Adare and Barony of Kenry Biographical Dictionary

   

  

Books by the same author

 

Education

Pastoral Care for Schools, 3 vols. (Dublin: Folens, 1994)

Edmund Rice Anniversary Yearbook (1995)

Education and the Family (Dublin: Veritas, 1995)

A Time of Grace (Dublin: Veritas, 1996)

From Ideal to Action (Dublin: Veritas, 1978)

Beyond the Race for Points (Dublin: Veritas, 1979)

Gentlemen of the Presentation (Dublin: Veritas, 1999)

Catholic Education in Trinidad in the 19^th Century (Dublin: Four Courts, 2001)

Caribbean Recollections (San Fernando: Presentation PPU, 2009)

Catholic Education in Trinidad and Tobago in the 20^th Century (Cork: Iverus, 2010)

 

Local and Family History

The Ranahans of Iverus (Cork: Iverus, 1987)

The O’Shaughnessys of Munster (Cork, Iverus, 1996)

Ballysteen: The People and the Place (Cork: Iverus, 1998)

The Naughtons of Ballycanana (Cork, Iverus, 2006)

Askeaton Ballysteen: Biographical Dictionary (Cork: Iverus, 2007)

Adare and the Barony of Kenry Biographical Dictionary (Cork: Iverus, 2010)

Stonehall Harriers Centenary Record (Cork: Iverus, 2011)

Drinking From Different Fountains, A Memoir (online, 2013)

Presentation Brothers: Concise Biographies (Cork: Iverus, 2013)

Good Seed, Fertile Soil. Religious Vocations in West Limerick, Vol. 1 (Cork Iverus, 2016)

Good Seed, Fertile Soil. Religious Vocations in East Limerick, Vol. 2 (Cork Iverus, 2017)

Pres 140. Presentation Brothers College, Cork 1878-2018 (Cork: Iverus, 2018)

 

   

 

 

Adare and Barony of Kenry 

Biographical Dictionary  

  

 

John M Feheney 

  

 

Online edition 2022

 

 

 

 

First published 2010 by

 

Iverus Publications

Maiville, Turners Cross

Cork T12 TP95

Ireland

  

  

Copyright: John M Feheney, 2010

ISBN  978-0-9553120-5-2

First published online 2022

Copyright: John M Feheney, 2022

ISBN (online edition): 978-1-9160576-2-3

  

 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The book is sold, subject t the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition, including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

 

 

Cover photograph: St Augustine’s church, Adare (JM Feheney)

Cover: John J O’Connor

Typesetting and design: Susan Waine, Ashfield Press, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

Printing: Gemini International, Dublin 15.

 

 

Abbreviations

BA                 Bachelor of Arts

Bart.              Baronet

BD                 Bachelor of Divinity

BIFR              Burke’s Irish Family Records

Br                  Brother

BLGI              Burke’s Landed Gentry of Ireland

CoI                Church of Ireland

DD                Doctor of Divinity

K/P                Kildimo/ Pallaskenry

LC                 Limerick Chronicle

LCC               Limerick County Council

LDA               Limerick Diocesan Archives

LDHP             Limerick Diocesan Heritage Project              

MP                 Member of Parliament

MRCPI            Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

MRCSI            Member of Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland

MA                 Master of Arts

ODNB             Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

qv                  Quod Vide (See in this volume)

Rev                Reverend

Sr                  Sister

TD                 Teacthta Dála (Member of Dáil Éireann)

TCD               Trinity College, Dublin

UCC               University College, Cork

UCD               University College, Dublin

UCG               University College, Galway

   

 

 

Glossary of Special Terms

Archdeacon: an ecclesiastical appointment, which ranks next to, but under, a bishop.

Assizes: Prior to 1924, the higher criminal court outside Dublin.

Barony: a territorial division of a county, consisting of a number of townlands. There are about 270 baronies in Ireland. They were in use from the sixteenth century and are believed to relate to former Gaelic lordships. As administrative units, the baronies served as bases for taxation, law enforcement and general civil administration, but they became redundant with the introduction of local government reforms in the nineteenth century.

Canon: an ecclesiastical honour signifying membership of the diocesan chapter or advisory committee.

Chorister: in the Church of Ireland, an appointment involving responsibility for liturgical chanting and singing in a cathedral.

Custos Rotulorum: formerly, keeper of the civil records of a county and, by virtue of that, one of the highest civil officials.

Dean: an ecclesiastical honour, usually given to a senior priest with pastoral responsibility for a deanery or part of a diocese.

Divinity Test: For Church of Ireland ordinands, a qualifying examination in theology before acceptance for ordination to the diaconate.

High Sheriff: under British administration, a law officer, who was, theoretically, the Sovereign’s judicial representative in a given county.

King’s Scholarship: In Ireland, an examination which, up to the 1920s, was the qualifying test for entry to a teacher training college.

Prebendary: In the Church of Ireland, a type of honorary Canon, with limited pastoral responsibilities. It is an ecclesiastical benefice, the income for which comes from the central funds of the diocese.

Rector: in the Church of Ireland, the religious head of a parish; in certain Catholic religious congregations, a title given to the religious superior of a college or institution.

 

Contents

 

Abbreviations

Glossary

Dictionary

References

 

  

  

Introduction

 

Encouraged by the reception given to my earlier publication, Askeaton Ballysteen Biographical Dictionary (Iverus, 2007), I now herewith present a companion volume for Adare and the barony of Kenry. As in the case of the previous volume, I have tried to stick to criteria for the inclusion of persons, thereby avoiding arbitrary and injudicious decisions. Using these criteria, I have included: public representatives at local and national level; members of the aristocracy and landed gentry; clergy and religious; school principals; medical and veterinary practitioners; prominent sporting figures, especially those who represented their country or county; centenarians; individuals noted for some rare or outstanding quality or achievement. In these categories, people both native to and working in the area are included.

            I remind my readers that the barony of Kenry includes the parishes of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry; Kilcornan; Iverus or Ballysteen and part of Adare. I have, however, included the entire parish of Adare, in an attempt to avoid both invidious selection and confusion for my readers.

            I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to a large number of people, who helped me in compiling and researching material for this book. Their contribution is acknowledged by listing their names after individual entries. Though I have tried to make the references at the end of each entry concise, I have given the details in full, in alphabetical order, in the reference pages at the back of the book. A full list of documents, papers and books used will also be found in the reference section.

            I want to say a special word of thanks to John O’Connor for designing the cover, to Susan Waine for typesetting and to Gemini International for printing this volume. Despite my best efforts, I expect that there will be errors and omissions and for these I apologise in advance. I hope to have the opportunity to make appropriate amendments, if and when there is a second edition. Meantime, I hope my readers will find this volume both useful and enjoyable. I give them my heartfelt blessing.

 

John M Feheney

Mardyke House, Cork, Ireland

October 2010

 

Preface to online edition

 

Since the first edition of this book is now out of print, I have decided to make it available online in www.iverusresearchfoundation.com. It is substantially the same text as first published. Future revision will depend on demand.

 

John M Feheney

20 June 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbot, Rev. Thomas F (1870-1946), Clergyman

Thomas Frank Abbot, son of Rev Kingsmill Abbot, was born about 1870. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin (BA 1891, BD 1896), where he proved himself an outstanding scholar, winning prizes in Near-Eastern languages, especially, Hebrew, Chaldaic and Syriac. He was elected a Fellow of Trinity College. He passed his Divinity Test in 1894, being placed in the First Division. He was ordained Deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1895 and Priest in 1896. One of his first appointments was as Curate and Vicar at St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick (1895-1900), after which he was Rector in Kilkeady (1900-1908). He was then appointed Succentor in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick (1908-1915), before his appointment as Rector of Askeaton, from 1915 onwards. During this period, he also served as Prebendary of Ardcanny, Pallaskenry, and Treasurer of the Diocese of Limerick (1919). On 25 July 1900, he married Isabel, second daughter of Dr H. White, Edenville, Castle Conyers, Co. Limerick. They had a daughter, Phoebe. He retired in 1940 and died on 8 May 1946. His widow, who lived in Limerick after his death, died on 11 May 1960. (Leslie, 1936, 69, 131, 171, 277)

 

Ainsworth, Sir David (1916-1999), Baronet

Thomas David Ainsworth, son of Sir Thomas Ainsworth, 2^nd Baronet, and his wife, Marie Eleanor Domville, was born on 22 August, 1926. He was educated at Eton College and joined the British army (11^th Huzzars), where he attained the rank of lieutenant. He married Sarah Walford, daughter of Lt Col Hugh Carr Walford on 6 May, 1957. They had two daughters (Serena Mary and Tessa Jane) and two sons (Sir Anthony and Charles David). Sir David was a merchant banker and succeeded to the family title as 4^th Baronet Ainsworth of Ardanaiseig, Argyll, Scotland, in 1981. He died on 24 November, 1999, aged 73 years, and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. His father, Sir Thomas, and his mother, Lady Ainsworth, were buried beside him in Adare. On his death, the title was inherited by his eldest son, Sir Anthony Ainsworth, 5^th Baronet. (www.thepeerage.com,)

 

Ainsworth, Sir Thomas (1886-1971), Baronet

Thomas Ainsworth, son of Sir John Ainsworth, 1^st Bart. (qv), and his wife, Margaret Macredie, was born on 8 February, 1886. He was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a BA degree. He joined the 11^th Hussars, in which he held the rank of lieutenant. Subsequently, he was Joint Master of Foxhounds and Huntsman in Co. Meath, 1922-1925; Co. Galway, 1925-1926; Co. Kildare, 1926-1927 and Co. Tipperary, 1928-1932. He inherited the family tile, 2^nd Baronet Ainsworth of Ardaneiseigh, Argyll, Scotland (UK title) in 1923. He married, first, Lady Edwina Conyngham on 9 February, 1911. They were divorced in 1925, after which he married Marie Domville. By his first marriage, he had a daughter, Iris, and a son, John Francis (3^rd Baronet). By his second marriage, he had one son, Sir Thomas David Ainsworth, 4^th Baronet (qv). Sir Thomas died on 1 March, 1971, and was buried beside his second wife, Lady Marie Ainsworth, in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. (www.thepeerage.com.)

 

Alfred, Robert (d.1916), WW I Casualty

Robert Alfred, son of Robert and Susan Alfred, Graigue, Adare, was killed in action during World War I on 11 July, 1916. He was a member of the 4^th South African Infantry Regiment. When the war broke out in 1914, the South African Government decided to join in the war with the allies. First they invaded and captured German South -West Africa (now Namimia) and then they organised four regiments of infantry to join the war in Europe. Robert Alfred was a member of the 4^th Regiment, which included soldiers from the Transvaal Scottish and Cape Town Highlanders, all wearing the Atholl Murray tartan kilt. Robert was killed on 11 July, 1916, during the battle of Delville Wood, on the Western Front. The casualties in the 4^th Regiment were very high: of the 3,000 men who entered the wood, only 768 emerged unscathed. Robert’s grave is in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Somme, France. His brother, William (qv) also died in World War I. (McNamara, 2000, 251)

 

Alfred, William (d. 1917), WW I Casualty

William Alfred, son of Robert and Susan Alfred, Graigue, Adare, died when his ship, SS Eloby, was torpedoed on 19 July, 1917. The Eloby, from Liverpool, was part of a British Mercantile marine fleet. The SS Eloby was sailing in the Mediterranean at the time. It was 75 miles southeast of Malta, when, without warning, it was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine. A total of 56 lives were lost in the sinking. The memory of William is commemorated in the church of St Nicholas church (of Ireland), Adare, and in Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother, Robert (qv), also died in action in World War I. (McNamara, 2000, 251)

 

Arnold, Joseph (c1885-1915), WW I Casualty

Joseph William Arnold, born Adare, Co. Limerick, was killed in action on 2 September, 1915, during World War I. Joseph, who enlisted in Guildford, Surrey, was part of the 29^th Supply Column of the British Army Service Corps. He was married and gave his wife’s name and address as Audrey Arnold, New Malden, Surrey. The memory of Joseph is commemorated in St Nicholas’ Church (of Ireland), Adare, and his grave is at the Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Turkey. (McNamara, 2000, 251)

 

Atkinson, Rev Charles (c.1864-1952), Clergyman

Charles Vereker Chester Atkinson was born about 1864. He graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, with a BA in 1890 and an MA in 1908. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland, for the diocese of Tuam, in 1892, and priest in 1893. His first appointment was as curate in Tuam (1892-94), after which he served as curate in Holy Trinity parish, Limerick. He was then appointed rector of Kilpeacon (1898-1908), after which he was appointed prebendary of Ardcanny, Pallaskenry (1911-1913). Subsequently, he was prebendary of Donaghmore (1913-1918). He was later appointed precentor in the diocese of Limerick. He was an accomplished musician, who had been organist at St Mary’s parish, Athlone, before taking orders. During the Irish civil war, 1922, his rectory was attacked, looted and set alight by masked and armed men. He resigned the precentorship in 1951. He married Elfrida Vereker of Limerick on 18 October, 1898, and they had one daughter, Eileen. He died in March, 1952, in his 88^th year. His widow, Elfrida, died on 27 October, 1958. (Leslie, 1936, 57, 94, 131, 296)

 

Barnardiston, Sir Samuel (1620-1707), Landowner

Sir Samuel Barnardiston, English politician, third son of Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston (1588-1653), and his wife, Jane Soames (d.1669), was born on 23 June, 1620. He was twice married, first to Thomasine (d.1654), daughter of Joseph Brand, Suffolk, and second, to Mary, daughter of Sir Abraham Reynoldson, Lord Mayor of London. He had no children by either marriage. He became involved in overseas trade, especially with the Levant Company, and built up a considerable fortune. Though he was associated with the ‘Roundheads’ in his youth, he remained aloof from the civil war. He was rewarded by Charles II, on his restoration, first with a knighthood (1660), and, subsequently, with a baronetcy (1663). He became associated with the East India Company and represented it during a famous lawsuit, Skinner v. East India Company. Subsequently, he represented Suffolk in parliament. A dedicated puritan, he had little time for the Church of England and less for the Catholic Church. When he died in London on 8 November, 1707, the baronetcy passed in succession to three of his nephews, each of whom died within a few years, whereon the title became extinct. Sir Samuel acquired a significant amount of property in county Limerick during the Cromwellian settlement, including several townlands in Iverus (Mitchelstown and Ballycanana); Kildimo (Ballyculhane); Adare (Kyleavarraga). (Hart, ODNB, 2009; Grene Barry, 1900, 30-33).

 

Barnwell, Sr Margaret (1889-1935), Religious Sister

Margaret Barnwell, daughter of John Barnwell and Johanna Downey, was born in Ballyvaddock, Ballysteen, on 6 November, 1889, and baptised in St Patrick’s Church, Ballysteen, the following day. She attended Ballysteen National school before going to Drishane Convent Boarding School, Millstreet, Co. Cork. She entered the Sisters of the Infant Jesus, Drishane, receiving the habit on 15 August, 1913, and taking as her religious name, Sister St Paul. She made her first profession in Drishane on 15 August, 1915, and her final profession five years later on 25 September, 1920. In 1920 she was sent to Madrid, from where she proceeded to the Far East mission in Penang, Malayasia, in 1921. Subsequently, she served in Malacca, Malaysia, where she died on 26 May, 1935. She is buried in Malacca. (IJ Archives)

 

Barry, John (1925-2010), Sportsman

John Barry, son of John Barry and his wife, Bridget O’Connor, was born in Moig East, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 14 November, 1925. He attended Pallaskenry National School, where his hurling skills were first noticed. From the age of fourteen, he was much in demand as a player. He won a minor county hurling medal with Kilfinny in 1943 and was soon selected for the Limerick County junior hurling team. He won four Munster junior championship hurling medals with Limerick (1948, 1952, 1954 and 1957). In 1952, he won the first of two All-Ireland junior hurling medals in London, when Limerick defeated London for the junior All-Ireland. He won the second medal in 1957 at the Gaelic Ground, Limerick, when his county again defeated London for the All-Ireland junior crown. Throughout his long career, he played with several clubs, including Pallaskenry, Kildimo, Shannon Rovers, Lodge Rangers, Rathkeale, Croom/ Young Ireland, Mungret and City Gaels. He went to England in 1966 and, while in London, played with Treaty Gaels and London County GAA teams. On his return to Ireland in 1992, he played an active part in local GAA administration, holding the position of President of Pallaskenry GAA Club at the time of his death. He married Mary Griffin, from nearby-Castletown, and they had two sons, John and Thomas, and one daughter, Breda. One of his grandchildren, Darren O’Shaughnesssy, is an internationally acclaimed children’s author. John died on 23 May, 2010, aged 85 years, and was buried in Kilcornan cemetery. (O’Shaughnessy, B, 2010)

 

Beere, Rev Gerald (c.1775-1876), Clergyman

Gerald Beere, son of Daniel Beere, was born in Dublin about 1795. He was educated in Mr Craig’s private school and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 2 November, 1812. He obtained his BA in 1817 and his MA in 1832. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland on 28 February, 1819, and priest on 28 April, 1820. He held the post of Permanent Curate in Kilbixy, Co. Westmeath, from 1822 to 1849. In 1856, he was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, and remained in that post until his death in 1876. In 1827, he married Mary Armstrong, daughter of General A Armstrong, and had several children, including Captain Gerald B Beer, 15^th Foot, and George Armstrong Beer, who immigrated to New Zealand. Rev Beere died at Adare on 20 June, 1876, and, together with his wife, Mary Florence, is buried in the cemetery, attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. (Leslie, 1936, 99)

 

Bluett, Rev James (1902-74), Clergyman.

James Bluett, son of John Bluett and Helena Carroll, was born in Effin in 1902. He was educated at St Munchin’s College and the Irish College, Rome, where he was ordained on 12 June, 1927. His first appointment was as curate in Kilmeedy (1927), after which he served in Killeedy (1929) and Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1930-33). On 26 May, 1933, he was transferred from Askeaton to Patrickswell in the same capacity. Subsequently, he was Parish Priest in Kilcornan (1953-62) and, later, he was transferred to Feenagh/Kilmeedy in the same capacity. He was made a Canon of the Limerick Cathedral Chapter in November, 1974. He died in an accident in his home in Kilmeedy on 30 December, 1974, and is buried in the church grounds, Kilmeedy. He had two brothers who were also priests: Fr. John Bluett, in the archdiocese of Southwark, and Fr. Patrick Bluett, in the diocese of Middlesborough. He was also an uncle of Frs. Garrett and James Bluett of the Limerick diocese (LDA).

 

Bouchier, Rev James (1815-1850), Clergyman

James Henry Bouchier was born in county Limerick about 1812 and educated in Mr Griffith’s private school. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 19 October, 1829, at the age of 17. He graduated with a BA degree in 1834. He then took orders in the Church of Ireland. He was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, on 12 June, 1848. He resigned this post in 1850 to take up the post of rector of Ardcanny, Pallaskenry. He did not long survive this change, however, and died on 2 October, 1850, at the early age of 35. (Leslie, 1936, 99, 130, 301, 320).

 

Bourke, Rev John, (d.1892), Clergyman

John Bourke was born about 1807 and ordained in old parish church of St John (Limerick) on 12 July, 1832.  His first appointment was, as curate, to Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick, where he remained from 1832 to 1844 . In 1844, he was appointed Parish Priest in Cratloe, where he remained until 1864. In 1865, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Pallaskenry/ Kildimo, where he remained until his death on 5 January, 1892, at the age of 85. In Pallaskenry, he added a new sacristy to the church and refurbished the interior. He was also responsible for building new parochial schools in Ballinacarriaga (1877) and Pallaskenry (1886). He was buried in the Church forecourt, Pallaskenry. (Tobin, 2004, 4)

 

Breen, Rev Patrick (1896-1985), Rector

Patrick Breen was born in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, on 30 August, 1896. He entered the Salesians of St John Bosco in England and, on completion of his seminary training, was ordained priest on 14 December, 1930. He was appointed rector of Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, in 1952 and completed his 3-year term of office in 1955. A man of sound health, he had a long life, dying on 25 September, 1985, aged 89 years. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

 

Brooke, Sir George (1916-1982), Baronet

George Cecil Francis Brooke, son of Sir Francis Hugh Brooke, 2^nd Baronet Brooke of Summerton, and his wife, Mary Louise Mabel Arnott, was born in Dublin on 30 March, 1916. He inherited the family title, as 3^rd Baronet Brooke of Summerton, Dublin, on the death of his father in 1954. The Brooke baronetcy of Summerton, Castleknock, Co. Dublin (UK title), was created in 1903 for George Brooke, wine merchant and director of the Bank of Ireland. Sir George (3^rd Baronet) was educated at Stowe School, Buckingshire, after which he entered the 17^th/ 21^st Lancers. He served in World War II, reaching the rank of major, and was mentioned in dispatches. He was invested with an MBE in 1949. He married Lady Melissa Eva Wyndham-Quin, daughter of the 6^th Earl of Dunraven, on 25 June, 1959. They had two children: Francis Windham (b.1963), who succeeded as 4^th Baronet, and Emma (b.1965). Sir Francis, 3^rd Baronet, died in 1982 and was buried in the Dunraven burial plot, in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare, Co. Limerick (www.thepeerage.com)

 

Browne, Rev John (1916-1990), Clergyman

John Browne was born in Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, on 30 November, 1916. He was educated at his local National School, St Munchin’s College, and St Patrick’s Seminary, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 19 June, 1943. After ordination he was appointed curate, successively, in Tournafulla (1943-1946), Athea (1946-1949), Bruff (1949-1959) and St Munchin’s (1959-1970). In April, 1970, he was appointed Parish Priest of St Munchin’s and remained there until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Adare on 4 February, 1976. On 19 October, 1989, he was appointed Canon in the cathedral chapter. He died at the Limerick Regional Hospital, after a short illness, on 9 December, 1990. He was buried in the new cemetery, Adare. He was regarded as a good judge of a greyhound. (LDA).

 

Bucknor, Rev William (c.1703-1783), Clergyman

William Bucknor, son of Richard Bucknor, was born in Waterford about 1703. He was educated in Rev Mr Cashin’s private school in Limerick, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 30 May, 1720, aged 17. He graduated with a BA degree in 1724 and an MA in 1728. He was rector and vicar in Dromin/ Athlacca up to 1739. On 21 September, 1739, he was installed as rector of Adare and Dunamon. He died in 1783. (Leslie, 1936, 161, 175, 225, 238)

 

Burdett, Rev John (c.1656-1726), Clergyman

John Burdett, son of Samuel Burdett, of Lismalin, Co.Tipperary, was born in Dublin. He was educated at Mr Jones’ private school, Kilkenny, and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 11 March, 1673, at the age of seventeen. He was a scholar at TCD in 1676 and obtained his BA in 1678, followed by an MA in 1681. He was licensed as a curate of the Church of Ireland in Charleville in 1683 and was curate in Effin, Co. Limerick, in 1684, before being appointed Vicar in Carrigamleary, near Mallow, in 1683. Soon after this, he was appointed Rector and Vicar at Ardskeagh, Co. Cork. In 1685, he was licensed as a Free Scholar in the diocese of Limerick. He also held the appointment of Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, between 1687 and 1692. He resigned this appointment in October, 1692, to take up the appointment of Dean of Clonfert and Prebendary of Tipperary, both of which he held until his death in 1726. He also held the post of Vicar of Clane, Mainham and Clanshambo, in the diocese of Kildare, from 1697 to 1726. Some of these appointments could be held simulataneously and were intended to augment the salary of a Church of Ireland clergyman. He married, first, Jane Evatt, in 1792, and, on her death, married, second, Margaret, fifth daughter of Sir John Cole, Bart., and by her had issue, including a son, Arthur, of Lismalin, who was born in Dublin in 1697, and who entered Trinity College in 1715. Arthur subseqeuntly married Grace Head and had issue. John also had a daughter, Lettice, who married Algernon Warren of Kilkenny. (Leslie, 1936, 96, 236, 239, 350)

 

Burke, Rev Thomas (1873-1907), Clergyman

Tom Burke, son of John Burke and his wife, Catherine Neville, was born in Curraghchase, Kilcornan, on 13 September, 1873. He attended the local National School, after which he cycled daily to the Christian Brothers school in Adare. In 1894, he entered Rockwell College, Co Tipperary, as a boarder. In 1895, he transferred to the Spiritan juniorate, where he completed his secondary schooling. In 1898, he went to Grignon, France, to do his novitiate, after which he completed his philosophy and theology at San Pierroton. He was ordained priest in 1902. Although, he had been earlier diagnosed with tuberculosis, he was, nevertheless, sent to Zanzibar, where he acted as assistant to Bishop Emile Allgeyer. Not long afterwards, ill-health forced him to go to Nairobi, to help at St Austin’s parish. It was hoped that the higher altitude would be beneficial for his lungs. At St Austin’s, he was a great success, his friendly out-going personality making it easy for him to mix with people of all backgrounds. Always keen on horse-riding and horse-racing, he is credited with introducing the latter sport to East Africa, despite the disapproval of his French-born colleagues. His health, however, continued to decline. Shortly before his death, he told a friend that his end was near, because he had heard the crying of the banshee. He died in Nairobi on 18 September, 1907, at the early age of 37. Moving tributes were paid to him by native Africans and colonials alike at his funeral. He was buried in Nairobi. He had an older brother in the Christian Brothers. (Farragher, 2009, 34-35) 

 

Bury, John (c.1650-1722), MP

John Bury was born about 1650 (some say 1666), at Summerville House, Pallaskenry. He was heir to the Bury estate, originally granted to his father, Phineas Bury, in the Cromwellian settlement. John’s will is dated 6 March, 1720, and was proved 13 October, 1722. John married Jane Palliser (b.1684) and remarried in 1704, following the death of his first wife. This John was Member of Parliament for Askeaton from 1715 until his death in 1722. Though John began building the well-known Queen Anne house in Shannongrove, it was his son, William, who completed it. John had four sons and two daughters. Though the Bury estate was quite large, John’s grandson became a very wealthy man when he inherited, through marriage, the estate (20,000 acres) of Charles Moore, 1^st Earl of Charleville, who died without an heir. This man’s son, Charles William Bury (1764-1835), also inherited the Earldom of Charleville and, henceforth, the Burys lived at Charleville Castle, Tullamore. John Bury died 14 September, 1722. (BIFR, 1976, 190; Bury Papers; UHF).

 

Bury, Phineas (c.1666), Adventurer

Phineas Bury was one of the ‘adventurers’ who helped finance Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland. In the Cromwellian settlement of 1666, he was recompensed with a large land grant, along the southern bank of the river, Shannon, with its centre in the Pallaskenry area. His descendants continued to be associated with the area for almost two centuries, until one member inherited the estate and title of the Earl of Charleville in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The greater part of the Bury estate was sold in 1844, but smaller parts continued in the ownership of the familyfor several decades again. The first dwelling house was Summerville, Pallaskenry, but Phineas’ son, John (c.1650-1722), who was MP for Askeaton, began building Shannongrove House, to which the family subsequently moved. Phineas received land grants in Cork, as well as in Limerick, and his great grandson, Phineas Bury, was High Sheriff of Cork in 1746 and Mayor in 1759. The Cork descendants lived on their estate at Little Island, Co. Cork. (BIFR, 1976, 190; Grene Barry, 1900)

 

Bury, William (b.c.1704), Landed Gentry

William Bury, son of John Bury MP and Jane Palliser, was born in Shannongrove, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, . He married (1723) Hon Jane Moore, daughter of Lord Charles Moore, Baron of Tullamore and later 1^st Earl of Charleville. They had one son, John, who died in an accident in 1764. Since William Moore, son of Lord Charles Moore, had no issue, he offered to transfer the estate to his sister’s son, John Bury. On the death of John Bury, the Moore estate (22,000) acres in Tullamore, Co. Offaly fell to John’s only son, Charles William Bury, who subsequently became Earl of Charleville and moved his residence to Tullamore. This, however, led to the break-up and eventual sale of the Bury estate in Pallaskenry. William Bury founded the Charter residential school (popularly known as the ‘Blue’ school, because the children were dressed in blue coats) in Shannongrove in 1835. After his death, family interest in the school declined and subsequent reports about it paint a picture of neglect and exploitation of the children. Envisaged as a means of civilising poor Irish children, by teaching them English, these schools were regarded by Catholics as centres of proselytisation. Charter schools were generously endowed, however, receiving about £1million in Government grants between their establishment in 1833 and their closure a century later. (BIFR, 1976, 191; Bury Papers; HCPP, 1825(400), xii)

 

Butler, Rev John (c.1842), Clergyman

Rev John Judkins Butler was licensed as Church of Ireland curate in the parish of Kilcornan on 13 August, 1842. (Leslie, 1936, 255)

 

Byrnes, James (1907-1987), Medical Practitioner

James Byrnes, son of Dr John Byrnes and Catherine Coll, was born in Bruree, Co. Limerick, on 1 April, 1907. He was educated at Bruree National School, Rockwell College and Blackrock College, Dublin. He entered the National University of Ireland and qualified as a medical doctor in 1933. He came to Pallaskenry as dispensary doctor in 1948. He was married twice, firstly, to Patricia Butler from Co. Galway, with whom he had four children, including Fr Jim Byrnes CSSp. Patricia died in 1946 and he married, secondly, Ellen Leahy, from Newcastle West, with whom he had six children. Dr Byrnes died on 1 September, 1987, aged 80 years. His second wife, Ellen, died on 25 January, 2004, aged 92 years. Both were buried in Kilcornan cemetery. Dr Byrnes had two brothers, who were also medical doctors, and another brother, who was a pharmacist. (Byrnes, Rev J, 30/3/10)

 

Cahill, Bridget (1867-1950), School Principal

Bridget Goggin, daughter of John Goggin and his wife, Johanna McCarthy, was born in Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in her parish church on 21 April, 1867. A bright and diligent student, she qualified as a primary teacher and became principal of Kildimo Girls National School in 1885. She married John Cahill of Coolbeg, Kildimo, on 25 June, 1892, and they had a large family, with 10 children surviving, including Mary, John, Joseph, Patrick, Delia, Michael, James and Isabella. Bridget had a long and successful period as principal in Kildimo, remaining there until her retirement in 1932, when she was succeeded by her daughter, Isabella Meagher nee Cahill (qv). Bridget died on 5 January, 1950, and was buried in the family burial plot, Mellon cemetery, Kildimo, Co. Limerick.

 

Cahill, Sr Catherine (1855-1919), Religious Sister

Catherine Cahill, daughter of Patrick Cahill and his wife, Mary Fitzgerald, was born in Kimacat, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 28 March, 1855. She joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross, with headquarters at St Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana, taking the name Sister Generosa, at her reception on 15 August, 1881. She made her profession on 15 August, 1883. She spent the rest of her life at St Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN, being involved mostly in the supervision of domestic arrangements. She died at St Mary’s on 9 December, 1919, and was buried in the Holy Cross burial plot, Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, St Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN. She was a sister of Sr Ellen Cahill (qv). (CHC archives, 2010)

 

Cahill, Sr Ellen (1859-1934), Religious Sister

Ellen Cahill, daughter of Patrick Cahill and his wife, Mary Fitzgerald, was born in Kimacat, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised at her local parish church on 28 November, 1859. She joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross, with headquarters at St Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana, taking the name Sister Euthalia, at her reception on 15 August, 1887. She made her profession on 15 August, 1892. She went to work at Sacred Heart Academy, Ogden, UT, where she had responsibility for junior girls who were boarders there. Following an illness, she was hospitalised at Holy Cross Hospital, Salt Lake, UT, in 1934. She died there from a cerebral haemorrhage on 27 June, 1934. She was buried in the Holy Cross burial plot, Mount Calvary cemetery, Salt Lake, UT. She was a sister of Sr Catherine Cahill (qv). (CHC archives, 2010)

 

Cahill, Sr Winifred (1881-1960), Religious Sister

Sr Winifred Cahill, was born in Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 19 April, 1881. She joined the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, a Belgian congregation with houses in Ireland, and was a member of the founding community in Matara, Sri Lanka, in 1908. At her reception, she received the name, Sister Winifred. The community house in Sri Lanka was known as the Convent of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters taught school and cared for orphan and abandoned girls. The congregation had been founded in 1803 by Rev PJ Triest in Lovendegem, Belgium. Several girls from the Kildimo area joined this congregation, with Irish headquarters in Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, including the Moore and Nolan girls from Ballinacarriga, Kildimo. In 1951, Sister Winifred was the recipient of a legacy of £300 for her mission from her relative, Mrs Bessie O’Halloran, nee Cahill, late of O’Connell Avenue, Limerick. Sr Winifred died on 15 December, 1960, and was buried in Matara, Sri Lanka. With the decline in vocations and the consequent ‘rationalisation’ of the Anglo-Irish province of the congregation, the archives and records relating to that period have been transferred to the headquarters of the congregation in Brussels and, unfortunately, our information about Sr Winifred and her immediate family is incomplete. (JM Feheney)

 

Camden, William (1551-1623), Author

William Camden, son of Sampson Camden and his wife, Elizabeth Curwen, was born in London on 2 May, 1551. He was educated at Christ’s Hospital and St Paul’s Schools and Magdalen College, University of Oxford. His most famous publication was Britania: A Topographical and Historical Survey of Great Britain and Ireland (1586). He was one of the first English historians to mention Adare. In his treatment of county Limerick, he mentions only three towns: Limerick, Kilmallock and Adare. Camden died in Chislehurst, Kent, on 9 November, 1623. (Herendeen, ODNB, 2009)

 

Carberry, Br Thomas (1917-1991), School Principal

Thomas Carberry, son of Michael Carberry and his wife, Mary Donoghue, was born in St Joseph’s Place, Prussia Street, Dublin. on 29 April, 1917. He was educated at the CBS school, North Brunswick Street, before entering the Christian Brothers juniorate, St Joseph’s College, Baldoyle, on 22 July, 1932. On 11 February, 1933, he entered the Christian Brothers, receiving the religious habit and a new name, Brother Rumold, by which he would be known in the congregation. His new patron saint, St Rumold, was an Irish monk, who had travelled to Rome, where he was consecrated a bishop and was sent as a missionary to Flanders. He became bishop of Malines, Belgium. At the end of his novitiate, Brother Carberry made his religious profession. He then taught for some years in Dingle, before completing his teacher training at Marino Teacher Training College, in 1942.

            After training, he taught in Mitchelstown before going to Doon, Co. Limerick, in 1948. In 1954, he was appointed principal in the CBS school, Tipperary town, and, in August, 1957, he was appointed superior and principal of CBS Adare. He continued the ‘secondary top’ of the school and, in this way, provided easy access to secondary education for the boys in Adare and surrounding areas. In 1960, he was transferred to CBS Tramore, Co. Waterford, and subsequently went back to his home city, Dublin. He died in Baldoyle on 24 October, 1991, aged 74 years. He was buried in Baldoyle, Dublin 13. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Carrick, Rev John (1840-1915), Clergyman

John Carrick, a native of St Michael’s parish, Limerick, was born about 1840. He was ordained on 22 April, 1862.  His first appointment was as chaplain to St Vincent’s Orphanage, Limerick (1862-63). After that, he was curate, successively, in Adare (1863-64); Rathkeale (1864-65); Kilmallock (1865-71); Newcastle West (1871-78); Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1878-79). On 23 April, 1879, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kilfinane/Ardpatrick, where he remained until 1885. On 4 November, 1885, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Killeedy, but remained there only two years. On 30 July, 1887, he was transferred to Monagea as Parish Priest and remained there until 1892. On 13 September, 1892, he received his final transfer to Kilfinane, where he was Parish Priest until his death on 19 April, 1915, at the age of 75. In 1892, he was honoured with the appointment of Vicar Forane and, on 10 June, 1912, three years before his death, he was appointed a Canon of the cathedral chapter. (Tobin, 2004, 7)

 

Carroll, Michael (1863-1942), Clergyman

Michael Carroll was born in Ballingarry, Co. Limerick, on 25 October, 1863. He was ordained on 22 December, 1888. After ordination, he served in Scotland, where he was assistant priest at St Margaret’s, Ayr, Galloway. On his return to Ireland, he was appointed curate in Patrickswell (1891-93), after which, he was curate, successively, in Loughill (1896-1907); Bulgaden (1907-08); Kilmallock (1908-10); Ballyagran (1910-17). On 23 January, 1917, he was apointed Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, but transferred to Loughill in the same capacity on on 8 November, 1918. On 3 December, 1928, he was transferred to Glin as Parish Priest, and remained there until his death on 9 November, 1942, at the age of 79. He was also chaplain to Glin Industrial school during the years, 1928-1942. He was appointed a canon of the cathedral chapter in August, 1932. He had a brother, David Carroll, who was also a diocesan priest in the diocese of Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 10)

 

Casey, Rev Michael (d.1878), Clergyman

Michael Casey, a native of St Mary’s parish, Limerick, was ordained in May, 1838. His first ecclesiastical appointment was in Scotland, where he was on loan for a year. On his return to Ireland, he was appointed curate in Adare, where he remained for only one year. In 1840, he was appointed curate in St John’s, and he worked there for ten years. In 1850, he was appointed Parish Priest of Mungret, where he remained until 1871. His last years were spent as Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Limerick, where he died on 10 June, 1878. (Tobin, 2004, 13)

 

 

Casey, Most Rev William (c.1520-1591), Bishop

Rev William Casey was born in Rathcannon Castle, Athlacca, around 1520 and was ordained priest at a very turbulent time for the Catholic Church in Ireland. Casey was appointed Church of Ireland rector of Kilcornan in 1550. This, however, was only the start of a very eventful ecclesiastical career. At the time, the distinction between Catholic and Protestant was rather blured and some clerics changed sides, in accordance with the denomination chosen by their patrons. Casey succeeded John Quin (a relative of Thady Quin of Adare) as Catholic bishop of Limerick on 6 July, 1551. Consecrated in Dublin on 25 October, 1551, he accepted the ecclesiastical changes, along Lutheran lines, introduced by Edward VI, son of Henry VIII. However, on the death of Edward VI, and the accession of the Catholic Queen Mary (Tudor) in 1553, Casey was dismissed from his post on 1 May, 1556, and Hugh Lacy, a member of an influential Anglo-Norman family, was appointed Bishop of Limerick in his place. But Casey’s career was not yet at an end. When Mary died in 1558, the Protestant Elizabeth came to the English throne. De Lacy was then dismissed and Casey was reappointed bishop on 8 May, 1571. Since Elizabeth had a long reign of 44 years, Casey ended his days as Protestant Bishop of Limerick. He died on 7 February, 1591. (Leslie, 1936, 9, 251; Grene Barry, 1918, 319-327)

 

Casey, Rev Patrick (1876-1946)

Patrick Casey was born in Ardpatrick in 1876 and was educated at St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He matriculated at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 5 September, 1894, entering the philosophy class. On completion of his priestly studies, he was ordained on 20 June, 1900. After an initial ministry in Liverpool, his first appointment in the diocese of Limerick was as curate in St Munchin’s (1906-08). After this he was curate in Ballingarry (1909-19), Bulgaden (1919-1920), Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1920-1921) and Mahoonagh (1921-25). In 1928 he was appointed Parish Priest in Loughill, where he remained until his transfer to Askeaton/ Ballysteen as Parish Priest on 1 June, 1940. He died in a tragic shooting incident at the presbytery, Askeaton, on Sunday 6 January, 1946. He is buried in the church grounds, Askeaton. (Hammell, 1984, 40)

 

Casey, Sister Elizabeth (1890-1916), Religious Sister

Elizabeth Casey, daughter of John Casey and Hana O’Shaughnessy, was born in Ballyvaddock, Ballysteen, and baptised in St Patrick’s church, Ballysteen, on 7 November, 1890. She attended Ballysteen National School, later entered a convent (believed to belong to the Sisters of Mercy), in the USA. Her health declined, however, and she died from tuberculosis in 1916 at the early age of 26. She was buried in a cemetery in the convent grounds. To date, I have not been able to locate the precise convent which Sister Elizabeth entered. (Feheney, 2007, 13)

 

Cashin, Robert (c.1713), Clergyman

Robert Cashin was installed as Church of Ireland Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, on 12 November, 1713. He resigned this post in 1716 to take up a corresponding post as Prebendary of Tullybrackey, Co. Limerick. Subsequently, he settled in Limerick and obtained the post of prebendary of St Munchin’s. Ferrar (1769) also lists him as archdeacon of Ardfert. Later, he opened what proved to be a successful private school in Limerick. Several prominent Limerick people were students there, including the pioneer surgeon, Dr Sylvester O’Halloran (1728-1843). (Leslie, 1936, 48, 74, 97, 110, 123, 175; Ferrar, 1769)

 

Caulfeild, Alexander (1842-1923), Landed Gentry

Alexander Thomas Caulfeild, son of General James Caulfeild (qv) and his second wife, Annie Rachel Blake, was born at Hyde Park, London, on 7 April, 1842. He entered the British army and attained the rank of captain. He married Meriel Kate Hunt in 1869, but they had no children. On his retirement from the army, he purchased Milltown House and accompanying lands, formerly leased by Rev Arthur Champagne, from the Earl of Charleville. One of Captain Caulfeild’s most significant achievements was the building of a large house, roughly modelled on his parents’ home in Copsewood, about the year 1875. This house was leased by Captain McGaw in the 1930s and subsequently purchased by the retired principal of Ballysteen National school, Patrick Moran, who sold it for demolition in the early 1940s. Captain Caulfeild died in Bournemouth, Hampshire, England, on 12 April, 1923, aged 81 years, and was buried in England. He was a brother of George Caulfeild (qv). (BLGI, 1913; www.caulfeild.co.uk/)

 

Caulfeild, George (1841-1922), Landed Gentry

George Caulfeild, son of General James Caulfeild (qv) and his second wife, Annie Rachel Blake, was born in Lucknow, Bengal, India, on 3 January, 1841. He returned to Ireland, when his father retired from the East India company.  He joined the British army and attained the rank of captain. He married Thomasina Margaret Royse (1849-1910), from Ballinvirick, Cappagh, Co. Limerick. He was a brother of Alexander Caulfeild (qv). George died at 14 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on 5 June, 1922, aged 81 years. They had one son, George Blake Caulfield (QV).  (BLGI, 1913, www.caulfeild.co.uk/)

 

Caulfeild, George Blake (1875-1939), Landed Gentry

George Blake Caulfeild, son of Captain George Caulfeild (qv) and his wife, Thomasina Margaret Royce (1849-1910), was born in Copsewood, Pallaskenry, on 10 May, 1875. He died in West London Hospital, Hammersmith, on 28 June, 1939. He married Mary Charlotte Lilian Bacon (1876-1944) in Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London, on 10 January, 1899. They had the following children: Leslie Alexander, born 1900, killed in an air raid, 1940, during World War II; Jack Harley, born 13 November, 1903; died 30 July, 1929, in Houndslow Hospital, Middlesex; Phyllis Daphne, born 1905, in Penzance, Cornwall; died 16 May, 1964, in Kensington, London; William Henry, born 7 October, 1911; died 2 December, 1943, in India on active service. (BLGI, 1913; www.caulfeild.co.uk/)

 

Caulfeild, General James (1783-1882), Landed Gentry

James Caulfeild was born in Castle Cosby, Crossdoney, Co. Cavan, on 26 January, 1783 (Answers.com states that he was born 30 January, 1782) He was the son of Ven John Caulfeild, Archdeacon of Kilmore, and grandson of Hon. Toby Caulfeild, younger son of William Caulfeild, First Viscount Charlemont. James’ mother was Euphemia Gordon. He joined the military division of the East Indian company and spent 40 years soldiering in India, becoming a member of the council of the East India Company. In 1814, he married, first, Letitia, daughter of Lt-General Hugh Stafford, who died in 1826. They had four sons, one of whom died in infancy, two in their 20s and the fourth in his 40s. After the death of his first wife, he married Annie Rachel Blake, also daughter of a military man. They had four sons, William, Henry, George (qv) and Alexander (qv) and two daughters, Mary Anne, who died aged six and Anne Rachel, who died in her 30s. On his return from India, the General purchased 3,100 acres of the Bury estate in 1844. He built a house, known as Copsewood, which now forms the central part of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, on the site of Fr Copps’ old cottage. General Caulfield died on 4 November, 1852, at Copsewood, leaving the estate to his wife, Annie. She died on 17 May, 1890, in London. She provided the site and some of the capital for the present Catholic church in Pallaskenry. It is said that husband and wife are buried in nearby Kilurach cemetery. For a short period before his death in 1852, General Caulfeild sat as an MP for Abington, Oxfordshire, in the British Parliament, but he died while in office. He was preceded as MP for Abington by Sir Frederic Thesiger and succeeded by Lord Norreys.  (BLGI, 1913; www.caulfeild.co.uk/)

 

Champagne, Rev Arthur (1789-1862), Clergyman

Arthur Champagne, descended from French Huguenot stock, was born in Cloncagh, Co. Derry, around 1789. He was the grandson of Rev Arthur Champagne, Dean of Clonmacnoise. Young Arthur was educated in Trinity College (MA) and ordained a minister of the Church of Ireland. His first appointment was as curate in Durrow. Subsequently, through the influence of his step-father, Rev Gustavus Whybrands (qv), he became Vicar of Castlelyons, Co. Cork, while Rev Whybrands became vicar of Askeaton. In 1830, Arthur resigned his appointment in Castlelyons and retired to Miltown House, Pallaskenry, where he lived until his death on 3 November, 1862 (LC, 6.xi.1862). Meantime, Arthur had become a wealthy man, having inherited the estates of his deceased brother, George, and two uncles, George and Forbes. On the death of her second husband, Rev Whybrands, on 24 March, 1824 (LC, 24.3.1824), Arthur’s mother, Mary, lived with her unmarried son in Milltown. She died there on 24 January, 1845 (Cork Examiner, 29.1.1845). Arthur Champagne is listed in Griffith’s Valuation of 1850 and in O’Dowd’s Round About County Limerick. The property was purchased by Captain Alexander Caulfeild (qv), son of General James Caulfeild (qv), after the death of Champagne. Mrs Mary Whybrands, mother of Rev Arthur Champagne, is listed as the teacher at the Church of Ireland school in Milltown in 1825. Both are buried in the family vault in the cemetery attached to the (CoI) church, High Street, Askeaton. The late Princess Diana Spencer was connected to the Champagne family, through Jane, sister of Arthur. (Feheney, 2007, 13-14; BIFR, 1976; Brady, 1864, II, 99; HCPP 1837 (543, I, II).

 

Cherry, Rev Patrick (c.1805-), Clergyman

Father Patrick Cherry was born about 1805. He entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 25 August, 1825, and, on successfully completing his ecclesiastical training, was ordained priest for the diocese of Limerick. He is listed as holding the following appointments: 1840-1841, curate in Kildimo/ Pallaskenry; mid-1830s: curate in Ballybrown/Lurriga; 1837-1838: curate in Patrickswell; 1847-1852, curate in Kilmallock. There is no information to hand as regards his later years or the date of his death. (Hamell, 1982, 41)

 

Clarke, Rev Frederick J (1915-), Clergyman

Rev Frederick James Clarke, son of Peter Clarke, was born in Antrim in 1915. He was educated at the Belfast Institute, before entering Trinity College, Dublin on 15 June, 1834. He obtained his BA degree in 1841, was ordained Deacon of the Church of Ireland the same year and priest on 18 September, 1842, in Limerick.  He came to Askeaton/ Ballysteen in 1842, did not remain long in this post, resigning his curacy in December, 1842. He then returned to Northern Ireland, where he worked in Derry. Subsequently, he moved to England, where he became permanent curate in Redall-hill, Staffordshire. He remained there, at least until 1865. (Leslie, 1936, 172; Crockford, 1865).

 

Clarke, Rev Thomas (c.1884-1935), Clergyman

Thomas Clarke was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, (BA 1891, MA 1916) and ordained Church of Ireland deacon in 1906 and priest in 1907. He served as curate in Holy Trinity/ St Lawrence, Limerick, from 1906 to 1908, after which he served as Rector in Kilcornan (1909-1922). In 1922, he was appointed Rector of the Church of Ireland parish in Tralee, but, subsequently moved to Askeaton. He died on 26 May, 1935. (Leslie, 1936, 100, 255, 324)

 

Cleary, Rev Marcus (1812-1886), Clergyman

Marcus Cleary was born in Bulgaden in 1812. He was ordained in 1840 and was sent to Bruff (1841-42), as curate, for his first appointment. He was then appointed curate, successively, in Bulgaden (1842-44); Shanagolden (1844-47); Newcastle West (1847-50); St Mary’s (1850-54); Killeedy (1854-57); Askeaton (1857-60); Adare (1860-62). In 1862, he was appointed Parish Priest of his native parish, Bulgaden, where he remained until his death on 8 December, 1886 and the age of 74. (Tobin, 2004, 14)

 

Clifford, Rev Edmond (d.1924), Clergyman

Edmond Clifford was ordained on 31 January, 1864. His first ecclesiastical appointment was as curate in Monagea (1864-65). He was then curate, successively, in Loughill (1865-66); Dromcollogher/ Broadford (1866-71); Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1871-76); Mungret (1876-79); Kilmallock (1879-81). On 3 May, 1881, he was appointed Parish Priest of Templeglantine, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Monagea on 29 August, 1892. He remained in Monagea until 28 April, 1922. He seems to have been in bad health from then until his death on 21 June, 1924. Fr Clifford is reported as having bred the hunter, Kirkland, which won the Grand National in 1905. This horse first won at Kilmallock as a fouryearold, and was then sold to Tim Hartigan of Crean, Bruff (who may have been a relative of Fr Clifford). Hartigan subsequently sold the horse to Frank Bibby, a Liverpoor manufacturer. Kirkland was well backed at Aintree, as he had earlier won the Grand Sefton Chase (run over the National course) and had finished fourth in the 1903 Grand National and second in 1904. Kirkland was trained by Mr. E. Thomas and ridden by Frank 'Tich' Mason. In 1905, he won by three lengths from Napper Tandy at odds of 6/1. (Tobin, 2004, 14; LDHP, Monegay)

 

Clifford, Rev John (1820-1880), Clergyman

John Clifford was born in Bulgaden on 25 February, 1820. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained in 1845. His first appointment, after ordination, was to Askeaton/ Ballysteen, as curate. He was then curate, successively, in Knockaderry (1846-47); Dromin/ Athlacca (1847-49); Fedamore/ Manister (1849-1850); Kilmallock (1850-58); Shanagolden (1858-61); Rathkeale (1861-62); Newcastle West (1862-63). In 1863, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, before, the year was out, on 12 November, he was transferred to Monagea, where he remained until his death on 1 August, 1880, at the age of 59. He was buried within the church in Monagea. During the years, 1850-58, the Irish Catholic Directory, lists him as Richard Clifford. (Tobin, 2004, 15).

 

Clifford, William (1859-1923), Medical Practitioner

William Clifford, son of Michael Clifford and his wife, Mary Hartigan, was born in Garrienderk, Effin, Co. Limerick, and was baptised in his local parish church on 10 March,1859. He was educated at the local national school, before entering St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He was attracted to a medical career and entered the Royal College of Surgeons, where he qualified as a surgeon (LRCSI) and a physician (LKQCPI) in 1883. The following year, 1884, he qualified in both Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  Soon after qualification, he was appointed dispensary doctor in Adare and physician to the Earl of Dunraven. On 4 June, 1914, he married Mary Anne Ranahan (1887-1967), from Ballysteen, a qualified nurse, in St Paul’s church, Arran Quay, Dublin. They had two children, Michael, and William. Michael died of Scarlet Fever on 30 June, 1922, and William died on 16 August, 1989. Dr Clifford, himself, died on 31 May, 1923, and, in appreciation of his 38 years’ service to the people of Adare, he was given a burial plot in the grounds of the Catholic Church, Adare. His widow, Mary Anne, died in 1967 and was buried beside him. (Clifford, J, 2009).

 

Coleman, Rev Patrick (1878-1958), Clergyman

Patrick Coleman was baptised on 14 July, 1879. He trained for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 11 June, 1905. He spent the following year at the Dunboyne Institute, pursuing postgraduate studies. His first appointment, after ordination, was as a teacher at St Munchin’s College (1906-07). He was then appointed curate, successively, in Glin (1907-12); Pallaskenry/ Kildimo (1913-14); Mahoonagh (1914); Monagea (1914-16); Croom (1916-19); Ballingarry (1919); Glenroe (1920-21); Killeedy (1921- 24); Bulgaden (1924- 27); Fedamore, Administrator (1927-29); St John’s, curate (1933 - 37); Glenroe, Administrator (1937- 49). On 13 April, 1949, he was appointed Parish Priest of Bulgaden, where he remained until his death on 12 January, 1958. (Tobin, 2004, 16)

 

Comyns, Rev John (d.1237), Prior

John Comyns was born in Scotland and, as a young man, joined the Trinitarian Order and was ordained priest. The Trinitarians belonged to a religious order, founded by St John of Matha, for the purpose of redeeming from slavery Christian captives, taken by Moorish corsairs. At the request of the Scottish Earl of March, Comyns went to Algiers and succeeded in obtaining the freedom of two of the Earl’s nephews, who had been captured by pirates. The Earl was deeply impressed at the courage, selflessness and dedication of Fr Comyns and, partly as an expression of thanks, founded a Trinitarian friary in Dunbar, Scotland, and insisted that Comyns be appointed prior. Moreover, during a business trip to Adare, March recounted the story of Comyns’ adventures to the Earl of Kildare. The latter then invited Comyns to come to Adare and found a Trinitarian Friary there. This he did and the friary in Adare flourished and produced many learned and holy priests. The abbey at Dunbar, however, feeling his loss, recalled Fr Comyns to Scotland and he was subsequently appointed prior of the Trinitarian abbey of Aberdeen. He died there on 4 May, 1237.

            The Countess of Dunraven, from whom much of the information about the Trinitarian friars came, drew on the writings of a Spanish friar, named Lopez, who wrote at length on the history of the Trinitarians. Lopez referred to a now-lost ‘Book of the (Trinitarian) Monastery of Adare’, in which in he found much of his information. He also stated that several of the friars from the Trinitarian Friary in Adare subsequently went abroad, some to attend Oxford University and others to journey to Rome. He claimed that two of these friars, William Goold and Zaccarias Patrick, became Cardinals and that five others became archbishops, while three became bishops. Other records fail to confirm all the claims made by Lopez, though it must be remembered that extant records of the Catholic Church in Europe during the years in question (13^th to 15^th centuries) are both scarce and little researched, while corresponding records for Ireland are either fragmentary or non-existent. The death of John Comyns is recorded as 4 May, 1237. He was buried in the Trinitarian Priory, Aberdeen, Scotland. (Dunraven, Countess, 37-47)

 

Condon, Rev Patrick (1846-1917), Clergyman      

Patrick Condon was baptised in his native Kilfinane on 7 July, 1846, during the Great Famine. He was ordained at St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 3 August, 1873. His first appointment, after ordination, was as curate in Cratloe (1873-74). After this, he was curate, successively, in Ballyagran (1874-76); Monagea (1876); Ballyagran (1876-78); Feenagh (1877); Athea (1877-85); Effin (1885-88); Kilfinane (1888); Kilmallock (1888-96). On 28 April, 1896, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, where he remained until his death on 14 January, 1917, at the age of 70. (Tobin, 2004, 16)

 

Connery, Rev Edmund (c.1787-1858), Clergyman

Edmund Connery was born in Court, Kildimo, about 1787. He studied for the priesthood and, in 1817, became Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, in succession to Fr Michael Copps. In 1835, he was transferred to Bruree and, in 1839, to Fedamore. In 1854, he returned to Kildimo/ Pallaskenry and died on 15 January, 1858. He is buried in Castletown cemetery. He is thought to have been a close relative of Fr Michael Connery (qv).

 

Connery, Rev Michael (c.1827-1882), Clergyman

Michael Connery matriculated to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 14 September, 1850. In the course of his ecclesiastical studies, he specialised in humanities. He was ordained for the diocese of Limerick in Maynooth on 29 May, 1860. His appointements included: curate, Monagea (1860-1861); curate, Manister (1861-1863); curate Abbeyfeale (1863-1877); parish priest, Coolcappa (11877-1882). He died in Coolcappa on 26 June, 1882, aged 55 years. He was buried in the church grounds, Coolcappa. He was a brother of Fr William Connery (qv), who was ordained in 1850. Both brothers are thought to have been born in Court, Kildimo (Hamell, 1982, 45; Tobin, 2004, 17)

 

Connery, Rev Thomas (c.1820), Clergyman

Thomas Connery was a close relative of Edmund (qv), Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, and was also born in Court, Kildimo. He became Parish Priest of Meanus. The Connery family are listed as tenants of the Earl of Limerick in Griffith’s Valuation of 1850. (Griffith, 1850, 47)

 

Connery, Rev William (c.1818-1888), Clergyman

William Connery was born about 1818 and ordained on 11 July, 1850. His appointments in the diocese included: Fedamore/ Manister, curate, 1850-51/52; St Munchin’s, curate, 1851/2-1853; Effin, curate, 1853-58; Killdimo/ Pallaskenry, curate, 1858-1864; Shanagolden, curate, 1864-1872. On 14 January, 1873, he was appointed Parish Priest of Ardpatrick, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Effin on 18 April, 1879. He remained in this post until his death on 26 January, 1888. His name in incorrectly listed in the Irish Catholic Directory as E Connery in1851 and as Edmund Connery in 1853. He was a brother of Fr Michael Connery (qv), who was ordained in 1860 (qv) and is thought to have been born in Court, Kildimo. (Tobin, 2004, 17)

 

Connolly, James (d. 1852), Builder

James Connolly was the master mason, employed by the Earl of Dunraven, to supervise the building of Adare Manor. Connolly held this position from 1831 until his death, and was greatly appreciated by the Earl and Countess Dunraven. Connolly died in 1852 and was buried in Adare.

 

Connolly, Rev Stephen (1872-1938), Clergyman

Stephen Connolly, was baptised in his native Bruff on 1 April, 1872. He attended St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 20 June, 1897. After his ordination, he was sent, on loan, to London, where he served in the archdiocese of Westminster (1897-1900). On his return to Ireland, he was a teacher at St Munchin’s College for one year, before his appointment, as curate in Mahoonagh (1901-04). In 1904 he was appointed curate in St John’s (1907-17), before his elevation to the post of Administrator in the same parish (1917-25). On 30 April, 1925, he was appointed Parish Priest of Parteen (1925-26). On 12 November, 1926, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Adare, where he remained for ten years. On 13 April, 1936, he was transferred as, Parish Priest, to Newcastle West, where he remained until his death on 16 July, 1938, at the age of 66. While at St John’s, he also served as chaplain at St John’s Hospital (1904). He also served as chaplain at both the Mental Hospital and the County Gaol (1917-25). In Newcastle West, he served as Chaplain at St Ita’s Home (1936-38). He was appointed Vicar Forane on 13 April, 1936, Vicar General on 1 June, 1937 and Canon of the cathedral chapter on 6 November, 1937. (Tobin, 2004, 18)

 

Connolly, Rev Thomas (c.1873-1949), Clergyman

Thomas Connolly was born in the parish of Bruff, Co. Limerick, about 1873. He was ordained in the Basilica of St John Lateran, Rome, on 9 April, 1898. His first appointment listed in the diocese of Limerick was to Fedamore, as curate (1900-01). He then appointed curate, successively in Banogue (1901-02); Pallaskenry (1903-12); Glin (1912-25); Patrick’s Well (1925-26). On 6 October, 1926, he was apppointed Parish Priest of Banogue and remained there until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Athea on 25 Aug, 1935.  He died as Parish Priest of Athea on 7 March, 1949, at the age of 77. He is buried in the church grounds in Athea, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 18)

 

Connors, Rev John (1911-1984), Clergyman

John Connors was born in Adare in July, 1911. Subsequently, his family moved from Adare to Kilfinny and thence to Dublin. John began school at the Christian Brothers school, Adare, in 1916. On completion of his primary schooling, he attended Mount St Joseph Cistercian College, Roscrea. When he decided to become a priest in the diocese of Limerick, he was required to transfer to the Limerick diocesan junior seminary, St Munchin’s College, where he completed his secondary education. He then went on to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his seminary studies and was ordained in June, 1936. He served as curate in several parishes, before his appointment as Parish Priest of Monagea in 1965. In 1974, he was transferred to Ardagh/ Carrickerry in the same capacity and served there until his death. He died on 13 April, 1984, aged 72 years, and was buried in the church grounds, Ardagh, Co. Limerick. (CBS PPU, #3, 51)

 

Coplen-Langford, Edward (c.1760), Landed Gentry

Edward Coplen-Langford was the sixth son of John Coplen-Langford and Jane Fosbery of Kilcosgriff, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick. He lived in Stonehall (Kilcornan), and also had property in Besborough, Co. Clare. He attended Trinity College, Dublin (BA) and became a captain in the Royal Limerick Yeomanry. He married Elizabeth Spellicy, daughter of Rev Spellicy, Church of Ireland rector of Ennis, Co. Clare, and, by her, had one son, John, and three daughters, one of whom, Maria, married (1840) Robert Hunt of Incherourke, Askeaton. The addition of the name, Coplen, to that of Langford, came about when Susannah Langford married Captain John Coplen of Kilcosgriff, Shanagolden. Since there was no issue, Coplen offered to transfer his estate to his wife’s brother, James Langford, on condition that he and his descendants added the name Coplen to that of Langford. The ancestor of the Irish Langfords was William Langford, who was appointed a commissioner for raising supplies for the British forces in Ireland in 1695 and 1698. Like other landed gentry families in Ireland, some of the members of the Coplen-Langford family were ministers of the Church of Ireland. (BLGI, 1976, xxv)

Copps, Rev Michael (c.1737-1817), Clergyman

Michael Copps was parish priest of Ardcanny in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. We do not know where he studied or where he completed his ecclesiastical training, but it is likely to have been in one of the Catholic seminaries in Europe, since Maynooth College did not open until 1795. By this time, Copps was in his mature years. It would also appear that he was an able student, since he held the advanced degree of Doctor of Divinity (DD). He was parish priest of Ardcanny for at least ten years before his death. He lived in a cottage, on the site of the present Salesian College. The name, Copsewood, is said to have been given by Mrs Annie Caulfeild to the house built by her husband, General James Caulfeild, on the site of Fr Copps’ cottage. Copps relatives continued to reside in the parish of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry and the late Joe Copps/ Cope claimed to be a relative of the priest. Fr Copps died on 3 March, 1817, aged 80 years. He was buried in nearby Killurach cemetery, Pallaskenry, where his gravestone still lies.

