually On the southern side of the went under-ground. It is said castle, along the lower lawn, the stranger that they were the original runs the "New Walk". This walk fairies, only appearing for is about 600 years old, and is This district is stated in fleeting moments, thus giving thought to be part of the cloisters O'Huidrin's Topographical rise to the many stories of their of an ancient abbey, the ruins of Poem as being the ancestral strange doings throughout the which are in the castle grounds. patrimony of O'Neill ofLeinster. pages of Irish folklore. The Four Masters also refer to it Other traces of ancient times in their mention of the "Battle of are to be found in the shape of Flour and Rath-Edair, (Hill of Howth), the remains of the oratory of Ard Woollen Mills between the men of Munster and Briton, in the townland of the men of Leinster". In their Orchard, and a place on Newry The beauty that is thr valley of account of the battle, they name Hill where the ancient Irish Clonegal to-day, with it's among the defeated Leinster­ judges sat to give judgment. It wooded slopes and fertile fields, men, "Ua Neill of Magh-da­ is known as Rath-na-Doran. The its well kept homes and peaceful chon". This reference is in A.D. Dorans were the Brehons, the aspect, its gently flowing rivers, 1087. Earlier we find that, hereditary judges of Leinster. give little indication of the Cernach, Lord ofUi Bairche and Clonegal is situated on the turbulent past of the village. Magh-Da-Con died in 856 A.D. banks of the River Derry (River of The Northern Pass into The name of the village of Oak) about one and a half miles Wexford was through the valley Clonegal is "Cluain na nGall" or from where it joins the Slaney at of Clonegal and in the 17th meadow of the stranger. Its "Youngs Bridge". The district century the village was the scene origin is probably derived from between the Blackstairs and the of much activity. Business one of two buildings which Wicklow mountains was a houses, large Cattle and Sheep added to the beauty of the valley, wooded region in the 1500's. It fairs, Flour and Woollen Mills, a the Abbey of Doune, or as the was also the section of the tanyard and one of the sweetest townland is called to this day country in which the clan of distilleries in Leinster gave it an Abbeydown. This was the site of Kavanagh ruled, from the air of importance all it's own. 24 ~ &i ~ B ..c:0 Os Huntington Castle, Clonegal. It was into this valley that the was surrounded, and all who rivers meet and leads on to Cromwellian forces marched were caught put to the sword. It Kildavin. after the capture of Tullow was probably because of this As one approaches the village Castle in 1650. It was in this attack that the surrounding we pass the Spellman Park on valley that the hill clans of the castles were garrisoned so the left of the road. This park is Kavanaghs, the O'Tooles, and strongly and the name of named after the late Cardinal the O'Byrnes determined to Kavanagh ordered to be erased Spellman of New York, whose make a stand against this tyrant from the valley for all time. The ancestors came from Kilbride, who put all who crossed his path memory of this battle is recalled and are buried in the grounds of to the sword. The clans mustered in a stanza by Fleming, one of St. Lazernan's church, Kildavin. in the village of Clonegal, the last of the "Bards of The Cardinal also built the and planned to attack the Orchard". Spellman Hall in Kildavin Cromwellian forces, under Village. Colonels Reynolds and Hewson, The Sun of thy glory forever is Kildavin, like Clonegal, once in the street of the village. The set, was a busy little village. A mill clansmen were probably Ill-fated Hibernia in darkness at Ballypierce, just outside the commanded by Donal Kavanagh, profound, village, gave good employment, the last of the chiefs of With the blood of thy heroes it also boasted a corn store, wool Clonmullen. Kilcarry is wet, store, forge, post office and Desolation and death roam at shops. The R.C. church of St. "Orchard of large all around, Lazerian, and the Church of the Bards" The streams of old Derry which Ireland church of St. Paul adorn The forces of Cromwell silver were called the village with magnificent marched into the valley by the By the sweet bards of Orchard in splendour. old road. This was through happier days, "Orchard of the Bards", and Are tainted with murders and over Monaughrim Hill. The river crimson'd with gore, Spellman Derry flows through Clonegal, Choked up with carnage and Park and where the bridge now stands stopped in their ways. was but a ford at the time. This Kildavin derives its name ford was to see the deaths of Fleming was a teacher of local from "Cill" meaning church, many brave clansmen before the history as well as a poet, and had and Duban, a priest and pilgrim day was out. The mountain men a number of pupils who attended of the 5th or beginning of the 6th had waited until the enemy were his residence. The site of his century. Another version of the in the street of the village before home is still known as "The name is that it is from the Irish, they attacked, but the element of schoolhouse field". "Cill Da Abhainn" or church of sµrprise was not enough, and The Kildavin road, as it is the two rivers. It is strong in they were cut down by deadly called, runs parallel to the Derry sporting activities with the musket fire. Some tried to escape for a little over a mile in a south­ Spellman Park as the hub. across the ford but were westerly direction from Kildavin boasts a strong G.A.A. slaughtered in the water. Others Clonegal. It then crosses the club, Camogie club, Basketball escaped to Kilcarry wood, which Slaney just south of where the and Tennis clubs. The LC.A. 25 guild is one of the most efficient held there but has been to his left, the fall to the Slaney in the county. A Pitch and Putt discontinued since 1798. Efforts and then the rise to Monaughrim club was formed some years ago are now being made by some and the old road from Tullow. It and has a large membership. local people to have the well was from this part of the parish From Kildavin, westward restored. This Monastery was that