The Old Carlow S0cie1y

arlobtana JOURNAL OF THE OLD CARLOW S0CIE1Y

IRISLEABHAIR CHUMANN SEANDA CHATHARLOCHA 1978/'79

Price 50p

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CONTENTS:

Carlow Co-operative Marts

Dr. Delaney of Kildare & Leighlin

The Police in Carlow

John Tyndall of Leighlin

Local History and Carlow Library A Famous Laois Family Some Carlow Authors Brother John Dominic McKenna

Carlow Men in Cork Ambush

The Riches of Clonmore

Voters List of Carlow; 1848 Leighlin Lore

CEREMONIAL MACE OF THE TOWN OF CARLOW by Joseph Stoalm or Joseph Slicer, Dublin. 1656-7.

~ Offirers and Members d the Old Carlow Society 1978/79

President Carpenter, Patrick, Barrack St., Carlow. Fenlon, Mrs. M., "Riverville", Montgomery Street, Carlow. His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Len­ Carroll, Mr. Noel, 23 Phibsboro Road, Fennell, Mrs. Eileen, Chaplestown, non, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin. Dublin 7. Carlow. Life Vice Presidents Chmelar, Edward, Rathnapish, Carlow. FitzGerald, Mrs. D., Shinrone, Offaly. Very Rev. P. MacSuibhne, M.A., St. Coen, G. & Mrs., Braganza, Athy Road, FitzMaurice, Mrs. B., Laurel Lodge, ,Patrick's College, Carlow; Mrs. M. Carlow. Carlow. O'Neill, Wilton Gardens, Cork; Mr. Liam Connolly, Mrs. T., Ballyfoyle, Mageney, FitzRoy, Miss A., Montgomery Street, D. Bergin, Editor, "Sationalist & Co. Kildare. Carlow. Leinster Times," Carlow; Mr. Alec Conroy, Miss Molly, Castle Street, Foley, Joseph, Sycamore Road, Burns, College Street, Carlow. Carlow. Rathnapish, Carlow. Corcoran, Mrs. B., 132, J.K.L. Avenue, Chairman Governey, Francis, Pollerton, Carlow. Carlow. Grecol, John L., Cleveland, Ohio, 44101, Mr. J. Moriarty Corrigan, Thomas, Knockfield, U.S.A. Vice-Chairmen Castledermot, Co. Kildare. Miss M. T. Kelly Crombie, B. & Mrs., Pembroke, Carlow. Hade, Miss P., Castle Street, Carlow. Mr. A. Burns Crowe, Austin, "Sleibhte", 125 Newtown Halpin, John, Mullawn, Tullow, Co. Park Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Carlow. Secretary Harding, Rev. B., St. John's, Kilkenny. Mr. Sean O'Leary Cullen, Miss Mary, Tullow Road, Carlow. Harvey, Mrs. P., Mill Park House, Treasurer Cullen, Sr. Nessa, Clochar na l'rochaire, Kilbride, Co. Carlow. Mr. Kevin Kennedy Ceatharloch. Haughney, Eamonn, Pollerton Road, Cunnane, Rev. James, P.P. V.F., Our Carlow. Editor 1 Lady of the Taper Church, Cardigan, Hawkes, Miss S., Castle Street, Carlow. Mr. Hugh Dolan South Wales. Healy, Pat, Pollerton Castle, Carlow. Committee Curry, Kevin, 1 Parlos Park, Oakpark, Healy, R., College Street, Carlow. Miss I. MacLeod, Mrs. B. FitzMaurice, Tralee. Hodges, C. G., 48 Queen Victoria Road, Mrs. M. Fenlon, Mrs. B. Crombie, Mrs. Deane, Miss M., St. Killian's Crescent, Claremount, Cape, S. Africa. E. Fennell. Messrs. T. Smyth, E. Mc­ Carlow. Hogan, Mr. S., Rathrush, Rathoe, Co. Donald, R. James, J. Halpin, J. Dempsey, R. & Mrs., Burrin Street, Carlow. Westman. Carlow. Holden, Michael & Mrs., Tullow Street, "'I Carlow. Delegates to Arts Council Dolan, Hugh, 35 Oakley Park, Tullow Holton, Sr. Ann, Clochar na Trochaire, Mr. Brendan Kealy Road, Carlow. Ceatharloch. Mr. John Moriarty Doogue, Mr. M., Hillcrest, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. Hughes, Edward, Graignamanagh, Co. Delegates to the Historical Advisory Dooley, Gerard, 14 St. Killian's Cres­ Kilkenny. Committee of Carlow Co. Council cent, Carlow. Hughes, Mrs. Jos., Kildrenagh, Mr. H. Dolan, Mr. A. Burns Dooley, Miss M., Athy Road, Carlow. Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. Hyland, Mrs. Sadie, "Genazzano", Kil­ Members Dooley, Padraig, 14 St. Killian's Cres­ leshin Road, Carlow. Agar, J. R. and Mrs., 13 Larkfield, cent, Carlow. James, Mrs. E., Montgomery Street, Rathnapish, Carlow. Dooley, Miss Teresa, 14 St. Killian's Carlow. Alcock, Noel, 46 Staunton Avenue, Crescent, Carlow. 1 James, Miss Margaret, Montgomery Governey Park, Graiguecullen, Doyle, Mrs. B., St. Joseph's Road, Street, Carlow. Carlow. Carlow. James, T. R., 82 Green Road, Carlow. Behan, Mrs. C., Station Road, Carlow. Doyle, Mrs. c;::., Sycamore Road, Jones, Mrs. A., Montgomery Street, Bolton, Liam, Keelogue, Killeshin, Rathnapish, Carlow. Doyle, James & Mrs., Ballickmoyler Carlow. Carlow. Jordan, Mrs. M., St. Mary's Park, I Brennan, Miss Mary, Kennedy Street, Road, Carlow. Carlow. Carlow. Doyle, Mrs. M., 98 Maher Road, Kealy, Brendan, B.A., H.D.E., Brennan, Michael & Mrs., 2 Burrin Governey Park, Graiguecullen. Maryboro' Street, Graiguecullen, Road, New Oak Estate, Carlow. Doyle, James, 98 Maher Road, Governey Carlow. Brooks, Mr. & Mrs. W., Highfield, Park, Graiguecullen. Kelly, Miss M. T., The Stream, Dublin Road, Carlow. Doyle, Misses M. & D., "lnnisfree", Sta­ Castledermot Road, Carlow. Brophy, Edward, Rathnapish, Carlow. tion Road, Carlow. Kelly, Michael & Mrs., Burrin Street, Burns, Alec, College Street, Carlow. Doyle, Miss Nellie, Granby Row, Carlow. Carlow. Burns, Mr. & Mrs. C., "Malasha", Kil- Doyle, Mrs. M., "Sunny Cedars," Kil­ Kelly, Mrs., Rutland, Carlow. leshin Road, Carlow. leshin Road, Carlow. Kennedy, Mr. & Mrs. E., Kyleballyhue, Byrne, Mrs. A., Little Barrack Street, ,Doyle, Peadar, Governey Square, Carlow. Carlow. Carlow. Doyle, Thomas, Bough, Rathvilly, Co. Kennedy, Kevin & Mrs., 6 Oakley Park, Canavan, Mrs. M., St. Joseph's Road, Carlow. Graiguecullen, Carlow. Carlow. Duggan, W. L. & Mrs., College Street, Keyes, Miss B., Duggan Avenue, Carbery, D. & Mrs., Green Road, Carlow. Graiguecullen, Carlow. Carlow. Ellis, J. J. & Mrs., 17 Burnaby Park, Lillis, Major Gen. James, 2 Wynberg Carlos, Mr. L. N., 39 Sandfield Gardens, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Ellis, William, Burrin Street, Carlow.

2

----.-~ --~~-...... ~,, ~*~ Editorial

Local and Proud of It

THE connection between a local radio station and Carloviana CARLO VIANA may appear tenuous. The former in Ireland is new; the latter has almost completed three decades. Requests to play a record "for Volume 2. No. 27 Mary down the road" may appear far removed from Dr. Delaney ,New Series. 1978/'79 of Tullow or Tyndall of Leighlin Bridge. Yet are they so far Journal of Old Carlow Society apart? Editor: Hugh Dolan. The common factor is the similar interest in matters local. Printed by 'Nationalist' Carlow The news of what happened in Tullow St. last night can have more relevance and be of more concern than the proceedings at Camp David. The popularity of Radio Carlow and of Radio Tul­ low shows how interested people are in the activities in their own area. To be parochial is not necessarily to be deprived. CONTENTS: The journal of an historical society does not carry as much Carlow Men in Cork up-to-the-minute information as a local radio station. Nevertheless it has the capacity to tell a local community about Ambush ...... Page 4 itself. It increases the self knowledge of a community. Most of The Police in Carlow ... Page 7 what goes out over the airwaves is soon forgotten. Journals can be referred to continuously. Br. John Dominic Like a local radio station Carloviana needs a constant supply McKenna ...... Page 8 of material if it is to continue. This material is available. The Carlow Mart; the Local History section of Carlow County Library is one source. It Beginnings ...... Page 10 is available in the minds of many of our older citizens. It may be seen in every parish in the country. Through the pages of this The Riches of journal it can be shared with countless readers. Clonmore ...... Page 12 The contributors to Carloviana are providing a valuable ser­ vice to their community. The interest in Local History is increas­ Carlow Museum ...... Page 13 ing and this journal will try to maintain this interest. The The Chairman Writes .. Page 13 generosity of the sponsors has enabled the cost to be kept to 50p for yet another year. With a combination of enthusiastic writers Voters List ...... Page 14 and generous sponsors Carloviana will continue. Sponsors ...... Page 15 * * A Famous Laois * Family ...... Page 16 Leighlin Lore ...... Page 1 7 Wanted Sponsors ...... Page 18 The Editor would welcome articles sll.itable for publication in Some Writers of Co. the Journal. To glance through back issues is to realise how Carlow ...... Page 19 much has been written already but also to realise how much of Carlow's past is still awaiting investigation. Articles should be Local History-the Sources typewritten if possible and submitted before September 30th. Available ...... Page 20 Comment on material already published is also w~lcome. Tyndall of Leighlin ..... Page 2 2 This may take the form of additional information or suggestions. Secretary's Report ...... Page 28 Old Photographs are a feature of the Journal. They recall memories for the older reader; provoke questions from the Doctor Daniel younger. Modem technology allows them to be reproduced to a Delaney ...... Page 30 high standard. If possible please submit before September 30th.

ON THE COVER is a photoghraph of the Further copies of Carloviana are available at 50p post extra, ceremonial mace of the town of Carlow, by from the Editor, 35 Oakley Park, Tullow Rd., Carlow. They are Joseph Stoaker or Joseph Slicer, Dublin 1656-7. The mace is in the National Museum, also available from Alec Burns, College St., Carlow. All en­ Dublin. (Photo, courtesy of the Museum). quiries are welcome.

3 CARLOW l\IBN IN CORK AMBUSH

------By Brother P. J. Kavanagh, M.A.------

IN 1922 the Carlow Brigade area of the embarrassed that his host's son should be Ballymakeera affair as to render it almost National (pro-Treaty) Army included all in such a predicament, and in an attempt useless to the irregulars. of County Carlow and areas of west to alleviate the Hegartys' grief, got per-­ "Ballymakeera is a small village some Wicklow, south Kildare and south-east mission for the prisoner to have tea at 8 or 9 miles from Macroom on the road to Laois. As this locality was comparatively home that Sunday evening on condition Killarney, and a mile or two further on is quiet it was able to spare men for service that he (Hutton) would be responsible for situated Ballyvourney. The garrison ap­ in the busier Munster war theatre. In him. It was the prisoner's presence in the pears to have been concentrated at Bal­ April and May of 1922 the Carlow village that night which resulted in the lymakeera which has a population of Brigade sent two companies of recruits, successful ambush next morning, Mon­ scarcely 200, and so disturbed is each consisting of 100 men and three of­ day, 4th December. The "Cork Ex­ this district that about 100 soldiers under ficers, to Dublin to be clothed, armed and aminer" of the following Thursday gives a Commander P. Mooney were quartered equipped. Afterwards they were sent by very graphic account of what occurred: there for the protection of both villages General Headquarters to Counties Tip­ "LOST Afo.'D RET.AKE1' and the districts around them. perary and Cork. Some of them were· as­ BATTLE FOR MID-CORK VILLAGE During Sunday night apparently the signed to the 32nd Infantry Battalion SURPRISE ATTACK BY irregulars mustered quietly in large and, towards the end of that year, found IRREGULARS numbers not far from Ballymakeera." themselves in the Barony of Muskerry in HEAVY CASL'AL TIES (Mrs. Mae Sheehan, then a little girl, north-west Cork. Their headquarters CIVILIAN AND SOLDIER KILLED" remembers unusual activity in her house were at Macroom Castle and their com­ that night, the significance of which she mander was an officer called Condon. Ballymakeera, nine miles from didn't understand until awakened by gun­ Sean Hales was in charge of the fire next morning. The chapel man was Macroom, was attacked and captured by 11 National Army in this area and the irregulars on Monday morning, but has told not to ring the Angelus at 7.30 a.m. ! tragedy of the Civil War - Cogadh na since been reoccupied by the National Instead the chapel bell would be rung as a gCarad I the War of the Friends - was Forces. signal for retreat should things go badly epitomised in the fact that his opposite The sensational capture of this for the irregulars). "With the object of number amongst the anti-Treaty forces preventing the arrival of reinforcements ~ military post was due chiefly to the in­ was his own brother Tom. strumentality of an armoured car taken the roads between the object of the attack Sergeant Ned Hutton of Pollerton Big by the irregulars at Bandon on Saturday and Millstreet, Macroom, Bandon, et recalls that, having driven the anti­ night, ...... cet., were blocked at several points, the Treaty forces from Inchegeela and Bal­ The whole coup had evidently been usual obstructions being used - felled lingeary, he and about 20 other Carlow planned some time, and the taking of the trees, stone walls, broken bridges, et cet. men formed part of an advance guard of armoured car was a preliminary opera­ Scouts were sent out in all directions. 105 men in the village of Ballymakeera. tion, for when it fell into the possession of There they were billeted in various houses the irregulars, owing to the act of a traitor but principally in the Hibernian Hotel, driver, bridges covering its retreat were the property of Dan O'Leary, later a pro­ blown up, and arrangements were made Treaty T.D. Sergeant Hutton and his for using the car in the attack on Bal­ party occupied the upper floor of a house lymakeera." owned by a shoemaker called Hegarty. He remembers - and this is borne out by the The armoured car was the "Sliabh na present inhabitants of Ballymakeera - mBan" which had accompanied Michael that the "Staters" got on very well with Collins on that fateful journey to Beal na the locals, being reprimanded from mBlath some three months earlier. Locals Macroom for making insufficient searches believe that it was now handed over to the and arrests. The Ballymakeera garrison, anti-Treaty forces by a Scots member of however, was locath to ill-treat people on the National Army who decided to change I mere suspicion and arrested only those sides and brought the car with him. The obviously making war on the Free State. original intention of the anti-Treaty l One such was Pat Hegarty, son of forces was to attack the barracks in Sergeant Hutton's host, who was arrested Inchegeela and to attack Ballymakeera at by one of their bicycle patrols, allegedly in a later date. The imminent execution of possession of a firearm. If forwarded to Pat Hegarty, however, caused them to headquarters in Macroom he would rearrange their plans. Some ten days almost certainly have been executed. afterwards the Sliabh na mBan was dis­ Both Sergeant Hutton and people still liv­ covered by the "Staters" under a rick of ing in Ballymakeera are certain of the hay in a farmyard near Guagan Barra. Its fate that awaited him. Sergeant Hutton, tyres had been so shot up during the Sergeant Edward Hutton.

4 Even these precautions were not deemed speed which took it to a point opposite Thomas ~oian - and fifteen wounded, sufficient in the case of a surprise the Imperial Hotel, the headquarters of the majority 5'!'hOUIIJ. while 4 or 5 others counter-move by the military and some the troops. In the building volley after sustained slighr.er ....ts.." (Thomas 3 0 or 4 0 men were sent to guard the volley was poured from a dozen machine Nolan was killed in an ..-airs room of obstructions on the road to Macroom - guns, some a considerable distance away Dan O'Leary's dwellinc home - now a the town from which the earliest rein­ at the rear, others within a few feet, chemist's shop - by a bunt of machine­ forcements were expected-and with in­ mounted on the armoured car patrolling gun fire shot up through the ceiling). structions to ambush and check the ad­ the village street. "Meanwhile, while this hail of lead was vance of any troops from Macroom. "In addition to the soldiers at the being poured into the headquarters, the Ballymakeera was completely isolated Hibernian Hotel many others were irregulars surrounding the village came by the irregulars before the attack was quartered in houses throughout the vil­ close up and hurled bombs at and into the launched at all, and before the un­ lage, and the irregulars, ignoring ap­ houses. ,suspecting soldiers were aware of the parently the safety of the civilian pop­ "Clothes hanging up in wardrobes in significant activities being quietly carried ulation, shot up the whole village with the hotel" (now a Licensed premises on all over the countryside round about machine run rifles, revolvers, hand owned by the O'Scannaill family) "were them. grenades, bombs and every other destruc­ riddled with bullets, and our represen­ All preparations being complete, the tive device that could be employed. tative saw one overcoat yesterday morn­ main body of the irregulars, who were "The armoured car travelled slowly up ing with several bullet holes in the left said to have numbered between 150 and and down the street, firing into the arm and at the left side of the breast. 200, moved to a spot quite close to Bal­ houses at both sides and concentrating lymakeera, about 5 o'clock on Monday the attack on the Hibernian Hotel. The morning, halting within sight of the vil­ single armoured car in the possession of lage just about half-past five. A few final the troops could not come into action, for orders and everything was in readiness." it was kept under fire so intensively that It was about this time that Sergeant to attempt to reach it was to invite ins­ Hutton, then in a public house which tant death." (The batteries of this car, a faced out the Ballingeary road where the Yale 10, were so run down that it had attackers were approaching, spotted been kept running all night to ensure that lights on the far side of the Sullane it would start in the morning). bridge. Realising that an attack was im­ "The troops, divided from each other, minent he trebled the various guard posts and taken completely by surprise, gallant­ in the village and then helped to man the ly fought on against the overwhelming post on the Macroom Road. Here he disadvantages, and so the battle raged for remained until forced to surrender at 11 hours. a.m. The unfortunate civilian population "The captured armoured car, with its took refuge on the ground floors of their machine guns ready for action, and the little cottages, in angles behind the thick lights switched off, was then sent slowly walls, on the floor under beds et cet., and into the village, while men, manning behind windows as heavily barred as several other machine guns round the vil­ might be, but the protection was very in­ lage and quite close to it, waited for the adequate and many had narrow escapes. first outburst from the car before opening One civilian was hit, and was killed." fire themselves. In a few seconds the car (When he looked out to see what was was challenged by the sentries on duty happening). "He was Cornelius O'Leary, and its reply was a volley of machine gun a single man, who was residing in the vil­ Volunteer Danny Burke. fire down the main street, and a burst of lage with his married sister and her husband. In such a plight were the in­ habitants for five long hours until the sur­ "Captain Lawlor", (a native of render of the garrison was necessary if an Castleroe, Mageney) "the second in com­ utter massacre were to be avoided. mand, had an almost miraculous escape As the morning wore on the irregulars, from death, being nearly blown to pieces. realising that reinforcements might be ex­ With bullets whizzing all round him he pected within an hour or two, carried on was standing on guard at the door of the the attack more intensely. Already word building fearing an attempt to rush it, was received that reinforcements were on when a bomb came through the window their way from Macroom, and that only and rolled across to his feet. He only saw the obstruction on the road and the party it just in time to throw himself on one left to ambush these troops, were check­ side, and by his promptitude, undoubted­ ing their advance. Accordingly the attack ly saved his life. As it was he was was concentrated on the Hibernian Hotel, wounded in several places, though none of and bullets were poured into it so fiercely the injuries are serious. that the soldiers could not come to the "Every minute that passed saw the at­ windows to reply. Bombs were hurled and tack grow more intense; so far from there the whole building was swept with lead to being any sign of slackening matters such a degree that every room was quickly became so serious that little effort penetrated in a hundred places. It was could be made to reply. It was impossible here that the major portion of the to stand near a window to fire a shot in casualties occurred. In all the army lost self-defence, and it seemed that the Volunteer Tommy Roche. one killed - Sergeant (recte Volunteer) troops had no alternative but to take

