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Newsletter No. 26 Summer 2017
SEGAHS welcomes Federation Members to Galway
Established in 1999, the South East Galway Archaeo-
logical & Historical Society (SEGAHS) is dedicated to
highlighting the rich heritage of south and east Galway.
We have members and contributors from Athenry to
Loughrea to Ballinasloe, and from Gort to Portumna.
We are delighted to welcome colleagues and friends
from across the country to the Federation AGM in Gal-
way, and this special edition is dedicated to all of you.
We hope you enjoy your time in our county, and we
wish you and your societies all the very best for 2017.
_____________________________________________
Our thanks to Ger O’Mara for providing a wonderful
lecture on men from the Portumna region in the Great
War for our April (27th) lecture. Our Autumn series of
lectures will begin, as usual, in September.
_____________________________________________
The society’s annual ‘Landed Estates’ conference takes
place in the Workhouse on Saturday, July 8th, and
members and friends are once again urged to book their
place in advance (given the excess demand last year).
Contents Tales from the Workhouse 4
Galwaymen in the Air (WW1) by Michael Howley 5
Portumna: A Galway Parish by the Shannon 7
Attacking the Barracks (Part 1) by Philip Keane 8
Grave Matters by Declan Kelly 10
What it says in the Papers 12
The Shepherdess of Co. Galway by Thomas Sharkey 12
Faction Fighting by John Joe Conwell 13
Recommended Sources in Local History 14
Galwaymen at War by Marie Bennett 15
Postcards: Headford by Helen Varley 16
GAA Heroes of Old - Killimordaly 17
Images of the Past: Police Papers 17
Workhouse Updates 18
Poems of Old 19
Larkin Matters: Aughrim 20
Chairman’s Update
Our AGM saw the entire committee returned and I want
to thank them all for doing such a fine job. As we begin
the Summer, we look forward to the Federation AGM,
our field trip to Woodford, our Local History Training
Course in June (see page 18), and our ‘Landed Estates’
conference in July. Here’s to another successful year.
Ann O’Riordan, Chairperson.
Dunguaire Castle (Kinvara) by J Woods, 1830
Cumann Staire agus Seandálaíochta Oirdheisceart na Gaillimhe
The Irish Workhouse Centre and SEGAHS
The seasonal SEGAHS newsletters are published in part-
nership with the Irish Workhouse Centre - Portumna,
home of the society. The Workhouse is open until 31st
October 2017, with guided tours seven days a week from
09.30 to 17.00. For more information follow through
facebook, or visit www.irishworkhousecentre.ie/.
The Irish Workhouse Centre, Saint Brigid’s Road, Portumna, County Galway. 0909-759200
A centre for the Arts, Community, Education, History, and Tourism
Our Newsletters — A guide for members of the Federation of Local History Societies visiting Co Galway
Based out of the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, SEGAHS hosts six lectures - in the Spring and Autumn, and organises one ma-
jor field trip and one conference each year. The society also publishes seasonal newsletters and these have now been made available
free of charge at http://clonfert.org/download.htm. The contents of newsletters ranges from specific articles, to heritage news,
to our regular features including ‘Recommended Sources’, ‘Galwaymen at War’, and ‘What it says in the Papers’.