the ancestors of the late along the road to Myshall stands once the home of students from Cardinal Spellman of New York the ruins of the old church of other lands who came to study in came. Barragh. The gable ends and the peace and tranquility that Staying with the main road we one side wall are standing to this was Barragh. The well is still reach Kildavin and head on to day. The dimensions of the visited by those suffering from Bunclody through the lovely church are 78 feet long by 21 feet limb pains and sore eyes. Slaney Valley, the surpassing wide. The name of the church Clonmullin Castle: The beauty of which inspired the late and the townland are supposed castle of Clo nm ullin, home of the Senator Patrick Kehoe to pen the to be of ecclesiastical origin and O'Cavanagh clan, is perhaps words of that lovely song derived from St. Barragh who better known as the home of "Slaney Valley". Few indeed are had the church built. A burial­ Ellen Kavanagh, the "Aileen the beauty spots to match the ground is to be found a short Aroon" of the Poet whose view of the Slaney as it winds distance from the church. The romantic story is told by through Drumderry and enters headstones can still be read with hartstonge, in "Minstrelsy Of the county made famous in '98, care, and two unmarked stones Erin". This story of romance, "Wexford, lovely Wexford, are said to be those of priests. from so long ago, could well be Fairest land of all to me, One was a Fr. Bryan Cuirick turned into a best seller to-day. With the Slaney gently flowing P.P. ofBarragh in 1704, and the The love, the family opposition, From Bunclody to the sea". other a Fr. Thomas Dempsey. the secret agents, the secret of To approach Clonegal from Other inscriptions can be read, the song, the daring of O'Daly, the North-West, or over the old and one such states that "Here the plan and the final escape and road from Tullow our first view lyeth the body of Margaret Neale marriage are the making of a of the valley is breath-taking. alias Dempsey, died on 6 day of real life drama. Away to the left the Wicklow February 1727 aged 29 years". Mountains rise in magnificent About 1650 Cromwellian splendour. To the right the soldiers attacked the church, Stronger purple clad Blackstairs reach to firing cannon from the the sky, and the silver ribbon Cranemore road. They then than ever that is the Slaney weaves it's searched the church for way through the valley and the valuables but found nothing. It was under the leadership of myriad shades that are equalled The monks who were aware of the O'Cavanagh's that the hill no-where else in Leinster. From the impending attack had clans mustered in Clonegal in here we can see Ballyredmond escaped with the Chalices, 1650. All traces of the Castle Wood, said by many to be the Monstrance and other valuables, have long since disappeared and Black Wood referred to in history including the Golden Tabernacle nothing now remains to tell us as the last meeting place of Ard door which they concealed in the where the home of this warlike Ri and Diarmuid McMurragh vicinity of the church. They have clan who once ruled in splendour before the latter went to seek the never been found. was. It is said that the stones of aid of the Normans. Clonmullin went to build "The Chase" near Bunclody. Despite Missionary Cromwell's order 'That the name Huntington church of Cavanagh should be erased from the valley and never more Castle Barragh church, is supposed be heard -from the Nine Stones to have been founded by St. to the Wicklow border' the Far to the left are the slopes of Barragh of whom it is hard to Kavanagh's are now back Aghold, where St. Fiac had his find any account except in the stronger than ever from Mt. monastery, and nearer, the History of St. Finian of Clonard. Leinster to the Wicklow spires of the church of St. Fiac in St. Finian on his return from a Mountains. Clonegal. The turrets of mission in Wales founded a A Pat. Roll, June 13th. 4 & 5 Huntington Castle can be picked monastery in Aghold, Co. Phillip and Mary, records the out in a loop of the Derry at Wicklow. From there he went to pardon of Arte McMoriertaghe Clonegal, with the Spire of St. many places including the Kavanaghe, otherwise called Brigid's Church keeping a territory of Barragh over which Arte Boye, of Clanmullen, in the watching brief over the village. the chieftain Dermot ruled. Here county of Carlow, gent. Just beyond Clonegal is he erected his missionary So the Kavanagh's are legal Ballinastra w Hill, on top of church. holders of their lands once more. which was one of the garrison Some distance North of the The visitor to the Parish of houses left by the Cromwellians. church of Barragh is a Blessed Clonegal will find much to On the far left we can pick out Well, known as the Cronavane interest him. Approaching along Newry Hill, where lived the Well. This well is actually the the main road from Carlow his mother of Bagenal Harvey the third of three wells in what was first view of this beautiful valley '98 leader. When Harvey was prob.ably the site of a monastery will be from the top of Boggan captured on the Saltee Islands of Barragh. Like so many other Hill in Kilbride. To his right rises he surrendered his sword to the Blessed Wells in Ireland the the wooded slopes of Sherwood, Officer in charge of the Yeomen, Cronevane well was once the in front the long run to the and a young captain asked for it. place of great devotion. Many foothills of Mount Leinster and He was none other than Ralph years ago a Pattern used to be the fertile fields of Wexford, and James Harvey's own brother-in- 26 ~ &i ~s 0 f Tommy Dobbs, Kevin Kennedy and Willie White viewing the Bullaun Stone which is beside the avenue leading to Huntington Castle. It is known locally as the "Wart Stone". law. He brought the sword back stands the tallest Lime tree in the Yeomen, the Hanging arch. to Newry where it was kept for Ireland, and in the field on the The house in High St. that was many years. The sword was left as we approach the castle first a convent, then a curate's given to another brother-in-law, is a stone known as the "Wart residence and now a beautiful