 

Costello, Anthony (1929-1977), Dentist

Tony Costello, son of Daniel Costello and his wife, Kathleen Barry, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, on 31 May, 1929. He was educated at CBS National school, Adare, after which he attended Castleknock College, Dublin. He studied dentistry at the National University of Ireland, Cork, after which he did postgraduate training at the Eastman Dental Institute, attached to the University of London. He then returned to Limerick and built up a dental practice, which provided advanced dental treatment. He married Jacqueline Brangan and they had a family of three boys (Richard, Michael and John). Tony died of a brain tumour on 4 October, 1977, aged 48 years. He was buried in Mount St Lawrence cemetery, Limerick. Shortly after Tony’s death, his dentist colleagues instituted the Costello medal, which the Irish Dental Association awards annually to a trainee dentist, whose work gives evidence of outstanding professional promise. Tony was a son of Daniel Costello (qv) and a brother of Donal Costello (qv). (Costello, J, 2010)

 

Costello, Daniel (1896-1968), Physician

Daniel Costello, son of Michael Costello and Margaret Leamy, was born in Corkamore, Clarina, Co. Limerick, about 1896. He was educated at Corkamore National School and CBS secondary school, Limerick. He entered the National University of Ireland, Dublin, and qualifed as a physician. After qualification, he was appointed dispensary doctor in Adare in 1927, in succession to Dr William Clifford. He built up a large practice in Adare and gained a high reputation for medical care and skill. He married Kathleen Barry from Mungret and they had a large family. Dr Costello died on 21 September, 1968, at the comparatively early age of 72 years. His wife, Kathleen, died on 8 September, 1973. Both were buried in Mount St Lawrence (new) cemetery, Limerick. Daniel was the father of Anthony Costello (qv) and Donal Costello (qv). (Costello, E, 2010)

 

Costello, Donal (1928-1988), Physician

Donal Costello, son of Daniel Costello and his wife, Kathleen Barry, was born in Adare in 1928. He was educated at CBS secondary school, Adare, and Castleknock College, Dublin. He studied medicine at the National University of Ireland, Cork, and qualified as a general medical practitioner. He established a medical practice in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. He married Sheila Kelly and had issue. Following the death of his wife, Sheila, on 4 March, 1981, he married a second time. He died on 2 February, 1988, at the comparatively early age of 59 years. He was buried in Mount St Lawrence (new) cemetery, Limerick. He was a son of Daniel Costello (qv) and a brother of Anthony Costello (qv). (Costello, E, 2010)

 

Costello, Rev Edmond (c1824-1883), Clergyman    

Edmund Costello was ordained on 18 April, 1848, the last year of the Great Famine. It is not known where he served for the first three years after ordination. The first record of an appointment for him is, as curate, in Ballyagran (1848-51). After that, he was curate, successively, in Dromin/ Athlacca (1852-63) and Newcastle West (1863-65). In 1865, he was appointed Parish Priest Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, where he remained until 1873. In November of that year, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Killeedy, where he remained until his death on 17 April, 1883, aged 59. In the Irish Catholic Directory (1852), his name is incorrectly listed as Edward Costello. (Tobin, 2004, 22)

 

Cotter, Rev Richard (1831- 1898), Clergyman

Richard Henry Cotter, son of Rev Joseph Rogerson Cotter and his second wife, Mary Purcell, was born on 8 February, 1931. His father was rector of Donoughmore, Co. Cork, and a Prebendary of the diocese of Cloyne. Richard was one of sixteen children. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained his BA degree in 1854. The same year, he passed his divinity test and was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland. The following year, he was ordained priest. He was curate, successively, in Donoghmore, Co. Cork (1854-1858), Queenstown/ Cobh (1858) and Ballingarry, Co. Limerick (1859). From 1861 to1874, he was a missionary with an Evangelical group, known as the London Jews Society. After this, he was curate in Weston-Super-Mere (1876-1877). For a period in the 1870s, he was rector in Ardcanny, Pallaskenry. He had a dispute with the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, for refusing to wear a surplus during baptismal ceremonies and was, consequently reprimanded. He married Sarah Pearce Laurenson and had issue. He died in 1898 and was survived by his widow, Sarah, who died on 31 December, 1923. (Leslie,1936, 165)

 

Cotter, Sr Mechtilde (1894-1967), School Principal

Catherine Cotter, daughter of William and Ellen Cotter, was born in Brooklyn, New York, USA, on 24 October, 1894. She returned to Ireland with her parents in the early years of the twentieth century and entered the Sisters of Mercy in Limerick on 8 September, 1915. At her reception, she received a new religioius name, Sister Mechtilde, by which she was subsequently generally known. Her new patron saint, Mechtilde (1240-1288), was a German noblewoman, born in the family castle of Helfta, in Saxony. On completion of her novitiate, Mechtilde Cotter made her religious profession on 6 April, 1918. She completed her teacher training at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and taught in Limerick for some years before her appointment as Principal of the Mercy Convent School, Adare, in the 1940s. On her retirement, she returned to St Mary’s Convent of Mercy, Limerick, where she spent her later years. She died there on 22 November, 1967, aged 73 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s Convent, Limerick. (RSM archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

Cousins, Rev John (c.1780-1833), Clergyman

John Cousins, a native of county Wexford, entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in 1799. He completed his seminary studies and was ordained priest on 8 June, 1805. He became involved in theological disputes and had an irreconcilable disagreement with his bishop. He then became a member of the Church of Ireland clergy and was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, in 1816. He published several polemical pamphlets. Rev Cousins died in Limerick in 1833. (Leslie, 1936, 98; Hamell, 1982, 48)

 

Creagh, Most Rev Richard (1523-1586), Archbishop of Armagh

Richard Creagh, born in Limerick, about 1523, was a son of Nicholas Creagh, a merchant, and his wife, Joan White. His extended family were prominent in Limerick city and county. Apprenticed to a merchant, Richard soon became an independent trader himself, showing significant business acumen and mature judgement. About the age of 25, however, he decided to give up commerce and become a priest. Already fluent in Irish, English and French, he studied Latin in Limerick, before entering Le Poc College, University of Louvain. There, he graduated with an MA in 1551, after which he studied theology at the Pontifical College, graduating with a BTh in 1555. Though Ignatius of Loyola recommended him as Bishop of Limerick, Creagh declined the offer and returned to Limerick as a priest in 1557. He then moved to Adare, where he opened a grammar school in the former Trinitarian priory. In 1860, he was joined in Adare by Most Rev Thomas Leverous, deposed Catholic Bishop of Kildare. In 1862, Creagh was urged by David Wolfe SJ, a papl emissary, to go to Rome and accept an appointment to one of two vacant sees, Cashel or Armagh. While in Europe, Creagh took part in the closing sessions of the Council of Trent and, on 22 March, 1564, he was appointed archbishop of Armagh. He left for Ireland but was arrested on arrival and sent in chains to the Tower in London. In 1565, he escaped from the Tower and fled to Louvain. From there, he travelled to Madrid, where he briefed Philip II on his plans. After receiving financial assistance from the Emperor, he left for Ireland, arriving in the North of the country in autumn 1566. When Creagh declined to support the Ulster rebellion, Shane O’Neill, the principal Irish cheftain, refused to allow Creagh to take up office in Armagh. In 1567, he was again arrested and sent to the Tower of London. In March, 1570, he was returned to Dublin and charged with treason. He defended himself so well that the jury failed to convict him. In 1575, he was returned to London and kept in chains in the Tower, where he died, probably of poisoning, in December, 1586. He is regarded as making an important contribution to clerical education by insisting on third level education for seminarians. He is also credited with scientific treatment of the Irish language and encouraging its use in catechetical training. (Lennon, ODNB, 2009)

 

Croker, Rev Edward (c1787-1862), Clergyman

Edward Croker, son Edward Croker of Ballinagarde, Ballyneety, Co. Limerick, and his wife, Margaret Hare, was born in Limerick about 1887. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 20 December, 1804, aged 17, on a scholarship. He graduated with BA and MA in 1824. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland on 30 September, 1810, and priest on 28 July, 1811. He was appointed vicar and rector of Dromin/Athlacca (1811-1823), before his appointment as vicar and rector of Croom and vicar of Adare (1824-1828). In 1828, he relinquished his duties in Adare and continued as vicar and rector of Croom until 1862. He married and had issue, including a daughter, Mrs Frings, who died at Croom rectory, aged 20, in 1841. When his father, Edward Croker of Ballinagarde lay dying in bed, his son Rev Edward, came to visit him. The foxhounds were meeting in the lawn in front of the house and the father heard their baying. ‘Sweet Ballinagarde, must I leave you?’ asked the father.

            ‘Father’, replied the rector, ‘Fear not: you will soon be going to a far better and brighter place than this.’

            ‘I doubt it, Edward, I doubt it’, replied the old man.

            This was the origin of this saying, ‘I doubt it, said Croker’, which was popular in county Limerick in former times. (Leslie, 1936, 162, 176, 226; BIFR, 1976, 296)

 

Croker, Rev Richard (c.1757-1823), Clergyman

Richard Croker, son of John Croker of Ballinagarde, Ballyneety, and his wife, Anne Richards, was born in Ballinagarde about 1757. He was educated in Mr Brown’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 2 November, 1774, aged 17. He graduated with a BA degree in 1779 and was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland the same year. He was ordained priest in Limerick on 18 September, 1780. He was appointed curate in Dromin/ Athlacca in 1780 and also held the posts of rector and vicar in Tankardstown in 1791. He was installed as rector and vicar in Adare on 28 January, 1784. Subsequently, he was appointed vicar chorister in St Mary’s cathedral, Limerick (1805-1823). He married Mary Guthrie of Carass Park, Croom, and had a son, John, who also graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and who was ordained for the diocese of Limerick. Richard Croker died in 1823. A relative, also named Richard Croker (1843-1922), emigrated to the USA and, in New York, became leader of the Irish political caucus, known as Tammany Hall. He was very powerful in local politics, becoming an alderman in the New York city council. He is also said to have accepted bribes. (Leslie, 1936, 153, 161, 175, 177, 225, 349; BIFR, 1976, 296)

 

Croker, Rev Thomas (c.1800-1872), Clergyman

Thomas Croker, son of Edward Croker, was born in Limerick about 1800. He was educated at Mr Bell’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 4 January, 1819, aged 18. He graduated with a BA degree in 1822 and an MA in 1832. He was ordained deacon in the Church of Ireland on 10 October, 1824, and priest in 1825. He was appointed curate in Adare (1824-1828), after which he was appointed vicar in Adare (1828-1872). He married Ms E Haigh of Whiteville, York, England, and had issue. He died in 1872. (Leslie, 1936, 162-163; BIFR, 1976, 296)

 

Cronin, Edward (1840-1908), Poet

Edward Cronin is said to have been born in Tubbermurray, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, m 1840. He immigrated to the United States, where he contributed poems to various newspapers and journals, including The Catholic Union and Times of Buffalo, New York, which was edited by his brother, Fr Patrick Cronin (qv). Edward returned to Ireland and died in Dublin, on 15 December, 1908. (O’Donoghue, 1892)

 

Cronin, Rev Patrick (1836-1905), Poet and Editor

Fr Patrick Cronin, brother of the poet, Edward Cronin (qv), is said to have been born in Adare in 1936. He went to the United States, where, for many years, he edited the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Union and Times of Buffalo, New York. He also contributed poems to his own and other newspapers in the USA. He is represented in several Irish-American anthologies and in T. D. Sullivan's anthology,  Irish National Poems by Irish Priests, Gill & Sons: 1911. (O’Donoghue, 1892)

 

Crotty, Rev Daniel (c.1846-), Clergyman.

Daniel Crotty was born in Carheeny, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, around 1846. He was educated at Kildimo school and the Jesuit College, Limerick (1862-1866). On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained at St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 6 October, 1872. After ordination he served as a curate in St Munchin’s (1872), Banogue (1872-73), Ballyagran (1873-74), Cratloe (1874-78), Feenagh (1878), Killeedy (1878-79), Glenroe (1879-81), Tournafulla (1881-83), Croagh (1883-88), Askeaton (1888), Donaghmore (1888-89), Manister (1889-90), Donaghmore (1890-92), Ballyagran (1892-02), Donaghmore (1902-07). His faculties were withdrawn in 1907 and he took up residence with his sister in Carheeny, Kildimo. He is listed as living there in the 1911 census. He was an active supporter of the Land League and voiced his support for Limerick priests, like Father Eugene Sheehy, who, for his advocacy of agrarian reform, was imprisoned, under the terms of the Coercion Act. (Tobin, 2004, 24; NAI, census, 1911; Limerick Jesuit Centenary Record, 1859-1959).

 

Crowley, Rev David (d.1998), Clergyman

David Crowley was ordained on 18 June, 1939. After ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Banogue (1940), Bruree (1940-1941), Tournafulla (1941-1943), Kilfinane (1943-1955) and Kilmallock (1955-1967). On 23 January, 1967, he was nominated Parish Priest of Cappagh and formally inducted in that post by the Bishop of Limerick on 27 January, 1967. On 14 October, 1969, he was transferred to Donoghmore as Parish Priest, where he remained for eleven years. On 23 August, 1990, he was transferred to Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, as Parish Priest. The same year he was appointed a Canon of the cathedral chapter. He died in Kildimo on 7 November, 1998, and was buried in the church grounds. (LDA).

 

Crowley, Rev Maurice (d.1976), Clergyman

Maurice Crowley completed his ecclesiastical studies at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained in Waterford on 17 June, 1934. After ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Fedamore (1939-1943), Kilmeedy (1943-1953), Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1953-1959) and  Bruff (1959-1966). On 16 February, 1966, he was appointed Parish Priest of Glenroe and formally inducted in that post by the Bishop of Limerick on 11 March, 1966. Early in 1976, he resigned his post, owing to illhealth. He died in the presbytery, Glenroe, on 2 November, 1976, and was buried in the church grounds, Glenroe, two days later. (LDA)

 

Culhane, Rev James (d.1991), Clergyman

James Culhane completed his seminary training in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained there on 5 June, 1932. After ordination, he served as curate, successively, in St Patrick’s (1932), and Parteen (1932-1934). In October, 1934, he was sent to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, to complete his Higher Diploma in Education. In September, 1935, he was appointed curate in Adare, where he remained for eleven years. On 21 October, 1946, he was appointed Parish Priest and Vicar General in Kilmallock. On 10 September, 1963, he was transferred as Parish Priest to our Lady of Lourdes, Childer’s Road, Limerick, where he remained for seven years. On 1 September, 1970, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Mungret, but the following year, he received another transfer, this time, as Parish Priest of St Paul’s, Dooradoyle. On 3 September, 1974, he was transferred to Bruff as Parish Priest. The same year, he was nominated a Canon of the cathedral chapter and the following year, he was nominated Canon Penitentiary, a title that signifies ecclesiastical status, rather than pastoral responsibility. In 1987, owing to declining health, he resigned his post as Parish Priest of Bruff. He died on 6 April, 1991, at the Limerick Regional Hospital. (LDA)

 

Culhane, Rev Stephen (1858-1920), Clergyman

Stephen Culhane was born in Cappagh, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, on 4 November, 1858. He was educated at the local national school, Cappagh. On completion of his seminary training, he was ordained on 8 June, 1884. Following his ordination, he served brief periods as curate in St John’s and St Patrick’s, Limerick, before being seconded temporarily to the Archdiocese of St Andrew, Edinburgh. He continued working in Scotland until 1889, when he was recalled to Limerick. In the diocese of Limerick, he was appointed curate, successively, in St John’s (1989); Fedamore (19898-1890), Ballingarry (1890-1908); Bulgaden (1908-1918) and Stonehall/ Kilcornan (1918-1920). Early in 1920, his health declined and he died in Stonehall on 4 November, 1958. (Tobin, 2004, 26)

 

Culhane, Rev Timothy (d.1983), Clergyman

Timothy Culhane completed his seminary training at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained there on 21 June, 1942. After his ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Rathkeale (1942-1945); Fedamore (1945-1946) and Mahoonagh (1946-1956). In 1956, he was appointed diocesan organiser of fund-raising for the new diocesan college, St Munchin’s, and stationed in St Munchin’s parish, Limerick. In March, 1963, he was transferred to Adare, while continuing in the post of diocesan fund-raiser. On 10 October, 1964, he resigned his post as diocesan fund-raiser and took up full-time duties as curate in Adare. On 7 October, 1969, he was appointed Parish Priest of Parteen, and formally inducted in this post by the Bishop of Limerick on 14 October, 1969. On 9 February, 1976, he was transferred to Banogue as Parish Priest and worked happily there for the next seven years. In 1983, his health deteriorated and he was moved to Milford House Hospice, Limerick, where he died peacefully on 16 November, 1983. He was buried in the church grounds, Banogue, Co. Limerick. (LDA)

 

Curtin, Rev Daniel (c.1838-1913), Clergyman

Daniel Curtin, a native of the parish of Monagea, was born about 1838. He was ordained on 13 April, 1868. His first appointment was as curate in Coolcappa (1868-70). He was then appointed curate, successively, in Glenroe (1870-76); Pallaskenry/ Kildimo (1876-87). Colmanswell (1887-91). On 14 June, 1892, he was appointed Parish Priest of Glenroe, where he remained until 1913, when he retired, owing to illhealth. He died on 1 November, 1913, aged 75. In the Irish Catholic Directory, 1868-73, his name is listed as Laurence Curtin, and in the same volume for the years, 1874-84, he is listed as Denis Curtin. Laurence Curtin (qv), also a priest in the diocese of Limerick, was his brother. (Tobin, 2004, 26)

 

Curtin, Rev Laurence (d.1924), Clergyman

Laurence Curtin, a brother of Fr Daniel Curtin (qv), was born in the parish of Monagea. He was ordained in Rathkeale on 7 July, 1878. His first appointment was as curate in the diocese of Clogher (1878-79). He was then appointed curate, successively, in Cratloe (1879-80); Loughill (1880-81); Killeedy (1881-87); Dromcollogher (1887-89); St Munchin’s (1889-91); Pallaskenry/ Kildimo (1892-1900). In September, 1900, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cratloe, where he remained until his transfer to Feenagh/ Kilmeedy as Parish Priest in April, 1909. He remained in this post until his death on 20 August, 1924. He was buried in Feenagh, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 27)

 

Cussen, Michael (1872-1949), Medical Practitioner

Michael Edward Cussen, son of John Cussen and his wife, Catherine Donovan, was born at Kilcolman, Knockaderry, Co. Limerick, on 22 February, 1872. He attended Kilcolman primary school and (possibly) Rockwell College before entering the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, to study medicine. He qualified as a physician (1907) and as a surgeon (1909). He was appointed dispensary doctor in Pallaskenry about 1910 and was both popular and successful in his job. He married Mary Theresa Condon from Tipperary and they had a family of four girls (Lelia, Florence, Muriel, Josie) and one son, John Joe. His daughter, Florence (qv) became a Sister of St Joseph of Cluny. On his retirement, Dr Cussen moved to Ballybunnion, to a house overlooking Lady’s View, where I visited him in 1944. His daughter, Muriel, cared for him in his declining years. He suffered from diabetes, which led to the amputation of one of his legs. He died on 24 February, 1949, and was buried in the family burial plot in Grange, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. (Cussen, J, 2009)

 

Cussen, Rev Edward (c.1800-1860), Clergyman

Edward Cussen was thought to have been born in Charleville, Co. Cork, in the diocese of Cloyne. There is minimal biographical information about him in the Limerick diocesan archives. Before his arrival in Askeaton, he was curate in Croom. He came to Askeaton as curate in 1837 and became Parish Priest in 1839, in succession to Archdeacon Michael Fitzgerald. Father Cussen’s organising ability came to the fore when the old parish church in Askeaton was accidentally burned down, following a fire at the corn mills of John Norris Russell in 1847. Though still at the height of the Great Famine, he began collecting money and, in 1850, he completed the present St Mary’s church in Askeaton. He died in 1860 and was succeeded by Father James Raleigh. Father Cussen’s brother also moved from Charleville and purchased a farm in Aughinish. From there the family settled in Askeaton, purchasing Rockabbey and the accompanying farm.  (Feheney, 2007, 23; Irish Catholic Directory, 1836)

 

Cussen, Sr Florence (1910-1988), Religious Sister

Florence Cussen, daughter of Dr Michael Cussen (qv) and his wife, Mary Theresa Condon, was born in Pallaskenry on 10 July, 1910. She was educated, first, at Pallaskenry National School, and, afterwards, at Laurel Hill Convent Secondary School, Limerick. On completion of her secondary schooling, she entered the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, Mount Sackville, Dublin, in September, 1928, taking Sister Joseph, as her religious name. On completion of her novitiate, she took her vows on 30 March, 1931. The same year, she volunteered for the West Indies and arrived at St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, Trinidad, on 28 September, 1931. She taught there for eight years before moving to St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando, Trinidad. In 1943, he was asked to go to the island of St Vincent to act as community leader. This she willingly did, but the comparative dampness of the climate, when combined with tropical heat, played havoc with her health, so, after a year, she returned St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, where she took on the post of community and school bursar (1944-56). During this period, she contracted tuberculosis and had to spend some time at Caura sanatorium, in the hills of central Trinidad. On her recovery, she was transferred to the island of Grenada, where she taught in St Joseph’s Convent Secondary school, St George’s, for five years. In 1961, she returned to Port of Spain, where she played an active part in the extra-curricular activities of the school, especially with groups like the Brownies, Guides and Rangers. She regularly took groups camping in the smaller island of Monos, off the coast of Trinidad.

            In 1971, she returned to Ireland and was appointed Superior of the Cluny community and Rest Home in Woodlock, Portlaw, Co. Waterford. In 1974, she was assigned to St Joseph’s Convent, Ferbane, Co. Offaly, and in 1976, she retired to St Joseph’s Convent, Killiney, Co. Dublin. She had a great fund of stories about her missionary work. One story concerned the loss of a ship in the Bermuda Triangle. One of the boarders in the convent, Port of Spain, was returning home to one of the islands by boat. She invited another boarder to accompany her, but Sr Florence would not allow it, since the girl’s mother had refused permission for this voyage. The boat sailed and a disappointed and resentful boarder returned to the convent with Sr Florence. The girl’s disappointment, however, changed to amazement, when news filtered back that neither her friend, nor any of her fellow-passengers, reached their destination. Moreover, they were never seen again. The boat had disappeared without trace in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Sister Florence died at Mount Sackville Convent, Dublin, on 17 June, 1988. She was buried in the community cemetery attached to the convent. (SJC archives, 2009)

 

Daunt, Rev Ormie (c.1904-1960), Clergyman

Ormie Sweetman Daunt, son of Frank Daunt of Enniskeane, Co. Cork, and his wife, Margaret Sweetman, was born in Enniskeane about 1904. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, passing his divinity test in 1928 and obtaining his BA degree in 1930. In 1928, he was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland, for the diocese of Limerick, and his ordination to the priesthood followed in 1930. He held the post of curate in the combined parishes of St Laurence and St John, Limerick (1928-1932), after which he accepted an appointment as incumbent of St Peter’s church, North Main Street, Cork City (1932-1937). In 1937, he was appointed rector in Adare. In 1952, this appointment was redesignated as rector of Ballingarry, with accompanying responsibility for Adare. He received the prependary of Donoughmore in 1955. On 9 August, 1933, he married Dorothy Jane Long, of Ennis Road, Limerick, and had issue, including two sons and two daughters. Both sons emigrated to Australia. He died at Adare on 14 December, 1960, aged 56. (Leslie, 1936, 163)

 

Davenport, Dixon (d.c.1875), Landed Gentry

Dixon Davenport, resident at Prospect Lodge, Tralee, inherited the property of Thomas E Davenport, Ballincourty, Askeaton. He was deceased by 1876, though in that year his heirs had a good deal of property, including 269 acres in Ballinacourty and 663 acres in Co. Clare, in addition to some property in Tralee. On 11 September, 1862, his wife, then resident with her mother at Ballydonoughue House, Tarbert, presented him with a son (Cork Examiner, 15.9.1862). On 23 July 1888, Mrs Fanny Davenport, widow of the late Captain Dixon Davenport, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs Emeline Price. Mrs Davenport was then aged 80 years and 7 months.(Feheney, 2007, 23-24)

 

Davenport, Thomas (C.1801-), Landed Gentry

Thomas Evans Davenport was born in Ballinacourty House, Askeaton. He was the son of Thomas Davenport (will dated 1784) and Martha Evans, daughter of Tyrell Evans, a middleman for part of the Bury estate in County Limerick. Thomas Evans Davenport inherited part of the Evans estate and is listed as tithe proctor in Iverus in 1828 and 1829. He is also listed, in Griffith’s Valuation 1850, as owner of several properties in Askeaton and Ballysteen, in addition to his estate in Ballincourty. It would appear that he became a middleman for properties, owned by the Earl of Charleville, in the Askeaton area. He is also mentioned by Dr John O’Donovan in his ‘Letters’ of 1840. Davenport was a founder member of the Limerick Athanaeum in 1850 and he subscribed to the fund to publish Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1835). Thomas Evans Davenport held the rank of Colonel and it was he who gave the order to the military to open fire in 1833, at the fair of Askeaton, when other attempts to prevent a serious confrontation at a faction fight failed. (Feheney, 2007, 24)

 

Dawson, Rev Charles (1781-1835), Murder Victim

Charles Dawson, second son of Charles Dawson and Deborah Bury, was born in Charlesfort, Co. Wexford, in 1781. His was a branch of the ennobled family of Dawson, Earl of Dartrey.  The family, originally from England, settled in Clare Castle, Co. Armagh. Charles studied for the ministry and was ordained a clergyman of the Church of Ireland. He married his first cousin, Charlotte Elizabeth Dawson, of Clare Castle, Portadown, Co. Armagh, daughter of Thomas Dawson and Sarah Miles, and lived at Ballinacarriga House, Kildimo. They had one daughter, Deborah Dawson. Rev Dawson, who at the time was engaged in a dispute with some of his tenants, was shot and fatally injured on 1 June, 1835. He was buried in Bunratty (Church of Ireland) church, Co. Clare. His widow subsequently married Rev John Charles Archdall, archdeacon of Ferns. The shooting took place in broad daylight, as Dawson was crossing a style, and he managed to crawl home, before dying of his wounds. Two local men were arrested and charged with the murder. The evidence against them was largely circumstantial and the trial dragged on for several years, when they were eventually acquitted. After their acquital, the two men emigrated abroad. Rev Dawson’s sister, Jane, married (1813) Mountiford Westropp of Mellon, whence the introduction of the name ‘Dawson’ into the Westropp lineage. Rev Dawson’s only daughter, Deborah, inherited part of the Dawson estate in Ballinacarriga (BLGI, 1912, 105; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 180-81; Griffith, 1850; Gentlemen’s Magazine, Vol. 159, 1835, 217) 

 

Delany, Rev Solomon (c.1654-1731), Clergyman

Solomon Delany, son of John Delany, was born about 1654. An able student, he was relatively old (24) when he entered Trinity College. This was probably due to the inability of his parents to send him to a suitable Preparatory School, since the College register (Trinity College, Dublin) describes his father’s occupation as ‘shepherd’ and notes that the boy was a ‘sizar’ (a student exempted from university fees). Nevertheless, young Delany proved himself an able student, obtaining a university scholarship in 1682, a BA in 1683 and an MA in 1686. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland on 5 August, 1683, and priest on 6 November, 1687. Two of his sons, Solomon and Denis (who became a famous actor), also graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. Rev Solomon Delany was installed as Rector of the Church of Ireland in Askeaton (including Lismakeery and Toomdeely) on 11 June, 1689. He also held the additional post of Vicar of Kildimo at the same time. He died in 1731 and probably held his substantive post until then. (Leslie, 1936, 102, 129, 232, 257)

 

De Marisco, Geoffrey (c.1171-1245), Justiciar of Ireland

Geoffrey de Marisco, a member of a Somerset family, whose mother was a sister of John Comyn, archbishop of Dublin, was born before 1171. He opted for a military career and, after service to the British Crown in Ireland, was granted several estates in county Limerick, including the Manor in Adare. He was also granted land in Knockainey and Any, where he founded a preceptory for the Knights Hospitaler of St John before 1215. The village of Any subsequently became known, and is still known, as Hospital. Geoffrey lost Adare to the Leinster Fitzgeralds in 1238, when he and his brother, William, were suspected of being involved in a plot to assassinate King Henry III. Geoffrey fled, first, to Scotland, and then to France, where he died in 1245. He was married three times and had several children. (Smith, ODNB, 2009)

 

De Massey, Rev William (d.1952), Clergyman

William Hugh Ingoldsby De Massey attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained his BA degree in 1915. He was ordained a deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1916 and ordained priest in Limerick in 1918. However, rather unusually, records show that he did not take his divinity test until 1919. He spent the years, 1916 to 1922 as Bishop’s curate in Limerick, after which he held the post of ‘vicar choral’ in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, during the year 1922-1923. He was appointed rector of Kilcornan in 1923 but subsequently transferred to the diocese of Elphin, where he became rector in 1932. He died on 23 July, 1952, while his widow, Ethel, died on 9 August, 1961. (Leslie, 1936, 156, 255, 335)

 

De Vere, Aubrey Thomas (1814-1902), Poet

Aubrey Thomas De Vere was born in the family estate in Curraghchase on 10 January, 1814, third son of Sir Aubrey De Vere (1788-1846) and his wife, Mary Spring Rice (d.1846). He was educated privately, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, at the age of eighteen. He studied metaphysics and theology but did not seek ordination. In 1838, he visited Oxford and met John Henry Newman, leader of the Oxford movement. In 1839, he visited the university of Cambridge, where he made friends. He became friendly with Wordsworth, then poet laureate, and visited the Lake district. During the famine years, he became active in organising relief and setting up cottage industries. In addition to several volumes of poetry, he published a book on political economy, English Misrule and Irish Misdeeds (1848). One of his more popular books was Innisfail (1861), a lyrical chronicle of Ireland. (Welch, ODNB, 2009)

 

De Vere, Robert (1872-1936), Landed Gentry

Robert Stephen Vere De Vere, only son of Major Aubrey Vere O’Brien and his wife, Lucy Henriette Wynne, was born in Marchwood, Hampshire, on 23 July, 1872. His mother, as a direct descendant of Sir Aubrey De Vere, 2^nd Baronet, had adopted the surname, De Vere, by Royal licence, in 1899. Robert was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and was called to the Bar (Inner Temple) in 1898. He initially served with the British army in South Africe, but, in 1906, joined the British Colonial service and assumed the surname, De Vere, by Royal licence, in 1899. He rose to the position of Crown Prosecutor and acting Chief Justice in the Seychelles islands. In 1906, he married Isabel Moule, only surviving daughter of Most Rev Dr H Moule, Bishop of Durham. They retired to Curraghchase and he served as magistrate in the barony of Kenry. He died in 1936, aged 64 years. They had an adopted daughter, Joan Gwynn-Jones, author of several books, including, The Abiding Enchantment of Curraghchase (1983). Isabel De Vere (1884-1959) took an active interest in local affairs and wrote an appreciation of John McDonogh, founder of the Stonehall Harriers, for The Limerick Leader (1/6/1946), on the occasion of his death. (De Vere Papers)

 

De Vere, Sir Aubrey (1788-1846), Baronet

Sir Aubrey De Vere became the second baronet on the death of his father, Sir Vere Hunt (qv) of Curraghchase, the first baronet. It was Sir Aubrey who changed the surname from Hunt to de Vere, the family name of an ancient ancestor, the Earl of Oxford. His mother was Eleanor, was the only daughter of William Cecil Pery, Lord Glentworth, Bishop of Limerick. After private tuition at home, Sir Aubrey attended Harrow school, where he was a contemporary of Lord Byron and Sir Robert Peel. On 12 May, 1807, he married Mary, eldest daughter of Stephen Edward Rice of Mount Trenchard. They had three daughters, two of whom died in adolescence and five sons, including the poet, Aubrey Thomas de Vere (qv) and the classical scholar, Sir Stephen De Vere (qv). A friend of Wordsworth, Sir Aubrey wrote poetry and plays, but his reputation as a poet has been somewhat eclipsed by his son, Aubrey Thomas De Vere. Sir Aubrey died at Curraghchase on 5 July, 1846. (Hinings, ODNB, 2009)

                                                           

De Vere, Sir Stephen (1812-1904), Baronet

Stephen Edward De Vere, fourth baronet, was the son of Sir Aubrey De Vere (qv), and his wife, Mary Spring Rice (d.1856). He was born in the family estate, Curraghchase, on 26 July, 1812, and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he specialised in classics. He read law at Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the Irish bar in 1836. He did outstanding work during the Irish famine, going so far as to travel steerage in the ships, transporting emigrant Irish to Canada during the famine years. On arriving in Canada, he wrote a letter, describing the terrible conditions on board ship. His revelations were published by the British Colonial Office and had a significant political impact, leading to amendments to the passenger regulations, which were confirmed by acts of parliament.

                        Sir Stephen became a Catholic in 1848 and, in 1851, wrote a letter, supporting the creation of a Catholic hierarchy in England. He succeeded to the baronetcy in 1880. In 1886, he published translations from the Roman poet, Horace, together with some of his own verse. In politics, he was a Liberal, supporting tenant rights and Gladstone’s land legislation, but was opposed to Home Rule. He never married and the baronetcy became extinct on his death in Foynes, Co. Limerick, on 10 November, 1904. Sir Stephen was a brother of Aubrey Thomas De Vere (qv). (Lee, ODNB, 2009)

 

Donoghue, Charles (c.1895-1916), WW I Casualty

Charles Donoghue, son of William and Mary Donoghue, Adare, was killed in action, during World War I, on 11 September, 1916.  He had enlisted in Limerick in 1914 and was a member of the 8^th Battalion of the well-known Royal Munster Fusiliers, who fought under General Haig on the Somme in 1916. The regiment raised a total of 11 batallions during World War I. Its men fought with conspicuous bravery, winning 51 battle honours and three Victoria Crosses. Charles had been born in Ballywilliam, Rathkeale. He was obviously a young man with leadership potential since, dispite the fact that he was less than a year in the armed forces, he had already attained the rank of Lance Sergeant. His grave is in Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. (McNamara, 2000, 285).

 

Doody, Br William (1916-1986), School Principal

William, popularly known as Liam, Doody was born in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, in 1916. He was educated at the CBS school, Omagh, before entering the Christian Brothers’ juniorate, Baldoyle, on 9 July, 1931. When he received the religious habit, he also received a new name, Brother Patrick, by which he was known in the congregation. On completion of his novitiate, he made his religious profession on Christmas Day, 25 December, 1933. He then entered Marino Teacher Training College, Dublin 9, where he completed the first part of his teacher training. In August, 1935, he was assigned to teach at CBS Sexton Street, Limerick. He returned to Marino in 1940 to complete his teacher training. In 1951, he was appointed superior and principal in Adare CBS. In those days, the CBS school in Adare had a ‘secondary top’, meaning that it also acted as a secondary school, preparing students for Intermediate (now Junior) and Leaving Certificate examinations. Having students for a longer time span also enabled Adare CBS to develop and perfect hurling skills among the students. To cut down the cost of hurleys for the students, Brother Doody obtained permission from the Earl of Dunraven to uproot Ash trees in the estate to make hurleys. Eamonn De Valera paid a visit to the monastery in 1955, when he was electioneering in the area. Little did ‘Dev’ know that Lord Randolph Churchill, father of Sir Winston, had also paid a similar visit some decades earlier. Brother Doody left Adare in August, 1957, to take up another appointment in Cahirciveen. Then followed assignments in Tullamore, Portarlington and St Helen’s Booterstown, Dublin. In 1981, he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his entry into the Christian Brothers’ congregation. In 1986, he had an opportunity to undergo a course of religious renewal in Ballyvaloo, Co. Wexford. He began the course with great enthusiasm, but died suddenly when returning from a swim at the nearby beach on 22 September, 1986. He was 70 years of age. He was buried in the Christian Brothers’ burial plot, Deansgrange cemetery, Dublin. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Doohan, Br Thomas (1922-1992), School Principal

Thomas Doohan, son Daniel Doohan and his wife, Bridget Reidy, was born in Kildysart, Co. Clare, on 1 March, 1922. He was educated at the CBS school, Kildysart, before entering the Christian Brothers juniorate, at St Joseph’s College, Baldoyle, in 6 March, 1936. At the end of his secondary schooling, he received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Linus. His new patron saint, Livinus, was the son of Scottish nobleman and an Irish princess, who became a monk and later became bishop of Ghent. Thomas completed his novitiate, without notable incident, and went on to make his religious profession, followed by Part I of his teacher training in St Mary’s Teacher Training College, Marino, Dublin. He was then assigned to teach in CBS school, Mullingar, and, afterwards, in Tuam. He then returned to Marino to complete his teacher training before being assigned to teach at St Michael’s CBS school, Inchicore, Dublin.

            In 1969, he was appointed superior and principal of CBS school, Adare. During the following years, there were great changes in education in Ireland. Even though the ‘Secondary Top’ became co-educational, the total number of students in Adare was considered too small to warrant a secondary school and the Department of Education chose Croom, instead, as the venue for a second-level school. This new school in Croom was under the management of Limerick Vocational Education Committee and, though the ‘Secondary top’ at CBS Adare survived for a few more years, its fate was already doomed. In 1975, Brother Doohan was transferred to CBS Sexton Street, Limerick, and the ‘secondary top’ in Adare closed soon afterwards. Later, he was transferred to Doon, where he helped to foster hurling among the young people of the parish. He died in Doon on 1 November, 1992, aged 70 years. He was buried in the Christian Brothers’ burial plot, Doon, Co. Limerick. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Doolan, Rev William (1951-2009), Clergyman

William Doolan, son of James and Rita Doolan, was born in Cork City on 1 June, 1951. On completion of his schooling, he entered St Peter’s College, Wexford, where he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1980. He worked as curate in the Limerick diocese, in St John’s (1980-1984), Killeedy (1984-1994), Kilmallock (1995-1998) and Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1999-2003). In 2003, he was appointed Parish Priest of Coolcappa, a parish covering a long narrow strip of land from Cappagh in the east to Athea in the west. Though he began ministry in his new parish with enthusiasm, declining health, especially diabetes, forced him into early retirement in 2008. He spent his last year with the Bon Secours Sisters in Cedar Lodge, Lee Road, Cork. He died on 13 December, 2009, after a short time in hospital. He was buried in Rathcooney cemetery, Co. Cork. (LDA)

 

Downey, John (1819-1922), Centenarian

John Downey, son of Thomas Downey, from Kildimo, and his wife, was born in ‘The Clune’ (Cloncaura), Kildimo, in 1819.  He married Clarinda Supple (1832-1926) in Pallaskenry on 5 February, 1856, and they had a large family of seven boys and six girls. John was the grandfather of the late ‘PJ’ Downey, a well-known, and much-esteemed figure in Pallaskenry. The family subsequently moved to a farm in Shannongrove, Pallaskenry, where ‘PJ’ was born. John died in 1922 and was buried in Kildimo cemetery. (Downey, M, 2010)

 

Downey, Rev Michael (1921-2001), Clergyman

Michael Downey, son of Thomas Downey from Kildimo, and Mary Downes, from Ballysteen, was born in Garranboy, Adare, on 1 November, 1921. He attended the local National School, after which he attended St Munchin’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He then joined the Spiritan (Holy Ghost) congregation, completing his novitiate in Kilshane, Co. Tipperary, and making his religious profession in 1941. After making his religious profession, he studied at Kimmage and University College, Dublin, where he obtained a BA degree in 1944. He spent one year (1944-1945), teaching at Rockwell College, before beginning his theological studies. At the end of these, he was ordained priest in 1948. Assigned to Kenya, he spent some time teaching before his assignment as Parish Priest at St Peter Claver’s parish, Nairobi. In addition to his parochial duties, he also acted as chaplain in the local hospital. He served a total of 30 years in Kenya, including periods in Thika and Kalimoni. He returned to Ireland in 1980 and acted as chaplain at St Mary’s, Drumcar, after which he spent a year in the same capacity at Daly City, California. In 1983, he was assigned to parochial work at Tallanstown, Dundalk, where he spent the next 17 years. He was especially devoted to visiting the sick in their homes and in hospital. In 2000, he became ill himself and was confined to hospital in Dundalk. Subsequently, he was moved to Marian House resthome, where he died peacefully on 6 March, 2001. He was buried in Tallanstown cemetery, Dundalk. He was a first cousin of the late ‘PJ’ Downey, Pallaskenry, their fathers being brothers. (Farraghar, 2009)

 

Drew, Charles (c1891-1918), WW I Casualty

Charles George Drew, son of George Drew, of Dromlohan, Kilcornan, was killed in action, during World War I, on 12 April, 1918. He was a member of the 1^st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. The Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment, was one of eight Irish regiments in the British army. Its nickname was the ‘Faughs’, which came from the war cry of the regiment, ‘Fág a’ bealach!’ (Clear the way!). Each battalion comprised from 800 to 1,000 men and the infantry were among the first to take up positions at the front. The Royal Irish Fusiliers, originally formed in Northern Ireland in 1881, tended to have a majority of Ulster Protestants. Charles an experienced officer, with the rank of captain, was 31 years when he died. His grave is at Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Messen, Belgium. (McNamara, 2000, 288).

 

Dunworth, Rev Robert (1886-1963), Clergyman

Robert Dunworth was born in Bruree and baptised in his native parish on 1 August, 1886. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained at St John Lateran Basilica, Rome, on 6 April, 1912. After ordination, he was sent, on loan, to the diocese of St Augustine, Florida (1912-19). On his return to Ireland in June, 1919, he was curate, successively, in Effin (1919-20); Bruff  (1920-24); Effin, a second time (1924-26); Knockaderry (1926-30); Dromcollogher (1930-37). On 5 July, 1937, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cappagh, where he remained until his transfer to Feenagh in the same capacity on 7 March, 1945. On 5 August, 1948, he was transferred as, Parish Priest, to Adare, where he died on 23 February, 1963. He was buried in Adare. (Tobin, 2004, 30)

 

Egan, Rev Michael (1915-2000), Rector

Michael Egan was born Woodford, Co. Galway, on 23 August, 1915. On completion of his primary and secondary schooling, he joined the Salesians of St John Bosco. After completing his ecclesiastical training, he was ordained priest on 14 July, 1946. He was appointed rector of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, in 1964 but remained in this post for just one year. He then went to England where he continued his ministry in colleges and parishes under the care of the Salesian congregation. He died on 19 July, 2000, aged 84 years. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

Egan, Thomas J (1929-1999), Medical Doctor

Thomas Joseph Egan was born on 14 July, 1929, and qualified as a medical doctor at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin. There, in addition to obtaining the degree, Bachelor of Medicine (MB), he was also elected a) a member and b) a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCPI) and Royal College of Surgeons (FRCSI) of Ireland. He went to work in Canada, where he was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC). Subsequently, he returned to Ireland and became resident surgeon at the Limerick Regional Hospital. He continued his research interests and published learned articles and reports in several medical research journals, including British Journal of Surgery (Vol.76, No. 7; Vol. 78, No. 10), the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (Vol. 80, No. $, 1987) and Surgery (Vol. 20, No. 4, 1986). He died on 15 December, 1999, aged 70 years and was buried in the new cemetery, Adare, Co. Limerick.

 

 

Enright, Edmund (1899-1986), Old IRA

Ned Enright, son of Michael Enright and Katherine Prendergast, was born in Chapelrussell, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Pallaskenry church on 16 March, 1899. He was educated at Pallaskenry National school. In his teen years, he became involved in the local (old) IRA and soon rose to prominence in the local battalion of that organisation. He had the distinction of being the last person prosecuted in the petty sessions in Pallaskenry. He was arrested and brought before the court for singing ‘The Soldier’s Song’ and given two months imprisonment. He served part of the sentence in Limerick gaol and the other part in Dundalk goal. Ned was married twice, first, to Bridget Neville, from Ballinacourty, Ballysteen, by whom he had a son (Michael) and a daughter (Kathleen). His second marriage was to Ann (Babe) McDonagh, from Ballynorth, Askeaton, by whom he had two sons, John and Eamonn. Ned died on 6 November, 1986, aged 87 years, and was buried in Killurach cemetery, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick.

 

Enright, Rev James (c.1806-1886), Clergyman

James Enright was born around 1806 and ordained priest around 1840. After ordination, he served as curate in the diocese of Glasgow for three years. On his return to Ireland, he served as curate in Askeaton/Ballysteen (1843-1844), Bulgaden (1844-1846), Croom (1846-1848) and Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1849-1851). In 1851, he was appointed Parish Priest of Ballingarry, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Parteen in July, 1874. He resigned this post in March, 1878, whereupon, he was transferred to Bruree as Parish Priest. He continued in this appointment until 1884. From then until his death, on 7 October, 1886, he acted as Administrator of the parish of Bruree. He was 80 years at the time of his death and was buried in the church grounds, Bruree, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 32)

 

Enright, Sr Eileen (1899-1975), Religious Sister

Eileen Enright, daughter of Michael Enright and Katherine Prendergast, was born in Pallaskenry, on 19 April, 1899. She attended Pallaskenry National School, before entering Drishane Convent Boarding school, Millstreet, Co. Cork. On completion of her secondary schooling, she entered the Society of the Infant Jesus, Drishane, receiving the habit and a new name, Sister Patrick, on 15 August, 1916. At the end of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 13 August, 1918. She qualified as a teacher and spent some years (1926-1938) in Drishane Convent as Mistress of Novices. Subsequently, she was assigned to England, where she was appointed superior of the Infant Jesus convent in Weybridge, Surrey (1938-1950). She was then transferred to Rosslyn House Finishing School, where she spent her remaining years (1950-1975). She died on 22 April, 1975, and was buried in Weybridge, Surrey. (IJ Archives, 2009).

 

Fishe, Rev Henry (d.1917), Clergyman

Henry Fishe, son of Col. Fishe, was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where obtained his BA degree in 1875, passed his divinity test in 1877 and was awarded an MA degree in 1889. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland (diocese of Cashel) in 1876 and priest in 1878. He was licensed as curate in the parish of Kilcornan in 1877, remaining until 1879. He then held appointments at St Patrick’s parish, Limerick (1880-1883); curate in Templemore (1880-1883); chaplain to the Missionary church (1902-1909); chaplain at Croix, France (1909-1917). He married Caroline Rebecca Irwin in Moate, Co. Meath, on 4 January, 1877.  He died in Belgium on 5 November, 1917. (Leslie, 1936, 211; Leslie and Wallace, 2001, 635).

 

Fitzgerald, Gamaliel (1812-1890), Land Agent

Gamaliel McGrath Fitzgerald, son of Rev Wyndham McGrath Fitzgerald, was born in Limerick city in 1812. His father, Rev Wyndham Fitzgerald, was made a freeman of Limerick City on 13 October, 1817. Gamaliel became land agent to the Earl of Dunraven and other large landowners in county Limerick. He died on 27 August, 1890, and was interred in the family vault in Emly, Co. Tipperary. His daughter, Margaret, married Harman Fitzmaurice, son of the Knight of Kerry. (LC, 28.8.1890)

 

Fitzgerald, Maurice (1895-1918), WW I Casualty

Maurice Fitzgerald, son of Peter Fitzgerald (qv) and Helena Mary Percy, Mondellihy, Adare, was born in 1895. Having joined the British army, he was killed in action, during World War I, on 19 April, 1918. He was a commissioned officer, with the rank of lieutenant, in the 2^nd Battalion of the Irish Guards, one of the elite Irish regiments in the British army. The regiment, almost all of the 1,100 officers and men being Irish born, left for France on 12 August, 1914. During most of the war, they were involved in trench warfare, in appalling conditions. The men of the Irish Guards in World War I gained almost 400 medals for bravery, including 67 Military Crosses, 77 Distinguished Conduct Medals, 277 Military Medals and 4 Victoria Crosses. At the same time, 115 officers, including Maurice Fitzgerald, and 2,235 other ranks lost their lives. Maurice’s grave is at Leuze Communal Cemetery, Belgium. (McNamara, 2000, 293)

 

Fitzgerald, Peter (1855-1935), Land Agent

Peter David Fitzgerald, son of Sir Peter George Fitzgerald, 1^st Baronet and Julia Hussey, was born on 29 December, 1855. He married, first, Helen Mary Percy, in 1890, and had, with her, three sons and two daughters. A Justice of the Peace, he became land agent for the Earl of Dunraven and resided at Mondellihy, Adare. On the death of his first wife, he married Charlotte Honor MacAdam on 2 October, 1906. One of his sons, Lt Maurice R Fitzgerald (qv), was killed in World War 1. Another son, Peter John Fitzgerald (qv), attained the rank of Commander in the British navy during World War 1. Peter David Fitzgerald died on 31 August, 1935, aged 79 years. He was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. (www.thepeerage.com, 5462)

 

Fitzgerald, Peter John (1900-1985), Naval Officer

Peter John Fitzgerald, son of Peter Fitzgerald and his wife, Helen Mary Percy, was born in Mondellihy, Adare, Co. Limerick, on 2 July, 1900. He joined the Royal Navy and rose to the rank of Commander. He served with distinction in World War II and retired to Mondellihy, Adare. He married Penelope and had issue. He died on 6 October, 1985, and was buried in the family burial plot in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas (CoI) church, Adare.  (www.thepeerage.com, 5462)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev David (1884-1963), Clergyman

David Fitzgerald was baptised in his own parish, Ballingarry, on 22 November, 1884. He was educated at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 19 June, 1910.

His first appointment was as curate at St Sylvester’s Church, Liverpool (1910-1914). He then returned to Ireland, where he was appointed curate, successively, in Askeaton (1914-1918); Abbeyfeale (1918-1922); Croom (1922-1924); Knockaderry (1924-1926); Bruff (1926–1936). On 4 March, 1936, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan), where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Coolcappa, on 26 November, 1942. In August, 1953, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Pallaskenry/ Kildimo, where he remained until his death on 7 December, 1963. He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter on 13 April, 1956. His health began to fail in 1963 and he died on 7 December, 1963. He was buried in the church grounds in Kildimo, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 35)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev John (c.1863-1942), Clergyman

John Fitzgerald was born in St Patrick’s parish Limerick about 1863. He was ordained in 1889. After ordination, he was sent, on loan, to London, where he served as assistant priest in the archdiocese of Westminster (1889-1893). On his return to Ireland, he was appointed curate, successively, in Patrickswell (1893-1897); St Mary’s (1897-1900); Adare (1900-1917). On 23 January, 1917, he was appointed Parish Priest of Manister. Thereafter, he was Parish Priest in Coolcappa until his death on 7 November, 1942, aged 79. While at St Mary’s, he was chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy (1898-1900). He was appointed chancellor of the diocese of Limerick in 1938 and a canon of the cathedral chapter in in 1939. He had a brother, William, who was also a priest in Limerick diocese. (Tobin, 2004, 36)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev John (1840-1914), Clergyman

John Fitzgerald was ordained on 1 January, 1869, and sent to Abbeyfeale as curate (1869-1871). Subsequent appointments included curate in St Patrick’s (1871-1872); Loughill (1872-1874); Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1874-1875); Banogue (1875); Bulgaden (1875-1881); Kilmallock (1881-1882); Bulgaden (1882-1887); Glin (1887-1891); Manister (1891-1914). While in Glin, he was also chaplain to the Workhouse there. He died on 27 April, 1914, aged 74 years. He buried in the church grounds, Manister, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 36)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev John (1837-1885), Clergyman

John Fitzgerald was ordained on 10 June, 1862, after which he was sent to Monagea as curate (1862-1863). Subsequent appointments included curate in Feenagh/ Kilmeedy (1863-1865); Effin (1865-1872); Coolcappa (1872-1875) and Bruff (1875-1879). On 23 April, 1879, he was appointed parish priest of Stonehall/ Kilcornan, where he remained until his transfer, as parish priest, to Killeedy on 27 April, 1883. He died in office in Killeedy on 25 October, 1885, aged 48 years. He was buried in the church grounds, Killeedy, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 36)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev Michael (1788-1863), Clergyman

Michael Fitzgerald, son of Thomas Fitzgerald and Mary Meehan, was born in Ballingarry, Co. Limerick in 1788. He was educated at the Irish College, Rome, where he was ordained and, subsequently, appointed to the seminary staff. His first appointment in Ireland was as Parish Priest of Broadford/ Dromcollogher in 1818, where he purchased a field and built a Church in 1824. Almost immediately afterwards, he was transferred to Askeaton/ Ballysteen, where he remained until 1838. In his new parish, he came up against Rev Richard Murray, Church of Ireland rector in Askeaton, who was pursuing a very active campaign of proselytisation there. According to Murray’s own evidence (Devon Commission, HCPP 1837, 8, 35-39), he succeeded in converting some ‘160 to 170 adults, besides about 300 young persons and children’ from Roman Catholicism. Fr Fitzgerald led a vigorous campaign against this proselytisation. It ceased when Rev Murray accepted an offer of the deanery of Ardagh from the Duke of Northumberland. Moreover, many of Murray’s converts subsequently emigrated to the US and Canada. The Bishop of Limerick then made Fitzgerald an Archdeacon, possibly as a reward for his successful campaign. In 1838, Archdeacon Fitzgerald was transferred to his own parish, Ballingarry. He gave evidence to the Devon Commission in 1844. He died in Ballingarry on 6 February, 1863, and was buried there in the church grounds. (limerickdiocese.com; HCPP 1837, [543-1, 543-II], 836-838; HCPP 1835 (369), 689; HCPP 1845 [616][617], 788-792)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev Mortimer (c1828-1889), Clergyman

Mortimer Fitzgerald, born around 1829, was ordained on 29 July, 1857, in St Mary’s convent of Mercy, Limerick. Following ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick (1857-1859), Bruff (1859-1861), Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick (1861-1865); Askeaton- Ballysteen (1865-1872) and Kilmallock (1872-1876). He was appointed Parish Priest of Ballyagran on 5 December, 1876. He died while serving in Ballyagran on 26 July, 1889, and is buried in the church grounds there. (Tobin, 2004, 37)

 

Fitzgerald, Rev Richard (1801-1885), Clergyman

Richard Fitzgerald, second son of Gerald Fitzgerald, Knight of Glin and his wife, Catherine Yielding, was born in 1801. He was educated in Mr Allen’s private school and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 12 October, 1818, aged 16. He graduated with a BA degree in 1823 and an MA in 1832. He was ordained priest of the Church of Ireland and appointed permanent curate in Kilmore, diocese of Cashel, in 1823. He remained there until 1826, when he was appointed curate in Adare and domestic chaplain to the Earl of Dunraven. He married Sarah Georgina Boyd from Lancashire and they had fourteen children. He moved residence to ‘Clareview’ near Tarbert and he held temporary curacies in nearby parishes. He was described as very eccentric and was reputed to take to his bed, on a whim, without apparent cause. On one occasion, he did so for two years continuously. On this occasion, when he finally decided to get out of bed, his wife said he could not do so because she had given away all his trousers to a jumble sale. He was also prone to disasters, his house, ‘Clareview’, being badly damaged the night of the ‘Big Wind’, on 6 January, 1839. For much of his life, he was in debt and, with a view to raising money, he published the first life of Ellen Hanley, the ‘Colleen Bawn’ in 1868. Generally known as ‘Parson Dick’, he died on 19 February, 1885, and was buried in St Paul’s churchyard, Glin, Co. Limerick. (Leslie, 1936, 163; Donovan, 342-349)

 

Fitzgerald, William (1882- 1956), Lighthouse keeper

William (Bill) Fitzgerald, son of John Fitzgerald and his wife, Kate Healy, was born in Ringmoylan, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised in the Catholic church Pallaskenry, on 6 August, 1882. In succession to his father, John, who took up the post about 1874, Bill took on the job of servicing the Horse Rock lighthouse in the early years of the twentieth century. The job entailed lighting 15 oil lamps in a circle, at the top of the lighthouse, one of a few wooden lighthouses in the southwest of Ireland. He had to do two trips each day, one in the evening to light the lamps and one in the morning to quench them. As the job was part-time, there being no residential accommodation on the lighthouse, Bill also worked as a fisherman. The Horserock lighthouse was in the south channel of the river Shannon, and this water way was abandoned in favour of the northern channel in the 1950s. Bill was the last person to hold the post of lamp lighter on the Horse Rock, The lighting was subsequently automated. He married Ellen Wall (d.1976) from Askeaton and they had several children. Bill died on 3 July, 1956, aged 73 years. He was buried in Killurach cemetery, Pallaskenry. (Hayes, J, 2009)

 

Fitzgibbon, Rev Gerard (c.1778-1817), Clergyman

Gerard Fitzgibbon, born in Ardcanny, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, was ordained priest for the diocese of Limerick. Following ordination, he taught at St Munchin’s College, Limerick, for several years before his appointment, in 1815, as Parish Priest of St Munchin’s. He died prematurely on 21 March, 1817, and was buried in Castletown cemetery. He also had a brother, who was a diocesan priest in Limerick, and who was also buried in Castletown. Both were relatives of Rev Edmond Connery of Court (q.v). (Ó Corbuí, 1975, 160)

 

Fitzpatrick, Rev Denis (1883-1939), Clergyman

Denis Fitzpatrick, a native of Effin, was baptised in his home parish on 3 January, 1883. He attended St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where, on completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained on 23 June, 1907. After ordination, he was sent, on loan, to Kansas for some years. On his return to Ireland, he was appointed curate, successively, in St Patrick’s (1910-14); St Mary’s (1914-15); Glenroe (1915-17); Adare (1917-35). On 29 August, 1935, he was appointed Parish Priest of Banogue, where he remained until his death on 11 May, 1939, aged 56.. While in St Mary’s, he was chaplain to the Mercy Convent (1914). He had a brother, Maurice Fitzpatrick, who was also a diocesan priest in Limerick (c.1887-1940). (Tobin, 2004, 38)

 

Flanagan, Rev John (c.1820-1905), Clergyman

John Flanagan, a member of the well-known West of Ireland Woulfe-Flanagan family, was born on 22 November, 1821. His family belonged to the landed gentry and had property in Galway, Roscommon and Clare. He was educated at the seminary of St Sulpice, Paris, but was forced to escape from Paris in disguise when the revolution of 1848 broke out. He made his way to England, where, on 29 September, 1848, he joined the Oratory of St Philip Neri, a religious community established in England by John Henry Newman. He completed his ecclesiastical studies and was ordained at Oscott College, Birmingham, on 20 September, 1851. He accompanied Newman to Dublin in 1854 for the foundation of the Catholic University. Flanagan was active in the Oxford Movement, and, in this circle, made the acquaintance of Lord Adare, who later became 3^rd Earl of Dunraven. He came to Adare as chaplain to the Earl of Dunraven (1848-65), who had become a Catholic in 1855. In 1865, Flanagan was incorporated into the diocese of Limerick and appointed Administrator of the parish of Adare (1865-68). In 1868, he was appointed Parish Priest of Adare, where he remained until his death on 16 October, 1905, at the age of 85. Though he ended his formal ties with the Birmingham Oratory on 17 August, 1862, because he found community life irksome, he remained on friendly terms with Newman and members of the Oratory. He was honoured with the title of archdeacon in 1894 and Dean of the Diocese of Limerick in 1898. Among his curates was Rev Edward Thomas O’Dwyer, later bishop of Limerick, who had a high regard for Mgr Flanagan. Flanagan was regarded as a widely read and scholarly theologian, who was consulted by Newman on theological aspects of his great book, Apologia Pro Vita Sua (1865). (Oratory Archives 2009; Tobin, 2004, 39).

 

Flower, Rev Edward (d.1926), Clergyman

Rev Edward Flower was licensed as a Church of Ireland curate in Kilcornan in 1881. Subsequently, he ministered in the diocese of Kilmore from 1886 to 1903, at which time, he was appointed rector of Ballaghmeehan, Co. Leitrim, which was also in the diocese of Kilmore. He remained in this post until his death on 20 September, 1926. (Leslie, 1936, 256)

 

Flynn, Arthur (d. 1918), WW I Casualty

Arthur Flynn, born in Adare, was killed in action, during World War I, on 27 September, 1918. He was a member of the 1^st Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers. Ironically, the 1^st battalion was in Rangoon, Burma, at the outbreak of the war. They immediately set sail for England but were diverted to the Dardanelles operation. In Suvla Bay, they faced fierce opposition from the Turks, who had ‘dug in’ and were greatly inspired by their charismatic leader, Kamal Attaturk. In 1916, the 1^st battalion was withdrawn from Gallipoli, and, after rest and reinforcements, was assigned to the battle front in France, where Arthur met his death. He enlisted in the Munster Fusiliers in Limerick. His grave is in Le Quesnoy Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. (McNamara, 2000, 294)

 

Foley, Rev Timothy (c.1797-1849), Clergyman

Timothy Foley was born in Cowpark, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, and became Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan) in 1827, after a short period as curate in Adare. He retired in 1835, owing to ill- health, but resumed his duties again in 1841. While he was curate in Adare, Fr Foley had the sad duty of comforting four men from the parish, Pat Coll, John O’Shea, James Twohill and James Nash, who were executed in the ‘square’, in front of the entrance to Adare Manor. The men had been found guilty at the Limerick Assizes on 21 March, 1922, of a) being ‘Whiteboys’ and b) being members of a party that raided the home of George Sparling, Rower, Adare, and stole firearms. Father Foley was reported as speaking in a most emphatic and impressive manner, imploring all young men in the area to surrender any weapons they had, to avoid membership of groups like the one then led by ‘Captain Rock’ and concentrate on working on their own land. Before the men were executed, they claimed to be innocent and Father Foley also said that he believed this to be true. Fr Foley was subsequently prsent at the dedication of Kilcornan parish church, built by John Waller, of Castletown, in 1828. Father Foley died on 12 October, 1849, at the age of 52. He was buried in the church in Kilcornan, Co. Limerick. (Pierce, 1986, 73-74)

 

Fosbery, Frank (1897-1918), WW I Casualty

Frank Sydney Thomas Fosbery, son of Frank Fosbery, Kilgobbin, Adare, Co. Limerick, was born on 21 October, 1897. He was killed in action on 21 March, 1918, shortly before the end of World War I. He was a second lieutenant in the 21^st Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps. At the outbreak of the war in 1914, each infantry battalion was equipped with a machine-gun section, consisting of two Maxim guns. Subsequently, a Machine Gun Corps was created by Royal Warrant on 14 October, 1915, with infantry, cavalry and motor branches. The men in these units were specially trained in the use of machine guns, especially the newer Lewis gun. Lt Fosbery was originally attached to the 62^nd Machine Gun Company, which moved to France on 4 March, 1916. On 24 February, 1918, machine gun units were reorganised into a special machine gun corps and Lt Fosbery was assigned to the 21^st Battalion. Four weeks later, on 21 March, 1918, he was killed during an engagement with German troops. Since the Machine Gun Corps was usually at the front in all attacks, the casualties in the corps were unusually high. Out of the 170,500 officers and men who served in the Machine Gun Corps in World War I, 62,049 became casualties and 12,498 were killed. Lt Fosbery belonged to the Adare branch of the family (qv). His grave is in Messines Ridge British cemetery in Messen, Belgium. (McNamara, 2000, 296)

 

Fosbery, George (1783-1847), Master of Hunt

The founder of the Limerick Fosbery clan seems to have been Francis Fosberry, who came from Wiltshire and settled in Kilcooly, near Tralee, Co. Kerry, before 1700. His son and heir, also Francis, moved to Clorhane, Adare. ‘Red’ George Fosberry of Clorhane, Adare, was second master of a pack of foxhounds. His portrait, by Joseph Patrick Haverty, hangs in the Dining Room in Glin Castle. Several generations of the Fosberys were enthusiastic huntsmen. ‘Red’ George’s son, also George (1783-1847), was High Sherif of Co. Limerick in 1744. He, also, was much devoted to hunting, and kept a pack of hounds himself. He married his first cousin, Elizabeth Fosbery of Curraghbridge, and they had three sons (George, Francis, Thomas) and a daughter, Elizabeth. One son, Thomas Fosbery, of Kilgobbin, Adare, was surveyor for County Limerick and died in 1893. He was buried, like other family members, in the Fosbery vault, Adare. Since several members of the Fosbery family acted as ‘middlemen’ for large landowners, they became quite skilful in building up estates. Among the townlands (some leased) in the Fosbery estate were: Clorhane, Ballylongford, Cloongownagh, Curraghbridge, Castlegrey and Dereen, as well as part of Capparoe. The Limerick Chronicle of 6 March, 1822, reported a case when Thomas O’Shaughnessy and Murtock Sullivan, of Capparoe, were charged with setting fire to a house belonging to Mr George Fosbery. It will be remembered that this happened during the Tithe agitation of the early 1820s. Though the evidence was circumstantial, both men were sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay for seven years. In 1876, Thomas Fosbery occupied 1,488 acres in Kilgobbin and 752 acres in Co. Tipperary. The last of the Fosbery family left Clorhane in 1947 and the estate was divided by the Irish Land Commision. Clorhane House, however, is still in use and in excellent condition. Several Fosberys are listed in the baptism, marriage and burial registers of the Church of Ireland, Adare. In the 1870s, Widenham F Fosbery of Mosstown, co. Westmeath, owned 1,094 acres in county Roscommen, with smaller acreages in Westmeath and King’s County. He was the son of Charles W Fosbery of Castlegrey, Kilcornan. (Fosbery website: http://fosbery.tripod.com/graham.html; LC, 4.4.1893; LC 6.3.1822; O’Donovan, 1840, 60, 65; C:\Limerick Bio Dic\Kenry Biog Dic\estate-show.jsp?id=1689)

 

Franklin, Rev George (1762-1840), Clergyman

George Franklin was born in Limerick in 1782. He was ordained deacon in the Church of Ireland in September, 1787, and priest on 24 August, 1788. He was appointed Vicar in Drishane in 1792 and licensed as Perpetual Curate in Kildimo in 1817. He died in the Glebe House, Kildimo, on 10 July, 1840, shortly after a visit from John O’Donovan, who was then visiting parishes to compile his famous ‘Notes’ in connection with the Irish Ordinance Survey. Rev Franklin’s daughter married Arundel Hill, who lived at Bolane Cottage, Kildimo. Arundel was a son of Thomas Hill of Mount Pleasant.  Rev Franklin’s son, Joseph Uriel Franklin, was born in Limerick in 1762 and educated privately by his father. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 November, 1820, and, after obtaining his BA degree in 1826, was appointed Prebendary of Ullard in the diocese of Leighlin.  (Leslie, 1936, 258)

 

Freeman-Jackson, Harry (1910-1993), Olympic Equestrian

Harry Freeman-Jackson, son of Freeman Astley Jackson and his wife, Florence-Josephine Van Cutsen, was born in 1910. He served in the British army and retired with the rank of Captain. He was a gifted and enthusiastic horseman and came to prominence as an ‘eventer’. He represented Ireland in four Olympic games. He was a member of the Duhallow Hunt, serving as Master for some years. He was also a great friend of the Stonehall Harriers and rode regularly with this pack for several years, after he retired as Master of Duhallow Hunt. An all-round horseman, he won the Galway Plate on his own horse, ‘Result’. He lived at Cool-na-Greine, Mallow, Co. Cork. He married Dorothy Alleyne d’Aubigny d’Angelbronner and they had one daughter, Virginia Alleyne Freeman-Jackson, who married Lord Charles HL Stanhope, 12^th Earl of Harrington. They had two children, Lord William HL Stanhope, Viscount Petersham, and Lady Serena A Stanhope, who married, Lord David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, son of Princess Margaret and Lord Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Lady Virginia accompanied her father to hunts with the Stonehall Harriers, in her younger days. Captain Freeman-Jackson died in 1993. (www.thepeerage.com)

 

Gault, Rev Archibald (c.1828- 1892), Clergyman

Archibald Gault, son of Robert Gault, was born in Co. Tyrone, about 1828. He was educated in Dr Graham’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 1 Juluy, 1846, at the age of eighteen. He obtained his BA degree in 1852 and was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1853. He served in the Irish Church Missions from 1852. This society, founded by Rev Alexander Dallas in 1849, an English Evangelical clergyman, was aimed at proselytising the poor Irish, especially those in the West of Ireland. The timing of Rev Dallas’ crusade to poor Catholics, juxtaposing, as it did, famine and proselytism, has given the society a very unfavourable image in Ireland. Rev Gault was appointed curate of the Church of Ireland in Kilcornan in 1864. It should be remembered that this appointment was made either by, or with the approval of, Rev John Thomas Waller, rector of Kilcornan, who was secretary of the Irish Church Missions. Subsequently, Rev Gault held an appointment as vicar in county Antrim during the years 1871 to 1874. After this, he held curacies in England, including Woodmancote, near Horsham, West Sussex, in 1882. He died in 1892. (Leslie, 1936, 255)

 

Gilbert, Rev John (d.1699), Clergyman

Rev John Gilbert was installed as Church of Ireland vicar of Clonshire, Adare, on 28 September, 1686. He is also listed as being inducted as vicar Kilaliathin and Dunnane in 1688. In keeping with the practice of Church of Ireland clergymen of the period simultaneously holding several offices, he is also listed as being inducted as vicar in Abbeyfeale on 20 October, 1697. During part of this period, he held the post of rector at St Laurence’s parish, Limerick (1688-1699). He died in 1699. (Leslie, 1936, 157, 211, 279, 331, 336).