5 cover in houses until they were shot down their captors at Loo Bridge railway sta­ Tom joined the National Army in 1922 or surrendered. tion and made their way into Killamey when recruitment started. He was 24 "In these circumstances it was decided -. miles distant. Here they were ~~ of age when he died. Mrs. Mae to yield and this wiser course ... bmtiely received by their own forces, so Sheehan, Flats, Ballymakeera, adopted. Unconditional surrender ... nmch so that they were forced to remain remembers that her mother, Mrs. John P. demanded and the officers in chaqe bad on the outskirts of the town where they T'NOIDl!Y. who was from the village, went no option but to comply. had difficulty finding billets for the night. to visit her relatives there the evening "Before !lwleuiering. howewr, many Next day they were brought to the before the ambush. Nolan was on sentry of the men managed to IID8llb their rifles Great Southern Hotel, the local head­ duty as she left the village after dark and and revolvers in such a manner that they quarters, where their equipment was insisted that she get the prescribed pass would be totally useless as weapons replaced. To add to the cussedness of from the army authorities before he would against the National troops on a future their hostile welcome of the previous day allow her through. She passed some angry occasion. they were now made do guard duty for 13 remark to him. Next morning he was The irregulars did not interfere with day and 13 nights as "punishment" for dead. For the remainder of her life she .those members of the Red Cross Corps having lost Ballymakeera. At the end of never failed to remember him at the com­ amongst the soldiers, and gave them this period some of them were transferred memoration of the dead during Mass every facility to attend the wounded. The to Rathmore where Sergeant Hutton which she attended daily. others, however, including the officer in spent Christmas of 1922. Thomas Roche's father was a charge, Commandant P. Mooney, were The Carlow town contingent in Bal­ carpenter from Tralee who married Agnes lined up and disarmed. lymakeera consisted of Sergeant Hutton, Kelly of Dublin Street where her parents This was at 11 o'clock on Monday Corporals Lar Nolan and Paddy Nolan, had a printing firm. He joined the army I morning after a 5 hours battle and the Volunteers Thomas Nolan (killed), Lar in 1922 and received very serious prisoners, numbering about 90 men were Shaw, Danny Burke (injured), Thomas stomach wounds at Ballymakeera. -i marched out of the village strongly Roche (seriously injured), P. Kelly and K. Afterwards he worked in the sugar fac­ guarded by nearly twice their number of and Paddy Haughney. Others from the tory, at Thompsons and finally as irregulars and preceded by the armoured Carlow Brigade area were Lieut. Harte of greenkeeper at Carlow Tennis Clttb. He car concerned in the attack and followed Hartstown, Baltinglass, who was orderly .played hurling and football for :I by the second armoured car which had officer on the night of the attack and who O'Hanrahan's Club in his time. He died been captured in the village." (Five or six, received a serious shin wound (Lieut. at Christmas 1964. including Corporal Lar Nolan of Carlow, Harte died in 1950); Volunteer Thomas Volunteer Danny Burke received a l made good their escape). Nolan of Tullow; Tim Mahon and Lieut. knee injury at Ballymakeera which left "The wounded were brought to Cork Edward Kelly who was wounded, both of him with a straight leg and for which he and 15 of them are detained at the Mercy Ballitore, Co. Kildare; Volunteer Patrick received a small pension. His parents Hospital. Most of the cases are serious Walsh of Rathmore, Co. Carlow, who were natives of Carlow. He joined the l\ and one, whose is name is given as sustained a "rather serious" leg injury; army in 1922 as he was unemployed. He ~ Volunteer M' Neiss, is in imminent and Captain Lawlor who died at a ripe worked in the fitting shop at Thompson's ,,, danger of death, having been terribly old age in Wexford. for many years. He died a Bachelor in .., wounded in the abdomen." (He was a Thomas Nolan, who was killed, was a 1975 and is buried in St. Mary's 1'1 native of the midlands and died of his native of Tullow Street and lies buried in Cemetery, Carlow. wounds). St. Mary's Cemetery. Tom worked in the "It was learned last night that the 80 Shamrock Timber Yard and Coach Chief source: "Cork Examiner" of to 90 soldiers who, with their officers, Builders where traps and horse carts were 7th December, 1922 and later dates. My had been taken prisoners, have reported made. He acted as assistant to the thanks to Mr. Alec Burns, College St., for duty, the irregulars having taken pos­ wheelwright or farrier, William Fleming Carlow. To Sergeant Ned Hutton, Pol­ session of their arms." who later decided to open out on his own lerton Big; to Major General Lillis; to Sergeant Hutton recalls seeing one of and brought Tom with him. Finin O Suil­ Mrs. Mae Sheehan and Finin Uasal 0 his new Ballymakeera friends carrying a leabhain remembers seeing Tom Nolan in Suilleabhain, Ballymakeera; to Mrs. machine gun during the round up of his father's forge in Ballymakeera the day_ Anne Whelan, daughter of Lieut. Harte, prisoners. It was truly a "Cogadh na before he was killed, his old love for the and to M. Dempsey, Brownshill Road, gCarad." The prisoners were released by trade breaking through the soldier in him. who helped fill me in on the details. VISIT THE COUNIY MUSEUM COILEGE STREEr, CARLOW 1 . Open every Sunday, 2.30-5.30 1- See the wide range of exhibits showing the history of County Carlow ""1 ,J BRING THE FAMILY •

6

______.. The Police m• Carlnw

By Jim Westman------

IN 1835 a bill was introduced to re­ Palatine and Nurney were discontinued First Superintendent to be appointed to organise the police system in Ireland. Its as barracks around the 1890's. Ballinree the town was Supt. Nicholas Murphy. purpose w>as to create one force for the which was situated roughly between Later Superintendents were Superinten­ country - outside of Dublin - and so Muinebeag and Borris was discontinued dents Connolly, Kenny and Feore. replace the Peace Preservation Force es­ in 1905. Strength of the R.I.C. for Hacketstown and Borris Stations were tablished in 1814. In 1836, on the 20th Carlow county in 1916 was as follows:­ opened in early January, 1923. The first of May the bill became law and was One County Inspector, two district in­ Sergeant in Hacketstown was Sergeant known as the Constabulary (Ireland) Act, spectors, two head-constables, 69 other Hudson who later on retirement resided 1836_. ranks. at Granby Road, Carlow. In the same year, 1836, the Dublin In the period 1903-05 the county in­ The District Courts were established Police Act was passed, creating a new spector in Carlow town was Co. Inspector on a regular basis from 9th July, 1923. force for Dublin City. The bounds of this Brooke; the District Inspector was D.I. Carlow District Court was on the second district were already formed by an Act of Samuel Carter who resided at Otterholt, Monday of each month at 12 noon. First 1786. Thus out of the Dublin Police Act, Kilkenny Road and also had residence at District Justice for the area was District 1836 and Constabulary (Ireland) Act, Monavea, Crettyard, Co. Laois. At the Justice Liam Price and the District Court · 1836 was born the Irish Constabulary same time the District Inspector in Clerk was D.C.C. Seamus Leonard. and Dublin Metropolitan Police. Four Muinebeag was D. I. Roberts, later Assis­ Other Garda arrivals in the 1920's provincial depots served the con­ tant Inspector-General of the R.U.C., in were Gardai Andy Broughall and John stabulary: Philipstown (Daingean) for Belfast. In line the succeeding District McHugh, both retired and living at Gran­ Leinster; Ballincollig, Co. Cork for Inspectors at Carlow were D. I. Swanzy by Road and Ballinacarrig respectively. Munster; Ballinrobe for Connaught and and D. I. Reid, who in turn was suc­ Armagh for Ulster. Its first Inspector ceeded by D. I. Townsend who was last General was Colonel James Shaw Ken­ D.I. in Carlow town before the disband­ CARLOW SENTINEL 1840· nedy. The provincial depots were ment of the force in 1922. The last Head­ New Invention by T. Oliver, Teacher of afterwards replaced by a central head­ Constable was H. C. James McGlinchey. Cutting. Praising the Superiority of his quarters and training depot in Phoenix The head-constable was actually the System in varying to every shape propor­ Park, Dublin, this being built in 1846. member in charge of the barracks or sta­ tioned as well as disproportioned. Also The Metropolitan Police had its training tion. Other head constables to serve in Parents and Guardians were reminded depot at Kevin St., Dublin. Carlow town in the early 1900's were that he paid particular attention to that The strength of the constabulary was head constables John Reynolds and John most difficult Department of Boys fixed by Act at 10,500 men. However McCoy. In Muinebeag the last District Clothes consisting of the London Tunic this strength was subject to change. In Inspector was D. I. Winder. Constable with Curricle Skirt in which he is so the 1850's it was almost 13,000 and in John Meigan, father of the present family celebrated. Presumably this was a the early 1880's it reached an all time of Meighans in Maryboro St. and Tullow forerunner of the Lobble Skirt which was high of 14,400. It was spread over the St. also served in the town from 1913 to in the fashion later. country in about 1500 police barracks 1920. and established on semi military lines. The last of the R.I.C. departed from HOUSE TO LET The strength of the Dublin Carlow in February, 1922 and on the The House No. 34 Dublin St. lately Metrolpolitan Police stood at around 28th September, 1922, the first members occupied as offices of the Leinster 1,200 being divided into seven districts. of the Garda Force, then known as Civic Independent to be let for such terms as Its first recruit, back in 183 7 was Con­ Guards arrived in Carlow. This force con­ may be agreed upon. stable Delaney, a native of Durrow, Co. sisted of a party of three Sergeants and Applications to Henry Walters Esq., Laois. Up to its amalgamation with the twenty eight Gardai. Staplestown. Garda Siochana in 1925, it had recruited The Sergeants were Sergeant Martin roughly 12,600 men. Walsh, Sergeant John McG!oin and CARLOW FAIR The first police barracks in Carlow Sergeant Patrick Duffy. The Gardai Yearling bullocks £8, year and half £8 town was in Burrin St., opened in 1840 were: Gardai Denis Flynn, Peter to £ 11, 4 year old prime bullocks 15 to and formerly the Yellow Line Inn. At Flanagan, John Rodgers, Martin Walsh, 1 7 guineas. Beauchamp B. Newton Esq. Forge Cross, Graiguecullen, another Michael Tuohy, Patrick Mcinerney, got 20 gns. for a 4 year old heifer, short police barracks was situated, serving Martin Fennessy, John O'Connor, Joseph horned, and 15 gns. each for 4 other 3 Graiguecullen and adjoining area. The Ryan and Jeremiah Cahill and others y.o. Durhams. police moved to the barracks in Tullow whose names are unknown. Denis Flynn, Slaughter Cattle 40 to 45/- per cwt. St., now occupied by the Garda, in 1870. now retired, resides in Burrin St. Milch Cows £12 to £15.10. Strippers County Carlow was divided into two On the 4th December, 1922, Sergeant £6 to £8. 10. Store Sheep 25/- to 34/-. police districts, that of Carlow and McGloin and three men opened Lambs 16/- to 22/- Weaning Calves £2 to ~luinebeag, Carlow town being county Muinebeag Station and on the same date £4. and district headquarters combined. Tullow Station was opened by Sergeant Mr. Cullen of Crawn got £14.10 for Other barracks were at Blacklion, Duffy. 2Yz y.o. bullocks. 11ilford, Tullow, Rathvilly, Hacketstown, Inspector Dan Hallinan was the first Ballon, Borris, Ballinree, Clonegal, Inspector to arrive on the 15th Robbers effected an entrance to a -F-enagh, Palatine, Nurney, November, 1922. He was replaced in house occupied by Mr. Coffey, Grocer, Leighlinbridge, Myshall and St. Mullins. June, 1923, by Inspector Harry McGann. Dublin St. and robbed him of £150.

7 BR JOHN DOMINIC McKENNA 1875-1962

------By a Christian Brother of the Carlow CommuniQ' ------

HE was born in the town m Drogbeda, With the help of the clergy and some of the Govemey, and Mrs. Brenda Governey, May 20th, 1875. When be WWI about people of the town he organised a collec­ Mrs. Stella O'Regan, Bagenalstown, and seven years of age the family transferred tion and drawing of prizes and realised the late Jimmy Bolger, F.R.C.S. of to Dundalk where his father worked as a the sum of £718.00 - a considerable Galway Regional Hospital. draughtsman in the G.N.R. locomotive amount in those days. The first charge on For the Troop Br. McKenna painted building works. He was one of a family of the sum collected was the Brothers the most magnificent flag I have ever eight - five boys and three girls. One of Oratory which he painted and decorated seen. It was a golden sunburst on Royal his brothers, Frank, lost hie life when in himself. He also painted all the statues in Blue Irish Poplin. The picture was taken September 1945, in an effort to save a the house and school. The rest of the at the investiture of the Troop in 1913. child from drowning he dived into a rough money was used to carry out badly­ The Brother then formed a Pipe Band for t sea at Seapoint, Blackrock. needed repairs to the classrooms. the Troop, and it was a stirring sight to John attended the C.B.S. Dundalk. As an aid to providing school funds Br. see the Troop march from the Cathedral i Here music had a prominent part in the McKenna with the help of some pa.st down Dublin St., led by the flag and l days school activities. He was a member pupils formed a dramatic group. They Band. This was about 1915 when the r of the CBS choir which sang weekly in the produced "The Lord Mayor" an Abbey Fianna had a huge membership. parish and Redemptorist churches. Gifted Theatre comedy, "The Wild Geese" writ­ After the Rising in 1916, the Fianna ·1 with a musical ear, a beautiful voice and ten by the good brother himBelf, and were proscribed, but the Band remained, a natural refinement he learned to ap­ many concerts. now dressed out in Saffron kilts, and still preciate only the best. For one such concert he arranged µte led by the flag. There were vast funerals He joined the Christian Brothers in National Anthem in four-part harmony. to the Republican Plot in St. Mary's August 1890 and during his training in It was much sought after and widely Cemetery. All the acolytes marched in ii Marino he pursued a course of studies in prailled. He was also responsible for all their soutanes and surplices. Bands at­ Object and Memory Drawing, Elemen­ the scenery for the concerts and plays. tended from all the surrounding towns, tary Design, Natural Forms, Perspective The boys of the school were prominent at but the lament played by Carlow Pipers, 'ffl and Water-colour Painting. He also got a all the Feieeanna, gathering encomiums was the most moving I have ever heard, good grounding in singing and choral and prizes galore. Gaeltacht scholarships and must have been composed or passed ,1,._,. work so that, although he was excellent in for the summer vacation were won and on by Br. McKenna, since I have never most academic subjects his distinctive many boys spent happy weeks in Omeath heard it played by any other group. The ability at Music and Art overshadowed College (since defunct) where they Pipe-Major of the Band was Joe McDar­ f everything else. became proficient in Irish as well as hav­ by of the Dublin Rd., subsequently an of­ After a few short years teaching in ing a most enjoyable holiday. ficer in the Free State Army. Portlaoise, Dublin and Waterford he In 1918 Br. McKenna completed six Many attempts were made by the returned to Marino as a teacher - years as Superior of Carlow and in Crown Forces to stop the carrying of the teaching the young brothers in training - August 1920 he was transferred to flag, but these were always defied. After Mathematics, Singing, Music and of Dungarvan. He taught in Youghal, many years the flag began to disintegrate, course Art. In 1907 he was sent to Mitcheletown, Doon, Cork, Tuam and and was rightly given into the custody of Limerick and soon he was caught up in Letterfrack. In 1960 he was transferred the Christian Brothers, who presented it the Gaelic Revival. to St. Patrick's, Baldoyle, and there in to the Carlow Museum on its formation. He did trojan work for the introduction 1962 he died at the age of eighty-seven. Br. McKenna introduced hurling to the of the mother tongue as the vernacular Ar dheie De go raibh a anam. school, and formed four teams which and was also responsible for introducing played on the League system. A photo of Addendum: From an unfinished • hurling to the Limerick schools. the hurlers was on exhibition at the Open manuscript written by the late John Ellis, Day at St. Mary's Academy. Brian 0 About this time the Brothers decided a brilliant historian, and a mine of Caoimh, one of the most brilliant pupils to edit for the use of schools a progressive Carlow lore and memories. .. that Br. McKenna educated, remembers series of classbooks in Irish. "An Chead The picture on Page 9 shows Fr. Bur­ them playing in a field just below the Leabhar" and "An Dara Leabhar" were bage, Br. McKenna, Br. Foran, and the "Laurels" at Graiguecullen. He thinks the put together some short time previously officers of · the Fianna Eireann Boy fostering of Hurling, a game he enjoyed, and Br. McKenna was given respon­ Scouts. Br. McKenna had formed this was one of the main achievements of the sibility for "An Treas Leabhar Gaeilge". unit in the Secondary School, and the of­ Brother's most fruitful term in Carlow. He not only produced a book regarded as ficers were all past pupils. Fr. Burbage one of the finest of its kind but did a was curate in the Cathedral. Like Br. He was the prime mover in the superb illustrative wall-chart as well. Its McKenna he was a gifted musician, and organisation of the great Feieeanna of the influence on the teaching of Irish was im­ sang in Herr Haan's Cathedral Choir. He period: Carlow 1913: Muinebeag 1914: ' " measurable. achieved fame during the "Troubles" and Tullow 1915. For the trip to Muinebeag August 1912 saw his appointment as was interned at Ballykinlar. He was sub­ canal boats were engaged, and Carlow Superior to Carlow. He was saddened sequently P.P. Mountmellick, where he relived the old days of canal travel. The by the extreme diligence of the people entertained President Sean T. 0 Ceal­ spirit and enthusiasm of these Feieeanna . and the poor state of tlie school. laigh, and President de Valera. Arus an were fantastic. A new spirit was abroad l., -The Brothers' house also was in a very Uachtarain was almost a second home to in Ireland, and its chief architects in 'I! dilapidated condition and the remedying him. He was brother to Mrs. Bolger-Corr Carlow were Br. McKenna and Fr. Bur­ of this was Br. McKenna's first concern. of Tullow St., and uncle to Mrs. Hugh bage. The Carlow Branch of Connradh na i

8 Seated: B. McKenna, George l\foCarney, Fr. Burbage, Jim Leonard, Br. McKenna. Back Row: Peter Breen, Joseph Mccarney, Patrick McDermott, Sean O'Farrell. In Front: John Ryan.