namedDonohoewhokeptitsafe, Stone". This stone is also home. Thelistofthemembersof and it remained in the family for pre-christian. the Church of Ireland who generations. The sword passed The Grapevine in the organised and subscribed to, the on to Thomas Donohoe's conservatoryatthecastleissaid building of the present R.C. St. grandson, Richard Murphy of to be taken from the great vine at Brigid's Church, (they included Coolruss, who with the consent Hampton Court which is John Derenzy), and many other of the family presented it to the supposed to have been planted facts that make Clonegal one of Wexford museum on permanent by King Henry VIII. the most interesting villages in loan. Among the original features the country. still surviving in the castle are In recent times it is better the old kitchen fire-place, large known for it's annual Village The Watch enough to roast an ox, the iron Fair on the last Sunday of July. House gate at the front door, and It's sports clubs, it's high probably the door itself. standing in the Tidy Towns The river Derry forms the Clonegal has many other competition, and hospitability to boundary between Wexford and places and buildings of interest all. Carlow, and divides the village like the Wool Store and Corn Mill To learn the whole story of this of Clonegal in two. The part of that is now a Supermarket. The village and parish would take the village in Wexford is known old Rectory where Bid Doolin, the stranger a long time. We feel as The Watch House. The name better known as Biddy the it would be time well spent, for comes from the fact that when Pointer, pointed out the after all Cluain na nGall is "The the 1798 Rising commenced a insurgents to John Derenzy and Meadow of the Stranger". hut was built at the Water House cross which was manned by Yeomen or soldiers day and Ducketts' Grove To Graiguecullen night. A person bringing an animal to the fair of Carnew had The organ at St. Clare's Church, Graiguecullen was overhauled to get a permit at the Watch by Mr. Alex Chestnutt of the Chestnutt organ building firm of House cross, and if he failed to Waterford in 1941. The organ was bought by the late Father sell he had to get another permit Bolger at Ducketts' Auction before St. Clares Church was from the Yeomen in Carnew to completed and he kept it as an intended gift. bring the animal home. The organ was built by Telford and Telford over 100 years In the avenue leading from the ago. village to Huntington Castle Nationalist & Leinster Times, May 24, 1941. 27 Secretary's Report

N 1946 when the Old Carlow places are to be found elaborate museums in Leningrad I Society was founded many throughout the county by and Moscow this was very high people said it would only last a anyone who takes the trouble to praise. He was so pleased that he few months. However, time has look for them. said at a future date he would proved that these prophets of On 11th December, Dr. Patrick bring his wife to see our Museum. doom were mistaken for in 1987 Jones took us to the celebrated Chairperson thanked the the Society is still flourishing Burren District of Co. Clare from Secretary, Treasurer and Editor and is one of the leading which he had just returned after for their services during the organisations in Carlow. Great some months of research work year. She said they were most co­ credit is due to that small band of there. His talk was most operative. Concluding Mrs. enthusiasts who decided to have instructive as he detailed the Crombie said people should not a historical society in Carlow rock formation and plant life of allow their names to go forward and to all those down the years that unique district. for election to the Committee who continued the work of these Mr. Seamus Murphy was to unless they were prepared to pioneers and built up the Society have given a talk entitled attend all Committee Meetings. to its present strong position. "Gleanings of Carlow from Old Secretary, S. O'Leary gave a Today the membership includes Leases" on 15th January but due detailed account of the year's people from all walks of life not to the snow it had to be activities for which he was only in Carlow town and county postponed until the 19th complimented. but from all over Ireland and February. It was well worth Treasurer, Mrs. M. Fenlon overseas. The Journal "Carlo­ waiting for as we learned an explained the various items on viana" is read with interest all amount about the people and the Balance Sheet and was over the world and applications houses in Carlow a hundred or congratulated on the sound for membership are continually more years ago. These old financial position of the Society. coming from far and near. Leases should be carefully Editor, Tomas MacGabhann All our activities this year preserved and diligently studied said that although the cost of were most successful. The because they contain a wealth of production of Carloviana was Summer outings attracted large information about The Old very high he hoped, as the sales numbers and were enjoyed by all Town of Ceatharloch. were quite good, that they would who were fortunate to secure The final lecture of the season break even. He said it had been seats. Luckily all the outings entitled "1798 in Carlow" was #possible to produce an enlarged were blessed with lovely fine given on Thursday 19th March eidition for our 40th anniversary weather. The enlarged edition of by Dr. Kevin Whelan, Assistant due to the fact that generous Carloviana, celebrating our 40th Librarian in the National contributions were received from anniversary, received the Library in Dublin. Dr. Whelan the Bank of Ireland and the highest enconiums and was dealt with aspects of that Rising Allied Irish Bank and that 102 eagerly bought up. The Museum, which are not generally known firms took advertising space in too, attracted large numbers of and especially the great link the Journal. He hoped that it visitors, all of whom praised the between Carlow and Wexford in might be possible to have a layout and variety of the those eventful days. It was quite similar edition in 1987. exhibits. obvious that the lecturer had Chairman of the Museum made a comprehensive study of Committee, Alec