Volume 8 (Autumn / Winter 2011) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/segahs_nl_08_Autumn11.pdf
Family History Search by Dermot Cleary
Know Your Monuments (Portumna Priory, Mural Plaques, Vernacular Houses) by Christy Cunniffe
The Irish Workhouse Centre by Christy Cunniffe
The History of Ballinasloe Canal by James Scully
Volume 9 (Spring 2012) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/segahs_nl_09_spring12.pdf
Know Your Monuments (Fulacht Fiadh, Holy Trees, Lime Kiln) by Christy Cunniffe
The medieval and early modern parish church of Kiltormer by Christy Cunniffe
Biography of Fr. John Fahy – Radical Priest by Jim Madden
A recent find at Clonfert graveyard by Christy Cunniffe
Volume 10 (Summer 2012) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/segahs_nl_10_Summer%202012.pdf
Technical Education in Portumna - the early years by Paul Duffy
Know Your Monuments (Stepping Stone, Follies, Fohenagh, Kilconnell) by Christy Cunniffe
Clonfert Diocesan Photographic Survey and our Ecclesiastical Heritage by Declan Kelly
Letters from a traveller in the South: Republished from the Ulster Times by Christy Cunniffe
Banagher Bridge enquiry by James Scully
Volume 11 (Autumn / Winter 2012) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/segahs_nl_11_Autumn%2012.pdf
Laurence Arms at Meelick
Know Your Monuments (Souterrains, Standing Stones, Stone Circles, Loom) by Christy Cunniffe
The Rutherford Monument by Christy Cunniffe
Fr John Fahy Radical Republican & Agrarian Activist (1893-1969) by Declan Kelly
Volume 12 (Spring / Summer 2013) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/segahs_nl_12_Spring%2013.pdf
Dublin Evening Post 28th December 1802
For Queen and County – Galway Soldiers in the nineteenth century by Steve Dolan
Know Your Monuments (Barrows, Cultivation Ridges, Windmills and Querns) by Christy Cunniffe
The Battle of Saunders Fort by Brian Casey
The Medieval Parish Church of Tiranascragh by Christy Cunniffe
Volume 13 (Autumn / Winter 2013) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/SEGAHS%20Newsletter%20Autumn%202013.pdf
Funerary Art at Clonfert
The capturing of the Kellymount Gang at Woodford by Steve Dolan
Fr. Joseph Corcoran (1850 – 1919) and Fr. Dermot Corcoran (1911 – 1979) by Gerard Corcoran
The Secret Landscape of the Slieve Aughty by Kevin Cunningham
Update from Clonfert Tornado
Eighteenth Century Newspapers Reports by Steve Dolan
Notes on the Photograph taken at the Carmelite Abbey by Declan Kelly
Galway Women in the Great War by Steve Dolan
Volume 14 (Spring 2014) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/SEGAHS%20Newsletter%20Spring%202014%20V2.pdf
New Publications: Loughrea: A Parish History by Declan Kelly
More Eighteenth Century Newspapers by Steve Dolan
Occupational Headstones: Notes on Craughwell Memorials by Robert M Chapple
The Stout Rogues of Meelick
The Franciscan Abbey of Kilconnell by Michael Kilgannon
St Patrick’s Chair, Looscaun by Christy Cunniffe
Gaelic Ballinasloe by Adrian Martyn
The Wild Geese of South and East Galway in France by Steve Dolan
Volume 15 (Summer 2014) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/SEGAHS%20Newsletter%20Summer2014.pdf
Final Eighteenth Century Newspaper Reports by Steve Dolan
Please Remember, Don’t Forget - A Visit to the Irish Workhouse Centre by Aideen Madden
An Intriguing Headstone in Saint Thomas' Graveyard, Peterswell by Christy Cunniffe
The Churches and Graveyards of Killora and Killogilleen by Robert M Chapple
The Great Bishop of the West by Steve Dolan
South and East Galway Treasures Abroad by Steve Dolan
Volume 16 (Autumn / Winter 2014) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/SEGAHS%20Newsletter%20Autumn%202014.pdf
A brief history of Athenry Railway Station by Ronan Killeen
Ruling the Waves: South-East Galway Men in HM’s Navy and Marines by Steve Dolan
Reflecting on our Urban Past by Declan Kelly
The Derryoober Butter Well by Christy Cunniffe