 

Gleeson, Br Michael (1922-2006), School Principal

Michael Gleeson, son of Stephen Gleeson and his wife, Bridget Flaherty, was born in Waterford City, in 1922. He was educated at CBS Mount Sion, and, on completion of his secondary schooling, he entered the Christian Brothers in 1939. On completion of his novitiate at St Helen’s, Booterstown, Dublin, he made his religious profession, under his new name, Brother Rumold. He then entered Marino Teacher Training College, where he completed part one of this teacher training. He taught for some years before returning to Marino to complete his teacher training course. Before coming to Adare, he taught in several CBS schools including, St James’ Street, Dublin; Tralee CBS; Clondalkin, Co. Dublin; Kilrush, Co. Clare and Wexford. In 1966, he was appointed superior and principal of CBS Adare. At the time, the school had a secondary ‘top’, meaning that it operated classes at secondary level, preparting students for both Intermediate and Leaving Certificate. Though lacking the more generous staff allocation enjoyed by secondary schools, the students at Adare CBS obtained excellent examination results. The school also participated in sporting competions, such as the Dr Harty Cup. After three years in Adare, Br Gleeson was transferred to CBC, Cork. Subsequent appointments included CBS New Ross and CBS Clonmel, before retiring to Mount Sion, Waterford. He died on 1 March, 2006, aged 84 years, and was buried in the Christian Brothers cemetery, Baldoyle, Co. Dublin. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Gleeson, Rev Luke (c.1830-1902), Clergyman

Luke Gleeson was ordained on 21 May, 1853. Following his ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Glin (1853-1855); Croom (1855-1857); Rathkeale (1857-1863); Bruff (1863-1866); Glin (1866-1873). On 27 November, 1873, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan), where he remained for five years. On 21 March, 1878, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Parteen, where he remained until his death on 22 June, 1902, aged 72 years. The diocesan records note that he was offered the post of Parish Priest of Glenroe, but opted for Stonehall (Kilcornan), instead. (Tobin, 2004, 41)

 

Godfrey, Rev John (d. 1977), Clergyman

John Godfrey attended St Munchin’s College, Limerick, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his ecclesiastical studies and was ordained on 17 June, 1934. After ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Manister (1934-1936), Kilmeedy (1936-1937), St Patrick’s (1937-1942). In November, 1942, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, where he remained until his death in St John’s Hospital, Limerick, on 11 June, 1977. He was buried in the church grounds in Kildimo, Co. Limerick. (LDA)

 

Godwin, William E (1833-1886), Architect & Designer

William Edward Godwin, son of William Godwin and Ann Jones Davies, was born at 12 Old Market Street, Bristol, on 26 May, 1833. He was educated at Exley’s School in Highbury, Bristol, and then articled to the Bristol architect, William Armstrong. His first independent commission was for a Gothic-revival style school in Waston (1853) and, in 1854, he established his own practice in Bristol. In 1856, he went to Ireland where he designed a number of small churches in the Gothic-revival style. On his return to England he established a reputation as a designer of Italianate and Gothic- style buildings. In the 1860s, he designed a number of buildings in Ireland, including Dromore Castle, commissioned by Lord William Pery, 3^rd Earl of Limerick. For Dromore Castle, Godwin also designed the furniture and decoration in a combined medieval and Japanese style. Dromore Castle, however, was plagued with dampness and the 4^th Earl rarely visited it. Finally, he sold the property in 1939. In 1956, the contents of the castle were sold and the roof removed. Now a ruin, there is still an aura of enchantment about it, especially from a distance.

            On 1 November, 1861, Godwin married Sarah Yonge (c1832-65), but she died after four years of marriage. He was regarded as an innovative designer in several graphic media, including furniture, wallpaper, textiles, metalwork, stained glass and ceramics. In his later years, he also designed costumes and scenery for theatrical productions. He died on 6 October, 1886, Westminster, London, and was buried at Nortleigh, Oxfordshire. (Soros, ODNB, 2009)

 

Goggin, Sr Anne (1880-1963), Religious Sister

Anne Goggin, daughter of John Goggin and his wife, Joanna McCarthy, was born in Coolbeg, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in her parish church on 16 March, 1880. She was educated at Kildimo National School and entered the Sisters of St Paul at Selly Park, Birmingham, on 23 September, 1897. She was formally accepted into the novitiate on 26 April, 1898, and received a new name, Sister Gertrude. Her new patron saint, Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), a Benedictine nun in Saxony, Germany, was famous for her mystical prayer and visions. Anne qualified as a teacher at Selly Park Teacher Training College (1913) and taught in several schools of her congregation in England, including Workingham (1913-1933), Leeds (1933-1945), Banbury (1945-1951) and Oswestry (1951-1962). With declining health, she spent her last year in the infirmary at St Paul’s, Selly Park, where she died on 7 February, 1963. She was buried in the cemetery attached to this convent, near Birmingham.  Anne was a sister of Bridget Cahill (qv) and an aunt of Sr Mary Goggin (qv). (St Paul archives, 2010; Cahill, D, 2010)

 

Goggin, Sr Mary (1912-1994), Religious Sister

Mary Goggin, daughter of Edward Goggin and his wife, Margaret Mann, was born in Coolbeg, Kildimo, on 11 January, 1912. She was educated at Kildimo National School and the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, Limerick. She entered the Sisters of St Paul, Selly Park Convent, Birmingham, on 10 September, 1929. When receiving the veil, she received a new name, Sister Thecla, by which she was subsequently known in the convent. Her new patron saint, St Thecla (d.790), was a Benedictine abbess of a convent in Ochsenfurt, Germany. After making her religious profession, Sister Goggin qualified as a teacher at Selly Park Teacher Training college and then taught in schools of the Sisters of St Paul, especially, in the midlands, including Buckfast and Coleshill, near Birmingham. She then transferred to Leeds, where she was head of St Patrick’s School, Leeds, for some years. After this, she became head of St Nicholas’ School, Gipton, for 15 years, until her retirement in 1977. After a year in Birmingham, she transferred to Kilmallock (1977-1986), and then to Kilfinane (1986-1993). Declining health then forced her to enter Bushmount Nursing Home, Clonakilty, where she died on 23 May, 1994. She was buried in the burial plot of the Sisters of St Paul, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. She was a niece of both Sr Anne (qv) and of Bridget Cahill (qv). (St Paul Archives, 2010)

 

Gore, Sir St George (1811-1878), Baronet

St Charles Gore, son of Sir Ralph Gore (1758-1842), was a member of an illustrious family, originally from county Donegal. He became 8^th Baronet of Magherabegg on the death of his father in 1842. An earlier ancestor had been Chancellor of the Exchequer and Speaker of the Irish Parliament and, like other members of the family, had acquired considerable estates all over Ireland. This family was related to the Gore-Booth family, that lived at Lissadell, Co. Sligo. Readers will recall the sisters, Eva and Constance Gore-Booth (Countess Markevich), who were friends of the poet, WB Yeats. In 1850, Sir St Charles had a total of about 9,000 acres, with 1,657 acres in county Limerick, including the townlands, Carheeny, Ballyvareen (part), Ballyculhane and Ardlahan in the parish of Kildimo. In 1872, all 9,000 acres of the Gore estate were advertised for sale, and properties in other counties were sold. The Westropps of Mellon, however, offered to lease the part of the Gore estate in county Limerick and their offer was accepted. (Cd 1492, 1876; http://www.landedestates.ie,/; Hayton, ODNB, 2009)

 

Gough, Rev Hugh (d.1730), Clergyman

Hugh Gough, son of George Gough, was born in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained the BA (1684) and MA (1688) degrees. After ordination as priest in the Church of Ireland, he was installed as vicar in Duagh, Co. Kerry, on 29 November, 1686. Among the other appointments, which he held, some of them at the same time, were rector of Kildimo 1689; Junior Precinctor of Limerick (1689-1730); vicar of Ballingarry and Corcomohide, now Castletown Conyers (1692-1730); vicar of Mungret (1687-1730). The Gough family came from near Devizes, Wiltshire. Three sons of Rev Hugh Gough Snr, Rector of All Cannings, Devizes, Wiltshire, came to Limerick and each held high office in the Church of Ireland in that diocese. This Hugh died in 1730. (Leslie, 1936, 55, 90, 149, 207, 257)

 

Graves, Rev James (c.1711-1784), Clergyman

James Graves, son of John Graves, was born in Limerick and educated in a private school operated by Rev Mr Cashin in Limerick. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, as a ‘sizar’, on 27 May, 1730, aged 19. He was awarded a scholarship in 1733, a BA degree in 1734 and an MA in 1737. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in Limerick on 4 May, 1741, and priest on 13 June, 1742. In 1746, he was appointed vicar in Kilfinane and Darragh (1746-1781). During some of this time, he also held the post of vicar in Ballingarry (1747-1776). In 1783, shortly before his death, he was appointed vicar and rector in Adare. He married Jane, daughter of Rev Thomas Ryder, and had issue, including four sons, three of whom (Richard, Thomas and John) also became Church of Ireland clergymen. He died in 1784. (Leslie, 1936, 161, 181, 225, 227, 235, 265)

 

Gray-Stack, Rev Charles (1912-1985), Clergyman

Charles Maurice Gray-Stack was born on 12 May, 1912. He was ordained deacon and priest of the Church of Ireland. He served in several parishes in the diocese of Limerick and became prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, in 1962. Subsequently he became Dean of Ardfert and Aghadoe and was regular contributor to academic religious journals. He was prominent in ecumenical activities, especially in the Glenstal and Greenhills conferences. He was also an advocate of greater involvement of laity in the liturgy and Christian service of the Anglican communion. He represented the Church of Ireland on committees dealing with social matters and was a member of the National Council for the Aged, established by the Irish Government in 1981. One of his articles in a Dutch religious journal was entitled, ‘The Apple of Contention: The Anglican-Roman Catholic Agreement of Vatican II on the Eucharist’. He died on 25 July, 1985.

 

Gregg, Rev James (1820-1905), Clergyman

James Fitzgerald Gregg, son of Robert Gregg, was born in county Meath on 17 January, 1820. He was educated in Mr Burke’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 12 October, 1838, aged 17. He obtained his BA degree in 1843 and his MA in 1848. Following success in his divinity test in 1843, he was ordained deacon in the Church of Ireland in 1844 and priest in 1845. His first appointment was as curate in Yexford, Suffolk, in 1844. The following year, he returned to Ireland and was curate in Tuam (1845) and Collon, Armagh (1845-1849). He was appointed permanent curate in Balbriggan (1859-1860), before his appointment as rector of St Laurence parish, Limerick (1862-1899). During the years 1876-1899, he held the post of prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan. He resigned this post, however, in 1899, on becoming Dean of the diocese of Limerick (1899-1905). On 27 October, 1853, he married Eleanor Johnston and they had two sons and three daughters. He is reported as having strong Evangelical views. He died on 21 October, 1905 and was buried in Limerick (Leslie, 1936, 41, 99, 326, 333)

 

 

Grey, Rev Cornelius (1892-1962), Rector

Cornelius Grey was born in Templemore, Co. Tipperary, on 10 December, 1892. He joined the Salesians of St John Bosco in England and came to the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, when it opened in 1919. He continued to serve in Pallaskenry for the rest of his life. He completed his ecclesiastical studies there and was ordained priest on 17 September, 1925. He then served as teacher, director of scholastics and, in his later years, did some promotion work for the congregation. He served as rector in Pallaskenry from 1929 to 1930. He died at Pallaskenry on 19 November, 1962, aged 69 years. He was buried in the cemetery attached to the college. His brother, Edward Grey (1890-1978), was also a Salesian priest. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

Griffin, Gerald (1803-1840), Man of Letters

Gerald Griffin, ninth child and seventh son of Patrick Griffin, a brewery manager, and Ellen Griffin, nee Geary (d.1831), was born in Limerick on 12 December, 1803. He grew up in the house, Fairy Lawn, near Loughil, on the southern bank of the river Shannon, and is thought to have been deeply influenced by the striking scenery of that part of county Limerick. His early schooling, however, was of a haphazard nature and he is thought to have used some of his own experiences in the ‘hedge-school’ chapter of his novel, The Rivals (1829). Later, however, he attended a private classical school in Limerick.

            In 1820, Gerald’s father, Patrick Griffin, then in reduced circumstances, emigrated with most of his family to the USA, where he settled in Pennsylvania. Gerald remained in Ireland, the ward of his elder brother, William, a medical doctor, who practised in Adare. Subsequently, William established a practice in Pallaskenry and Gerald moved there also, never seeing his parents again. Attracted to a literary career, Gerald left Pallaskenry for London in November, 1823, at the age of nineteen. His first play, Aguire, was rejected and he eked out a living in London as a journalist and reporter, writing under various pseudonyms. After a few years, he returned to Ireland and began to concentrate on regional fiction. His Tales of Munster Festivals (1827) and his novel, The Collegians (1829), based on the gruesome murder of the ‘Colleen Bawn’, brought him literary fame. He went on to write several other books, none, however, as popular as The Collegians. This latter book was adapted for stage by Dion Boucicault, under the title, The Colleen Bawn, and for an opera, The Lily of Killarney, by Jules Benedict. About a hundred of his poems have been published.

            In 1838, Gerald gave up writing, burned many of his papers and, on 8 September, entered the novitiate of the Irish Christian Brothers in North Richmond Street, Dublin. In 1839, he was transferred to Cork, where he taught school in the North Monastery and began to write again. He was one of the authors of the first two books of the Christian Brothers Readers series for primary schools. He was also engaged in writing a novel, The Holy Island, when he became a victim of a typhus outbreak in Cork and died on 12 June, 1840. He was buried in the community cemetery at the North Monastery, Cork. (Cronin, ODNB, 2009)

 

Griffin, James (1913-1945), School Principal

James Griffin, son of Patrick Griffin and his wife, Mary Ann Doheny, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 1 January, 1913. He was educated at Kildimo National School and Rockwell College, Co. Tipperary. He entered St Patrick’s Teacher Training College, Dromcondra, Dublin, and qualified as a national teacher. He was appointed principal of Ballinacarriga National school in 1934. On 29 April, 1944, he married Christina Goggin of Coolbeg, Kildimo. There was no issue from this marriage. He died in office on 14 April, 1945, aged 32 years, and was buried in Kildimo cemetery. (Griffin, ME, 2009).

 

Griffin, Rev Charles (1902- ), Clergyman

Charles Whitaker Griffin, son of Rev Edward Morgan Griffin, rector of St Barnabas parish, Dublin, was born in his father’s presbytery, on 2 March, 1902. He was educated at Mountjoy School and Campbell College, before entering Trinity College, Dublin. He obtained his BA degree in 1923, passed his divinity test in 1925 and was a winner of the Elrington Prize in theology. He obtained his MA in 1928. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1925 and priest in 1926. He served for some years at St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick (1923-1927), before his appointment as curate in Kilmaagh (1927-1929). He was appointed rector in Castleisland in 1929 and held that post until 1926. He was then appointed rector in Tralee. On 2 March, 1928, he married Mellicent Maud Fisher and had three sons, Peter, Dudley and Niall.  In 1941, he was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, and, the same year, he was appointed treasurer of the diocese of Limerick. (Leslie, 1940)

 

Griffin, Rev John (1855-1926), Clergyman     

John Griffin was born in 1855 and baptised on 10 April, 1855. He studied for the priesthood and was ordained on 13 February, 1881, for the Diocese of Clogher. After ordination, he was curate in Clontibert, Co. Cavan (1881-1883). On 18 February, he transferred to the diocese of Limerick and was appointed curate in St John’s (1883-1904). He was then appointed Administrator in St John’s (1904-1905).  On 22 October, 1905, he was appointed Parish Priest of Adare, where he remained until his death on 26 October, 1926, at the age of 73. In the course of his priestly life, he served as chaplain in several institutions including, Presentation Convent (1884-1886); Good Shepherd Convent (1886-87); Mercy Convent (1887-1890); Military Barracks (1894-1899); Mental Hospital & County Gaol (1904) He was appointed Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1923. (Tobin, 2004, 42).

 

Griffin, Sr Hanora (1903-1983), Religious Sister

Hanora Griffin, daughter of James Griffin and his wife, Helen McCarthy, was born in Tuogh, Adare, Co. Limerick, on 10 March, 1903. She was educated at Shauntrade National School and the Mercy Convent, Adare. At the age of 21, she entered the Presentation Sisters, Northern Province, Ireland. She received the religious habit, together with a new name, Sister Joseph, on 15 May, 1924. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession two years later, on 2 August, 1926. She then entered Carysfort Teacher Training College, where she qualified as a teacher. She taught for some time in Mullingar and other Presentation schools in the northern province, holding the position of superior for some years. In 1960, she joined a group of Presentation Sisters from Mullingar, who responded to a request from Bishop Toolen to open St Joseph’s Catholic school, in Easley, Birmingham, Alabama. On her retirement, she returned to Ireland. She died in Mullingar on 9 July, 1983, and was buried there. (PBVM archives, 2010)

       

Griffin, William (1794-1848), Physician

William Griffin, son of Patrick Griffin and his wife, Ellen Geary, was born in Limerick and educated in a private school. He entered the Royal College of Surgeons and studied medicine, qualifying as a medical doctor and earning the advanced qualification, Doctor of Medicine (MD), probably from Trinity College. Initially, he had his practice in Adare, but subsequently moved to Pallaskenry. In his late 20s, he began to suffer from a painful affliction of his knee and hip, which became quite severe. He was a dedicated researcher and contributed academic papers to medical journals, including, The Medical and Physical Journal and The Dublin Journal of Medical Science. He wrote a ‘Treatise on Fever’, an essay on the nature of pain, and, with his brother as co-author, a paper on ‘Observations on Functional Afflictions of the Spinal Cord and Ganglionic System of Nerves’. He was said to be preparing a paper on cholera at the time of his death. He died in Pallaskenry in 1848. He was an older brother of the writer, Gerald Griffin (qv). (Holmes, v.171, No.1)

 

Guinane, Br Michael (1905-1985), Religious Brother

Michael Guinane, son of William Guinane and Margaret Staffe, was born in Coolbeg, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 10 October, 1905, and baptised in Kildimo parish church two days later. He attended the local National School, before entering the Presentation Brothers’ Preparatory School, Mount St Joseph, Cork, on 26 October, 1922. He received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Clement, on 3 April, 1923. On completion of his novitiate, he made his religious profession on 12 April, 1925. He taught in Presentation schools in Cork, Glasthule, Bray, Dungannon, Carrick-on-Shannon, and England. He spent his retirement years in Turner’s Cross, Cork, where he died on 1 November, 1985. He was buried in the cemetery attached to Mount St Joseph, Cork. He was a man with a remarkable memory, needing to hear facts, such as dates of birth, only once, to remember them ever after. In his youth, he was an enthusiastic and effective hurler. He was a brother of Rev William Guinane (qv). (FPM Archives, 2009)

 

Guinane, Rev William (1915-1982), Clergyman

William Guinane, son of William Guinane and Margaret Staffe, was born in Coolbeg, Kildimo, on 17 September, 1915. He was educated at the local national school, after which he  attended the Christian Brothers secondary school, Limerick. Feeling called to the priesthood, he entered All Hallows Seminary, Dublin, where he completed his ecclesiastical studies and was ordained priest on 23 August, 1940. He was then accepted as a diocesan priest in the English diocese of Arundel and Brighton. His first appointment was to Catford, after which he was appointed curate in Morden (1940-1957). After seventeen years he was transferred to Angmering, West Sussex (1957-61), in the same capacity. In 1961, he was appointed parish priest of Seaford, East Sussex, where he remained until his retirement in 1980. He died on 1 August, 1982, and was buried in Seaford. He was a brother of Br Michael Guinane (qv). (A&B Archives, 2009)

 

Guiry, Rev Joseph (1926-1983), Clergyman

Joseph Guiry was born in Kilfinny, Co. Limerick, on 19 November, 1926. He was educated at St Munchin’s College, Limerick, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 22 June, 1952. After ordination, he served with St Patrick’s Missionary Society (Kiltegan) in Nigeria for three years. In 1955, he was recalled to the diocese of Limerick and sent as curate to Abbeyfeale. Subsequently, he served in the same capacity in St John’s, Limerick City (1955-1958), Ballyhahill (1958-1963), Coolcappagh (1963-1965) and Shanagolden (1965-1968). In March, 1968, he was appointed curate in Askeaton/ Ballysteen, where he served until his retirement, owing to multiple sclerosis, in August, 1974. He continued, however, to live in Askeaton until his death on 23 September, 1983. He was buried in the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic church, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. (LDA)

 

 

 

Hanrahan, John (d.1897), School Principal

John Hanrahan, long-time Principal of Shauntrade National School, Adare, began his teaching career in Foynes, as a temporary assistant teacher. By 1856, he had a permanent post, under the National Board of Education, as an assistant teacher in Kilcornan National School. From there, he moved to Shauntrade National School as Principal in 1864. His salary was then £24 p.a. He enjoyed a long career in Shaountrade, continuing as Principal until his death on 15 August, 1897. It is likely that John Hanrahan never attended a Teacher Training College. This does not, however, mean that he was not a qualified teacher, since, in those days, under the regulations of the National Board, there were provisions whereby teachers could study in private and take a series of examinations, culminating in a full teacher’s certificate. At the time, there was also a demanding inspection system, in the course of which the work of teachers was regularly observed in the classroom and their pupils methodically tested. (Pierce, 1984, 59-63)

 

Hardwick, Philip Charles (1822-92), Architect

Philip Charles Hardwick, son of the architect, Philip Hardwick (1792-1870), and his wife, Julia Shaw, was born in London on 12 September, 1822. He studied under the French architect, Edward Blore, before joining his father’s architectural business in 1843. After establishing himself in England, he was given commissions in Ireland, He designed St John’s Cathedral, Limerick (1861), and drew up plans for the restoration of both abbeys in Adare, the Augustinian one for the Church of Ireland, and the Trinitarian one for Catholics. He also added a new wing, including the Wyndham Tower, to the Manor in Adare. He then went on to design the layout of the Manor gardens, the plan of which was based on a geometrical pattern. Like his more famous father, he designed many notable buildings in England, including Charterhouse School, several churches and railway stations, especially the Great Hall of Euston Station. He married Helen Eaton of Swansea on 15 August, 1872, and they had three sons and two daughters. He died at his home, Park Lane, London, on 27 January, 1892, and was buried in Kensal Green cemetery. (Port, ODNB, 2009)

 

Harley, Rev Christopher (c.1880-1952), Clergyman

Christopher Burkitt Harley, born about 1880, attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained his BA in 1900 and passed his divinity test in 1901. He was ordained deacon for the Church of Ireland in 1901 and priest in 1903. He took up the post of curate in Kilcornan (1901-1904), after which he held similar appointments in Murreagh (1904-1908), Mallow (1908-1911), Novohal (1911-1919) and Marmullane (1919-1932). In 1932, he was appointed rector in Castlemagner, where he remained until 1944. He married and had a son, Geoffrey. Rev Harley died on 16 January, 1952. (Leslie, 1936, 256)

 

Hartigan, Rev Patrick (1862-1947), Clergyman

Patrick Hartigan was baptised in his native parish, Parteen, on 8 January, 1862. He matriculated on 24 September, 1878, and began his ecclesiastical studies at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, the same year. On completion of his studies, he was ordained in Maynooth on 24 June, 1889. After ordination, he went on loan to the archdiocese of Edinburgh for some years. On his return to the diocese of Limerick, he was curate, successively, in Monagea (1893-1894) and Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1894-1914). On 7 October, 1914, he was transferred as curate and administrator to Mahoonagh (1914-1918). In 1918, he was appointed Parish Priest of Tournafulla (1918-1924), but returned to Mahoonagh as Parish Priest in 1924, remaining there until his death on 3 July, 1937. He was buried there in the church grounds. Older people in Ballysteen had stories of him, travelling on horseback to do his rounds. He was a striking figure on a horse and was rarely seen without his whip. (Tobin, 2004, 47)

 

Hartstonge, Price (1692-1743), MP

Price Hartstonge, eldest son of Sir Standish Hartstonge and Anne Price, was born in Bruff, Co. Limerick, in 1692. He was appointed portreve (chief magistrate) of St Canice’s, Kilkenny, and became a member of parliament for Charleville from 1727 to 1743. He married Alice Widenham (1720), daughter and co-heir of Henry Widenham, Court, Kildimo, and, through her, came into a substantial estate, including the townlands of Dromore and Court. They had one son, Henry, and three daughters, Lucy, Mary and Alice. The Hartstonge family came originally from Norfolk and they acquired a large estate in Bruff when Ralph Hartstonge married Thomasina Curzon of Bealaha, Co. Clare, who held lands formerly belonging to the de Lacy family in Bruff. Sir Thomas Hartstonge qualified as a lawyer at the Middle Temple in 1657 and became a member of the King’s Inns in Dublin in 1659. He became Recorder of Limerick in 1661 and a member of Parliament for that city the same year. He became Third Baron of the Exchequer in 1680 and was created 1^st Baronet Hartstonge of Bruff on 30 April, 1681. Price died in 1794. His son, Henry, married Lucy Pery, members of whose family became Earls of Limerick. (Legg, 2004, 12-14; ‘Limerick Papers’, NLI)

 

Harty, Rev William(1885-1954), Clergyman

William Harty was born in Limerick and baptised in his parish church, St Mary’s, on 4 March, 1885. He attended St Munchin’s College, Limerick, followed by St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his ecclesiastical studies and was ordained there on 20 June, 1909. After ordination, he served for some time in the archdiocese of Westminster before taking up appointments as curate, successively, in Effin (1912-1917), Glenroe (19171-1918), Castlemahon (1918), Ballingarry (1918-1921), Rathkeale (1921-1924) and St Michael’s, Limerick City (1924-1932). In 1932, he was appointed Administrator in St Michael’s Limerick and Parish Priest of Bulgaden in 1937. Subsequently, he was Parish Priest in St Mary’s Limerick (1938-1946), before his transfer to Askeaton-Ballysteen as Parish Priest on 7 February, 1946. After falling into ill-health, he resigned as Parish Priest of Askeaton on 14 April, 1948, retiring to Waterford to live with his brother. He died there on 14 March, 1954, and was buried in Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 47)

 

Hassard, Rev Edward (1800-1886), Clergyman

Edward Hassard, second son of George Hazzard, was born in Skea, Fermanagh, and baptised on 31 August, 1800. He was educated in Mr Martin’s private school, from where he entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 February, 1816, aged 15. He graduated with a BA (1819) and an MA (1829). He was successful in both his divinity test and his BD in 1826. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland (diocese of Cloyne) on 19 December, 1830, and priest on 23 February, 1834. His first appointment was as curate in Timoleague, Co. Cork (1830-1832), after which he was made curate in Collon, diocese of Armagh (1832-1843). He then moved to the diocese of Limerick where he was curate in Rathkeale (1843-1850) and prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan (1850-1856), in succession to Rev James Bouchier. Hassard resigned this post in 1856 to take up a position as chancellor of the diocese of Limerick (1856-1872). On 15 September, 1855, he married Mary Anne Gibb from Brighton, Surrey. He died without issue on 17 July, 1873. His widow, Mary Anne, died on 2 July, 1886. (Leslie, 1936, 59, 99, 231)

 

Haworth, Rev John L (1928-03), Clergyman

John Lutrell Haworth, son of Athol Haworth, and Muriel Lutrell, was born in Dublin on 11 November, 1928. He was educated at Chesterfield Grammar School and Multifarnham College. He worked for some years as a business representative before deciding to study for the sacred ministry. He entered the Church of Ireland Theological College in 1964 and completed his theological studies. He was ordained Deacon in 1966 and Priest in 1967. One of his first appointments was to Keenagh, Co. Longford (1967-71). He was then appointed Rector in Ballymacelligott before his transfer to Kinneigh, Co. Cork (1972-76) and then to Ballineen (1976-78). In 1978 he was appointed Rector of the Askeaton/Kilcornan/ Kildimo Union. Subsequent appointments included Rector in Ballina, Monasterevin, Kiltegan and Fermoy, from where he retired in 1996. His retirement years were spent in Myrtleville, Crosshaven, Co. Cork. In 1955, he married Rose Treacy from Cork and they had a family of two boys (David and Brian) and a girl (Patricia). Rev Haworth died 2 June, 2003, and is buried in Crosshaven, Co. Cork. (Haworth, R, 2007).

 

Hayden, Arnold (c1893-1916), WW 1 Casualty

Arnold Hayden, son of Thomas and Louise Hayden, Adare, Co. Limerick, was killed in action, during World War I, on 4 May, 1916. He was a member of 14^th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. The Royal Irish Rifles regiment was formed in 1881 by redesignation of the 83^rd Regiment of Foot and the 86^th (Royal County Down) regiment of Foot. In 1921, they became the Royal Ulster Rifles. The 14^th (Young Citizens) Battalion was formed in Belfast in September, 1914. They saw action in the Battle of the Somme, at Theipval Wood. It was during this battle that Arnold, a rifleman, was shot dead. His grave is in Beauval Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. (McNamara, 2000, 311)

 

Haydn, Rev John (1845-1920), Clergyman

John Armour Haydn was born in Tallow, Co. Carlow, in 1845. He was educated in Youghal and Fermoy, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 1 July, 1872, aged 17. He obtained his BA degree in 1866, his MA in 1870 and both LLB and LLD in 1871. Having passed his divinity test in 1867, he was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1868 and priest in 1869 (for the diocese of Limerick). His first appointment was as curate in St Michael’s. Limerick (1868-1869), after which he was appointed vicar and rector of Chapelrussel, Pallaskenry (1869-1872). He was rector in Nantenan for several years (1873-1918), during which time, he also held of prependary of St Munchins and treasurer of the diocese of Limerick (1906-1912). Subsequently, he held the post of chancellor of the diocese of Limerick (1912-`1913). On 29 April, 1873, he married Louise Young of Coalisland, Co. Tyrone, and they had a family of two sons and one daughter. Haydn was a skilled musician and composer of sacred music. In 1918, in the face of declining health, he resigned the post of archdeacon, which he had held since 1913. He died on 21 May, 1920. (Leslie, 11936, 60, 69, 78, 87, 203, 214, 388)

 

Hayes, Rev Michael (1870-1934), Clergyman

Michael Hayes, a native of Rathkeale,  Co. Limerick, was baptised in his parish church on 1 January, 1870.  He attended St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 21 June, 1896. His early appointments, immediately after ordination, are not recorded, but we know that he was curate, successively, in Parteen (1899-1900); St Mary’s (1900-02); St John’s (1902-04).  On 12 April, 1904, he was appointed to teach at St Munchin’s College (1904-06), after which he resumed his pastoral ministry, as curate, in Killeedy (1906-07); Tournafulla (1907-08); St Munchin’s (1908-11); Monagea (1912-13); Newcastle West (1913-24). On 29 September, 1924, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan) and was transferred to Ardagh in the same capacity on 20 January, 1929. He remained there until he was transferred to the Mater Hospital, Dublin, shortly before his death on 16 June, 1934, at the age of 64. While stationed in Limerick, he served as chaplain to the Mercy Convent (1900-01), St John’s Hospital (1902-03) and Presentation Convent (1904). In 1920, he adopted the Irish version of his name, Miceál Ó h-Aodha. It was he who built the present presbytery in Kilcornan and who re-roofed the church there. (Tobin, 2004, 48-49; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 100)

 

Heavenor, Rev Daniel (1904-1977), Clergyman.

Daniel Miner Stearns Heavenor was born in the USA on 10 September, 1904. His grandparents came from Pallaskenry and immigrated to the USA during the Great Famine. He was ordained in 1957 and became Priest-in-Charge of the Church of Ireland Parishes of Askeaton/ Kilcornan from 1974-77.  He returned to the USA in 1977 and died there on 21 October, 1977. His body was cremated and his ashes brought back to Ireland and buried in the grounds attached to the Church of Ireland, Castletown, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. (Crockford).

 

Hevenor, Pat ( 1930-2010), Local Historian

Patrick (Pat) Heavenor was a descendant of a Palatine family, which settled in Pallaskenry in the eighteenth century. Son of Patrick Hevenor and his wife, Catherine Ward, from Mellon, Pat was born in Ballydoole, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 8 June, 1930. He was educated at Pallaskenry National school, after which he worked for a time on the family farm, before taking up a permanent post with the Irish Land Commission. He married Joan Naughton from Limerick and they had a family of one boy, Pat, and two girls, Kathleen and Joan. Pat was generous with his time and talents in the service of the local community and was chairman of the Pallaskenry Community Council. He had a great interest in local history and was editor of the book, Pallaskenry: A Look Back (2002). An insightful and persistent researcher, he traced the history of his own family, starting with his ancestor, Heinrich Hevenor, born in 1669 in the German palatinate, who emigrated to Ireland and settled in Ballydoole, Pallaskenry, in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. His research findings were incorporated in a valuable booklet, entitled, ‘Heavenor: From Germany to Ballydoole, c.1700'. Pat died on 2 January, 2010, aged 80 years, and was buried in the family burial plot in Killurach cemetery, Pallaskenry. He was survived by his wife, Joan, son Pat, and two daughters, Kathleen and Joan. (Hevenor, J, 2010)

 

Hewson, Betty (1910-1956), Joint Master of Hunt

Rachel Elizabeth (‘Betty’) Hewson, daughter of Gilbert Hewson TD and his wife, Kathleen Violet Hewson, was born in Castlehewson, Askeaton, on 10 May, 1910. An only girl, with one brother, Maurice Hewson (1912-1998), she represented the seventh generation of Hewsons at Castlehewson. Betty was a keen horsewoman and a dedicated follower of the Stonehall Harriers pack. She became Joint Master of the Hunt for the Stonehall Harriers and retained this responsibility until her early death on 3 August, 1956, aged 46 years. She was interred in the family cemetery at Castlehewson, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. (BIFR, 1976, 586)

 

Hewson, James (1783-18), Landed Gentry

James Hewson, son of George Hewson and his wife, Barbara Purcell, was born in Enniscouch, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, in 1783. He married (1824) his cousin, Mary Hewson of Castlehewson, and they had five sons (James John, William Maxwell, John Arthur, Henry George and Arthur Francis). He purchased Hollywood House and estate, Adare, and settled there. On his death, the house and estate passed to his eldest son, James John (1856-1913). Both father and son were buried in the Hewson family cemetery, Castelhewson, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. (BIFH, 1976, 585-586)

 

Hewson, Maureen (1931-1990), School Principal

Maureen Garvey was born on 21 March, 1931, in Ballyea, Inagh, Co. Clare. She was educated at Gortbofarna National School, Inagh, Presentation Convent, Mountmellick, and Carysfort Teachers College, Dublin, where she qualified as a national teacher in 1951. After a first appointment in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, she came to Askeaton as assistant teacher in 1953. She married Vincent Hewson on 25 June, 1959, and went to live in Milltown, Ballysteen. They had a family of three boys (John, Vincent and Clement) and three girls (Mary, Nicola and Una). Maureen was an active member of many local, cultural, heritage and community- building organisations, including Ballysteen Comhaltas, ICA and Local Radio Organising Committee. She was a life-long enthusiast for the Irish language and culture. She took early retirement from her post of principal of the junior school in Askeaton in 1978. During the months preceding her death, Maureen supervised the compilation of the book, A History of Askeaton and Ballysteen (Askeaton/ Ballysteen ICA, 1991), which was published after her death. The proceeds of this book went to Milford House Hospice, where she died on 10 September, 1990. She is buried in Kilcornan Cemetery, Co. Limerick. (Hewson, U, 2007).

 

Hewson, Robert (1875-), Army Officer

Robert Francis Hewson, son of George James Hewson and his wife, Elizabeth Hewson, was born in Hollywood House, Adare, on 21 October, 1875. He joined the British army and served in the East African Campaign, rising to the rank of section commander. The East African campaign was started by German forces in German African territories during World War I, with the intention of diverting British resources from the European theatre of war. The campaign ranged over the territories now known as Mozambique, Eastern Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Burundi and Ruanda. This campaign finally ended with the signing of the British-German armistice. He was a brother of William Hewson (qv). (BIFR, 1976, 586)

 

Hewson, William (1858-1885), Army Surgeon

William Maxwell Hewson, son of George James Hewson and his wife, Elizabeth Hewson, was born in Hollywood House, Adare, in 1858. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he qualified in medicine. He then entered the British Army as a medical officer and was stationed in Korsco, Egypt, at the time of his death, on 30 October, 1885. He was buried in Egypt. He was a brother of Robert Hewson (qv). (BIFR, 1976, 585)

 

Hickey, Rev James (c1825-1871), Clergyman

James Hickey born about 1825, was Parish Priest of Askeaton/ Ballysteen in succession to Father Raleigh, who was transferred to Rathkeale in 1863. Though Begley describes him as a ‘Cashel priest’, Hamell does not confirm this, and it is probable that Begley is confusing him with another priest of the same name. Our Fr Hickey had previously been Parish Priest of Donoughmore. He matriculated in Maynooth in the humanities class on 3 November, 1843. He was a nephew of Dr Ryan, Bishop of Limerick (1828-1864) and his appointment to Askeaton/ Ballysteen was said to result from a misunderstanding between Dr Ryan and his better-known co-adjutor, Bishop Butler. Father Hickey died on 20 July, 1871. (Begley, III, 602; Toomey and Greensmyth, 1991, 129-130; Hamell, 1982)                                   

 

Higgins, Rev William (1837-1917), Clergyman

William Higgins was baptised on 24 December, 1837, and matriculated at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 9 September, 1864. He was in the Physics class (an unusual subject of study in a seminary at that period). After completion of his philosophy and theology, he was ordained in Maynooth on 14 June, 1868, and then appointed curate, successively, in Knockaderry (1869-1883) and St John’s (1883-1886). On 15 December, 1886, he was appointed Administrator of St John’s and remained there until his appointment as Parish Priest of Askeaton/ Ballysteen on 25 March, 1890. He remained in this post only two years, however, before being transferred on 15 February, 1892, to Effin as Parish Priest. He died in Effin on 2 February, 1917, and is buried there. (Tobin, 2004, 50).

 

Hill, Rev Arundel (c1836), Clergyman

Arundel Hill, son of Thomas Hill (qv) of Mount Pleasant, Kildimo, was reported as living in Bolane Cottage, Kildimo, by Lewis (1836). He married the daughter of Rev George Franklin (1762-1840), who was Perpetual Curate in Kildimo in 1817. (Lewis, 1836)

 

Hill, Richard (1840), Landed Gentry

Richard Hill, probably son of Thomas Hill, is listed as the leaseholder of the townland of Mount Pleasant, Ardcanny, Co. Limerick, by both John O’Donovan (1840) and Richard Griffith (1850). The owner of the townland was the Earl of Charleville, since it was part of the Bury estate. Richard Hill is buried in the Hill tomb in Castletown cemetery, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. The family is thought to be descended from Captain William Hill, a cavalry officer in Cromwell’s army. He played an active part in Cromwell’s Irish campaign and was rewarded with various parcels of land, including some in Doneraile. The Doneraile branch of the family acted as agents for Viscount Doneraile and, subsequently, became associated with the St Leger family through marriage. (Griffith, 1850, 9; O’Donovan, 1840, 103)

 

Hindley, Rev Hugh (c.1674 -1721), Clergyman

Hugh Hindley or Henly, son of Peter Hindley, was born in Lancashire. He was educated privately by his father and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 29 June, 1692, at the age of eighteen.  He graduated with a BA degree in 1696. After ordination as a clergyman of the Church of Ireland, he held an appointment as rector and vicar at Kilflyn from 1708 to 1721. He was installed as Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, on 19 August, 1720. He died on 5 September, 1721. (Leslie, 1936, 97, 177, 196, 269)

 

Hogan, Rev Cyril (d.1990), Clergyman

Cyril Hogan, son of Richard and Anne Hogan, was born in Gortnagrour, Adare,  Co. Limerick. On completion of his secondary schooling, he began his studies for the priesthood at All Hallows College, Dublin, and, after ordination, went to minister in New Zealand. He was attached to the Auckland diocese and worked in several parishes there. Whenever, he came home on holidays, he also visited the Convent of Mercy, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, where his sister, Maureen (qv), was a member of the community. On one occasion, during a visit to the convent, he suffered a severe heart attack and, after a partial recovery, it was felt that his delicate health would not permit him to return his regular parish work in New Zealand. It was, therefore, arranged with the bishop of Portsmouth that Fr Cyril would stay in Shanklin and act as chaplain to St Anthony’s Convent of Mercy. He continued this chaplaincy work until his last illness. He died in Shanklin on 1 April, 1990. His remains were conveyed back to Adare by some Sisters of Mercy from St Anthony’s convent, and were interred in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare, Co. Limerick. (RSM archives. Shankley; Hogan, A, 2010)

 

Hogan, Rev Thomas (c1874-1944), Clergyman

Thomas Hogan was born about 1874 and educated at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He did postgaduate studies in Dunboyne College and was ordained on 28 June, 1897. His first appointment was as curate in Parteen (1897-98), after which he was assigned to teach at St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He continued teaching until 3 July, 1920, when he was appointed President of St Munchin’s College. In November, 1925, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kildimo/Pallaskenry. After one year, however, he was transferred to Parteen as Parish Priest and remained there only one year also. On 16 July, 1927, he was transferred to Ballingarry as Parish Priest. On 7 March, 1936, he was transferred to Abbeyfeale as Parish Priest, where he remained until his sudden death on 4 June, 1944, aged 70. While teaching at St Munchin’s College, he also served as chaplain to the boys’ orphanage (1902-04) and to Marie Reparatrice Convent (1911-19). He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter and Vicar Forane on 7 March, 1936. (Tobin, 2004, 50)

 

Hogan, Sr Maureen (1909-1988), Religious Sister

Maureen Hogan, daughter of Richard and Anne Hogan, was born in Gortnagrour, Adare, Co. Limerick, on 30 May, 1909. She attended the local National School and the Convent of Mercy, Adare. She joined the Sisters of Mercy at Wanstead, England, on 15 August, 1925. At the end of her novitiate, she made her first profession at Wanstead on 17 April, 1928, and her final profession on 18 April, 1931. She attended Teacher Training College and qualified as a teacher and taught at Wanstead for several years. In 1946, she was transferred to St Anthony’s Convent, Shanklin, Isle of Wight. In the autumn of that year, she joined the staff of St Wilfred’s Catholic School, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, and taught there until her retirement. She was principal of St Wilfred’s for ten years. She was also superior of St Anthony’s convent. Some weeks before her death, she was moved to a nursing home in Ryde, Isle of Wight. The chief celebrant at her funeral Mass was her brother, Fr Cyril Hogan (qv), who came from New Zealand for the occasion. Another twenty priests concelebrated the Mass in the sanctuary. She died of a coronary on 3 December, 1988, and was buried in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. (RSM Archives, Shankley, 2010).

 

Hourigan, Rev David (1906-1943), Clergyman

David Hourigan, son of Thomas Hourigan and his wife, Maria Hanley, was born in Moig West, Castletown, Pallaskenry, on 12 July, 1906. He completed his primary schooling in Pallaskenry National School, before entering the Salesian College, Pallaskenry. He was one of the first students to enter this college, which opened in December, 1919. In November, 1921, he entered the Salesian Congregation, in Cowley, Oxford, and, on completion of his novitiate, he made his religious profession in 1922. He then began his studies in philosophy. In 1923, he volunteered for the missions and was sent to Hong Kong, where he completed his priestly studies and was ordained priest in 1931. Having mastered the Chinese language (Contonese dialect), he was appointed Prefect of Studies and he worked happily in Hong Kong until 1934, when his health deteriorated and he was sent back to England to recuperate. There he was engaged in parish work until the outbreak of World War II, when he volunteered to minister as a chaplain to the forces. He was with his regiment in the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Following the successful Allied campaign in North Africa, a special force, amounting to about 160,000 troops was assembled to invade Sicily, as a first step to capturing mainland Italy. Fr Hourigan, as chaplain to a British parachute regiment, was parachuted into Sicily. Here his knowledge of Italian was a great help and he insisted on keeping up with the advance troops during the invasion of the island. It was during this advance that death came suddenly out of the darkness. He was killed by an exploding shell in Sicily on 10 July, 1943. He was buried in Syracuse War Cemetry in that island. He is also commemorated on a memorial panel in the chapel of the Armed Forces centre in Amport House, Hampshire, England. (McNamara 2006; Hourigan, P, 2009)

 

Hudner, Rev James (1935-2009), Clergyman.

James Hudner, son of Richard Hudner and his wife, Johanna Lee, was born in Effin, Co Limerick, on 16 November, 1935. He was educated at the local National school, after which he attended St Munchin’s College, Limerick, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained in Maynooth on 19 June, 1960. After ordination, he spent two years on loan to the archdiocese of Cardiff. On his return to Ireland in 1962, he took up a post as curate in Feenagh/Kilmeedy (1961-62). After this, he was curate in Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1963), Glenroe/Ballyorgan (1963-64) and St Munchin’s Limerick (1964). He was then transferred to Mahoonagh as curate and remained there until failing health forced him to enter a nursing home in Croagh, Co. Limerick. He died on 25 August, 2009, and was buried in the church grounds in Castlemahon, Co. Limerick. (LDA)

 

Hunt, Sir Vere (1761-1818), M.P.

Vere Hunt’s ancestors came from Gosforth, Essex, and the first of the family to come to Ireland seems to have been John Hunt, one of the ’49 Officers’ in the English forces. Vere was born in Curraghchase in 1761, son of Vere Hunt and Anne Browne, of Newgrove, Co. Clare. In his youth he showed an interest in literature and the theatre (which was to re-emerge more forcibly in his grandson, Aubrey Thomas de Vere). In 1783, he was appointed Major in the Fencible Regiment, raised at the close of the American Wars. In 1784, he married Elinor Perry, daughter of Lord Glentworth, Protestant Bishop of Limerick. In 1784, he was made a baronet, Sir Vere Hunt. Subsequently, he became High Sheriff of Limerick and was commissioned at the outbreak of the French wars to raise two levies. While attached to the 135^th regiment in Southampton, he was appointed colonel.

            On his return to Ireland, he purchased one of the Askeaton Parliamentary seats in 1797. His time in parliament was short-lived, however, since Askeaton was disenfranchised with the passing of the Act of Union in 1800. Though Sir Vere was listed for compensation of £1,100 (in lieu of his seat in Parliament), he experienced difficulty in obtaining this money, as well as payment for his army services. It is said that his disappointment with the Dublin administration in this matter turned him into an Anglo-Irish nationalist. Concerning the Act of Union, he is on record as saying that it was ‘a measure which my honour was bound to but my soul revolted at’ (Nolan,)

            The great work of Sir Vere Hunt’s life, however, was his scheme to build the model town of New Birmingham in Glengoole, County Tipperary, and to turn it into a prosperous industrial centre. Sir Vere had inherited the Glengoole estate from his father, and, in collaboration with the Parish Priest, Father Meigan, he attempted to extract coal from the ground in commercial quantities. He was bitterly disappointed at the failure of the British Government to support his far-sighted enterprise. Though several buildings were erected, and a new town was on the verge of being established, the coal extraction failed to become a profitable business and, after Sir Vere’s death on 11 August, 1818, his successors allowed the project to founder and eventually fail.

            Sir Vere had only one son, Sir Aubrey Hunt (qv). It was he who changed the surname from ‘Hunt’ to ‘De Vere’, which was the family name of his aristocratic great grandmother, five generations removed. The adoption of the De Vere surname finally separated the Hunts (as in Incherourke) from the De Veres of Curraghchase. (BIFR, 1976; Nolan, 2007)

 

Hurst, William (d.1825), Murder Victim

An inquest into the death of William Hurst, late of Rockfield House, Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, was conducted by Mr Cox, Limerick County Coroner, on Saturday 11 June, 1825. Among those attending the inquest were Mr John Waller (qv), Castletown; Mr Bolton Waller (qv); Edward Fitzgerald of Rockfield and Thomas P Volkes (qv), Chief Police Magistrate. A verdict of ‘wilful murder’ was returned against Patrick Kirby, aided by Margaret Dillon, both from the area. The two prisoners were committed for trial at the Limerick Assizes. Ms Dillon is alleged to have had a relationship, extending over several months, with the deceased. It was alleged by police that the murder had been planned for some time, and that, when Kirby came upon the couple on the grounds of Rockfield House, he was armed with a hatchet, the imprint of which was found on the skull of the deceased. When the police visited Kirby’s home, they found a hatchet, recently washed and cleaned, the blunt end of which, they claimed, fitted the marks on the victim’s head. Kirby, was convicted at the Limerick assizes and hanged, though some locals doubted that he was the real murderer. Ms Dillon is believed to have emigrated to Australia. (Cavan Herald, 14 June, 1825; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 180-81)

 

Ingram, Rev Edward (d.1714), Clergyman

Rev Edward Ingram was appointed vicar chorister in St Mary’s Church of Ireland cathedral, Limerick, in 1682. The following year, he was appointed vicar in Kilmallock, after which, he held the post of vicar in Clonelty, Co. Limerick, from 1683 to 1714. Since the income from some of these appointments were insufficient to support a clergyman, he held other appointments during some of this time, such as vicar, Kilmurry (1683-1687), and rector and vicar in Adare (1686-1714). He came into prominence in 1683 as one of the Church of Ireland clergy to sign a petition to King James II. It will be recalled that the Irish army of James II was decisively defeated by the forces of William of Orange at the battle of the Boyne in 1690. In his will, dated, 1711, Ingram left the sum of £50 to a ‘new’ hospital in Limerick. He died 21 December, 1714. (Leslie, 1936, 148, 161, 207, 225, 228)

           

Irwin, Rev John (1938-2002), Clergyman

John Irwin, a native of Ballingarry, was born in April, 1938. He attended St Munchin’s College, Limerick, after which he decided to study for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was ordained on 21 June, 1953. After ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Killeedy (1953-59), Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1959-1969) and Rathkeale (1969-1978). On 23 August, 1978, he was appointed Administrator of the parish of Cappagh and remained in this post until he was appointed Parish Priest of Kilcornan on 7 July, 1982. On 21 August, 1987, he was transferred to Dromin/ Athlacca as Parish Priest, and he remained in this post until his transfer to Monagea as Parish Priest on 13 September, 1997. He died, after a short illness, on 8 January, 2002. (LDA)

 

Jones, Rev Henry (c.1828-1861), Clergyman

Henry Hampdon Jones, son of Rev John Jones, was born in county Wicklow about 1828. He received his early education at Dr King’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 July, 1848, aged 20. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1854 and priest in 1855. He was appointed curate in Holy Trinity, Cork City, before his transfer to Adare as curate, the same year. On 6 January, 1861, he married, Annie Dillon, daughter of Colonel Dillon, 18^th Royal Irish Regiment, in Adare. Tragedy struck weeks later, however, when he died of fever, on 25 February, 1861, aged 32 years. He was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. (Leslie, 1936, 164)

 

Jones, Rev Samuel (c.1770- 1849), Clergyman

Samuel Jones was born in county Clare about 1770. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 3 January, 1791, aged 20. He obtained his BA degree in 1796 and his MA in 1832. He was the founder of the ‘Kildimo Seminary’, an institution for the training of teachers in schools and institutions operated by the proselytising organisation, the London Hibernian Society. The ‘seminary’, established by Rev Jones in Wicklow in 1807, was moved to Kildimo when he transferred there as perpetual curate in 1808. The ‘seminary’ continued to operate in Kildimo until 1817, when it was closed, following an investigation into alleged irregularities in its administration. Though Rev Jones was considered to be responsible for any shortcomings in the administration of the ‘seminary’, he was held in high regard by his colleagues in the ministry in the diocese of Limerick. The ‘seminary’ received generous funding from both the British Government and the Association for the Discountenancing of Vice. On receiving a report on the alleged irregularities, in 1817, the latter association withdrew funding and closed the ‘seminary’. Rev Jones, however, continued to minister as perpetual curate in Kildimo and was subsequently appointed prebendary of Ardcanny. John O’Donovan found him in Mellon Glebe, when he visited it in 1840, and listed him as ‘rector’ of Ardcanny. A report in 1825 stated that a total of 89 young men had received training as teachers for Protestant schools and educational institutions, in Rev Jones’ ‘seminary’ between 1807 and 1817. Rev Jones seems to have been married twice. He is listed as marrying Anne Hill of Tarbert at Ardcanny on 1 February, 1831, and, in the 1850s, he married Harriet Forster (d.1856), by whom he had issue. He replied to allegations of mismanagement of the ‘seminary’ in a Statement, published in Dublin in 1828. He died on 4 October, 1849, and was buried in Kilurach cemetery, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. (Leslie, 1936, 130; Quane, 1972; Jones, 1828; O’Donovan, 1840)

 

Joynt, Dudley (c.1685-c.1759), Huguenot Descendant

Dudley Joint, son of Christopher Joynt and Ann Stokes, Tiermore, Shanagolden, was born before 1685. He was of Huguenot extraction and, like several members of his family, was closely associated with civic affairs in County Limerick. His grandfather was Sheriff of County Limerick c.1659 and connected with the Cromwellian administration in Ireland. Dudley married Rose Galbraith, daughter of an officer in the army of William of Orange, from Cappard, Co. Galway, on 19 May, 1729, and settled in Ballinacourty, Ballysteen. In October, 1746, he leased land in Ballinvoher, Ballysteen, from Wyndham Quin, Adare, and also acquired a lease of other lands in Morgans, Askeaton.  Like some other members of his family, he left a detailed will (1759-60) making arrangements for the disposal of his property among his five sons and three daughters. He died about 1759 and, like his son, William, lies buried in the Joynt vault at Beigh cemetery, Ballysteen. He is a distant relation of the Lane-Joynt family in Dromoher, Pallaskenry. (‘Joint, William, Descendants’)

 

Keating, Sr Senan (1905-1970), School Principal

Margaret Keating, daughter of Michael and Mary Keating, was born in Kilrush, Co. Clare, on 10 April, 1905. She was educated at Kilrush National School and at boarding school, before entering the Sisters of Mercy, at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, on 11 April, 1936. At her reception, she received a new religious name, Sister Senan, by which she was subsequently generally known. Her new patron saint, Senan, born near her hometown of Kilrush in the 6^th century, founded a famous monastery in Inis Cathaigh or Scattery Island in the Shannon estuary. On completion of her novitiate, Sister Senan made her religious profession on 17 January, 1939. She then attended Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College, where she qualified as a primary teacher. After teaching for some years in Limerick, she was appointed principal of the Mercy Convent school in Adare in the early 1960s. She spent her later years in St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, where she died on 16 May, 1970, at the age of 65 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s convent, Limerick. ( RSM archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

Kelleher, Br Francis (1888-1962), Religious Brother

Francis Kelleher, son of Francis Kelleher and Johanna Kenrick, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, on 24 March, 1888. His father was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), and was stationed in the area. He attended Ballinacarriga National School, before entering the Presentation Brothers’ Preparatory School, Mount St Joseph, Cork, on 15 August, 1905. On completion of his secondary schooling, he entered the Presentation Brothers, receiving the habit and a new religious name, Brother Carthage, on 24 February, 1906. At the end of his novitiate, he made his religious profession on 18 June, 1908. He qualified as a teacher and taught in England, Dungannon, Canada and Cork. He was both Superior and Director of Novices at Mount St Joseph, Cork, during the years, 1941-44. A cultured, gentle person, he was well-liked by colleagues and students. He died in Greenmount, Cork, on 22 September, 1962, and was buried in the cemetery attached to Mount St Joseph, Cork. His two sisters, Anne Marie (qv) and Harriet (qv), entered the Sisters of Mercy. (FPM archives, 2010)

 

Kelleher, Sr Anna Maria (1882-1940), Religious Sister

Anna Maria Kelleher, daughter of Francis Kelleher and Johanna Kenrick, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, on 13 September, 1882. Her father was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), and was stationed nearby. She attended Ballinacarriga National school before entering the Sisters of Mercy, at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, on 5 April, 1902. She received the habit, with the religious name, Sister Anastasia, on 16 November, 1902. On completing her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 20 December, 1904. She lived all her life in St Mary’s convent, Limerick, dying there on 4 February, 1940. She was interred in the cemetery in the convent grounds. She was a sister of Br Francis Kelleher (qv) Sr Harriet Kelleher (qv). (RSM archives, Limerick, 2009)

 

Kelleher, Sr Harriet (1886-1979), Religious Sister

Harriet Kelleher, daughter of Francis Kelleher and Johanna Kenrick, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, on 26 may, 1886. She attended Ballinacarriga National school and, in December, 1907, entered the Sisters of Mercy, St Mary’s Convent, Limerick. She received the habit on 28 November, 1908, taking Sister Frances as her religious name. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 3 December, 1910. She died on 13 April, 1979, and was buried in St Mary’s Convent, Limerick. She was a sister of Br Francis Kelleher (qv) Sr Anna Maria Kelleher (qv). (RSM archives, Limerick, 2009)

 

Kennedy, George (1916-2000), Joint Master of Hunt

George Kennedy, son of John Kennedy and his wife, Bridget Devane, was born in Cahirconlish, Co. Limerick, on 11 September, 1916. At the age of nine, he came to live with his aunt, Margaret Devane, nee Kennedy, who lived with her husband, Tim Devane, at Cartown, Kildimo. George was educated at Kildimo National School and the Crescent Jesuit College, Limerick. On his aunt’s death, he inherited the farm at Cartown, containing a historic house, formerly the residence of members of the landed gentry. He married Marjorie McDonnell from Shanagolden, and they had four sons, John, Jerome, James and Paul. George, an enthusiastic follower of the hunt, became Joint Master of the Stonehall Harriers in 1956 and continued in that position for the following 35 years. He died on 4 June, 2000, and was buried beside his wife, Marjorie, in Mount St Lawrence, old cemetery, Limerick. Marjorie died on 13 July, 2007. (Kennedy, P, 2010)

 

Kennedy, Rev Richard (1895-1976), Clergyman

Dick Kennedy, son of Richard Kennedy, and his wife, Anna McDonagh, was born in Blossomhill, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 12 December, 1895. He attended Kilcornan National school, before entering the Pallottine scholasticate, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. On completion of his secondary schooling, he joined the Pallottine Congregation (SCA), on 9 September, 1916. When he had completed his philosophy course at St Patrick’s seminary, Thurles, he went to Rome to study theology at the Gregorian University. He was ordained priest in Rome on St Patrick’s Day, 1923.