Burns, reported Talks that period of Irish History. that very many new exhibits The first lecture of the Winter were received during the year Session entitled "The Archaeol­ A.G.M. and the number of visitors was ogy of Co. Carlow" was given on The A.G.M. was held oll' most gratifying especially Thursday 16th October, 1986 by Thursday 23rd April, 1987. school groups from all over the Mr. Michael Gibbons of the Chairperson, Mrs. Veronica county. Mr. S. Murphy Board of Works who was in Crombie in her address said she suggested that the exhibits charge of the group who had was very pleased with the should be changed around spent the previous six months attendance at the meeting. She regularly to maintain the photographing and recording was also glad that the Summer interest of the public. historical sites in Co. Carlow. Outings were so successful and Various suggestions were The lecture and especially the that the Winter lectures were so made for the Summer Outings aerial photographs were most well attended. She stressed that and it was left to the incoming interesting. This lecture had an it was most important to keep Committee to decide the venues. overflow audience. history in the forefront. History The Officers and Committee On 20th November, William was the basis of the Society and elected for 1987-88 appear on Ellis gave a talk entitled "Out-of­ it should be the object of every another page. the-Way Places in Co. Carlow". member to collect and record Billy has spent his leisure hours every scrap of history local and Outings travelling around the county otherwise. Mrs. Crombie said Swords: On Sunday 14th with his camera. Hence his that the Russian Ambassador June was had a full day outing to series of coloured slides and his visited the Museum recently and the Fingal Area of North Co. accompanying talk were quite was really delighted with the Dublin. In Swords, Mr. J. Scally, fascinating. He certainly various exhibits. Coming from a noted local historian, gave an showed us what interesting Russia where there are most interesting account of the town 28 down the years. He conducted us Lismore we proceeded to the founding of the Society. It to the remains of the old Castle, Ormond Castle in Carrick-on­ contained particularly interest­ the Round Tower and adjacent Suir. A very efficient student ing articles and as a result had a Church. From there we went on from University College Cork ready sale and received to Newbridge House which has gave the history of that enconiums from all quarters. recently been acquired and formidable fortress of the Editor, Tomas MacGaghann renovated by Dublin County Butlers. We were very impressed certainly deserves to be highly Council. The grounds and the how well the building had been complimented on such a fine building are most attractive. A preserved and made accessible production. most efficient lady conducted us for visitors. On the homeward through the various rooms and journey we had tea in the Grand Obituary gave an account of the former Inn in Nine-Mile-House. Regrettably four of our owners of the mansion. Most Powerscourt: On the members passed to their Eternal impressive was a wonderful afternoon of 13th September we Reward during the year. collection of vintage coaches, visited delightful Powerscourt On 30th November Lazarian cars and machinery in buildings situated amid the lovely LittleofStrawhall who for many surrounding the spacious yard. mountains of Wicklow. We were years was a very faithful It was delightful to see so many charmed with the beautiful member passed away. city families enjoying them­ grounds with its picturesque Miss Nan Shaw of J.K.L. selves on the well-kept lawns in lake and the view of the lovely Avenue, a member of a very old the glorious sunshine. countryside stretching off to the family who formerly lived in In the evening the party had Sugar Loaf Mountain. Of course, Bridewell Lane, died in February. High Tea in the Grove Hotel in we regretted that the beautiful On the 10th March, Miss the beautiful seaside resort of mansion had been destroyed by Eileen Treacy of College Street, Malahide. fire in 1974. Many of our who always took a great interest The Burren: There was a full­ members were pleased to get in the activities of the O.C.S. day outing to the Burren District plants in the very elaborate passed away after a rather long of North Clare on Sunday 19th greenhouses. From the mansion illness patiently borne. July. On the outward journey a we proceeded to the awe­ On the 20th March, Mrs. May stop for morning coffee was inspiring waterfall some miles O'Shea of St. Patrick's Avenue made at the West Park Hotel in distant. We were fortunate that left us. May was a regularly the charming town of Portumna. there was a huge amount of attender at our lectures and In Kilfenora we visited the well­ water pouring down the rarely missed an outing. Her preserved remains of the towering precipice. It was a beautiful singing voice enlivened Cathedral and the beautiful wonderful sight. many an outing. May she now be High Cross in the adjacent singing in the Celestial Choir. graveyard. We then went to the Museum Ar dheis De go raibh an Interpretive Centre where a The Museum continues to ceatharar acu. guide explained the various attract hundreds of visitors Thanks models and exhibits pertaining including very many school­ to the Burren Area and where we groups. One distinguished In conclusion I should like to enjoyed a very informative video visitor was the Russian thank Mrs. M. Jordan, St. on that district. We then Ambassador who was accom­ Mary's Park, Alec Burns, proceeded via the famous panied by the Chairman, College Street and James Corkscrew Road to the unique Members and Officials of the Moran, Burrin Street who kindly Burren. We were extremely Urban Council. We were distribute circulars in their areas fortunate to have with us, Dr. fortunate to procure under the and The Nationalist & Leinster Patrick Jones of Carlow who Social Employment Scheme, Dr. Times who always give excellent had recently returned from Patrick Jones of Staplestown publicity to the Old Carlow several months' research work Road, as Caretaker of the Society. in