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations by Patrick Meaney
A Hut Site at Alleendarra East by Christy Cunniffe
Volume 17 (Spring 2015) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/SEGAHS%20Spring%202015.pdf
Hunting Ned Kelly: The story of Michael Edward Ward by Michael Dolan
Postcards from the Edge: Abbey Row Athenry by Ronan Killeen
Ahascragh Fohenagh Soldiers 1800-1850 by Steve Dolan
The evolving archaeology in the Slieve Aughty uplands by Christy Cunniffe
SEGAHS in search of Galway’s Hay-wain
Volume 18 (Summer 2015) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/18.%20SEGAHS%20Summer%202015.pdf
The Western Sack & Bag Co. by Ronan Killeen
A Ballinasloe Native and Australian by Declan Kelly
Meelick Cross by Christy Cunniffe
Postcards from the Edge: Glentane House by Shane Ruane
Recommended Sources in Local History - The Reproductive Loan Fund by Steve Dolan
Galway: At home and abroad by Liam Moloney
What it says in the papers
Volume 19 (Autumn 2015) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/19.%20SEGAHS%20Autumn%202015.pdf
East Galway Agrarian Agitation by Ann O’Riordan
Black ’47, Esker by Ronan Killeen
A Family Divided: Clanmorris of Dunsandle and Clanricarde of Portumna by Steve Dolan
Postcards from the Edge: Main Street, Portumna
Recommended Sources in Local History - Enhanced Parliamentary Papers by Steve Dolan
Four Post-Medieval and Early-modern Treacy Funerary Monuments by Christy Cunniffe
What it says in the papers
Volume 20 (Winter 2015) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/20.%20SEGAHS%20Winter%202015.pdf
What it says in the Papers
Recommended Sources in Local History - Folklore Commission by Steve Dolan
GAA Heroes of Old - Ardrahan
Postcards from the Edge: Burkes of Colemanstown by The Burke Family
1916-2016 – Remembering the Rising in Co Galway
Volume 21 (Spring 2016) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/21.%20SEGAHS%20Spring%202016.pdf
Galwaymen at War by Marie Bennett
Recommended Sources in Local History - Flax Growers List by Steve Dolan
Postcards from the Edge: Johnstons, Kinvara by Eilish Kavanagh
The Galway Argentinians by Liam Moloney
GAA Heroes of Old - Loughrea
Athenry Post Office by Ronan Killeen
An Interesting Headstone by Christy Cunniffe
The Conmhaicne of Maenmaige by Adrian Martyn
Galway’s Real Hay-wain by Philip Keane
What it says in the Papers - Easter 1916
Volume 22 (Summer 2016) http://www.clonfert.org/DLOAD/22.%20SEGAHS%20Summer%202016.pdf
Still under a Green Flag by Liam Moloney
Recommended Sources in Local History - Journals and Magazines by Steve Dolan
GAA Heroes of Old - Meelick
Postcards from the Edge: Loughrea town by Julianne McDonagh
Galwaymen at War by Marie Bennett
Law and Order in Galway by Ronan Killeen
One Man’s Rising by Michael Howley
Portumna Bridge by John Joe Conwell
Knockbaun Children’s Burials by Christy Cunniffe
The RIC and the Rising by Philip Keane
Tales from the Workhouse
What it says in the Papers
Tales of the Workhouse... Analysis of 1901 Census of Ireland returns for Portumna Union Workhouse.
While research continues on the history of Portumna Workhouse in nineteenth century, in this newsletter we
are focusing on the early twentieth century. In the 1901 census there were a total of 118 people listed on
‘Form E’ – Return of Paupers in Workhouses, plus a further 5 people listed on ‘Form I’ – Return of Lunatics
and Idiots in Public Institutions and Private Lunatic Asylums i.e. those suffering from dementia etc. All the
inmates are identified simply by their initials.
Of the 118 inmates, 56 were male and 62 female, with ages ranging from a one year old baby girl to two men
aged 85 years old (both listed as general labourers). In total, 50 of the inmates were listed as being in the hos-
pital section of the workhouse. These inmates were suffering from various debilities including bronchitis,
rheumatism, and ulcers, albeit most are listed simply as ‘decrepit’.