            After ordination, Fr Kennedy was sent to Argentina, where he ministered in the Buenos Aires area. In 1927, he was appointed Provincial of the Argentinian Province. Subsequently, he moved to Clerkenwell, London, where, in 1937, he became assistant to the new provincial. From 1947 to 1953, he served a second term as provincial of the Argentinian province. In 1953, he was elected Vicar General of the Pallottine Congregation, with special responsibilities for the USA. This necessitated his moving to Wyandotte, Michigan. In 1965, he was assigned to Weatherford, Texas. In 1970, failing health necessitated his return to Ireland, where he later entered a nursing home, settling contentedly in Santa Maria , Cratloe, Co. Clare. He spent the last three years of his life there, dying peacefully on 8 June, 1976. He was buried in the Pallottine burial plot in Cabra cemetery, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. He was a brother of Rev Thomas Kennedy SSC (qv). (SCA archives, 2009)  

 

Kennedy, Rev Thomas (1907-1986), Clergyman

Tom Kennedy, son of Richard Kennedy and his wife, Anna McDonagh, was born in Blossomhill, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, in 1907. He was educated at Kilcornan National School and at Mungret College, Limerick. In 1927, he joined the Society of St Columban (SSC) in Dalgan Park, Navan, Co. Meath. On completion of his seminary training, he was ordained priest in 1933. His early years were spent in promotion work for the missions of the Society. He was appointed bursar in Dalgan Park in 1936. In 1949, he was transferred to St Columban’s, Dowdstown, Navan, where he was again appointed bursar. After another ten years, he was transferred to St Columban’s, Templeogue, Dublin, where he remained until that house closed in 1973. From 1973 until his retirement, he worked in the farm office in Dalgan Park, Navan. He died on 28 April, 1986, and was buried in Dalgan Park. Fr Tom was a brother of Fr Richard Kennedy SCA (qv). (SSC archives, 2010)

 

Kennedy, Sr Alice (1885-1965), Religious Sister

Alice Josephine Kennedy, daughter of Peter Kennedy and Margaret O’Connor, was born in Ballycahane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 26 January, 1885, and baptised at Kilcornan Catholic church the following day. In her youth, she emigrated to the USA and, while living in Brooklyn, New York, joined the Little Sisters of the Poor, New York, on 25 May, 1919. She received the veil, and a new name, Sister St Adolphine, on 12 December, 1919. On completion of her novitiate training, she made her religious profession on 14 June, 1921. She was then transferred to New Orleans, where she worked in one of the Homes operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor. From 1927 to 1928, she was on a spiritual renovation course in France, after which she pronounced her perpetual vows. She then returned to her previous ministry in New Orleans. In 1956, she was transferred to the Little Sisters’ Home in Mobile, Alabama, where she helped care for elderly people. She died there on 1 April, 1965, from cardiac arrest, aged 80 years. She was buried in the burial plot of the Little Sisters of the Poor, in the Catholic cemetery, Mobile, Alabama, USA. (LSP Archives, France, 2010)

 

Kennedy, Timothy (1872-1919), Head Constable

Timothy Joseph Kennedy, son of Patrick Kennedy and his wife, Margaret Quigley, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 5 February, 1872, and baptised in Kildimo church, the next day. He was educated at Ballinacarriga National School and joined the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). An able and ambitious young man, endowed with great height and athletic skill, he soon distinguished himself in active service and reached the rank of sergeant in the force. He was also the recipient of the Queen’s Special Medal for duty during the visit of HM Queen Victoria to Ireland in 1900. Like several other members of the RIC, he transferred from the RIC to the British Army during the Boer War, where he served with the South Irish Horse division of the Imperial Yeomanry for a short period before the signing of the peace treaty at Veereeniging, near Johannesburgh, on 31 May, 1902. Kennedy, however, also managed to distinguish himself in the Boer War, in the course of which he received another award, the Queen’s South African Medal. At the conclusion of the war, he made another career change and transferred to the South African Police Force, where, again, he had a very successful career, rising to the rank of Head Constable of the Western Area. He never married and died in South Africa on 27 August, 1919, aged 47 years. His colleagues erected a plaque to his memory over his grave, in the Western Cape, South Africa.  (McCarthy, A, 2010)

 

Kenrick, Sr Cathleen (1893-1983), Religious Sister

Sister Cathleen Kenrick, daughter of Michael J Kenrick and Mary O’Neill, was born in Ballycanana, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, on 26 July, 1893. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation (Victoria Province, Australia) in 1920, taking the name, Sister Enda. She completed her novitiate at Presentation Convent, St Kilda, and was professed on 22 November, 1923. After qualifying as a teacher, she taught at Presentation schools in the Victoria Province, including St Mary’s East, St Kilda, Glenhuntly, St Joseph’s (as Principal), Presentation College, Windsor, Armadale, St Patrick’s (as Principal), Sacred Heart Heathcote and St Mary’s Dandenong. She visited Ireland twice. She died on 7 December, 1983, aged 90, and was buried in the Presentation Convent cemetery, Windsor, Victoria. (PBVM Archives, Melbourne).

 

Keppel, George Lord (1799-1891), Earl of Albemarle

George Thomas Keppel, sixth Earl of Albemarle, was the second son of William Charles Keppel, fourth Earl of Albemarle (1772-1849) and his first wife, Hon. Elizabeth Southwell (d.1815), daughter of Lord de Clifford. He was born in Marlebone, Middlesex, on 13 June, 1799. He attended Westminster school, after which he entered the army. His battalion was serving in the Netherlands at that period and his commission came through in time for him to be present at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Subsequently, he served in India. After returning home, he served as aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Wellesley, while the latter was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Keppel married Susan, third daughter of Sir Coutts Trotter, on 4 June, 1831, and their son, William, became the seventh Earl of Albemarle. Before George Thomas succeeded to the title, in 1851, he served as a member of parliament and was appointed private secretary to Lord John Russell, British Prime Minister. He died at his London residence, in Portland Square, on 21 February, 1891, and was buried at Quidenham, Norfolk. He owned property in Ireland, including part of the townland of Castleroberts, Adare. (Chichester & Falkner, ODNB, 2009; O’Donovan, 1840, 56)

 

Kerins, Br Anthony (1830-1898), School Principal

Anthony Kerins was born in Oranmore, Co. Galway, in 1830. He attended the Christian Brothers school (CBS) in nearby Clarenbridge and entered that congregation on 29 July, 1846. When receiving the religious habit, he also received a new name, Brother Benedict, by which he was henceforth known. On completion of his novitiate, he was sent to Limerick. He made his religious profession in Limerick at Christmas, 1848, and his final profession in 1851. He was assigned to Adare in April, 1854, when the Earl of Dunraven had completed the building of a monastery and school in Adare. Brother Benedict was appointed first superior and principal in Adare, and he remained in that post for eighteen years, leaving on 10 September, 1872.  Subsequently, he served in Galway and Carriglea, Co. Waterford. He died on 3 May, 1898, aged 68 years. (CFC Necrologies)

 

King, John Sir (d.1676), Baron

Sir John King married Catherine Fenton, heir to the estates of the White Knight (Fitzgibbon), one of three Geraldine hereditary Irish knighthoods, dating from early Norman times. His brother, Robert King, was the ancestor of Lord Edward King (1726-1797), first Earl of Kingston. John King, who was created Baron Kingston by King Charles II in 1660, in addition to his wife’s inheritance, received extensive lands in county Limerick in the Cromwellian settlement of 1666, including some in Kildimo (Ballycasey) and Ardcanny (Killurach). He was succeeded by his eldest son, Robert King (1659-1693), who became second Baron Kingston. The latter took an active part against King James II during the Williamite war in Ireland and, after the defeat of the Jacobite forces, was rewarded with land grants by King William of Orange. He died in December, 1693. The King estate at one time ran to 75,000 acres in counties Cork and Limerick and the family seat was in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. The family established Kingston College in Mitchelstown. (thepeerage.com, 2009; Todd, 2003, passim)

 

Kirby, Rev Thomas (1905-85), Clergyman

Thomas Kirby was born in Bermondsey, South London, in 1905. He was the son of John Kirby and Nora Mulcahy from Killeedy, Co. Limerick. When his parents returned to Ireland, he began his education at Broadford National School, and continued it at Copsewood College, Pallaskenry, St Munchin’s College, Limerick and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was ordained on 29 June 1928, after which he served for some time in Hastings, in the south of England. On his return to Ireland, he held appointments as curate in Templeglantine (1930), Manister (1931) Fedamore (1934) and Croom (1938). He was appointed Parish Priest of Banogue in 1958. He was transferred to Donaghmore in the same capacity in 1961 and, on 14 October, 1969, he was inducted as Parish Priest of Askeaton/ Ballysteen. He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1974. He died on 19 August, 1985, and is buried in the church grounds, Askeaton. While in Askeaton/ Ballysteen, he was responsible for the refurbishment of the churches in both places. (LDA)

 

Kirwan, Rev Anthony (c.1803-1868), Clergyman

Rev Anthony La Touche Kirwan, son of Walter Blake Kirwan, Dean of Kilalla, was born in Dublin about 1803. He was educated in Dr Leney’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 5 November, 1821, aged 18. He obtained a BA degree in 1832 and both BD and DD degrees in 1863. He was licensed as Church of Ireland curate in the parish of Kilkcornan in November, 1836. From there he was promoted to the post of Dean of Kilmacduagh (1839-1849), before becoming Dean of Limerick (1849-1868). On 8 June, 1840, he married Susan Blacker and had one son and one daughter. He was a gifted orator and raconteur. He died suddenly after a Turkish bath on 13 July, 1868. (Leslie, 1936, 40, 225, 255, 303)

 

Kitchener, Philip (1807-1875), Uncle of Lord Kitchener

Philip Elliott Kitchener, son of William Kitchener and his wife, Emma Cripps, was born in Maidenhall, Suffolk, England, on 27 April, 1807. He came to Adare to work with the Earl of Dunraven. Subsequently, he acquired some land. He married Elizabeth and they had issue. In 1833, when part of the estate of the Knight of Glin had to be sold to clear debts, Philip advised his brother, Lt Col. Henry Horatio Kitchener, who had just retired from the British army, to purchase some of this land. In this way, HH Kitchener purchased 2,000 acres for £3,000 at Ballygoghlan, Glin, Co. Limerick. He then began improving the land, using lime from an imposing lime kiln, which he built and which still survives. This was the minor historical incident that led to the purchase of the Kitchener estate in West Limerick and Kerry and the subsequent birth of one of the most distinguished and successful British Generals. We refer to the famous Lord Horatio Kitchener, born in Ballylongford in 1850, who was drowned when his ship, HMS Hampshire, struck a German mine off the Orkneys in 1916. The future Lord Kitchener lived in Ballygoghlan until he was thirteen, when, owing to his mother’s ill-health, his father sold his estates in Ireland. Lord Kitchener saw service in Europe, the Middle East, India and South Africa. He was one of the most decorated British military commanders and was a Field Marshall at the time of his death. Though he did not deny his Irishness by birth, he set little store by it, and, instead, emphasised his Suffolk roots. His uncle, Philip, died in Adare on 30 March, 1875, aged 67 years, and was buried, with some of his family, in the cemetery, attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. (thepeerage.com #345683; FitzGerald, 2009, 30-31)

 

Knox, Rev Edmund (1801-1884), Clergyman

Edmund Dalrymple Hesketh Knox, son of Rt Rev Hon. Edmund Knox (1773-1849), Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick, and his wife, Anne Hesketh, was born in Limerick on 10 April, 1801.  He was licensed as Church of Ireland curate in the parish of Kilcornan in 1835. He also held the post of curate in Rathronan and subsequently became archdeacon of Killaloe in 1836. He died on 6 October, 1884, and was buried in Killaloe. (Leslie, 1936, 270, 334)

 

Langford, Rev Francis (c.1769-1842), Clergyman

Francis Langford, son of John Coplen Langford, and his wife, Jane Fosbery, daughter of Francis Fosbery, Curraghbridge, was born about 1769. He was educated at Mr Crawford’s private school, Limerick, and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 November, 1786. He obtained his BA in 1791 and his MA in 1832. He was ordained priest for the Church of Ireland on 15 March, 1791, and appointed rector of Kilcornan in 1795. He married Margaret Lucinda Stewart and had three daughters and six sons, two of whom, John Thomas Langford (qv) and Francis Langford Jnr (qv), also became Church of Ireland clergymen. John Thomas married Jane Frances Raymond in 1847. Lewis reports the third son, George Langford, as residing in Castlegrey, Kilcornan, in 1835, while Griffith, in 1850, lists his wife, Mrs Langford, as the ‘immediate lessor’ of Castlegrey. The father, Rev Francis Langford, moved to county Cork in 1818, where he became rector of Kilmoe. He died at Crookhaven, Co. Cork, on 9 February, 1842. (Leslie, 1936, 253-254; BIFR, 1976, 686)

 

Langford, Rev Francis Jnr (c.1801- ), Clergyman

Francis Langford, son of Rev Francis Langford (qv), Rector Kilcornan, and his wife, Margaret Stewart, was born in Kilcornan, about 1801. He was educated at Fitzgerald’s private school, Limerick, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 12 October, 1818. He obtained his BA in 1822 and his MA in 1832. He was ordained deacon on 18 December, 1825, and priest, 16 December, 1827. He was then installed as rector of Kilcornan. He subsequently moved to the diocese of Kildare. He is listed in Griffith’s Valuation as holding lands in Moorfield and Morristownbiller, Co. Kildare. He was a son of Rev Francis Langford (qv) and a brother of Rev John Langford (qv). (Leslie, 1936, 255)

 

Langford, Rev John (c.1816- ), Clergyman

John Thomas Langford, son of Rev Francis Langford (qv), Rector of Kilcornan, and his wife, Margaret Stewart, was born in Kilcornan, about 1816. He was educated at Fitzgerald’s private school, Limerick, and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 4 March, 1833. He obtained his BA degree in 1837 and his MA in 1840. He was ordained priest in the Church of Ireland. On 12 February, 1847, he married Jane Frances Raymond, daughter of a barrister-at-law, at Booterstown, Dublin. He was a brother of Rev Francis Langford Jnr (qv). (Leslie, 1936, 253-254)

 

Langrill, Henry (d.1914), WW 1 Casualty

Henry Langrill, son of Isaac and Ellen Langrill, was born in Kildimo, Co. Limerick. Early in 1914, he enlisted at Limerick in the Irish Guards and was assigned to the 1^st Battalion of this famous regiment. Henry’s career with the Irish Guards was short-lived. The battalion, numbering 1,100 Irish-born men, left for the battlefield in France on 12 August, 1914. On arrival, the men were charged with the task of covering the Allied retreat from Mons to the river Aisne and they took part in fierce fighting with the German army. From September, 1914, onwards, they were assigned to forward positions in the trenches and came under deadly fire. It was during this period that Henry Langrill was killed on 3 November, 1914. His father, Isaac, an RIC policeman, was from county Wexford. Henry’s grave is at Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Zillebeke, Ieper, Belgium. (McNamara, 2000, 328)

 

Leahy, Sr De Chantal (1909-2005), School Principal

Josephine Leahy, daughter of Patrick and Maryanne Leahy, was born in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 20 January, 1909. She was educated at Pallasgreen National School, and the Convent of Mercy Limerick. She entered the Sisters of Mercy at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, receiving the habit, and a new religious name, Sister Mary de Chantal, on 24 June, 1930. Her new patron saint, Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641), was the widow of a nobleman, who founded the religious order of the Visitation. On completion of her novitiate, Sr de Chantal made her religious profession on 28 September, 1932. She completed her teacher training at Mary Immaculate Teachers’ College, Limerick. After teaching in some Mercy schools in Limerick, she was appointed Principal at the Mercy National School Adare in 1954. She retired in 1974 and spent her remaining years at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, where she died on 30 September, 2005, aged 96 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s Convent of Mercy, Limerick. (RSM archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

Lee, Rev John (1858-1932), Clergyman.

John Lee was born in Glenroe on 5 February, 1858. He completed his ecclesiastical studies at the Irish College in Rome, where he was ordained on 8 April, 1882. His early years after ordination were spent ministering in the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh: Kelso (1878-1879), Linlithgow (1879-1883), Midlothian (1883-1884) and Loanhead (1884-1887). He returned to Ireland in 1887, taking up posts of curate in Pallaskenry (1887-1892), St Mary’s (1892-1894) and St Michael’s (1894-1906). On 8 December, 1906, he was appointed Administrator at St Michael’s and on 2 December, 1908, he was appointed Parish Priest of Askeaton/ Ballysteen. He was subsequently transferred to Kilfinane as Parish Priest (1915-1926) and, later, to Bruff (1926-1932). He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in June, 1924, and Vicar Forane in 1926. He died as Parish Priest of Bruff on 22 April, 1932, and is buried in the church grounds. (Tobin, 2004, 58)

 

Lee, Rev Patrick (1853-1931), Clergyman

Patrick Lee was born in Effin and baptised there on 27 December, 1853. He was ordained priest at St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 29 June, 1881. His first appointment was as curate to Kilfinane (1881-88), after which he was curate, successively, in Glin (1888); Kilfinane (1888-1908). On 27 January, 1908, he was appointed Parish Priest of  Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, but, within a month, was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Abbeyfeale. He remained there for eleven years, before his transfer as Parish Priest to Newcastle West, where he remained until his death on 13 July, 1931, at the age of 77. He was nominated as a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter on 10 June, 1912, and he was appointed archdeacon of the diocese of Limerick by the Holy See in November, 1927. He served as chaplain to St Ita’s Home, Newcastle West, during the years 1920-30. He was a nephew of his namesake, Rev Patrick Lee (c.1822-1892, qv).

(Tobin, 2004, 59)

 

Lee, Rev Patrick (c.1822-1892), Clergyman

Patrick Lee was born about 1822 and ordained in 1847. His first appointment in the diocese was as curate in Killeedy (1847-1848). Subsequent appointments included curate in Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1848-1851); Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick (1851-1861); Bruff (1861-1865); Feenagh (1865-1868). During the years, 1868-1870, he was Administratior in Feenagh/ Kilmeedy, after which he was appointed Parish Priest in Feenagh/ Kilmeedy, 1870-1877. On 24 January, 1877, he was transferred, as Parish Priest to Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick, where he remained until his death on 23 July, 1892, at the age of 70. He was nominated Vicar Forane in 1877. In the Irish Catholic Directory, his name is incorrectly listed in the years 1850, 1852, 1853 as James Lee. He was an uncle of his namesake, Rev Patrick Lee (1853-1931, qv). (Tobin, 2004,57)

 

Leverous, Most Rev Thomas (c.1487-1577), Bishop

Thomas Leverous, foster brother to the future 9^th Earl of Kildare, Gerald Fitzgerald (1487-). was born in Kildare around 1487. An able student, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained priest in the 1500s. He was appointed Parish Priest of Laraghbine and Keroghe, adjacent to Maynooth, Co. Kildare. He was appointed tutor to Lord Gerald Fitzgerald, the future 11^th Earl of Kildare around 1525. With the collapse of the Kildare rising in 1534, the government of Henry VIII set about imprisoning every member of the Fitzgerald family and it fell to Leverous to guard and preserve the life of the ten-year old future 11^th Earl. The two fled to safe houses throughout Leinster and Thomond, finally crossing the Shannon and finding shelter in Limerick. In 1840, the two fled to France, then onward through St Malo, Paris and Liege to Rome. In 1549, while Gerald remaind in Rome to pursue his studies, Leverous returned alone to Ireland and secured a government pardon for his earlier involvement in the Geraldine ‘conspiracy’. Back in Ireland, he gained a reputation as a preacher. With the accession of Queen Mary in 1553, Leverous received promotion to the post of Dean of St Patrick’s, Dublin.  In 1555, he was nominated as Bishop of Kildare. With the death of Queen Mary, and the accession of Elizabeth I, Leverous’ fortunes changed. He refused to take the Oath of Supremacy in 1560 and left Kildare to take up a post as teacher at the former Trinitarian Priory in Adare. While in Adare, his name was forwarded to Rome as a candidate for the archbishopric of Armagh, but his advanced age counted against him and his assistant, in Adare, Rev Richard Creagh (qv), received the appointment instead. In 1567, Leverous returned to the Dublin area and continued to minister to his flock until his death in Naas in October, 1577. He was buried in the parish church of St David, in Naas. (Edwards, ODNB, 2009)

 

Liston, Rev James (1864-1945), Clergyman

James Liston was baptised on 10 June, 1864. He studied at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 26 June, 1892. He was appointed curate in the following parishes: Manister (1893-94); Bruree (1894-1904); Mahoonagh (1904-1914); Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1914-24). He was appointed Parish Priest of Killeedy on 28 March, 1924, and remained there until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Ardagh/ Carrikerry on 5 July 1934. He died as Parish Priest of Ardagh/ Carrikerry on 15 July 1945, aged 81. He was nominated a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1943. (Tobin, 2004, 60)

 

Lucas, Brigadier Charles (c.1920), Army Officer

Brigadier General CHT Lucas, of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Regiment, was taken prisoner by the IRA while fishing at Castletown Roche, some miles from Fermoy, Co. Cork, in June, 1920. A colleague of Lucas, Colonel Danford, was shot during the operation, in which General Liam Lynch was also involved. Lucas was transferred secretly, by stages, to Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, from where he was taken across the Shannon to county Clare. The highest tide range in Ireland, 18.3 feet, occurs in Mellon Point. Lucas, however, later escaped while being held by the IRA in county Clare.

           

Luther, Rev George (1847-1911), Clergyman

George Minchin Luther, second son of Guy Luther, of Crohane, Co. Tipperary, was born about 1847. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained his BA in 1868. On deciding to take Orders in the Church of Ireland, he passed his divinity test in 1869 and was ordained deacon. He was ordained priest in Co. Down in 1870. He was appointed curate, successively, in Lisburn (1869- 1870), Randalstown (1870-1872) and Ardclinis (1872-1873). He was granted an MA from Trinity College, Dublin, in 1874. In 1873, he was appointed rector in Cahernary United Parishes and remained in this post until his death in 1911. In 1899, he also obtained the post of prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan. In his later years, he was nominated to be a canon of the cathedral chapter. He married and had issue . He died 15 October, 1911, aged 64 years, and was buried in the churchyard of St Mary’s cathedral, Limerick. (Leslie, 1936, 198; LC, 19/10/1911)

 

Lylles, Rev John (d. 1686), Clergyman

Rev John Lylles was Church of Ireland vicar of Clonshire, Adare, Co. Limerick, for some years previous to his death in 1686. (Leslie, 1936, 102, 132, 160, 211, 223)

 

Lynch, Rev Patrick (1886-1964), Clergyman

Patrick Lynch, son of Michael Lynch and his wife, Maria Burns, was born in Ballydoole, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Pallaskenry on 22 April, 1886. He attended Pallaskenry National School and St Munchin’s College, Limerick, before entering St Patrick’s Seminary, Maynooth, where he was ordained in June, 1920. After ordination, he served as curate, successively, in Athea, Kilmeedy and St Patrick’s before his appointment as a teacher at St Munchin’s College, Limerick (1921-1929). On 25 October, he was appointed curate in Kilfinane (1929-1936), after which he served as curate in Rathkeale (1936-1942). On 2 December, 1942, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall/ Kilcornan (1942-1953), where he served until his transfer, in the same capacity, to Coolcappa (1953-1959). On 24 August, 1959, he was transferred to Abbeyfeale as Parish Priest. He was nominated a Canon of the cathedral chapter on 6 October, 1959. While Parish Priest of Kilcornan, he was instrumental in initiating the erection of a shrine at St Bridget’s Well, Kilbreedy. He was a keen nationalist and an enthusiast for Irish language and culture. He died at St John’s Hospital, Limerick, on 4 May, 1964, and was buried in the church grounds, Abbeyfeale. (LDA).

 

Lysacht, Br Victor (1872- 1947), School Principal

Victor Lysacht was born in Hollyfort, Neenagh, Co. Tipperary, in 1872. He was educated at Hollyfort National school before he entered the congregation of the Christian Brothers in Baldoyle, Dublin. He received the religious habit on 13 June, 1890. His first assignment was to Dingle, where he availed of local facilities to become a fluent Irish speaker. Later, he was accorded a fâinne for his diligence in speaking Irish. In 1897, he was transferred to CBS, Sexton Street, Limerick, then to Kilrush and later to Dundalk. In Dundalk, he was responsible for training the choir, which reached a very high standard in their performances. From Dundalk, he was transferred to Belfast, where again, he established himself as an outstanding choirmaster. In school choir competitions, he failed only once to win the top prize for choral music between 1902 and 1916. On 12 December, 1919, he was transferred to Adare as superior and principal. In Adare, he also built up a wonderful choir and whenever the Earl of Dunraven had visitors, he would bring them to the CBS school to hear Brother Victor’s choir. They went away amazed that a small school, with pupils mostly from the country, could produce such a choir. Moreover, the choir’s programme included not only English songs but some in Irish, Italian and French.

            In 1925, Brother Victor was transferred to CBS Doon, Co. Limerick, and thence to CBS Tramore, Co. Waterford, and finally to CBS, Gorey. In Gorey he produced a choir that won First Prize and Silver Medal at the Dublin Feis Ceóil. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee in Monaghan, but, by then, his health was deteriorating and he was hospitalised in Dublin. He spent his last years in St Patrick’s, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, where he died in 1947. He was buried in Baldoyle. (CFC Necrologies)

 

McCann, John (b.1858), School Principal

John McCann was born in Co. Tyrone and qualified as a primary teacher. He journeyed south and became principal of Kildimo Boys National School in 1875. He resided at Bolane, Kildimo, and, in his later years, his niece, Katie, came to live with him. He never married. He continued as principal of Kildimo National school until his retirement in 1923, when he was succeeded by Timothy Scully. (NAI, Census, 1901, 1911)

 

McCann, Rev George (1899-1974), Clergyman.

George McCann, son of James McCann, Principal of Queen’s Place School, Lurgan, was born in Lurgan in 1899. He was educated at Marlborough School and Trinity College, Dublin, where he was Bedell Scholar in 1928 and winner of the Kyle Irish Prize in 1929. He obtained his BA degree in 1930 and his MA in 1935. He was ordained Deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1930 and Priest in 1931. His first appointment was as Curate in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin (1930-34). After this, he was Curate in Oldcastle (1934-38), followed by a post as Chaplain-in-Charge at Kilmacshalgan, Co. Sligo (1938-44). Subsequently, he was Incumbent of Dingle (1944-54), before taking up the post of Rector of Askeaton and Kilcornan (1954-73). He married (7 August, 1935) Saragh Maude, daughter of Robert Stephens, and they had a daughter, Gráinne. He died February, 1974. (Leslie, 1936, 94, 255)

 

McCarthy, Rev Dermot (1919-1993), Clergyman

Dermot McCarthy was born in the parish of Abbeyfeale in 1919 and attended the local National school. After this he attended St Munchin’s College as a boarder and then went on to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained in June, 1943. Always a keen sportsman, he represented Abbeyfeale in football, and then, when selected for Limerick, won a Munster Junior Football Championship in 1939. While he was curate in Askeaton/Ballysteen, he played an important part in fostering Gaelic games. It was during his time that Askeaton- Ballysteen won the senior county football championship, with Tony Fitzgerald as captain. This team supplied several players to the Limerick Senior team, including the captain, Tony Fitzgerald. Father McCarthy served as chairperson of both the West Limerick Board (1951-57) and, later, the Limerick County Board. From Askeaton, he moved to St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He died in the Limerick Regional Hospital from a stroke on 10 August, 1993. (LDA)

 

McCarthy, Rev Michael (d.1971), Clergyman

Michael McCarthy was ordained on 12 June, 1927. Following ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Monagea (1927-1928), Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1928-1930), Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1930-1934) and Effin (1934-1954). On 16 June, 1954, he was appointed Parish Priest of Ardpatrick, and formally inducted in this post by the bishop of Limerick on 1 July, 1954. In December, 1964, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Kilfinane (1964-1971). In 1971, his health seriously deteriorated, and he was transferred to the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, where he died on 29 September, 1971. He was buried in the church grounds, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, on 2 October, 1971. (LDA).

 

McCarthy, Rev Michael (1850-1919), Clergyman

Michael McCarthy was born in Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick, on 27 September, 1850. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained priest in Rome on 27 March, 1875. His early appointments, after ordination, were in the diocese of Clogher, where he was curate in Rosslea (1875-76) and Kiskeery (1876). He came to the diocese of Limerick in December, 1876, and was appointed curate, successively, in Rathkeale (1876-77); Glenroe (1877); Tournafulla (1877); Monagea (1877-78). On his return from sick (1878-79), he was appointed curate in Adare (1879-1900). On 3 July, 1900, he was appointed Parish Priest of  Donaghmore, where he remained until his death on 12 February, 1919, aged 68 years. (Tobin, 2004, 73)

 

McConville, Rev Peter (1882-1954), Rector

Peter McConville was born in Bootle, Lancashire, of Irish parents, on 15 February, 1882. He joined the Salesian congregation in his youth, and completed his seminary studies in Battersea, London. He then volunteered for the missions and spent seven years in Mylapore and Tanjore, India, where he was engaged in teaching. He was ordained priest on 18 January, 1914. He worked in Salesian colleges in England, before his appointment as rector of the Salesian college, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, from 1925 to 1929. In 1929, he returned to England and continued his ministry with the Salesians in Cowley, Oxfordshire, where he was initially supervising scholastics and subsequently parish priest. Later, he was appointed parish priest in Battersea, London. He died on the feast of the Presentation of Our Lady, 21 November, 1954, aged 72 years. He was buried in England. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

McCourt, Rev John (1877-1936), Rector

Fr John McCourt was born in London on 22 March, 1877. Of Irish parentage, he joined the Salesians in their College in Battersea, London, at the age of fourteen. Starting as a pupil teacher, he acquired wide experience of different aspects of education, later qualifying as a trained teacher at St Mary’s Teacher Training College, London. On completion of his seminary studies, he was ordained on 24 May, 1902. He became the second rector of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. He succeeded Fr Aloysius Sutherland in 1922 and completed his term of office in 1925. He then returned to England, where he continued to serve his congregation in different capacities, mainly in the field of education. He was principal in the Salesian colleges in Battersea, London, and Farnborough, Hampshire. He died on 4 November, 1936, aged 59 years. He was buried in London. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

McDonnell, Ellie (1908-2009), Centenarian

Ellie Wilmot, daughter of John Wilmot and Nora Murphy, was born in Old Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 4 May, 1908, She was listed as three years of age in the 1911 census, taken on Sunday night, 2 April, 1911. She was educated at Kildimo National School and she married Michael McDonnell, Ballycasey, Kildimo. He died a few years after their marriage and she remained a widow for the rest of her life. She died on 9 May, 2009, and was buried in the cemetery in Kildimo. Her father, John Wilmot (qv), also lived to be more than one hundred years. (Nash, J, 2010)

 

McDonnell, Gerard (1971-2008), Mountaineer

Gerard McDonnell, son of Denis McDonnell and his wife, Gertie O’Donoghue, of Killeen, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, was born on 20 January, 1971. He attended Kilcornan National School, after which he completed his secondary schooling at Colaiste Mhuire, Askeaton. He then entered Dublin City University, where he completed an electrical engineering degree. After qualifying as an engineer, he emigrated to the USA in 1996 and settled in Anchorage, Alaska, where he found opportunity to develop his skills in mountain climbing and outdoor survival techniques. He was a member of expeditions to climb Mount Everest in 2003 and 2006, and, during the latter expedition, was unsuccessful in his attempt to climb the famous peak, K2. He was also a member of a successful expedition to the South Pole. In August, 2008, he made another attempt to climb K2 from Karakoram, Pakistan, and, this time, he was successful, being the first Irish person to achieve this feat. However, while coming down off the mountain, he was killed, after saving the lives of three other climbers. Ten other members of the team were also killed, when they became trapped in an avalanche. He died on 2 August, 2008, and, despite an extensive search, his body was never found. A plaque, honouring his name, however, now rests atop Ireland’s tallest peak, Carrantoohill, Co. Kerry. His former classmates, at Dublin City University, established a Living Trust in his memory and a memorial service was held for him in his parish church, Kilcornan, on 17 August, 2008. In 2010, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious Italian Alpine Rescue gold medal, the Targa d’Argento Pinzola, for his unselfish help to other climbers, who got into difficulties, not only on K2, but, also, in previous expeditions. (Siggins, 31/7/2010, 7)

 

McDonnell, Rev William (1901-1970), Clergyman

William McDonnell, son of Michael McDonnell and his wife, Mary Enright, was born in Dunmoylan, Shanagolden, in 1901. He was ordained at the Irish College, Paris, on 2 June, 1929. On 24, October, 1929, he was given three years’ leave of absence to work in Port Elizabeth, Cape Province, South Africa. At the end of three years, he was recalled to the diocese of Limerick and was appointed curate, successively, in Ballyhahill (1935-1942) and Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1942-1948). In September, 1948, he was given another three years’ leave of absence to return to his former mission in Port Elizabeth. The climate in the Cape Province was much more favourable to his health, which had been poor in Ireland in previous years, and, with the assent of the Bishop of Limerick, he was incardinated in the archdiocese of Port Elizabeth on 10 December, 1951. He worked happily and successfully in the Cape Province for the next twenty years. In 1970, however, during a vacation in Ireland, he fell ill in Limerick and died rather suddenly on 9 September, 1970. He was buried in the family grave in Kilbradran cemetery, on 1 October, 1970. Two other brothers of Fr McDonald were also ordained priests, one, Fr Patrick, was an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, while the other, Fr Charles, was a Salesian. (LDA).

 

McDonogh, John (1858-1946), Founder of Stonehall Harriers

John McDonogh, son of Stephen McDonogh and his wife, Mary O’Connor, was born in Bansha, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, and baptised in his parish church on 28 March, 1858. He was educated at Stonehall National School, after which he worked on the family farm. He succeeded his father, Stephen, as steward at the De Vere estate, Curraghchase, and remained in this post for some time, before devoting himself to his own farm in Bansha. He was acknowledged as the founder of the Stonehall Harriers by Mrs Isobel De Vere, of Curraghchase, in an appreciation in The Limerick Leader at the time of his death, in 1946. His son, Patrick, however, was the first official Master of the pack. John married Margaret O’Malley from Robertstown, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick, and they had a family of one boy, Patrick, and two girls, Mary and Bridget. John died on 26 May, 1946, aged 89 years, and was buried in the family burial plot, Castletown cemetery, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick (The Limerick Leader, 1/6/1946; McDonogh, I, 2010)

 

McDonogh, Patrick (1893-1982), Master of Hunt

Paddy McDonogh, son of John McDonogh and Margaret O’Malley, was born in Bansha, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 16 March, 1893. He was educated at Kilcornan National School and worked in the family farm in Bansha. Following the example of his father, he became interested in horsemanship and hunting and became the first official Master of the Stonehall Harrier hunting pack. He led his first hunt on 1 September, 1911. Prior to 1930, the hounds were trencher fed (in the homes of members of the club), but, in 1930, Paddy organised a new kennels for the hounds at the old Stonehall Police Barracks. In 1945, he built a new kennels in Bansha and the Stonehall Harriers have been maintained there ever since. From 1911 to 1949, Paddy acted as both Master and Hunstman, but he resigned the latter post in 1949. He retired as Master in 1953, after 42 years and was succeeded by Michael O’Shaughnessy, who had been Joint-Master. Paddy married Bridget (‘Birdie’) Mulqueen and they had one son, Ivan, who continues the family tradition of horsemanship. Paddy died on 11 February, 1982, aged 88 years, and was buried in the family burial plot, Castletown cemetery. (McDonogh, I, 2010)

 

McElligott, Rev Richard (1889-1980), Rector

Richard McElligott was born in Gleneleana, Ballymacelligott, Co. Kerry, on 11 August, 1899. He joined the Salesians of St John Bosco, completing his ecclesiastical training in England. He was ordained priest on 29 September, 1921. In 1946, he was appointed rector of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and continued in this post for two 3-year terms (1946-1952). He then returned to England, where he continued to work in different ministries in Salesian foundations. He died on 5 June, 1980, aged 80 years (SDB archives, 2010)

 

McGovern, John (d.1936), Illegally Exhumed.

John McGovern was the son of Mr McGovern who, in 1925, purchased Ballymartin, part of the Waller estate, from Hardress Waller. Mr McGovern was from Dunmanway, Co. Cork. The local farmers had been expecting the Irish Land Commission to purchase Ballymartin, just as it had purchased the Castletown section of the Waller estate. It was their hope that the Ballymartin estate, amounting to about 170 acres, would be divided among local applicants for land. It was with a view to bringing pressure on the land Commission that ‘cattle drives’, aimed at harassing Mr McGovern, were initiated. Some suspects were arrested and one from Ballysteen received a short jail sentence, though the evidence for the conviction was said to be hearsay.

            When McGovern’s son, John, died of meningitis in St Joseph’s Hospital, Limerick, the father had difficulty in obtaining a burial plot locally. Mr Waller declined to accommodate him in Castletown and the people of Pallaskenry were violently opposed to granting a plot, in view of his alleged status as a land grabber. Mr McGovern, however, quietly obtained a burial plot in Beigh cemetery, Ballysteen. When, however, some Ballysteen men went to Pallaskenry for their usual drink, they were taunted by the Pallaskenry men with the allegation that Ballysteen was ‘soft’ on land grabbers. This was the background to the unusual event which occurred in Beigh cemetery on the night of Friday, 4 September, 1936, when John McGovern’s body was exhumed and the coffin laid to rest on a large stone at the entrance to the cemetery, about one hundred metres away. On the coffin was a notice, reading, ‘Go back to where you came from’.

            Though the Gardai made an attempt to find the perpetrators, this proved impossible. Mr McGovern, meantime, at the urging of the gardai, put the coffin on a trailer and headed for his home place in Dunmanway. As he entered the town at night, he was stopped by a member of the gardai, who inquired why he had a coffin on a trailer at night. Mr McGovern then related what had happened to his son’s coffin in Ballysteen. The garda expressed his condolences and Mr McGovern was waived on, completely ignorant of the fact that the garda was also from Ballysteen. (Southern Star, September, 1936; Feheney 1998, 164-66)

 

Mackay, George (C.1791-1873), Physician

George Mackay, a brilliant medical practitioner and researcher, lived in Adare. In addition to the normal medical qualification, he held the research degree, Doctor of Medicine (MD), and was elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA). He contributed several research papers to the academy, some of which were published in the RIA proceedings. He died on 3 May, 1873, aged 82 years, and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ Church, Adare, Co. Limerick.

 

McKeogh, Rev John (1927-1995), Clergyman

John McKeogh, son of John McKeogh and his wife, Margaret O’Rourke, was born in Carheeny, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 8 May, 1927. He was baptised at Kildimo church by Fr Con Mangan, Parish Priest, two days later on 10 May, 1927. He was educated in Kildimo National School, before entering the Mill Hill College, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny, where he completed his secondary schooling in 1947. The same year, he entered the Millhill Seminary in Holland, after which he transferred to Mill Hill College, London, where he took his Perpetual Oath of Missionary Obedience on 1 May, 1952. He was ordained priest on 1 July, 1953. After ordination, Fr McKeogh was appointed to the diocese of Buea in Cameroon, where he spent the next forty years. Among the places in which he served were: Tiko, Tabbenken, Soppo, Kumbo, Bagangu, Bambui, Njindom, Ndop, Akum and Njinikom. In 1993, Fr John was withdrawn from the missions because of declining health and he took up residence at Herbert House, Dartry, Dublin. His final months were spent in a nursing home in Cahercalla, Ennis, Co. Clare. He died there on 27 November, 1995, aged 68 years, and was buried in Dublin. His superiors described him as a ‘dedicated pastor’ and a missionary priest with ‘a special dedication to the underprivileged’. He was a brother of Fr Matthew McKeogh (qv). (Mill Hill archives, 2009)

 

McKeogh, Rev Matthew (1930-1984), Clergyman

Matthew McKeogh, son of John McKeogh and his wife, Margaret O’Rourke, was born in Carheeny, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 9 July, 1930. He was educated in Kildimo National School, before entering the Carmelite College, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, where he completed his secondary schooling. He entered the Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD) in Dublin on 11 September, 1948, and made his religious profession on 12 September, 1949. In 1952, he was transferred to Rome, where he completed his priestly studies at the Carmelite International College. He was ordained there on 8 April, 1956. He remained in Rome an additional year to complete postgraduate studies and, in 1957, returned to Ireland, where he taught Moral Theology in Avila Formation Centre, Moorhampton Road, Dublin 4. After some years, he was transferred to California where he ministered until his death on 10 April, 1984, aged 53 years. He was buried in California. He was a brother of Fr John McKeogh (qv). (OCD archives, 2010)

 

 

McLean, Rev Richard (d.1948), Clergyman

Richard Arthur McLean attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he proved himself to be an outstanding scholar. He obtained a BA in 1891, and the higher degrees, LLB and LLD, in 1894. He sought Orders in the Church of Ireland and was ordained deacon and priest in 1892 in Kilmore. His first appointment was as curate in St John’s, Sligo (1892-1895), after which he served as a missionary in the US (1895-1897). He then did missionary work in Australia, where he was rector in Caernarvon (1895-1896) and in Swan (1896-1899). In 1899, he returned to Ireland, where he was curate, successively, in Ballymacarrett, Belfast (1900-1901), and Rathkeale (1901-1905). In 1907, he was appointed prebendary of Dysart (1807-1911), after which he obtained the position of prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan (1911-1925). He served as chaplain in the 1914-1918 war and was twice mentioned in dispatches. He received the Military Cross in 1918 and the Order of the British Empire in 1921. Among other decorations, which he received, were the Order of St Sava and the Medal for Valour (Serbia), in 1921. He was made a Companion of the British Empire in 1922. He retired from the active ministry in 1925. In 1911, he married Mary Louise Doveston, widow of John Sampson, Exeter. He died 18 June, 1948. His widow died at Tralee on 3 June, 1954, and was buried in Dingle (Leslie, 1936, 99, 126, 319, 321, 338)

 

McLoughlin, Rev Patrick (1892-1959), Rector

Patrick McLoughlin was born in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, on 11 March, 1892. He was educated at Manorhamilton National school, before entering the Salesian scholasticate at Burwash, in England. He completedd his ecclesiastical studies at Salesian College, Battersea, London and was ordained priest on 15 August, 1931. He worked in Salesian colleges in England before his appointment as rector of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry. He served for two 3-year terms in Copsewood, 1936-1941. He was then posted to Malta and, afterwards, to the Salesian College, Ballinakill, Co. Laois, where he was rector. Subsequently, he returned to Malta, where he was appointed provincial delegate. He died on 8 August, 1962, aged 70 years. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

McMahon, Patrick (1911-1987), Sportsman

Paddy McMahon, son of Thomas McMahon and his wife, Bridget Dillon, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 8 December, 1911. He attended Ballinacarriga National School and began a distinguished hurling career by playing with Kildimo. He came to the notice of GAA officials when he played full forward for Kildimo against Ahane in the Limerick senior hurling final. Soon afterwards, he was offered an appointment with the ESB, as a water bailiff in Castleconnell. He was then recruited to play with Ahane hurling team, where he soon established himself as an outstanding full forward. He was a regular on the Limerick senior hurling team in the late 1930s and early 1940s. He won All-Ireland senior championship medals with Limerick in 1936 and 1940. Though injury forced him to retire from inter-county hurling in 1941, he continued to play for Ahane until 1946. He was one of the most prolific scorers of all time for Limerick. He married Ann Hartigan from Clarina and they had four children, William, Bridget, Thomas Anthony and Margaret. His wife, Ann, died while their children were very young and he remarried Bridie Hartnett and they had one child, Patrick. Patrick Snr died on 1 January, 1987, aged 75 years. He was buried in Kilmurry cemetery, Limerick.  (McMahon, TA, 2010)

 

 

McMahon, Rev James F (c.1826-1895), Clergyman

James Fitzgibbon McMahon, son of James McMahon, St George’s, Limerick, was born about 1826. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 2 December, 1844, aged eighteen. He obtained his BA in 1850 and his MA in 1856. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1853 and appointed curate of Shankill, Lurgan, in the diocese of Dromore. He was appointed rector in Chapelrussell, Pallaskenry, in May, 1855. Subsequently, he became vicar of Ainy in the diocese of Emly (1863-1881), before being appointed rector of Crean, Bruff (1881-1895). He married and had a daughter, Dora, who married William George Burton on 28 April, 1874. He died at Woodville, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, on 2 March, 1895, in his 68^th year. (Leslie, 1936, 203)

 

McMahon, Sr Bridget (1871-1950), Religious Sister

Bridget McMahon, daughter of Daniel McMahon and his wife, Margaret O’Shaughnessy, was born in Kilmoreen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 9 April, 1871. She was educated at Kildimo National School and entered the Good Shepherd Convent, Limerick. When she received the veil in January, 1894, she also received a new name, Sister St John the Evangelist. On completion of her novitiate in Limerick, she made her religious profession on 9 January, 1896. After her profession, she was transferred to the Good Shepherd Convent, Waterford, where she remained for the rest of her life. Among the duties, which she had, was the supervision of the laundry services. During the last five years of her life, her health deteriorated, and she was virtually an invalid. She died at the Good Shepherd Convent, Waterford, on 17 August, 1950, and was buried in the cemetery attached to the convent. She was a sister of Srs Catherine McMahon (qv), Ellen McMahon (qv) and Mary McMahon (qv). (Good Shepherd Archives, 2010)

 

McMahon, Sr Catherine (1877-1946), Religious Sister

Catherine McMahon, daughter of Daniel McMahon and his wife, Margaret O’Shaughnessy, was born in Kilmoreen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, in 1877. She was educated at Kildimo National school. At the age of 23, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, and received the religious habit, together with a new name, Sister Patrick, on 8 September, 1900. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession in September, 1902. She spent her entire life in the convent at Ennistymon and died on 23 October, 1946, aged 69 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to the Mercy Convent, Ennistymon. She was a sister of Sisters Ellen McMahon (qv), Bridget McMahon (qv) and Mary McMahon (qv). (RSM Archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

McMahon, Sr Ellen (1870-1955), Religious Sister

Ellen McMahon, daughter of Daniel McMahon and his wife, Margaret O’Shaughnessy, was born in Kilmoreen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Kildimo Catholic church on 2 November, 1870. She was educated at Kildimo National school and, at the age of twenty, entered the Sisters of Mercy, Limerick. She received the religious habit, together with a new name, Sister Catherine, at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, on 8 July, 1891. She made her religious profession on 12 July, 1893. She qualified as a nurse and spent many years nursing in St Camillus’ Hospital, Limerick. She died at St Camillus’ on 3 August, 1955, and was buried in the cemetery, at St Mary’s Convent of Mercy, Limerick. The chief celebrant at her solemn requiem Mass was Mgr Michael Moloney PP VG, assisted by eighteen priests. Sr Ellen had three other sisters in religious life: Sr Mary McMahon (qv), Sr Bridget McMahon (qv) and Sr Catherine McMahon (qv). (RSM Archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

McMahon, Thomas (1910-1999), Sportsman

Thomas McMahon, son of Thomas McMahon and Bridget Dillon, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 26 September, 1910. He was educated at Kildimo National School and played hurling for Kildimo, together with his more-famous younger brother, Patrick (qv). Though not a regular on the Limerick senior hurling team, he did have the honour of playing in goals for the Limerick senior hurling team during their visit to New York in 1934. Thomas married Josephine Nash from Kilbreedy and they had one boy, Michael, and three girls. Thomas had a long career playing hurling in goals for Kildimo. He died on 12 October, 1999, aged 89 years, and was buried in Kildimo cemetery. (McMahon, M, 2010).

 

McNamara, Rev Charles (d.1926), Clergyman

Fr Charles McNamara was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall/ Kilcornan on 1 May, 1883. He remained in this post for five years and on 29 January, 1888, he was transferred to Effin in the same capacity. Four years later, on 9 February, 1892, he received another transfer, this time as Parish Priest of Bruff. He was also given the additional title of Vicar General. In 1915, he was accorded the title of Dean. He died in the presbytery, Bruff, Co. Limerick, on 19 February, 1926, and was buried in the church grounds, Bruff. (LDA)

 

McNamara, Thomas (c.1800), School Principal

Thomas McNamara operated a ‘hedge’ school (a derisive name for the Catholic fee-paying schools in operation in the 18^th and early 19^th centuries in Ireland). It was located in the Milltown (Iverus) area and Mr McNamara estimated his annual income from school fees as £10 p.a. from 75 pupils, all Catholic, of whom 21 were girls. It is expected that this Thomas McNamara was the man who is listed as a tenant of of Rev William Waller, in respect of a farm in the townland of Druminycullane in 1850. (Griffith, 1850, 21; HCPP 1826-27 (12)).

 

Madden, Dermot (1922-2010), Engineer

Dermot Madden son of Patrick Madden and his wife, Susan Aherne, was born in Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, in April, 1922. He was educated at Kilcornan National school and St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He studied at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and qualified as a civil engineer. He married Kathleen O’Connor and they had a family of four boys (Eoghan, Paddy, Dermot, Barry) and one girl (Ann). Dermot built up a successful consulting engineering practice in Adare. He died on 6 April, 2010, and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare, Co. Limerick. (Ryder, K, 2010)

 

Madden, Gerard (1917-1972), Army Officer

Patrick Gerard Madden, son of Patrick Madden, school principal, and his wife, Susan Madden, nee Aherne, was born in Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 17 September, 1917. He was educated at Kilcornan National School and St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He studied engineering at the National University of Ireland, Cork, specialising in ordinance surveying. He played hurling with Limerick and rugby with UCC. On completion of his engineering course, he entered the Irish defence forces as a cadet and rose to the rank of commandant. In 1956, he was seconded from the defence forces to the Government Ordinance Survey Department, where he worked as assistant Director. He retired from the defence forces in 1961 and continued to work in the Ordinance Survey department, where he became director. He married Carmel Roche from Doneraile, Co. Cork, and they had a family of four girls (Carmelita, Finola, Geraldine and Ciara) and one son, Gerard. He died on 6 September, 1973, aged 55 years. He was buried in Bohernabreena cemetery, Old Bawn, Dublin 24. (Ryder, K, 2010)

 

Madden, Patrick (1884-1941), School Principal

Patrick Madden, son of Patrick Madden and his wife, Catherine Collins, was born in Askeaton, Co. Limerick, and baptised at Askeaton Catholic church on 18 April, 1884. He was educated at Askeaton National School, and Cappagh National School, after which he passed the Queen’s Scholarship, which, at that time, was the normal qualification for entry to a teacher training College. He then entered St Patrick’s Teacher Training College, Dublin, where he qualified as a National teacher. He taught in Foynes National School, before coming to Kilcornan as principal, following the death of Mr Thomas Sheahan in 1908. He married Susan Aherne from Ballingeary, Co. Cork, and they had five children, three boys, Gerard (qv), Liam (qv) and Dermot (qv), and two girls, Maura and Kathleen. He died on 5 August, 1941, aged 57 years. He was buried in the cemetery, attached to St Mary’s (CoI) church, High Street, Askeaton. His wife, Susan Madden (qv), succeeded him as principal in Kilcornan. (Ryder, K, 2010)

 

Madden, Susan (1889-1967), School Principal

Susan Aherne was born in Ballingeary, Co, Cork. She passed the Queen’s scholarship and qualified as a teacher at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. She first taught in Caheragh, Co. Cork, before taking up an appointment at the National School, Foynes. After her marriage to Patrick Madden, she moved to Kilcornan, where they had five children, three boys (Gerard, Liam, Dermot) and two girls (Maura and Kathleen). On the death of her husband, Patrick (qv), she succeeded him as Principal of Kilcornan National School. She died on 22 February, 1967, aged 78 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s (CoI) church, High Street, Askeaton. (Ryder, K, 2010)

 

Madden, William (1919-1984), Army Officer

William (‘Liam’) Madden, son of Patrick Madden, school principal, and his wife, Susan, nee Aherne, was born in Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 1 May, 1919. He was educated at Kilcornan National School and Rockwell College, before entering the Irish army, as a cadet officer. He attended University College, Dublin, where he qualified as an engineer. He held several appointments in the army, reaching the rank of commandant. He married Eileen Donahoe from Longford and they had four sons, Patrick, Liam, David and Dermot. He died on 8 September, 1984, aged 65 years, and was buried in the family burial plot, in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s (CoI) church, High Street, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. (Ryder, K, 2010)

 

Maguire, Rev James (c.1786-1844), Clergyman

James Maguire, son of James Maguire, was born in county Limerick, about 1786. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 16 October, 1806, at the age of nineteen. He was a scholar in 1830 and obtained his BA in 1832. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in London on 20 December, 1818, and ordained priest by the Bishop of Limerick in 1821. He held the post of curate of the Church of Ireland parish, Chapelrussell, during the years, 1832-1838. He was previously naval chaplain in Shropshire. He was married in the Royal Navy chapel, London, in 1819. He died 8 June, 1844. (Leslie, 1936, 204)

 

Maher, Br John (1864-1951), School Principal

John Maher, son of Martin and Mary Maher, was born in Shankill, Whitehall, Co. Kilkenny, in 1864. The third of eleven children, his family had produced several patriots, including an ancestor who was hanged in Wexford for his part in the 1798 rebellion. He was educated at the National school in Paulstown, before entering the Christian Brothers’ school in Bagnalstown, Co. Kilkenny. On completion of his schooling, he entered the novitiate of the Christian Brothers in Drumcondra, Dublin , in 1882. He received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Leo, on the feast of St Joseph, 19 March, 1882. His new patron saint was Pope St Leo the Great (d.461), who, in 450, personally confronted Atilla, King of the Huns and persuaded him not to sack Rome. After making his religious profession, he was assigned to the monastery school in Adare, where he taught with great success. In 1886, he was transferred to the Christian Brothers’ school in Thurles. On 10 February,1894, he returned to Adare as superior and principal, where he succeeded Brother Philip Ryan, as superior and principal.

            The story goes that in December, 1884, the Duke of Norfolk’s sister, Lady Anne Kerr, visited Adare and Dean Flanagan (qv) brought her, together with the Earl and Countess of Dunraven, to visit the Christian Brothers’ school. Dean Flanagan suggested that, as a form of special welcome for Lady Anne Kerr, the boys should sing, ‘God save the Queen’. Brother Maher, who was a great Irish patriot, replied that, unfortunately, the boys did not know ‘God Save the Queen’, but they would be happy to sing ‘God Save Ireland’ for her. In 1896, Brother Maher was asked to volunteer for India and he agreed and he sailed from Birkenhead for Bombay on 11 May, 1896. He was assigned to St Joseph’s College, Calcutta, where he was superior and principal for several terms and remained there until 1923. He was then transferred to the Christian Brothers’ novitiate at Kurseong, on a spur of the Himalayan mountains. Subsequently, he was superior in the Brothers’ school in Kurju, through which the river Ganges flows. From there, he went, as superior, to Shillong, in the east of India.

            He finally returned to St Joseph’s College, Calcutta, where he died on 10 September, 1951, aged 87. A solemn requiem Mass was celebrated for him by the Archbishop of Calcutta, after which he was buried in Calcutta, India. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Maher, Rev Michael (c.1824-1881), Clergyman

Michael Maher was ordained priest on 12 November, 1850. His first appointment, after ordination, was as curate in Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, where he remained for 21 years. After that, he was curate in Ardagh/ Carrikerry for the next ten years. He died, while in this latter post on 5 April, 1881, at the relatively early age of 57 years. (Tobin, 2004, 61)

 

Mangan, Rev Cornelius (1865-1948), Clergyman

Cornelius Mangan was born in Shanagolden, Co. Limerick, and baptised in his own parish church on 8 May, 1865. He was educated at St Munchin’s College and St Patrick’s seminary, Maynooth. He matriculated on 9 September, 1886, and specialised in philosophy. On completion of his theological studies, he was ordained priest in Maynooth on 21 June, 1891. After ordination, he was sent, on loan, to the archdiocese of Westminster, where he remained until 1894. On his return to Ireland, he was appointed curate in the following parishes: Kilmallock (1894-95); Fedamore (1895-96); Stonehall (Kilcornan) (1896-1900); Bulgaden (1900-07); Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick (1907-20); Kilmallock (1920-24).  On 26 June, 1924, he was appointed Parish Priest of Coolcappa, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Kildimo/ Pallaskenry on 23 November, 1926. On 8 August, 1937, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Rathkeale, where he remained until his death on 26 June, 1948, aged 83. He was nominated a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in March, 1936, and Vicar Forane in 1937. It would appear that Fr Mangan had influential friends at the Vatican, because his appointment as Parish Priest of Rathkeale was a Papal appointment, this post being, arguably, more prestigious than that of Parish Priest in Kildimo/ Pallaskenry. (Hamell, 1982,120; Tobin, 2004, 63)

 

Mann, Br John (c.1836-1906), Religious Brother

John Mann, son of Thomas Mann and his wife, Hannah Hackett, was born in Ballyaglish, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised in St Patrick’s church, Ballysteen, in the 1830s. He attended Ballysteen National school and later joined the Franciscan Brothers in Roundstone, Co. Galway. When he received the religious habit, he took, as his religious name, Brother Jerome. His new patron saint was the great early Christian scholar, Jerome, who was responsible for the first translation the entire bible into Latin, his translation being henceforth known as the vulgate edition. On completion of his novitiate, Brother Mann made his religious profession. He was a skilled carpenter, cabinet maker and woodcarver. At least six of his wood carvings, including a carved wooden altar at Roundstone, Co. Galway, have survived. The smaller carvings are now at the Franciscan Brothers’ house, Mountbellew. He died at Roundstone on 18 November, 1906, and was buried in the Franciscan Brothers’ cemetery, Roundstone, Co. Galway. (Franciscan archives, 2010)

 

Massy, Rev George (c.1709-1782), Clergyman

George Massy, son of Hugh Massey, and brother of Lord Massy, belonged to an illustrious county Limerick family from Stoneville, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. He was educated by Dr McDonnell, in Cashel, and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 2 May, 1727, aged 18. He obtained his BA in 1731 and his MA in 1734. He was nominated as rector of Kilcornan by Colonel John Waller and took up the post in 1736, in succession to Rev Roger Throp (qv), lately deceased. From Kilcornan, he was promoted to the post of archdeacon of Ardfert in 1772. He married Jane, daughter of Simon Purdon, Tineranco, Co. Clare. He died in 1782. (Leslie, 1936, 253)

 

Masterson, Daniel (c.1885-1917), WW 1 Casualty

Daniel Masterson, son of David Masterson, Main Street, Adare, Co. Limerick, died of wounds received during World War I, on 24 April, 1917. He was a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, initially a horse-drawn system of guns. The guns were medium-calibre howitzers deployed close to the front battle lines and were reasonably mobile (in reasonable conditions). As the war progressed, there was considerable development in weaponry to meet the special conditions. Various calibre mortars came into use, the Royal Field Artillery providing the men with the requisite knowledge and expertise to use these weapons effectively. Each battery of guns was manned by a crew of a few men. Daniel was fatally wounded by a German shell, which exploded near his battery. His grave is in Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, Pas de Calais, France. (McNamara, 2000, 348)

 

Maunsell, Rev Nicholas (c.1821-1895), Clergyman

Nicholas Maunsell, son of Rev William Maunsell and a member of a numerous and influential Limerick family, was born in Limerick about 1821. He attended Dr Bell’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 3 July, 1837. He obtained his BA in 1842, and, after passing his Divinity Test, was ordained Deacon of the Church of Ireland the same year. He was ordained priest for the diocese of Limerick in 1843. He was curate in Dromod, diocese of Ardfert (1843-1846) and in Kilkeady, Clarina (1846-1849), before his appointment as Perpetual Curate in Kildimo in 1849.  He continued in this post until his death on 11 July, 1895. For some of the time, he also fulfilled the duties of rector of Ardcanny, Co. Limerick. (Leslie, 1936, 258)

 

Maunsell, Rev William (c.1725- 1804), Clergyman

William Maunsell, fifth son of Richard Maunsell of Limerick, was born about 1725. He was educated in Mr Ingram’s private school, Limerick, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 24 April, 1744. He obtained his BA in 1748 and was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland on 15 September, 1748. He received Holy Orders on 24 September, 1749. In 1754, he was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, and he also held the post of treasurer in Ardfert from 1751 to 1758. In the latter year, he took up an appointment as Minister Cantorum in Ardfert and continued in this post until his death. He held the appointment of prebendary of Ballycahane for fifty years. He died on 5 January, 1804. (Leslie, 1936, 97, 175, 189, 244, 276)

 

Maxwell, Rev George (1809-1870), Clergyman

George Maxwell, eldest son of Arthur Maxwell, Brookend, Co. Tyrone, was born on 27 August, 1809. He was ordained a clergyman of the Church of Ireland on 30 November, 1832. Early in his ministry, he became curate in Askeaton (1833-1838), after which he became Rector and remained in this post until his death in 1870. At the same time, he held the post of prependary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan. He also held the post of treasurer of the diocese of Ardfert. He ministered in Askeaton for a total of 37 years. He married (1840) Margaret Anne Hewson of Ennismore, Listowel, Co. Kerry (a relative of the Hewsons at Castlehewson) and they had a family of two boys and two girls. Many of their descendants still live in Ireland. Rev Maxwell was secretary of the Famine Relief Committee in Askeaton in 1847. He died in Askeaton on 8 January, 1870, and is buried, beside his wife (d. 5 March, 1881) in the cemetery, Church Street, Askeaton. (Leslie, 1936, 141, 169, 171; Leslie, 1940, 65)

 

Maxwell, Rev Sydney (1861-1934), Clergyman

Sydney Lutrell Maxwell was born on 3 June, 1861. He obtained a BA degree in classics from the Royal University of Ireland in 1883. Following this, he entered Trinity College, Dublin, where, as a sizar, he obtained another BA degree in 1884. He was ordained a deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1888 and a priest in 1890. His early appointments included curate in Offerlane, Co. Laois (1888-1894) and curate in Tralee (1894-1897). In 1897, he was appointed rector in Ardcanny and remained in this post until his death on 12 June, 1934. He was buried in Killurach cemetery, Pallaskenry, where his gravestone now stands. The parish, at this time, was united with that of Kilcornan. (Leslie, 1936, 165)

 

Meade, Michael (c.1805-1875), Building Contractor

Michael Meade was born in Kilbreedy, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, about 1805. He learned his trade as a carpenter and went to work in Dublin in his early twenties. Soon afterwards, he established his own building firm, quickly establishing a reputation for high-quality work. A gifted organiser and manager, as well as a man with a thorough understanding of building, he soon won valuable contracts. Among the better-known buildings, which he (and his son, Joseph) erected, were the Gaiety Theatre (1870), Dunleary Town Hall, and several large parish churches, including Donnybrook (1864), Rathfarnham (1879), St Patrick’s Monkstown (1861) and Holy Redeemer Bray, Co. Wicklow. He also built Shrewsbury House, now the Belgian embassy. In 1860, he built a beautiful house for himself at the corner of Merion and Aylesbury Roads, Dublin, which he called ‘St Michael’s’. This house was modelled on Queen Victoria’s house, Osborne, on the isle of Wight. Today, this house forms part of St Michael’s College, Dublin, which is under the trusteeship of the Spiritan congregation. Outside Dublin, he built the Mental Hospital in Ennis and St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Co. Cork (1869). At one time, the firm had 900 workers on its pay roll.