that district. He explained in Museum who has proved to be Sean O'Leary, detail the geological formations most efficient and completely 12th October, 1987. and flora of that really devoted to his duties. astounding part of North Clare. From there we went on through Exhibition Town of Carlow Corofin and Gort to have High The contribution of the O.C.S. Tea in the West Park Hotel in to the local History Week 1987 to be let Portumna. The opinion of all was an Exhibition in the ALL the houses, and several very was that the Burren Outing was Museum of old photographs of desirable lots of building ground on the most enjoyable and instructive. Carlow. There was a fine Castle Hill, in the town of Carlow, as Lismore/Carrick-on-Suir: lately in the possession of Doctor selection of pictures kindly Myddleton, building material will be On Sunday afternoon 9th supplied by very many people. given gratis - and the tenants can take August we went via Clonmel and The Exhibition from 10th to 17th advantage of a limekiln on the premises. The Vee Road to Lismore Castle October was visited by hundreds It will be let in lots most convenient to the delightfully situated on the of people who were interested to bidders. River Blackwater. On the coach This ground is beautifully situated for see what Carlow looked like in corn stores, and would prove eligible for a Dr. Jones had given the history past years. Market House, for which sufficient room of the Castle and so we were free will be given for a very trifling to admire its magnificent Carloviana consideration - A lease of Lives architecture, and beautiful Renewable for ever, can be had. An enlarged edition of Application to be made to John F. gardens. Unfortunately we "Carloviana" was produced in Cornwall, Esq., Myshall Lodge, orto, Mr. could not go into the castle as it December 1986 to celebrate the Pat Curran, Carlow. was occupied at the time. From 40th anniversary of the - Advt. Carlow Morning Post, 1818. 29 Officers and Members of the Old Carlow Society 1987 /88

President Doyle, Mrs. Kathleen, The Green, Castledermot, Co. Kildare. His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Lennon, Bishop of Kildare Doyle, Miss Nellie, Granby Row, Carlow. & Leighlin. Doyle, Peadar & Ita, Monure, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Doyle, Thomas, Courtnellan, Borris, Co. Carlow. Life Vice-Presidents Duggan, W. L. & K., College Street, Carlow. Mr. Liam D. Bergin, "Nationalist & Leinster Times", Tullow Street, Carlow. Ellis, William, Burrin Street, Carlow. Mr. Alec Burns, College Street, Carlow. Farrer, Noel, Dunroe, Borris, Co. Carlow. Chairperson Fenlon, Mrs. Mona, "Riverville", Montgomery Street, Carlow. Fennell, Mrs. Eileen, Chaplestown, Carlow. Mrs. Veronica Crombie FitzGerald, George, Hanover, Carlow. Vice-Chairman FitzMaurice, Mrs. B., Laurel Lodge, Carlow. Flood, Mrs. M., Knock, Ballymurphy, Co. Carlow. Alec Burns Flood, Miss M., Knock, Ballymurphy, Co. Carlow. B., Secretary Flynn, Miss Burrin Street, Carlow. Sean O'Leary Geoghegan, Mrs. Rita, 16 Riverside, Carlow. Governey, Francis, Pollerton, Carlow. Treasurer Mrs. Mona Fenlon Grecol, John, 17210 Dartmouth Avenue, N.W. Cleveland, Ohio, 4411 U.S.A. Editor Hade, Miss P., Castle Street, Carlow. Tomas MacGabhann Harding, Rev. B., St. John's, Kilkenny. COMMITTEE Haughney, Eamon, Pollerton Road, Carlow. Mrs. J. O'Neill, Miss I. MacLeod, Miss D. Coughlan, Miss M. Hayden, Miss Margaret, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow. Kearney, Miss R. Murphy, Miss M. O'Neill, Messrs. S. Murphy, Healy, Pat, Pollerton Castle, Carlow. Healy, R., College Street, Carlow. E. McDonald, J. Moran, M. Murphy, T. Doyle, J. Kehoe. Herriot, Miss Kathleen, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. Auditors Hickey, Miss Helen, Bolton Hill, Moone, Co. Kildare. Mrs. B. Nolan, Miss B. Keyes. Hodges, Mr. Charlie, 48 Queen Victoria Road, Claremont, S. Africa. Delegates to the Historical Advisory Committee Holden, Michael & Sheila, Tullow Street, Carlow. of Carlow Co. Council Horohan, Mrs. M. Coolanowle, Ballickmoyler, Carlow. Alec Burns, William Ellis. Howard, Rev. Bro., C.B.S., Athy, Co. Kildare.

Museum Committee Jordan, Andrew, R.N.T., Myshall, Co. Carlow. A. Burns, S. Murphy, F. McKenna, Miss R. Murphy, Miss M. Jordan, Mrs. M., St. Mary's Park, Carlow. O'Neill. Jordan, Mrs., 9 Roncalli Place, Carlow. Joyce, John & Mrs., Whitehall House, Graignamanagh, Co. MEMBERS Kilkenny. Alcock, Noel, 46 Staunton Avenue, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Kavanagh, Peter, Main Street, Borris, Co. Carlow. Bagenal, J. S., Leaside, Hertingfordbury, Herts, England. Keane, Mrs. Ethel, John Street, Carlow. Bayliss, Mrs. P., S6A C13, R.R.5. Vernon, British Columbia, Kearney, Misses A. & M., 104 Green Road, Carlow. Canada VIT648. Kearney, Simon, Kilnock, Ballon, Co. Carlow. Boyce, M. J., Braganza, Carlow. Kehoe, James & Mrs., Rathvinden, Leiglinbridge, Co. Carlow. Brady, Mrs. B., Beann Ard, Borris, Co. Carlow. Kelly, William, St. Patrick's Avenue, Carlow. Brennan, Michael & Mrs., 2 Burrin Road, Carlow. Kennedy, Edward, Kyleballyhue, Carlow. Brennan, Mrs., St. Lazerian's, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Kennedy, Kevin & Mrs., 6 Oakley Park, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Brennan, Mrs., Kilcoltrim, Borris, Co. Carlow. Keogh, John, 12 St. Patrick's Park, Tullow, Co. Carlow. Brophy, Edward, 1 Sycamore Road, Rathnapish, Carlow. Keyes, Miss B. 178 Duggan Avenue, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Buckley, Mrs. Anne, 2165 Dant Boulevard, Reno, Nevada 89509 U.S.A. Lennon, Mrs. M., Tullow Street, Carlow. Burns, Alec, College Street, Carlow. Lennon, Seamus, Pembroke, Carlow. Burns, C. & J. "Malasha", Killeshin Road, Carlow. Lillis, Major Gen. James, 2 Wynberg Park, Blackrock, Co. Byrne, Mrs. A., Barrack Street, Carlow. Dublin. Byrne, Rev. J., St. Patrick's College, Carlow. Lillis, T. J. & Mrs. Lumclone House, Fenagh, Co. Carlow. Byrne, Larry, Bahanna, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow. Little, Mrs. P., Montgomery Street, Carlow. Byrne, Mrs. Mary, Friary Lane, Castledermot Road, Carlow. Lyons, Paul & Carmel, Oak Park, Carlow.