Occupations
Of the 95 adults in the workhouse only 8 are listed
as ‘able’ and these are all female domestic servants
aged 27 to 38 (note that 2 of these women are also
listed as decrepit). There were 18 different profes-
sions for the inmates, with the vast majority (45%)
being domestic servants for females, and general
labourers (29%) for males, as shown in (right).
Children in the Workhouse
Of the 118 inmates, just 23 were children — aged
12 and under (11 male and 12 female). Of these, 3
were in the hospital (suffering from ‘abscess’, ‘hip
joint disease’ and ‘tretis’). Of the 23, almost half
(11) are listed as being born in the workhouse and
all children aged 8 years or over could read & write.
Education Excluding children, there was a 44% illiteracy rate though only 32% were fully literate. The following table
illustrates matters:
*The 14 children who cannot read are aged 7 and under
Language
The Irish language was reasonably strong with a fifth (19%) of inmates listed as speaking Irish and English.
Religion
Only two of the inmates are listed as Protestant (Church of England), with all others Roman Catholic includ-
ing all staff and the inmates of the lunatic ward.
Staff of the Portumna Union Workhouse
There were nine staff listed as ‘Officers in the Workhouse’, 2 men and 7 women, and residing at the work-
house on the night of Sunday 31st March 1901. Their specifics of the staff is as follows: Master: James Cos-
grave (35 years), Matron: Kate Shaughnessy (42), Schoolmistress: Bridget Coleman (45), Porter: John Wil-
liams (58), Nurse: Kate Burns (28), Nuns/Nurses: Lizzie Brown (54), Kate Fitzpatrick (52), Agnes Lynam
(40), Teresa Philips (27).
Men Women Children Total
Read & Write 16 15 7 38
Read 8 4 2 14
Cannot Read 21 31 14* 66
As we continue our series of arti-
cles focusing on the Great War,
in this edition we review the tra-
dition of men from Galway serv-
ing in the RAF (British Royal
Air Force) and its precursors.
Galwaymen in the Air
Michael Howley
On 23 January 1918, an Irish pilot
was shot down, apparently by
‘friendly fire’, over the skies of
Italy. His life and death have been
immortalised in a quartet of poems
by the nation’s greatest poet, how-
ever while much has been written
about Robert Gregory, especially
his sporting prowess, less high-
lighted is his career in the RAF, or
more correctly the RFC.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) only
came into being on 1 April 1918
when the Royal Flying Corps
(RFC) and the Royal Naval Air
Service (RNAS) were amalga-
mated, with personnel from both
these bodies transferring into
same. The RFC in particular had
already supported the army by ar-
tillery co-operation and by photo-
graphic reconnaissance.
These duties eventually drew RFC
pilots into aerial battles. Prior to
Gregory, RFC fatalities had in-
cluded Second Lieutenant L G
Darcy from Ballinamorebridge—
killed in France in December
1916. Darcy was shot down by the
Red Baron, Manfred von Rich-
thofen. Also killed in European
skies had been Major W A Grattan
-Bellew from Mountbellew, again
in France, in March 1917.