Gaeilge took on a new life on his arrival: the flag in the Old Academy. We should Brs. Irwin, McKenna, Foran, O'Reilly, Irish dancing got a great impetus under not overlook the part played by Br. and others who came after them. the tuition of the late Johnny Murphy's Foran, who was as gifted in his own dis­ From the national standpoint, father, who taught classes in the ciplines as Br. McKenna. Or that however, Br. McKenna was the right Workman's Club, of which the top floor fabulous character of whom I have heard man, at the right time, in the right place. was the bandroom of the Carlow Pipers. such glowing accounts from old pupils all His was the inspiration that fired so my life: Br. Irwin who preceded Br. many to make Ireland Gaelic and free. The troop leader in the front of the pic­ Foran. I am inclined to think that the in­ That spirit permeated the whole school, ture was the future Dr. John Ryan, first vestiture and blessing of flag took place in Junior as well as Senior. The Junior Headmaster of Carlow Technical School 1915, and that John's memory plays him school was a private school until 1929, founded by Bishop Foley. John was later false on that point, as I caused a con­ and the Brothers were free to teach Irish a professor of Columbia University. He troversy, among certain elements, in the boys to be Irish boys. As well, every room was a cousin of Paddy Ryan, of rugby local paper by recalling the parade pass­ had and still has a statue of the Virgin. fame. Seim O'Farrell who appears on the ing down Dublin St. in 1915. So I went All religious symbols were forbidden in extreme right of picture, next to Pa up to Jim Leonard's offire, one of the National Schools, as I found to my cost ~cDermott, was a brother of Michael Fianna officers who was now District when I taught in one. I am indebted to Farrell who wrote "Thy Tears Might Court Clerk, and Jim confirmed my Donal McDermott for the picture of the Cease", which evokes the Carlow of that memory. Fianna officers, which he presented to me era. The Farrells carried on a hardware Reading of the vast scope of Br. some years ago. I often spoke to his business where Brendan Dempsey now McKenna's artistic, literary, and father, Pa, about the Fianna, but he was has his shop. academic gifts, as well as his pre­ a very modest man, and slow to take The list of Br. McKenna's brilliant eminence in music, recalls another credit which he richly deserved. He would students is formidable. Brian O Caoimh phenomenon of my term in the Academy: be fulsome, however, about Br. McKenna discussed his time with him in Irish a few Br. J. A. O'Reilly. Mention any subject and Fr. Burbage. They have all gone to days ago, as fluent as any native speaker. you wish: languages, art, music, science, their reward, and may the sod lie lightly Leo McDonnell, who died recently was a mathematics, literature; he was pre­ upon them. great devotee of the Brother, and often eminent in all of them. Carlow has been Additional material in Addendum in­ recalled the excitement of the painting of well served by Brothers of the calibre of terposed by Aidan Murray.

9 Carlow Mart - the ,g

------By Seamus Murphy------

CARLOW Co-Operative Livestock Mart According to notes in the writers pos­ Fennell, Springhill; E. L. Townshend, Ltd., was organised during the Spring of session the people elected to this commit­ Kilmeany; Herbert Fennell, Stanney; 1958. It ceased to be a separate Society tee were:- John Monahan, Castletown; Victor Meredith, Coonbeg, Ballylinan in November 1970, when it amalgamated ,John Mahon, Bennekerry; Tadg and Albert Fennell, Ballyhide. with Kilcullen Co-Operative Mart, to Hendrecken, Bennekerry; Brendan Dowl­ The amendments to the General Rules, form Leinster Marts Ltd. ing, Linkardstown; John Byrne, Ben­ as proposed, were adopted on 28th April, Although the co-operative came into nekerry; William Power, Park; James 1958. At this committee meeting it was .,, & existence in 1958, people from the Ben­ Doyle, Busherstown; James Walshe, also decided to request the I.A.O.S. to nekerry I Tinryland area had considered Park; Seamus Murphy, Pollerton Little; have the project registered as a Friendly ' the formation of a Sales Co-operative James Kehoe, Rathvinden; Philip Walsh, Society. ' previously. The suggestion of a co-op Pollerton Little; John McDonald, Clon­ mart was first made in Bennekerry more; P. J. Foley, Leighlin; John Mc­ This registration was accepted and the Branch, Macra na Feirme in the Autumn Donald, Kilabban; Patrick Delaney, Society became a reality. The members of 19 5 4. The idea was not pursued at Newtown, Crettyard; James McWey, were admitted on 23rd May, 1958 and > that time because of what appeared to be Sleaty; Reginald Maher, Kilbricken, the 1st General Meeting of the Society J almost insurmountable difficulties, and Fenagh; Daniel Graham, Tolerton; John was arranged for 27th June, 1958, in the ' also because the Branch members were A. Doyle, Baltinglass; James Esmonde, Town Hall, Carlow. James Kehoe engaged in establishing the National Ballintrane, Fenagh; Joseph Hughes, presided at this meeting, to which Farmers Association, which was founded Kildrenagh; John Brophy, Rossena; representatives from the I.A.O.S., Bunclody Farmers Co-Op and Kilkenny l in ,January 19 5 5. Thomas Balfe, Plunketstown, Castleder­ In the Autumn of 1957, when two mot and Martin Brophy, Cloneybacon, Co-Op Sales were invited. companies had livestock sales in the Ballickmoyler. The Committee of Management chosen County, and a number of Co-Op This Committee held its first meeting for the new Society were: Brendan Dowl­ ing, ,John Monahan, James Doyle, Wil­ r Livestock Sales Societies had been on 23rd January, 1958, in Reddy's organised, the idea of establishing a Co­ Hotel, Carlow. Officers elected were:­ liam Power, Seamus Murphy, John Op Sales in Carlow was revived in the C hairman, James Kehoe; Vice­ Byrne, P. ,J. Foley, Philip Walsh, John A. Bennekerry I Tinryland area. A proposal Chairman, Brendan Dowling; Secretary, Doyle, James Walshe, James Kehoe, to establish a Co-Op cattle sales in Seamus Murphy and Trustees, William ,John Brophy, Patrick Delaney, John Mc­ Carlow was made at a Branch meeting of Power and John McDonald, Clonmore. Donald, Clonmore; Albert Fennell, James Bennekerry / Tinryland N.F.A. The McWey, Joseph F1eming and John J. The committee decided to canvass for Byrne. proposal was adopted without opposition. members for the proposed Co-Operative, The Branch officers at that time were: This committee held its first meeting in the area from Castledermot to on 4th ,July, 1958 and James Kehoe, Chairman, John Monahan; Vice­ Bagenalstown and from Mayo to Brendan Dowling and Seamus Murphy • Chairman, Seamus Murphy; Secretary, Grangeford. Advice and guidance was were elected Chairman, Vice-Chairman Tadg Hendrecken and Treasurer, John sought from the I.A.O.S. and Greg. and Secretary respectively. McArdle. Tierney was appointed to help the com­ While the work of organising the When the approval of the County mittee. Greg Tierney is now I.A.O.S. • Society was in progress, the members of Executive N.F.A. and help from other representative in Brussels. Joseph Flem­ the Organising Committee were also N.F.A. Branches in the County was ing, The Swan, was co-opted to the com­ planning the proposed mart. Various sought, very little opposition was ex­ mittee in mid-February, to widen the in­ sites in the neighbourhood of Carlow perienced. With this encouragement, a fluence of the Organising Committee. public meeting under the auspices of the were inspected. The choice of site was County Executive was organised by the The main portion of the canvass was restricted because the Urban District Bennekerry I Tinryland Branch for 20th completed by the end of February, so the Council informed the committee that the January, 1958 in the Town Hall, Carlow, committee, although it had not met with proposed Society would have to supply its with the writer, as Chairman of County as much success, as it had hoped, decided own water for washing purposes. Executive N.F.A., presiding. on 14th March, 1958 to register as a The water from the settling tank in The proposal to organise a Co­ Friendly Society, this Society to be known the proposed mart, would have to be dis­ Operative Society, whose purpose would as "Carlow Co-Operative Livestock Mart posed of independent of the town's be the holding of cattle sales in Carlow, Ltd." The Special Members were chosen sewers. Faced with these conditions the was adopted at this meeting. A committee in mid-March also. Organising Committee decided, in mid­ to organise this Society was elected. This On 11th April, 1958 in at effort to at­ .June, that the most suitable site was the committee became known as the tract additional investments the following Fair Green, Carlow. It was also decided to "Organising Committee". were co-opted to the committee:- John purchase, if possible, this site from the

; 10 1 Urban Council. It was a priority at this recorded that the Society owe a great was decided to l!ftlCl a roof over the cattle stage to make a decision on a site, debt to the late Robert J. Kehoe Solicitor, pens and to edl!lad the pig mart. The because before planning of the mart com­ for the interest which he voluntarily took result of these alh!niliims and additions menced the architect would have to know in the planning and construction of the was a first-class sa1es Jml!lllises. the site. The decision to negotiate for this Mart. During its lifetime Carlow Co­ site presented difficulties to the Organis­ The resuh of these efforts were that Operative Livestock :\lart Ltd bought ing Committee, because Carlow / Kildare the new premises were ready for its of­ two other sales premises. lbe first ac­ Sales, who had their Carlow sales centre ficial opening on 19th October, 1959. quisition was in 1967 when it bought the here also made an offer for the property. The opening ceremony was performed by salesyard in Kilcullen. It transferred Accordingly, when the Committee of Dr_ Henry Kennedy, Secretary, I.A.O.S., ownership of this property to a local '.\fanagement met for the first time on 4th after the premises had been blessed by a Society, when that Society had been es­ .July 1958, one of its items was to decide shareholder Rev. J. J. Dunny, P.P., tablished. The second mart was Borris on its approach to Carlow / Kildare Sales Tinryland. assisted by Rev. Gash and Sales, which it purchased in 1970. This and the Urban Council. The result of this Rev_ M. Coughlan, Adm., Carlow. A sale mart would have been conducted as a discussion was a decision to enter into was conducted in the new premises on branch of the Carlow Society, but before negotiations with Carlow I Kildare Sales this day also. this arrangement could function, Leinster with the purpose of buying the Com­ As already stated the Society became Marts had been formed, by the pany's premises and interest in the site, owners of the Fair Green, Carlow on the amalgamation of Carlow Co-Operative and then to negotiate with the Urban 1st January 1959, with Carlow I Kildare Livestock Mart Ltd. and Kilcullen Co.­ Council for the purchase of the Green Sales as tenants. Early in February the Operative Mart Ltd. in November 1970, itself. Company was informed that the Society thus ending the existance of Carlow Co­ The negotiations with the Company, was now ready to conduct sales and that Operative Livestock Mart Ltd. as a conducted by Dr. Juan Greene, who at it would do so commencing on 20th separate Society. ·that time was President of N.F.A., were March, 1959, when it would hold its first To understand the difficulties ex­ carried out on 11th July, 19 5 8. Under sale. This is where the interpretation of perienced by the Carlow Society some the terms of agreed settlement, the the clause "ready for business" came into background information is necessary. Society agreed to pay a sum to the Com­ dispute. The Company stated, that they Firstly a number of co-operative societies pany, for its interest in the Fair Green. understood the clause to mean that they had failed in the County, particularly in The directors of the Company agreed to would be conducting sales until the new the period between the two World Wars. invest most of this money in the Society. Society Mart was ready. However the The failure of these societies led to a dis­ The Society also agreed that the Com­ Society's view was that they were now trust of this form of association. Secondly pany "could continue in business in the ready to conduct business. A settlement the period of the late 50's and early 60's Fair Green, until the Society is ready." was reached with the Company vacating was a period of particular difficulty for Due to a subsequent misunderstanding the Fair Green, but the directors stated farming in Ireland. Some of the trouble on the interpretation of this clause only that they did not feel bound by the agree­ stemmed from weather difficulties par­ two members of the Company invested in ment to invest in the Society. ticularly during the harvests and other the Society. As no sales were being held, the difficulties arose from the attitude of the Agreement was reached with the s·ociety had functioned without a Government of the time, towards C.D.C. on this day also. The result of this Manager or office staff from its founding. agriculture. These attitudes led to milk agreement was that the Society became When the decision to conduct sales was strikes, to the resignation of the Minister owners of the Fair Green and the Fairs made, applications for the necessary of Agriculture, Patrick Smith, in 1964 Authority for Carlow with effect from 1st posts were invited. The result of the con­ and finally to the N.F.A.'s Farmers January, 1959. sideration of these applications was the Rights Campaign, which commenced in With the Fair Green purchased, the appointment of John A. Doyle, 1965. During this period the Society committee could now concentrate on Baltinglass, as part-time Manager and gave its support to the efforts being made deciding what type of premises it wished W. E. Byrne to take charge of Accounting to improve the farmers lot. This support to erect. In late August a decision was and the supplying of office staff on a part­ culminated in its joining with two other reached on the number of cattle pens re­ time basis also. Societies and a number of individuals in quired, and on the general lay-out of the These appointments were reviewed contesting the constitutionality of the ~fart building. The I.A.O.S. were asked before the new premises were opened. Marts Act 1967. This action, which was to prepare plans to suit these require­ The result of this review was that two heard in March 1969, resulted in a deci­ • ments, and these were ready before the members of the Committee were ap­ sion that sections of the Act were uncon­ end of November. Tenders for the con­ pointed to take charge on sale days and stitutional, and therefore infringed on the struction of the Mart and for the supply­ W. E. Byrne was given extra duties and rights of the individual. ing of the necessary penning were invited. powers. ,John A. Doyle resigned as In this account of the Society the The submitted tenders were considered in Manager. This system with some altera­ business of the Society has had only a early February 1959 and the tender from tions from time to time, continued until casual mention. This is a deliberate om­ Messrs. Thompson & Son Ltd., Carlow the Autumn of 1965. At this time the mission as the actual business operations l for the construction of the premises, and Committee decided to employ a full time merit a separate and detailed article in that from Messrs. Tobin, Enniscorthy for Manager, and Thomas Kehoe, Ardnahue, this or some other publication. f the supplying of the penning were ac­ Bennekerry was appointed to the post. The main success of the Society was in I' cepted. A further contract was placed With the appointment of a full time showing the farmers of the County that with R. E. Fegan, Tullow for the laying of manager discussion and decisions were by combining in a business effort that the necessary piping from the Mart to the made on improving services to the clients. many benefits could accrue. It also paved l river Burrin. Construction work com­ The first result of these decisions was the way for the success of the other ! menced in late April, with the late Stan the removal of the old mart building and farmer co-operatives which have been McCullagh, B.E. supervising the work for its re-erection as a pig sales premises, in organised in years since 1958, and which the Society. Before concluding the story which the first sale was held on 6th have been supported by the farmers of of the planning of the mart, it must be September, 1966. In November 1968 it the County.

11

j The Riches of Clonmore

~ESTLING quietly in the Nart.Emit now in keeping with its hallowed sur­ comer of Co. Carlolr cm the W-dlow By Eddie McDonald roundings. border, is that celelaidl:ld Jomity' oCClon­ An annual three day pilgrimage from more or Cluain Mm- Madlioc which the Diocese of Ferns was held at this well means "~fope's largie IIIIMdow" called buried side by side in accordance with up until about 1820 on 31st January after St. :'.fogue who founded a religious their wishes and the shaft of a large stone which leads one to believe that there must community here and built a monastery cross marks the spot of their final resting be some connection between St. Mogue of about the year 560. place in Clonmore cemetery. Clonmore and St. Mogue, Patron Saint of St. Mogue presided over this St. Brogan Cloen wrote the diocese of Ferns. They have different monastery until his death, probably in * I hear not in any Province between feast days - St. Mogue of Clonmore on the early years of the seventh century. In Earth and Heaven, 11th April and St. Mogue of Ferns on these years the numbers of those that * Of a Cluain like the Holy Relig of Adh 31st January. gained in learning and piety were find. The ancient cemetery is also noted for countless. One recorded estimate gives * A delightful place of resurrection (it is) its old tombstones and slabs. The earliest the number that habited this settlement where are the relics of the Saints of lettered headstone is dated 1764 and a at one time as 5,000 monks and scholars. Eireann, tombstone in a badly broken condition St. Mogue and several other saints * Ninety score crumties and five thou­ has a date May 1745 and has a very un­ who were associated with the monastery sand great wonder workers, usual crest. It lies beside a fallen-in vault are buried in Clonmore, probably in the * With Mogue Ua Dunlaing are their of the Burne family of Sleatty who ancient cemetery which exists today and graves. resided in Ballinakill, Clonmore. which appears to be the only remaining St. Brogan Cloen liYed for some time Crosses and other designs are. cut in visible portion of the original monastery. in the monastery at Clonmore probably relief on a number of stones. They have St. Finan is said to have presided over around the years 620 to 650. While there been re-situated at one end of the the monastery from 650 up to 680. He he composed that famous Hymn in praise cemetery. also had charge of the Abbeys of Innisfal­ of St. Brigid. It is preserved in an ancient The shaft of St. Mogue's cross stands len in Kerry and Ardfinane in Tipperary. manuscript in Trinity College, Dublin. in the centre of the cemetery. The head of He was known as Finan the leper on ac­ St. Stephen or Straffan was another this cross was blown off and it is hoped to count of a loathsome disease from which saint of Clonmore. He was a brother of have it restored on its shaft. he suffered with tremendous patience. It St. Laserian and St. Gobban both of This is probably the spot where St. is told that a peasant woman horribly dis­ Leighlin. It is thought that this saint suc­ Mogue, St. Finan and St. Onchu are ,­ figured by leprosy implored St. Finan to ceeded St. Mogue in the government of buried. cure her and during his fervent prayers the monastery in the years before and There is one headstone with a hole in ~ for her, he was told through a vision, that after 615. its centre where it is recorded a priest was the woman would be cured, but he would St. Temoc or Ternog, St. Lassa or shot as he hid behind it in 1798. have to bear the leprosy. Lassair, St. Dinertach, and St. Cumman Another headstone commemorates a St. Onchu who was renowned as a poet are other saints that had charge of the Fr. Nicholas Doogan who was a curate in and was keenly interested in history and monastery and are buried in Clonmore. Clonmore and died on 28th September, antiquities was born about the middle of Clonmore is referred to twelve times in 1 767, aged 40. He was killed from his the sixth century. During his religious life the Annals of the Four Masters which is horse in a field in Knockatomcoyle. he developed a very close friendship with an indication of the important position On the wall of this cemetery overlook­ St. Mogue· and St. Finan. This is under­ held by the monastic abbey down through ing the road is a stone with a hollow in it, standable as he is reputed to have been the centuries. called the Chalice Stone. over 100 years old when he died. They St. Mogue's Well is situated a very Tradition has it that when the present agreed that when death called them they short distance west of the ancient road was being made, it ran through the • should be buried, side by side. Onchu cemetery on the north side of the road. · site of the old monastery and its sought and obtained permission from his There is a spring well beside a small , cemetery. This stone was built into the superiors to visit all the places in Ireland 'stream. Alongside is a little granite wall and each morning it used be on the which were noted for sanctity so that he boulder, 25 ins. long and 13 ins. broad at middle of the road until finally it was could compile accounts of their history its widest point. At one end is a hollow. A placed on the top of the wall. and collect relics and memorials of some groove runs down the length of the It is thought that it was an altar stone of the saintly people of that time. For boulder. during the time of the monastery. years Onchu travelled throughout Ireland The water from this stone is There is a large granite cross in The and collected a vast amount and on one of traditionally renowned for its curative Church of Ireland grounds known as the his return visits to the monastery at Clon­ powers and in thanksgiving for cures peo­ Mission Cross. Its head and shaft are a more he asked St. Mogue for a memorial ple used leave rags, sticks and other single piece, 7 ft. 3 ins. high and 4 ft. 3 1 to add to his collection. votive offerings. This practice has ceased ins. across the arms. At this spot were the St. Mogue refused this request because but a regular amount of people still resort ruins of a small church in 1800. he considered himself unworthy to give to St. Mogue's Well for its curing effect. A granite stone stands in a field at the anything to this saintly collection and im­ It is remarkable that no matter how dry a south-side of the road from the Castle to mediately, his thumb, as if cut off, feiI summer is there is always some water in the village. It is 6 ft. in length and about into the casket that St. Onchu was the hollow in this stone. 33 ins. wide and is very deep in the holding. The blessed well area had deteriorated ground; the surface of this stone is level Tradition has it that Onchu, Mogue into a sad state of neglect until in 19 7 5 it with the ground. and Finan and the casket of relics are was renovated and refurbished and is There are 3 large hollows about 12 or