Coen, Mrs. S., 16 Braganza, Carlow. McDonald, Mrs. A., Little Barrack Street, Carlow. Connolly, Mrs. T., Ballyfoyle, Maganey, Co. Kildare McDonald, Edward, Clonmore, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow. Conroy, Mrs., St. Mary's Park, Carlow. McDonald, Joseph, "Robin Hill", Oak Park, Carlow. Coogan, John and Mrs. Castlemore, Tullow. McDonnell, Mrs. Carmel, "Barnagree", Tullow Road, Carlow. Corcoran, Mrs. B., 132 J.K.L. Avenue, Carlow. McDonnell, Fr. T., St. Patricks College. Coughlan, Miss D., Montgomery Street, Carlow. McKenna, Mrs. E., 205 Fr. Maher Road, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Crombie, Mrs. V., Pembroke, Carlow. McKenna, Fay & Mrs., Granby Row, Carlow. Cummins, Mrs. J., Dublin Road, Carlow. McLoughlin, Mrs. Alice, "Melrose", Tramore, Co. Waterford. Cunnane, Very Rev. Canon James, Our Lady of the Taper MacLeod, Miss Iona, Braganza, Carlow. Church, Cardigan. MacSuibhne, Very Rev. Sean, P.P., Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny. Darcy, John, Kilmeaney, Tinryland, Carlow. Maddock, Patrick & Mrs., 173 Fr. Maher Road, Graiguecullen, Darcy, Pat, Newstown, Ardattin, Co. Carlow. Carlow. Dempsey, Randal & Mrs., Braganza, Carlow. Maguire, Mrs. E., Dublin Road, Carlow. Dolan, Hugh, 35 Oakley Park, Tullow Road, Carlow. Minchin, Mrs. Margaret, Coolnacuppogue, Corries, Dooley, Anthony & Phil, 63 Highfield, Carlow. Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. Dooley, Mrs. Mary, 14 St. Killian's Crescent, Carlow. Monahan, Michael, 4 St. Fiacc's Terrace, Graiguecullen, Doran, Alan & Angela, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. Carlow. Doran, Peter, Rathanna, Borris, Co. Carlow. Monahan, Patrick, Tullowbeg, Tullow, Co. Carlow. Doyle, P. M., Newtown, Borris, Co. Carlow. Moran, James, Burrin Street, Carlow. Doyle, Mrs. C., Sycamore Road, Rathnapish, Carlow. Mulhall, Miss Mary, Elm Cottage, Chaplestown, Carlow. 30 Mulvey, Mrs. Kathleen, Caldwell Avenue, Middle Village 11379 O'Meara, David, Little Sark, Ansford, Castle Cary, Somerset New York, U.S.A. BA7 7PD, England. Murphy, Miss Mary, Knockmulderry, Ballymurphy, Co. O'Neill, John & Mrs., "Broomvilla", Ardattin, Co. Carlow. Carlow. O'Neill, Miss Mary, 167 Colclough Avenue, Graiguecullen, Murphy, Moses, "Slievedurda", Borris, Co. Carlow. Carlow. Murphy, Miss Nora, 10 Woodlawns, Borris, Co. Carlow. O'Neill, Maurice, Kilmurray, Ballon, Co. Carlow. Murphy, Miss Rose, Kennedy Street, Carlow. Murphy, Seamus & Mrs., Pollerton Little, Carlow. Patience, Mrs. Betty, R.D. No. 1 Box 18A, Kingston, New York, Murphy, Simon, Ballybeg, Borris, Co. Carlow. 12401 U.S.A. Murray, Aidan & Madge, 25 Dublin Street, Carlow. Patience, Russell, 24 Danker A venue, Albany, New York 12206 U.S.A. Nevin, Martin, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. Patterson, Mrs. Kathleen, Mountain View, Borris, Co. Carlow. Nolan, Brendan & Mrs., Burrin Street, Carlow. Proctor, Ms. Mary, Clonmore, Killeshin, Carlow. Nolan, Miss Chrissie, Burrin Street, Carlow. Purcell, Michael, Kennedy Street, Carlow. Nolan, J. J., 27 East Court Street, Iowa City, U.S.A. Nolan, Mrs. K., 32 Kernanstown, Bennekerry, Carlow. Rathusky, Mrs. M., Montgomery Street, Carlow. Nolan, Martin, Ballyfoyle, Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny. Redmond, Mrs. C., "Silverdale", Crossneen, Carlow. Redmond, Thomas J. & Family, Bullock Park, Carlow. O'Broin, An tAthair Breandan, Colaiste an Chnoic Bhig, Rice, Mrs. M., Main Street, Borris, Co. Carlow. Ceatharloch. Rossiter, Mrs., 6 Roncalli Avenue, Carlow. O'Connell, Miss Maureen, Lacken House, Borris, Co. Carlow. Shaughnessy, Miss Breda, Railway Terrace, Borris, Co. Carlow. O'Connell, Michael, Lacken House, Borris, Co. Carlow. Sheehan, Miss Eileen, 119 Upperfield Road, Welwyn. O'Connor, Mrs. E., Borris, Co. Carlow. Garden City, Herts., England. O'Dea, P. and Mrs., Killeshin Road, Carlow. Sheehan, Richard, Box 353M Morristown, New Jersey, 07960 O'Hara, Mrs. Ann, Frederick Avenue, Carlow. U.S.A. O'Keeffe, Mrs. M., St. Killian's Crescent, Carlow. Slater, Val, 39 Sycamore Road, Rathnapish, Carlow. O'Leary, Angela, "Arus na Greine", Montgomery Street, Smyth, Miss Mary, Sleaty, Carlow. Carlow. Smyth, Thomas, Sleaty, Carlow. O'Leary, John F., 9 Brown Street, Carlow. O'Leary, Maria, "Arus na Greine", Montgomery Street, Tyrell, Miss Patricia, Main Street, Borris, Co. Carlow. Carlow. O'Leary, Paula, "Arus na Greine", Montgomery Street, Walsh, Mrs. Bridie, Glass House, Borris, Co. Carlow. Carlow. Ward, Brendan, Oak Park Road, Carlow. O'Leary, Sean & Eileen, "Arlis na Greine", Montgomery Street, Weekes, Rev. C. M., The Glebe, Urglin, Carlow. Carlow. Wynne, Dr. John R. W., 2230 Jefferson Avenue, West Oliver, Sr., Presentation Convent, Carlow. Vancouver, B.C. Canada, VFV 2A8.