            In 1882, the name of Michael Meade, became associated with an event of international interest. This was the infamous Phoenix Park murders of British under-secretary, Thomas Henry Burke, and Chief Secretary, Lord Henry Cavendish, in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. The atrocity was carried out by members of the Invincibles, a violent breakaway faction of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, which was founded by James Carey (1845-1893). James Carey, though then self-employed, had been a brick layer in Michael Meade’s building firm for eighteen years. While Michael Meade confined his interests to building, his son, Joseph (1839-1900), who inherited the firm, went into local politics and was the recipient of many honours. He became Lord Mayor of Dublin (1891-1892), received an honorary degree (LLD) and was made a Privy Counsellor, with the title, Right Honourable. Joseph, who was an intelligent and talented businessman, became chairman of Hibernian Bank and was a director of several large Dublin firms, including Boland’s Ltd., Globe Insurance Company, Ocean Accident Guarantee Corporation, in addition to being a member of the Dublin Port and Docks Board. An Alderman of Trinity ward, he is credited with first floating the idea of inviting Queen Victoria on a second visit to Ireland, something which materialised in 1900. Joseph died on 14 July, 1900, and both he and his father, Michael (d.c. 1875), were buried in Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin. (Naish, J, 2010; History of St Michael’s College, Dublin, 10; Fitzpatrick, 1900, ch. 19)

 

Meade, Thomas (1896-1984), School Principal

Thomas Meade, son of William Meade and his wife, Bridget Lynch, was born in Shanbally, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 17 March, 1896, and baptised in Kilcornan Catholic church the same day. He attended Kilcornan National School, after which he sat and passed the King’s Scholarship. This examination, at the time, was the recognised qualification for entry to Teacher Training College. He then entered De La Salle Teacher Training College, Waterford, where he qualified as a primary teacher. After qualification, he taught for some years in Kilmallock National school, before coming to Pallaskenry as principal. The boys’ and girls’ schools had, by then, amalgamated to form a single co-educational school. He continued as principal of Pallaskenry National school until his retirement in 1961. He married Mary O’Keeffe from Cork and they had a family of four boys, Gerard, Liam, Conor (deceased) and Thomas. He died on 1 September, 1984, aged 88 years, and was buried in the family burial plot in Castletown cemetery, Pallaskenry. (Meade, T, 2010)

 

Meagher, Isabella (c.1904-1991), School Principal

Isabella (Bella) Cahill, daughter of John Cahill and his wife, Bridget Goggin, was born in Coolbeg, Kildimo, about 1904. She was educated at Kildimo Girls National school and the Sisters of Mercy, Limerick. She qualifed as a teacher and taught at Kildimo Girls National School and succeeded her mother, Bridget (qv), as principal in 1932. In 1942, she moved to Dublin and obtained a post as Principal of the special school attached to the orthopaedic hospital in Clontarf, Dublin 3. She married William Meagher from Kilkenny and retired in Dublin. She died in 1991 and was buried in Dublin. (Cahill, D, 2010)

 

Moline, Rev Patrick (c.1700), Clergyman

Patrick Moline was installed as Church of Ireland Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, on 3 August, 1699. He resigned the post in 1713 to take up an appointment as Treasurer of the diocese of Limerick. (Leslie, 1936, 67, 149)

 

Molony, Rev James (1843-1904), Clergyman

James Molony was born in Manister, Co. Limerick, and baptised there on 27 December, 1843. He was ordained priest on 28 July, 1867. His appointments included curate in Fedamore (1867-1868); Rathkeale (1868-1871); Donaghmore (1871-1877); Shanagolden (1877-1878) and St Munchin’s (1878-1886). On 6 January, 1886, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cappagh, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Kildimo/ Pallaskenry on 13 January, 1892. He remained in Kildimo until his death on 15 July, 1904, aged 60 years. He was buried in the church grounds, Pallaskenry. James Molony had a brother, William, who was also a priest in the diocese of Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 65)

 

Moore, Sr Alice (1913-2010), Religious Sister

Alice Moore, daughter of Stephen Moore (qv) and his wife, Mary Kennedy, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 28 September, 1913. She attended Ballinacarriga National School, where her father, Stephen, was principal. She joined the Salesian Sisters on 21 January, 1932, undergoing her novitiate training in Cowley, Oxfordshire. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 5 August, 1934. She then began a teacher training course, graduating with a Teacher’s Certificate, including specialisation in art. She spent the remainder of her life teaching in Salesian schools in England and Ireland. She was superior and principal several times. In 2002, she retired to the Salesian Convent, Cahirdavin, Limerick, where she acted as sacristan. She died in the Cahirdavin convent on 17 March, 2010, aged 96 years. She was buried in the Salesian Sisters’ burial plot, Mount St Oliver’s cemetery, Limerick. She was a sister of Sisters Catherine Moore (qv) and Sister Rose Moore (qv). (FMA archives, 2010)

 

Moore, Sr Catherine (1908-1989), Religious Sister

Catherine Moore, daughter of Stephen Moore (qv), and his wife, Mary Kennedy, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 3 August, 1908. She attended Ballinacarriga National School, where her father, Stephen, was Principal. She joined the Salesian Sisters on 31 January, 1924, undergoing her novitiate training in England. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 5 August, 1927. When she had completed her professional training, she joined the congregation’s Chinese mission in 1938, working in Shanghai, the country’s southern commercial centre, until 1954. Then, because of increasing Communist pressure, she had to leave for Hong Kong, where she continued her work. After a total of 25 years in China and Hong Kong, Sr Catherine was transferred to Korea, where she spent the next nineteen years. She died in Korea on 24 September, 1989, aged 81 years, and was buried in Korea. She was a sister of Sr Alice Moore (qv) and Sr Rose Moore (qv). (FMA archives, 2010)

 

Moore, Sr Rose (1911-1996), Religious Sister

Rose Moore, daughter of Stephen Moore (qv), and his wife, Mary Kennedy, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 2 October, 1911. She was educated at Ballinacarriga National School, where he father, Stephen, was principal. She entered the Salesian Sisters on 2 October, 1926, undertaking her novitiate training in Surrey, England. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 5 August, 1929. Following her religious profession,  she volunteered for the foreign missions and was assigned to Thailand in 1932, where she spent the following fifty years. In 1946, she moved to Bangkok, where she specialised in working with blind people. During World War II, she was imprisoned by the Japanes forces, and owed her eventual release to her Irish nationality. At the age of 83, she retired owing to ill-health and died in Thailand on 18 February, 1996, aged 84 years. She was buried in Thailand. She was a sister of Sr Alice Moore (qv) and Sr Catherine Moore (qv). (FMA archives, 2010)

 

Moore, Stephen (1869-1942), School Principal

Stephen Moore, son of William Moore (qv) and his wife, Catherine O’Donnell, was born in Pallaskenry and baptised on 21 February, 1869. His father was principal in Curraheen until it closed in 1886, after which he was principal in Ballinacarriga National school. His grandfather was reputed to have been a ‘hedge’ schoolmaster in West Limerick, so it was natural for Stephen to follow in their footsteps. Stephen was appointed Principal of Ballinacarriga National School and continued in this post until his retirement in 1934. He married Mary Kennedy from Ballycahane, Kilcornan, and had a family of four boys and seven girls, four of whom, Rose (qv), Eileen, Catherine (qv) and Alice (qv), became ‘nuns’. Stephen died on 10 February, 1942, aged 72, and was buried in the family grave in Killurach cemetery, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. (K/P Parish Register; O’Shaughnessy, K, 2010)

 

Moore, William (c.1886), School Principal

William Moore, who came from Castlemahon, Co. Limerick, was principal of Curaheen National School, Pallaskenry, up to 1886, when this school closed. His father had been a ‘hedge’ schoolmaster, but he managed to qualify as a teacher under the arrangements of the National Board of Education. Curaheen was replaced by Ballinacarriga National School, but William chose to transfer to the Pallaskenry National school, where he continued as principal until his retirement. William married Catherine O’Donnell and they had a large family, among whom were John, Ellen, Mary, Stephen, James and Thomas. The second son, Stephen (qv), followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a teacher and, subsequently, becoming principal of Ballinacarriga National School. (K/P Parish Register)

 

Moran, Frank (c.1893-1916), WW 1 Casualty

Frank Moran, son of Rev Francis and Josephine Moran, Adare, Co. Limerick, was killed in action during World War I, on 22 August, 1916. His father, a Methodist clergyman, originally from Co. Cork, was then living in Adare. Frank was an officer (lieutenant) in the 9^th Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers. At the time of enlisting, Frank was a student at Trinity College, Dublin. The 9^th battalion of the Munster Fusiliers was recruited largely from County Cork volunteers in the late autumn of 1914. After training in Kilworth camp, Co. Cork, the battalion sailed for France, landing on 29 December, 1914. It joined British forces on the Loos Salient, near Aire, and endured terrible artillery attacks. Conditions became worse, however, when the battalion suffered attacks with chlorine gas, for which the men were ill-prepared. All enemy assaults were, nevertheless, repelled, the officers, like Frank Moran, always expected to be in the vanguard. Frank’s grave is at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, Somme, France. (McNamara, 2000, 353)

 

Moran, James (1838-1913), School Principal

James Moran was born in Gurteen, Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, in 1838. He married Mary Ambrose and had a large family, several of whom distinguished themselves in their professions. James began teaching at the old school (Culhane’s Cross), Ballysteen, around 1858, moving to the new school on the present site in 1861. He qualified under the National Board in 1877, obtaining first place in Limerick in the examination. The people of Ballysteen marked this achievement by presenting him with a purse of 80 gold sovereigns, together with a gold watch, said to be valued at another 40 sovereigns. He became Principal of the Ballysteen school in 1885 and was chairman of the Limerick Teachers Association for a term. On his retirement in 1903, his son, Patrick, succeeded him as Principal in Ballysteen. Another son, Gerald, taught in Askeaton National School, while his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, taught in Ballysteen also. He died on 25 April, 1914, and is buried in Beigh cemetery, Ballysteen. He was a skilled versifier and wrote several poems, as well as, a play, ‘The Death of a Fenian’, first produced by Thomas B Naughton (qv) in the Carnegie Hall/ library, Rathkeale, in 1909. (Feheney, 2007, 78)

 

Moran, Michael (1868-1932), Medical Practitioner

Michael Moran, son of James Moran (qv) and his wife, Mary Ambrose, was born in Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised at St Patrick’s church on 23 February, 1868. After completing his primary schooling in Ballysteen, he attended Rockwell College, before entering Queen’s College, Galway, where he read medicine. On qualification, he moved to London, where he built up an extensive practice. He married Rosemary Thomas and they had one child, Rosemary Moran, who subsequently married Denis Naughton (qv). It was Dr Moran’s long-term intention to retire to Ireland, and, in preparation for this, he purchased a house and farm at Ballinacourty from Arthur Lynch. He died suddenly, however, from a brain haemorrhage, in London, on 7 June, 1932, and was buried in London. His wife had already predeceased him. (Feheney 2006, 36-7).

 

Moran, Patrick (1876-1946), School Principal

Patrick Moran, son of James Moran (qv) and his wife, Mary Ambrose, was born in Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised on 10 September, 1876. He began teaching in Ballysteen National School as an assistant to his father, James Moran, subsequently succeeding him as Principal, when the latter retired in 1903. Patrick took early retirement in 1937 and purchased Milltown House, a small mansion, built by Alex Caulfield around 1875. There were, however, heavy County Council rates on houses of this type and, Patrick Moran, in an effort to economise, sold the house for demolition to Mr Vaughan, 2 St John’s Square, Limerick. Rather late in life, Patrick Moran married Christine Lynch from Moig, Askeaton. He was a skilled versifier and his ballad, ‘Exile’s Inquiry’ was once very popular in Ballysteen. He died in 1946 and is buried in Beigh cemetery. (Feheney, 2007, 79)

 

Moran, Rev James (1826-1879), Clergyman

James Moran was born in 1826 and ordained a priest in September, 1853. His first appointment, after ordination, was as curate in Knockaderry (1853-55), after which, he was curate, successively, in Rathkeale (1855-56); Knockaderry (1856-57); Croagh (1857-59); Bruff (1859-62); Rathkeale (1862-64); Adare (1864-65); Mahoonagh (1865-68); Ballingarry (1868-74); Rathkeale (1874-75). On 16 October, 1875, he was appointed Parish Priest of Mahoonagh, where he remained until his death on 31 December, 1879, at the age of 53. (Tobin, 2004, 67)

                                               

Moriarty, Br Maurice (1923-2005), School Principal

Maurice Moriarty, son of Thomas Moriarty and his wife, Katie Bowler, was born in Boherbrac, Lispole, Co. Kerry, on 8 February, 1923. He was educated at the local National school, before entering the Christian Brothers’ juniorate, St Joseph’s College, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, on 21 July, 1937. On 15 August, 1940, he received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Gabriel, at St Helen’s, Booterstown. His new patron saint was the Archangel Gabriel. He completed his novitiate in St Helen’s and then attended St Mary’s Teacher Training College, Marino, where he completed his teacher training. He also made his religious profession on Christmas Day, 25 December, 1941. In 1942, he was assigned to teach at CBS school, Enniscorthy, and remained there for ten years. On 4 September, 1952, he was appointed principal of the CBS primary school in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. In August, 1960, he was appointed superior and principal of CBS school, Adare. The school and monastery were under the patronage of the Earl of Dunraven and, every year, he gave a large tree from his estate to be cut up and used as firewood for the furnace which heated the school. Maurice continued in charge of the school in Adare until his transfer as principal to CBS school, Tipperary, in 1966. Later he served as principal in the CBS school, Gorey, Co. Wexford. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 1987. In his later life, he suffered from emphysema. He died at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, on 12 September, 2005, aged 82 years. He was buried in Baldoyle, Dublin 13. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Mulcahy, Rev Michael (1848-1906), Clergyman

Michael Mulcahy was born in Tournafulla on 1 April, 1848. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained at St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 27 September, 1874.  His priestly duties were exercised in several dioceses, starting with a temporary curacy in Bruff. He then moved to the diocese of Down and Connor, where he served for part of the year 1874. He left this appointment, however, owing to ill-health and worked for a year in the diocese of Clogher. He then returned to the diocese of Limerick, where he was curate, successively, in Ballyagran (1876); Knockaderry (1876-77); Feenagh/ Kilmeedy (1877-78); Cratloe (1878-79); Killeedy (1879-81); Loughill (1881-83); St Patrick’s (1883-86); Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1886-87); Glenroe (1887-89); Fedamore (1889); Killeedy (1889-96); Ardagh (1896-1900); Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1900-02). He was then appointed Administrator in Killeedy (1902-04), after which he became seriously ill and had to be hospitalised in Belmont Park, Waterford, where he died on 19 April, 1906, aged 58 years. (Tobin, 2004, 68)

 

Mullaney, Rev Henry (1913-1978), Rector

Henry Mullaney was born in Belfast on 10 December, 1913. He joined the Salesians of St John Bosco and, on completion of his ecclesiastical training, was ordained priest on 25 July, 1943. A gifted administrator, he was appointed rector of Salesian College, Pallaskenry, on two occasions. The first time was 1961-1964. The second was 1969-1973. Previous to his appointment in Pallaskenry, he had been rector for several years at Blaizdon Hall, the Salesian College and scholasticate in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. He died on 7 December, 1978, aged 64 years. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

Mulqueen, Br James (1912-2003), Religious Brother

James Mulqueen, son of Patrick Mulqueen and his wife, Mary O’Connell, was born in Milltown, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, in 1912. After completing his primary schooling in Kilcornan National school, he entered De La Salle College, Castletown, Co. Kildare, in 1928. He was received into the De La Salle Congregation later that year, taking the name, Brother Paul. He made his profession in 1929. He then joined the English Province of his Congregation, completing his teacher training studies at St Mary’s Training College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, in 1935.

            Brother Paul spent the remainder of his life teaching in schools in England, Wales and Scotland, including St Joseph’s Manchester, St Iltid’s Cardiff, St Joseph’s Tranent, St Mary’s and St John’s Glasgow. His administrative talents were recognised early and he was Deputy Headmaster for seventeen years and Headmaster for twenty. He died on 24 February, 2003, and is buried in Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland. (Mulqueen, M., 2007)

 

Mulqueen, John (d.1885), Accident Victim

John Mulqueen was the owner of Cartown House and estate, Kildimo, in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. In the list of landowners (Cd 1492, 1876), we find that he had 379 acres. Since Cartown was listed as 170 acres, it is obvious that Mulqueen also had other property. John Mulqueen’s son, Joseph, died on 7 May, 1881, and John, himself, was killed in a riding accident near the White Forge, Pallaskenry, on 24 February, 1885. It is said that he and his nephew were engaged in a jumping contest at the time of the accident. The nephew subsequently emigrated to Australia, where his descendants are still to be found. In this branch of the family, the Mulqueen surname was sometimes spelt as ‘Mulquin’. (LC, 5/5/1881, 24/2/1885; Cd 1492)

 

Mulqueen, Rev John (d.1819), Murder Victim

John Mulqueen, son of Anne Mulqueen, nee Lyons, was born in Ballycasey, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and ordained priest towards the end of the eighteenth century. In 1812, he was appointed curate in Bulgaden and appointed Parish Priest there in 1814. In 1819, he was killed by some men, led by ‘Captain Rock’, who were active in the agrarian movement, at that time. Though the names of three alleged assailants were published in the ‘Hue and Cry’, they were never apprehended. Fr Mulqueen was buried in Kildimo cemetery, a headstone being erected to his memory by Johanna Mulqueen, his mother. (Ó Corbuí, 1975, 160)

 

Murphy, Bríd (1910-2005), School Principal

Bridget (Bríd) Devane, daughter of John Devane and his wife, Kate Curran, was born in Ballinacanig, Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co. Kerry, on 20 December, 1910. She was educated at Ballyferriter Girls National School and Coláiste Íde, Dingle. From there, she entered Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College, Limerick, where she qualified as a National Teacher. After qualification in 1929, she taught for a year in the Salesian Primary School, Fernbank, Limerick, before joining the staff of the Coombe National school, Dublin in 1930. In 1943, she transferred to Kildimo National School, where she taught until her retirement. She married Senan Murphy (qv) in November, 1946, and they had three daughters. On the retirement of her husband, Senan, she became principal of Kildimo National school. She retired in 1976. She died on 20 March, 2005, aged 94 years, and was buried beside her husband, Senan, in Kilcornan cemetery. (O’Shaughnessy, K, 2010)

 

Murphy, Senan (1911-1983), School Principal

Senan Murphy, son of Peter Murphy and Mary Anne Holmes, was born at 4 Moore Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare, on 23 September, 1911, and baptised four days later. He was educated at Kilrush National School and at the Presentation Brothers juniorate, Coláiste Muire, Cork. He attended De La Salle Teacher Training College, Waterford, where he obtained his teacher’s diploma. He taught in schools of the Presentation Brothers in Cork. Subsequently, he obtained a teaching post at Kildimo National School, where he later became Principal. He married Brid Devanne (qv), who also taught in Kildimo, and they had three daughters. He retired from his post in 1975. He died on 23 August, 1983, aged 71 years, and was buried in Kilcornan cemetery, Co. Limerick. (FPM archives; O’Shaughnessy, K, 2010)

 

Murphy, Sr Mary (1905-2004), School Principal

Mary Murphy, daughter of Timothy and Annie Murphy, was born in Rockhill, Bruree, Co. Limerick, on 1 March, 1905.  She was educated at Rockhill National School and the Mercy convent, Charleville. She entered the Sisters of Mercy at St Mary’s convent, Limerick, on 2 January, 1924. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 17 July, 1926. She then entered Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College, where she qualified as a teacher. She taught for some years in Limerick, before her appointment as principal of the Mercy Convent school, Adare, in the 1950s. She spent her later years in Catherine McAuley House, Limerick, where she died on 26 January, 2004, aged 98 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s convent, Limerick. (RSM archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

Nash, Rev Edward (c.1779- ), Clergyman

Edward Nash, son of Edward Nash, was born about 1779. He was educated in McCormack’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 4 July, 1796. He obtained his BA in 1801 and was ordained deacon for the Church of Ireland on 12 September, 1802. Four years later, on 24 August, 1806, he was ordained priest, at Cloyne, After ordination, he was appointed curate in Corcomohide, now known as Castletown Conyers (1806-1811), followed by a similar posting in Castleconnell in 1811. He was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, in 1838, and continued in this post until 1848. On 2 August, 1808, he married Clementina Ferguson and had a son, Charles, who attended Trinity College, as well as several daughters. (Leslie, 1936, 35, 98)

 

Naughton, Annie (1891-1994), Centenarian

Annie Ranahan, daughter of Michael Ranahan and his wife, Mary Millane, was born in Ballycanana, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, on 25 January, 1891. She came from a large family of five boys and four girls. She married David J Naughton (qv), a neighbour, and they had a family, of which one boy, Denis (qv), and three girls, Peg, Mary and Nancy, survived into adulthood. She had a retentive memory and was widely consulted on matters relating to family and local history. She spent her final years in Tall Trees Nursing Home, Askeaton, where she died on 7 September, 1994, aged 103 years. She was buried in the grounds of St Patrick’s church, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick. (Feheney, 2006, 33).

 

Naughton, David (1865-1941), LCC

David John Naughton, second son of Denis Naughton (1832-93) and Margaret Bennett (c1835-1924), was born in Bushy Island, Pallaskenry, and baptised in Kilcornan Church on 25 June, 1865. He became a rate collector for the Limerick County Council at its inception in 1899. Subsequently, he was a member of the ‘Sinn Fein’ Limerick County Council, 1920-25. He married Annie Ranahan (1891-1994) and had nine children, of whom only four survived to adulthood. He died 7 September, 1941, and is buried in the grounds of St Patrick’s church, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick. (Feheney, 2006, 30-32)

 

Naughton, Denis (1919-86), LCC

Denis Naughton, second son of David Naughton (qv) and Annie Naughton nee Ranahan (qv), was born in Ballycanana, Askeaton, on 19 October, 1919. He was a member of the Limerick County Council for seventeen years (1950-67) and chairman for two terms (1963-64 and 1965-66). He married Rosmary Moran (1919-86) and had eight children, including David M Naughton, also a member of Limerick County Council. Denis died 19 October, 1986, and is buried in Beigh cemetery, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick. (Feheney, 2006, 36-39)

 

Naughton, Michael (1842-1910), LCC

Michael Naughton, fourth son of Thomas Naughton and Bridget Murphy, was born in Ballycanana and baptised in St Patrick’s church, Ballysteen, on 19 September, 1842. He was a member of the Rathkeale Board of Guardians before being elected to the first Limerick County Council for the Rathkeale constituency in 1899. He retained his seat until his sudden death on 19 March, 1910. He is buried in the family grave in Kildimo, Co. Limerick. (Feheney, 2006, 23-25)

 

Naughton, Sr Christina (1874-1955), Religious Sister

 Christina Mary Naughton, daughter of Patrick Naughton and his wife, Catherine Hickey, was born in Castleroberts, Adare, Co. Limerick, on 28 October, 1874, and baptised in the Catholic church, Adare, the same day. She was educated at the Sisters of Mercy school, Adare, and, with some members of her family, emigrated to the USA in 1895. She joined the religious congregation, the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, on 16 February, 1895. She received the religious habit, and a new name, Sister Domine, at St Mary’s, Notre Dame, on 13 July, 1895. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 15 August, 1897. She served in several schools of the Holy Cross Sisters in the USA, including St Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN (1896-1898); Sacred Heart Academy, Ogden, UT (1808-1909); St Teresa’s Academy, Boise, ID (1909-1916); St Mary’s Notre Dame, IN (1916-1925); Academy of the Holy Cross, Washington DC (1925-1931); St Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN (1931-1955). In her later years she was confined to the infirmary at St Mary’s Notre Dame, where she died on 25 August, 1955, aged 80 years. She was interred in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Notre Dame, Indiana. She became a naturalised US citizen on 9 May, 1923. Her cousin, Sr Mary D Bennett, Ballinaha, Ballingarry, was also a member of the same religious congregation. (CHC archives, 30.3.10)

 

Naughton, Thomas (1868-1900), Boer War Casualty

Thomas Naughton, son of Patrick Naughton and his wife, Catherine Hickey, was born in Castleroberts, Adare, Co. Limerick, and baptised in the Catholic church, Adare, on 16 August, 1868. In 1889, he emigrated to the USA and, during the Boer War, he joined the so-called Irish-American Ambulance Brigade. This was a group organised by Irish patriots in Chicago, with the avowed intention of fighting with the Boers against the British in South Africa. Since the USA, however, adopted a neutral stance in this conflict, the volunteers would not be allowed to leave the USA, except as part of an overtly non-combatant group. Hence the adoption of the name, ambulance brigade, and the wearing of American Red Cross insignia. The brigade was led by Col. John Fillimore Blake and Major John MacBride, later executed after the 1916 Rising. As soon as the so-called Ambulance Brigade landed in South Africa, however, the men tore off their Red Cross insignia, armed themselves with rifles and became known as the Irish Transvaal Regiment. The officers, including Tom Naughton, a lieutenant, received their commissions from Paul Kruger, President of the South African Republic. Their first military engagement was at Tulana Hill, where they came face to face with the Dublin Fusiliers, fighting under the British Flag. Tom Naughton was killed in action in 1900. He was buried where he fell in the Tansvaal. There is a public memorial bearing his name in Chicago. (Feheney, 2006, 53-58)

 

Naughton, Thomas B (1864-1914), Journalist & Editor

Thomas Bennett Naughton, eldest son of Denis Naughton (1832-1993) and Margaret Bennett (1835-1924) was born in Bushy Island, Pallaskenry, in 1864. He was educated at Ballysteen School, Rockwell College and Queen’s College (now National University of Ireland) Cork, which he entered in 1880. He left Queen’s College in 1883 to take up a career as a journalist, starting with the The Leinster Leader, Naas. A gifted writer, he soon gained success as a journalist. He was subsequently editor of the Tipperary News and Waterford Herald in Clonmel. Later he was editor of The Limerick Leader before taking up a post as Clerk/ administrator of the Rathkeale Union. He was an ardent nationalist and a fluent poet. He died in the Cistercian Monastery, Roscrea, on 3 June, 1914, and was buried in the family grave in Kildimo, Co. Limerick. (Feheney, 2006, 26-28)

 

Nealon, Br Joseph (1947-2009), Religious Brother

Joe Nealon, only son of Joseph Nealon, and his wife, Eileen O’Neill, was born in Middlefield, Kildimo, on 7 August, 1947. He was baptised in his local parish church and attended Kildimo National School. When he was two years old, tragedy struck, and his mother died. She was a daughter of Michael O’Neill (qv), the well-known middle-distance runner, who, though born in Ballysteen, later settled in Kilbreedy, Kilcornan. On the death of his mother, Joe and his two sisters, were reared by their aunt, Marie Nealon, nee Madigan. Joe attended secondary school at the Presentation Brothers’ juniorate, Colaiste Therese, in Cork. At the end of his secondary schooling, he entered the Presentation Brothers at Mount St Joseph, Cork. He received the habit on 12 August, 1964, and made his religious profession two years later, on 12 August, 1966. He attended De La Salle Teachers’ College, Waterford, where he completed a teacher training course and qualified as a teacher in 1971. He then taught in Cork, Killarney, where he was Principal for some years, before returning to Cork, to teach at Scoil Chríost Rí, Turner’s Cross. He was on the staff at that school for several years, until his early retirement in 1999, owing to long-term illness. Joe had been diagnosed with type I diabetes rather early in life and, though, with medication, he managed to keep the disease under control, it, nevertheless, imposed limitations on his activities and lifestyle.

            In his later years, he was a member of the Maiville community in Turner’s Cross, Cork, where his caring and obliging nature enabled him to carve out a new career for himself. His final illness came rather unexpectedly. While the H1N1 virus was spreading in Cork, Joe was taken ill. Though tests on him for this virus proved negative, some related infection got firmly established in his body, and, with the apparent failure of his immune system, no treatment proved effective. He died at the Cork University Hospital on 11 November, 2009. He was buried in the cemetery attached to Mount St Joseph, Cork, on 14 November, 2009. He was deeply mourned by his community, family and many friends. (FPM archives, 2010)

 

Nealon, Br Michael (1882-1955), Religious Brother

Michael Nealon, son of Patrick Nealon and Margaret Kennedy, was born in Middlefield, Kildimo, and baptised in the Catholic church, Kildimo, on 7 October, 1882. He attended Kildimo National school before entering the Presentation Preparatory School at Mount St Joseph, Cork, where he completed his secondary schooling. He received the habit of the Presentation Brothers on 5 March, 1900, together with a new religious name, Brother Raymond. On completion of his novitiate, he made his religious profession on 25 October, 1902. He then attended University in Cork and obtained a degree in languages, after which he obtained his Higher Diploma in Education. He was a man of great ability and taught with great distinction in Presentation Colleges, Bray, Reading and Cobh. He was also Headmaster in Bray and Reading. Following a disagreement with the higher superiors of the Presentation Brothers, he appealed his case to Rome. The Vatican decision in 1940 was to permit him to sever his connection with the Presentation Brothers, while continuing to live his vows as a celibate religious, residing in his own lodgings. There was also a mutually agreeable financial arrangement. He was a gifted athletics and rugby coach and was responsible for coaching students of Presentation College, Bray, when they won the Leinster Senior Schools Rugby Cup in 1932 for the first and only time. He died in Dublin on 23 November, 1955, aged 73 years. He was buried in Deansgrange cemetery, Dublin. He was a brother of Br Patrick Nealon (qv). (FPM archives; Nealon, Rev E, 2010)

 

Nealon, Br Patrick (1879-1966), Religious Brother

Patrick Nealon, son of Patrick Nealon and his wife, Margaret Kennedy, was born in Middlefield, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in 1879. He was educated at the local National School, before entering the Presentation Brothers novitiate at Mount St Joseph, Cork, in 1901. He made his religious profession there in 1903 and then qualified as a teacher. He taught in Presentation Schools in Killarney, Kinsale, Cork, Cobh and Carrick-on-Shannon. He spent his retirement at Presentation Brothers, Cobh. Shortly before his death, he was moved to South Terrace Nursing Home, Cork, where he died on 15 April, 1966. He was buried in the community cemetery, Mount St Joseph, Cork. He was a brother of Br Michael Nealon (qv). (FPM archives)

 

Nelson, Rev Edward (c.1606- ), Clergyman

Edward Nelson, born about 1606, entered Trinity College, Dublin, and was accorded the rank of scholar in that institution on 6 July, 1624. Following his ordination as a priest of the Church of Ireland, he was installed as Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, on 2 July, 1636. He claimed to have lost property to the value of £78, together with his living (as Prebendary of Ballycahane), estimated by his to be worth £107, during the rebellion of 1641. While holding the post of Prebendary of Ballycahane, he also held the post of Vicar of Templetenny and Kilcash in the southeast. He is thought to have subsequently moved to Dublin, where a clergyman of the same name held the post of Minister in the Precinct of Dublin in 1654. (Leslie, 1936, 96)

 

Neville, Br. David (1896-1960), Religious Brother

David Neville, son of Patrick Neville and Bridget Hayes, was born in Drominoona, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Ballysteen Church on 5 March, 1896. After completing his primary schooling at Ballysteen National school, he entered the Preparatory School of the Presentation Brothers on 24 September, 1910. He was received into the Presentation Brothers on 16 April, 1911, taking the name of Brother Aquinas. He was professed on 27 April, 1916.

            On completion of his training, he was appointed assistant to the Master of Novices at Mount St Joseph, Cork, after which he was Superior of St Joseph’s Special School, Greenmount, Cork. In 1928, he was appointed bursar at the Presentation juniorate, Colaiste Muire, Douglas, Cork, where he remained for the rest of his life. He died in England on 9 December, 1960, and was brought home for burial at Mount St Joseph, Cork. (FPM archives)

 

Neville, Br. Patrick (1905-1969), Religious Brother

Patrick Neville, son of John Neville and Annie Ranahan, was born at Ballyaglish, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Ballysteen church on 11 August, 1905. He attended Ballysteen National School, before entering the Presentation Preparatory School in Cork. He was received into the Presentation Brothers Novitiate on 3 April, 1923, and professed in 1925. His religious name was Brother Thomas. On his transfer to England, he joined the staff of St Joseph’s Orphanage, Orpington, where he spent several years. Subsequently, he transferred to St Thomas More School, West Grinstead, Sussex, where he taught for several years. He died there on 20 February,1970, and is buried in the local cemetery, West Grinstead. He was a brother of Daniel Neville (qv). (FPM archives)

 

Neville, Daniel (1898-1920), Old IRA

Daniel Neville was born in Ballyaglish, Askeaton, and baptised at Ballysteen church on 19 January, 1898. He was the son of John Neville and Annie Ranahan. He attended Ballysteen National School before entering the Presentation Preparatory School, Cork, on 12 September, 1912. He remained there for two years, following a programme preparing him for the King’s Scholarship, which was then the recognised qualification for entry to teacher training college.

            On returning home, he became a member of the Ballysteen unit of the Volunteers. He was in charge of an active unit, which called on the home of a Protestant family in Moig, Pallaskenry, in search of arms on the night of 18 April, 1920. There was an exchange of gun fire and Dan was fatally injured. Though efforts were made to administer first aid in a nearly forge, he died soon afterwards and was buried in a temporary grave in Ballynort, Askeaton. Subsequently, he was interred in the family grave in Castletown, Pallaskenry. Dan was a talented sportsman and was a member of the successful Ballysteen football team of the period. There is a memorial to him in Newcastle West, which reads, ‘Lt. Daniel Neville of Ballysteen, killed in action at Pallaskenry, 18 April, 1920.’ He was a brother of Br Patrick Neville (qv). (FPM archives; Feheney, 1998, 221)

 

Neville, Margaret (1894-2001), Centenarian

Margaret (‘Gretta’) Neville, daughter of John Neville and Anna Ranahan, was born in Ballyaglish, Ballysteen, on 31 October, 1894. She attended Ballysteen National School. She married Patrick Neville, a distant cousin, living in Lurga, Adare, but they had no children. She enjoyed unusually good health throughout her life and lived to be 106 years of age. In her later years, she was a resident of St Paul’s Nursing Home, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Up to her last months, she enjoyed the full use of all her faculties. She died on 30 January, 2001, and is buried in the family burial plot in Castletown Cemetery, Pallaskenry. (Feheney, 1998, 29).

 

Neville, Patrick (c.1859- ), School Principal

Patrick Neville was born in Newcastle West about 1859 and became a qualified National Teacher. He was appointed Principal of Shauntrade National School, Adare, in 1898, thereby succeeding John Hanrahan, who died that year. Patrick Neville lived in Tuogh, and, in the 1911 census, lists himself as married to Mary Sheehan, with ten children, nine of whom survived (John, Mary, Patrick Joseph, Cornelius, Katherine, Johanna, Ellen, Margaret and Bridget). His wife, Mary, operated a shop from their home near Tuogh Cross, Adare. Patrick retired in 1924. (Pierce, 1984, 59-63)

 

Neville, Rev Michael (1923-2001), Clergyman

Michael Neville, son of Daniel Neville and Mary Josephine Carroll, was born in Old Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 19 November, 1923. He was educated at Kildimo National School, before entering St Munchin’s College, Limerick. He then attended St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his seminary training, and was ordained priest on 19 June, 1949. After ordination, he was seconded to the diocese of Ferns on temporary loan. He was recalled to the diocese of Limerick in 1950 and appointed curate at St Munchin’s, Limerick. In 1965, he was appointed curate Our Lady of the Rosary, Limerick, where he remained for ten years. On 11 August, 1975, he was appointed Parish Priest of Holy Family parish, South Hill. On 23 August, 1978, he was transferred to Templeglantine as Parish Priest. He remained there until 27 February, 1985, when, with declining health, he resigned this post. After a break of several months, he was appointed chaplain to the Limerick Regional hospital, where he remained for almost a year. On 10 March, 1986, he was appointed Administrator of Killeedy parish, but, with declining health, he resigned soon afterwards and retired to a rest home in Carrigoran, Co. Clare. He subsequently moved to Villa Marie Nursing Home, Parteen. He died on 9 May, 2001, and was buried in Kilmurry cemetery, Limerick. (LDA).

 

Nolan, Sr Elsie (1909-2006), Religious Sister

Elsie Nolan, daughter of Richard Nolan and Alice O’Brien, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 12 March, 1909. She attended Ballinacarriga National School before entering the novitiate of the Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco at Battersea, London, in 1925. She completed her novitiate in Battersea, making her religious profession on 5 August, 1928. She spent virtually all of her life in England, and served in Battersea and Cowley, near Oxford. She died at Cowley on 20 October, 2006, and is buried there. She was a sister of Sr Margaret Nolan (qv) and Sr Josephine Nolan (qv). (FMA archives)

 

Nolan, Sr Josephine (1927-2006), Religious Sister

Josephine Nolan, daughter of Richard Nolan and his wife, Alice O’Brien, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, on 26 February, 1927. She was educated at Ballinacarriga National School and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition at Altricham, Cheshire. This congregation was founded in France by St Emilie de Vialar (1797-1856) and is devoted to the care of the sick poor. Josephine received the religious habit, together with a new name, Sister Richard, on 15 February, 1942. Her new patron saint, St Richard (1197-1253) was bishop of Chichester in the 13^th century, On completion of her novitiate, Josephine made her religious profession on 15 February, 1944. She then began training as a nurse at St Joseph’s Hospital, Manchester, and qualified as a state registered nurse (SRN). She spent several years nursing at St Joseph’s Hospital, Manchester, before her transfer to St Louis Hospital, Jerusalem, which her congregation also administered. On her retirement, she returned to England and died at Manchester on 7 June, 2006. She was buried in the Southern Cemetery, Manchester, England. She was a sister of Sr Elsie Nolan (qv) and Margaret Nolan (qv). (St Emilie archives, 2010)

 

Nolan, Sr Margaret (1913-2007), Religious Sister

Margaret Nolan, daughter of Richard Nolan and his wife, Alice O’Brien, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, on 18 February, 1913. She attended Ballinacarriga National School and joined the Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco. She entered the novitiate of that congregation at Chertsey, England, on 31 January, 1929. She made her religious profession on 5 August, 1931, at Cowley, near Oxford. Sister Margaret served in Farnborough, Chertsey, Cowley and Greek Streeet, London. During World War II, she returned to the Salesian Convent, Fernbank, Limerick with the novices of the congregation. After the war, she returned to England. In the second half of her life, Margaret returned to Ireland and served in the Salesian convents in Cahircon, Co. Clare, and Terryglass, Co. Tipperary. In 2002, Margaret returned to the Salesian Convent, Cahirdavin, Limerick. She died on 9 February, 2007, and was buried in Mount St Oliver cemetery, Limerick. She was a sister of Sr Elsie Nolan (qv) and Sr Josephine Nolan (qv). (FMA archives, 2009)

 

Noonan, Cornelius (1826-1936), Super Centenarian

We learn from Con Noonan’s death certificate that he was born in Doneraile, Co. Cork, in 1826. Always interested in horses, he became a coachman for a member of the gentry in Limerick. In July 1874, he married Peggy O’Shaughnessy from Ballycanana, Ballysteen, and purchased a small farm in the same townland. There he reared a large family, most of whom emigrated to the USA. Con is an important figure in the history of the parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen because he is on record as the oldest person ever to live in the parish. The records office in Newcastle West record his death on 21 September, 1936, at the age of 110 years! It should be mentioned, however, that, as in the more famous case of the ‘old’ Countess of Desmond, who is reputed to have died at the age of 140, some people have expressed doubts about the accuracy of Con’s alleged date of birth. On the other hand, as in the case of the ‘old’ Countess of Desmond, there is no doubt about the date of his death. (Feheney, 1998, 171-173)

 

O’Brien, Cornelius (c.1843-1895), Physician

Cornelius O’Brien was born in Knockpatrick about 1843 and studied medicine, qualifying at the Royal College of Surgeons (LRCSI), Dublin. He was appointed dispensary doctor in Pallaskenry and served there for several years. He was a brother of Dr Patrick O’Brien (1860-1916), dispensary doctor in Askeaton for many years. Cornelius died on 5 October, 1895 and was buried in the family burial plot in Kilbradran cemetery, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick. (Feheney, 2007, 87-88; LC, 7/10/1895)

 

O’Brien, Denis (1877-c.1949), Local Poet

Denis O’Brien, eldest son of Michael O’Brien and his wife, Mairead Kennedy, was born in Ballyculhane, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Kildimo on 13 August, 1877. He was educated at Kildimo National School and, from his youth, displayed a great facility in versification. One of his best-known ballads was ‘The Fair of Stonehall’. Another popular ballad of his was, ‘Our own Home Town The Line’. ‘The Line’ referred to was the village of New Kildimo, to distinguish it from Old Kildimo, which lay about one mile to the south. Denis, and other members of his family, emigrated to the USA and settled in New York, where he died about 1949. He was buried in New York. (O’Brien, M, 2010)

 

O’Brien, Rev Lucius (1842-1913), Clergyman

Lucius Smith O’Brien, son of William Smith O’Brien MP, was born in Cahirmoyle House on 13 August, 1842. He was educated at St Columba’s College and Trinity College, Dublin. He obtained his BA degree in 1865 and his MA in 1874. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1867 and priest in 1868. His first appointment was as chaplain in Mere, Wiltshire, on the edge of the Salisbury plain (1867-1869), after which he obtained the post of permanent curate in Milford, Co. Donegal (1869-1874). He then took a post as curate in Ramelton (1874-1878), Co. Kerry, before obtaining the post of incumbent in Adare (1878-1905). During some of this latter period, he also held the posts of prebendary of Ardcanny (1879-1891) and treasurer of the diocese of Limerick (1891-1905). He was appointed Dean of Limerick and rector of St Mary’s Cathedral in 1905 and continued in these posts until his death. On 20 May, 1872, he married Emily Hannah, eldest daughter of RT Hannay Montgomery of Beaulieu, Co. Louth. They had a family of three sons and four daughters. Lucius died at Dereen, Co. Limerick, on 25 September, 1913, aged 71. He claimed to be a collateral descendant of Donal Mór O’Brien, last King of Munster, who founded St Mary’s Cathedral Limerick, in 1172. (Leslie, 1936, 41, 69, 131,163)

 

O’Brien, Rev Maurice (1845-1884), Clergyman

Maurice O’Brien, son of Patrick O’Brien and his wife, Ellen Hurley, was born in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised on 21 September, 1845. He received his early education in the National Shchool, Pallaskenry and, after completing his secondary schooling, entered St Patrick’s seminary, Maynooth, on 26 August, 1863. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained priest in Maynooth on 11 December, 1870. He served as curate in Monagea (1870-71) and in Adare (1871-79). On 4 March, 1879, he retired from the parish of Adare owing to ill-health and left for Australia, where he continued his ministry as a priest in the diocese of Sale. There he was assistant priest in the parish of St Kilda, outside Melbourne, until his death on 27 July, 1862, at the early age of 39. He was buried in St Kilda. (Tobin, 2004, 77; Hamell, 1982, 133, #7034)

 

O’Brien, Sr Catherine (1857-1927), Religious Sister

Catherine O’Brien, daughter of Denis O’Brien and his wife, Catherine Lyons, was born in Carheeny, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 9 October, 1857. She was educated at Kildimo National school, before entering the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana. She received the habit, together with a new name, Sister Nolasco, on 3 January, 1874. On completion of her novitiate, she made her final religious profession on 15 August, 1878. She qualified as a certificated teacher and served in the following Holy Cross schools: Sacred Heart Academy, Ogden, UT; St Joseph’s School, Eureka, UT; St Catherine’s Normal School, Baltimore, MD; St Mary’s School, Anderson, IN; St Patrick’s School, South Bend, IN; St Charles’ School, Crawfordsville, IN; Sacred Heart Academy, Fort Waine, IN; St Ann’s Orphanage, Salt Lake City, UT; St Michael’s School, Plymouth, IN; St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, IN. She died at St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, IN, on 1 April, 1927, aged 69 years, and was buried in the convent cemetery, attached to St Mary’s. She was an aunt of Sr Margaret O’Brien (qv). (CHC archives, 2010)

 

O’Brien, Sr Helen (1938-1998), Religious Sister

Helen (Eileen) O’Brien, daughter of Denis O’Brien and his wife, Bridget Reidy, was born in Ballymartin, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 14 July, 1938. She was educated at Pallaskenry National School and Salesian Secondary School, Limerick. She entered the Salesian Sisters early in 1957, receiving the religious habit on 5 August, 1957. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 5 August, 1959. She completed her teacher training at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and taught for several years in the Salesian Primary School, Fernbank, Limerick. She also served on the staff at Salesian Convent, Cahircon, Co. Clare. She died on 6 November, 1998, aged 60 years. She was buried in the family burial plot, Kilcornan cemetery. (FMA archives, 2010)

 

O’Brien, Sr Margaret (1884-1973), Religious Sister

Margaret Mary O’Brien, daughter of Michael O’Brien and his wife, Mairead Kennedy, was born in Ballyculhane, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 27 July, 1884, and baptised in Kildimo Catholic church on 30 July, 1884. She was educated at Kildimo National school and in Fedamore. On 16 July, 1903, she joined the Sisters of the Holy Cross at Notre Dame, Indiana. She received the habit, together with a new religious name, Sister Carmel, on 15 August, 1904. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 15 August, 1906. She qualified as a teacher and taught in several Holy Cross schools, including Morris, IL; Woodland CA; Salt Lake City, UT; New York City, NY; San Francisco, CA; South Bend, IN; Beverley Hills, CA, where, at one time, she had some of Bing Crosby’s children in her class. She spent the later years of her retirement in Notre Dame, IN, where she died on 2 May, 1973, aged 90 years. She was interred in Our Lady of Peace cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. She became a naturalised US citizen on 11 May, 1927. An aunt Sr Catherine O’Brien (qv), a niece and two first cousins of Sr Margaret also joined the same congregation. (CHC archives, 2010)

 

O’Callaghan, Br Thomas (1907-1990), School Principal

Thomas O’Callaghan was born in Quarry View, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, on 17 October, 1907.

He was educated at the local National School and at Christian Brothers Juniorate, Bray, Co. Wicklow. He entered the Christian Brothers in September, 1922, and received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Evin, on 31 July, 1923. On completion of his novitiate, he made his religious profession in August, 1924. He completed his teacher training at Marino Teachers’ Training College, Dublin 9, after which he taught in CBS schools, in Limerick and Wexford. In 1945, he was appointed superior and principal at CBS, Adare, and remained there for six years. He was then appointed superior in Greystones, after which he served in CBS schools in Portlaoise, Templemore and Enniscorty. He retired to St Patrick’s Nursing Home, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, in 1989 and died there on 14 August, 1990, aged 82 years. He was buried in the cemetery attached to St Patrick’s, Baldoyle. (CFC Necrologies)

 

O’Callaghan, Rev Daniel (d.1956), Clergyman

Daniel O’Callaghan was ordained, together with his brother, Patrick, at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 19 June, 1921. After ordination, Daniel was sent to the Irish College in Rome for graduate studies. On his return to Ireland, he served as curate, successively, in Cratloe (1922-1924), Glenroe/Ballyorgan (1924-1926), Askeaton/Ballysteen (1926-1928), Mahoonagh (1928-1940), Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1940-1942) and Rathkeale (1942-1946). On 21 September, 1946, he was appointed Parish Priest of Knockaderry/Cloncagh, where he served happily for several years. On 31 October, 1956, he became ill and was confined to Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. He failed to respond to treatment, however, and died there on 2 November, 1956. He was buried in the church grounds, Cloncagh, Co. Limerick. (LDA)

 

O’Congalych, Rev Maurice (c.1421), Clergyman

Rev Maurice O’Congalych, the son of a priest and an unmarried mother, was installed as vicar of Kildimo in January, 1421. His name survives largely because he was involved in ecclesiastical litigation and submitted a petition for a benefice in the diocese of Limerick. This petition was sent to the Pope, who ruled against O’Congalych. Taking the date of the petition into account, it would appear that he was a Catholic priest, since these events preceded the Protestant Reformation. (Leslie, 1936, 257)

 

O’Connor, Rev Daniel (d.1886), Clergyman

Father Daniel O’Connor was ordained priest of the diocese of Limerick in March, 1845. He was appointed Parish Priest of Ardagh in 1863 and transferred to Askeaton-Ballysteen in the same capacity on 25 July, 1871. He is listed in Bassett’s Directory of Munster (1886) as living at Shannonview (Courtbrowne), Askeaton. Some time before his death he went to Cork for medical treatment, where he died on 24 September, 1886. (Feheney, 2007, 88-89)

                                   

O’Connor, Rev Hugh (1893-1972), Clergyman

Hugh O’Connor, son of Edmund O’Connor and his wife, Maria Butler, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, and baptised at his local church on 9 April, 1893. He attended the Christian Brothers school in Adare before entering St Munchin’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary education. He then entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his seminary training and was ordained priest on 17 June, 1917. After ordination, he went on loan to the archdiocese of Liverpool, where he acted as curate in Winifred’s parish, Bootle, for two years. On his return to the diocese of Limerick, he was appointed curate, successively, in Banogue (1919-1920), Templeglantine (1920-1922), Croagh (192-1924), St Mary’s (1924-1933); Rathkeale (1933) and Kilmallock (1933-1940). On 5 June, 1940, he was appointed Parish Priest of Knockaderry/Cloncagh. On 20 September, 1946, he was transferred from there to Drumcollogher/ Broadford, where he remained until his death. He died on 25 March, 1972, aged 78, and was buried in the church grounds, Drumcollogher. He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral chapter on 26 December, 1962, and was nominated archdeacon in October, 1970. (Tobin, 2004, 80)         

 

O’Connor, Rev Michael (1924-2000), Clergyman

Michael O’Connor, a native of Ballygiltinan, Glin, Co. Limerick, was born on 22 February, 1924. He was educated at St Michael’s College, Listowel, and later at St Munchin’s College, Limerick. From there, he entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 20 June, 1948. He served as curate in Athea (1948), St John’s Limerick (1956), Knockaderry (1961), Ardagh (1962) and Newcastle West (1968). In 1976, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cratloe. He was transferred to Askeaton-Ballysteen as Parish Priest on 27 August, 1985. He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1991 and retired on 14 September, 1997.

            In the 1960s, Father O’Connor was one of the lecturers in the UCC Extra-mural Diploma in Social Studies, which many people from Askeaton-Ballysteen completed. He died on 9 November, 2000, and is buried in the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic church, Askeaton. (Feheney, 2007, 89)

 

O’Connor, Rev Timothy (1872-1953), Rector

Tim O’Connor was born in Rossadrihid, Co. Tipperary, on 17 December, 1872. He joined the Salesians of St John Bosco in England, and, on completion of his ecclesiastical studies, was ordained priest on 19 September, 1908. He worked for some years in Salesian colleges in England, including Salesian College Battersea, London, before his appointment as rector of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry. He was rector for four 3-year terms, the first two being, 1930-1936. He then transferred to the Salesian Agricultural College, Warrenstown, Co. Meath, where he was also rector from 1936 to 1941. He then returned to Pallaskenry for a third and fourth term, 1941-1946. He died on 1 October, 1953, aged 80 years. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

O’Connor, Sr Maura (1928-2000), Religious Sister

Maura O’Connor, daughter of John O’Connor and his wife, Margaret Whelan, was born in Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 14 April, 1928. She was educated at Kildimo National School and entered the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, a Belgian congregation, founded in Lovendegem, Belgium, in 1803. On receiving the habit in 1948, she was given the name, Sister Ambrose. Her new patron saint, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures in the 4^th century. She made her religious profession on 12 March, 1951, and then went on to train as a teacher at Selly Park Teacher Training College, Birmingham. She taught in several schools of her congregation in England, including Holly Mount, Bury, Lancs. She was superior in the Convent at Willian, Letchworth, Herts. and at Bideford, Devon. She retired to Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, the Irish headquarters of her congregation, where she died on 17 March, 2000. She was buried in the convent cemetery, Moore Abbey. (SCJM archives, 2010).

 

Ó Corrbuí, Mairtín (1912-2002), Author

Mairtín Ó Corrbuí, son of Martin Corboy and his wife, Margaret Daly, was born in Clockprior, Pockane, near Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, on 17 November,1912. He was educated at Neenagh CBS school, Coláiste Iosagáin, Ballyvourney, and St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, where he qualified as a national teacher. His first appointment was at his alma mater, Neenagh CBS, after which he took an appointment as assistant teacher at the Boys’ National School, Askeaton, in 1937. Subsequently, he became Principal in Ballinacarriga National School, where he remained until his transfer as Principal to Pallaskenry National School in 1964. He married Olive Carey from Roscrea in 1942 and they had a family of three boys and four girls. He was a great enthusiast for the Irish language and wrote several books in Irish, which were widely used in primary and secondary schools. He was also a noted scholar in the field of local history and is, arguably, better known for his local history books, including, Kenry: The Story of a Barony in County Limerick (Dundalgan Press, 1975) and County Tipperary (Irish Books & Media, 1991). After his retirement, he moved to Dublin. He died in Dublin on 8 May, 2002, and is buried in Clochprior cemetery, near Neenagh, Co. Tipperary. (Ní Mhurchú, Breathnach, 8, 118)

 

O’Dea, Stephen (1874-1968), Clergyman

Stephen O’Dea was baptised in his home parish of Effin, Co. Limerick, on 30 December, 1874. He was an uncle of Rev Patrick O’Dea, who was curate in Askeaton-Ballysteen 1949-1964, and of Rev Edmund O’Dea. Ordained at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 23 June, 1901, Father Stephen served as assistant priest in the diocese of Portsmouth for some years (1901-1907). On his return to Ireland, he served as curate in Ardpatrick (1907-1908), Parteen (1908-1913), Ardagh/Carrickerry (1913-1919), Croom (1919-1921), Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1921-1924) and Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1924-1930). He was appointed Parish Priest of Kildimo/ Pallaskenry in September, 1930, and transferred to Dromin/ Athlacca in the same capacity on 21 January, 1936. He retired in 1963 and died at Milford House Hospice on 24 November, 1968, at the age of 93. He was an uncle of Rev Patrick O’Dea (1914-1990) and Rev Edmund O’Dea of the diocese of Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 81)

 

Odell, Thomas (d.1763). Landed Gentry

Thomas Odell, son of John Odell and his wife, Anne Fitzmaurice, sister of the Knight of Kerry, was born in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. He purchased the house and estate at Shannongrove, Pallaskenry, from the Bury family. He married Constance Fennell but died without issue in 1763. His second cousin, Col. William Odell MP, held Shannongrove after him. (Price, ‘Westropps’)

 

Odell, William (1752-1831), MP

William Odell, eldest son of John Odell and Jane Baylee, was born in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, in 1752. He was related to the Ballingarry Odell family. He was High Sheriff of County Limerick in 1779 and MP for the county in 1797. He was also Governor and Custos Retulorum of Limerick, as well as holding the rank of Colonel in Grattan’s Volunteers. His most important appointment, however, came when he was appointed Lord of the British Admiralty. In 1763, he took possession of Shannongrove, Pallaskenry, on the death of his second cousin, Thomas Odell (qv). He married Aphra Crone, his first cousin, and they had a family of seven sons and five daughters. He died in 1831. (Price, ‘Westropps’).

 

Odell-Westropp, Richard (1821-1909), Landed Gentry

Richard Odell-Westropp, son of Edmond Odell-Westropp and his wife, Jane Gibbins, was born in Ballysteen in 1821. It will be recalled that family name changed from Westropp to Odell-Westropp when General John Westropp, who died without an heir, arranged that Thomas Odell, husband of his sister, Sara, would inherit the Ballysteen estate, on condition that he changed his surname to Odell-Westropp. Richard Odell-Westropp married his cousin, Elizabeth Westropp, their issue thereby having an opportunity to eliminate the Odell part of the surname. They had five sons (Edmund, John, Richard, Henry and William) and three daughters (Ellen, Jane and Grace). The eldest son, Edmund (1860-1939), inherited the Ballysteen estate. Richard died in 1909. (BLGI, 1899; Price, ‘Westropps’)

 

O’Donnell, John Francis (1837-1874), Poet

John Francis O’Donnell was born in Griffith Street, Limerick city, in 1837. He was educated by the Christian Brothers in Sexton Street, Limerick. After school, he joined the staff of The Munster News and began to contribute verse to The Nation newspaper. After two years, he became sub-editor of The Tipperary Examiner and, in 1860, he joined the staff of The Universal News, a London newspaper. In 1862, he returned to Ireland as a member of the editorial staff of The Nation and as editor of Duffy’s Hibernian Magazine. After another two years, he returned to London, where he became successively editor of The Universal News and The Tablet. He died after a brief illness on 7 May, 1874, aged 34 years, and was buried in Kensal Green cemetery, London. Though a busy journalist, he published some books of verse and prose, including, The Emerald Wreath (1865) and Memories of the Irish Franciscans (1871). Another volume of his poems was published after his death by the Southwark Irish Literary Society (1891). He was the author of one of the most beautiful poems ever written about Adare. (Crone, 1928, 183)

 

O’Donnell, Rev Denis (c1896-1953), Clergyman

Denis O’Donnell, born about 1896, was educated at St Munchin’s College, Limerick, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 19 June 1921. He served as curate in Fedamore (1921-1924), Croom (1924-1934) and Bruree (1934-1945) before his appointment as Parish Priest of Cappagh on 8 March, 1945. He was transferred to Askeaton/Ballysteen as Parish Priest on 11 May 1948 and remained there until his death on 11 July, 1953. He is buried in the grounds of St Mary’s church, Askeaton. (LDA)

 

O’Donnell, Rev James (1904-1977), Rector

James O’Donnell was born in Effin, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, on 13 September, 1904. He joined the Salesians of St John Bosco and was ordained priest on 15 August, 1933. In 1955, he was appointed rector of the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, and served two 3-year terms (1955-1961). He died on 5 January, 1977, aged 72 years. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

O’Donnell, Rev John (1855-1925), Clergyman

John O’Donnell, a native of Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, was baptised in his own parish church on 3 October, 1855. Following completion of his ecclesiastical studies in St Patrick’s College, and the Dunboyne Institute, Maynooth, he was ordained in St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 29 June, 1881. His early diocesan appointments included curacies in Mungret (1881-1882) and Feenagh (1882-1883). In 1883, he was chosen to go to the USA with Fr William Downes to collect money for a new church in Kilmallock. On his return to Ireland, he was appointed curate, successively, in Dromin (1885-1887); St John’s (1887-1892) and Kilmallock (1892-1904). In 1904, he was appointed Parish Priest in Killeedy, and transferred, as Parish Priest, to Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, on 28 January, 1908. He remained in this appointment until his death on 8 October, 1925, aged 70 years. He was buried in the church grounds, Pallaskenry. While in Limerick, he served as chaplain to the Good Shepherd convent (1887-1890) and to Presentation Convent (1890-1892). He was nominated a Canon of the Cathedral chapter in December, 1924. (Tobin, 2004, 82)

 

O’Donovan, John (1809-1861), Scholar

John O’Donovan, son of Edmund O’Donovan, was born at Atateemore, Co. Kilkenny, on 9 July, 1809. The death of John’s father in 1817 caused the dispersion of the family and he was brought to Dublin by his older brother, Michael. In 1826 he began a serious study of the language, philology and archeology of Ireland. Through the help of James Hardiman, he found work as a translator of old Gaelic manuscripts in the Public Record Office, Dublin. Subsequently (1829), he was engaged, under George Petrie, in the Ordinance Survey Office. He was given access to all ancient documents in his task of researching the placenames of Ireland.

            In the course of his work, he clarified and established the names of some 62,000 townlands in Ireland. In 1836, he commenced the compilation of an index of Irish manuscripts in Trinity College. He was called to the bar in 1847 and awarded an honorary doctorate by Trinity College Dublin. His great work of scholarship was the first complete edition of  The Annals of the Four Masters. He died in Dublin 9 December, 1861, and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. He is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest scholars. As part of his work for the Ordinance Survey Office, he visited every townland in the barony of Kenry in 1834 and made copious notes of the names of the landowners and tenants, the nature of the soil and the ancient monuments, of which he also made drawings. (Boylan, 1998, 319)

 

O’Dwyer, Most Rev Edward (1842-1917), Bishop

Edward Thomas O’Dwyer, a native of Cullen, Co. Tipperary, was baptised in his own parish church on 30 January, 1842. When his father was transferred to Limerick, he attended the Christian Brothers’ school, Doon, where he was a scholarship winner. On deciding to become a diocesan priest in the diocese of Limerick, he had to transfer to the diocesan college, at the time operated by the Jesuits. He then attended St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he proved himself a brilliant student. On completion of his ecclesiastical training, he was ordained on 10 February, 1867. His diocesan appointments included curate, respectively, in St Patrick’s (1867); Rathkeale (1867); Cappagh (1867-68); Bruff (1868); St Patrick’s (1868-70); Adare (1870-72); Newcastle West (1872-73); Shanagolden (1873-74) and St Michael’s (1874-86). His career was unusual in that he was appointed Bishop while still a curate, without having experience as a Parish Priest. During his episcopal career, he was rarely far from controversy. He attracted the criticism of Irish Nationalist leaders when he forbade his priests to attend meetings in support of the Plan of Campaign. The Christian Brothers withdrew from Bruff because of his opposition and he provoked a public dispute with the Jesuits about second-level education in Limerick. At the same time, he was alone among Irish bishops in supporting the leaders of the 1916 Rising and he became a national hero when he refused to discipline two of his priests, whom General Maxwell, commander of the British Forces in Ireland in 1916, considered a ‘dangerous menace’. The Mayor and Limerick Corporation, who had previously clashed with him, bestowed on him the Freedom of the City of Limerick on 14 September, 1916. While he began his episcopate with a reputation as a Unionist and a ‘Castle’ Catholic, he ended it being hailed as a champion of nationalist Ireland. He died on 23 September, 1923, aged 81 years, at St John’s hospital, Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 97; Crone, 1928, 185)

 

O’Flynn, Mary (1896-c.1982) School Principal

Mary Frances Collins, daughter of Patrick Collins and Mary Moloney, was born in Curraghbeg, Adare, Co. Limerick, and baptised in her parish church, Adare, on 1 December. 1896. She was educated at Shauntrade National School and the Mercy Convent, Adare. She qualified as a teacher and began teaching in her old school, Shountrade. She succeeded to the post of principal of this school, on the retirement of Patrick Neville, in 1924. Soon afterwards, she got married to Mr John O’Flynn, a member of the Gárda Siochána from Waterford. Her marriage at this time proved fortuitous, because she thereby escaped the drastic consequences of a law, passed in the Dail in 1933, making it obligatory for female primary teachers to resign their posts if they got married. Mary, fortunately, was already married when this law came into force. She continued as principal of Shauntrade National school until her retirement. She was succeeded as principal by Seamus Lydon, who remained only a short time, before he transferred to county Clare. He, in turn, was succeeded by Michael O’Sullivan in 1947. Mrs O’Flynn died about 1982 and was buried in Crecora cemetery, Co. Limerick. (Toomey, M, 2010).