12 , '

------'- 13 ins. in diameter and about 8 or 9 ins. in depth. Archaeologists suggest that they Carlow Museum future and past were used for grinding com in early times. TO the visitor Carlow town has much the of the Town Hall In a Betting which It is known locally as The Bullawn stone same attractions as a town of similar size echoed to the appq.1JR al mncert and and is also called a quern stone. anywhere in Ireland. Cathedral, Court theatre audiences visiton wil be able to Still standing are the remains of a House, St. Mary's, Ca&tle and Dolmen muse. Tastefully displayed will be items large Castle built about the year 1180 by are of major interest on any itinerary. The to remind one of, among othen, John Hugh De Lacey. An accurate version of Museum could easily be overlooked but Tyndall, Fr. Maher the Patriot Priest, the history of this castle is difficult its importance should not. Both to native and Cardinal Cullen. By looking at the because scraps of information are so and to visitor the County Carlow old time kitchen and shop a visitor will be widely scattered and were never compiled Museum should appeal. able to visualise life in nineteenth and by historians in detail. It is evident that it By means of lectures, tours and early twentieth century Carlow. The has had a large number of owners or Carloviana, the Old Carlow Society is events of 1 798 will come alive by study­ custodians down through the centuries. helping to inform the general public about ing the wide range of material belonging According to the Chronicles of Ireland it the History of County Carlow. Most to that era. A museum catalogue and not was owned by the Crown at one time and Historical Societies would be content with a short article would be necessary to ade­ was therefore a Royal Castle. The Castle these activities but not the pioneers of the quately record the items on display. was square in shape surrounded by a fort Museum. They realised that we live in an Many local museums suffer from or fosse which was 20 ft. deep when filled age where people are anxious to look as financial starvation. Carlow is fortunate with water. The walls were 170 ft. high well as read, to gaze as well as listen. in having County Council members and on the East, North and West sides. The Further they realised that with each pass­ officials who realise the importance of a South side facing the road re~ched 230 ing day and each advancing bulldozer the Museum to an area. Their annual sub­ ft. high. This South portion is gone, a artifacts of the past were in danger of vention helps to ease financial headaches. pity because this contained the draw­ permanent oblivion. To the developer The antiques fair held every year raises a bridge tower, the only entrance to the items of the past can interfere with future further sum and the Old Carlow Society courtyard. There were towers at each of plans. To the willing helpers of the makes an annual grant. the four comers. There is a gargoyle of Carlow Museum items of the past are to Items of historical interest and a granite in the shape of a human head be cherished. healthy financial position are not enough mounted on one of the remaining towers One such willing worker is Mr. Paddy to secure the future of a museum. Despite known locally as the "pookas head." Purcell of Quinagh, Carlow. With an the complaint of being difficult to find There are several interesting features enthusiasm unbridled and an open there has been a steady stream of visitors remaining such as windows, stairways, hearted generosity he has helped build up to the premises in College Street. A small ceilings of rooms and chambers, and nar­ the collection of material in Carlow admission fee and helpful guides have at­ row passages. Cromwells forces under Museum. It could properly be called "The tracted the tourist and the natives. They Colonels Hewson and Reynolds conquered Purcell Collection." People like Mr. come for a few minutes; they stay for and demolished its walls and towers in Purcell rarely get the recognition that hours. Most encouraging is the fact that 1650 and reduced it to practically the they deserve. He epitomises the dedica­ more than half the attendance is made up ruins that it is today. tion of the few people who are giving of school children. If the same support is Carlow a Museum to properly present its forthcoming when the museum is based in The Moate is a high conical shaped past. the Town Hall then this Journal will be mound surrounded by a deep trench out As reported elsewhere 1979 will see carrying Museum reports for years to of which it was formed. It is situated the transfer of material to the auditorium come. It will be delighted to do so. about 400 yards east of the village of Clonmore in the townland of Minvaude. There is no trace of a rampart either The Chairman writes round the summit or base of the moate. IRELAND'S membership of the Euro­ I would however, have liked to have Some Archaeologists hold the view that pean Community has subjected our seen a larger attendance of the younger these moates were built by the Anglo­ country to the influence of foreign generation at our functions. :'.\ormans on which a wooden tower was cultures as never before. In the effort to • The outstanding event of the year was erected for defence during the building of preserve our national heritage societies the Castle. the decision to become a Friendly Society, such as ours have a major part to play. and this matter is now being finalised. A Since its foundation the Old Carlow # There is a popular tradition that an further matter of major importance was underground or escape tunnel or passage Society has continuously stressed the im­ the decision to transfer the museum to portance of the preservation of our native runs from the castle to this moate which the Town Hall. Negotiations with the culture for future generations. If our ef­ is a distance of half a mile. U.D.C. are now nearing a satisfactory forts are to achieve the desired results it conclusion and it is hoped the new loca­ It is logical that it was used as a signal is necessary to have the support of all who point, as it commands a view of Mullins tion will be occupied early in the New are nationally minded - especially the Year. The committee welcome offers of Hill to the east and Rathvilly moate to youth. I therefore urgently appeal to the the west. voluntary help in running the museum young people of the county to interest and particularly ask for volunteers to as­ These are just some of the interesting themselves in the history and archaeology sist at supervision when it is open to the items to be found in this peaceful valley. of their own localities and of the county public. It would take a couple of further articles generally. They are particularly welcome to cover briefly all the items of attraction. to membership of our Society. Gabhaim mo bhuiochas le gach ball Development plans are at an advanced The past year was an unusually busy den chumann a chabbraigh liom 6 stage at present to facilitate visitors to one for the 0.C.S. Lectures were well at­ cheapadh me im Chathaoirleach, agus enjoy beautiful scenery, visit all the tended and visits to historical centres guidhim gach rath agus sean oraibh go historical places and relax with a pleasant further afield were reasonably well sup­ leir le haghaidh na bliana seo chughainn. forest walk. ported. John Moriarty

13 •t&OUGH OF OlBLOW. _,,,,,,,., ____ ,~- An Alphabetical List of Persons who have Registered their Votes at the several Sessions hel

~ __ 2!2251

30. AllD • .A.JIE OF VOTER, RESIDENCE, I NATURE OF VOTE, I DATE OF IlEGISTHY. A J 8 Alexander, John Quay, Carlow Householder 25th June, I 84,0 19 Anderson Robert Dublin street do 19th October, 1841 20 Anderson, George Tullow street do do 21 Armstrong, John Dublin street do 80th December, I S4 I 22 Alexander, John, jun. Milford Bur.gess 29th December, 184,2 23 Anderson, George 28, Tullow street Householde1· do 24 Anderson, George do do l 7th October, 1844 25 Annesley, Frederick do do 31st December, 1844 26 Adams, ·Rosi! Tullow street do I 6th October, I S45 27 AbJJott, Luke Maryborn' street, Graigue do 22d June, IF 46 B I 07 Baillie, Thomas Browne street do 2d April, 1840 ] 08 Browne, Robert Dublin street do do ] 09 Browne, Robert Barrack street do do ' 110 Bacon, John Hunt street do 25th June, 1840 111 Birkett, Henry Dublin street do do ·~ J 12 Bruen, Henry Oak Park, Esq., M.P. Burgess do 113 Butler, William Lenham Lodge do 20th October, 1840 114 Burke, Patrick Dublin street Householde1; do 115 Benson, Rev. G. S. Montgomet·y street do 29th December, 1840 116 Brennan, James Granby row do I st April, 1841 l l'i Byrne, John Potato market do 2·tth June, 1841 118 lioake,, William Burren street do 19th October, 1841 ] 19 Birkett, Henry Dublin street do do ·~ ] 20 Bacon, J oho Tullow street do do 121 Bun bury, Thomas Staplestown road do do 122 Brennan, John Tullow street do do )23 Bigley, Henry Maryborn' street, Grague do 20th December, 1841 J 24 Boardman, Richard Bu1Ten street do 5th April, 1842 J 25 Burgess, John H. Hunt street do do J 26 Byrne, Petet· Tullow street do 23d June, 1842 J27 Byrne, John do do do 128 Burton, Wm. F. Burton Hall Burgess 18th October, 1842 ]29 Bowles, William Dublin road Householder 29th December, 1842 )30 Bolger, liurtha Barrack street do 30th March, 1843 J 31 Brandon Rev. William Pembroke terrace do 22d June, 1843 132 Byrne, Mathew Castle street do 28th Decembet·, 1843 133 Bunbury, Henry fullow street do 20th June, 1844 ) 34 Byrne, Garrett Dublin road do do II! 135 Byrne, Patrick Tullow street do 31stDecember, 1844 136 Banington Michael Burren street do 27th March, 184,5 137 Burgess, John H, do do 24th June, I 845 J 38 Blake, Michael School lane do 16th October, 181.5 ]3!) Bradley, John Browne street do do 14,0- Breoan, William Tullow street do 30th December, 1845

The original copy from which the above is an extract is in the possession of Mr. Alec Burns, College Street, Carlow.

14 LIST OF SPONSORS BARROW MILLING CO. A. E. COLEMAN FLOUR & ANIMAL FEEDING STUFFS MOTOR & CYCLE DEALERS LEIGHLIN ROAD, CARLOW 19 DUBLIN ST., CARLOW

BRADBURYS CARLOW SCHOOL OF MOTORING LTD. BAKERY. CONFECTIONERY, SELF-SERVICE RESTAURANT (VAL SLATER)* EXPERT TUITION TULLOW ST., CARLOW & ATHY 39 SYCAMORE ROAD. Phone 41991

ALEC BURNS CORCORAN & CO. LTD. GENTS HAIR STYLIST MINERAL WATER MANUFACTURERS FOR 150 YEARS COLLEGE ST., CARLOW CARLOW

MR. F. BIRD DARRERS STORES MANAGER ALLIED IRISH BANK BETTER VALUE IN DRAPERY & GROCERY TODAY & EVERYDAY TULLOW ST., CAR LOW 142 TULLOW ST., CARLOW. Phone 41387

CARLOW BOOK SHOP DUNNY'S TULLOW ST. Phone 41674 BAKERY & CONFECTIONERY CASTLE ST., CAR LOW. Phone 411 51

COLD ROLLING.MILLS DOOLEYS (STEEL PRODUCTS) HIGH-CLASS FRUIT, SWEETS. CIGARETTES & BOOKS KILLESHIN RD., CARLOW 62 TULLOW ST., CARLOW

CASTLE CRAFTS DARCYS IRISH LINEN. KNITWEAR, RUGS, SUITS, SKIRTS FURNITURE & CARPETS CASTLE ST., CARLOW. Phone 42064 33-35 TULLOW ST., CARLOW

"CENTRAL" CAFE FOLEYS RESIDENTIAL RESTAURANT . MEDICAL HALL LTD., 6 KENNEDY ST., CARLOW. Phone 41715 66 TULLOW ST., CAR LOW

GACH RATH AR CARLOVIANA EAMONN FITZPATRICK Na Braithre Criostai, Ceatharlach VICTUALLER Bunscoil agus Meanscoil STAPLESTOWN RD., CARLOW. Phone 41029 -- CIGAR DIVAN "FINN EGANS" NEWSAGENT, CONFECTIONER. TOBACCONIST, etc. LOUNGE BAR DUBLIN ST., CARLOW TULLOW ST. & POTATO MARKET, CARLOW

J.A. PURCELL Beacon Home Services GERALD HOSEY ALUMINIUM SHOP FRONTS AND WINDOWS RETAIL STORES & WHOLESALE FRUIT MERCHANT QUI NAG H, CAR LOW. Phone 41632 STAPLESTOWN RD., CARLOW - D & J CARBERY LTD. HADDENS (BUILDERS) CARLOW'S LEADING DEPARTMENT STORE Phones: CARLOW 41208. ATHY 21317 TULLOW ST., CAR LOW

CARPENTER BROS. E. HAUGHNEY & SON LUXURY LOUNGE BAR. FUNERAL UNDERTAKERS COAL. TURF. BRIQUETTES BAR RACK ST., CAR LOW POLLERTON RD., CARLOW. Phone 41367

15 l

------By Miss Johanna O'Dooley

The most famous member of the The history was collected and com­ sarily imposed upon him; but his appoillt­ Pamell family in Laois Willi Sir John piled by Miss O'Dooley's father, the ment as a Minister never induced him ta Pamell.. the serond Baronet, who was late Mr. Sean O'Dooley. Mr. forget his birth as an Irishman; and hil CbaJIC"l'llcr cl the Exc:beqqer in the Irish O'Dooley had a series in the Leinster attachment to the Sovereign, newr Parliament in 1787. Express some years ago. Miss diminished his philanthropy to tbe su1t­ Sir John ... bum at Rathleague in O'Dooley has, where necessary, ject. 17 46. His father trained him in politics rewritten and brought her father's from an early qe and be became M.P. for former articles up to date. BETRAYED HIS COUNTRY Bangor 1767-8; forlnilltioge 1777-83; After an honest, faithful, and zealouB Laois 1783-1801. He wu made a service of his King, for seventeen years - baronet in 1780; Ccimmi9aioner of Excise own abilities, he was soon noticed in the as Chancellor of the Irish Exchequer - be 1780, Chancellor cl the ED:hequer 1785- Irish Parliament as a person of more than was called · upon by the Minister to 99, P.C. 1786, Vice-l'reuurer of Ireland ordinary capacity - and after a veering s~crifice his principles, and betray Im 1793-9. course of local politics, he was appointed country - to efface the impressions al a Chancellor of the Exchequer, (an office, youth - and tarnish the honour of hia SIR JONAH BARRINGTON'S the duties of which had been formerly ex­ maturity - to violate his faith - and ACCOUNT ecuted by the Attorney General). In that falsify his conviction; - but the fetters cl One of tbe best accounts cl Sir John situation he continued, until the project office could not restrain the spirit of m Parnell we have is to be found in Sir al a Union called forth the public virtues captive - he lost his station, but be Jonah Harrington's book "Historical of every man who possessed any, and too retained his integrity, and was compen­ Anecdotes and Secret Memories of the late opened the eyes of the nation to its sated for the consequences of an un­ Legislative Union between Great Britain steady friends, and to it temporising deserved dismissal, by the approbation cl and Ireland." Here is what Sir Jonah had enemies. his conscience and the affection of hie to say: "In the number of those who, at Sir John Parnell had an eminent country. this moment were launched for the first capacity for public business, but a lamen­ The Volunteer corps which he com­ time into public observation there ap­ table deficiency of system in its arrange­ manded, early and zealously adopted the peared a person who, by the honest and ment. His strong mind and cultivated un­ cause of Irish independence ("The spirited termination of his public political derstanding lost much of their effect by Maryborough infantry, commanded by life, has been justly raised upon the the flurry of his manner, which frequently Sir John Parnell, sent two delegates to elevated pedestal of National gratitude; a confused and always impeded the per­ the national Convention of Dublin and person whose early appointment to the spicuity of his language. entered into the following spirited resolu­ first financial department of Ireland, and His intellect was clear - his memory tion of accedance to the general con­ whose official conduct, from that day to retentive and his conception just; - he federacy:- "Resolved, that the resolu­ the catastrophe of Irish Parliaments, will possessed esteem, without an effort to ob­ tions entered into by the Ulster Associa­ necessarily be the subject of frequent and tain it, and preserved his friends, without tions, at Dungannon, are truly spirited important observations, and authorises exercising his patronage; - he supported and patriotic - and we are determined to an introduction of his name and the Ministry, without offending the Op­ support them - and think that a general character, at an earlier stage of this position and all parties united in calling meeting of all the Queen's County corps is history, than would otherwise be consis­ him an honourable man. at this time much wanting, in order to tent with the regular detail of a progres­ Plain - frank - cheerful - and con­ enter into such other resolutions as the sive narrative. vivial - he generally preferred society to exigency of the time may require") - a Sir John Parnell, the commandant of a trouble, and seemed to have rid himself of cause he strenuously adhered to, to the Volunteer association, (The a heavy weight, when he had executed an last moment of his existence - and in Maryborough Volunteers), was the son of official duty. As a financier, he was not that noble firmness with which he a crafty and prudent minor politician, perfect, - as a statesman, he was not resisted a legislative Union, and dis­ (Sir John Parnell of Rathlegue, in the deep, - as a courtier, he was not obeyed the mandates of a crafty and vin­ Queen's County) and was educated with polished, - but as an officer, he was not dictive Viceroy - he left to the present a view to a diplomatic situation. From corrupt; - though many years in posses­ age a brilliant and a rare example of a that species of education he derived all sion of high office, and extensive Minister, honest enough to prefer his the advantages which a plain, honest, and patronage, he showed a disinterestedness character to his. office - and proud. sensible man could be expected to ac­ almost unparalleled; and the name of a enough to postpone his interest to his quire. On his return from the continent, relative, or a dependant, of his own, honour. he was found by his father too scarcely in a single instance increased the The external figure of Sir John Parnell deficient in the necessary attainments of place of the pension lists of Ireland. seemed an archtype of his character; - 1'J· plausible evasion and crafty duplicity, to Though his education and habits were his countenance, comely and benign, was "''; qualify him for the high departments of ministerial, his mind was intrinsically less marked than animated - his full, patriotic, and a sentiment of independent penetrating, but unsteady eye, conveyed 4 foreign diplomacy; - his talents f therefore, become destined for home ap­ spirit not unfrequently burst out from un­ the expression of irregular wisdom and of plication - and by the intrigues of his der the pressure of that official restriction undisciplined ability; - his person (far father, and rather a forced exertion of his which the duties of his station had neces- above the middle size) appeared at the (Continued on next page) 16 Old Uighlin Lore ------By Margaret Hayden------­ THE controversy about development had probably been built much earlier - claimed there was always a hollow ring on plans at Wood Quay in Dublin has got a for what purpose we do not know. a certain section of the road not very far lot of publicity in recent months. This Traditionally an underground passage up. The travellers dilJCU!llled this among area which is near Christchurch connects the present Cathedral with St. themselves without realising anything of Cathedral contains many important ex­ Laserian's Well. Another story which gets underground passages until the idea was .. amples of Viking life. Historians and handed on over the centuries claims a put forward to them. The old people were - preservationists rightly objected to the passage extends in another direction as sincere. They believed in that un­ development plans of the Corporation. far as Wells. The story goes that when the derground passage. Can we in this I Every county, every parish in Ireland first of the monks emerged at Wells the generation do anything about forwarding has its own Wood Quay. The very names last of them was entering at the this belief of theirs. This is the kind of of our fields and townslands are in fact an monastery here. That may be an exag­ localised information which can be got indication of the wealth of history which geration of the facts but the idea of pas­ anywhere. is in the ordinary unknown places. One sages seems to be true. Again there is a field near here called cannot organise digs everywhere but there Historians verify that the passage from tpe Paire Ban where that famous Synod is at least a need for recognition of places the Church to the Blessed Well is of Leighlin was held. It is quite a distance of antiquarian interest. The older people probably a certainty. It is possible the one from the present Church but obviously in any parish generally have all the to Wells may have got extended a few must have been within the precincts of folklore and traditional stories of the miles by over enthusiastic raconteurs. In the monastery in olden times. That place. That is the way it is around my recent years I have been presented with historic field might become nameless if own village of Old Leighlin certainly. the fact that this passage probably some ditches were taken out. DinnRigh To me the need for knowledge seems emerged less than a mile from the village. which is near Leighlin on the Kilkenny urgent now. Progressive farmers do a lot Significantly enough the field claiming road is another example. I should think of reclamation work on their land and this honour is called the criosog. It ad­ every man, woman and child around there who is to say how much of value is being joins the present Baunleith Quarries and knows a little of the story of DinnRigh. In obliterated by the bulldozers. Like the the terrain is limestone. There are pre-christian times it was the palace of proposed development of Vlood Quay natural cave-like fissures in the field the kings of Leinster. Yet to this day the valuable articles giving an insight into an­ which is somewhat overgrown in that site is unmarked. Under that mound of cient life could be lost for ever. I am only area. Was this field a working quarry at earth could be megalithic tombs similar to able to recall the stories and traditions of one time? Did the monks perhaps set those discovered at Newgrange near my own place but that kind of knowledge about improving on nature and delving a Drogheda. Again I recall that the present multiplied throughout even county way to the monastery across the hill? We parish of Leighlin contained seven Carlow would add up to a lot of new items don't know. It would have to cross under churches in early Christian times. Is it and tit-bits of information coming to the present Milebush and Lacken roads, not possible that Tomard, Cloydagh and light. and again the old timers' memories have Kilenane church ruins and the others Here in Old Leighlin I have always helped. might cover much of value historically heard of underground passages in the Years ago when iron shod horses and and give a wider knowledge of life in those vicinity. The monks of old sought shelter iron wheeled carts travelled the Lacken far off days? in them in times of persecution but they hill road home from town or colliery it was These few lesser known examples of tradition and folklore at local level may stimulate some older memories in other A famous Laois family districts. It is necessary I think, that in­ formation got should be acted upon. The (Continued from previous page) the high-faluting ones of other members "He deplored a constitutional change form which that action takes depends on same moment active and unwieldy, - and which would diminish the number of the archaeological and historical groups and indicated a singular combination of I people's representatives and submit them may have to differ from one area to awkwardness and dignity - indolence to a British majority with different local another. Talks are a great way of reviving and vigor - a sioven and a gentleman." I interests. It was, he maintained, fal­ the past for the hearers. I have also heard (Sir John Parnell, as seen by Sir Jonah lacious to expect commercial benefits of old books of immediate local interest Barrington, in his Historical Anecdotes from the Union. The trade lost to Dublin and local family histories being in the and Secret Memoirs of the Legislative might go, not to Cork or Waterford, but possessfon of the most unlikeiy peopie. t:nion between Great Britain and to some English port such as Liverpool. The sad part is that they have been bor­ Ireland."). The increased absenteeism of landlords rowed and re-borrowed and may get mis­ PARNELL'S OPPOSITION and Members of Parliament would laid for ever. TO THE UNION diminish the trade in luxury articles and All the publicity about Wood Quay will When the Union was first proposed, ,would not improbably lead to a fall in have done a lot of good if it brings a Pitt and other leading members had little land prices, which had steadily risen over realisation in smaller communities of the doubt that Parnell would be brought "to the last twenty years. Religious dif­ amount of vigilance and interest which is heel." But when in January 1799 it ficulties would not be solved; "Will the needed at all times. The price of progress became obvious that he was completely Catholic and Protestant mind be satisfied and development n,,ed not mean that our Anti-Union, he was dismissed from office, by each party ceasing to have a Parlia­ historic past be obliterated. Neither as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and his ment within the reach of its ap­ should the factual tit-bits of local folklore opponent Isaac Corry given the position. probation?" from our senior citizens be dismissed But he still fought against the Union, us­ ("The Passing of the Irish Act of from our minds as just flights of imagina­ ing common-sense arguments instead of Union" G. C. Bolton). tion.