Surname Forename Birth Address Enlist
Belton John 1886 Claddagh, Galway 1914
Burke Michael 1864 Kilclonny, Ballinastoe 1914
Clancy John 1863 Claddagh, Galway 1914
Cloherty Albert Patrick 1891 Galway, Ireland 1914
Finnerty Joseph Michael 1875 St Peters, Galway 1914
Mullery Michael Patrick 1886 Ballmesloe, Galway 1914
Irwin Joseph 1895 Galway, Ireland 1915
Kerney Patrick 1884 Glenmarry, Galway 1915
Naughton Thomas Henry 1887 Galway, Ireland 1915
O'Neill Richard Mary 1894 Galway, Ireland 1915
Tansey James 1895 Gort, Galway 1915
Tiernan Luke Duffy 1888 Kilconnel, Galway 1915
Brereton John 1884 Tuam, Galway 1916
Coulson Frederick 1895 Monivea, Tuam 1916
Kelly Michael 1876 Galway, Ireland 1916
Murley John 1886 Abbey, Bally Gloonon 1916
Byles Albert James 1874 Connemara, Galway 1917
Crossen Joseph Phillip 1881 Athenry, Galway 1917
Kinneen Richard Benedict 1898 Galway, Ireland 1917
Mchugh Martin 1877 Galway, Ireland 1917
Whelan Patrick 1896 Baybeck, Clifden 1917
Anderson Thomas 1874 Galway, Ireland 1918
Armstrong Robert 1898 Headford, Galway 1918
Barrett John 1898 Roundshire, Clifden 1918
Beegan James 1898 Creagh, Galway 1918
Brennan Thomas 1894 Orannore, Galway 1918
Burgoyne Matthew 1899 Ballinashoe, Galway 1918
Burke Alick Mcwilliam 1892 Bolag, Galway 1918
Burke Martin 1870 Canaught, Galway 1918
Burns David 1874 Galway, Ireland 1918
Casey Stephen Thomas 1900 Longhrea, Galway 1918
Cassidy Thomas 1868 Galway West, Galway 1918
Cloherty Gerald Aloysius 1896 St Joseph, Galway 1918
Coen John 1895 St Nicholas, Galway 1918
Columby Peter 1894 Rotha, Portumna 1918
Comber David 1899 St. Josephs, Galway 1918
Connaughton Thomas 1899 Kilclomey, Ballinasloe 1918
Coursey Patrick 1899 Amey Esland, Clifden 1918
Coyne Stephen 1896 Ballinakill, Galway 1918
Creane John 1897 Salthill, Galway 1918
Cunnelly Denis 1872 Galway, Ireland 1918
Curley John 1886 Kilcluney, Ballinasloe 1918
Davis William 1897 Clipdin, Galway 1918
Dolan John 1901 Mountbellow, Galway 1918
Donelan Joseph 1900 Kilclooney, Ballinasloe 1918
Donnellan Patrick 1901 St Patricks, Galway 1918
Duffy John 1876 Eyrecoust, Galway 1918
Fahey James Martin 1897 Tuam, Galway 1918
Fahy John 1866 St Nicholas, Galway 1918
Fallon Patrick 1898 Dienmore, Galway 1918
Within days of the formation of
the RAF, a Galwayman would be
among its first causalities when
Lieutenant C C Betts from Recess
was killed in Greece on 18 April
1918. A month later, Second Lieu-
tenant G E Ffrench from Kilcon-
nell was killed — again in France.
These men have been remembered
over recent weeks and months but
little mention is reserved for those
behind the scenes, those who
worked to keep these planes in the
air, and those who survived.
In its various guises, Irishmen
were drawn to these flying, and in
the run-up to the Great War those
enlisting came from the far west
e.g. Kilronan’s G A J Streeter who
enlisted in 1910; and the far south
of the county e.g. Peterswell’s Jo-
seph O’Donnell who enlisted in
1913. And on the outbreak of the
Great War, enlistments exploded.
In terms of Co Galway as a whole,
at least one hundred men enlisted
in the British flying corps in the
1914-18 Great War period (see
listing of same, right). The average
age on enlisting was 28, much
higher than in the army or navy.
However some of those enlisting
had already served in one of those
forces so no conclusion can be
drawn from same. In addition, the
surge in enlistments during the war
years, both volunteers and con-
scription, is another factor.
The City provided both the oldest
and youngest men enlisting in
John Fahy and Samuel Monks, and
whilst close to a third of the men
were from the wider City region,
the largest town represented was
Ballinasloe which provided at least
a dozen men. Indeed, close to a
third of the men came from the
east of the county. An important
legacy worth reclaiming.