Clashganny Library The project of developing the old mill at Clashganny, Borris as a centre of learning for disabled people is a very laudable one. It will not be the first time the mill was used for educational purposes, as the following report shows:

In the 1830s a brother of Sir Samuel Ferguson, poet and antiquary, owned Clashganny Mills, one of the many fine small,flour mills that flourished on the River Barrow from Athy to St. Mullins. Mr. Ferguson of Clashganny seeing the type of young men who came to his mill on business decided to start a library for their benefit. It is presumed that he consulted his brother about the choice of books. Sir Samuel Ferguson was author of The Rays of the Western Gael; Hibernian Nights, one of the tales in the latter is entitled The Captive Of Killeshin. Young men from Graignamanagh found their way along the bank of the Barrow to avail of the library service. Eventually starting a library of their own which was called "Graignamanagh Work in progress at the Clashganny Mills Reading Society". project. Nationalist & Leinster Times, March 1941.

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Clothing of Traditional Quality and BERNARD JENNINGS, F.A.0.1. Fashionable Look OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN HANLEY'S 3 DUBLIN STREET, CARLOW. HOUSE for MEN Phone 0503/43808 CARLOW -l1! • Visit the County ca·rzow Museum Town Hall, Carlow Open daily during Summer • 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. every Sunday during Winter

View the wide range of exhibits From The Chair By Veronica Crombie

S one nostalgically looks tural land in the country. the historian and the archaeol­ A back on the 41st year of the Mr. O'Toole has taken the ogist. founding of the Old Carlow valley lying between the Barrow History is a living thing. We Society we feel justifiably proud and The Burrin, and proves that make it every day whether it is our membership is increasing, it was inhabited 2000-3000 B.C. good or bad. Don't let us make and the growing interest in our His description of the history unworthy of the name, historic past is very encouraging development of this area down by destroying or allowing to be indeed. This, however is not to the centuries makes fascinating destroyed what our ancestors say that we should allow reading. He pinpoints what we have placed in our keeping. We ourselves to become complacent. have lost, as well as what we will be remembered for our Far from it. As a nation we are have retained. This concise and contribution to the Society in not good at selling ourselves. very readable book establishes which we live. Let that One is tempted to ask if we have Carlow as a county worthy of contribution be worthy of a complex about our past. Is the more than a passing glance by remembrance. fact that we very often have to rush out and put a preservation order on an old ruins, or a fort or mound a cause for concern? Is this a sign that perhaps there are those amongst us who would Museum Report prefer to forget our heritage? Let us look elsewhere for guidance. By Alec Burns In Norway, for example, artifacts have revealed that man was active in that country 9,000 NOTHER good year of Duckett's Grove in 1921. He was years ago. In the Folk Museum Aimprovement and develop­ amazed at their quality now near Oslo, old village ment can be summed up in the after so many years and recalled homesteads, and farmsteads, as Annual Report by the Museum the names of many of his well as Viking ships, have been Committee. associates all of whom had re-erected and preserved. The number of visitors is well passed on since. He it was who It is now well established that up to the standard of former took an inventory with the then 3000-4000 years B.C. temples years; school groups are more British Army Commander of the were being erected on the numerous - it is good to watch Military in Carlow, of the European mainland and the pupils with their copybooks contents of the Barrack to be European farmers were using taking notes and asking handed over to the Provisional advanced methods of cultivation. questions about the different Government in June, 1922. Copper and gold were widely objects on view. Sundays are In connection with the used all over Europe. still the favourite as the Visitors' Federation of Historical Book shows names from all of Societies Week, an exhibition of In the Americas, the Incas, the the neighbouring counties, photos of many facets of life in Mayas and the Aztecs have left a especially family groups out for Carlow from the early part of the rich treasuary of artifacts. In the afternoon. century, industrial and North America the Museum in The Arles Banner of the Land otherwise proved to be very Plymouth re-creates living League was hoisted in position popular. It is hoped that more conditions as they were in 1627. early in the year; some of the exhibitions of this type can be The Pilgrim Hall and the exhibits have been improved held at regular intervals. History of the Boston Tea Party and extended through the good While on a visit to St. Patrick's are reproduced down to the most efforts of the present caretaker College recently, a PP from minute detail. Dr. Pat Jones who has given Northern Ireland happened to Further inland we had Quichee, trojan service since his appoint­ see our plaque to the memory of Burlington and Shelbourne, to ment early in the year. Val Vousden. He sent a letter to mention just a few. In all cases, We were favoured with a visit us intimating that he had a conservation and preservation by the Russian Ambassador to personal letter from Val of about of the historic past are the first this country when he visited the 50 years ago, which he would priority. town as a result of an invitation like to donate to the Museum; This year Carlow has been from the Rotary Club. this he has done along with the more firmly established on the He expressed his keen interest words of a monologue compiled historical map by the publication in some of the artifacts on view by Val, which later was of "Grange" by Mr. Jimmy especially those dealing with the contained in his book of poems O'Toole. It is easy to get a old methods of farming. and monologues. It was "The distorted picture of Co. Carlow, Retired Maj. Gen. James Lillis Old School Reunion". The letter the second smallest county in also paid a visit and was greatly and monologue are now on Ireland, with its fertile plains interested in some of the photos exhibit in the case dealing with and some of the finest agricul- which he had taken himself in past amusement in the town. 2 Book Review by Thomas McGrath The birth of democracy in Ireland Review of Donal McCartney, The Dawning of Democracy: Ireland 1800-1870 (Helicon Ltd., £6.50)