17 UST OF SPONSORS R. HEALY & SOfJ PRESENTATION SECONDARY ~ FUNERAL DIRECTORS r SCHOOL CARLOW POLLERTON CASTLE & COUEGE ST. WISH CONTINUED SUCCESS TO "CARLOVIANA" from 41286 Phone 41868 THE STAFF & PUPILS ROYAL HOTEL CARLOW IBJ•EDYS CATERS FOR DINNER DAN€ES *WEDDINGS* CLUB HIGH--0..ASSCONFECTIONERY & GROCERY FUNCTION, etc. 86 ST. MARYS PARK. CARLOW. Phone 41051 CONTACT THE l\i'IANAGER 41421/41156/41605

KELLISTOWN CHICKENS (1974) LTD. SUTTONS SUPERMARKET FRESH CHICKENS. TURKEYS & DUCKLINGS AT THE TOP FOR QUALITY* AT THE BOTTOM FOR PRICE PEMBROKE.CARLOW. Phone41621 CASTLE ST., CARLOW. Phone 41652

LEIX DAIRY ST. LEO'S SECONDARY SCHOOL MILK, CREAM, EGGS BUTTER DAY SCHOOL & BOARDING SCHOOL * DELIVERED FRESH DAILY* CONVENT OF MERCY, CARLOW CASTLE ST., CAR LOW. Phone 41123 -·· BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO A MUSICAL EVENING L & N SUPERMARKET IN CARLOW'S UNIQUE MUSIC LOUNGE EACH EASY PARKING* EASY SHOPPING* FANTASTIC PRICES SATURDAY & SUNDAY. Phone No. 27159 TULLOW ST., CARLOW. Phone 41263 SMYTHS OF NEWTOWN SINCE1815 MURRAYS SOUTH EAST SCHOOL OF MOTORING HIGH-CLASS SWEETS, FRUIT & CIGARETTES DUAL CONTROL* EXPERT INSTRUCTION DUBLIN ST., CARLOW HUGH COOGAN '"ST. JOSEPH'S, RATHNAPISH, CARLOW MORRISSEYS MICHAEL DOYLE GROUND LIMESTONE, READY MIX CONCRETE BUILDERS PROVIDERS. GENERAL HARDWARE PRECAST CONCRETE IN ALL SHAPES & SIZES 'THE SHAMROCK", 71 TULLOW ST., CARLOW BALLYCROGUE, CARLOW Phone 41847 NATIONALIST & LEINSTER TIMES COLOUR & ART PRINTERS TULLY'S TRAVEL AGENCY The most modern printing machinery in the provinces TULLOW ST., CARLOW. Phone 41257 42 TULLOW ST., CARLOW NOLAN'S CHEMISTS ALL HIGH-CLASS PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS THOMAS THOMPSON OF CARLOW FILMS DEVELOPED & PRINTED SINCE 1878. ENGINEERING & STRUCTURAL STEEL 1 DUBLIN ST., CARLOW. Phone 41680 HANOVER, CARLOW

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18 SOME WRITERS OF COUNIY CARLOW

• ------By Aidan·Murray ------

• MY first contact with a Carlow writer previously President of St. Patrick's Col­ "The Antiquities of Leighlin" by V. took place 60 years ago. Our lege, is one of the most important Rev. J. Coyle, P.P. is a book that housekeeper's idea of a half-day was to historical works of this century, as it gives deserves to be better known. It has a bring me home from school to her family an insight into the love of learning which foreword by Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Foley, in Potato Market (the house with the impelled people to seek education for Bishop of the Diocese (1896-1926). It steps). Potato Market swarmed with their children, often under most primitive must have given particular pleasure to children from Bridewell Lane, Brewery conditions. the Bishop, who was himself a native of Lane, Hanover, and Barrack St. I would Dr. Comerford's three volumes, Leighlin. spend until tea-time playing in the "History of the Dioceses of Kildare and "A Life of Fr. James Maher", edited Market: crowds of us skipping over a long Leighlin" with a foreword by Cardinal by Rt. Rev. (later Cardinal) Moran. V. rope: tops being whipped: hopscotch: old Moran (himself a Carlow man), is a Rev. P. J. Brophy, P.P., Graiguecullen bicycle wheels being trundled along with a monumental work. The research and : should have no trouble in getting funds piece of stick: tig: and "See, the robbers scholarship that went into these magnifi­ from "The Men of Graigue" as Bishop coming through". At tea-time I was sent cent volumes is beyond praise. In my Kehoe always called them, to have this for my own particular delicacy, a crusty youth it was possible to buy them from book reprinted, as Fr. Maher is regarded hand-made loaf from a bakery owned by St. Patrick's College for a nominal sum, in the parish and beyond as a saint. William O'Neill, which was sited where but they are now collector's items, and Those who exhumed the body on the Celtic Laundry now have their highly treasured by their fortunate transference to St. Clare's Church premises. It was a dark unlighted shop. owners. The section of the History deal­ declare they found it to be incorrupt. The owner could be seen dimly at the end ing with Graignamanagh was contributed of the shop, busily writing into a copy­ by the O'Leary family, who have been for Patrick O'Leary of Graignamanagh, book. After a long interval, he came up generations historians, poets, and musi­ wrote "A History of St. Mullins", and "A with a charming smile, grateful because I cians of distinction. Life of St. Moling". St. Moling is in had not broken his concentration. Having Dr. Miller, Adm. (later Mons. William folklore credited with the cursing of found from numerous visits that I liked Miller, P.P., V.F. Newbridge) compiled "Sweeney the Madman", and Sweeney is poetry, he would read out his latest effort three booklet!!'. "The Barrow Valley and a central character in "Myles na gCapal­ to me. Many of the poems I heard must its History" for use in the schools of the lin" - "Fiann O'Brien" - Brian O Nual­ have been in his collected poems: "Lays diocese. He had them printed at his own lain's masterpiece - "At Swim-Two­ of Leix." expense, and presented them without 'Birds." Another O'Leary, William, of the charge to every school, around 1933. I ·same family wrote "The History of "History of the G.A.A. in County Graignamanagh Abbey", which, if re­ Carlow", 1886-1927, by An t-Athair often pleaded with him to have them republished in one volume, and he issued would have a great vogue now, in Sean O Leathlobhair, S.P. Rathoe, should view of the restoration of the Abbey. be read by every follower of our native promised to revise them when he got "a nice S'Oft parish". In the event he got a Patrick's and William's books were games. Every parish in the county is parish which was rapidly expanding, and illustrated by John O'Leary, father of An covered, prefaced by a concise history of there is only the odd copy of the complete tAth. Sean O Laoghaire, S.P. of the parish itself. Sunday games were set, one of which I am happy to retain, Paulstown and recently Adm. Carlow. punishable by law prior to 1884. In 1886 since he heard my first Confession, gave the first county meeting took place in the Michael Brophy wrote "Carlow: Past me my first Holy Communion, solemnised C.Y.M.S. Hall in Carlow. One of the two and Present" and "Carlow College our marriage, and baptised two of our Carlow delegates was William Bergin, Centenary Book." It would be dishonest S'Ons at the Blessing of the Font on Holy grandfather of the present editor of "The of me to say I have ever seen these books, Saturdays. He was uncle to Liam Miller, ~ationalist". By an odd coincidence, one but I hope to track them down in the Co. architect, and world-famous as the of the two Carlow delegates at the first Library, as their titles have always Co. Carlow Convention in October of that founder of the Dolmen Press. Liam's. fascinated me. year was the Editor's grandfather on his brother, Seamus, is known to all TV viewers. John Ryan's "History of Co. Carlow" mother's side: John Conlan. The Conven­ Dr. Miller also sponsored the publica­ is a book regarded nowadays by serious tion was held in Lennon's Hotel, Tullow, tions of "Place-names of Co. Carlow" historians as suspect. His tone was anti­ and John Conlan was elected Hon. Sec. compiled by that brilliant Rathvilly national and vindictive. But it is, withal, In 1890 Wm. Bergin was elected Hon. historian, Eamonn O Tuathail. He again a book worth the reading, if one accepts Treasurer. In the same year Michael its limitations. Govemey presided at the presentation of gave them free to every teacher, but I have yet to see a copy other than my own. medals at the Assembly Rooms, Carlow The coming of the Capuchins to (now the County Library). Surely the Government would allow Carhw could not be better celebrated Carlow U.D.C. to divert some of the than by the re-issue of "At God's Feet" "Hedge Schools of Kildare and Shaw Bequest to have this invaluable by Dr. Hilary Mac Donagh, O.F.M. Cap. Leighlin" by Dr. Martin Brennan, P.P. booklet re-published. He was a native of Graiguecullen, and

19 lived at the Tower House, owned, until h would be a shame if it were not Harry Fennell, our genial and beloved recently, by the Oliver family. Devotional pihliBhed President for many years, and noted for books are having a welcome revival. Dr. The book that has had the biggest sale his hospitality in having our excursions to Hilary was a charming priest al pmt in­ al IIIIJ written about Carlow was written meals at his home, published a very tellect, and was a colllltant villilm • am by lllllltber Farrell - Michael J. - whose useful, deeply researched "History of St. home, when baaed in Killilmny. father- carried on a hardware business Mary's Church of Ireland, Carlow". As Listeners to the Gay Byme Hour will where Brendan Dempsey retains the the oldest religious foundation in the have heard roostant l'equellB b copie8 - traditim. 1be book: "Thy Tears Might town, it deserves to be read by historians to lend or buy - of Michael Ceue" has gone through five editions of all persuasions. O'Hanrahan's books: "When the and is still selling briskly. A contem­ When Fr. Kiely, the Cork poet-priest Normans Came", "A Swordsman of the porary of Archdeacon Willis M.A. at • was on the staff of St. Patrick's College Brigade." They were used as school Trinity College, he edited the College he gathered about him a body of talented readers at Carlow C.B.S. for Senior clas­ Magazine to which the Archdeacon was a young poets: Seamus O'Rourke, Conleth ses until they went out of print. This contributor. The Archdeacon considers Ellis, Colm O'Neill, and Oliver Snoddy. always a mystery to me, as the pupils him a genius. Michael J. captures the They issued a small booklet two poems loved them. As a founder of the sights, sounds, and personalities of the from each of them, which caused quite a Workmens Club, a man honoured by hav­ Carlow of my youth, even to Jack Gamble stir. They later (1961) issued a more am­ ing an Avenue named in his memory, and calling out the Waits at Christmas time. h bitious collection, called simply "Poems". a football team bearing his name, we in deals with the Rebellion of 1916 and its Carlow should not lag behind the rest of aftermath. He was always talking about This has now become a collector's "must", and changes hands at ten times the country in clamouring for his fine this book, even to the Archdeacon at Col­ its modest initial cost. historical novels. lege, but nobody ever saw it, so it became John McCall wrote a "History of Clon­ a joke among the Dublin literati. . . Conleth has published two volumes more". A relation - P. J. McCall - was - · However, after his death, his friend, since: "This Ripening Time" and "Old also a facile writer of Ballads, and some Monk Gibbon, edited the manuscript Irish Poems". "Under the Stone" was of our most popular songs came from his down to half its size, with the permission published in 1966; but since then he has pen, including "Follow me up to Carlow". of Michael's widow, Frances. Now, Monk concentrated more on writing in Irish. Undoubtedly, the best-known book Gibbons' daughter propoees writing a life "Fomhar na nGeanna" is one of his about the town is "Carlow in '98", the of Michael. A picture of his brother Seim, publications. Seamus became absorbed in autobiography of William Farrell, whose appears as an officer of the Fianna drama, and later in making and produc­ manuscript was edited by Professor Eireann, on another page, and Seim was ing films. The recent showing by the Cine Roger McHugh. First printed in 1949, it prominent among the Volunteers during Club won unqualified praise from the has been frequently re-printed, and is the Troubles. · great film-maker, George Morrison. currently available. Filmed as a documen­ "Memories Linger On" is a sincere and Oliver Padraig O Snodaigh M.A. has tary by RTE, it has been re-screened unpretentious book by Murt Curran of become a national figure as President of several times. At a casual reading, one Leighlin, who has been famous at home, Connradh na Gaeilge. But an even gets the impression that Farrell was the in Britain, and in America, as one of the greater impact has been made by his traitor of the Carlow Rising, as he was greatest step-dancers that Ireland has book: "The Hidden Ulster", which has appointed gatekeeper at the District produced. The grace and artistry of such gone into a second edition. It shows that a Asylum. However, Sr. Maura Duggan, a big man has to be seen to be ap­ Gaelic tradition has always been part of O.P. M.A. of Court View, Carlow, has preciated. He has scarcely changed since the Protestant heritage in Ulster. He won had access to material previously un­ he was judging at the great Feiseanna at the £500 Oireachtas Prize for his Gaelic available, and in a thesis has proved, Carlow in the 30's. book: "Comhguailleacha na Reabhl6ide" what Farrell suspected: that it was the Nobody can approach the diligence (Allies of Revolution). Besides writing for leader of the Carlow United Irishmen who and output of An tAthair Peadar Mac several journals, he has published a was passing on the information, when he Suibhne, M.A., now living in a retirement "Guide to the 1916 Room in the visited Dublin as a member of the Dir­ of perpetual work at St. Patrick's College. Museum", of which he has charge. ectory organising the Rebellion; and to His series of volumes on Cardinal Cullen, Discarding many I should mention, I Reynolds, friend of Lord Edward, who another Carlowman, whose influence on cannot overlook Professor Tomas O Neill lived at Kilkea Castle, and was the most the Catholic Church in Ireland was im­ of Ballon, now on the staff of U. C. G., and dangerous spy in the ranks of the rebels. mense, will be his main legacy. He left his an ex-pupil of Knockbeg College. His This thesis of Sr. Maura's was given to imprint on every facet of Catholic life and works include: "Autobiography of James us in an abridged version as an 0.C.S. practice, and the editing and annotating Fintan Lalor", himself an ex-student of lecture, and she had the original of his correspondence was a herculean Carlow College. Also: "Sources for Local manuscript, which contained, besides task. It is impossible to do more than list History." But his magnum opus was many gay and attractive poems, oc­ the results of Fr. Swayne's vast erudition "The life of de Valera" written in conjunc­ casional witty pieces he contributed to and scholarship. They are worthy of a tion with Lord Longford: and the Irish various journals. This thesis cries out for separate article. " '98 in Carlow" was a version: "Beatha de Valera" in conjunc­ publication. Carlow U.D.C. please note! best seller, giving a vivid view of the Ris­ tion with An tAth O Fiannachta, Another book on the same theme was ing. Then followed "History of Clonegal"; Maynooth. written by Liam Nolan, M.C.C., Ballon. I "History of Killeshin"; "St. Brigid's One of the most authentic poetic voices served with him on the V.E.C. for many Kildare"; "History of Ballon" and of Carlow is never heard. Poems used to years, and was always impressed by his "Kildare in '98". All this vast literature appear under a nom-de-plume some years command of English. Educated at has been published after a strenuous life ago from the seclusion of St. Leo's. But, Knockbeg College, his novel "They First as Rector of Knockbeg, and P.P. thankfully, the Bi-Centenary of the Arose", got favourable reviews, but has Suncroft, and later, Kildare. He has con­ foundress broke the silence. There are never had the vogue in his native county tributed to "Carloviana" since its incep­ probably sheaves of lovely verses hidden that the book merits. It is said he had . tion, and to "The Carlovian", published away in notebooks. It is salutary to think another book ready at his untimely death. yearly by St. Patrick's College. that Hopkins never knew the rapture his