Surname Forename Birth Address Enlist
Finn William 1900 Kilclooney, Ballinasloe 1918
Finney William 1899 Cloufert, Galway 1918
Flaherty Patrick 1885 Kitronan, Arran Island 1918
Flanagan John Joseph 1874 Kinveard, Galway 1918
Gavin John 1898 Mountbellew, Yuam 1918
Gleeson Edward 1878 Kilronan, Galway 1918
Golding Robert 1901 Ballinasloe, Galway 1918
Halloran Owen 1900 Killanin, Galway 1918
Hannan Thomas Joseph 1871 Kilconley, Galway 1918
Harrold Thomas 1873 Clonbar, Galway 1918
Healy Patrick 1897 St Nicholess, Galway 1918
Hemphill Edward 1895 Ballyconry Cliffden 1918
Johnstone William Herbert 1887 Galway, Ireland 1918
Jones Thomas 1890 Galway, Ireland 1918
Keegan Peter 1900 Newton Smith, Galway 1918
Kelly Christopher 1899 Lis Cune, Woodlawn 1918
Kelly John 1871 Brilliso, Galway 1918
Kennedy John 1896 Woodford, Galway 1918
Kilderry Patrick 1899 Ballinastoe, Galway 1918
Laffey Thomas 1898 Claddagh, Galway 1918
Lynch Henry 1900 Knock, Galway 1918
McCracken Robert 1900 Ballyn Alench, Galway 1918
McDonagh John 1883 Galway, ireland 1918
McDonald James 1900 Fairview, Galway 1918
McDonnell Joseph 1900 Clifton, Galway 1918
McEvoy Keiran 1898 Derry, Eyre Court 1918
McLaughlan Patrick 1868 Derrybride, Galway 1918
McWilliams Arthur Gilbert 1900 Galway, Ireland 1918
Moglette Patrick Joseph 1891 Funs, Galway 1918
Molloy Patrick 1896 Rathroon, Galway 1918
Monaghan Patrick Joseph 1891 Donagh Patrick, Tuam 1918
Monks Samuel 1903 Claddagh, Galway 1918
Moran James Daniel 1877 Castle Town, Galway 1918
Mullery Robert Austin 1898 Galway, Ireland 1918
Murray Patrick 1895 Ballenamore, Ballenadac 1918
Nicholson Walter 1873 Dunmore, Galway 1918
O'Brien Patrick 1875 Galway, Ireland 1918
O'Connor John 1871 Ballinasloe, Galway 1918
O'Reilly Michael Joseph 1900 Loughsea, Galway 1918
O'Shaughnessey John Thomas 1900 Rahoon, Galway 1918
Pryce Martin 1883 Omagh, Clifden 1918
Rafferty Michael 1869 Glenmaddy, Galway 1918
Ruane Stephen 1900 Cong, Ballinrabe 1918
Ryan James Joseph 1887 Eyrecourt, Galway 1918
Shields Patrick 1876 Dunmore, Galway 1918
Sparks William James 1898 Rathmuir, Galway 1918
Sweeney Edward 1885 Old Road, Tuams 1918
Tierney John 1899 Barna, Galway 1918
Villiers Arthur William 1900 Kilconnell, Galway 1918
Williams Patrick 1901 Ballinasloe, Galway 1918
Portumna: A Galway Parish by the Shannon
Our own John Joe Conwell’s latest book, Portumna: A Galway
parish by the Shannon, was launched in Portumna Community
School by Connacht rugby captain, John Muldoon, back in April.
The book is the culmination of five years of research and runs to
almost 900 pages, with a corresponding number of images. It is
divided into seventeen chapters and deals with all aspects of the
parish’s history from earliest records, to later news and views.
The early chapters examine the local landscape, field monuments
and first settlers in the area. The significance of Lough Derg and
the River Shannon, as well as the contribution of the hugely pow-
erful Clanricardes to the development of Portumna is explored.