 

Ó Gliosáin, Tomás (18^th C), Gaelic Poet

Little is now known about Tomás Ó Gliosáin, a Gaelic poet from Adare, Co. Limerick, who lived in the eighteenth century. Some of his poems, however, have survived and three of them are included in Eigse na Maighe, edited by Risteard Ó Foghlú (1972). Another two poems of Ó Gliosáin are included in a collection published under the title, Glór na Maighe (1972). He is said to have also been known under the alias, Feargus Fionnphaltach (Fair-haired Fergus), and at other times under the alias, Feargus Folt-leabhair (Long-haired Fergus). (Seoighe, 1988, 10)

 

O’Gorman, Rev Jeremiah (1863-1941), Clergyman

Jeremiah O’Gorman was baptised in Ballyagran, Co. Limerick, on 13 August, 1863 and ordained at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 24 June, 1889. After ordination, he was sent on loan to the diocese of Middlesborough, north of England, where he served as assistant priest in St Patrick’s, Thornaby (1889-1890) and Scarborough (1890-1892). He returned to Ireland on 4 October, 1892, and was appointed curate, successively, in St Patrick’s (1892-1894); Coolcappa (1894-1900); Shanagolden (1900-09); St Mary’s (1909-1920). On 13 June, 1920, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan), where he remained until his transfer to Feenagh/ Kilmeedy on 29 September, 1924. He remained there until his death on 28 January, 1941, at the age of 77. He was nominated a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in June, 1934. (Tobin, 2004, 86)

 

O’Grady, Dudley (1827-1883), Landed Gentry

Dudley O’Grady, youngest son of Standish Darby O’Grady, Deputy Lieutenant of county Cork, and Ellen George, daughter of Hon. Denis George, was born in Aghamarta Castle, Carrigaline, Co. Cork, on 22 December, 1827. Dudley, like his father, was a Justice of the Peace, In 1857, he purchased the townlands of Mantlehill and Courtbrowne, Askeaton, which were part of the estate of the Earl of Cork. (New York: Irish American, 5^th ed., 1857). He is listed as a member of the ‘gentry’ in the parish of Askeaton/Ballysteen in 1861 (Directory of British Isles) and in 1870 (Slater’s Directory). He was then living in Prospect House, Ballysteen. He belonged to the Kilballyown branch of the family. He died in 1883. (BIFR, 1976, 914; www.the peerage.com/ #27784)

 

O’Grady, Rev Jeremiah (1853-1902), Clergyman

Jeremiah O’Grady was born in the parish of Kilmallock and baptised on 10 January, 1853. On completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained priest at St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 1 July, 1877. After ordination, he was appointed assistant to Dean Hayes at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth (1887-88). The following year he was appointed a teacher at St Munchin’s College, Limerick (1888-89). At this stage he applied for the chair of rhetoric at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, but was not successful. He was then appointed curate, successively, at St Mary’s (1879-87); St Michael’s (18980-95). He was chaplain at Mount St Vincent Orphanage, Limerick, from 1887 to 1890. On 23 February, 1895, he was appointed Parish Priest in Stonehall (Kilcornan), where he remained until 27 October, 1897. Though in declining health, he served as chaplain to Mount St Vincent Orphanage and the Christian Brothers, Sexton Street, Limerick, from 1897 until shortly before his death on 5 June, 1902, at the age of 49. He spent a short time before his death at St John’s Hospital, Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 87)

 

O’Grady, Rev John (c.1774), Clergyman

John O’Grady, son of Darby O’Grady, was born in county Limerick, about 1774. He was educated in Mr Buckley’s private school, Limerick, and entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 9 November, 1787. He obtained his BA in 1792 and his MA in 1832. He was ordained priest in the Church of Ireland in the diocese of Ossory. He was installed as rector of Kilcornan on 13 August, 1792. (Leslie, 1936, 253 )

                                                           

O’Keeffe, Rev Daniel (c.1905-1979), Clergyman

Daniel O’Keeffe was ordained in Rome on 20 February, 1932. After ordindination, he was sent on temporary loan to the diocese of Killaloe for four years. On his return to the diocese of Limerick, he was appointed curate, successively, in Mahoonagh (1936-1937), Ballingarry (1937-1953) and Patrickswell (1953-1963). In February, 1963, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kilcornan, where he remained for ten years. On 14 February, 1973, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Domin/ Athlacca. In 1979, his health deteriorated and he was taken to St John’s Hospital, Limerick, where he failed to improve. He died there on 6 February, 1979. (LDA).

 

O’Kennedy, Rev Daniel (c.1808-1878), Clergyman

Daniel O’Kennedy, ordained about 1836, began his ministry in the diocese of Limerick with an appointment as curate in Adare (1836-1837). He was then appointed curate, successively, in Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick (1837-1844) and Cratloe (1844-1850). In 1850, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan), where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Loughill. He remained in Loughill for ten years and, in 1865, was transferred, as Parish Priest, to St Munchin’s, where he died on 13 September, 1878. (Tobin, 2004, 88)

 

O’Meara, Rev Michael (c.1826-1891), Clergyman

Michael Arthur O’Meara attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he passed his divinity test and obtained his BA in 1859 and his MA in 1872. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1859 and priest in 1860. He was then appointed curate, successively, in Geashill (1860-1862), Coolbanagher (1862-1864) and Inch, Kilnaughtin, Co. Kerry (1864-1870), before his transfer to Kilcornan, as curate, in 1870. He remained there only three years before moving to Bristol (1873-1874). He was then appointed chaplain in the Barton Regis Union, Bristol, where he also got married. He continued his ministry in Barton Regis until he committed suicide in a fit of temporary insanity in August, 1891. (Leslie, 1936, 256)

 

O’Neill, Michael (1869-1942), Athlete

Michael O’Neill was born in Ballinvoher, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised in St Patrick’s church, Ballysteeen, on 3 March, 1869. His father, Daniel O’Neill, came from a farm near the ‘White Corner’, Ballynort, while his mother was Mary O’Shaughnessy of Ballinvoher. He was small and slight of build (taking only size four shoe in adult life) but had remarkable stamina as an athlete. He began his athletic career in Adare on 4 September, 1893, and soon discovered that his talent lay in middle and long distance running. In 1894 he won the half-mile and mile events in Adare and the one-mile championship of Munster (IAAA) in Limerick and, subsequently, the four miles IAAA championship in Dublin and the 1-mile and 3-mile championships of Munster (1896). All this was just a preparation, however, for his first All-Ireland championship in the 1-mile event at Jones’ Road (now Croke Park), Dublin. He then went on to win the 4-miles international event in Edinburgh in the Ireland-Scotland tournament. In 1898, he set a new record in the 5-mile GAA Championships. Altogether in 1898, his last year as an amateur, he won sixteen of his nineteen races.

            For the next two years, he ran in Ireland, England and Scotland, winning several challenges against champion athletes from other countries. His last race was at Ashton-under-Lyne when he defeated Len Hurst, French champion, in the 5-mile and 10-miles events. He then retired from the track at the age of 31. It should be remembered that the Olympic Games were not revived until 1896 and Ireland’s participation at that time was minimal. By the time the next Olympics came around in Paris in1900, Michael was not eligible to represent Ireland because of his ‘professional’ status. In his later years, he acted as ‘Whip’ for the Stonehall Harriers. He died in 1942. (Feheney, 1998, 112-114)

 

Ó Riada, Seán (1931-1971), Musician

John Reidy, son of John Reidy and Julia Creedon, was born in the Ernville Maternity Hospital, Cork, on 1 August, 1931. His father was a Garda sergeant in Adare, Co. Limerick, while his mother was a nurse. Sean attended the Christian Brothers’ national school in Adare, before starting secondary school at St Finbarr’s College, Faranferris, Cork (1943-47).  The visiting music teacher there was Her Aloysius Fleischmann, father of the professor of music at UCC. Seán won the Shanahan Cup at Feis Maitiu in Cork for violin in 1947. He completed his secondary schooling at St Munchin’s College, Limerick (1947-48), and entered UCC, where he took a degree in music (1948- 52). Professor Aloysius Fleischmann, then Head of Music, subsequently stated that Seán was the most gifted student in music he had hitherto encountered. Seán was reported as having perfect pitch and showed considerable promise as a composer. He was not attracted, however, to the set syllabus, and his degree (second class honours) owed more to his outstanding musical gifts than to his dedication to study.

            From 1953 to 1955, Sean was director of music at RTE. Feeling that he was not allowed sufficient time for composition, he resigned from RTE in March, 1955, and went to Paris. But he found little work there. In June, 1955, he took a temporary post as director of music at the Abbey theatre, Dublin. In September, 1953, he married Ruth Coughlan in the Honan chapel, UCC. During the next few years, he composed incidental music for several small productions. In 1959, he composed the musical score for the film, Mise Eire, and for the film, Saoirse, in 1960, In 1961, he founded the music ensemble, Ceóltóiri Chualainn, which concentrated on Irish music and which first brought to prominence some talented Irish musicians. He was then appointed lecturer in Irish music at UCC. Around this time, he moved his family to the Gaeltacht area of Coolea, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork, where he founded a local choir, Cór Chúil Aodha. During this period, he composed a number of shorter pieces of music, including the Ó Riada Mass. His health, however, had been declining for some time and, in 1971, he was confined to King’s College Hospital, London, where he died on 2 October, 1971. He was buried in St Gobnait’s cemetery, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork. He is known for his orchestral arrangements of Irish folk tunes, his score for the film Mise Eire, being an outstanding example. Some would argue that his life and work inspired a new generation of Irish musicians who followed him. (Ní Mhurchú, Breathnach, 5, 225)

 

Ormsby, Rev Arthur (c.1677-1754), Clergyman

Arthur Ormsby, son of Gilbert Ormsby, was born at Shrule, Co. Mayo, about 1677. He was educated at Johnston’s private school, Dublin, before entering Trinity College, on 18 November, 1693, aged 16. He obtained his BA in 1709 and his MA in 1712. Ordained a minister of the Church of Ireland, he was appointed rector and vicar at Kilkeady, Co. Limerick, in 1715 and continued to hold this appointment until 1753. He also held the post of Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, from 1731 until his death. He died on 6 February, 1754, and was buried in the grounds of St Munchin’s Church of Ireland church. It is possible that his move from county Mayo to Limerick was influenced by the fact that his namesake, Sir Edward Ormsby (qv), had earlier owned land in the area. (Leslie, 1936, 97, 275)

 

Ormsby. Sir Edward (b.1625), Landed Gentry

Sir Edward Ormsby is listed in the Cromwellian Act of Settlement (1667) as the owner of extensive lands in Adare, Co. Limerick. Westropp notes that these lands included ‘the commons of Adare, the Black, White and Poor Abbeys, the Spittle land and the burgess lands of Stritch, Lee, Creagh, Lysaght and others’. His family seems to have come from Lincolnshire, where it was well established. Born in 1665 in Theddlethorp All Saints, Lincolnshire, he was the son of Richard Ormsby and his wife, Mary Margaret Masterson. (Westropp et al, 1916)

 

O’Rourke, Br Joseph (1900-1968), School Principal

Joseph O’Rourke, son of James O’Rourke, a national teacher, and his wife, Mary Wynne, was born in Aughamore, Lough Allen, Co. Leitrim, in 18 June, 1900. He was educated in the local National School, before entering St Joseph’s CBS juniorate, Baldoyle, Dublin 13. On 15 October, 1915, he received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Damian. His new patron, St Peter Damian (1007-1072), was cardinal bishop of Ostia near Rome. On completion of his novitiate, Brother O’Rourke made his vows and was then sent to teach at the North Monastery, Cork. Subsequent appointments were to Cahirciveen, Tullamore and Limerick In 1932, he was appointed superior and principal in CBS Adare. Through hard work, he and his colleagues managed to raise the inspector’s rating of the school to ‘highly efficient’. He remained in Adare for 13 years, finally leaving in 1945. In 1945, he was transferred to Dundalk, then to Tralee and, finally, to St Patrick’s CBS school, Marino, Dublin 9. He continued teaching there until his sudden death on 30 June, 1968, aged 68 years. He was buried in St Mary’s cemetery, Marino, Dublin 9. (CFC Necrologies)

 

O’Rourke, John (1878-1915), WW 1 Casualty

John O’Rourke, son of James O’Rourke and his wife, Kate Collins, was born in Ardlahan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in his local church on 28 August, 1878. He attended Kildimo National school before immigrating to England. James joined the Royal Navy at the outbreak of World War I and was an able seaman on the HMS Viknor, when, while on active patrol duty off Tory Island, she struck a German mine and sank with the loss of all hands. The tragedy happened on 13 January, 1915. HMS Vicknor was a 5,386 tons armed merchant cruiser of the British 10^th Cruiser Squadron. She was under the command of Commander EO Ballantyne and had a crew of 22 officers and 273 ratings. Though the majority of the bodies of the drowned men were never found, a few were washed ashore and were buried in unmarked graves in Bonamargie Friary and in Ballintoy Churchyard in Co. Antrim. John O’Rourke’s name is among those honoured in the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire, England. John had three sisters (qv), Bridget, Catherine and Mary, who became nuns. (McNamara, 2000, 374)

 

O’Rourke, Rev Patrick (1924-2003), Clergyman

Patrick Joseph O’Rourke, son of Patrick O’Rourke and his wife, Catherine Walsh, was born in Ardlahan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 22 May, 1924. On completion of his primary schooling in Kildimo, he attended Sacred Heart College, The Crescent, cycling to and from Limerick every day, in sunshine, hail, rain or snow. He entered the Society of Jesus on 7 September, 1942. In October, 1944, he attended the National University of Ireland Dublin to study for an arts degree and graduated in 1947. He then went to the Jesuit scholasticate at Tullybeg, Co. Offaly, to study philosophy. On completion of his philosophical studies, he volunteered for the Far East Jesuit mission and was assigned to Hong Kong. There he registered at Hong Kong Language school and spent two years studying Cantonese culture and language. It will be recalled that whereas Mandarin is the principal language in most of China, in the southern areas, including Conton and Hong Kong, Cantonese is the common language. Fr O’Rourke acquired considerable expertise in this language. The following year, he was assigned to Way Yan Jesuit College, where he taught for a year. In 1953, he returned to Ireland to study theology at Milltown Park, where he was ordained priest on 31 July, 1956. He completed his Tertianship in the Jesuit Centre, Rathfarnham, Dublin, during the year, 1958-59. In 1959, he returned to Wah Yan College, Hong Kong, where he continued teaching. Among the College appointments he held were those of Spiritual Director, Treasurer, Prefect of Studies and part-time chaplain to the armed forces. He made his final vows in Hong Kong on 2 February, 1982. Fr O’Rourke spent the remainder of his life at Wah Yan College, where he was a popular and gifted teacher.  His colleagues said that he was a simple man, with few needs. He had the same bedroom for 45 years in Way Yan College, and furnishings were confined to bare necessities. In his later years, he was responsible for the supervision of the chapel and sacristy and he was found dead, kneeling before the altar, in the community chapel, on 17 December, 2003. He was buried in the Jesuit cemetery plot in Hong Kong. He had a sister who joined the Daughters of Charity (qv), and three O’Rourke aunts who also became members of religious congregations (qv). (Jesuit archives, 2009)

 

O’Rourke, Sr Bridget (1883-1964), Religious Sister

Bridget Ellen O’Rourke, daughter of James O’Rourke and Catherine Collins, was born in Ardlahan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in Kildimo church on 10 July, 1883. She attended Kildimo National School, after which she felt an urge to enter religious life. She entered the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, receiving the habit on 1 March, 1902, and taking the religious name of Sister Josephine. She completed her novitiate in Holy Child Convent, Mayfield, Sussex, and made profession of her vows on 1 March, 1904. She spent the early years of her life in Leyton Hill, Blackpool, before her transfer to Mayfield. Subsequently, she served in Preston and Harrowgate. She returned to Layton Hill in 1938 and served as nurse in the nun’s dispensary, a post she very much enjoyed.  She celebrated the diamond jubilee of her profession on 1 March, 1964. Unfortunately, she was, by then, ailing and she died at Holy Child Convent, Layton Hill, Blackpool, on 9 December, 1964. She was buried in the Holy Child plot in Layton Cemetery. Both her sister, Catherine (qv), and her relative, Mary Staff (qv), became members of the same congregation. (CHCJ archives, 2009)

 

O’Rourke, Sr Catherine (1884-1956), Religious Sister

Catherine O’Rourke, daughter of James O’Rourke and Catherine Collins, was born in Ardlahan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 14 December 1884, and baptised the same day.  She attended Kildimo National School, and, after a couple of years helping at home, joined her older sister, Bridget Ellen in the Holy Child congregation in England. She received the religious habit on 8 December, 1904, together a new religious name, Sister Barbara. On completion of her novitiate in Mayfield, Sussex, she made her religious profession on 12 January, 1907. She then volunteered to go to the USA, where she spent the remainder of her life. Initially, she was stationed in Sharon PA and Waukegan IL. In September, 1919, she was transferred to Portland, Oregon, where she served for many years. Her final months were spent at the convent infirmary, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, where she died on 16 November, 1956, in her 72^nd year, after 52 years in the Holy Child Sisters. She had a sister Bridget (qv) in the same (Holy Child) congregation and another, Mary (qv), in the Sisters of Mercy, Limerick. (CHCJ archives, 2009)

 

O’Rourke, Sr Mary (1886-1960), Religious Sister

Mary O’Rourke, daughter of James O’Rourke and Catherine Collins, was born in Ardlahan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 21 June, 1886. She attended Kildimo National school, and, soon after her twentieth birthday, entered the Sisters of Mercy, St Mary’s Convent, Limerick. After a period of postulancy, she received the habit, and the religious name, Sister Gerard, on 4 November, 1907. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 3 December, 1910. She worked at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, and at Mount St Vincent, where she cared for children for many years. She also supervised catering arrangements in both institutions. She died at Mount St Vincent, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick, on 5 February, 1960, and was buried in the cemetery attached to the convent. She had two sisters, Catherine (qv) and Bridget (qv) in the Holy Child congregation. (RSM archives, Limerick, 2009)

 

O’Rourke, Sr Teresa (1925-2006), Religious Sister

Theresa O’Rourke, daughter of Patrick O’Rourke and his wife, Catherine Walsh, was born in Ardlahan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 30 June, 1925. She entered the Daughters of Charity, receiving the religious habit on 19 February, 1947, and made her religious profession in 1950. She studied nursing and obtained her qualification as State Registered Nurse (SRN) at St Charles’ Hospital, Exmoor Street, London. Initially, she worked with children in Cabra, Dublin, subsequently, joining the English province, where she held the post of superior in several houses of her congregation. Among the places in which she worked were Liverpool, Birmingham, Rosewell, London, Deptford, Ethiopia, Cairo and Somalia. In the course of her life, she was invited to turn her hand to many different tasks and always availed of any specialist training on offer. Thus, she completed a diploma in religious studies in Maynooth, visited Holland and the USA for specialist courses in missiology and pastoral care. She spent her later years in London, where she died on 16 November, 2006, aged 81 years. She was buried in Warley, Brentwood, Essex. She was a sister of Rev Patrick O’Rourke SJ (qv). (DC archives, 2010)

 

Orpen, Most Rev Raymond (d.1930), Bishop

Raymond D’Audemara Orpen was Church of Ireland curate in Adare, Co. Limerick, from 1869 to 1872. He was subsequently rector of Tralee, before becoming Bishop of Limerick. While he was rector in Tralee, he suggested to Bishop Bunbury that his son, Rev Henry Arthur Orpen, would be a suitable candidate for the post of rector of Aghadoe and Knockane. Henry Orpen was duly appointed to this post in 1904, but the people found him to be too distant and aristocratic. They reacted strongly and not only refrained from attending church services, but, also, boarded up the doors and windows of the Church of Ireland parish church in Knockane. The church was not re-opened until two years later. On 2 April, 1907, Rev Raymond Orpen was consecrated Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe. He resigned on 31 December, 1920, owing to ill-health and died on 9 January, 1930. (|Leslie, 1936, 6, 141, 164; O’Connor)

 

Orpen, Rev Henry (c.1906), Clergyman

Henry Arthur Orpen, son of Most Rev Raymond Orpen, Church of Ireland bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe, was appointed vicar of Adare, Co. Limerick, in 1906. Before that, he had been rector of Aghadoe/Knockane, Co. Kerry, but was not accepted by the people, allegedly because of his distant and aristocratic manner. He seems, however, to have been accepted in Adare. Subsequently, he was appointed prebendary of St Munchin’s, Limerick. (|Leslie, 1936, 88, 126, 163, 335; O’Connor)

 

O’Shaughnessy, Sister Bridget (1883-1970), Religious Sister

Bridget O’Shaughnessy, daughter of Patrick O’Shaughnessy and his wife, Bridget Drew, was born in Morenane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 23 February, 1883. She was educated at Kilcornan National School and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, IN, USA, in 1907. She received the habit, together with a new name, Sister Emelita, on 10 December, 1907. On completion of her novitiate at St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, she made her religious profession on 10 December, 1909. She was then assigned to Sacred Heart Academy, Ogden, UH, where she acted as infirmarian. In 1939, she was transferred to St Mary of the Wasatch, Salt Lake City, UH, where she continued to act as infirmarian and sacristan until her retirement in 1969, at the age of 86. She was widely known in Salt Lake City because of her long residence there. One of the local priests was reported in the local newspaper as saying, ‘Sister Bridget was one of those rare people who became synonymous with the institution in which they live. To me, Sister Bridget was St Mary’s and St Mary’s was Sister Bridget’. In 1969, she returned to St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, IN, where she died on 17 March, 1970, aged 87. She was buried in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. She was a sister of Sr Elizabth O’Shaughnessy (qv), Sr Cathleen O’Shaughnessy (qv), and Mary O’Shaughnessy (qv). (CHC, archives, 2010)

 

O’Shaughnessy, Sister Elizabeth (1881-1951), Religious Sister

Elizabeth O’Shaughnessy, daughter of Patrick O’Shaughnessy and his wife, Bridget Drew, was born in Morenane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 22 June, 1881. She was educated at Kilcornan National School and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, IN, USA, in 1905. She received the habit, together with a new name, Sister Paschaline, on 8 December, 1905. On completion of her novitiate at St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, she made her religious profession on 8 December, 1907. After profession, she was assigned to the ‘sewing room’, where she remained for ten years. In 1917, she was assigned to the supervision of the ‘academic refectory’. Between 1918 and 1932, she was responsible for the supervision of the domestic arrangements in a hostel for men. In 1932, she was transferred to Holy Cross Hospital, Salt Lake City, UH, where she was responsible for domestic arrangements. In 1944, she was transferred to the Western Provincial House of the Holy Cross Sisters, Ogden, UH, where, again, she was responsible for domestic arrangements. She died there on 5 June, 1951, aged 69 years. She was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salt Lake City, UH. She was a sister of Sr Bridget O’Shaughnessy (qv), Sr Cathleen O’Shaughnessy (qv), and Mary O’Shaughnessy (qv).        (CHC, archives, 2010)

                                               

O’Shaughnessy, Sr Kathleen (1887-1983), Religious Sister

Kathleen O’Shaughnessy, daughter of Patrick O’Shaughnessy and his wife, Bridget Drew, was born in Morenane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 13 August, 1887. She attended Kilcornan National school, before entering the Sister of Mercy, St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, on 25 March, 1909. She received the habit on 16 October, 1909, taking Sister Angela as her religious name. Her natural ability manifested itself and she was appointed superior on more than one occasion. She spent some time at Mount St Vincent, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick, but, in her later years, returned to St Mary’s Convent, where she died on 14 December, 1983. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s Convent. She was a sister of Sr Bridget O’Shaughnessy (qv), Sr Elizabeth O’Shaughnessy (qv), and Mary O’Shaughnessy (qv). (RSM archives, Limerick, 2009)

 

O’Shaughnessy, Sr Mary (1884-1973), Religious Sister

Mary O’Shaughnessy, daughter of Patrick O’Shaughnessy and his wife, Bridget Drew, was born in Morenane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 24 February, 1884. She was educated at Kilcornan National School and the Dominican Convent, Jacksonville, IL, USA. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, IN, USA, in 1909. She received the habit, together with a new name, Sister Cataldus, on 6 August, 1909. On completion of her novitiate at St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, she made her religious profession on 15 August, 1911. She 1924, she was assigned to St Alphonsus’ Hospital, Boise, ID and from 1925 to 1934, she worked at St John’s Hospital, Anderson, IN. Subsequently, she worked at several hospitals operated by the Holy Cross Sisters, including, Jacksonville, IL (1934-1938); Fresno, CA (1939-1954); Ogden, UH; Los Angeles, CA. In 1970, she returned to St Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, IN, where she, herself, became a patient. She died there on 7 January, 1973, aged 88 years. She was buried in Our Lady of Peace cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. She was a sister of Sr Bridget O’Shaughnessy (qv), Sr Cathleen O’Shaughnessy (qv), and Elizabeth O’Shaughnessy (qv). (CHC archives, 2010)

 

O’Shaughnessy, Thomas (1918-2007), Veterinary Surgeon

Thomas Noel O’Shaughnessy, son of David O’Shaughnessy and his wife, Agnes Walsh, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, in 1918. He was educated at the Christian Brothers’ school, Adare, before, attending St Munchins’ College, Limerick. He studied veterinary medicine at the National University of Ireland, Dublin, and qualified with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB). He was then invited to work with the professor of veterinary studies in a private practice in Dublin. After a few years, he returned to his native Adare and established his own practice. He married Angela Duffy from Dublin and had a family of six sons and two daughters. One of his sons, Niall, was a noted middle-distance runner in the 1970s and represented Ireland in the 1500 metres at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Tom died on 18 September, 2007, aged 85, and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. (O’Shaughnessy, A, 2010)

 

O’Shea, Elizabeth (1833-1935), Centenarian

Elizabeth (Bessie) Drumm, daughter of Thomas Drum and Mary McNamara, was born in Castletown, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, in 1833. She married John O’Shea in Kilcornan church on 17 October, 1857, and they went to live near Beagh Castle, Ballysteen. They had a family of four boys and three girls. Bessie’s husband, John O’Shea, was a musician and dancing master. In 1870, he worked in the construction of the retaining bank, designed to reclaim 269 acres of the foreshore of the River Shannon for the Waller estate, at Castletown West. In 2008, a DNA sample from Bessie’s great great grandson, Maurice Conway, of Morgans, Askeaton, was found to be an exact match of DNA from the remains of Francis Vanzant, a US Northwest Airways pilot, whose body was found in Mount Sanford, Alaska, 60 years after his plane crashed in 1948. The connection was through Bessie’s sister, Helen Drumm, grandmother of Francis. Bessie lived to be 102 years, dying at Beagh, Ballysteen, in 1935. (Irish Examiner, 16.09.2008)

 

O’Shea, Eric (1916-1977), School Principal

Eric Pádraig O’Shea, son of Florence O’Shea and his wife, Lilian O’Halloran, was born in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry, on 13 March, 1916. He began his his secondary schooling at St Brendan’s College, Killarney, but completed it at Christian Brothers Secondary School, Sexton Street, Limerick. He then entered St Patrick’s Teacher Training College, Dublin, where he graduated as a national teacher. He was principal of Kilcornan National School from 1963.  In 1972, he married Mary Ryan from Newport, Co. Tipperary, and, following his marriage, he transferred as principal from Kilcornan to Rearcross National School, Newport, Co. Tipperary, close the former home of his wife, Mary.  They had a son, Finbarr O’Shea. A very successful teacher, Eric numbered among his past students in Kilcornan, Dr Patrick Wallace, Director of the National Museum, Dublin. In Kilcornan, Eric established a flageolet and accordion band. He was also active in local affairs and was a member of the committee that arranged for a public water supply in the parish. He died, while still in service, on 9 September, 1977, and was buried in the cemetery at Newport, Co. Tipperary. (O’Shea, F, 2010)

 

O’Shea, Rev Daniel (1863-1911), Clergyman

Daniel O’Shea, son of Michael O’Shea and his wife, Mary McMahon, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in his local parish church on 24 May, 1863. He attended Kildimo National school, before entering St Munchin’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He then entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his seminary training and was ordained on 24 June, 1889. The following year, in failing health, he travelled to Victoria, Australia, where he found the climate more helpful to his delicate health. He worked for some years in the diocese of Sale, Victoria, but, when his health further declined, he returned home and died in Kilmallock, on 7 October, 1911, at the age of 48. He was buried in the church grounds, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. (Tobin, 2004, 92; O’Shea family archive, 2009)

 

O’Shea, Rev James (1813-1877), Clergyman

James O’Shea, son of Michael O’Shea and Bridget Fitzgerald, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 20 June, 1813. He received his early education in a local ‘hedge’ school and entered St Patrick’s Seminary, Maynooth, on 4 February, 1832. He was ordained priest in 1839. After ordination, he served as curate in a number of parishes in the diocese of Limerick, before his appointment, in1865, as Parish Priest of Rathkeale. It was he, who initiated, and completed, the building of the present church in Rathkeale. The fine building was blessed and opened on 18 August, 1873. Fr O’Shea personally contributed the money for the stained-glass window at the righthand side of the altar. In 1867, he was nominated a canon of the Limerick cathedral chapter and Vicar General of the diocese. He died on 11 January, 1877. He was buried in the church grounds in Rathkeale. James was an uncle of Fathers Daniel (qv), James (qv), Peter (qv) and William O’Shea (qv). (Tobin, 2004, 118; O’Shea family archive, 2009)

 

O’Shea, Rev James (1859-1913), Clergyman

James O’Shea, son of Patrick O’Shea and his wife, Maria Cahill, was born in Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 6 April, 1859, and baptised in his local parish church the same day. He attended Kildimo National School, after which he entered St Munchin’s College, Limerick. On deciding to become a priest, he enrolled at St Patrick’s Seminary, Maynooth, and, on completion of his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained in the Irish College, Rome, on 30 May, 1885. After ordination, he served as curate, successively, in Rathkeale (1885), Tournafulla (1885-1888) and Dromcollogher/ Broadford (1888-1909). In September, 1909, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cratloe, where he remained until his death. He died on 16 December, 1913, aged 54. He was buried in the church grounds in Cratloe. He was a cousin of Fathers Peter O’Shea (qv), Fr James O’Shea (1846-1927, qv), Fr Daniel O’Shea (qv) and Fr William O’Shea (qv) and a nephew of Rev Dr James O’Shea (1813-1877, qv). He was also a brother of Sr Anne Marie O’Shea (qv) and Sr Bridget O’Shea (qv). (Tobin, 2004, 93)

 

O’Shea, Rev James ( 1846-1927), Clergyman

James O’Shea, son of Michael O’Shea and his wife, Mary McMahon, was born in Kildimo and baptised in his local parish church on 16 July, 1846. He attended Kildimo National school, after which he entered St Munchin’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He then attended St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he completed his seminary training and was ordained on 7 August, 1870. After ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in Cappagh (1870-1871), St John’s (1871-1873), Rathkeale (1873-1877) and St Michael’s (1877-1886). From 1886 to 1892, he was administrator in St Michael’s and on 13 June, 1892, he was appointed Parish Priest of Croom. On 24 April, 1904, he was transferred, in the same capacity, to Kilmallock, where he remained until his death. He died in Kilmallock on 17 February, 1927, and is buried in the church grounds there. He was appointed canon of the Cathedral chapter in 1912, Vicar Forane in 1916, and archdeacon in 1920. In his early years in Limerick, he also served as chaplain to FCJ Convent, Laurel Hill (1871-1872) and Presentation Convent (1872-1873). While in Croom, he served as chaplain to Croom Workhouse (1892-1904) and acted in the same capacity at the Kilmallock Workhouse (1911-1921). He was a brother of Rev Peter (qv), Rev Daniel O’Shea (qv) and Rev William O’Shea (qv). (Tobin, 2004, 93; O’Shea family archive, 2009)

 

O’Shea, Rev Patrick (1920-1972), Clergyman

Patrick O’Shea, son of William O’Shea and his wife, Agnes Buckley, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, on 15 September, 1920. He was educated at the local National school, after which he attended CBS, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He joined the Spiritan (Holy Ghost) congregation in September, 1939. After making his religious profession, he attended University College, Dublin, where he obtained an Honours BSc degree. He then completed his philosophical studies in Kimmage. After one year teaching in St Mary’s College, Rathmines, he was sent to Rome to study theology at the Gregorian University, where he obtained the LST and BD degrees. After ordination in 1949, he was sent to Kenya, where he taught, succeesively, in St Mary’s College, Kabaa, and Tala High School. He also helped in editing the diocesan Catholic newspaper, The Catholic Mirror. Though he began to experience chest pains some time before his death, he attributed these to indigestion and postponed going for a medical examination. On the 15 August, 1972, he said two Masses, and went for a walk after lunch. A short time later, he was found dead of a heart attack, on the road, not far from his home. At the request of the local people, he was buried in Tala, Kenya. (Farraghar, 443-444)

 

O’Shea, Rev Peter (1861-1887), Clergyman

Peter O’Shea, son of Michael O’Shea and his wife, Mary McMahon, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, and baptised at his local parish church on 28 June, 1861. He attended Kildimo National school, after which he entered St Munchin’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He became a priest in the archdiocese of Sydney, Australia. He died in Sydney, of tuberculosis, on 31 December, 1887, at the early age of 26 years. He was buried in Rookwood cemetery, Sydney, Australia. He was a brother of Rev Daniel O’Shea (qv), Rev James O’Shea (qv), Rev William O’Shea (qv) and a nephew of Rev Dr James O’Shea (qv). (Tobin 2004, 118; O’Shea family archive, 2009)

 

O’Shea, Rev William (1858-1924), Clergyman

William O’Shea, son of Michael O’Shea and his wife, Mary McMahon, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, and baptised in his local parish church on 23 May, 1859. He attended Kildimo National school, after which he entered St Munchin’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He then entered the famous St Sulpice seminary in Paris, where he completed his priestly studies and was ordained on 19 June, 1888. After ordination, he was sent on loan to the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle (H&N), in the north of England, where he ministered for two years. On his return to the diocese of Limerick in 1889, he was appointed curate, successively, in Glin (1889-1890), St John’s (1890-1895), Mahoonagh (1895-1901), Newcastle West (1901-1902), Droomin/ Athlacca (1902-1904), Bruree (1904-1908), Bruff (1908-1911) and Shanagolden (1911-1918). In May, 1918, he was appointed Parish Priest of Athea, where he remained until his death. He died on 12 January, 1924, and was buried in the church grounds, Athea. He was a brother of Rev Daniel O’Shea (qv) and Rev James O’Shea (qv) and Rev William O’Shea (qv). (Note: Tobin, 94, states that he was ordained on 5/7/1886, based on information from Diocese of H&N, but his mortuary card lists his ordination in St Sulpice, Paris, on 19/6/1888). (Tobin, 2004, 94; O’Shea family archive)

 

O’Shea, Sr Anne Marie (1880-1960), Religious Sister

Anne Marie O’Shea, daughter of Patrick O’Shea and his wife, Mary Cahill, was born on 15 August, 1880, in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised in her parish church on 22 August, 1880. She attended Kildimo National school, and, later, entered the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, at Baloonagh, Tralee, Co. Kerry. She received the habit, together with a new religious name, Sister Chrysostom, on 2 February, 1901. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 5 September, 1903. She studied nursing, qualifed as a nurse, and was the first matron of St Catherine’s Hospital, Tralee. On her retirement, she was appointed superior of the Mercy convent, Moyderwell, Tralee. She died in the Moyderwell convent on 31 January, 1960, and was buried in the Mercy Convent cemetery, St John’s, Baloonagh, Tralee. She was a sister of Sr Briget O’Shea (qv) and Rev James O’Shea (1859-1913, qv). (RSM Archives, Kerry, 2010)

O’Shea, Sr Bridget (1871-1927), Religious Sister

Bridget O’Shea, daughter of Patrick O’Shea and Mary Cahill, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and baptised at her parish church on 10 September, 1871. She attended Kildimo National school, and during her adolescence began to think of entering a convent. When she was 21 years of age, she decided to join the Sisters of Mercy, at St Marie’s of the Isle, Cork. She left home on 15 August, 1892, and, after the usual six-month postulancy, received the habit, together with a new religious name, Sister Aquin, on 5 April, 1893. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 17 April, 1895. She spent most of her life at Mercy convent, St Marie’s of the Isle. She died at St Marie’s of the Isle, on 7 July, 1927, and was buried in the Sisters of Mercy burial plot, St Finbarr’s cemetery, Glasheen, Cork. She was a sister of Sr Anne Marie O’Shea (qv) and Rev James O’Shea (1859-1913, qv). (RSM archives, Cork, 2009)

 

O’Shea, Sr Mary (1885-1962), Religious Sister

Mary O’Shea, daughter of Patrick O’Shea and his wife, Mary O’Donnell, was born in Ballyvareen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 13 December, 1895. She attended Kildimo National School before entering the Presentation Sisters’ boarding school at Newtownbarry, Co. Wexford. On completion of her secondary schooling, she entered the Presentation Sisters, George’s Hill, Dublin, on 9 July, 1904. On completion of her postulancy, he received the habit, together with a new name, Sister Bernard, on 18 February, 1905. Her new patron saint was the great St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), son of a Burgundian nobleman, who was instrumental in founding the Cistercian Order. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession, on 7 August, 1907, in the presence of Archbishop William J Walsh, in George’s Hill, Dublin. She was involved in teaching and administration in Presentation Sisters’ schools and convents for most of her life. She died on 21 June, 1962, and was buried in the Presentation Sisters’ burial plot, Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin. She wrote an informative summary account of her own early life and family up to 1904, which is now in the O’Shea family archive. (O’Shea family archive, 2009; Presentation Archives, Dublin, 2010).

 

O’Sullivan, Kathleen (1898-1982), School Principal

Kathleen O’Callaghan, daughter of Patrick O’Callaghan and Helen Barry, was born in Ballydoole, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 24 September 1898, and baptised in Pallaskenry the next day. She completed her early education in the National School Pallaskenry before attending secondary school in Limerick. She completed her Teacher Training course at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, her final marks placing her close to the top of the list of graduating students. After teaching for a couple of years in Limerick City (St Mary’s and St John’s), she came to Ballysteen as Principal teacher on the early retirement of Mr Patrick Moran in 1934. She married Christopher O’Sullivan in July, 1935, and had a family of one girl and two boys, one of whom died in his youth. She retired, after a very successful career, in July, 1961.

            Mrs O’Sullivan was coordinator of the Ballysteen section of the National Folklore Collection Project in 1937-38. She also regularly contributed poems to the Limerick Leader and acted as producer of plays performed by the Ballysteen Dramatic Society in the 1940s. She died on 22 December, 1982, and was buried in Mount St Laurence cemetery, Limerick.  (O’Sullivan, C, 2009)

 

O’Sullivan, Máire (1928-2007), School Principal

Maire O’Sullivan, daughter of John O’Sullivan and Mary O’Shea, was born in Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 14 August, 1928. She was educated at Kildimo National School, Presentation Convent, Limerick, and the Teacher Preparatory College, Turmakeady, Co. Mayo. She entered Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College, Limerick, in 1947, and graduated as a primary teacher in 1949. After qualification, she taught at Presentation Convent, Limerick, and Presentation Convent, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, before joining the staff of Kilcornan National School. She was appointed principal in Kilcornan in 1965. An enthusiast for the Irish language, she sat and passed the Árd Teastas in Irish in 1979. This is nowadays a rare qualification, indicating an advanced mastery of the language. She was awarded first place in Ireland, and a gold medal, for excellence in teaching Irish. A talented musician, she also played the organ for parish liturgies and won acclaim for her school choirs, especially in sacred music. In her later years, she also took up painting and completed several works in watercolours and oils. She also wrote poetry, winning national prizes in this area. She published two books of poetry, An Solas Laistigh (2001) and Timpeall an Chragain (2004). She died on 14 June, 2007, aged, 78 years. She was buried in Kildimo cemetery. (Conran, P, 2010; O’Shaughnessy, K, 2010)

 

O’Sullivan, Rev Con (1890–1963), Clergyman

Con O’Sullivan, a native of Athea, Co. Limerick, was baptised in his parish church on 12 January, 1890. He was educated for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and ordained there on 20 June, 1915. His first appointment as curate was in Banogue (1915-1918), after which he served as a teacher in St Munchin’s College, Limerick (1918-1920). On his return to parish ministry, he was appointed curate, successively in Monagea (1920-1924), Askeaton-Ballysteen (1924-1926), Ballybrown (1926-1931) and Bruff (1931-1938). In 1938 he was appointed Parish Priest of Cratloe (1938-1944) and transferred to Killeedy in the same capacity in 1944. He was transferred to Askeaton-Ballysteen as Parish Priest on 6 August, 1953. He died in office, after a long illness, on 21 November, 1963, and was buried in the grounds of St Mary’s RC Church, Askeaton. (Tobin, 2004, 95)

 

O’Sullivan, Rev Jer (1911-1991), Clergyman

Jeremiah O’Sullivan, son of Patrick O’Sullivan and his wife, Johanna Nash, was born in Ballynolan, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, in March, 1911. He was listed as being 1 month old in the 1911 census, taken on 2 April, that year. He attended school in Pallaskenry, before entering St Munchins’s College, Limerick, where he completed his secondary schooling. He undertook his ecclesiastical studies in All Hallows Seminary, Dublin, and was ordained priest there in June 1936. His first appointment was in Liverpool, where he spent the following ten years, including the difficult years of World War II.  He played an active role in social organisations for Irish exiles and was one of the founders of the Liverpool Céilí Band. Fr O’Sullivan was, himself, an enthusiastic fiddle player, with a great fund of Irish tunes. On his departure from Liverpool for the USA in 1946, his parishioners presented him with an engraved chalice. In the USA, his first posting was to Bute, Montana, a famous mining town, which, in earlier years, received many Irish immigrants. It was an era of great expansion in the Catholic Church and he often recalled that his first Mass there was celebrated in the shade of a large tree in an open field. After some years, he transferred to Marina, California, where, again, he was appointed to a ‘greenfield’ parish. There, he was instrumental in building a new church, a Catholic school and setting up parochial structures in a new parish.  He retired to Ireland in 1987 and settled in Glenameade, Kildimo. He returned to his first love, Irish music and culture, and built up a wide circle of friends, including traditional musicians. His final months were spent in Milford Hospice, Limerick, where he died on 8 September, 1991. He was buried in Kilcornan, cemetery.   (O’Sullivan, C, 2009)

 

Ó Tuama, Tomás (18^th C), Gaelic Poet

Tomás Ó Tuama was a Gaelic poet, scholar and schoolmaster, who lived in Adare, Co. Limerick, during the eighteenth century. He is said to have conducted a language school in Adare, where he taught both Latin and Greek. Like many of the scholarly schoolmasters of his day, it is probable that he had originally been educated for the priesthood, but had, subsequently, declined holy orders. A lament for the Croom poet, Seán Ó Tuama, is ascribed to Tomás. Seoighe states that grandchildren of Tomás lived in Adare up to 1865. These relatives included a priest and a civil servant, who worked in Dungarvan. (Seoighe, CBS PPU, #6, 1988, 10)

 

Pain, James (1779-1877), Architect

James Pain, son of James Pain, surveyor and builder, was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, in 1779. He, and his younger brother, George (1792-1838), were apprenticed to architect, John Nash. After Nash had completed the design for Lough Cutra Castle, in Gort, for Charles Vereker in 1811, he recommended the Pain brothers to Vereker, as the most suitable architects to supervise the construction. James Pain then went on to establish himself in Limerick, while his brother, George, settled in Cork. Working together, the Pain brothers were responsible for a large number of churches and public buildings, including Dromoland Castle, Blackrock Castle, Cork, Holy Trinity Church, Cork, St Patrick’s Church, Cork, Limerick County gaol, Baal’s bridge, Thomond bridge and Athlunkard bridge, all three in Limerick. They also helped design the Manor in Adare for the Third Earl of Dunraven. George Pain died in Cork on 26 December, 1838, while James died in Limerick on 13 December, 1877. George was buried in St Mary Shandon, Cork, and James in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick. (Van S Papworth, rev. Rowan, ODNB, 2009)

 

 

Parker, Rev John (c.1743-1816), Clergyman

John Parker was born about 1743. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 14 June, 1758, and obtained his BA degree in 1762. He was ordained deacon for the Church of Ireland diocese of Limerick on 10 May, 1765, and priest on 15 September of the same year. He was curate in Abbeyfeale for some years in the 1770s. In 1774, he was appointed ‘vicar choral’ in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick. On 15 November, 1805, he was appointed prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan. He died in 1816. (Leslie, 1936, 98, 103, 140, 151, 153, 159)

 

Parker, Rev Nicholas (c.1741), Clergyman

Rev Nicholas Parker was installed as Church of Ireland vicar of Kildimo on 5 November, 1731. He was presented by Rev R Cashin, archdeacon of the diocese of Limerick. He did not remain long in Kildimo, however, since he was appointed vicar of Manisternenagh (Manister) in 1742. (Leslie, 1936, 110, 189, 244, 257, 308)

 

Patterson, Rev John (d.1719), Clergyman

John Patterson was installed as Church of Ireland Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 10 July, 1694. He was well-educated and held an MA degree. He also held the post of vicar of SS John and Michael, Limerick, from 1688 to 1699. He was Prependary of Imicathnia from 1686 to 1698 and Prependary of Toomgraney, Co. Clare, from 1698 until his death in 1719. (Leslie, 1936, 297, 328)

 

Peacock, Nicholas (c1740-c1751), Diarist

Nicholas Peacock, son of Nicholas Peacock and Ann Pike, came from a Yorkshire family. One member, William, subscribed £200 to Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland, and, as an ‘Adventurer’, received 840 acres of confiscated land in county Limerick. In addition to farming his own land, Nicholas acted as a land agent for Price Harstonge of Kildimo Court and was a cousin of Mrs Alice Hartstonge nee Widenham. He also leased land in Kilmoreen, Kildimo, where he built a house. On 9 May, 1747, he married Catherine Chapman of Lisdogan, Co. Cork. They had at least three children, Pryce, George and William. Other members of Nicholas’ extended family lived in the Adare area, including Richard and James Peacock of Graige and Fort Etna, respectively. Nicholas’ diary/ personal journal, covering the years 1740-1751, has been edited by Marie-Louise Clegg and published in 2005 by Four Courts Press, Dublin. It is a valuable primary record of social and economic life among the minor landed gentry of county Limerick in the middle of the eighteenth century. (Clegg, 2004, 11-15; ‘Limerick Papers’, NLI).

 

Peppard, John (1798-1881), Physician

John Peppard belonged to the Peppard family of Cappagh, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. He was born about 1798 and studied at the Royal College of Surgeons where he obtained the qualifications of MRCS and MD. Having specialised in psychiatry, he established a private clinic at Bushyisland, Pallaskenry, for patients with mental and psychiatric problems. This clinic was licensed and featured in several Government reports on such institutions. Dr Peppard married Arabella, daughter of Alexander Eagar MD, in July 1838. They had at least four children. John Peppard died on 15 April, 1881, at Cookstown House, Co. Kilkenny. (de Breffny, 1984, 68-70)

 

Pery, Edmund Lord (1894-1918), WW 1 Casualty

Edmund William Claude Gerard De Vere Pery, eldest son of William Henry Edmund De Vere Sheaffe Pery, 4^th Earl of Limerick, and his wife, Mary Imelda Irwin, was killed in action, during World War I, on 18 May, 1918. Born on 14 October, 1894, he had listed his home address as Dromore Castle, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, and he held the title, Viscount Glenworth. He was an officer, with the rank of captain, in 32 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. 32 Squadron was formed as part of the Royal Flying Corps on 12 January, 1916, and was moved to France as a fighter squadron in May, 1916. It flew patrols over the Western Front. Captain Pery was shot down during a mission over enemy lines in France. His grave is at Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt, Pas de Calais, France. His name is also on a memorial tablet in St Mary’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Limerick. (McNamara, 2000, 379; www.thepeerage.com)

 

Pery, Rev Stackpole (c.1688-1739), Clergyman

Stackpole Pery, son of Edmund Pery, and father of future Viscount Edmund Sexton Pery, was born in Limerick about 1688. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated with BA (1707) and MA (1710). He was appointed vicar and rector in the united parishes of Croom and Adare in 1715 and held this post until his death in 1739. During some of this time, he supplemented his income by holding other posts, such as vicar, St John’s, Limerick (1727-1739) and Prebendary of Dysart (1732-1739). On 2 April, 1716, he married Jane Twigg and had issue, including a son, Edmund Sexton Pery, later Viscount Limerick, and William Cecil Pery. His daughter, Lucy Pery, married Sir Henry Hartstonge, son of Price Hartstonge of Kildimo Court. Stackpole Perry died on 8 June, 1739. (Leslie, 1936, 123, 161, 225, 238, 328, 331).

 

Pierce, Thomas (1910-1986), School Principal

Thomas Pierce was born in Kilconly South, Beal, Co. Kerry, in 1908. He received his first education in the local National School, after which he attended St Brendan’s College, Killarney. On completion of his secondary schooling, he attended St Patrick’s Training College, Drumcondra, where he qualified as a primary teacher. He became Principal of Shauntrade National School, Adare, in 1949. He continued in this post until his retirement in 1973. He had a keen interest in history, especially local history. He published several books on historical themes, including Adare: A Short Guide to the Village (An Taisce, 1975), From Grattan to Lemass (Fallon, 1974), From Vikings to Volunteers (Fallon, 1974), Ourselves and Others (Fallon, 1974). He also contributed articles to journals, including the Adare CBS PPU Magazine. Tom died on 25 November, 1986, aged 76 years. He was buried in the new cemetery, Adare. His wife, Sheila, died on 9 May, 1998, and was buried beside her husband. (NAI, Census, 1911).

 

Prenderville, Br Richard (1853-1912), School Principal

Richard Prenderville was born in Midleton, Co. Cork, in 1853. He was educated at his local National school, before entering the CBS school, Midleton, in 1867. He entered the novitiate of the Christian Brothers in North Richmond Street, Dublin, on 19 April, 1870, and received the religious habit, together with a new name, Brother Jerome, on 24 June, 1871. His new patron was the great early Christian scholar, who translated the entire Bible from Greek to Latin, thereby giving us what has become known as the Vulgate edition. Brother Jerome made his vows in 1872 and his final profession in 1885. He was assigned to teach in Limerick in 1870. Then followed assignments in Synge Street, Dublin, Mount Sion, Waterford, Newfoundland, Charleville and Kilrush, before his appointment as superior and principal in Adare on 23 August, 1905.

            A fine scholar, he enjoyed learning about the local history of Adare. Moreover, during his period in charge, the school made good progress. He paid special attention to pupils, who were slow learners, and organised special sessions for them. His health, however, began to decline and he left Adare on 19 August, 1909, to go to Dublin for medical treatment. His condition, regretfully, did not respond to medical treatment and he died at Baldoyle, Dublin 13, on 11 February, 1912. He was buried in the cemetery attached to the Brothers’ house, Baldoyle. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Pugin, Augustus Welby (1812-1852), Architect

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, son of Auguste C Pugin, architect, and Catherine Welby, was born in London on 1 March, 1812. He was educated at Christ’s Hospital School and in his father’s school for architectural draughtsmen. He was a precocious and gifted child and, at the age of 15, received his first important commission, which was the design of a Gothic standing cup for King George IV. He worked as a designer for many architects, artists and craftsmen and, after his conversion to Catholicism, became the leader of the movement for the revival of Gothic architecture in England. He wrote several influential books on this topic and designed several magnificent churches in England and Ireland, including St Patrick’s Seminary, Maynooth, and Killarney cathedral. His most celebrated work, however, was the design of Westminster Palace, home of the British Houses of Parliament. It was Pugin who drew the plans for Sir Charles Barry, chief architect, and it was Pugin who designed the palace interiors, including much of the furniture. He also worked for the Earl of Shrewsbury. Pugin was married three times and, his son, EW Pugin, designed and built many churches in Ireland. Pugin senior was a workaholic and constant overwork eventually destroyed his health. Some months before his death, on 14 September, 1852, his mind gave away and he was certified insane. He was buried in the Pugin chantry of St Augustine’s Catholic church, Ramsgate. The Second  Earl of Dunraven engaged AWN Pugin to design certain aspects of the interior of Adare Manor. These included the carved grey stone chimney piece in the great Hall; the carved oak staircase; the minstrels’ gallery; the panelled walls and ceiling of the dining room, and several of the marble chimney pieces. (Wedgwood, ODNB, 2009).

 

Purcell, Sr Veronica (1913-2000), School Principal

Brigid Purcell, daughter of John and Catherine Purcell, was born in Moycarney, Co. Tipperary, on 3 March, 1913. She was educated at Moycarney National School, followed by boarding school. She entered the Sisters of Mercy, St Mary’s convent, Limerick, on 15 January, 1935. In addition to the religious habit, she received a new religious name, Sister Virgilius, by which she was subsequently generally known. He new patron saint was a seventh- century monk, who became abbot of the famous monastery of Lenins in Aquitaine, and bishop of the city of Arles. On completion of her novitiate, Sister Veronica made her religious profession on 17 August, 1937. She attended Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College and qualified as a national teacher. After teaching for some years, she was appointed principal of the Mercy convent school in Adare. She spent her later years in St Mary’s convent, Limerick, where she died on 24 July, 2000, aged 87 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s convent, Limerick. (RSM archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

Puxley, Rev Edward (c.1838-1909), Clergyman

Edward Lavallin Puxley, son of John Lavallin Puxley, and his wife, Fanny White, was born in Dunboy Castle, Castletownbere, Co. Cork. John Puxley owned the copper mines in Allihies and the family was the subject of the famous novel, Hungry Hill, by Daphne Du Maurier. Edward’s sister, Fanny Sarah Lavallin Puxley, married Rev John Thomas Waller, owner of Castletown Manor. Rev Puxley was licensed as a curate of the Church of Ireland parish of Kilcornan in 1867. It will be remembered that Rev John T Waller was rector of this parish and had considerable, if not total, influence over this appointment. Puxley was educated at Oxford University (BD, 1859) and was ordained deacon of the Church of England in 1859 and priest in 1861. During the years, 1859-1866, before his arrival in Kilcornan, he had worked for the Church Missionary Society (CMS) among the Santals, a hill tribe, in east Bengal, India. He is recognised by CMS historians as the founder of the CMS Santal Mission. Though jungle fever cut short his stay in India, and even put his life in danger, he made a very significant contribution by devising an alphabet for the Santali dialect and translating parts of the Bible and Anglican Prayer Book into that language. He also served as curate in St Peter’s parish, St Albans. In 1876, he was appointed rector of Catworth, Hampshire, and remained in this post until 1890, when he accepted an appointment as rector of Kessingland, Suffolk (1890-1894). After this, he took up an appointment as vicar of Petersfield, Hampshire. He married (1864) Maria Leader of Glengariffe, Co. Cork, and had a family of three boys and three girls. He died in England in June, 1909. Before taking Holy Orders, Edward Puxley was in the army, where he was a lieutenant in the 4^th Dragoons. (Leslie, 1936, 256; BLGI, 1958, 379)

 

Quin, Rev John (1761-1789), Clergyman

John Quin, second son of Windham Quin and his wife, Frances Dawson, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, in 1761. He was educated at Mr Crawford’s private school in Lismore, Co. Waterford, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 7 July, 1777, at the age of 16. He passed his divinity test and was ordained a priest of the Church of Ireland. In 1784, he married Catherine O’Grady, daughter of Standish O’Grady and his wife, Mary Hungerford, but they had no children. John Quin died without issue in 1789, at the early age of 28. His widow, Catherine, married John Gumbleton, two years’ later. Rev Quin was a brother of Valentine Richard Quin, 1^st Earl of Dunraven. (Burtchaell and Sadlier, 1924, 689)

 

Quin, Thady (1645-1726), Landed Gentry

Thady Quin, descended from the O’Quins of county Clare, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, in 1645. His grandfather was Donough Quin, and his granduncle was John Quin, Bishop of Limerick. Thady’s mother, O’Riordan, was heiress to a large property in Adare. Thady managed to retain possession of his mother’s property in Adare at the time of the restoration of King Charles II. He also obtained a 999-year lease of part of the Adare estate of the Earls of Kildare, thereby laying the foundation of the extensive Quin estate in Adare. Thady was married three times, his third wife being Catherine Moroney. He was born a Roman Catholic but is believed by some to have become a Protestant later. He did, however, present a chalice to the Catholic church in Adare in 1726, the year of his death. He was succeeded by his son, Valentine Quin (qv). (Dunraven, Countess, 1965, 11)

 

Quin, Valentine (1678-1744), Landed Gentry

Valentine Quin, elder son of Thady Quin and his third wife, Catherine Moroney, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick. He married (1707) Mary Widenham (1682-1766), elder daughter and co-heir of Captain Henry Widenham and his wife, Mary Graham, of Court, Kildimo. They had two sons, Windham and George, and five daughters, Mary, Margaret, Alice, Catherine and Anne. Valentine, who was called to the bar in 1698, and admitted to the King’s Inn in 1709, purchased the 999-year lease of the property, secured earlier by his father, and augmented the Quin estate in Adare with the purchase of several other parcels of land. His wife, Mary Widenham, also brough him some 1,300 acres of land, in addition to a dowry of £6,000. He converted to Protestantism in 1734 and died on 29 July, 1744. He was succeeded by his son, Windham Quin (qv). (Legg.2005, 13, 51; Dunraven, Countess, 1865, 11)

 

Quin, Windham (1717-1789), MP

Windham Quin, son of Valentine Quin of Adare, and Mary, daughter and co-heir of Henry Widenham, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, in 1717. In July, 1748, he married Frances, daughter of Richard Dawson, a Member of Parliament, and had three sons and five daughters. He was High Sheriff of County Limerick in 1747 and was made a Freeman both of Limerick (1751) and of Fethard, Co. Tipperary (1774). He was commander of the Adare Volunteer Infantry. He was Member of Parliament for Kilmallock from 1768 to 1776, having purchased his seat from the Oliver family, of Castleoliver, who controlled Kilmallock. He was one of the 24 founding members of the County Limerick Society in 1774. This was said to be a non-political club, comprising members of the local gentry, for ‘the peace, well-being and good order of the County Limerick’. He continued the work of his father, Valentine, in building up the family estate in Adare. This included 1,300 acres inherited from the estate of his mother, Mary Widenham, in Kildimo. He was a member of the Limerick/Askeaton Hellfire Club and is featured in Worsley’s painting of the members in 1836. He died in May, 1789, and was succeeded by his third son, Valentine Richard Quin, 1^st Earl of Dunraven (qv).  (UHF; Legg.2005, 13, 51)

 

Quin, Valentine R (1752-1824), 1^st Earl of Dunraven

Valentine Richard Quin, third son of Windham Quin and his wife, Frances Dawson, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, on 30 July, 1752. He was created a baronet in 1781 and 1^st Baron of Adare on 31 July, 1800, 1^st Viscount Mount-Earl on 3 February, 1816, and 1^st Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl on 5 February, 1822. He married, firstly, Lady Frances Muriel Fox-Strangeways, daughter of the 1^st Earl of Ilchester, on 24 August, 1777, and they had two children: Lady Harriet Quin, who married Lord William Payne-Galwey and Lord Windham Henry Quin, 2^nd Earl of Dunraven. After the marriage of Lord Windham Henry Quin to Caroline Windham of Dunraven Castle, Bridgend, Wales, the family name was officially changed in 1815 to Wyndham-Quin. Valentine Quin married, secondly, Margaret Mary Coghlan. He died on 24 August, 1824, and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. He was succeeded by his son, Windham Henry Quin (qv), 2^nd Earl of Dunraven.

 

Quinlan, Rev John (1852-1907), Clergyman

John Quinlan was baptised on 3 September, 1852, and ordained priest at St Mary’s Convent of Mercy, Limerick, on 13 July, 1879.  His first diocesan appointment was to the post of curate in St Patrick’s (1879-1880). He was then appointed curate in the following parishes: Croom (1880-1887); St Munchin’s (1887-1890); Mungret (1890); Newcastle West (1890-1901). On 7 October, 1901, he was appointed Parish Priest of Glenroe and remained there until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Pallaskenry/ Kildimo on 14 August, 1904. He died in this post on 18 January, 1907, at the age of 54 and was buried in the church grounds, Pallaskenry. (Tobin, 2004, 98)

 

Quinlan, Rev Michael (d.1966), Clergyman

Michael Quinlan, a native of Effin, Co. Limerick, was ordained at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 19 June, 1921. The following year, he was appointed a teacher at St Munchin’s College, where he remained for twelve years (1922-1934). In September, 1934, he was appoined curate in Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1934-1939), and, in September, 1939, he was transferred to Foynes, in the same capacity (1939-1944). On 3 July, 1944, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cratloe (1944-1957) and, on 2 December, 1957, he was transferred as Parish Priest to his native parish of Effin. In December, 1964, he was nominated Canon of the cathedral chapter. In his later years, he suffered from ill-health and he died in the presbytery, Effin, on 28 September, 1966. He was buried in the church grounds, Effin, on 30 September, 1966. (LDA)

 

Ranahan, Sr Margaret (1893-1972), Religious Sister

Margaret Ranahan, third daughter of Michael Ranahan and Mary Millane, was born in Ballycanana, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised in St Patrick’s Church, Ballysteen, on 15 January, 1893. She was educated at Ballysteen National School, before entering the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor. After an initial period in England, she was sent to France where she spent her entire life, serving in convents in Paris, Rive de Gier, Lyons. She died in Lyons in 1972 and is buried there in a cemetery attached to one of her convents. (Feheney, 2007, 104)

 

Raymond, John (b.c.1790), Landed Gentry

John Raymond was descended from a prominent north-Kerry Anglo-Irish family, with estates in Ballylongford and Kilmorna, Co. Kerry. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, John Raymond was the owner of Hollywood House and estate in Adare, Co. Limerick. It will be recalled that Askeaton and Adare were at the centre of agrarian disturbances in the early 1820s. Towards the end of 1821, while John Raymond and his coachman were driving home from Limerick, they found a roll of paper, which contained a list of the names of the ‘Whiteboys’ in the area. These young men were led by a ‘Captain Rock’, whose identity was, for some years, unknown, but whose daring exploits kept the police and military on constant alert. One night, while Raymond was out, a group of ‘Whiteboys’ raided Hollywood House and shot the butler. They were seen from upstairs by a nurse, who subsequently identified the raiders. Their names, however, had already been passed to the police by an informer. Early in 1822, three men, Lynch, Lewis and Madigan, were tried and convicted for the crime at the Limerick assizes and hanged on Cappagh hill. Soon afterwards, John Raymond sold both Hollywood House and his property in Kerry and emigrated, with his family, to Australia. Subsequent owners of Hollywood House have included: Mrs Norman, George and ‘Jem’ Hewson, Major Hatton-Wilson; Lady Nancy Dill and Peter O’Shaughnessy. (Pierce, 1987, 72-74)

 

Rea, Rev David (c1908-1983), Clergyman

David Rea, born about 1908, was educated at St Munchin’s College, Limerick, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained on 8 June, 1933. His first appointment was as curate in Templeglantine (1933), after which he served in Tournafulla (1936) in the same capacity. He came to Askeaton- Ballysteen as curate on 1 March, 1941 and remained there until his appointment as Parish Priest of Parteen on 9 June, 1949. He was transferred to St Patrick’s as Parish Priest in 1961 and to Croom, in the same capacity, on 3 September, 1974. He was appointed a canon of the Limerick cathedral chapter on 16 April, 1981. He died on 12 August, 1983, and was buried in the church grounds, Croom, Co. Limerick. Father Rea was very active in fund-raising to build a separate house for the curate in the parish of Askeaton/ Ballysteen. To this end, he helped organise several concerts and was instrumental in the setting up of dramatic societies in both Askeaton and Ballysteen. (LDA)

 

Reddan, James (d.1832), School Principal

James Reddan was Principal teacher at Ballysteen School, then located in Moloney’s Field, near Culhane’s (formerly Ballysteen) Cross, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick. He is listed in more than one report, including the Royal Commission on Irish Education (BPP 1826-27 (12), 1079). He was killed when the police opened fire on combatants during a faction fight at the fair of Stonehall in September 1832. When the Father Foley, Parish Priest, failed to stop the fight, a detachment of soldiers, under the command of Major Thorpe, opened fire, killing two men and wounding eight others. At a subsequent inquest, it was established that Reddan was a spectator, rather than a combatant, and the jury observed that it was unfortunate for Mr Reddan to ‘be abroad that day’ (Feheney, 2007, 105; Ó Corrbuí, 1975, 184; HCPP 1826-27 (12), 1079).

 

Reidy, Rev Timothy (1860-1940), Clergyman.

Timothy Reidy, a native of Effin, Co. Limerick, was baptised in his local parish church on 20 January, 1860. He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained at St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, on 12 April, 1885. After ordination, he went on loan to the diocese of Middlesboro (1885-1887). On his return to Ireland, he was curate, successively, in Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1887-1892), Mungret (1892-1902) and Kilmallock (1902-1908). On 11 January, 1908, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cappagh (1908-1915), where he remained until his transfer to Askeaton/Ballysteen on 14 May, 1915. In 1930, he was made a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter. He died at Milford House Hospice on 13 May, 1940, and is buried in the church grounds, Askeaton. (Tobin, 2004, 100).