20 -~-~--.----- poems would give and be a stimulus and inspiration to us "of little faith." .LAl'-"L4.& History - The So A Yailable Similarly poems of such distinction­ should not be hidden away until Ruth Flanagan somebody fosters their publication as SOME readers may be interested in writing an article for Carloviana. To Robert Bridge did for Gerard Manley Hopkins. It is sad to think that Fr. assist them a selection of the material available in Carlow County Library Hopkins lies in an untended grave in is listed below. It is hoped that anyone interested will come along, study Glasnevin, while the world of poetry the sources and write an article. reveres him. • We cannot claim Eoghan O Tuairisc as Byrne, P. Memoirs of Miles Byrne and Smith, Charles. Ancient and present a Carlow man although he has lived Ballads of 1 798. state of the County and City of Water­ among us for over 10 years. His projected Brennan, Rev. Martin. Schools of Kildare ford. 1746. Barrow Commentary - from source to and Leigblin. 1775-1835. Novels by Carlow Authors: sea - will add a local flavour to his Brooks, Eric St. John. Knights fees of Farrell, Michael. Thy Tears Might Cease. magnificent range of works both in Irish Counties Carlow, Wexford and Nolan, William. They First Arose. and English. Such a distinguished writer Kilkenny (13th and 14th Century). O'Hannrachain, M. Swordsman of The in our midst should be an inspiration and Carloviana. Journal of the Old Carlow Brigade. spur to local incipient writers. For such a Society. 1947-1977. small county we have nurtured many dis­ Carlow County. Carlow Ordnance Selection of Periodicals: tinguished historians; a handful of poets; Survey: Letters relating to the anti­ Journal of The County Kildare but in the novel we have been singularly quities of the County of Carlow con­ Archaeological Society. (Vols. 4 and 6 sparse. There is no O'Faolain or Frank taining information collected during are missing as they were borrowed and O'Connor in the short story genre. Let us the progress of the Ordnance Survey never returned). hope that in the next few years this need in 1839. Ordnance Survey field Name Journal of the Royal Society of Anti­ will be filled. Books of the County of Carlow. 1839. quarians of Ireland. It would be ungracious not to salute 3 vols. Historical Studies. those of great talent like Fr. P. J. Brophy, Ceatharloch: Stair na gConndae. 1941. Irish Ancestor. Comerford, Rev. M. Collections Relating Archdeacon Willis, and Liam D. Bergin Newspapers: to the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin who write with such distinction in the N. The Nation. (On Microfilm). & L. Times. They bring er.,, ,jt to Carlow (3 vols.). Fitzpatrick, W. T. Life and Cor­ The Irishman (1849) Successor to the writing, and "give our work compassion a Nation. new eye." respondence of the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Dublin Penny Journal 1832-35. 1861. · Irish Penny Journal 1840-41. London Illustrated News 1845-1850. Reply 28/11/1840 Horner, A. A. Two Eighteenth-Century Public Advt. Maps of Carlow Town. Nationalist, 1883-1893 on Microfilm. To the Board of Guardians J. K. L. (Dr. Doyle). Letters on the State The Local History section has three other of Ireland. 1825. Gentlemen, I respectively take the collections which we think could be of in­ McCormick, D., Incredible Mr. liberty of offering myself to your notice as terest. Kavanagh. a Candidate for the office of Clerk to your Tyndall Collection. Books and papers Board, if you do me the honour to elect McSuibhne, Peadar. Paul Cullen and his by and about John Tyndall, Carlow­ me, I shall endeavour to discharge the contemporaries. Vols. 1-5. born scientist. O'Toole, Edward, Place names of County duties of same with Fidelity and Zeal and Carlow. Burton Collection. Papers of the I trust to give general satisfaction. Your Ryan, John. History and Antiquaries of Burton family from 1570-1891. obedient servant, the County of Carlow. 1823. Parish Pack. Photocopies of papers Henry Montgomery. Simington, Robert C. (ed). Civil Survey relating to each of the civil parishes in 1654-6. the County, 4 7 in all, held in the The opening announcement of a new Public Record Office in Dublin. Made English Seed Warehouse by F. Spong & The library also holds books on par­ up from the following records. Sons at 48 Dublin St., Carlow. ticular areas of the County and 1. Books of Survey and Distribution. - works on surrounding counties. The late 17th C. following is a selection: 2. Primary Valuation Books 1848-1865 OLD PHOTOGRAPHS Mac Caba, Seosamh, Historical Notes on 3. L.E.C. Rentals - 1858 The Editor would be interested to hear Laois and Place Names of Ballyroan. 4. Census of Ireland 1901 from anyone who has old photographs of McCall, John. Antiquities of History of 5. Tithe Applotment Books 1823-1837 Carlow and District, no matter how faded Clonmore. 1862. 6. Relief Commission Papers or uninteresting these may appear to be. McSuibhne, Pearler, Parish of Killeshin Such photographs sometimes print sur­ and Graiguecullen. Finally we have on order the Census prisingly well and may be invaluable O'Hanlon, Rev. T. History of The Returns for the last century and also when used as illustrations for some article Queen's County. 1914. some earlier ordnance survey maps which we are considering for the Journal. O'Kelly, Owen. A History of County should help in building up a knowledge of Kilkenny. 1969. the county in previous times. * * * O'Leary, Patrick. St. Mullins: A Local The Editor wishes to express his History and the life of St. Moling. In next year's Journal the list will be ex­ gratitude to the printing staff of "The 1913. tended and some further guidelines :'.'.ationalist and Leinster Times" for the Price, Liam. Place-Names of Co. regarding research material will be of­ courteous co-operation given by them at Wicklow. Vols 1-5. 1945-57. fered. all times.

21 Tyndall of Leighlin Carlow's genius

Norman McMillan and Martin Nevin, Carlow Regional Technical College------

INTRODUCTION some point now not known was so ag­ This article is based principally on the gravated by these peculiarities of researches of the first of the authors into temper and character, that the father • all the biographical material on Tyndall on his death bed revoked his former in the Royal Institution of G.B. and the will, and left his property to two sons local researches of the second author. A of a second marriage. considerable number of people have been The eldest son, John, had very interviewed and Tyndall's extensive cor­ young married the daughter of a respondence have been reviewed. Any ex­ farmer from the neighbouring village of tracts in Tyndall's extensive writings Ballybrommell. relating to Ireland have also been con­ sidered. He had since supported himself by This study forms an essential part of making shoes and selling leather. His the research presently being undertaken prospects being anything but bright, by the authors and others on the Tyndall he joined the Irish Constabulary when Commemorative Exhibition Committee. it was first established, and was at­ This article, aims to assess those impor­ tatched to the service for many years: tant aspects of Tyndall's life in Leighlin some of which were spent by him and and his relationship with his family home. his young family in the so-called bar­ which have not been covered in his racks at Nurney, where he was biography. (Ref 1). superintendent of the small local force, consisting of some 10 or 12 men. He Newly discovered photograph afterwards returned to Leighlinbridge TYNDALL'S GENEALOGY of Tyndall. The name Tyndall, has Northumbrian and there resumed and carried on to origins, and certainly John was con­ his death in 184 7, his old trade of vinced that his own family derived from shoemaker. His wife's name was Sarah "TIME flies swift the poet sings", one of that region, as later in his life he got Macassey. She is said to have been a the few songs of my father, and the ex­ much pleasure from staying with Sir Wil­ woman of refinement and culture perience of his son can echo this state­ liam Armstrong (Ref 2) in the Tyne Val­ somewhat beyond her station, ment. My father was - it is a queer ley, where he was regaled with stories of characterised by her gentleness, her bewildering thought. He is gone for ever, his family origin. Genealogy was a preoc­ quiet courage, the strength of her af­ the whole universe could not purchase his cupation of John's and he believed that fections and her fondness for poetry, presence for an instant. Were I immortal he was a descendant of William Tindale which she transmitted to her children. I would weep when I think of him, but the martyr who was burnt to death in Five children were born of the mar­ when I remember that I shall go to him, 1536. He wrote, riage, three of which died in infancy; though he cannot come to me I am "It is a historic fact that some the remaining two were John, the resigned. members of the Stenchcome branch future man of science, and a sister, went to Ireland in 16 7 2 and planted (J. Tyndall Journal 17 January 1850). Emma, some years his senior." (Ref themselves permanently there. To this The principal influence in moulding 3). may be added the tradition amongst us the character of John Tyndall F.R.S. was Sarah's backbround has emerged from all - and here the wish of the Irish to his father. correspondence between Tyndall and his establish an ancestory must be taken (Authors). mother. He wrote enquiring: into account - that we are descended "I think you told me that the name of from the martyr." (Ref 2). your grandmother's father was Certainly William I was a family name, as Malone, and he cut her off with a shill­ we find from John Tyndall who wrote: ing for marrying out of connexion. "Family tradition and sufficient tered a few descendents of these men. Your great grandfather Malone, was I documentary evidence connect the Irish Tyndall's grandfather, also named think you told me a man of property Tyndall's with the Tyndall's of William, possessed a small landed and that he divided his properties Gloucestershire and with the stock to property in Wexford, whence he amongst his sons. I think you told me which belonged William Tyndale the removed to Co. Carlow, taking up his that Janeville belonged to him: is this martyr. Some members of the family above in the little town, or rather vil­ the Janeville near Ballybrommell? Ex­ (amongst whom special mention is lage, of Leighlin Bridge, where he ad­ cuse me bothering you with these ques­ made of a William Tyndall) crossed ded to his means by acting as an agent tions. They may be of interest at over from Gloucestershire in the course to William Steuart. II. William Tyn­ some future day. Did not my grand­ of the 17th century. Along the eastern dall and his eldest son, John, were father Tyndall own some property at coast of Ireland in Wexford, Water­ both men of warm temper and un­ Coolcullen, III, and did he not take his ford, Carlow and Dublin - are scat- bending will. A difference of opinion on property from my father: and did not

22 Lord Frankfort. afterwards obtain the property by lawsuit?" (Emphasis added). To which his mother gave a full reply, which explains the confusion: "My grandmother's family were people of wealth and property; their name was Malone. But my grandmother marry­ ing out of meeting she was denied by them. Her father left three townlands one each to her brothers: Bal­ lybrommell (IV) to William, Ballintrain (V) to Thomas, and Killkay (VI) to Pim - I believe that is Nehemiah - and to my grandmother one shilling. This however never altered the affec­ tion of her husband for her, and they had abundance while they lived. They had one son, and that was my father, and she reared him as she was herself reared as a Quaker, and I went along with him to a meeting where Mrs. Leckie, first saw me." (Ref 4) Tyndall's father was a staunch Prospect Hall, Protestant Road, Coolcullen, House of Tyndall's Orangeman as we discover from Mrs. grandfather William. Tyndall. "Though his lot was caste in the lower levels of life, Tyndall's father was a man of superior intelligence, remarkable for his firmness and in­ dependence of charact his logical facilities, his great love o, reading, es­ pecially in historical and controversial subjects, his purity of life, and his rare integrity. In spite of the quickness of temper alluded to, he gained the respect and confidence of all who knew him, among Catholics and Protestants alike. He was an ardent politician and an Orangeman, and a member of the Brunswick Club. He had in his posses­ sion a fragment of a flag which had fluttered at the Battle of the Boyne. By unreserved intercourse, he inspired his children with the sentiments he himself entertained." (Ref 4). Janeville House (Ballybrommell House) Certainly Tyndall's uncle William was also a fierce protestant. He was a mason who was a member of the Tullow lodge, v.hose son's Caleb sash the Carlow Regional College has in its possession. We have been told by Mrs. E. Breen of Bagenalstown that when Caleb married ·a Catholic girl from this town a certain Miss· Elizabeth Robinson (VII) and was mar­ ried by a priest, the father shut him out of the family and even refused him entry to his dying mother. Caleb later crept up the lane while the funeral of his mother was taking place and took a photograph of this ceremony. From what has been said, it is clear that Tyndall was very much in the poor protestant Irish tradition. His family were hard working settlers, with a strong religious and political views who were committed to education as a means of ad­ vancement of their position, and whose family genealogy was therefore a matter of real pride. Ba!lintrain House

23 I - 1be present William Tyndall, who lives at Coolcullen. carries the name from his father, grand­ father and great grandfather who was John Tyn­ :lairs (father of the Professor) brother. There ia however some doubt over what esadly was the relationship between William and the pro(e,,aor • both appeared to be about the same ._

II - Steuart Lodge, Leighlinbridg,e - • bcm,o al Mr. J. Lennon is a house~ ndamd in size from the Steuart's time.

m - Pra,poc,t HaD. ~ Roed. Prospect, • Coolrullen. Carla,,- - a property of llO acres which apparently Lord Frankfort....._. able to obtain because of ~ to mur a yearly payment tc a certain ~fr. ~ of 2;;. 6d. an acre. This Lord was an ai-u- landlord -..ho acted through agents in Ireland. •Letter fn:m ~hs. L C. Tyndall tc Canon Wilcocks. of Bagenalstown on 23 January, 1903). ~h. Rohen Stedmond. Coolcullen, confirmed that the ruin which is adjacent to the land of Mr. Butler of Prospect House. Prospect. C oolcullen was called Kilkea House Prospect Hall. The present propeny is 68 acres but this is pan of an original holding which was divided between the Butlers and Agars. This house was a fine three storey house with sloping roof and barn which was lived in by the Butler's until 30 years ago Tyndall's Boyhood and when the new house was built. The slates of the old house were used for the new house. Education IV - Ballybrommell House is now occupied by Mr. Tom Bradley and family and is a property formed by the amalgamation of two properties. From the John Tyndall was born on August 2nd, results with unrestrained affection "the present owner we discovered that a Church of 1820 in Leighlinbridge, Carlow. We have free and joyous life when I lived as a Ireland family the Garretts lived here in the however strong evidence (VITI) to suggest boy." eighteenth century. It is probable that the Malone that Tyndall was in fact born at the junc­ In extracts from letters to his closest children were born in the middle of that century and that William Malone (Jnr.) was left the property in tion of Carlow Road and Tullow Street in friend Tom Hirst we find: the l 770's or l 780's. In those days it would have Leighlinbridge and this position is 1850: "You will look on it with a feel­ been a property of well over 100 acres. It is a fine marked on Map 1 which shows the area ing similar to mine sometimes when I granite house with several outhouses. Eve (Ref 1) centred on Leighlinbridge. The row of two recall to mind a certain day on which I and Mrs. M. Doyle in her "St. Lasarian's followed the hunt in Ireland and had to Leighlin" state that Tyndall's mother was from Bal­ storey brick buildings which were in a ter­ linabranna. It would appear that this is incorrect. race fell into disrepair at the turn of the save myself from positive starvation by century and stood as ruins, until we think eating maggothy blackberries." 1932, when they were replaced by the pre­ 1850: "When a little boy on my way V - Ballintrain House is at present empty. This sent row of houses. The old houses to school I often lurked among the bird house is a granite house with a new roof which ac­ nests and primroses." cording to locals has just been sold by Seamus belonged to the Steuart family for whom Quirke. It stands on some 100 acres. Tyndall's father and grandfather worked 1851: "Part of the time I spent for a number of years. We believe his pleasantly in a church yard reading the father carried on his shoe business in this tombstones - from my boyhood I have VI - Kilkea House (note spelling different from house. taken a pleasure in a stroll among the Professor Tyndall's mother used) is a property of The young boy enjoyed a supremely graves, there is a quiet soothing 200 acres but the old house is no longer occupied happy childhood on the banks of the Bar­ sadness in the place, like the falling although it still has a roof. The last occupiers, some thirty years ago of this fine granite house were the row as is evidenced from John's later autumn leaves." Roche's. In Pim Malone's time there was no barn writings. 18 6 9: ". . . nothing in the world fil­ built on to the house. The present occupiers are Mr. As an adventerous boy he obviously led me with greater delight than the and Mrs. George Salter and family. had many mishaps and we are told in a practice of swimming." letter of the most painful of these. 1872: "When a boy I remember VII - Elizabeth Robinson. Died in 1938 aged 71. "When I was a boy I was extremely committing to memory a poem about Grandmother of Mr. John Byrne, retired Principal fond of getting across any animal Bunker Hill. Yesterday I stood upon of Kilkenny Vocational School who lives in Michael which by any possibility would be Bunker Hill, or rather Breed Hill ... " Street, Kilkenny. It should be noted that the sisters mounted. I once climbed on a kicking (Ref 5). Miss Olive Robinson and Mrs. Dorothy Paterson of Groomport Rd., Bangor are not related to Caleb's donkey with my arm in a sling for I had It was in these days that Tyndall, the wife. They once lived in Montgomery Street, Carlow newly chopped off my thumb with a young daredevil, prepared himself for his and their father was manager of Leveston Fry. They hatchet some time previously. The sl­ later historic mountaineering exploits. moved to Tullow Street when he became manager of ing hampered me and I was thrown by When his wife Mrs. L. C. Tyndall came the Atlantic Tea Packing Co. (No. 142). These ladies have rendered great assistance tc the Tyndall the kicking donkey, falling upon the to Ireland (IX) in 1894 she discovered an research, financial and other. Photograph at top of wrist of the wounded hand. I remember old woman who had been at school with article was donated by the two sisters. We believe to the present now the agony produced "Johnny and Emma". From this source that this is an original and is probably the only one by that sprain." (Ref 4). she heard of "Johnny's wild pranks, and of its kind. This letter written at end of his life how his mother used to wander after him,