The Big Houses and their owners, dominated by Portumna Castle
and the Clanricardes, are given extensive coverage while land ac-
quisition, agrarian strife and the Land War of the 19th century in
the area command a substantial number of pages.
The topics of religion and education in the parish feature largely in
the book, while a chapter is dedicated to local farming. The history
of the ‘Stolen Railway’ that ran from Parsonstown (Birr) to Por-
tumna is also afforded a chapter.
Two chapters are devoted to the impact of the Great Famine locally and to Portumna Workhouse which served
the needs of Portumna Poor Law Union for over seventy years. The development of the town in the first half of
the twentieth century and its subsequent advancement is given ample coverage.
Finally, the significant contribution of voluntary organisations is acknowledged in a chapter that also includes
commentary on key individuals and organisations who have contributed to music, entertainment, and cultural
activities in the parish. There is also a special extended chapter on sport. Highly recommended.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED is the website of Galway Community Archaeology. There you can browse
through an extensive collection of local historical and archaeological material. This includes photos, old docu-
ments, and also the priceless local knowledge shared by local people across the county.
The Field Monument Advisor, our own Dr Christy Cunniffe, liaises with monument owners and occupiers, local
authorities, and other agencies on the condition of ancient monuments, advising them on appropriate manage-
ment measures, and assisting in the preparation of management plans.
The Advisor identifies priorities for management action by the relevant bodies and, as specifically directed by
the local authority’s Heritage Officer and the Steering Group, recommends and negotiates management agree-
ments, or provides advice in the context of relevant agri-environment schemes.
In the first of a two-part series on the War of Independence, Philip Keane chronicles attacks on the RIC
in Co Galway.
Attacking the Barracks: A chronology of attacks on the Galway RIC, 1920-21—Part 1 Philip Keane
This article seeks to offer a chronology of attacks in the immediate vicinity of RIC barracks and focuses on RIC
constables. It is not intended as a social history - there are many fine publications already available.1 And by de-
sign, no names of combatants are mentioned and the later incompatible testimonies of IRA volunteers and RIC
constables on engagements are distilled to bare facts, and consistent details, in as much as was possible.2
The Beginnings
As so often referenced, the same day that Dáil Éireann met for the first time, 21 January 1919, the IRA am-
bushed an RIC patrol at Soloheadbeag in Co. Tipperary killing two constables. Thus commenced the War for
Independence. By then, the role of policing had evolved somewhat into a role of protection for the landed class
which often required ‘Protection Posts’ to be erected on landed estates.3 This was not what many RIC men had
signed up for—most Policemen were Catholic, from the ‘labouring class’, and sought only to apply the law.
By late 1919, with the explosion in support for republicans who were flexing their military strength,4a and with
the RIC under political pressure, relations worsened.5a In October 1919, the sergeant at Kiltormer received a
threatening letter that he would soon meet the same fate as the sergeant at Lorrha who had just been murdered.5a
This would be one of countless such notices and warnings issued by the IRA in this period. In response, Sinn
Féin meetings were forcibly broken-up, as at Ballinasloe.
In one of the first notable disturbances in the Galway East area, Tynagh Police Barracks was forced to close to
repair damage, albeit it was reopened in September 1919.6a In Galway West district, following a summer attack
on Loughgeorge Barracks, Maam Barracks was attacked with gun-fire exchanged in November 1919;6b while
back east that was followed by a bomb attack on Menlough Barracks on Christmas night.
The bomb attack had followed the arrest of a local Sinn Féin leader after which nine, apparently random, arrests
were made. Ominously for the RIC, police reports noted that the ‘attacks appear to have been delivered with
greater determination and skill than heretofore’.5a Tanks were driving through the streets of Galway City in a
show of force by authorities, and the Eglinton Street Barracks was sand-bagged.6c
The relationship between the police and much of the public continued to deteriorate and so resignations and re-
tirements were inevitable. There were relatively few new Irish-born recruits nationally in this period. Those who
did apply were intimidated and told to ‘stop or prepare for death’ as with one candidate at Athenry.5b Close to a
fifth of the force would resign by the following summer.