 

Rennison, Rev Garrett (c.1864- ), Clergyman

Garrett Rennison, son of William Rennison (qv), was born in Tobermurry, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, about 1864. He was ordained a clergyman of the Church of Ireland and served in the diocese of Ferns, Co. Wexford. He was rector of Teghmon, diocese of Ferns, from 1891 to 1897. He was a brother of Rev Henry Rennison (qv) and of Thomas Rennison (qv), Clerk of the Petty Sessions. In the 1911 census, Garrett is listed as living, with his wife, Kate Mary Irvine, in Kilnamanagh, Co. Wexford. (NAI, Cenus, 1911)

 

Rennison, Rev Henry (c.1855- ), Clergyman

Henry Rennison, son of William Rennison (qv), was born in Tobermurry, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, about 1855. He was ordained a clergyman of the Church of Ireland and served in the diocese of Ferns, Co. Wexford. He was rector of Taghmon, diocese of Ferns, from 1881 to 1885 and prebendary of Coolstuff, Co. Wexford, from 1900 to 1909. In 1911, Henry and his wife, Kate Louisa, were dwelling in Tikillin, Co. Wexford. Henry was a brother of Rev Garrett Rennison (qv) and of Thomas Rennison (qv), Clerk of the Petty Sessions. (NAI, Census, 1911).

 

Rennison, Rev William (b.c.1886- ), Clergyman

William Thomas Rennison, son of Thomas (qv) and Kate Rennison, of Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, was born in Pallaskenry about 1886. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and obtained a divinity testamonium from that institution in 1913. He was ordained a clergyman of the Church of Ireland. Two of his uncles, Garret (qv) and Henry (qv), were also Church of Ireland clergymen.  (NAI, Census, 1901)

 

Rennison, Thomas (c.1856- ), Clerk of Petty Sessions

Thomas Rennison, son of William Rennison (qv) of Tobermurry, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, was born about 1855. He held the appointment of clerk of the Petty Sessions for the Adare region (covering an area roughly equivalent to the barony of Kenry) before the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922. The Petty Sessions were the lowest level of British Courts,  introduced in their final form at the beginning of the 19^th century, with a view to taking some of the load off the Quarter Sessions. Petty Sessions were run by a chairman and two other Justices of the Peace (magistrates) without a jury and dealt with minor items. Their functions were eventually divided between the county councils and the District courts.

            A clerk to the Petty Sessions would be responsible for organising the court, advising the Justices of the Peace on legal matters and collecting the fines, licence fees etc. He would thus not need to be legally qualified to the level of a solicitor but would need a thorough understanding of the workings of the Petty Sessions and so would have a background in law or of working in a legal environment. Thomas Rennison and his wife, Kate, had three children, including William Thomas (qv), who attended Trinity College, Dublin, and who obtained a Divinity Testimonium from that institution in 1913. He was subsequently ordained deacon and priest of the Church of Ireland. Thomas’ brothers, Garrett (qv) and Henry (qv), were also ordained priests of the Church of Ireland. Many members of the landed gentry in the area, such as the Wallers, Westropps and Burys, were justices of the peace in the nineteenth century. (NAI, Census, 1901, 1911)

 

Rennison, William (c. 1795 ), School Principal

William Rennison, born about 1795, was employed as a schoolteacher in Pallaskenry in the first half of the nineteenth century. His school, classified as ‘Protestant’, was large for the time, with about one hundred pupils. While 68 of these children were listed as Protestant, there were also 31 Catholic children in attendance. The Earl of Charleville (Lord Bury) contributed towards the building of the school, but the operational expenses were covered by the Association for the Discountenancing of Vice. It will be remembered that this organisation also supported the Protestant training school (or ‘seminary’) in Kildimo, founded by Rev Samuel Jones (qv) in 1808. This ‘seminary’, which was supported by the proselytising London Hibernian Society, specialised in training Protestant school teachers, and Mr Rennison was, possibly, a graduate of this training school. The school building in Pallaskenry was purpose-built, of stone and lime, and was slated, in contrast to many of the small village houses, which were thatched. This William Rennison was the father of Thomas Rennison (qv), Clerk of the Petty Sessions, as well as of Rev Garrett (qv) and Rev Henry Rennison (qv). He lived in Tubbermurray, Kildimo. (HCPP 1826-27(12), Second Report, 1094-1095; Griffith, 1850, 52)

 

Riordan, Br Daniel (1874-1939), School Principal

Daniel Riordan, eldest son of William Riordan and his wife, Ellen Ryan, was born in Coolea, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork, in 1874. He was educated at Coolea National school and, in his early teens, went to work with his uncle in a shop in Bristol. His uncle sent him to study accountancy in the Merchant Venturer’s School, Bristol. Soon afterwards, he encountered a Christian Brother and decided to join that congregation. He entered the Christian Brothers’ novitiate in Baldoyle on 14 June, 1898. At his reception, he was given a new name, Brother Maurice. His new patron saint, St Maurice, was the General of the Roman Theban Legion in the third century. A Christian himself, as were many of his men, Maurice refused to obey the command of the Emperor Maximian to attack the Christian villages of the Gaulish tribe, the Bagaude. Maximian’s punishment was to execute every tenth man, starting with Maurice, thereby giving rise to the word decimate.  Br Maurice made his vows on Christmas Day, 1900. Before coming to Adare, he taught in Charleville, Dingle, Clonmel, Dublin, Monasterevin and New Ross. He was appointed superior and principal in Adare in January, 1925 and remained until 1932. He was then transferred to Blarney Street, Cork, after which he served a second period in New Ross. In August, 1938, he was appointed superior and principal for a second period in Adare, but after a year his health declined, since he was suffering from untreated diabetes. He was removed to hospital in Dublin, but died on 2 February, 1939. He was buried in Baldoyle, Dublin 13. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Roche, Sir David (1833-1908), Baronet

David Vandelour Roche, son of Sir David Roche Bart. and his first wife, Frances Vandelour, was born in Carass Court, Croom, Co. Limerick, on 24 June, 1833. His father was Member of Parliament, 1832-44. David junior married and inherited the baronetcy on the death of his father in 1865, whereupon, he became 2^nd Baronet Roche of Carass. He acquired Fanningstown Castle in 1860, and, with the aid of Cork architect, P Nagle, demolished the old dwelling house and built the present castellated building, known as Fanningstown Castle. David Vandelour Roche kept a pack of harriers and hunted regularly with them, especially during the years 1872-75. He was also Master of the Limerick Foxhounds for 18 years (1861-1879).  Lady Roche, wife of Sir David, predeceased him, dying on 1 March, 1892. (Wyndham-Quin, 1989, 71)

 

Rose, Rev William (c.1780), Clergyman

William Rose was licensed as curate of the Church of Ireland parishes of Croom and Adare in 1780. (Leslie, 1936).

 

Royse, Rev Henry (d.1689), Clergyman.

Rev Henry Royse was installed as Rector of the Church of Ireland in Askeaton (including Lismakeery and Toomdeely) on 10 September, 1668. He continued in this appointment until his death in 1689. During at least part of this period, he also held the appointment of Prebendary of Ardcanny, Pallaskenry. Earlier (1663), he was installed as Rector of both Kildimo and Kilcornan. Both his son and grandson were also named Henry.

Henry belonged to the Ballinvirick branch of the Royse family, which was in this area for hundreds of years. There were clergymen of the Church of Ireland in the Royse family for at least three generations i.e the son and grandson of the present Henry. The Royse family built Ballinvirick House in the 1700s. The estate going with the house was modest by landed-gentry standards, containing only about 120 acres. The house and land remained in the Royse family until 1919, when it was purchased by Mrs Mary Hewson. Ballinvirick House, then the home of Rev Thomas Royse, Vicar of Nantenan, burst into national newspaper headlines in 1743, when a celebrated kidnapping took place there. The events may be summarised as follows:

 

On the night of 13th November 1743, Hugh Fitzjohn Massy, his brother-in-law, John Bourcher, and some others gained entry to Nantenan rectory, where Ms Frances Ingoldsby was residing under the guardianship of Reverend Thomas Royse, whose wife was a relative of Frances. Under threat of violence, the young men kidnapped Frances Ingoldsby and made off with her to the safety of Massy lands in the Galtee Mountains. A reward of £200 was placed on Massy and Bourcher’s heads by the government. Massy, accompanied by Frances, made his escape to Bordeaux in France. At some stage a marriage ceremony took place and Frances seems to have accepted the situation. It is clear that the objective of the abduction was to secure an income for Hugh Massy. The guilty parties eventually returned, Ms Ingoldsby having meantime married Massy, and he, using the great influence of his extended family, managed to get the charge of kidnapping dismissed in court. This was as big a scandal as the original kidnapping. (Toby Barnard, 1998; Leslie 1936)

 

Russell, Rev Edward (1842-1928), Clergyman.

Edward Russell, a native of Bruree, was born in 1842. He studied for the priesthood in the Irish College, Rome, where he was ordained on 7 August, 1870. His early appointments as curate included Ballyagran (1870-1871), Drumcollogher (1871-1875), Rathkeale (1875-1879), Askeaton/ Ballysteen (as curate, 1879-1884, and as administrator, 1884-1886); Bruff (1886-1887) and Effin (1887-1892). On 14 June, 1892, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan) and transferred to Killeedy in the same capacity on 12 February, 1895. On 7 July, 1902, he was transferred to Parteen as Parish Priest, where he remained until his retirement on 12 April, 1926. He died at St John’s Hospital, Limerick, on 29 February, 1928. He was a member of the Cathedral Chapter until his retirement (1920-26). Father Russell had a keen interest in agrarian reform and was chairperson of the Askeaton branch of the Land League. In a speech in Askeaton in December, 1880, he said that the Land League meetings were not only intended to benefit Irish farmers, but to let ‘every homestead in England’ know about the deprivations suffered by the Irish. Earlier, while in Dromcollogher, he assured the people that the Church would support them as long as their struggle for land reform lasted. In a letter to The Limerick Chronicle, dated 26, November, 1883, Fr Russell denounced as untrue an earlier report of a faction fight at the chapel gate in Ballysteen after Mass. The earlier report had stated that ‘coats were thrown in the air and blows ensued’. Russell denied that this happened and said that ‘the people of the united parishes of Askeaton and Ballysteen have good reason to believe themselves to be second to none in the country’ (Tobin, 2004, 103, 209, 221; LC, 26 Nov., 1883)

 

Ryan, Br James (1836-1929), School Principal

James Ryan was born in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, in 1836. He attended the Christian Brothers’ school, Thurles, before entering their novitiate in Dublin in 1852. At his reception, in addition to the religious habit, he also acquired a new name, Brother Philp. His new patron saint was the apostle, Philip, who is mentioned more than once in the Gospel. On completion of his novitiate, he made his religious profession in 1854. His first assignment was as a teacher in Westland Row CBS school. After this, he was assigned to the CBS school in Youghal, Co. Cork, where he taught for ten years. On 14 August, 1880, he was appointed superior and principal of the CBS school in Adare, where he spent the following 34 years.  He was superior and principal on three different occasions: 1880-1894; 1896-1905; and 1909-1914. He celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his religious profession in 1904 and the Diamond Jubilee in 1914.

            Brother Ryan was a very well known and was great favourite with both rich and poor in Adare. He was a particular friend of the Dunraven family. When he was transferred from Adare to Mount Sion, Waterford, the Earl of Dunraven wrote him the following letter:

 

My dear Brother Ryan

When I returned from London, I found a pall over Adare - you had left us for Mount Sion, Waterford. Well, God be with you. I have lost one of my greatest friends in my old age. Your work in this village will always be remembered - work, I hope, you may long be spared to continue at Mount Sion. The Countess is too upset to write; besides, she is very unwell.

Yours sincerely

Dunraven, 20 December, 1915.

 

In the 1890s, Lord Randolph Churchill, father of Sir Winston, and Mr Robert Morley MP, who were guests of the Earl of Dunraven, called at the CBS monastery in Adare. Brother Ryan showed them around the school. They were impressed and Lord Randolph subsequently spoke in the British parliament and recommended that the National Board of Education in Ireland make arrangements to pay the Christian Brothers the usual grants towards the salaries of teachers and the maintenance of schools.

            From Mount Sion, Brother Ryan returned to Dublin. He died in St Patrick’s, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, on 6 July, 1929, aged 92 years. He was buried in the cemetery attached to the house in Baldoyle. (CFC Necrologies)

 

Ryan, Rev Daniel (1839-1881), Clergyman

Daniel Ryan was born about 1839 and ordained on 29 June, 1864. His appointments in the diocese of Limerick included being curate, successively, in Croagh (1864-1865); Adare (1865-1866); St Patrick’s (1866-1867); Ardagh/ Carrikerry (1867-1868); Tournafulla (1868-1871); Kilmallock (1871-1879) and Mungret (1879-1881). He died while serving as a curate in Mungret on 29 October, 1881, aged 42 years. (Tobin, 2004, 104)

 

Ryan, Rev Martin (1923-2009), Rector

Martin Ryan was born in Dublin on 2 March, 1923. On completion of his primary and secondary schooling, he entered the Salesians of St John Bosco. When he completed his ecclesiastical training, he was ordained priest on 15 July, 1951. He was appointed rector of Salesian College, Pallaskenry, in 1964, and served in this position until 1969. He spent his later years in the Salesian community, Crumlin. Shortly before his death, he was removed to St James Hospital, Dublin, where he died on 12 January, 2009, aged 85 years. He was buried in the cemetery attached to the Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

Ryan, Rev Patrick (d.1984), Clergyman

Patrick Ryan was ordained on 23 June, 1940. After ordination, he was appointed curate, successively, in St Munchin’s (1940-1945), Bruree (1945-1948), Kildimo/ Pallaskenry (1948-1953), Ballingarry (1953-1958), St Patrick’s (1958-1961) and St Munchin’s (1961-1965). On 26 May, 1965, he was appointed Parish Priest of Manister, where he remained for ten years. On 10 February, 1975, he was transferred, as Parish Priest, to Feenagh/ Kilmeedy, where he remained for six years. In 1981, when his health seriously declined, he resigned his post as Parish Priest and retired to a rest home in Carrigoran, Co. Clare. He died there on 21 April, 1984. (LDA)

 

St Leger, Anthony (1803-1866), Landed Gentry

O’Donovan (1840, 63) lists Anthony Butler St Leger, resident in London, as the owner of townlands (Barnalika, Commons and Finnerstown) in the parish of Adare, Co. Limerick. St Leger was born in 1803, a member of a well-known English family that settled in Ireland. He died without a male heir in 1866. A list of Encumbered Estates for County Cork in 1850 (Vol.5, 26), lists several properties in the city of Cork, for which St Leger was also both owner and petitioner. (Ruvigny & Staff, 1911, 492)

 

Scully, Br John (1861-1939), School Principal

John Scully was born in Kyle, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, in 1861. His mother died when he was only three years of age, and his father confided him to the care of his aunt, who lived in the town of Portlaoise. In this way, he attended the CBS school there. He entered the Christian Brothers congregation at the age of eighteen, receiving the religious habit, and a new name, Brother Linus, on 18 August, 1899. His new patron saint was an early successor to St Peter as Pope. At the end of his novitiate, Brother Linus made his religious profession. He made his perpetual profession on 1 January, 1892. His first assignment was to teach in the CBS school in Belfast. Subsequent appointments were to Tralee and Galway. He was appointed superior and principal of CBS Adare on 10 August, 1914, and remained until his transfer back to Northern Ireland on 12 December, 1919. Subsequently, he taught in CBS schools in Omagh and Newry and Athy. His later years were spent in Artane, Dublin. He accompanied the community to Wicklow for the summer vacation but took ill after a week. He was brought back to Dublin, where he died on 28 July, 1913. He was buried in cemetery in Artane, Dublin 5. (CFC Necrologies)

 

 

Shanahan, Rev Denis (c1844-1924), Clergyman

Denis Shanahan was born about 1844. He studied for the priesthood in All Hallows College, Dublin, where he was ordained on 24 June, 1868. Though ordained for the archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia, he was permitted to change to his native diocese of Limerick. His first appointment as curate was in the diocese of Waterford and Lismore (1868-1869). On his return to the diocese of Limerick, he was curate, successively, in Glenroe (1869-1870), Coolcappa (1870-1872), Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1872-1874), Ballingarry (1874-1879), St John’s (1879-1882), St Michael’s, Limerick (1882-1889), Coolcappa (1889-1890) and St Michael’s (1890-1892). He was appointed Parish Priest of Askeaton/Ballysteen on 18 February, 1892. A few months later, however, he was transferred to St Patrick’s, Limerick, as Parish Priest, in succession to Fr Bourke, who had died there on 25 May, 1892. Fr Shanahan died at St John’s Hospital, Limerick, on 28 June, 1924. He is on record as taking an active part in local politics. In the election campaign of 1880 in Limerick, he compared Mr Spaight, a Tory candidate, to ‘a drownded (sic) fly, giving his last kick’. On the other hand, he endorsed the candidature of sitting MP, Dr Richard O’Shaughnessy, who was successful. Fr Denis was a brother of Fr Timothy Shanahan (c1830-1915), also in the diocese of Limerick. (Tobin, 95, 101, 106)

 

Sheahan, Owen (1962-2004), Sportsman

Owen Nicholas Sheahan, second son of Bill Sheahan and his wife, Nellie Hayes, was born in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 23 December, 1962. He was educated at Pallaskenry National school, Salesian Secondary School, Copsewood, and the University of Limerick. A gifted sportsman from his youth, he represented Pallaskenry in Gaelic football, before becoming a regular member of Limerick senior football squad. He then went on to represent Limerick at senior county level for several years. On his transfer to Dublin, he joined Erin’s Isle GAA club and represented this club in Dublin senior football. He married Barbara Doyle of Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, and they had three children, Aoife, Ciara and Cathal. Owen had a senior position with the courier company, DHL, when he was diagnosed with a serious illness. Despite therapy, he failed to recover and died on 30 April, 2004, aged 42 years. He was buried in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath. (Sheahan, N, 2010)

 

Sheahan, Patrick (1893-1965), Architect

Patrick Joseph Sheahan, son of Thomas Sheahan (qv) and his wife, Helen Wallace, was born in Dromlohan, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, and baptised in the Catholic Church, Kilcornan, on 23 May, 1893. His parents had been married in Askeaton on 7 June, 1890. He was educated initially at Kilcornan National school and, subsequently, at St Munchin’s College. He qualified as an architect and established an architectural practice in Limerick. He designed several churches in the diocese of Limerick, including the parish church in Castlemahon (1961). One of his first commissions was the design and supervision of the building of the parochial house, Kilcornan. He received the Papal honour of Chevalier Knight (KSS) in recognition of his contribution to ecclesiastical architecture in the diocese of Limerick. On the death of his father, his mother moved to Pallaskenry, where she spent the remainder of her days. PJ Sheahan was the founder of the architectural firm, Patrick J Sheahan and Partners Ltd., which continues to operate in Limerick. Chevalier Sheahan died on 9 October, 1965, aged 72 years. He was buried in Mount St Laurence cemetery, Limerick. (Madigan, M, 2010)

 

Sheahan, Thomas (d.1908), School Principal

Thomas Sheahan, was principal teacher in Kilcornan National School, Co. Limerick, up to his early death. He married Ellen Wallace, daughter of Patrick Wallace and his wife, Catherine Ryan, of Ballyengland, Askeaton, at the Catholic church, Askeaton, on 7 June, 1890. They had a family of four boys (Edward, Patrick, James and Michael) and three girls (Bridget, Kathleen and Margaret Mary). Thomas Sheahan died prematurely on 24 September, 1908, and was succeeded as principal in Kilcornan by Patrick W Madden. Thomas’ wife, Ellen, who subsequently moved to Pallaskenry, had strong republican sympathies and held office in Cumman na mBan, the women’s branch of Sinn Fein, founded in 1914. She survived her husband by almost half a century, dying on 20 September, 1955. Her son, Patrick (qv), became a well-known architect and received the Papal honour of Chevalier (KSS) in recognition of his contribution to ecclesiastical architecture in the diocese of Limerick.(Madigan, M, 2010)

 

Sheehan, Sr Theresa (1925-2007), Religious Sister

Theresa Sheehan, daughter of John Sheehan and Johanna O’Donoghue, was born in Curaghbridge, Adare, Co. Limerick on 4 June, 1925. She attended Adare National School, then conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, after which she entered the Bon Secours Sisters, Cork, on the feast of the Presentation of Our Lady, 21 November, 1946. She was sent to the central novitiate in Paris, where she received the religious habit, together with a new name, Sister Alphonsus, on 24 May, 1947. On completion of her novitiate, she made her religious profession in Paris on 25 May, 1949. On her return to Ireland, she qualified as a nurse (SRN) and as a midwife (SCM) and spent many years nursing at the Bon Secours General and Maternity Hospitals, College Road, Cork. She also worked in the Bon Secours hospitals in Tuam and Cobh. She spent her final years in St Teresa’s, a section of the Bon Secours Hospital, College Road, Cork, where she died on 29 May, 2007. She was buried in the Bon Secours Sisters burial plot, St Oliver’s cemetery, Model Farm Road, Cork. (Bon Secours Archives, 2010)

 

Sheehy, Henry (1916-1988), Solicitor

Henry Sheehy, son of Michael Sheehy and his wife, Rose Mary O’Kennedy, was born in Shannongrove House, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, in 1916. On completion of his secondary education, he qualified as a solicitor and worked in Glentworth Street, Limerick. He married Una Linehan in 1952 and they had a son and a daughter. In the late 1950s, he moved to London, where he continued his legal practice. He died at Foxfield, Patrickswell, at the home of his brother, Jack, during his annual vacation to Ireland on 12 July, 1988, aged 72 years. He was buried in the family burial plot, in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s CoI Church, Askeaton. He was a grandson of John (‘Coroner’) Sheehy (qv) and a brother of John Sheehy (qv) and Ted Sheehy (qv). (Nestor, V, 2010)

 

Sheehy, Henry (1915-1974), Athlete

Harry Sheehy, son of James and Nelly Sheehy, was born in Court, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, in 1915. He was educated at Kildimo National school and CBS Secondary school, Sexton Street, Limerick. He and John Mackey were members of the Limerick CBS team that won the Dr Harty Colleges Hurling cup in 1932. Harry then went on to get his place on the Munster Colleges team, which defeated Leinster in the All-Ireland Colleges’ final in Thurles the same year. He was also winner of the one-mile race at the CBS and Munster Colleges sports. He was selected as a member of the Munster Colleges athletic team to complete with other provinces. He won a Limerick County junior hurling championship with Kildimo in 1933 and was a member of the regional team that contested the 1934 and 1935 senior county hurling finals against Ahane. It was in athletics, however, that he won most honours, including victory in 1937 in the 4-mile National Championships at Killarney and 3-mile army championship at the Phoenix Park, Dublin. In 1938, he won the Dublin City 8-mile race and, in 1939, the All-Ireland Cross-Country Championship. Harry was also an accomplished swimmer. He died on 25 August, 1974, aged 58 years, and was buried in the family vault, Nantenan cemetery, Rathkeale. He was a brother of Joe Sheehy (qv). (Moloney, M, 2010)

 

Sheehy, Joseph (1912-1993), Sportsman

Joseph Francis Sheehy, son of James and Nellie Sheehy, was born in Court, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, in 1912. He was educated at Kildimo National school and CBS secondary school, Limerick. From his youth, he displayed great skill in hurling and football and became a regular member of the Kildimo hurling team. In 1933, he was a member of the Kildimo team that won the Limerick County junior hurling final. He was also a member of the regional team that contested the senior hurling finals against Ahane in 1934 and 1935. He helped Limerick win the 1941 junior hurling all-Ireland final. He also won two West Limerick championships with Ballysteen in football. Joe died on 10 May, 1993, aged 81 years, and was buried in the family vault, in Nantenan cemetery, Rathkeale. He was a brother of Henry Sheehy (qv). (Moloney, M, 2010)

 

Sheehy, John (c.1827-1894), County Coroner

John Francis Sheehy was born in Ardbohill, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, about 1827. In 1874, he was elected coroner for county Limerick, an appointment which, at the time, carried an annual salary of £100. In 1860, he purchased Shannongrove House, Pallaskenry, the noted Dutch Palladian-style house, built by the Bury family. He married Mary Cussen (1849-1928) and was succeeded by his son, Michael Henry Sheehy (c.1874-1921). The Sheehys sold the property in 1947, after which, it changed hands several times. After the Sheehys, the subsequent owners included Major Fielding, Mr Armitage, Baron Ernst Von Wedel, John W Griffith (1975). It is now the property of Carlton Varney, an American interior designer. ‘Coroner’ Sheehy died in his home, Shannongrove, Pallaskenry, on 9 May, 1894. He is buried in the family plot, in the cemetery attached to the Church of Ireland, High Street, Askeaton. He was grandfather of John Sheehy (qv), Henry Sheehy (qv) and Ted Sheehy (qv). (Nestor, V., 2010)

 

Sheehy, John (1913-1996), Veterinary Surgeon

John Richard Sheehy, popularly known as ‘Jack’, son of Michael and his wife, Rose Mary O’Kennedy, was born in Shannongrove House, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 14 July, 1913. He was educated at CBS school, Adare, Mungret College and Rochestown College, Cork, before entering the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dublin. He had a distinguished academic career, winning the Methan Memorial Medal as the outstanding veterinary student in the final year of his course. After qualification, he worked for some time in Dublin before going to Scotland, where he practised in the border counties. On returning to Ireland, he joined the Department of Agriculture, where he was involved in the Irish draught stallion scheme. In 1948, he began his own private veterinary practice in Limerick, moving to Foxfield, Patrickswell, in 1953. Following family tradition, he maintained his interest in horses and acted as judge at horse shows throughout Munster. In 1988, he received a medal from the Veterinary College for distinguished service. He was also interested in genealogy and local history. He died on 7 September, 1996, aged 83 years. He was survived by his wife, Cathleen (nee Walsh), and six children (Valerie, Michael, Niall, Darby, Hugh and Richard). He was buried in the family burial plot, in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s church, High Street, Askeaton. He was a grandson of John (‘Coroner’) Sheehy (qv) and a brother of Henry Sheehy qv) and Ted Sheehy (qv), (Nestor, V., 2010)

                                                                                   

Sheehy, Mark (1918-1986), Entrepreneur

Mark Sheehy, son of Edmund Sheehy and his wife, Mary Kenrick, was born in Ballinvoher, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, on 20 September, 1920. When the family transferred to Ballynort, he attended Askeaton National School. He emigrated to England at the outbreak of World War II, but, because of a hand injury, was not conscripted into the armed forces. Instead, he got involved in demolition work, following the German bombing of British cities. He gradually built up a business, specialising in demolition and earth moving. He returned to Ireland after the war and expanded his business, in association with his brothers, James, Jack and Mick. He also became involved in land reclamation and building site preparation. Mark settled in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. He married Iris Key and they had a family of two boys and three girls. He died on 9 July, 1986, and was buried in Dublin. He was a brother of Patrick Sheehy (qv). (Sheehy, K, 2007)

 

 

Sheehy, Patrick (1912-1999), LCC

Paddy Sheehy, eldest son of Edward Sheehy and Mary Kenrick, was born in Ballinvoher, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick on 26 June, 1912. He initially attended Ballysteen National school, subsequently transferring to Askeaton, when his parents moved residence to Ballynort. As a young man, he purchased his own truck and laid the foundations of a haulage business. He married Nellie Staffe from Pallaskenry and they had a family of five boys and six girls. He lived for some years in Ballinacourty, before moving to a historic house in Clonlara (Dunass House, built by Sir Hugh Massey in 1780). Subsequently, he moved to a similar estate nearby (Belle Isle House), before settling on a farm in Clouncagh. He won a seat on the Limerick County Council in 1967 and retained his seat until he retired in 1991. A great entertainer, he inherited his skill as a ‘box’ player from his father and mother and was also a fine singer and a popular actor in amateur theatricals. He died on 29 November, 1999, and was buried in Clouncagh cemetery. He was a brother of Mark Sheehy (qv). (Sheehy, K, 2007)

 

Sheehy, Ted (1917-1944), War Pilot

Edward Bernard (‘Ted’) Sheehy, son of Michael Sheehy and his wife, Rose Mary (nee O’Kennedy), was born in Shannongrove House, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 19 November, 1917. He was educated at Pallaskenry National School and at Mount St Joseph Cistercian College, Roscrea. Intending to make a career for himself in agriculture, he then attended Clonakilty Agricultural College, in West Cork. Following an invitation from a family friend, Joe Slattery, to join him at an equestrian centre in Canada, Ted emigrated to Islington, Ontario, in 1938. He displayed a special talent in training and handling horses and soon began to enjoy significant success as a rider. Canada declared war against Germany in 1939, following the sinking of a liner with Canadian passengers, and, in January, 1941, Ted Sheehy applied to join the Canadian forces. He was posted to the Flying School in Prince Edward Island, and, after a successful course, he qualified as First Pilot in June, 1942. Some days later, he received his commission as a Canadian Air Force Officer. He saw some action before being seconded back to the Flying School to act as an instructor. In 1943, he was transferred to England and assigned to Squadron 401, Royal Canadian Airforce, the members of which were on constant patrol duty. He was part of the air cover for the allied invasion of Normandy on D-day and, once the allied troops got a foothold, they established an airbase, to which Ted was transferred. From then on, he flew daily in his Spitfire. In December, 1944, Ted’s squadron moved to Heech airfield in Holland and from there he and his companions made regular raids over German targets. During one of these raids, on 29 December, 1944, he ran into a large Luftwaffe fighter squadron and was shot down. His Spitfire was last seen going down in flames in the Munster area. He was buried in the Reickswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany. Ted was the recipient of several decorations, including, 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45. His mother, Mrs Rose Mary Sheehy, received the Canadian Memorial Cross from the Royal Canadian Airforce in memory of her son’s gallantry. Ted was a brother of John Sheehy (qv) and Henry Sheehy (qv) and a grandson of John ‘Coroner’ Sheehy (qv). (McNamara, 2006, 214-217)

 

Sherwin, Rev Ambrose (1802-), Clergyman

Ambrose Sherwin, son of William Sherwin, was born in Dublin in 1802. He was educated at Mr Pea’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 November, 1820. He graduated with a BA degree in 1830. He was licensed as Church of Ireland curate in Adare on 14 April, 1847. Earlier, he seems to have acted as a prison chaplain because he was listed as chaplain to the prison where, a convicted murderer, George Victor Townley, committed suicide. (Leslie, 1936, 163; British Journal of Psychiatry, 1966)

 

Smith, Thomas (d.1914), WW 1 Casualty

Thomas Smith, born Adare, Co. Limerick, was killed in action, during World War I, on 23 August, 1914. He was a member of the Royal Field Artillery and had enlisted at Bootle, Lancashire. This artillery was horse-drawn at the beginning of the Great War and there were harrowing scenes when the horses were hit by enemy shells. Thomas Smith’s grave is at Hautrage Military Cemetery, Saint-Gislain, Belgium. (McNamara, 2000, 395)

 

Smylie, Rev John (1846-1926), Clergyman

John Dryden Smylie was born about 1846 and was educated at Queen’s College, Belfast (1866) and Queen’s College, Cork (1867). He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland for the diocese of Killaloe in 1869 and ordained priest in 1870. He held the following appointments: curate in Mount Shannon, Co. Clare, 1869-1871; curate in Wexford, 1871-1873; curate in Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, 1873-1875; chaplain to the Missionary Church, Dublin, 1875-1883. Subsequently, he was rector at St Luke’s and St Nicholas’ church, Dublin, 1883-1915. He married Charlotte Elizabeth Pigott and had issue, including three sons. He died 6 April, 1926 in Bray, Co. Wicklow. (Leslie, 1936, 211, 256)

 

Smyth, Frank (1895-1917), WW1 Casualty

Frank Smyth, son of Thomas and Susan Smyth, The Dispensary, Adare, Co. Limerick, died from wounds received during World War I, on 8 September, 1917. Frank had enlisted in Limerick in 1914 and was attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps. This corps was relatively new in the British army, having been set up as recently as 1898. By the start of the Great War, however, there was general recognition of the fact that many wounded men would survive and recover, if they had speedy and expert medical attention at the battlefront. Moreover, in the case of the 1914-1918 war, it has been estimated that as many as 1.6 million wounded soldiers returned to their units, after medical treatment, fit to continue service. It is further acknowledged that the contribution of the Royal Army Medical Corps in making this possible was one of the factors that swung the outcome of the war in favour of the Allies. It is likely that Frank Smyth had acquired expertise in the handling and dispensing of medicines while working in the family pharmacy in Adare and that it was this experience and skill that prompted his transfer to the Medical Corps. Frank’s grave is at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. (McNamara, 2000, 395)

 

Speiran, James (1882-1958), School Principal

James Speiran (alternative spellings also used), son of George Speiran and Mary Smallwood, was born in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised in his local parish church on 16 August, 1882. He was a grandson of Tobias Speiran, a carpenter, born about 1813, who was living in Ballyaglish, Ballysteen, in 1901. James attended Pallaskenry National School, was an excellent student and went on to become a school ‘monitor’ or pupil teacher. Subsequently, he qualified as a national teacher and taught in Rockhill National school. Later, he became principal of Granagh National School, Co. Limerick. He married Margaret Barry from Kilmacow, Kilfinny, Co. Limerick, and they had a family of five boys and three girls. James died on 11 February, 1958, aged 75 years, and was buried beside his wife, Margaret, in Kilmacow old cemetery, Kilfinny. At least two other members of his family (his mother, Mary nee Smallwood, and his brother, William) also became qualified national teachers. (K/P Parish Register; NAI, Census, 1901, 1911; Speiran, D, 2010)

 

Sprigge, Rev Nathaniel (c.1731), Clergyman

Nathaniel Sprigge was ordained as minister in the Church of Ireland and appointed rector of Newcastle West and Monegay, Co. Limerick, in 1706. He was installed as Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 14 September, 1721. He held this post until 1731. (Leslie, 1936, 97, 315).

 

Stack, Maurice (d.1600), English Collaborator

Maurice Stack was one of the native Irish, who joined the English forces during the Munster Rebellion, in the last years of the sixteenth century. In return, he was given lands in Ballyloughrane, Co. Kerry, in 1596. The following year, Patents of Pardon were passed in favour of Maurice and his brother Thomas. That he was an enemy of the native Irish is evident from the assurance given by Sir George Carew (1555-1629), President of Munster, that ‘Maurice Stack and his brothers may be trusted (by the English)’.  Carew sent Stack with 50 men on a punitive expedition in 1600 to Kerry and Limerick, in the course of which, they burned Adare to the ground. Later, in 1600, Maurice Stack was murdered in Beale Castle (on Lady Kerry's orders) and his brother, Thomas, was hanged the next day by Lord Kerry. (Graham, 1819, 56)

 

Staff, Sr Mary (1878-1935), Religious Sister

Mary Staff, daughter of Michael Staff and Catherine Kenrick, was born in Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 25 March, 1878, and baptised the same day in Kildimo church. She attended Ballinacarriga National School, after which she helped at home for some years before coming to a decision to join the Sisters of the Holy Child, with her relative, Mary Ellen O’Rourke. She received the religious habit at Holy Child Convent, Mayfield, Sussex, on 20 April, 1901, taking Sister Sabina, as her religious name. After completing her novitiate, she made her religious profession on 20 April, 1903. She spent her entire life in England, the earlier part in Cavendish Square, London, and the later part in Blackpool, Lancs. She was active up to a few days before her death, when she began to experience dizzy spells. She was confined to bed and seemed to rally, but died early in the morning of 19 December, 1935, at the Holy Child convent, Layton Hill, Blackpool. She was buried in the Holy Child burial plot in Layton Hill Cemetery. (CHCJ archives, 2009)

 

Stanhope, William, 11^th Earl of Harrington (1922-2009), Aristocrat

William Henry Leicester Stanhope, 11^th Earl of Harrington, was born in London on 24 August, 1922. Son of Lord Charles Joseph Leicester Stanhope, 10^th Earl, and his wife, Margaret Trelawney Seaton, he was educated at Sandhurst, before being commissioned as an officer in the Royal Armoured Corps. He fought with distinction in World War II. The title (created in 1742) comes from the Northamptonshire village of Harrington. The family seat, however, is at Elvaston Castle, built by the third Earl. Since 1969, however, this castle and surrounding parkland, has been in the possession of the Derbyshire County Council. In addition to becoming 11^th Earl of Harrington, Sir William succeeded to another prestigious title in 1929, namely, 11^th Viscount Petersham. In 1967, he inherited two other titles: 8^th Viscount Stanhope of Mahon and 8^th Baron Stanhope of Elvaston. Lord Harrington was married three times. His first wife (1942) was Lady Eileen Foley-Grey, with whom he had two girls and a boy (the present 12^th Earl). After his divorce (1947), he married his second wife, Ann Theodora Chute, with whom he had two girls and a boy. He divorced Ann in 1962 and married (1964) Priscilla Margaret Cubitt, with whom he had one boy and one girl.

            Lord Harrington first visited Ireland in 1930 but subsequently settled there. He has had a life-long interest in horses and, quite early in life, had an Irish Grand National Winner in Revelry (1947). He invested in several properties in Ireland, including the racing stable at Duneen, Patrickswell, and the well-known, equestrian centre at Clonshire, Adare. He has also been involved in equestrian affairs of national and local interest, including, the National Hunt Committee, the Irish Turf Club, the Irish Breeders Society, the Olympic Games committee, the Three-Day Racing Event at Punchestown, the Limerick County Foxhounds, the Game Fair and Point-to-Point races. Lord Harrington, who died at his home, The Glen, Ballingarry, on 12 April, 2009, had taken out Irish citizenship early in life. He was succeeded by his son, Lord Charles Henry Leicester Stanhope (b.1945), who became the 12^th Earl of Harrington in 2009. Lady Serena Stanhope, granddaughter of 11^th Lord Harrington, is married to Princess Margaret’s son, Viscount Linley, nephew of Queen Elizabeth II. (Www.ancestry.com; Stanhope, 2002, 39-42)

 

Steers, Rev Richard (c.1700-1763), Clergyman

Richard Steers, son of Benjamin Steers, was born in Roxboro, Co. Cork, and educated at Midleton College, Co. Cork. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 16 June, 1720, aged 20. He received his BA degree in 1724 and his MA in 1728. He was ordained priest of the Church of Ireland and installed as Vicar in Clonshire, Adare, Co. Limerick, on 5 June, 1729. He held this post until 1747. He also held the posts of vicar of Kilaliathan (1731-1763) and vicar of Crecora (1741-1763). He died in June, 1763, and his will was proved in 1764.  (Leslie, 1936, 103, 211, 220, 279).

 

Stokes, Harry (1854-1954), Near-Centenarian

Harry Stokes, son of Henry Stokes and his wife, Margaret Keating, was born in the village of Adare, Co. Limerick, and baptised on 23 July, 1854. His father, Henry, worked as a butler in Adare Manor, and young Harry also entered the service of the Earl of Dunraven. Initially, he worked as a coachman, but changed to gardening when the motor car era arrived. He married Anne Scanlan from Shanagolden and had a large family of 14 children. Shortly before his death, he had an accidental fall in the river Maigue, and, as a result of an ensuing wetting, suffered an attack of pneumonia. Despite medical attention, he failed to recover from this attack and died on 2 February, 1954. He was seven months short of being 100 years. (Benson, S, 2010)

 

Stone, Rev John (c.1780), Clergyman

Rev John Stone was licenced as Church of Ireland curate of the parish of Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 13 April, 1780. He resigned this post in 1781 when he became rector of the parish of Kilcolman. (Leslie, 1936, 177, 250, 255)

 

Sullivan, Rev John (d.1919), Clergyman

John Sullivan, son of William Sullivan, was born in Cork. He was educated in Dr Robinson’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, where he passed his divinity test in 1861. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1863 and priest in 1864. He was appointed chaplain to the Blind Asylum in Bristol in 1864 and curate in Stapleton, Bristol, in 1870. From 1870 to 1872, he was chaplain in Emmanuel church, Weston-Super-Mare. In 1872, he was appointed vicar in Adare, Co. Limerick, and remained in this post until 1888, when he became vicar of Kilbolane, Co. Cork. He subsequently lived in his own property in Tullylease House, Charleville, Co. Cork. On 5 June, 1877, he married Georgina Cox of Weston-Super-Mare, and had issue. He died at 36 Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, on 10 February, 1919. (Leslie, 1936, 162)

 

Sutherland, Rev Aloysius (1880-1958), Rector

Aloysius Sutherland was born in Montenotte, Cork, on 23 December, 1880. He joined the Salesians of St John Bosco, completing his ecclesiastical training in England, where he was ordained. He then taught in the Salesian College, Farnborough, Hampshire, serving as rector from 1909 to 1919. He was then sent to Ireland to find a location for the first Salesian college in Ireland. Through his connections with some members of the Irish Government (his brother, John, was legal adviser to the Irish Land Commission) and the cooperation of Bishop Hallinan of Limerick, he managed to purchase ‘Copsewood’, the former home of the Caulfield family. Under his leadership, the Salesian community took up residence in Pallaskenry in 1919 and the agricultural college was opened there in 1920. Fr Sutherland was rector of the Pallaskenry college from 1919 to 1922, after which he returned to England, where he was appointed rector and headmaster of the Salesian Colleges in Farnborough, Hampshire, (1922-1927), Battersea (1927-1934); Bolton (1934-1937), Farnborough (1937-1946) and Battersea (1946-1952). He then retired to the Salasian community in Crumlin, Dublin, where he died on 26 June, 1958, aged 77 years. Peter Sutherland, former Irish attorney general and European Commissioner for Ireland, and now a director of Goldman Sacks International, is his grandnephew. (SDB archives, 2010)

 

Taylor, Rev Edward (b.c.1848), Clergyman

Edward Herbert Taylor, son of William Taylor of Leeson Street, Dublin, was born about 1848. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he won a scholarship in 1866 and was awarded a BA degree in 1868. He won the Elrington Prize, together with the Biblical Prize, and passed his divinity test in 1872. The same year, he was awarded an MA degree. He was ordained deacon and priest of the Church of Ireland in 1869. He held an appointment as curate in Adare, Co. Limerick, from 1869 to 1872. On 6 June, 1871, he married Mary Alice Nash, daughter of Rev Thomas Nash, Macroom, Co. Cork. He was appointed curate in Wareham, Dorset (1872-1873), after which he was curate in Corfe Castle, Swanage (1873-1879). He then took an appointment as curate in St Mark’s, Torwood, Devon (1879-1880), before his appointment as vicar at Bridgerule, Devon (1885-1886). In 1886, he moved to London as vicar of St Clements, Barnsbury. (Leslie, 1936, 164).

 

Thompson, Rev Robert (c.1890-), Clergyman

Robert Henry Thompson, born about 1890, was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained a BA degree in 1910, passed his divinity test in 1914 and was awarded an MA degree in 1914. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland, diocese of Killaloe, in 1914, and ordained priest in 1915. Among his appointments were: curate in the Lorrha Union, diocese of Killaloe, 1914-1916; curate, St Leonard’s Shoreditch, London, 1916-1923; curate, Killaloe, 1923-1925; priest-in-charge, Ballinaclough and Templederry, 1925-1932. He was appointed rector of Killcornan, Co. Limerick, in 1932, and Prependary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, in 1947. (Leslie, 1936, 6, 100; Leslie, 1940, 107)

 

Thornhill, Rev Patrick (1878-1948), Clergyman

Patrick Thornhill was born in Killmallock and baptised in his own parish church on 23 March, 1878. He attended his local National school, before entering St Munchin’s College, whence he proceeded to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. On completion of his seminary training, he was ordained on 22 June, 1902. Following ordination, he was sent on loan to the archdiocese of Westminster, where he ministered for five years. After his recall to the diocese of Limerick, he was appointed curate, successively, in Rathkeale (1907-1910), St John’s (1910-1912) and St Michael’s (1912-1927). On 10 December, 1927, he was appointed Administrator at St Michael’s and, five years later, on  11 June, 1932, he was appointed Parish Priest of Mungret. He also served as part-time chaplain at St John’s Hospital (1910-1911) and Sarsfield Military barracks (1912-1918). After four years in Mungret, on 28 April, 1936, he was transferred to Adare as Parish Priest. He was nominated a Canon of the cathedral chapter in 1940. In 1948, his health deteriorated, and he was transferred to the Mater Hospital, Dublin, where he died on 15 July, 1948. (Tobin, 2004, 109; LDA)

 

Throp, Rev Roger (1703-1736), Clergyman

Roger Throp (sometimes spelled Thorp), second son of Thomas Throp, a merchant, and his wife, Rebecca Estwick, was born in Dublin on 21 September, 1703. He was educated in Blackhall’s Classical school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 12 May, 1720, at the age of sixteen. He received his BA in 1724 and his MA in 1727. On completing his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained for the Church of Ireland and initially held a curacy in Killaloe. He was offered the post of rector of the Church of Ireland parish of Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, in 1831, by Col. John Waller, Member of Parliament for Doneraile. The Wallers, it will be remembered, ‘owned’ the ‘living’ of Kilcornan and gave it to clergymen at will. Throp accepted Waller’s offer, but soon had cause to regret his decision, when the Colonel took a dislike to him and became his ‘bitter and vindictive enemy’. The reason, alleged by Thorp’s family, was that Thorp refused to countenance Waller’s unjust and tyranical behaviour. In 1735, Thorp’s Glebe House was maliciously burned and a valuable saddle horse shot. Following Waller’s alleged persecution, Rev Throp became depressed, fell into a rapid consumptive decline and died on 23 January, 1736. He was buried in St Wurburga’s, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. Prior to his death, Roger had been making preparations to sue Waller at the ‘King’s Bench’. After Roger’s death, his brother, Robert, acting for the family, tried to bring the matter before the House of Commons in 1739, but Waller, using his privileges as a member of the Irish parliament, prevented this, the suit being rejected by the House (‘nemo contra’). The affair, however, became widely known and Waller suffered some bad publicity. It was said that Waller’s mother intended the ‘living’ for another clergyman (Rev John Shadwell),but could not get ecclesiastical approval for this. Dean Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) devoted a stanza in his satirical poem, ‘The Legion Club’, to vilifying Waller. The stanza went as follows:

Who is that Hell-featured brawler?

Is it Satan? No, ‘tis Waller.

In what figure can a bard dress

Jack, grandson of Sir Hardress?

Honest Keeper, drive him further

In his looks are Hell and murther:

See the scowling visage drop

Just as when he murdered Throp.

(Leslie, 1936, 252; Rogers, 1983)

 

Treacy, Rev Edmund (c.1853-1908), Clergyman.

Edmund Treacy was born in Hospital, Co. Limerick, around 1853. He studied for the priesthood and was ordained at the Redemptorist Church, Mount St Alphonsus, Limerick, on 20 September, 1868. His early appointments as curate included, Banogue (1868-69), Ballyagran (1869-70), Feenagh (1870-73), Rathkeale (1873-74), Knockaderry (1874-75), Askeaton/ Ballysteen (1875-77), Glenroe (1877-79), Bruff (1879), Croom (1879-80), St Patrick’s (1880), Ardagh (1880-81), Parteen (1881-87), Shanagolden (1887) and Newcastle West (1887-88). On 31 January, 1888, he was appointed Parish Priest of Stonehall (Kilcornan) (1888-92), and was transferred to Askeaton/ Ballysteen on 14 June, 1892, where he remained until his death on 25 November, 1908. For much of his life, he suffered from health problems, especially in his later years. He was buried in the church grounds, Askeaton. During the Land League era, Father Treacy was chairperson of the Ardagh branch of the League and, at a ‘monster’ meeting on Easter Sunday, 1881, he called for the ‘death and burial of the landlord system, and the crushing of land-grabbers for ever’.  These words were received with acclamation (Tobin 2004, 110, 169).

 

Tuchet, James (1612-1684), Aristocrat

James Tuchet, eldest son of Mervyn Tuchet, 2^nd Earl of Castlehaven, and his first wife, Elizabeth Barnham, was born about 1617.  James succeeded as 3^rd Earl, on the death of his father, in 1631. He was also created Baron Audley in 1633. He married first, Elizabeth Brydges, and second, Elizabeth Graves, but died without an heir. When the family fortune was dissipated by his father, James became a professional soldier and was in Ireland for the outbreak of the rising there in 1641. Starting out with the British forces, he soon changed sides, being persuaded to take a command as general of horse in the army of the Confederation of Kilkenny. He fought successfully for some years in the Confederation forces, but, with the advent of Cromwell, he surrendered his command and went to France, where he was promoted to Maréchal in the French army. After a brilliant military career in France, he returned to England with King Charles II, at the restoration. In 1680, Castlehaven published his memoirs, in which he described, and commented on, the Irish wars and the Catholic rebels during the 1640s. He died at his sister’s house in Kilcash, Co. Kilkenny, on 11 October, 1684, and was succeeded in the Earldom by his youngest brother, Mervyn. James’ other brother, George, had become a Benedictine monk. Castlehaven spent some time in Adare, Co. Limerick, with Confederation troops, restoring order, in the 1640s. (Kelsey, ODNB, 2009)

 

Vokes, Thomas (c1780-1852), Chief Police Magistrate

Thomas Phillips Vokes, nephew of Sir Richard Vokes, was born about 1780. During the Rockite agrarian violence of the 1820s, he was appointed Chief Police Magistrate in Munster. According to his son-in-law, he was considered an outstanding success in this post and was

awarded an unusually high salary of £1,200 p.a.  Initially, he seems to have lived in Kilcolman, Co. Limerick, but, on appointment to the post of Chief Magistrate, he settled in Limerick. He married Susanna Brew on 12 August, 1806, but she died in 1807. He then married Ms Burton, mother of Frederick Burton, the painter (LC, 18.8.06). Subsequently, he married Anne Walsh, daughter of Philip Walsh of Fiddown, Co. Kilkenny and Limerick, and, by her, had four daughters. Henry Robert Addison, a writer, married Mary Vokes, one of Thomas’ four daughters. This HR Addison wrote a book, Recollections of an Irish Police Magistrate in the South of Ireland, (London: Ward and Lock, 1862), based on the experiences of his father-in -law, Thomas P Vokes. Vokes was involved in some high-profile police cases in county Limerick, including the capture of Sean Fitzmaurice, alias ‘Captain Rock’, in 1822, and the arrest, in 1820, of John Scanlan and Stephen Sullivan, who murdered Ellen Hanley, the ‘Colleen Bawn’. 4 April, 1822. He was present at the execution of three ‘Rockites’ in Adare on Vokes claimed that his family, originally Vaux, was of French aristocratic origin. He died in Limerick in October, 1852. (Cavan Herald, 14.6.1825; L.C. 1833; Addison, 1862, passim; Pierce, 1984, 73-74)

 

Wall, Rev David (d. 1984), Clergyman

David Wall was a nephew of Canon Thomas Wall (1858-1901) and of Seán Wall LCC, leader of the East Limerick Brigade of the old IRA. David attended St Munchin’s College, Limerick, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he was ordained in 1944. He served as curate in Donoghmore (1944-1953), Kilmurry (1953-1964) and Rathkeale (1964-1973). On 15 February, 1973, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kilcornan and remained there for nine years. On 7 July, 1982, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kilmallock. He was nominated a Canon of the cathedral chapter on 8 October, 1982. His health, however, had seriously declined and he died at Mallow Hospital on 13 October, 1984. He was buried in the church grounds, Kilmallock. (LDA).

 

Wall, Rev Thomas (1858-1901), Clergyman

Thomas Wall was born and baptised in Bruff, Co. Limerick, on 12 January, 1878. He completed his ecclesiastical studies in Rome, where he was ordained on 1 June, 1901. He spent the following year (1901-02) in further studies in the Irish College, Rome. On his return to the diocese of Limerick, he was assigned to St Munchin’s College, where he was employed as a teacher (1902-09). He was then appointed curate, successively, in Dromcollogher (1909-1922) and Shanagolden (1922-1930). On 23 January, 1930, he was appointed Parish Priest of Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Ballingarry on 11 March, 1936. He died as Parish Priest of Ballingarry on 3 February, 1956, at the age of 78. He was nominated Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1942 and Theologian for the diocese of Limerick in 1946. He adopted the Irish version of his name, Tomás de Bhall, around 1920. He was interested in local history, especially the parish of Kilcornan, about which he prepared a manuscript, that was never published. The late Máirtín Ó Corbuí, in his book, Kenry (1975), states that it was Canon Wall, who arranged for the restoration of the old name of the parish, ‘Kilcornan’, in preference to the imposed name of ‘Stonehall’. Canon Wall was a brother of Seán Wall, Commandant of the East Limerick Brigade of the IRA, who was killed in an engagement with British forces at Annacarthy, Co. Limerick, on 6 May, 1921. Seán, at the time, was chairman of the Limerick County Council. (Tobin, 2004, 111; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 100).

 

Wallace, Rev John (1871-1953), Clergyman

John Wallace was baptised on 15 April, 1871, and ordained at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 20 June, 1897. After ordination, he was sent, on loan, to the archdiocese of Westminster, where he served as assistant priest in Poplar, East London (1897-1903). and Westminster (1903-1904). On his return to the diocese of Limerick, he was appointed curate, successively, in Fenagh/ Kilmeedy (1904); St Mary’s (1904-09) and Shanagolden (1909-1926). On 21 September, 1926, he was appointed Parish Priest of Cratloe, where he remained until his transfer, as Parish Priest, to Donaghmore on 17 June, 1933. On 1 August, 1937, he was transferred, as Parish Priest to Kildimo/ Pallaskenry, where he remained until his death on 29 July, 1953, at the age of 82. He was buried in the grounds of the old Kildimo church. He was nominated Chancellor of the diocese in 1942 and Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1943. (Tobin, 2004, 112)

 

Waller, Bolton (1769-1854), Lawyer

Bolton Waller, second son of John Thomas Waller and Elizabeth Maunsell, was born at Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick, on 31 July, 1769. A brilliant student, he attended Mr Carey’s Classical School, before entering Trinity College on 12 July, 1784, at the age of fifteen. He studied law and was called to the Irish Bar in 1793. He was appointed High Sheriff for Limerick and became Comptroller of the Port of Limerick. He married (5 December, 1791) Elizabeth Henn of Paradise, Co. Clare. They had four sons, John Thomas, who died without issue; William, who inherited the estate; Richard, who joined the Royal Navy and died without issue; John, who qualified as a lawyer and lived at Shannongrove. This John married Mary Franks and had several children, some of their descendants being alive today. Bolton Waller purchased Shannongrove and lived there before he inherited Castletown. He was defense lawyer for two men charged with the murder of Rev Charles Dawson, then living in Ballinacarriga House, Kildimo, in 1835. The men were eventually released for lack of evidence. Bolton Waller died in January, 1854. (BIFR, 1976, 1196; Burtchaell and Sadleir; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 181).

 

Waller, James (c.1700), Governor

James Waller, son of Sir Hardress Waller and Elizabeth Dowdall, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick. He became governor of Kinsale, Co. Cork. He married Dorothy Clayton, daughter of Sir Randall Clayton, Co. Cork, and had one son, John, and four daughters, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Mary and Henrietta.  On 17 May, 1722, Mary married Thomas Evans, son of Rt Hon. George Evans and his wife, Mary Eyre. Waller owed his appointment as Governor of Kinsale to the fact that he was a prominent supporter of King William (of Orange) and was known as a reliable Williamite. In Kinsale, Waller befrinded the Huguenot historian, Paul de Rapin-Thoyras, who is considered the first ‘Whig’ historian of Britain. (BIFR, 1976, 1176; Trevor-Roper, 1992, 253)

 

 

Waller, John (c.1700), MP

John Waller, son of James Waller and Dorothy Clayton, and grandson of Sir Hardress, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick, around 1700. He obtained an army commission and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He sat in the Irish parliament for Doneraile (1727-1728) and married Elizabeth Dickson of Ballybracken, Co. Cork. Their children included John Thomas Waller. It was this John Waller who carried on a feud with Parson Throp, to whom Waller presented the rectorship of Kilcornan. Following a dispute between them, Waller is alleged to have initiated a campaign of intimidation against the parson, who was preparing to sue at the King’s Bench in Dublin when he fell ill and died on 23 January, 1736. Thorp’s brother, Robert, tried to bring the matter before the British House of Commons, by presenting a petition in 1739, seeking redress for his brother. Waller, however, used his privilege as a member of the Irish parliament to prevent this going ahead. The matter, however, was a subject for discussion in Dublin society, and there was some adverse comment on Waller. Dean Swift, taking Throp’s side, castigated Waller as a ‘hell-featured brawler’, in his satirical poem, ‘The Legion Club’. (BIFR, 1976, 1176; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 96; Rogers, 1983)

 

Waller, John (1763-1836), MP

John Waller, eldest son of John Thomas Waller and Elizabeth Maunsell, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick, in 1763. He became Member of Parliament for Limerick and married Isabella Oliver, daughter of Rt Hon. Silver Oliver of Castle Oliver, They had one son, John Thomas, who was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and who became MP for Kilmallock. The latter died unmarried without issue. His father, John Waller, died on 14 November, 1836, and was interred in the Waller vault in Castletown cemetery. He was a captain in the Kerry Cavalry, one of the regiments established at the time of Grattan’s Volunteers. His brother, Bolton, inherited the Waller estate, after John’s death. (BIFR, 1976, 1176)

 

Waller, John Thomas (c1740), MP

John Thomas Waller, son of John Waller, MP for Doneraile, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick, and was High Sheriff of Limerick (1762). He married (4 November, 1762) Elizabeth Maunsell, whose father, Rev Richard Maunsell, was rector of Rathkeale. They had two sons, John and Bolton, and three daughters: Elizabeth Thomasina, who married Gerald de Courcy O’Grady of Kilballyown; Katherine, who married Viscount Guillamore; Dorothea, who married Rev Josiah Crampton, Rector of Castleconnell. (BIFR, 1976, 1176)

 

Waller, John Thomas (1889-1965), Landed Gentry

John Thomas Waller, locally known as ‘Jack’, deserves mention as the last Waller to reside in the family seat, Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick. He was born in 1889, eldest son of William Waller and Louise Mary Hanna. He was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, and married (1938) Gladys Olive Locke. They had no children. Jack Waller sold Castletown, on behalf of his ailing father, William, to the Irish Land Commission in 1936. He, or his father, also sold a few small parcels of land to individuals for cash, especially to people who had hitherto been employed by the Waller family. The Land Commission divided the estate between farmers, many of them from the area, and Castletown Manor was demolished in 1935. Jack Waller died in 1965. (BIFR, 1976, 1197)

 

Waller, Rev Bolton (d.1897), Clergyman

Rev Bolton Waller, son of Rev John Thomas Waller and his wife, Sarah Lavallin Puxley, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick. Ordained as a clergyman of the Church of Ireland, he was Incumbent of St Munchin’s parish, Limerick. He married (1889) Jane Dorothea Garfithad of Queenstown, Co. Cork, and had issue a son, Bolton Charles Waller (1890-1936), who was educated at Trinity College and who, also, became a church of Ireland clergyman. He was incumbent in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. Rev Bolton Waller died in Switzerland on 9 July, 1897, and was buried there. (BIFR, 1976, 1177; L.C. 9 July, 1897)

 

Waller, Rev Edward (1859-1938), Clergyman

Edward Hardress Waller, son of Rev John Thomas Waller and his wife, Sarah Lavallin Puxley, was born in Castletown, Co. Limerick, on 26 November, 1859. He was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Dublin (BA, 1881; Divinity Test 1883, MA 1885). He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1883 and priest, diocese of Dublin, 1884. He was curate in St Matthias’ church, Dublin (1883-1885), before his appointment as Dean of Kildare (1913-1928). He retired in 1928. He had the unusual distinction of attending, upon invitation, Erskine Childers (1878-1922) at Beggar’s Bush Barracks, before his execution on 24 November, 1922. It will be recalled that Childers, a British army officer, brought a shipment of arms from Germany to the Irish volunteers on board his yacht, The Asgard, in 1914. He opposed the Treaty, was condemned by a court-martial for possession of a revolver and executed. Edward Waller married Florence Mary Butler in Dublin on 20 July, 1885, and had issue, including Capt. William Lucius Hardress Waller and Lt. Standish Waller. He died in Dublin on 19 January, 1938, and was buried in Dublin (Leslie and Wallace, 2001; BIFR, 1976, 1177)

 

Waller, Rev John T (1869-), Clergyman

John Thomas Waller, son of Rev John Thomas Waller and his wife, Sarah Lavallin Puxley, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick, in 1869. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin (BA, MA), where he passed his divinity test and was ordained deacon, and then, priest, of the Church of Ireland. One of his first appointments was as curate in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. On 7 June, 1899, he married Alice Evelyn Close of Drumbanagher, Co. Armagh. (Leslie, 1936, 60, 80, 136, 334; BIFR, 1976, 1177)

 

Waller, Rev John Thomas (1827-1911), Clergyman, Landed Gentry

John Thomas Waller, third son of William Waller and Maria O’Grady, was born in Castletown Manor, Co. Limerick, in 1827. He attended Mr Darley’s Classical School, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 14 October, 1845, at the age of eighteen. He studied theology and graduated in 1850 with a BA degree. After completing his ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained for the Church of Ireland in Cork in 1852. He was appointed rector of Kilcornan by his father, who controlled this benefice. In August 1855, he married Fanny Sarah Lavallin Puxley, only daughter of John Lavallin Puxley of Carmarthenshire, and Dunboy Castle, Castletownbere, whose family owned the nearby Allihies copper mines. They had five sons and five daughters. Rev John Thomas belonged to the Evangelical wing of the Anglican Church and was secretary of the Irish Church Mission Society, a Protestant proselytising organisation. To promote this work, he engaged lay ‘scripture readers’ and, at one period, insisted that they erect placards in Pallaskenry pointing out the errors of ‘Romanism’. This was opposed by the Catholics, who were supported by the Parish Priest, Fr Edmund Connery, and a ‘riot’ occurred on 13 June, 1861. According to reports, there was a crowd of between 100-200 people, who tore down the placards and pelted Rev Waller and his ‘scripture readers’ with any missile to hand. The constabulary were summoned and 33 people, including women, from the area, were arrested and tried for ‘riot and affray’. At a court in Pallaskenry, on 18 June, 1861, six of those charged were convicted at the assizes, while eleven were convicted at the petty sessions. Another four were sent forward from the petty sessions to be tried at the next assizes, but the crown solicitor declined to proceed with their prosecution. The crown solicitor also declined to take any action in the case of thirteen others. It may be assumed that failure to proceed with a prosecution was due to lack of evidence. It is clear from the large number of people brought before the court, and the fact that the names of all 33 defendants were listed in the official court record, that Rev Waller took the matter very seriously and was determined to teach a lesson to opponents of his scripture-reader experiment.  Rev Waller also arranged with some of his Evangelical friends to bring the matter up in the British House of Commons, where the incident was reported in great detail, from the Waller point of view. He published a series of articles in The Limerick Chronicle in 1860-1861, in which he attacked aspects of Catholic belief. These articles were published in a pamphlet, The Mass (Dublin: Herbert) in 1882.         