24 always fearing that he would break his 16. This was a remarkable thing bearing elementary branches of mathematics. neck." bearing in mind the Tyndall's extreme It was, first of all, his equipment as a An old man in the village remembered protestantism because this was a Catholic means of livelihood, and then the basis Tyndall climbing the roof of a mill, told school. This decision is explained in Eve of which he reared the fabric of his her how they would often put their books and Creasey. extensive knowledge of the natural down in the field on their way to school "Mr. John Conwill, a teacher of high science." (Ref 12). and stop and fight - "just for the fun of repute, was the master. Conwill was a Detailed information on Tyndall's fighting". Many a time they had given Roman Catholic, and that this was not course of study with Conwill show how each other black eyes. "He was as supple viewed as a deterrent shows that Tyn­ impressive this education was by any as an eel" said another, and "would hop dall's father was no bigot, whatever his standard. Here Tyndall in less than three like nothing over a five bar gate." "A ardour for controversy. When the years, swift runner, a fair boxer, an expert Protestant minister heard that the boy "Studied the rudiments of algebra, the swimmer, an adept at climbing, these was going to a Roman Catholic elements of plane and solid geometry, physical accomplishments stocd him in teacher, he paid a visit of expostula­ trigonometry and conic sections. good stead later on his Alpine adven­ tion. 'Reverend sir' exclaimed the Bishop Elrington's edition of Euclid tures." (Ref 1). (Page 3). father, 'if Conwill taught upon the was Tyndall's first school book on this · He was also apparently very successful alter steps, I would send my sons to subject. To this succeeded to the as a hockey player. him, as I have no doubt that he will treatises of Lardner and Wallace which Two facts about the beginning of Tyn­ receive from Conwill a sound secular were both completely mastered. The dall's education have been recorded. education - that will fit him for life'." first work in arithmatic which was put Thompson noted, (Ref 11). into the hands, was a treatise of " ... the young boy's early intellectual This was indeed the case, and it is un­ Professor Thompson, the father of the discipline consisted largely of exercises likely that there has been a better teacher present celebrated Sir William Thomp­ in the logical disputations. An early in­ in Co. Carlow, Catholic or Protestant son." (Ref 12). terest in nature was, however, en­ since Conwill's day. Tyndall's closeness to Conwill is a mat­ couraged by his father who playfully There was some interesting observa­ ter of legend locally. Tyndall's walks called him Newton and spoke of the tions on the teacher at this school (XI) home from Ballinabranna to Leighlin great man as, 'That son of science, found in an article in Westminster were often accompanied by Conwill and it whose meridian ray kindled the gloom Populars, although it should be pointed was said by Alice Tracey (Ref 13) that of Nature into day'." (Ref 6). out that Conwill was not of course Tyn­ they worked out geometrical problems in It appears that his direct introduction dall's first teacher. Despite this obvious the snow on the road which was parallel to natural philosophy cam.; about when error the quotation contains valuable in­ to the Barrow. In fact in the snow of the he borrowed a volume of Encyclopaedia formation. winters of 1837 and 1838, the authors Britannica, which was nearly as large as "Although his parents were staunch believe that these problems were solved himself, Protestant his first schoolmaster (?) not on the road but on the canal footpath. "reading the chapters on Aeorostation, was a Catholic, John Conwill. In an in­ It would seem logical that since Electricity and Phlogiston, had made teresting article on Tyndall's early Conwill's house was almost on the Barrow balloons and manufactured gas to the years in the Dublin Evening bank that it would be a shorter route to infinite annoyance of almost everybody Telegraph, we are told that "Conwill Ballinabranna school along the Barrow but himself." (Ref 7). lived long after Tyndall's boyhood track. Furthermore to get from Conwill's Of Tyndall's early education we know teaching successive generations of lads house to the road the teacher would have very little except that he was preoccupied who were never allowed to forget that had to walk across fields and up the with enjoying his boyhood. On later they had the same opportunity at the 'road' which would have probably been reflection he attempted to explain his lack start of their march as 'John, Professor muddy in the snows. This walk itself of commitment to schoolwork: Tyndall'. Old Mr. Conwill, we learn could have taken twenty minutes. The "The aversion did not arise from from the same source, was one of those Barrow track would have been easily apathy or want of appetite for schoolmasters of whom Goldsmith's negotiable at this time as it was in cons­ knowledge, but simply from the fact was a type. 'He was fond of quoting tant use, while the road would probably that my early teachers lacked the those famous from 'The Deserted Vil­ have been little more than a cart track. power of imparting vitality to what lage', and his schoolboys all realised Furthermore in Tyndall's own journal he they taught me." (Ref 8). that if Goldsmith village master had described a walk to Conwill's house down It is hard however to believe that so been only a dream schoolmaster - as the Barrow track via the three arches. adventerous a child could have been in­ he was not - the dream now has at terested by any teacher in school work. This famous incident therefore almost last come true. Like all teachers of certainly occurred on the Barrow track From his father's pay list (Ref 9) (X) genius, Conwill had his own methods, and not on the road. Before passing over from the constabulary we discover that and when after the establishment of these formative years of Tyndall it is the Tyndall's left Nurney on 1 November, National Schools he was caught up worth pointing out that Conwill took his 1833 for Castlebellingham in Co. Louth. into the 'system' his independence of pupils on surveying expeditions. We The young Tyndall attended the schools views was not always sunk into the would ask if these were the first practical in both Nurney and Castlebellingham. ideas of Tyrone House. (Nat. Educa­ surveying classes in Ireland. Writers on From the story of Tyndall crossing tion Office, Marlboro' St., Dublin). Tyndall are obviously concerned with ex­ the fields to school at Nurney we infer Loyally his boys scorned his critics and ploring the education which produced that there was no living quarters in the after times only his discipline checked such marvellous results but it would be R.I.C. barracks and that the family lived them from teaching 'the inspector' his wrong to suggest that he was a swat, for in a house somewhere across the fields. place. Whatever his methods, his apart from his local adventures, so many The family almost certainly came back results were good, as Tyndall always of which seemed to have been to Leighlin, in 1836, because Thompson gratefully acknowledged. The 'Profes­ remembered, he certainly found the time (Ref 10) noted that John began attending sor' brought away from his first school for the normal young man's alliances with the school in Ballinabranna when he was (?) a sound knowledge of all the a number of local girls.

25 Tyndall at TYNDALL, the Ordnanoo LEIGH LIN. THE Survey BARROW Tyndall obtained an appointment with REGION. the Ordnance Survey and in Carlow 0 f I where he began work in 1839 as a civil 1>111..E::S. ------T>'/JORLLS ?i'ITH I assistant for 9s. a week. In 1840 he T"u 5.LHOCLAL.Ol'JG joined the Survey Office in Youghal, Co. BRR.QQW Ta"1 PATH! Cork where he worked until 1842. While in Cork he wrote to his mother on June 8, 1840: "I have scraped together the first pound and hasten with great satisfac­ tion to make it and this letter fellow travellers." He divided the note and sent half at a time. He was looking forward to a vaca­ tion at Christmas and wrote, "Tell my mother to have the house clean and neat for me against my ar­ rival at Christmas as if she does not I will have wigs on the green." (Ref 14). Tyndall's close friend, the Dean of Leighlin (XII) wrote of a turning point which occurred in Tyndall's life during his days in Cork: "A simple circumstance which occurred to Mr. Tyndall in 1841, when stationed in Cork, and which as he often relates to us, formed kind of a turning point in his career, ought to be noted. At that time he worked at map­ ping in the same room as Mr. Lawrence Ivers, a pupil of Edgeworth, .5C.J:lL£ of Edgeworthstown, and a very able 0 "i ·f. 2 man. Ivers was looked up to with great M11...E.~ respect by his younger colleagues the most of whom, like himself were ~ PRIMARY x=w.:..cr ;;1c.c0ND>1R.Y Catholics. Various circumstances con­ = :-5ao LI..AS.':. nected with young Tyndall's work and -13RR.RoW conduct were noted by Mr. Ivers, and ...... ,,-...... ,_ 'Rl'lrLw!lY. one day while walking with his young friend across the barrack square of Cork, he asked how his leisure hours were employed. The answer not being quite satisfactory to him, he rejoined, 'You have five hours a day at your dis­ posal and this ought to be devoted to poetic effusion called "mottoes." He broke several panes of glass, and systematic study.' 'Had I', he con­ became very much concerned at this time struck himself on the breast with a tinued 'when I was your age had a with the question of Transubstantiation stone. He fired out, and the misfortune friend to advise me as I now advise (XIV) and he and his father corresponded was that Patt McAssey's (XVII) wife you, instead of being in my present extensively on their mutual interest. received a ball or slug in the thigh . . . subordinate position I should be the On the 7th of July while at Kinsale he Your Uncle Caleb is I believe in jail at equal of Colby' (XIII). Next morning, received a very interesting letter from his present, and more for security than Tyndall was at his book before 5 father who wrote about the troubles sur­ anything else, for Mary McAssey is not o'clock, and for twelve years never rounding the Carlow elections and an in the least danger, the wound being swerved from this practice.'' (Ref 15). "O'Connellite mob" which had gone but a flesh one and even if she died it He took up French, drawing and through the county carrying off would not affect Caleb, thoough the rhetoric after office hours. He was also in freeholders by force. villains say they done nothing to cause regular coreespondence with Conwill "As this passed your uncle Caleb's him to fire; but the oaths of such about mathematical problems, discus­ house they gave great cheers for rascals no one would believe. Caleb is I sions on Descartes, Whateley's Logic and O'Connell (XV). He being up at the think bailed at this moment and will other matter8'~ In the correspondants time gave three cheers for Bruen (X­ vote for the Colonel next week. O'Con­ both were wont to head their letters with VI). The rebels attacked his house, nell says he will have Caleb hanged

26 from the rapper of his hall door, others and survived until his death. Ref 10 - The Development of Scientific Education say he will be transported. The assizes VITI - This information comes from Mr. Bill Moore in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century. D. commences on the 20th therefore he who is a man who lived all his life in Leighlin and Thompson, M.A. Thesis Sheffield University 1955. must have his witnesses summoned has this information from his early school days. Some old encyclopaedias state that Tyndall was Ref 11 - Tyndall Life and Work. Wesminster this week, as the election will keep Populars No. 6, December 1895, p. 5. born in Rathellen. The authors would however everybody busy next. We expect an favour the view that he was born in Leighlin Bridge. Ref 12 - Fragments of Science, J. Tyndall, Vol. II, army here on Saturday; if they do not No correspondence exists from the father before the Longmans, 1871, pp. 92-93. come I will go to Carlow Sunday morn­ 1840's but all of this is addressed Leighlin Bridge. ing and remain there for the week. The family did apparently move shortly after August 1841 to Uncle Bill's house in Leighlin Ref 13 - Professor John Tyndall, Alice Tracey, Carloviana, 194 7. Agitation and outrage done its upmost Bridge. A quotation cited in Part Two of this article in this County by placing man against referring to a visit to the Moat strongly suggests Ref 14 - Temporary Draft of Life of J. Tyndall, Tyndall spent his boyhood in Leighlin Bridge. This man and woman against woman. Still I Eve. Unpublished. say Bruen will be the victor." would suggest he was born in the village. Ref 15 - Unitarians. Biography, p. 727. The final result was a very close victory IX - It appears that Mrs. L. C. Tyndall stayed at of the conservatives, for which we believe Pollerton House in Carlow for some of the time dur­ Ref 16 - Louisa C. Tyndall's Gathering from Jour­ ing her visits to the country. John (Snr.) was election agent in nals. Held in Royal Institution of G.B. Leighlin. Tyndall wrote on 22 July with X - It appears from these lists that there were two Ref 17 - Professor Tyndall, National Portrait Gal­ congratulations and broke into poetry but John Tyndalls in the force in Co. Carlow. The se­ lery, Cassell, Poitier and Galpin. ended in prose "Carlow is mine - the cond was stationed at Bagenalstown. There was two John Tyndalls in Co. Louth so it is likely both men wildest furzebush with blossoms on her Ref 18 - On John Tyndall's contribution to were transferred at the same time. The 'nephew' braes is dear to me, blame me not then Pedagogy, N. McMillan, J. Meehan, to be published of the Professor, Caleb Tyndall, pointed out that by Oideas or the National Council for Educational for being warm in her praise, my heaven around 1833 the local constabulary was transferred Awards shortly. A popular account of this can be strew its choicest blessing on her." outside their home counties. This explains the transfer of the father out of Carlow. found in Carlow Nationalist July 21, 28 and August In any event we learn from P. D. 4, 1978. Evans in a letter to Tyndall on the 21 Ju­ XI - Ballinabranna National School was opened in Ref 19 - Science in History, J. D. Bernal, Penguin, ly, 1841 that: 1832 and had as its first schoolmaster Conwill. "Uncle Caleb has been aquitted on riot 1969. charges." XII - Dean of Leighlin Richard Boyle Bernard and a descendant of the great Robert Boyle. On Good Ref 20 - Carlow's scientific genius awaits his due In August 18 41 we discover in a letter Friday 1850 Tyndall sent a poem of 58 lines to recognition, N. McMillan, Carlow Nationalist, 5 from John to his father th!'t the local commemorate his friend Dear Bernard who had just April, 1977. Catholics in Leighlin were boycotting his died. The second part of this poem began: business. The intrigueing outcome of Gone to return no more, ARTICLE TO BE COMPLETED Guide of my youth, my counsellor, my friend. these events was revealed in a letter IN 1979 CARLOVIANA. This will detail Tyndall's relationship with dated 23 March, 1842 from the father to XIII - Col. Colby was Director of Ordnance Survey. Leighlin while he was in England and Ger­ his son. many. XIV - Transubstantiation. A change into another "Uncle Caleb has been appointed substance. The doctrine that in the consecration of High Constable." the elements of the Eucharist the whole substance of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS bread and wine is converted into Christ's body and The authors would like to This was his reward for services to the blood, while only the appearance of bread and wine lt!ndlord Bruen! remaining. acknowledge the co-operation of the While all this was going on in Carlow Royal Institution of G.B. who have Tyndall was spending three nights a week XV - Maurice O'Connell, son of Daniel O'Connell. been so helpful in giving the authors attending a drawing school. He was the use of their archives. In par­ XVI - Bruen was the large landowner who owned however also writing "little rhymes of Oak Park in Carlow and many thousands of acres ticular special mention must be satire" for the Carlow Sentinel, which he throughout Ireland. made of Mrs. Irena McCabe the signed with the initials W.S., as his archivist. All those in the region who nickname was at this time Walter XVII - It could be that this lady was related by have helped in the preparation of marriage to Tyndall's mother. Snooks, although he subsequently as­ this article are thanked, but Mrs. E. sumed the alias Wat Ripton. His sister REFERENCES: Breen and Holly Byrne must be guessed the identity of the correspondent Ref 1 - The Life and Work of John Tyndall - Eve singled out for their invaluable con­ and divulged it to their father who wrote: & Creasey. MacMillan & Co., London 1945. tributions. The Board of Manage­ "It filled my heart with gladness to ment of the Regional College, must have a son able to perform the like ... Ref 2 - Letter of J. Tyndall to Mrs. Tyndall, Gorey, be acknowledged for their support of September 8, 1863. Part of Mrs. Tyndall's Col­ the Tyndall research. and the only thing that prevented you lected Biographic Papers at the Royal Instution. going through the degree of college was Code al6. my poverty." He spent a second Christmas without Ref 3 - Same papers, a15. leave in 1841 and moved in the New Ref 4 - Letter J. Tyndall to Heinrich Debus, Duiske Abbey Year to Cork, where he stayed in the January 6, 1893. lodgings of a Quakeress for nine shillings Appeal a week. Ref 5 - Collected Biographical Papers. Code a18. EXTENSIVE restoration work is being Tyndall was unexpectedly given six carried on at Duiske Abbey in Ref 6 - The Development of Scientific Education· in weeks holiday when he had only asked the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century. D. Graiguenamanagh. Readers are asked to for four. He was to enjoy a holiday in Thompson, M.A. Thesis Sheffield University 1955. give generous support to this important undertaking. The Abbey has had a Carlow, but he was then transferred to Ref 7 - Journal of J. Tyndall, 1 June, 1852. Preston Branch of the Ordnance Survey special place in the hearts of Carlovians. after only a further few weeks work in Ref 8 - Preliminary Drafts for a life of J. Tyndall. Subscriptions should be sent, before L. C. Tyndall, p. 8 unpublished. Cork. He was never again to be a resident January 31st, to Sean O'Leary, in his own country but his links with Ref 9 - Box file containing typed Biographical Montgomery Street, Carlow. Leighlin appear to have been immutable Material held in the Royal Institution.

27 SECRErARY'S REPORT FOR THE YFAR 1977-'78

------By Sean O'Leary------

THE Old Carlow Society continues to go tisers were asked to be sponsors for the to illustrate his lecture. It was remarkable t from strength to strength. During the journal at £5.00 each. We are very ·what a large number of non-members at­ year many new members have joined. grateful for the co-operation we have tended. It was obvious that we should Most gratifying is the fact that many of received as shown by the list of sponsors. have some similar talks in. the future .. these new members come from various parts of the county. It has always been TALKS: VAL VOUSDEN: FOLKLORE: our aim that the Society would embrace The first lecture of the Winter Session Owing to the early Easter our last lec­ the whole county not merely Carlow town was on 20 October when our Vice­ ture was not held until Thursday, 13 and so we are especially glad to welcome President, Mr. Alec Burns, gave a April when Dr. Seamus O Cathain, people from outside the Urban Area. We delightful talk on that famous Carlovian Archivist in the Department of Irish hope that they will encourage others in actor, entertainer, lecturer, radio per­ Folklore in U.C.D. gave a talk on their districts to become interested in the sonality and soldier - Val Vousden. It Folklore. He explained what Folklore activities of the Society. gave us special pleasure to have with us meant and the variations found not only that night Val's daughter - Mrs. M. in different countries but even in different LECTURES and OUTINGS: Tenanty of Fifeshire. She gave her districts in the same country. He said the Our winter lectures covered many reminiscences of her famous father and Folklore Department was doing its ut­ topics and were well attended. For our played recordings of some of Val's recita­ most to collect as much folklore as possi­ summer outings we were fortunate in hav­ tions which were so popular in the early ble before it would be completely lost. He ing good weather conditions and they days of Radio Eireann. She also appealed to the audience to write down were, therefore, enjoyed by all. presented Val's characteristic beret and old tales, customs, sayings and piseogs to tie to Carlow Museum. be found among the older generation in THE MUSEUM: this district. The Museum in College Street con­ TULLOW: tinued to attract a steady stream of On 24 November Very Rev. P. J. SOCIAL: visitors and during the year many new ex­ Brophy, P .P., a former President of the As last year's Social was such a suc­ hibits have been acquired. It has been 0.C.S. gave a talk on his native Tullow. cess a similar function was held in the decided to move the Museum to the Town His discourse was most interesting as he Function Room, Royal Hotel on 8 Hall. Many regret leaving College Street dealt with the story of Tullow from the December and was well attended. but it is felt that the Town Hall would be very earliest times down to the present First on the programme was a film more central. The U.D.C. has carried out day. In his talk he included many places "Celtic Gold" showing ornaments and some necessary repairs to the Concert in the surrounding areas which had been jewellery made by the ancient Celts and Hall which has been very tastefully connected with happenings in that pic­ giving the story of their discovery. Mr. decorated. At the moment a new central turesque town on the Slaney. Brendan Kealy was in charge of the pro­ heating system is being installed in the jector. Town Hall which will be a great boon for MINI TALKS: After a delightful buffet supper, danc­ the Museum. It is hoped to have the On 19 January we had short talks ing followed. As last year, the music was transfer completed early in the New Year. from five of our members. They were supplied by the popular group Stewpot It is also hoped it will be possible to open most instructive and enjoyable and and Spike in their own special style. the Museum to the public more frequently demonstrated the fact that we need not Vocal items were contributed by some of than at present. be depending on outside speakers as our our members. As all certainly enjoyed the own members are quite capable of giving function this Social promises to be an an­ ANTIQUES FAIR: interesting lectures. Mrs. E. Fennell dealt nual affair. Following the wonderful success of the with Killeshin Church. Mrs. M. Canavan Antiques Fair in 19 7 7 a second was held gave an account of the Eucharistic A.G.M. from the 13th to 16th April, 1978 in the Congress Celebrations in Carlow in The A.G.M. was held on 27 April. Function Room in the Royal Hotel to 1932. Mr. R. James gave the history of Chairman, Mrs. FitzMaurice, in her ad­ raise funds for the Museum, and was a Carlow Rowing Club. dress said the Society was in a very great success. Stall holders came from all Mr. J. Westman told us of the R.I.C. healthy state. The recent Antiques Fair parts of the country and were very and their successors the Garda Siochana had been most successful and the pleased with the arrangements, and with while Mr. Edward McDonald dealt with proceeds would be a great help to the the hundreds of people who attended. As the very many historical features in the Museum. She praised the mini-talks a result a similar fair will be held in April Clonmore district. given by members in January and said it 1979. was wrong to be depending on outside IRISH SILVER: speakers. She appealed to members to CARLO VIANA: Accommodation was taxed to the ut­ pay the annual subscription punctually Readers of Carloviana will have most on 16 February when Mr. John and so keep their membership up to date. noticed that the 1977 edition did not con­ Teahan, Keeper of the Art and Industrial Referring to the outings she impressed on tain advertisements. Due to the increased Section of the National Museum gave a members that they were not merely for cost it was decided to discontinue the talk on "Irish Silver." Mr. Teahan had a enjoyment but to study the archaeological usual advertisements. Instead our adver- particularly fine series of coloured slides and historical features of the areas