EADERS in this region and this was still a relatively small the unwary traveller in Irish R in the diocese of Kildare and number it was sufficient to history. But Professor McCartney Leighlin in particular will find ensure that from then on the concentrates on finding the much of interest in the recent return of a member of heart of the matter and a major work of Professor Donal parliament for the borough was chapter is entitled 'The Question McCartney, head of the contested. of Religion'. The Act of Union Department of Modern Irish The Act of Union in 1800 purported to copperfasten the History at U.C.D. As might be declared that the two kingdoms privileged position of the expected in the work of a of Great Britain and Ireland be Established church whose • historian who hails from this forever united under the name of resources were vastly dispropor­ area the counties of Carlow, the United Kingdom of Great tionate to the number of its Laois, Kildare and Offaly figure Britain and Ireland. The Union adherents. Of its disestablish­ prominently in his text. ment in 1869 the author writes: Professor McCartney's thesis 'The age of ecclesiastical princes is that the period 1800-1870 Dr. Thomas McGrath was over'. witnessed the formative recently completed a In a useful account of the little beginning of Irish democracy - Ph.D. thesis on Bishop researched period 1800-1823 he by which we understand the James Doyle in the highlights the important fact concept of government by Department of Modern that then (and periodically representatives of all the people. Irish History at U.C.D. thereafter) Irish nationality was Pari passu with this rise of primarily defined in terms of the democracy was the decline of was 'a marriage of convenience', independence of the Irish ascendancy, the retreat from writes Professor McCartney, Catholic Church vis-a-vis the public office of the privileged few moreover, 'The convenience was state or for that matter a British who were immune to public mainly Britain's'. This was a influenced Papacy in Rome. It is opinion by virtue of hereditary time when Britain was engaged well-stated that 'By the time that title or landed wealth. Obviously in a dangerous war with France the Pope had pronounced in this transfer of power did not and as the author states 'If favour of allowing a veto to the take place without a long and throughout history, Britain had crown in the appointment of bitterly contested struggle for no always been too close for Irish bishops, Catholicism and privileged class willingly cedes Ireland's comfort, Ireland, in nationalism in Ireland had power and most especially not to time of war, was always too near become so entwined that the the representatives of the for Britain's security'. ancient connection with Rome impoverished masses. One of the primary purposes of seemed to be less sacred in Irish the Union, which was achieved eyes than that the Irish national church should be independent of Father James by a measure of patronage, bribery and corruption, unusual England'. Professor McCartney Maher, P.P. comments that the accession of even then, was to protect the Bishop James Doyle of Kildare insecure Protestant ascendancy and Leighlin (J.K.L.) to the That indomitable ecclesiastical in Ireland for all time by integrating Ireland with Catholic Association 'added a warrior, Fr. James Maher, P.P. most powerful intellectual of Killeshin, who frequently Britain. Political integration never worked however, indeed it influence to the emancipation battled with the conservative cause'. forces of the Bruens and the might be said that it was never Kavanaghs in County Carlow, really tried. stated that 'the difference . . . Perhaps because Irish history Shrewd analysis between the aristocrat and a is such a controversial subject and commentary popular member of parliament is with ongoing disputes between that the former is always for revisionists (sometimes unfor­ Professor McCartney's narra­ things as they are, the latter tunately more politically than tive is a clear and vigorous seeks a change for the better'. historically motivated) and exposition of plain, unadorned, Carlow town or borough in the those a shade more sympathetic often brutal realities enlivened early nineteenth century was to the Irish national experience by a sharp, shrewd analysis and controlled by thirteen burgesses (occasionally, however, verging commentary. One of the great under the patronage of the earl towards nationalist propagan­ strengths of the book is the of Charleville who between them dists) historians have tended to author's appreciation and elected an unopposed member of treat possibly the most understanding of what motivated parliament according to the contentious theme of all - the the ordinary Irishman in the earl's wishes. The 1832 Reform religious issue - like an old war nineteenth century. No effort is Act increased the number of zone where some mines still lie made to smooth over realities eligible voters to 278 and though waiting to explode in the face of which some might have found 3