            Rev Waller, however, was responsible for one of the largest land reclamation projects ever carried out in the area. On 1 October, 1869, he purchased 253 acres of the river Shannon tideway, in Ballinacourty and Castletown, and, using direct labour, enclosed this ‘slobland’ within the present retaining river banks. In his later years, Rev JT Waller suffered from dementia. He died on 22 December, 1911, and was buried in the Waller vault, Castletown cemetery. In 1876, he was listed as owning 6,636 acres of land. (HCPP, 1862 (231), 197; BIFR, 1976, 1176, 1196; Cd 1492, 1876; Leslie, 1936, 254)

 

Waller, Rev William (c.1794-1863), Clergyman, Landed Gentry

William Waller was the second son of Bolton Waller and Elizabeth Henn and was born in Dublin. He was educated at Craig’s private school, Dublin, before entering Trinity college, Dublin, on 5 July, 1813. He received his BA in 1817 and his MA in 1832 and was ordained for the Church of Ireland. He was appointed vicar of Chapel Russell in 1822 and continued in this post until his appointment as Rector of Kilcornan in 1842. It will be remembered that Kilcornan was a Waller family benefice. He married Maria O’Grady, niece of Standish O’Grady, 1^st Lord Guillamore, and had ten sons and four daughters. He succeeded his father as owner of Castletown Manor in 1854. He died at Castletown on 16 February, 1863, and was succeeded by his third son, Rev John Thomas Waller (1827-1911). William increased the acreage of the Waller holdings through the purchase of lands in the Bury estate, when these were placed on the market in 1844. (BIFR, 1976, 1177; Leslie, 1936, 202, 254, 255)

 

Waller, Sir Hardress (c.1604-1666), Soldier, MP, Governor

Hardress Waller, son of George Waller of Groombridge, Kent, and Mary, daughter of Richard Hardress, was born in Kent about 1604. Descended from a 15^th century soldier and administrator, he was also a first cousin of the Parliamentary general, Sir William Waller. Hardress was knighted in 1629, and, the same year, married, Elizabeth Dowdall, daughter of Sir John Dowdall, who though resident in Kilfinny, Co. Limerick, had acquired a large estate along the River Shannon. They had two sons, John and James, and four daughters, who made remarkably ‘good’ marriages. Elizabeth married, firstly, Sir Maurice Fenton, and, secondly, Sir William Petty, and became mother of the Earl of Shelbourne. Bridget married Henry Cadogan and became mother of the first Earl of Cadogan. Mary married Sir John Brookes Bart., while Anne married Sir Henry Ingoldsby, Bart. Sir Hardress was a close friend of Sir William St Leger, Lord President of Munster, and sat in the Irish Parliament for Askeaton in the parliaments of 1634 and 1640. With the outbreak of the rebellion of 1641, St Leger appointed Waller Governor of Askeaton, and, in 1842, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of St Leger’s regiment of Foot. During this period, Sir Hardress paid several visits to England, and he was one of the judges that condemned King Charles I to death in 1649. Sir Hardress was appointed a Colonel in Cromwell’s New Model Army and rose to be a general. He played an important part in the Cromwellian campaign in County Limerick. On the restoration of King Charles II, Sir Hardress first fled to France, but, on mature consideration, returned to England, being one of only two to plead guilty to the charge or regicide. Though condemned to death, this was later reduced to exile and he spent the remainder of his life in Mount Orgeuil Castle in Jersey, where he died in 1666. There was a persistent tradition around Castletown, however, that Sir Hardress escaped from Jersey and returned to Castletown, where his enemies caught up with him. The story is that they imprisoned him in a sealed barrel, drove spikes through it and then rolled the barrel down a hill, thereby ensuring that he died in great pain. There is, however, no solid evidence for this tradition.

            Though all Waller’s friends deserted him on his conviction for regicide, he had prepared his exit from life carefully and the marriage liaisons of his children with influential people ensured that his descendants are to be found not only among the Irish, but also the English, aristocracy. (BIFR, 1976, 1176-77; Little, ODNB, 2009; Ó Corbuí, 1975, 71)

 

Waller, William (1857-1937), Landed Gentry

William Waller was born in Castletown Manor, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, in 1857, eldest son of Rev John Thomas Waller (1827-1911) and Sarah Lavallin Puxley. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Dublin, He married (1886) Louisa, second daughter of Samuel Hanna DL, and they had two sons (John Thomas and William Hardress) and a daughter, Elizabeth Grace. William Waller was High Sheriff (1884) and Deputy Lieutenant of County Limerick, in addition to being, like all his forbears since Sir Hardress Waller, a Justice of the Peace. The Waller estate in Castletown was sold to the Irish Land Commision in 1936, though small portions seem to have been sold separately to members of staff, who could afford to pay cash. William died in February, 1937. (BIFR, 1976, 1177)

 

Wallop, Sir Henry (c1531-1599), Vice-Treasurer of Ireland

Sir Henry Wallop, eldest son of Sir Oliver Wallop and Bridget Piggott, was born in Farleigh Wallop, Hampshire, England, about 1531. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1569. In 1572, he was sent to parliament as a burgess for Southampton. He then began to receive government appointments, and, in 1579, was asked by Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth’s Secretary of State, to go to Ireland as under-treasurer. It was a particularly bad time to begin a government career in Ireland, since the country was then in the grip of the Desmond rebellion (1579-1583). Wallop’s career in Ireland was an unhappy one, since this was a period during which British fortunes seriously declined, and he sought to leave his post more than once to return to England, but Elizabeth insisted that he stay. He died in Dublin on 14 April, 1599, and was buried in St Patrick’s Cathedral. His wife, Katherine Gifford, died soon afterwards and his younger son, Oliver, predeceased him. He was survived by his older son, Henry (1568-1642). Like most Elizabethans in Ireland, Wallop sought to enrich himself, especially following the forfeiture of the great estates of the Earls of Kildare and Desmond. On 23 July, 1585, Elizabeth gave him possession of the property, previously held by the Franciscan friars in Adare. Subsequently, he was given possession of the Augustinian abbey and its lands in Adare in 1595. He also obtained extensive lands in other parts of Ireland. (Fritze, ODNB, 2009).

 

Walsh, Alice (b.1842), School Principal

Alice O’Connor was born in Stonehall, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, about 1842. She qualified as a teacher and was principal of the Pallaskenry Girls’ National School, up to the early years of the twentieth century. This school was originally located in the ‘Lane’, across from the Corner House. On 9 February, 1873, she married John Walsh in Pallaskenry church, and they had issue, including Patrick Joseph, John, Ita, Alice and Molly, who was subsequently principal in place of her mother.  Alice was still alive in 1911. (K/P Parish Register; Corboy, O, 2010; O’Shaughnessy, K, 2010; NAI, Census, 1901, 1911)

 

Walsh, Michael (1875-1918), WW1 Casualty

Michael Walsh, son of William Walsh, and his wife, Sarah Reinsford, was born in Drominaclara, in the vicinity of the White Forge, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised in his parish church on 20 September, 1875. He enlisted in the Royal Munster Fusiliers in Limerick at the outbreak of World War 1 and was killed in action on 21 March, 1918. Michael was attached to the 1^st Battalion, which, in the early part of the war, was stationed in the Dardanelles. After fierce fighting, the battalion was withdrawn from Gallipoli in January, 1916, and rested in Egypt. On 16 March, 1916, the men sailed from Port Said and landed in France, where they were assigned to the battlefront. The battalion ended World War 1 in Lille in 1918. But, some months before that, Michael Walsh was killed in action. His grave is in Ste Emilie Valley Cemetery, Villiers-Faucon, Somme, France. (McNamara, 2000, 404)

 

Walsh, Molly (1879- ), School Principal

Molly Walsh, daughter of John Walsh and his wife, Alice O’Connor, was born in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, and baptised in her parish church on 25 May, 1879. She qualified as a primary teacher and began teaching in Pallaskenry Girls’ National school, where her mother was principal. She subsequently succeeded her mother as principal, finally retiring about 1944. (K/P Parish Register; Corboy, O, 2010; O’Shaughnessy, K, 2010; NAI, Census, 1901, 1911)

 

Walsh, Rev James (1837-1919), Clergyman

James Hornridge Walsh, son of James Walsh, was born in Calverstown, Co. Meath, in 1837, and educated at Elphin School, before entering Trinity College, Dublin. An able and industrious student, he was a scholar in Trinity in 1856 and obtained a BA degree in 1859, together with Archbishop King’s prize. He obtained a Theology exhibition prize in 1861 and was awarded an MA degree in 1864. He obtained a BD degree in 1872 and was awarded a DD in 1876. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in 1860 and priest in 1861. His appointments included: curate in Adare (1861-1864); curate Chappel Russell (1866-1870); prependary of Croagh (1870-1893); Canon of Christ Church, Dublin (1893); chancellor of Christ Church (1905-1908); professor of divinity, Trinity College, Dublin (1877-1883); Regius Professor Trinity College, Dublin (1884); Dean of Christ Church, Dublin (1908-1918). He retired in 1918. On 24 June, 1875, he married Jane Mary Fitzgerald. He died in Dublin on 4 September, 1919, and was buried in Dublin. (Leslie, 1936, 136, 164, 203; Leslie and Wallace, 2001)

 

Walsh, Sr Bridget (1893-1930), Religious Sister

Bridget Walsh, daughter of James Walsh and Catherine Drew, was born at Druminycullane, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised at St Patrick’s Church, Ballysteen, on 1 December, 1893. She was a younger sister of Sister Mary Veronica Walsh (qv). After completing her schooling at Ballysteen National School, she entered the Convent of Mercy, Killaloe, on 8 December, 1915. She made here profession on 20 August, 1918. After profession, she was assigned to work at St Mary’s Boarding School, Killaloe, where she remained until her early death on 24 July, 1930. She is buried in the convent cemetery, Killaloe, Co. Clare. (RSM Killaloe Archives).

 

Walsh, Sr Mary (1886-1972), Religious Sister

May Walsh, daughter of James Walsh and Catherine Drew, was born at Druminycullane, Ballysteen, Co. Limerick, and baptised at St Patrick’s Church, Ballysteen, 25 September, 1886. She attended Ballysteen National School, before entering the Sisters of Mercy at St Mary’s Convent, Limerick. She received the veil on 16 October, 1908, being known henceforth by her religious name, Sister Veronica. She was professed on 2 December, 1911. She spent some years catering for orphan children in Glin, before the institution was closed in 1926. Subsequently, she worked at St Catherine’s Home, Newcastle West . Her last twenty years were spent in St Mary’s Convent, Limerick, where she nursed sick and elderly nuns in the infirmary. She died there on 27 December, 1972, and is buried in the convent cemetery. Her younger sister, Bridget (qv), also joined the Sisters of Mercy, entering the Mercy Convent, Killaloe. (RSM Archives, Limerick, 2010)

 

Walsh, Thomas (1947-1996), Veterinary Surgeon

Thomas J Walsh, son of Laurence Walsh and his wife, Margaret O’Brien, was born in Coolscart, Hospital, Co. Limerick, on 24 May, 1947. He was educated at Hospital National School and De La Salle Secondary School (now known as Hospital Community School) before entering University College, Dublin, where he qualified as a veterinary surgeon. He joined Thomas N O’Shaughnessy in an already flourishiing veterinary practice in Adare. He married Briege Flynn from Castlereagh, Co. Roscommon, and they had a family of two girls (Aisling and Karen) and one boy (Garrett). Tom died on 4 February, 1996, aged 48 years, and was buried in the (new) cemetery, Adare, Co. Limerick. (Walsh, B, 2010)

 

Warner, Rev Simon (c.1684-1757), Clergyman

Simon Warner, son of Thomas Warner, was born about 1684 in county Cork. He was educated at Mr Goodman’s private school, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 22 March, 1701. He won a scholarship in 1704 and obtained his BA degree in 1705, followed by his MA in 1708. Ordained a priest of the Church of Ireland, one of his early appointments was as curate in Askeaton (1714), after which he was vicar in Shanagolden (1714-1747). He is also listed as being appointed vicar of Kildimo on 2 April, 1742. He held this post until 1747. He died in 1757. (Leslie, 1936, 129, 171, 207, 246, 257, 345)

 

Watson, Rev Henry (d.1687), Clergyman

Henry Watson, a Church of Ireland clergyman, was appointed Prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 26 November, 1661. Among the other appointments, which he held in the diocese of Limerick, were: Vicar of Athlacca (1668-1687); Vicar of Uregare and Fedamore (1663-1687) and Vicar of Mungret (1667-1687). During the Cromwellian administration in Ireland, he held the post of Commonwealth Minister at Glenogra, Co. Limerick, at a salary of £100 p.a. During the year 1655-66, he preached to the British Garrison at Clonmel, for which he received an emolument of £40. He also received a grant of £20 on 1 February, 1654, for a horse to enable him to travel to different garrisons to preach and minister to the soldiers. He had a son, Richard Watson, born about 1668 in Graybridge, Co. Limerick. Richard attended the private school of Mr Shaw in Tipperary, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 4 May, 1685, at the age of eighteen. Henry Watson died in 1687. (Leslie, 1936, 96, 1174, 239, 241, 311, 350)

 

Wesley, John (1703-1791), Religious Reformer

John Wesley was born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, on 17 June, 1703, the son of Samuel and Susanna Wesley. He was educated at Charterhouse School and Oxford University and ordained an Anglican minister on 22 September, 1728. While still at university, he and his brother, Charles, founded a group called the ‘Holy Club’, members of which prayed together and followed a rule of life. Because of the regularity of their lives, these men were called ‘Methodists’, a name by which Wesleyans are still known. Between 1735 and 1738, Wesley spent time in Georgia, USA., as a missionary for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Among the practices, he adopted as a result of his American experience were extempore prayer, outdoor preaching and the composition of new hymns for congregational singing. In this latter, his brother, Charles, became an accomplished hymn writer.

            Rather than found a new Church, Wesley concentrated on bringing religion to ordinary people and, to this purpose, he travelled all over the England, Wales and Ireland, often preaching outdoors. He was insistent that Methodist preachers would not be ordained and that their assembly places would not be consecrated churches. In Ireland, Methodism appealed to the Palatine Community, especially those members in Castlematrix, Ballingrane, Pallaskenry and Adare. There was a Methodist Hall in Pallaskenry, the building still standing in the main street. Wesley visited Ireland a total of twentyone times and preached in both Pallaskenry (1750) and Adare (1765). John Wesley died in London on 2 March, 1791, and was buried at the rear of his City Road chapel, London. (Rack, ODNB, 2010)

 

Westropp, Cecil George (d.1893), Physician

Cecil George Westropp, son of Rev Thomas Westropp, rector of Ardcanny, and his second wife, Helena Gabbett, was born in Ardcanny, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick. He attended the Royal College of Surgeons and qualified as a physician. He married Bessie Gresham and had issue of one son and one daughter. He died 3 November, 1893. (BLGI, 1912, 759)

 

Westropp, Dawson (1823-1893), Landed Gentry

Dawson Westropp, third son of Mountiford Westropp (1781-1843) and his wife, Jane Dawson, was born in Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 26 February, 1823. He served in the British army in India with the 30^th Bengal N Infantry. He married Frances Vandaleur on 12 November, 1861, and they had three sons, two of whom, Charles and Dawson, died in infancy. The third, Mountiford, succeeded his father as proprietor of the Mellon estate. Dawson was high sherif of Limerick in 1895. He also owned property at Westbury Lodge, Co. Clare. Dawson died on 7 July, 1893, aged 70 years. (BLGI, 1912, 759)

 

Westropp, Edmund (1860-1939), Landed Gentry

Edmund Westropp, eldest son of Richard Odell-Westropp (1821-1909) and his wife, Elizabeth Westropp, was born in Ballysteen House, Co. Limerick, in 1860. He inherited the Ballysteen Westropp estate and married Phyllis Cork, daughter of the Colonial Secretary of Jamaica. The had two daughters, Elizabeth Enid (who married Rev Dean Maurice Talbot) and Philippa Mary, the last Westropp to live in Ballysteen House. Philippa sold most of the estate to the Irish Land Commission, retaining only the house and about 60 acres of parkland. Edmund died in 1939 and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Mary’s (CoI) church, High Street, Askeaton. (Price, ‘Westropps’)

 

Westropp, John (c.1760-1825), Landed Gentry

John Westropp, eldest and only surviving son of Thomas Westropp (d.1789) and Jane Browne, was born at Ballysteen House, Co. Limerick, around 1760. He was High Sheriff of Limerick in 1794 and, though married to Grace Kiely, died without issue in 1825. He was an officer in Grattan’s Volunteers in the 1780s and acquired the title of General.  It was he who built the present Westropp house in 1809, on the site of an earlier building. In addition to Ballysteen, he also owned the Westropp estate in Kilkerrin (Co. Clare). In a letter to Vere Hunt, dated 10 July, 1798, he wrote that he helped hang Michael O’Neill of Ballynort, Askeaton, on the bridge at Askeaton, because of O’Neill’s connection with the 1798 uprising. At his death, Westropp, left all his property to his sister’s husband, Thomas Odell (m.1775), on condition that he adopted the surname Westropp. In 1825, Thomas Odell-Westropp and his wife and family took up residence in Ballysteen and, for the next two generations, the Odell-Westropps owned Ballysteen.  (Price, ‘Westropps’; BLGI, 1912, 759)

 

Westropp, Mountiford (1864-1914), Master of Hunt

Mountiford Westropp, son of Dawson Westropp (qv) and his wife, Frances Vandeleur, was born in Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 20 July, 1864. He became a captain in the Limerick city artillery. He married Emma Doyle Hobson on 15 February, 1896, and they had a family of one boy, Mountiford (1902-1945), and two girls, Grace More (b.1896) and Rose Vandeleur (b.1900). Mountiford (senior) kept a pack of foxhounds and was a keen huntsman. When the Stonehall Harriers pack was being formed in the early years of the twentieth century, Mountiford donated several couples of his foxhounds to the Stonehall pack. His son, Mountiford, and his two daughters, Grace and Rose, also hunted with the Stonehall Harriers. In addition to his Mellon estate, Mountiford senior also had extensive lands at Westbury Lodge, Co. Clare. He died in 1914. On the death of their brother, Mountiford, Grace and Rose became joint owners of the Mellon estate and the last members of the family to reside there. (BLGI, 1912, 759; BIFR, 1976, 1200)

 

Westropp, Palmes (d.1793), Mayor of Cork

Palmes Westropp, son of Thomas Westropp (d.1744) and his wife, Elizabeth Bury of Shannongrove, was born in Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick. He moved to Cork, where he became sheriff in 1757 and Mayor of Cork in 1778. He married (1749) Susannah Ross-Lewin of Fort Fergus, Co. Clare, and died 23 October, 1793, leaving two sons, Palmes and Henry. He was a brother of Rev Cecil Westropp (qv). (BLGI, 1912, 479)

 

Westropp, Rev Cecil (c.1712-1788), Clergyman

Cecil Westropp, son of Thomas Westropp (qv) of Mellon, and his wife, Elizabeth Bury, was born in Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, about 1712. He was educated at Mr McDonnell’s private school, Limerick, before he entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 3 April, 1730. He obtained his BA degree in 1734 and his MA degree in 1737. He was ordained priest of the Church of Ireland and was appointed Incumbent of Ardcanny, with a residence in Ballydoole, Pallaskenry. He married his cousin, Hannah Westropp, and had one son, Thomas Westropp, who lived at Curraghbridge, Adare. His grandson, Rev Thomas Westropp, was rector of Dunass, Co. Clare. Cecil died in 1788. (BLGI, 1912, 759; Alumni Dub., 870)

 

Westropp, Rev Daniel (1848-1908), Clergyman

Daniel Gabbett Westropp, son of Rev Thomas Westropp and his second wife, Helena Gabbett, was born in Ardcanny, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, on 14 November, 1848. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained his BA degree in 1869. He passed his divinity test in 1873 and obtained his MA the same year. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland in Cashel in 1870 and priest in Killaloe in 1872. During the period 1870–1872, he acted as curate, successively, in Ballybrood (1870-1872), Chapel Russell (1872-1874) and Ballyculter (1878-1879). He was appointed rector in Donegore, in the diocese of Conor, for the year 1879-1880, after which he took up a post as curate in Killascully, in the diocese of Cashel, for two years (1880-1882). He was appointed rector of Lismalin, Co. Tipperary in 1882 and remained there until 1886, after which he returned to Killoscully as rector, remaining there until his death. He died suddenly, after a long illness, on 15 March, 1908, aged 59, and was buried in St John’s Church, Newport. He married Maria Lloyd, sister of Major General Sir Outred Lloyd VC, and had one son, Rev Thomas John Westropp (b.1879), and five daughters (Anna, Helena, Mary, Alice and Eliza). His son, Rev Thomas John, was his father’s curate in Killoscully. (Leslie, 204)

 

Westropp, Rev Thomas (1772-1843), Clergyman

Thomas Westropp, son of Rev Cecil Westropp (qv) and his wife, Hannah Westropp, was born in Currabridge, Adare, in 1772. He studied for the ministry, was ordained priest of the Church of Ireland and became rector of Dunass, Co. Clare. He married Elizabeth Stackpoole about 1801. Their issue included: Rev Thomas Westropp (qv), Dr William Westropp, Jane Westropp and George Westropp. (BLGI, 1912, 759; Leslie, 1936, 96, 130, 189, 240, 255, 345)

 

Westropp, Rev Thomas (1802-1876), Clergyman

Thomas Westropp, son of Rev Thomas Westropp (qv) and Elizabeth Stacpoole, was born in Ardcanny, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, in 1802. He was educated at Mr O’Brien’s private school, Limerick, before entering Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 April, 1818. He obtained his BA degree in 1822 and his MA degree in 1832. On passing his divinity test, he was ordained deacon and priest of the Church of Ireland, for the Limerick diocese. He was appointed prebendary of Ardcanny, a salaried appointment with limited pastoral duties. He acquired a considerable landed estate and, in 1878, was listed as the owner of 581 acres in the Kildimo area. He married, first, Helena Gabbett, with whom he had two boys (Rev Daniel and Dr Cecil George Westropp) and three girls (Alicia, Elizabeth and Helena). He married, second, Maria Fredericka Lewin, but they did not have children. Finally, he married, for the third time, Maria Frederica Minchin (1825), with whom he had two boys, Thomas and William Westropp. He died on 12 January, 1876. (Leslie, 1936, 195, 240, 312; BLGI, 1912, 759)

 

Westropp, Thomas (d.1744), Landed Gentry

Thomas Westropp, son of Mountifort Westropp (d.1698) and Frances Taylor of Ballynort (d.1706), was born in Mellon, Co. Limerick. On 12 June, 1703, Thomas purchased Ballysteen estate from the Chichester House Commissioners. The property had reverted to the British Crown after the Cromwellian Confiscations. At the time of the Restoration, it was assigned to James, Duke of York (later James II), and was inherited by his daughter, Queen Anne. It came within the remit of the Chichester House Commission, set up in 1700, and was auctioned in 1703, at which time it was purchased by Thomas Westropp. Thomas married Elizabeth Bury of Shannongrove and had five sons, Thomas of Ballysteen (qv), Mountifort, Robert, his eldest son, Thomas, being the founder of the Ballysteen branch of the family. Son Thomas married Sara, daughter of Berkeley Taylor of Ballynort, and had two sons, Thomas and Berkeley, and two daughters. Thomas Snr died at Mellon in 1744. (Price, ‘Westropps’; BLGI, 1912, 759)

 

Westropp, Thomas (c.1705), Landed Gentry

Thomas Westropp, son of Thomas Westropp (qv) and his wife, Elizabeth Bury, was born in Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, about 1705. He inherited the Ballysteen estate, purchased by his father from the Chichester House Commissioners in 1703, and settled in Ballysteen. He married (1729) Sara, daughter of Berkeley Taylor of Ballynort House, Askeaton, and they had two sons, Thomas (d.1789), who inherited Ballysteen, and Berkeley (d.1773), who entered the army, rising to the rank of Colonel. (Price, ‘Westropps’; BLGI, 1912, 757)

 

Westropp-Dawson, Walter (1826-1896), Landed Gentry

Walter Mountiford Westropp-Dawson, fourth son of Mountiford Westropp and his wife, Jane Dawson, of Charlesfort, Co. Wexford, was born in Mellon, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, on 26 September, 1826. He inherited the Charlesfort estate, Ferns, Co. Wexford, from his uncle by deed, dated 14 April, 1857, on condition that he add the name Dawson to his own surname, Westropp. The name change was ratified by Royal Licence in 1859. He married Laura Clay, daughter of Sir William Clay, on 22 February, 1859. He gained the rank of captain in the service of the 19^th Regiment and was also Deputy Lieutenant of the county. His daughter, Marion Westropp-Dawson married Charles Weld-Forrester. He died on 17 April, 1896, and was succeeded by his son, Francis Walter Westropp-Dawson. (BLGI, 1899, 105)

 

White, Rev Frederick (c.1894-1965), Clergyman

Frederick Alexander Howard White, son of Rev James Stuart White, rector of Killtallagh, was born about 1894 and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he passed his divinity test in 1912, obtained his BA degree in 1917 and his MA degree in 1931. He was ordained deacon of the Church of Ireland for the diocese of Clogher in 1912 and priest in 1917. He was appointed curate in Desertcreat, Co. Tyrone, in 1912, and remained there until 1919. He was then appointed curate in Rathkeale (1919-1924), before his appointment as rector in Castleisland (1924-1929). In 1929, he was appointed rector in Askeaton/ Ballysteen. From 1940 to 1963, he had responsibility for the Askeaton union, including Kilcornan. For much of that time, he also held the appointment of precentor at St Mary’s Cathedral Limerick (1951-1963). He died in 1965.  (Leslie, 1936, 171, 321; Leslie, 1940, 77)

 

White, John (d. 1916), WW1 Casualty

John White, born in Adare, Co. Limerick, was killed in action, during World War 1, on 3 October, 1916. He was a member of the 8^th Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers. This regiment was one of six Irish regiments in the British army, five of which, including the Munsters, were disbanded in 1922, as part of the arrangements made when the Treaty was signed. Sailing from Southampton, the 8^th battalion landed in France on 19 December, 1915, with 33 officers and 948 men, including John White. The battalion was immediately assigned to the frozen trenches, where it suffered heavy losses. In September, 1916, it was joined by another Irish Regiment, The Connaught Rangers, and, together, they attacked a German stronghold in Ginchy. This time, the fighting was so fierce that the Munsters were unable to bury their dead. It was during this part of the campaign that John White was killed in action. There is a grave with his name at La Laiterie Military Cemetery, Heuvelland, Belgium. (McNamara, 2000, 406)

 

Widenham, Henry (1651-1719), Army Officer

Henry Widenham was born in England in 1651. Though generally considered a Cromwellian officer, it is worth noting that, after the restoration, his relations with the royalists were good enough to enable him to receive a patent (1685) from King Charles II, confirming his ownership of his estate in the Kildimo/ Adare area. Though some of this land had been granted to him in the Cromwillian settlement, he had augmented his estate through the purchase of other lands from the Commissioners for Sales of Forfeited Estates in 1702. His estate included the townlands of Court, Dromore, Kilcolm, Kilgrogan, Tuogh, Clontakagh and several others in Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. These lands, eventually, went to the husbands of Widenham’s two daughters, with Price Hartstonge (qv) receiving Court and other townlands, through his marriage to Alice Widenham, and Valentine Quin (qv), of Adare, receiving other lands through his marriage to Mary Widenham (1682-1776) in 1707.  These marriages might be regarded as forging excellent social connections, since the Hartstonges were baronets and their family became intertwined with that of the Perys, Earls of Limerick, while the Quins became Earls of Dunraven. Part of the Widenham estate had previously belonged to Byrne McTullagh. Widenham’s wife and mother of his daughters, Alice and Mary, was Mary Graham (d.1742). Henry was High Sheriff of county Limerick in 1702. His brother, Col. John Widenham, also a Cromwellian officer, received lands in Castletown-Roche, Co. Cork, the Roche castle being renamed, Caste Widenham. (Legg, 2005, 13; ‘Limerick Papers’ NLI; Grene Barry, 1900, 33)

 

Wight, Rev Richard (c.1683-1762), Clergyman

Richard Wight, second son of Edward Wight, alderman of Limerick, and Ms Hoare, was born in Limerick. After an early education in Mr Cashin’s private school, he entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 July, 1700. He won a scholarship in 1703 and was awarded a BA degree in 1704, followed by MA in 1714. After ordination as a priest in the Church of Ireland, he was installed as prebendary of Ballycahane, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, on 1 October, 1715. He resigned this post in 1720 to take a similar appointment, as Prebendary of Killeedy (1720-1740). He also held the posts of rector of Rathronan (1736-1745), archdeacon of Limerick (1740-1751), prebendary of St Munchin’s (1745-1762) and rector and vicar of Newcastle West (1751-1762). He married and had one son and two daughters. He died in 1762.  (Leslie, 1936, 74, 84, 97, 117, 158)

 

Wilmot, John (1870-1971), Centenarian

John Wilmot, son of John Wilmot and Bridget Leary, was born in Old Kildimo and baptised at Kildimo church on 21 August, 1870. In his youth, he went to the United States, where he got married. On the death of his first wife, he returned to Kildimo, where he married Nora Murphy, with whom he had several children. John lived to be more than 100 years, dying in June, 1971. One of his daughters, Ellie Mc Donnell, nee Wilmot (qv), also lived to be in excess of one hundred years. (O’Neill, P, 2010)

 

Wilson, Harry (1922-1944), Sportsman

Henry James Wilson, son of Charles and Marian Wilson, was born in Kilgobbin, Adare, in 1922. From his youth, he displayed great skill in hurling. He began playing with the Adare team and soon showed great talent as a goalkeeper. He was selected to play for the Limerick junior team and was a member of the successful Limerick team, which won the all-Ireland junior championship in 1941.  In the Munster final, which preceded the All-Ireland, Limerick beat Waterford by 4 goals and eight points to four points. Harry was lauded for his goal-keepinng skills, in stopping several difficult shots. In 1942, he immigrated to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Airforce. He was selected as a tail gunner on a Lancaster bomber, because of his steady hand, sharp eye and lack of ‘nerves’, all qualities honed during his days as goalkeeper. During a raid on Aachen on 11 April, 1944, Harry’s Lancaster, which was part of 83 Squadron, was hit and crashed. Harry was killed. He was buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany. His name is listed among those on a World War II memorial in Montreal. (McNamara, 2000, 229-230; Toomey, T, 1989, 56)

 

 

Wybrants, Rev Gustavus (1758-1824), Clergyman.

Gustavus Wybrants, 5^th son of Stephen Wybrants (whose forbear came from Antwerp in 1622) and Alice Cane (Ó Catháin), was one of twelve children and was born in Rutland Square, Dublin, in 1758. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on 6 May, 1776, obtained his BA in 1781 and MA in 1793, he was ordained a clergyman of the Church of Ireland in 1781 and was inducted into the Diocese of Limerick in 1783. He became Vicar of Askeaton/ Ballysteen in 1793 and remained there until his death in 1824. Previous to this he was vicar in Castlelyons, Co. Cork. He married (1793) Mary Homan after the death of her husband, Rev Arthur Champagne, in 1790, and moved to Askeaton. On his moving from Castlelyons, Mary’s son (by her first marriage), Rev Arthur Champagne (qv), got the Castlelyons ‘living’. Gustavus died at Miltown House (Iverus) on 23 March, 1824, and is buried in a vault in the cemetery, High Street, Askeaton. There is also a plaque to his memory in the nearby Church of Ireland, erected by his stepsons, Arthur and Forbes Champagne. He had seven children, with only one boy, Stephen, who died unmarried. Of his six daughters, the eldest, Mary-Anne, married (1823) Colonel William Middleton and had children. The second, Alice, married (1815), Rev Edward Herbert, Archdeacon of Aghadoe and their descendants married into the aristocracy. Gustavus’ wife, Mary, is listed as the teacher in the ‘free’ Protestant school, under the patronage of the Kildare Place Society, in Milltown (Iverus) in 1826. Though Mrs Wybrants was Protestant, all 36 girls attending the school were Roman Catholic (BIFR 1976; Leslie, 1936, 168; Brady, 1864, II, 97)

 

Wyndham, Caroline (1790-1870), Countess

Caroline Wyndham, daughter of Thomas Wyndham and Anna Maria Charlotte Ashby, was born in Dunraven Castle, Glamorganshire, in 1790. She married the Honourable Windham Quin of Adare on 27 December, 1810. Her husband subsequently inherited the family titles, and became second Earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl. On the death of her father, which followed the earlier deaths of her two older brothers, she inherited the Dunraven estate near Bridgend, Glamorganshire. She was a notable benefactor both of Adare and Bridgend. In 1857, she paid for the entire cost of a water supply for Bridgend and, in 1860, she provided Bridgend with the Randall Memorial Drinking fountain. Similarly, in Adare, she provided a fountain in 1855 to mark the efforts of the people of Adare in controlling the fire that threatened to burn down the Manor on 18 April, 1844. She was also instrumental in refurbishing the Church of Ireland, Adare, especially the installation of stained-glass windows. She and the Earl had three children, Though she divided her time between Dunraven and Adare in the earlier part of her life, after the death of her husband in 1850, she moved permanently to Wales. She is the author of the book, Memorials of Adare, which was augmented and edited by her son, the third Earl of Dunraven. Her name is on the Bridgend Hall of Fame, Wales. (Randall: 1955, 1984)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Edwin (1812-1871), 3^rd Earl of Dunraven

Edwin Richard Windham Wyndham Quin, third earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl, landowner and archeologist, was born in London on 19 May, 1812. Son of Windham Henry Wyndham Quin, second earl (1782-1850), and his wife, Caroline Wyndham (1790-1870), he was known as Viscount Adare and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. His father had changed the family name from Quin to Wyndham-Quin in 1815, following his marriage to Caroline Wyndham. Edwin went on to represent his mother’s native Glamorgan in parliament as a conservative member from 1837 to 1851. He was interested in education and became one of the commissioners for National Education in Ireland. He was married twice, first (1834) to Augusta Goold (d.1866), by whom he had a son and three daughters. His second marriage (1870) was to Anne Lambert (d.1917) of Carnagh, Co. Wexford.

            He succeeded his father as earl in 1850. In 1855, he became a Catholic and, in 1866, was made a peer of the United Kingdom, with the title, Baron of Kenry (Co. Limerick). He studied astronomy under Sir William Hamilton in Dublin. He is best known, however, for his contribution to archeology and, together with George Petrie and others, founded the Irish Archeological Society in 1840 and the Celtic Society in 1845. In 1865, in an appendix to his mother’s Memorials of Adare, he compiled a detailed account of archeological remains in the Adare region. He also helped in the restoration of two abbeys in Adare. The Black (Augustinian) Abbey was restored for use by members of the Church of Ireland, while the restored Trinitarian Abbey became (and continues to be used as) the Catholic church in Adare. He contributed several valuable papers to the Royal Irish Academy, of which he was a Fellow. He was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He died in Great Malvern, Wiltshire, on 6 October, 1871, and was buried in Adare. His estate in Adare consisted of 14,298 acres, apart from a large estate, inherited from his mother, in Glamorganshire, Wales. His personal wealth was significantly increased when coal was discovered and mined on his Welsh estate. In 1861, he donated the land on which the Catholic church and national school in Ballysteen were built. (Le G Norgate and Herity, ODNB, 2009)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Hon. Valentine (1890-1983), War Veteran

Valentine Maurice Wyndham-Quin, son of the 5^th Earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl, and his wife, Lady Eva Bourke, was born in Adare, Co. Limerick, on 22 May, 1890. He fought in World War I (1914-1918) and in World War II (1939-1945), in the course of which he was mentioned repeatedly in dispatches. He was a captain in the Royal Navy and, subsequently, served as naval attaché to Uruguay and Argentina. He married Marjorie Pretyman, daughter of Col. Rt. Hon. Ernest Pretyman, and his wife, Lady Beatrice Bridgeman. They had three daughters (Ursula, Marjorie and Pamela) and lived at Chieveley House, Berkshire, England. Captain Wyndham-Quin died on 27 February, 1983, aged 92 years. His wife, Marjorie, died on 6 May, 1969. Both were buried in the family burial plot in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’s church, Adare. (www.thepeerage.com; #30102)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Lady Enid (1870-1891), Aristocracy

Lady Florence Enid Wyndham Quin, eldest daughter of the 4^th Earl of Dunraven and his wife, Countess Dunraven (formerly Florence Elizabeth Kerr), was born in Adare on 13 June, 1870. She died in London on 4 July, 1891, at the early age of 21. Her remains were brought to Adare and interred in the family vault, in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. The funeral service was conducted by Rev LH O’Brien, Church of Ireland rector, Adare. There was a large attendance at funeral, including many members of the landed gentry in county Limerick. Rev Dean Flanagan, parish priest, a friend of the family, walked behind the cortege and pupils from the Christian Brothers’ school lined the route to the cemetery. (LC, 7/2/1891).

 

Wyndham-Quin, Lady Olein (1892-1969), Aristocracy

Lady Olein Eva Constance Wyndham-Quin, eldest and only surviving daughter of the 5^th Earl of Dunraven and his wife, Lady Eva Bourke, was born on 5 March, 1892. She was granted an MBE by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Lady Olein died on 22 April, 1969, aged 77 years. She was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’s church, Adare. (www.thepeerage.com; #25746)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Richard (1887-1965), Sixth Earl of Dunraven

Richard Southwell Windham Robert Wyndham-Quin, son of Windham Henry, 5^th Earl of Dunraven, and his wife, Lady Eva Bourke, was born in India on 18 May, 1887, while his father was serving as aide-de-camp to the Governor of Madras. He married, first, Helen Lindsay Swire in 1915, but was divorced from her in 1932. He married, second, Nancy Yuille, daughter of Thomas B Yuille, an American, in 1934, and they had three children: Lady Melissa Wyndham-Quin (b.1935); Lady Caroline Wyndham-Quin (b.1936) and Thady Wyndham-Quin (b.1939), who succeeded to the title as 7^th Earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl. The 6^th Earl died in Adare on 28 August, 1968, aged 81 years, and was buried in the cemetery attached to St Nicholas’ church, Adare. His wife, Countess Nancy (1902-1994), died on 2 March, 1994, aged 92 years, and was buried beside her husband. (www.thepeerage.com, #25742)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Thomas (1841-1926), 4^th Earl of Dunraven

Thomas Wyndham-Quin, fourth earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl, was born in Adare Manor, on 12 February, 1841. The only son of his father, third earl, he was educated at Christ Church, University of Oxford. After university, he joined the Life Guards’ regiment. In 1867, he was correspondent for The Daily Telegraph during the British expedition to Abyssinia. He was also a correspondent for the same paper during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. He married (1869) Florence Elizabeth Kerr and they had three daughters. In 1871, he succeeded his father as fourth earl and sat in the House of Lords as Baron Kenry. Though he had a large estate in Adare (14,298 acres), his main wealth came from his grandmother’s estate in Wales, on which coal was found and quarried. Unlike his predecessors, he made his permanent home in Adare. He also became interested in the Irish land question. Following long negotiations by a committee headed by Dunraven, the British Government introduced the historic Wyndham Land Act (1903), which provided a mechanism whereby sitting tenants would be allowed to purchase outright their farms from landlords, the occupiers thereby becoming the owners.

            Dunraven tried to rally support for Home Rule and was nominated to the first Irish Senate in 1921. Physically, he was a small, energetic, wiry man. Though he had some success in competitive horse riding, his main sport was yachting, and he competed in 1893 and 1895 in the America Cup in specially built boats, Valkyrie II and Valkyrie III. He published his memoirs (Past Times and Pastimes) in 1922. He died at his home in London on 14 June, 1926. (Gwynn and Gray, ODNB, 2009)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Windham Henry (1782-1850), 2^nd Earl of Dunraven

Windham Henry Wyndham-Quin, son of Valentine Richard Quin, 2^nd Earl of Dunraven and his first wife, Lady Frances Fox-Strangeways, was born on 29 September, 1782. He was educated at Eton and Magdalen College, Oxford. He was MP for county Limerick from 1802 to 1820. On 7 April, 1815, he changed his surname to Wyndham-Quin by Royal Licence. He held the post of Custos Rotulorum for county Limerick from 1818 to 1850. He succeeded to several family titles in 1824, including 2^nd Viscount Adare; 2^nd Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl; 2^nd Baronet Quin of Adare; 2^nd Baron Adare of Adare; 2^nd Viscount Mount-Earl. He married Caroline Wyndham of Dunraven Castle, Bridgend, Wales, on 27 December, 1810, and they had one girl (Lady Anna Maria) and two boys (Lord Edwin Richard and Capt Windham Henry). He died on 6 August, 1850, and was buried in the family burial place attached to St Nicholas church, Adare. He was succeeded by Lord Edwin Richard Wyndham-Quin, who became the 3^rd Earl of Dunraven. (www.thepeerage.com)

 

Wyndham-Quin, Windham Henry (1857-1952), 5^th Earl of Dunraven

Windham Henry Wyndham-Quin, son of Capt Hon. Windham Henry Wyndham-Quin and Caroline Tyler was born on 7 February,1857. He married Lady Eva Constance Aline Bourke, daughter of Richard Southwell Bourke, 6^th Earl of Mayo, and Hon. Blanche Julia Wyndham, on 7 July, 1885. He fought in the First Boer War (1880-1881) and was aide-de-camp and military secretary to the Governor of Madras between 1886 and 1889. He was MP for South Glamorgan between 1895 and 1906. He also fought in the Boer War (1899-1901) and was mentioned in dispatches. He was decorated with the award of Companion, Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1900. He held the office of Deputy Lieutenant of Glamorgan and was invested as a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1903. He was High Sheriff of Kilkenny in 1914 and was an officer in the 16^th Lancers and held appointments in the Glamorgan Yeomanry and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars. He succeeded to the title of 5^th Earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl on 14 June, 1926. He had four children: Richard SWR Wyndham-Quin (1887-1965), who succeeded him as 6^th Earl; Capt Hon Valentine M Wyndham-Quin (1890-1983); Lady Olein Eva C Wyndham-Quin (18892-1969) and Hon Kathleen S Wyndham-Quin (1895-1907). The 5^th Earl died on 23 October, 1952, aged 95 years. (www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online)

 

Young, Arthur (1741-1820), Author

Arthur Young, son of Rev Arthur Young, was born on 11 September, 1741, in Bradfield Combush, Suffolk, England, where his father was Church of England rector. He became a journalist, with a special interest in agriculture. He published several books on agriculture in different parts of England and, in 1776, came to Ireland to tour the country and study its agricultural economy. In the course of this tour of Ireland, he visited Adare and wrote about the manor and the surrounding countryside. He is regarded as the greatest English writer on agriculture, in addition to being a keen student of social conditions in his time. Among his observations about Adare was his remark that the richest soil in Ireland was in the corcass land beside the Maigue. He also had generous praise for the Palatines, noting that their crops were ‘much better than their neighbours’. He died on 12 April, 1820. (Mingay, ODNB, 2010)

 

Zouche, John (c.1580), Elizabethan Soldier

John Zouche was commander of the English forces in Munster in the second half of the sixteenth century and was especially busy during the years following the Desmond Rebellion. He was in command in Adare in 1582. The previous year, 1581, Zouche had led a group of English soldiers, numbering about 450, to attack Dunboy Castle, home of Donal Cam O’Sullivan, Prince of Beara, and ‘to plunder his people’. O’Sullivan’s son, recorded the fact that his clan defeated Zouche’s forces, leaving 300 of them dead. Zouche was also commanding the English forces that massacred the Spanish forces at Smerwick harbour in 1580. Zouche resigned his command in 1582, owing to ill-health, and was succeeded by Sir John Norris. (O’Sullivan Beare, 1627, 121)

 

 

References

A&B Archives: Archives of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, c/o Bishop’s House, The Upper Drive, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6NB, UK.

A Complete Catholic Registry, Directory and Almanac, Vol. I,1936. Dublin: Archive CD

Books. IET0016.

Addison, Henry Robert, 1862, Recollections of an Irish Police Magistrate: and Other Reminiscences of the South of Ireland. London: Ward Lock.

Begley, J. 1938, History of the Diocese of Limerick. Vol. III, 1691 to the Present Day. Dublin: Browne and Nolan.

Benson, S, Adare, Co. Limerick, personal communication with JMF, 2010.

Bernard, T, 1998, The Abduction of a Limerick Heiress. Dublin: Irish Academic Press.

Bon Secour Archives: c/o Bon Secour Provincialate, College Road, Cork, private communication with JMF, 5/1/2010.

Boylan, H, 1998, A Dictionary of Irish Biography. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan

Brady, WM, 1864, Clerical and Parochial Records of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. Dublin: Longman Green.

Burke, Sir Bernard, 1899, Landed Gentry of Ireland. Dublin: Archive CD Books Ireland. IET0039.

Burke, Sir Bernard, 1912, Landed Gentry of Ireland. London: Burke’s Peerage, Limited

Burke, Sir Bernard, 1976, Irish Family Records. London: Burke’s Peerage, Limited.

Burtchaell, GD and TU Sadleir, 1924, Alumni Dublinensis. A Register of the Students, Graduates, Professors and Provosts of Trinity College in the University of Dublin. Archive CD Books Ireland. IE0004.

Bury, Howard Bury Papers, Public Record Office, Northern Ireland, per www.proni/gov.uk/

Byrnes, Rev J, private communication with JMF, 31/3/2010.

Cahill, D, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Carter, P, ‘Robert King, Second Earl of Kingston (1754-1799)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, hereafter abbreviated to ODNB, on-line edition.

Cd. 1492, 1876: Return of Owners of Land of One acre and upwards in Several Counties, Counties of Cities and Counties of Towns in Ireland. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. Dublin: Alexander Thom; also in HCPP.

CHCJ archives: Congregation of the Holy Child Jesus Archives, c/o, Oxford OX2 6QB, UK, private communication with JMF, 7/10/2009.

CHC archives: Congregation of the Holy Cross, St Mary’s, Notre Dame, South Bend IN, USA, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Christian Brothers, Necrologies. Congregational Archives, Marino, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.

Chichester, HM, revised J Falkner, ‘George Thomas Keppel, Sixth Earl of Albemarle’. ODNB. On-line edition

Clifford, J, Bruff, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Corboy, O., Griffith Road, Dublin 11, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Costello, E, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Costello, J: Castletroy, Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Cousins, John, 1822, A Reply to a Sermon of Rev Richard Hayes on Transubstantiation. Dublin: William Watson.

Cousins, John, 1823, A Reply to the 5^th and other Controversial Sermons of Rev Richard Hayes. Dublin: William Watson.

Cousins, John, 1816, A Sermon at the Visitation in Limerick 2 August, 1816. Dublin: William Watson.

CPL, VII, 110

Crockford: Crockford’s Clerical Directory. London: Church House Publishing. Various years.

Crone, JS, 1928, Concise Dictionary of Irish Biography. London: Longmans Green and Co. Ltd.

Cronin, J, ‘Gerald Griffin (1803-1840)’. ODNB. On-line edition.

Cussen, J: c/o Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 11/10/2009.

Dalton, J.,1938, The History of the County of Dublin: Dublin: Hodges and Smith.

Dublin Evening Post. Limerick City Library, St Michael Street, Limerick.

DC Archives: c/o Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, Mill Hill, London NW7 1RE, UK; private communication with JMF, 11/5/2010.

De Breffny, B., ‘The Peppards of Cappagh, Co. Limerick’, Irish Ancestor, 16, 2, 68-70.

Downey, M, c/o Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

De Vere, Aubrey Thomas, 1848, English Misrule and Irish Misdeeds. Four Letters from Ireland addressed to an English Member of Parliament. London: John Murray

De Vere Papers: De Vere Family Papers, Limerick City Library, Michael Street, Limerick.

Donnelly, JS Jnr, 2009, Captain Rock. The Irish Agrarian Rebellion of 1821-1824. Cork: The Collins Press.

Donovan, T, 2009, ‘The FitzGeralds of Ballydonoghue’. Donovan, T (ed.), The Knights of Glin: Seven Centuries of Change. Glin: Glin Historical Society.

Dunraven, Caroline Countess of Dunraven 1865, Memorials of Adare with Historical Notices of Adare by her son, The Earl of Dunraven. Oxford: Parker. Printed for Private circulation.

Edwards, D, ‘Thomas Leverous (c.1487-1577)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Ellis, Stephen G, 1998, ‘Desmond, Thomas Fitzgerald, 8^th Earl of (c.1426-1468), Connolly, SJ, ed., Oxford Companion to Irish History: Oxford, OUP, 143.

Farragher, Sean, ‘Irish Spiritans Remembered’. Retrieved 15.5.10 from http://www.irishspiritans.ie/irish_spiritans_remembered.html

Feheney, JM, 1998, Ballysteen: The People and the Place. Cork: Iverus.

Feheney, JM, 2006, The Naughtons of Ballycanana. Cork: Iverus.

Feheney, JM, 2007, Askeaton-Ballysteen Biographical Dictionary. Cork: Iverus.

Ferrar, John, 1787, History of Limerick, Ecclesiastical, Civil and Military, from the Earliest Records to the year 1787. Limerick: Watson.

FitzGerald, D, Knight of Glin, 2009, ‘Introduction’, Donovan, T (ed.), The Knights of Glin. Seven Centuries of Change. Glin: Glin Historical Society.

Fitzpatrick, WJ, 1900, History of Dublin Catholic Cemeteries. Dublin: Dublin Catholic Cemeteries Office.

FMA Archives: c/o Salesian Sisters Provincialate, 14 Streatham Common North, Streatham,
London, SW16 3HG, UK, private communication with JMF, 20/1/2010.

Fosbery: ‘The Fosbery Family until 2000'; retrieved 13.10.2009, from

http://fosbery.tripod.com/graham.html

FPM Archives: Presentation Brothers Archives, Mount St Joseph, Blarney St., Cork.

Franciscan Archives: c/o Franciscan Provincialate, Mountbellew, Co. Galway, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Fritze, RH, ‘Sir Henry Wallop (c.1531-1599)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Gentlemen’s Magazine, Volume 153, 1835. National Library of Ireland, Dublin 2.

Good Shepherd Archives: c/o Sisters of Good Shepherd, Belfast BT7 3LA; private communication with JMF, 3/3/2010.

Graham, John, 1817, Annals of Ireland, Civil and Military from 1635 to 1691. London: G Sidney.

Griffith, Richard, 1850, Primary Valuation of Tenements, County of Limerick. Dublin: Government Printing Office.

Grene Barry, James, 1900, Cromwellian Settlement of the County of Limerick. Limerick: Guy and Co. Ltd.

Griffin, ME, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Gwynn, SL, revised P Gray, ‘Windham Thomas Wyndham-Quin, Fourth Earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl’. ODNB. On-line edition

Hamell, PJ, 1984, Maynooth Students and Ordinations, Index, 1896-1996. Maynooth: St Patrick’s College.

Hamell, PJ, 1982, Maynooth Students and Ordinations, Index, 1795-1895. Maynooth: St Patrick’s College.

Hammer, EJ, 2007, ODNB, on-line edition.

Harrington, Earl of, 2002, Biographical Note. O’Grady, D and C Hartigan eds, 2002, Working Lives: From Dawn till Dark. Newcastle West: As Dúchas Dóchas.

Hart, JS, Jr, ‘Sir Samuel Barnardiston’. ODNB. On-line edition

Haworth, R, 2007; Haworth, Rose, private communication with JMF, 2007.

Hayes, J: c/o Ballydoole, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Hayton, DW, ‘Sir Ralph Gore’. ODNB. On-line edition

HCPP: House of Commons British Parliamentary Papers, 1822 (423), 14

HCPP: House of Commons British Parliamentary Papers, 1837 [543-I], [543-II], 836-838.

HCPP: House of Commons British Parliamentary Papers, 1835 (369), 689.

HCPP: House of Commons British Parliamentary Papers, 1845 [616][617], 788-792.

HCPP: House of Commons British Parliamentary Papers, 1826-27(12), Second Report, 1094-1095.

HCPP: House of Commons British Parliamentary Papers, 1862 (231), Return, by Counties, of Offences committed in Ireland, 1860-62, 197.

Hevenor, J, Mountpleasant, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Herendeen, WH, ‘William Camden (1551-1623)’, ODNB. On-line edition

Hewetson, John, 1911, The Hewetsons of Kerry, Limerick and Suirville, County Kilkenny, Ireland. London: Mitchell, Hughes and Clarke.

Hewson, U, 2007: Hewson, U, Milltown, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2007.

Hinings, J., Sir Aubrey De Vere, ODNB. On-line edition.

‘History of St Michael’s College’, c/o St Michael’s College, Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4.

Hogan, A: c/o Gortnagrour, Adare, Co. Limerick; private communication with JMF, 23/1/ 2010.

Holmes, R, 2002, ‘Medicine in Limerick and its Neighbourhood’. Irish Journal of Medical Science, Volume 171, No. 1, Jan. 2002.

http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~cmlabath/joint7.htm

http://www.petts.infor/famous.html

Hourigan, P: c/o Castletown, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2009.

IJ Archives: c/o Infant Jesus Sisters, Model Farm Road, Cork; also, Sr RM Barter, Infant Jesus Sisters, 56 Clontarf Road, Dublin 3, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Jesuit archives: c/o Jesuit Community, 25 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, private communication with JMF, 2009.

‘Joint, William, Descendants’: see http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~cmlabath/joint7.htm.

Jones, Rev S, 1828, A Statement of Fact Connected with the Dissolution of Kildimo Seminary for Schoolmasters. Dublin.

Kelsey, S, ‘Touchet, James, Third Earl of Castlehaven (1612-1684)’, ODNB. On-line edition

Kenneally, MJ: late of Creeves, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2009.

Kennedy, P: c/o Cartown House, Kildimo, Co. Limerick

K/P Parish Register: Kildimo/ Pallaskenry Parish Register, RC Presbytery, Kildimo, Co. Limerick.

LDHP: Limerick Diocesan Historical Project, Diocesan Office, Henry Street, Limerick.

Lee, E, revised MC Curthoys, ‘Sir Stephen Edward De Vere, Fourth Baronet (1812-1904)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Legg, ML (ed.), 2005, The Diary of Nicholas Peacock, 1740-1751. Dublin: Four Courts Press.

Lennon, C, ‘Creagh, Richard (c.1523-1586)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Leslie, JB and WJR Wallace, 2001, Clergy of Dublin and Glendalough. Belfast: Ulster Historical Foundation.

Leslie, JB, 1936, “Biographical Succession. List of Clergy of Limerick Diocese”. Ms. Church Representative Library, Dublin.

Leslie, JB, 1940, Ardfert and Aghadoe: Clergy and Parishes.  Dublin: Church of Ireland.

Limerick Chronicle

Limerick County Council, 1996, Chairmen and Councils, 1899-1996. Limerick; Limerick County Council.

Limerick Jesuit Centenary Record 1859-1959, 1959, Limerick: Jesuit Community.

‘Limerick Papers’; collection of historical documents relating to Limerick, including information on Hartstonge and Pery families, in National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

LSP Archives: c/o Petites Soeurs Des Pauvres, La Tour St-Joseph, 35190, Saint-Perin, France; private communication with JMF, 15/2/2010.

McCarthy, A, Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

McDonogh, I, 2010: c/o Bansha, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

McMahon, M, 2010: c/o Ballinacarriga, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF.

McMahon, TA, 2010: c/o Woodlawn Drive, Dooradoyle, Limerick, private communication with JM.

McNamara, Patrick J, 2000, The Widow’s Penny. The Memorial Record of the men and women who gave their Lives in the Great War. Limerick: McNamara, Patrick J.

McNamara, Patrick J, 2006, Their Names Liveth for Evermore. The Memorial Record of the Limerick Casualties of World War 2. Limerick: Limerick Historical Publications.

Madigan, M, An Currán, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Meade, T, 2010: c/o Castlejean, Glanmire, Co. Cork, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Mill Hill Archives: c/o MHM Heritage Centre, 41 Victoria Rd, Merseyside L37 1LE, UK

Mingay, GE, ‘Arthur Young (1741-1820), Agricultural Reformer and Writer’ ODNB, 2010

Morgan, H., 2007, ODNB, on-line edition, 143.

Mulqueen, M: c/o Milltown, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2007.

NAI: National Archives of Ireland, cenus 1901, 1911 (on-line)

Nash, J, 2009: c/o Tobbermurray, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2009.

Naish, J, 2009: c/o Kilbreedy House, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF.

Nealon, Rev E: c/o Spiritan Community, Ardbraccan, Navan, Co. Meath; private communication with JMF, 2010.

Nestor, V, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Ní Mhurchú, M agus D Breathnavch, Beathaisnéis. 9 volumes. Baile Átha Cliath: An Clóchomhar Teoranta.

Nolan, W., 2007, ‘Glengoole-New Birmingham and the Parishes 1600-1900'. Retrieved 15.5.2010 from http://www.glengoole.net/pages/history.html

O’Brien, M: c/o Ballyculhane, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

OCD Archives: c/o Discalced Carmelites, Donnybrook, Dublin 4; private communication with JMF, 1/2/2010.

O’Donoghue, DJ, 1892, The Poets of Ireland: A Biographical Dictionary with Bibliographical Particulars: Michigan: University of Michigan Library.

O’Donovan, John, 1840, “Field Notes, Co. Limerick”. Unpublished Ms. Limerick City Library.

O’Connor, L., ‘History of Aghadoe Church’. Killarney: Fossa Historical Society. Unpublished MS.

O’Neill, P, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Oratory Archives: c/o Rev P Chavasse, The Oratory, Birmingham B16 8UE, private communication with JMF, 6/10/2009.

O’Shaughnessy, A: c/o Kilknockan House, Adare, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

O’Shaughnessy, B, Summerville, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

O’Shaughnessy, K: c/o Ballynolan House, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

O’Shea Family archive (including Lillis papers): c/o M O’Shea, Ballyvareen, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2009.

O’Shea, F: Rearcross, Newport, Co. Tipperary, private communication with JMF, 2010.

O’Sullivan Beare, Philip, 2009, The Natural History of Ireland. Translated from original Latin, 1627. Cork: Cork University Press

PBVM Archives North: c/o Presentation Provincialate, Northern Province, Athlone, Co. Westmeath; private communication with JMF, 4/2/2010.

PBVM archives: c/o Presentation Provincialate, Windsor, Melbourne, Australia

Pierce, Thomas, 1987, ‘Hollywood House’, Christian Brothers Adare Past Pupils Union Magazine, No. 3, 72-74.

Pierce, Thomas, 1984, ‘Shauntrade School’, Christian Brothers Adare Past Pupils Union Magazine, No. 2, 59-63.

Pierce, Thomas, 1986, ‘Executions in Adare’. Christian Brothers Adare, Past Pupils Union Magazinel, No.4, pp.73-74.

Pigot’s Commercial Directory of Ireland. Compendium of all Sections, 1824. Dublin: Archive CD Books Ireland. IET 0005.

Port, MH, ‘Philip Hardwick (1792-1870)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Price, RM, ‘The Westropps’, Unpublished family history of the Westropps, private communication with JMF, 1998.

Quane, M, 1972, ‘Kildimo Seminary, Co. Limerick, 1808-1817'. North Munster Antiquarian Journal, Vol. XV, 1972.

Rack, HD, ‘John Wesley, 1703-1791’. ODNB, on-line edition.

Randall, HJ, 1955, 1994, Bridgend: the Story of a Market Town, Bridgend: Mid Glamorgan County Libraries.

Ridden, J, 2007, ‘The Forgotten History of the Protestant Crusade: Religious Liberalism in Ireland’. Journal of Religious History. Vol.31, No.1, March, 2007.         

Rogers, P (ed.), 1983, The Complete Poems. Jonathan Swift. New Haven: Yale UP.          

RSM Archives Kerry: c/o Sisters of Mercy, Baloonagh, Tralee, Co. Kerry, private communication with JMF, 3/1/2010.

RSM Archives Cork: c/o Sisters of Mercy, St Maries of the Isle, Cork, private communication with JMF, 23/2/2010.

RSM Archives Shanklin: c/o St Anthony’s Convent, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, UK, private communication with JMF, 14/1/2010.

RSM Limerick archives: c/o Mercy Archive Centre, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, private communication with JMF, 2009, 2010.

RSM Killaloe archives: c/o Mercy Archive Centre, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, private communication with JMF, 2009, 2010.

Ruvigny, Marquis of & Raineval Staff, 1994, The Plantagenet Roll of the Blood Royal, being a Complete Table of all the Descendants now living of Edward III, King of England. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Press.

Ryder, K, 2010: c/o Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, 2010, private communication with JMF.

St Emilie Archives: c/o Convent of St Emilie, Grange Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 3HA, private communication with JMF, 2010.

St Paul’s Convent Archives: c/o Selly Park, Birmingham B29 7LL, UK, private communication with JMF, 21/1/2010.

Sarsfield, N and B, “The Sarsfield Family Project” in http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/

SCA archives: c/o, Archivist, Pallotine Congregation, c/o Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16, private communication with JMF, 2009.

SCJM archives: c/o Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, private communication with JMF, 2010.

SDB archives: a) Rev Martin Loftus SDB, Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick; Rev John Horan, SDB Provincialate, Crumlin, Dublin 12; c) Rev P Sherlock SDB, Thornleigh, Sharples Park, Bolton BL1 6PQ, UK; private communications with JMF, 2010.

Seoighe, Maincin, 1988, ‘Maigue Poets’, Christian Brothers Adare Past Pupils’ Union Magazine, No. 6, pp. 10-11.

Sheahan, N, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Sheehy, K, Ballynort, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2007.

Siggins, 31/7/2010: Siggins, L, ‘First Irishman to Scale K2 Gets Posthumous Honour’, The Irish Times, 31/7/2010, 7.

SJC Archives: St Joseph of Cluny Archives, c/o Mount Sackville, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, private communication with JMF, 30/9/2009

Smith, B, ‘Geoffrey de Marisco (c.1171-1245)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Soros, SW, ‘Edward William Godwin (1833-1886)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Southern Star, Southern Star Newspapers, Skibbereen, Co. Cork

Speiran, D, Adare, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 1910.

Spellissey, S., 1998, The History of Limerick City. Limerick: Celtic Bookshop

SSC Archives: c/o Society of St Columban, Navan, Co. Meath, private communication with JMF, 23/10/2009.

Thom’s Irish Almanac & Official Directory, 1884. Dublin: Archive CD Books Ireland. IET0013.

Tobin, Matthew, 2004, ‘The Priests of the Diocese of Limerick, 1878-1917'. Unpublished MA Thesis, Mary Immaculate College/ University of Limerick.

Todd, Janet, 2003, Rebel Daughters. London: Penguin Books.

Toomey, M, Adare, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Toomey, T and H Greensmyth, 1991, An Antique and Storied Land: A History of the Parish of Donoughmore, Knockea, Roxborough. Limerick: Limerick City Museum.

Toomey, Thomas, ‘Adare GAA’, Christian Brothers, Adare, PPU Magazine, 1989, #7, 56

Tracey, F., 2005, If those Trees Could Speak. Tallaght: South Liberties Library. ISBN: 0954766024. (Massey Family)

Trevor-Roper, H., 1992, From Counter-Reformation to Glorious Revolution. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 

UHF: Ulster Historical Foundation, 49 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY.

Van S Papworth, WA, revised AM Rowan, ‘James Pain (1779-1877)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Walsh, B: Tuogh, Adare, Co. Limerick, private communication with JMF, 2010.

Wedgewood, A, ‘Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Welch, R, ‘Thomas Aubrey de Vere (1814-1902)’, ODNB. On-line edition.

Westropp, T.J., 1902, “Sir Francis Berkeley of Askeaton”. Journal of Limerick Field Club, 2, 6, pp.118-132; also p.164, fn3

Westropp, T.J., 1903, “Notes on Askeaton, County Limerick”, Parts I, II, III. Journal of Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 33, 13 (5^th Series), pp. 25-39; 153-74; 239-54.

Westropp, TJ, RAS Macalister and GU McNamara, 1916, The Antiquities of Limerick and its Neighbourhood. Dublin: Hodges and Figgis.

Williams, Edward, "Historical Anecdotes of Dunraven Castle, in the Vale of Glamorgan", Limerick City Library.

Wyndham-Quin, Col. CB, 1989, ‘A History of Foxhunting in County Limerick’. CBS Adare Past Pupils’ Union Magazine, No. 7, 1989, pp. 67-74