28 Secretary's Report for the year 1978/'79 visited. She said they should be always FRIENDLY SOCIETIES: public and were very impressed with all pressing forward - not to be content with Mr. Hughes suggested that, as in we saw. Returning from Malahide Mr. M. the status quo. Mrs. FitzMaurice stated Kilkenny, the O.C.S. should be registered J. Tutty of the Old Dublin Society con­ she did not wish to go forward this year as a Friendly Society. After a full discus­ ducted us through Old Dublin, North as Chairman and she thanked the sion it was decided to apply to the Side and South Side. As Mr. Tutty members for their co-operation during her Registrar for details. knows every stone of the Old City it was a term of office. most interesting tour. Mr. S. O'Leary, Hon. Secretary gave OUTINGS: details of the Society's activities during Various suggestions were made for 2nd EVENING TOUR: the past year. Summer outings and consideration of As our first evening tour was such a Mr. K. Kennedy, Treasurer, explained same was left to the incoming Committee. success we had a second on Thursday 3 -- -- the various items in the Balance Sheet. August when Mr. P. Purcell conducted us He was complimented on the financial LIFE MEMBERSHIP: around Clogrennane, Tomard, Bal­ position. He suggested that a plaque The question of having Life Members linabranna, Killeshin and Tolerton. With should be put on the former residence of of the Society was fully discussed. In view his wealth of local knowledge Mr. Purcell Val Vousden and on the site of the Old of the difficulties involved it was decided made the evening most enjoyable. Jail. not to have Life Membership. Mr. H. Dolan, Hon. Editor thanked all JIGGINSTOWN, RUSSBOROUGH: SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS: who had contributed articles for Our last outing was on Sunday 3 Two Special General Meetings were Carloviana and especially The September. First we went to Jigginstown held on 4 July and 28 September to draw Nationalist who had done such a fine job House in Co. Kildare where Comt. up rules and appoint Trustees and in producing the journal. He appealed for Costello of the Kildare Archaeological Auditors required for registration as a old photos and for more articles from Society gave the history of the old man­ Friendly Society. members. sion. Thence we proceeded to Rus­ Mr. John Moriarty, Chairman of the sborough House, Blessington, to view the OUTINGS: LIMERICK & CLARE: Museum Committee gave details of the unique Beit Collection of paintings, sculp­ On 11 June we had a one-day Outing negotiations for acquiring the Town Hall. tures etc. The official guide gave a to Limerick and Co. Clare. In Limerick He said the big question was the heating delightful description of the various works we visited the Hunt Museum which con­ of the hall. He complimented the of art. We regretted we could not spend tains the most comprehensive collection of members of the Committee for their at­ more time admiring the marvellous art Irish antiquities outside the National tendance at meetings and praised those treasures. From Russborough we went on Museum. Following lunch in Limerick we who had organised the recent Antiques to picturesque Hollywood. Some of our visited Knappogue and Craggaunowen Fair so successfully. more energetic members climbed the Castles in Clare. In a lake beside the lat­ Mr. A. Burns, Museum Treasurer, steep hill to the statue on the summit, ter is a reconstruction of an ancient cran­ gave the financial position. He said the while the rest enjoyed their tea in the nog. From Craggaunowen we travelled on grant from Carlow Co. Council and the beautiful Autumnal sunshine. proceeds of the Antiques Fair had been a through East Clare to Nenagh for tea. great help. One thousand three hundred OBITUARY: had visited the Museum since it opened EVENING TOUR: During the year the Great Reaper took in 1973. On Thursday 22 June we had an in­ novation - an evening tour around Pol­ from us some of our valued members - Michael Dooley - who always took such ELECTION OF OFFICERS: lerton Little, Burton Hall, Ballaghmoon and Deer Park. Mr. Seamus Murphy an interest in the O.C.S. and who did tro­ Chairman: jan work in the Museum. Mr. J. Moriarty acted as guide and gave a most graphic Vice-Chairmen: description of that area. This outing was Miss Bridget Wall - one of our oldest Miss M. T. Kelly and Mr. A. Burns most instructive and enjoyable. members who when her health permitted Hon. Secretary: never missed a lecture or an outing. Mr. S. O'Leary DUISKE ABBEY, ST. MULLINS, James Doyle who with his wife and Hon. Treasurer: NEW ROSS: family always attended our functions. Mr. K. Kennedy On Sunday afternoon 2 July we visited Miss Annie McGreal and Mr. W. E. Hon. Editor: Duiske Abbey which was crowded with all Byrne - two respected members whose Mr. H. Dolan the historical societies from the sur­ other interests prevented them from tak­ rounding counties. We were amazed at ing an active part in the Society. DUISKE ABBEY: the wonderful restoration that has been We pray that all five are now enjoying accomplished. Talks were given by Dr. Eternal Happiness, with all deceased Mr. Edward Hughes gave an account Sean O'Faolain, Mr. Le Clerc (architect), members of the Society. of the progress to date of the restoration Miss Geraldine Carville, who is shortly of Duiske Abbey. He invited the 0.C.S. publishing a book on the Abbey, and THANKS: to the Abbey on the first Sunday of July Messrs. Manning and Bradley who un­ In conclusion I would like to thank all when all the historical societies in the covered the marvellous 13th century tiled the members for their co-operation es­ , area would be shown the work that has floor. From Graignamanagh we went to pecially Alec Burns and Kevin Kennedy been done. Mr. A. Burns proposed that see the historical buildings in St. Mullins who are always at hand with advice and the members of the O.C.S. should give and New Ross. help. To The Nationalist also sincere financial support to this worthy project thanks for keeping the activities of the and suggested that all the members be MALAHIDE, OLD DUBLIN: Old Carlow Society before their readers. circularised to that effect. This was On Sunday 30 July we visited agreed to. Malahide Castle lately opened to the 30 September, 1978

29 DOCfOR DANIEL DEIANEY Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin ·1783-1814

------Sr. M. Claude, C.S.B.

EVERY age has its unsung heroes and chapels were nailed up, dues were refused 1783 at the early age of 35 years. The yet their deeds live on in the annals of and the Lord's day was profaned by great J.K.L. said that Dr. Delaney "was time. Doctor Daniel Delaney, Bishop of faction-fighting, cock-fighting and by a person gifted with rare adornments, he Kildare and Leighlin (1 7 8 3-18 14) other vicious practices. Fr. Delaney, after was one of the few men who never failed deserves a far more important place than · a few months, was appointed C.C. to to employ his talents to render virtue at­ has hitherto been assigned him, in the Bishop O'Keefe in Tullow, Co. Carlow tractive and vice abhorrent." When the .. ecclesiastical and educational history of which was then the residence of the old Bishop, Dr. O'Keefe heard of his this country. Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. As far Coadjutor riding in a gig, or ordering the Born in 174 7 of farming parents in the back as 1315, an Augustinian Monastery Angelus bell to be rung, he would exclaim townland of Paddock, Laois, a couple of was founded in Tullow but time dealt anxiously "oh! this young hot-head will miles from Mountrath, he was the elder of h,arshly with that institution. get us all into trouble." two brothers. While his children were still When Fr. Delaney took up his priestly The first and by far the most young Mr. Delaney died. Evidently duties in Tullow the gloom of the long remarkable movement of his episcopacy Daniel's early years were influenced by Penal Winter hung heavily over the peo­ was the introduction into the diocese of his mother's sisters who told him about ple. Catholic education was denied them the annual Corpus Christi processions. Ireland's chequered history and about the and emissaries of the Bible societies were His relative and friend, Most Rev. Dr. Irish monks who kept the lamps of sanc­ busy at proselytising activities. Public Butler, Archbishop of Cashel was the first tity and learning burning from the 5th to games on Sundays were accompanied by to introduce the Eucharistic processions the 12th century. He was able to see for drunken scenes and brawls. Fr. Delaney among the laity. Love for the Blessed himself the desolation brought about by realised now that his hopes rested on the Eucharist was the ruling passion of Dr. the iniquitous Penal Laws. work of educating the children and young Delaney's life. In the old and dilapidated In those days Mountrath formed part people. He hit on the idea of establishing Chapel of Tullow he publicly held these of the estate of Sir Charles Coote and was Sunday Schools, and working on the processions preceded by Adoration night a town of considerable commercial impor­ natural and inherent taste of the Celt for and day during the octave of Corpus tance. But the persecution of the music, he formed a band and trained the Christi. He took for his episcopal motto Catholics was relentlessly pursued. children to sing appropriate hymns. He - "Fortiter et Suaviter." Daniel Delaney was scarcely five years had all the gifts and personality of the In 1785 Dr. Delaney established the old when the Bishop of the Diocese, Most youth leader and gradually he helped the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament Rev. Dr. Gallagher, ended his painful ex­ young to look upon Sunday as the in Tullow parish. The Rebellion of 1798 istence in a wretched hut, thatched with brightest and pleasantest day of the interrupted these devotions hut as soon straw and rushes, near the Bog of Allen. week. He soon found useful assistants of as peace had been restored the Proces­ The only place of worship in the parish both sexes among the educated portion of sions and the Adoration were resumed. was a small thatched chapel built on a his flock, which he carefully trained as Dr. O'Keefe died on 18th September, sand-bank close to the Nore. Here Daniel, catechists. 1787 and on 17th February, 1788 Dr. at the age of ten years, received his first When the numbers in the classes in­ Delaney received faculties as Bishop of Holy Communion and here too he learned creased he formed three divisions, 1. Kildare and Leighlin. During his to serve Mass. In a Hedge School, near Schools for First Communicants. 2, Con­ episcopacy the first practical relaxation of his home, he got the first rudiments of firmation Schools. 3, Reading Classes. the Penal Code was achieved and the learning. Soon, older people came to these classes Irish Bishops set to work to gather Mrs. Delaney was willing to allow her and a President, Vice-President and two together the scattered stones of their only son (the younger boy died young) to teachers were appointed to each school. A sanctuaries and to cover the land once go to France to prepare for the priesthood full school day was initiated and Fr. more with churches, m·onasteries, con­ but the severe penal restrictions created Delaney celebrated Mass each day at vents and schools. an almost insurmountable barrier. r noon for his pupils. Soon these organised In Tullow, his Catechetical Society ex­ t Through the aid of influential Protestant methods brought about a wonderful tended their activities to the visitation of friends, Daniel at the age of 16 years, reform in the lives and conduct of the Catholic families in the parish. In 1792 crossed safely to Paris. Here he reaped to people. Sunday Schools were established in the full the advantages of his scholarly Fr. Delaney's mother died in 1781; she Mountrath with the help of Mary Dawson training and gained the highest distinc­ bequeathed her property to him for his from Tullow. She was buried in an old tions in the college of his adoption. In pious undertakings. He invested portion Church of the Penal Times in Tullow. 177 0 he was ordained and for some years of this property and the interest · During the horrors of '98 the military and he remained on the teaching staff of the therefrom went to charities. He likewise their horses were housed in this church. College. He had friends and acquain­ provided for the distribution of prayer tances among the Irish Brigade and books among the school children on the RESTORATION OF THE NUNS among the exiled Irish who peopled day of their first Holy Communion. The OF ST. BRIGID France in those years. religious institutes - the Brigidine Dr. Delaney in his untiring work for In 177 7 he returned home in disguise Sisters and the Patrician Brothers which souls had considerable difficulty in main­ "tci the great joy of his mother but soon he he founded perpetuate these works of taining a supply of competent teachers for discovered that Ireland's plight had charity. the Sunday Schools. Early in his deteriorated spiritually and politically. Fr. Delaney was appointed Coadjutor The Whiteboy agitations were rife, Bishop to the See of Kildare in April (Continued next Page)

30 Officers and Members of The Old Carlow Society 1978/'79 (continued from page 2)

Lillis, T. J. & Mrs., Lumclone House, O'Leary, Miss Maria, "Ard na Greine", School, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. Fenagh, Co. Carlow. Montgomery Street, Carlow. Ratusky, Mrs. M., Montgomery Street, Little, Lazerian & Mrs., Strawhall, O'Leary, Sean & Eileen, "Ard na Carlow. Carlow. Greine", Montgomery Street, Carlow. Reynolds, Miss K., 7, Governey Park, Little, Mrs. T., Montgomery Street, Oliver, Miss B., Dublin Street, Carlow. Graiguecullen, Carlow. Carlow. Oliver, Sr. M., Presentation Convent, Shaw, Misses Nan & Kathleen, 130 Loftus, Mrs. G., Gurteen, Carlow. Carlow. J.K.L. Avenue, Carlow. McClean, Mr. & Mrs. F., 5 Oak Park Oliver, James & Mrs., "Carraig Rua", Sheehan, Miss E., 119 Upperfield Road, Road, Carlow. Kilkenny Road, Carlow. Wellwin Garden City, Hert8, England. ,McDermott, Mrs. K., St. Joseph's Road, Oliver, Richard J., 611 Bordeaux Rue, Sheehan, Miss K., 3, .St. Killian's Cres-' ,/. Carlow. Green Bay, Wis. 54301 U.S.A. cent, Carlow. - '''""" "" - McDonald, Mr. E., Cionmore, Hacket­ O'Neill, Austin, Leaugh, Carlow. Sheehan, R. Morristown, N.J. U.S.A. stown, Co. Carlow. O'Neill, Misses Leonie & Lucy, Barrack Smith, Mrs. Kathleen, Dublin Road, McDonnell, Mrs. C., "Barnagree", Tul­ Street, Carlow. Carlow. low Road, Carlow. O'Neill, Miss Mary, 67 Colclough Smyth, Miss Mary, 2 Leinster Crescent, MacLeod, Miss Iona, Pembroke, Carlow. Avenue, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Carlow. MacSuibhne, Very Rev. Peadar, St. O'Rourke, Mrs. M., Montgomery Street, Smyth, Michael, Newtown, Nurney, Co. Patrick's College, Carlow. Carlow. Carlow. MacSuibhne, Rev. Sean, St. Patrick's O'Shea, Mrs. M., St. Patrick's Avenue, Smyth, T. & Mrs., 2, Leinster Crescent, College, Carlow. Carlow. Carlow. Maddock, Mrs. P., 173 Maher Road, Patricia, Sr. M., Presentation Convent, Tenanty, Mrs. M., Rothes Park House, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Carlow. Rothes Park, Leslie, Fife, Scotland. Maguire, Mrs. E., Dublin Road, Carlow. Peter, Sr., Brigidine Convent, Tullow. Treacy, Miss Eileen, College Street, Monahan, John & Mrs., Castletown Purcell, Michael, Kennedy Street, Carlow. House, Carlow. Carlow. Walsh, Mrs. E., Hanover Bridge, Carlow. Moore, Mrs. E., Chaplestown, Carlow. Purcell, Pat, Quinagh, Carlow. Westman, James, "Dunluce", 23 Green Moore, W. & Mrs., "St. Anne's, Athy Rattigan, James Joseph, Post Primary Road, Carlow. Road, Carlow. Moran, Mr. J., Burrin Street, Carlow. Moriarty, John, M.C.C. & Mrs., Tynock, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow. Morton, Mrs. Myrtle, P.O. Box 7 4, DR. DANIEL DEIANEY Walnut Creek, California 94597. Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin 1783-1814 Mulhall, Mr. J., The Green, Tullow, Co. Carlow. Mulvihill, Mr. W. J., 6 Braganza, Athy Road, Carlow. (Continued from Life based on the Rule of St. Augustine. Murphy, Miss Annie, Barrack Street, previous page) As if to show the affiliation of the new In­ Carlow. episcopacy he conceived the idea of stitute with the ancient order founded by Murphy, Kevin, Pollerton Little, Carlow. gathering around him a body of pious St. Brigid, the Bishop planted in the Murphy, Miss Olivia, Pollerton Little, souls who besides attending to their own Convent garden a sapling from the oak Carlow. sanctification would teach in the schools tree in Kildare which today is a tree of Murphy, Seamus & Mrs., Pollerton Lit­ and undertake the secular education of many branches typical of the sturdy tle, Carlow. the children, rich and poor. He applied to growth of the Institute at home and in Murphy, W. F., "Harmur", Kilkenny an existing Order of nuns to come to his foreign lands. Road, Carlow. aid in forming a community but his ap­ In 1809 Dr. Delaney founded the Murray, Aidan & Mrs., 25, Dublin peal was unsuccessful. There was no way Brothers of St. Patrick for the education Street, Carlow. out of the difficulty but for him to es­ of boys and today this great Congregation Murray, Mrs. K., 5, St. Joseph's Road, tablish a distinctive Religious Congrega­ is doing wonderful work for youth in five Carlow. tion. He appealed to his zealous Continents. Nolan, B. & Mrs., Burrin Street, Carlow. catechists in the Blessed Sacrament In 1845 the Congregation of St. Brigid Nolan, Mr. Frank, Burrin Street, Carlow. Confraternity and met with a generous received the approbation of Rome. Tullow Nolan, Mr. & Mrs. John, 405 Iowa State response. The seed was good, the ground and Mountrath were the only Brigidine Bank, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. was ready to receive it. Convents founded during the life-time of Nolan, Mrs. Mary, Barrack Street, - When the political storm of 1798-had Dr. Delaney. In 1842 a branch was es­ Carlow. passed Dr. Delaney rented a piece of land tablished in Abbeyleix with an off shoot O'Carroll, Mrs. L., Railyard, and commenced the erection of a church in Ballyroan in 1877. In 1858 the Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. and convent in 1805. On 1st February Mother House founded another Convent O'Grady, Faith, Holloden, Muinebeag. 1807 - the feast of St. Brigid, he in Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny. From here O'Hanlon, Mrs. J., College Street, selected six catechists to form the nucleus a branch house was established in Carlow. of his new Congregation. He placed it un­ Paulstown in 1875. O'Hare, P. J. & Mrs., Rathellin, der the protection of Our Lady and St. Today the Brigidine Congregation has Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. Brigid, he blessed the little Convent, said forty houses in Australia and New O'Keeffe, B. & Mrs., St. Killian's Cres­ Mass in the Chapel and gave Benediction Zealand and in recent years a foundation cent, Carlow. of the Blessed Sacrament. He addressed was established in New Guinea. There O'Keeffe, Miss Mary, St. Killian's Cres­ the Sisters and gave each one a religious are three Brigidine Convents in the cent, Carlow. name. He wrote for them a daily Rule of U.S.A.; one in Wales and one in England.

31 t Ji 7,- ,ANTIQUES FAIR ~--•• ~.. J.. . ,, •. ,· . :,. ·~·-~ ~~ ROYAL HOTEL, CARLOW APRIL 1979

Remember the highly successful Fair we held in 1978?

Some exhibitors have already booked stands for 1979

Proceeds in aid of the County Museum

Visit THE COUNTY MUSEUM COLLEGESTREET,CARLOW

Open every Sunday, 2.30-5.30

See the wide range of exhibits showing the history of County Carlow

BRING THE FAMILY