Spring 1920: Attacking Barracks
In the west, 1920 started in the same vein as 1919 ended, with attacks on the barracks at Roundstone, and at Cas-
tlehackett where an RIC man was shot.4b Elsewhere, in separate incidents, two Galway-born RIC men were
killed in Tipperary. The attempted blowing up of Oughterard Police followed in February 1920.6d
After Kiltormer was abandoned in February, the national headline ‘Gelignite in Turf’ reported on an explosion
at Ballynagar Barracks which saw two young men from Abbey arrested.6e A planned IRA ambush at nearby Da-
lystown was abandoned, with the police lucky to avoid same. Heeding the warning, Dalystown barracks was
also abandoned and then burnt-out by the IRA. The month of March saw another Galway-born constable killed,
this time in Cork; and a land agent killed in Athenry – the latter killing apparently being over a land dispute.
Riverville barracks in Kilconieron was next to be abandoned and burnt in April, as was Monivea. Tynagh Bar-
racks was also burnt, with the wife of the sergeant being ‘ejected’.4c The burning of Woodford courthouse also
made the headlines.1d Attacks continued further west, including a long attack at Castlegrove near Tuam,1e while
another Galway-born constable was killed this time in Co Kerry.
While the British authorities had initially been content to ridicule the Sinn Féin government; growing alarm at
its increasing authority prompted attempts to curb its activities by making wholesale arrests. Part of the Sinn
Féin campaign to undermine British control, and in effect RIC control, was the establishment of Sinn Féin courts
and then police. The judgements of these republican courts were enforced, albeit sporadically, by the ‘Irish Re-
publican Police’. Their very existence was important in the campaign to further ostracise the RIC.
Connacht Tribune, 1 May 1920 Connacht Tribune, 26 June 1920
Summer 1920: Burning Barracks
There were now two police forces, often applying the same laws, though in varying and fractured manners. The
official force, increasingly disliked and ineffectual; and the ‘raw’ Sinn Féin alternative; sometimes supported,
but also feared. The dual-policing was evident for example in July 1920 when the local Sinn Féin Police in-
spected licensed premises and kept order in the town of Loughrea, at a time when the RIC were also on duty.
RIC Policemen were now being ‘engaged’ regularly, including in June when the Head Constable was wounded
at Castletaylor (Ardrahan). In the west, Leenane Barracks was attacked;6h with the abandoned barracks at
Loughgeorge burnt down. In the east, Borrisokane over the border from Portumna was burned; and after another
aborted attack,7 Moyvilla was burnt down.4d There was also an aborted attack on the RIC, this time at Craugh-
well.7 The IRA had also begun to attack mail deliveries in order to gain intelligence.4e
A further escalation of activities saw Bookeen Barracks burned by the IRA on the night of 1 July 1920. Local
and national newspapers headlined ‘Fighting in Flames - Thirteen hour rescue of besieged Police’4f and ‘Fierce
Fight in Galway’.6i The attack was significant as it was the first barracks in Galway destroyed in a ‘full’ direct
engagement, and only the second nationally after Roscarbery in Cork.7
The British government had, by now, responded by sending ex-soldiers known as ‘Black and Tans’ in reference
to their uniforms, partly in response to the failure to recruit locally and partly in order to respond more aggres-
sively. Backed-up by Auxiliary soldiers, what followed was a hellish period in Irish / Galway history and one
which afflicts British-Irish relations to the present day.
The RIC were now forced to retrench to bigger and more secure barracks, very often following aborted attacks
on smaller barracks. In one fortnight in mid-July, the barracks at Gurtymadden, Aughrim following an engage-
ment, Woodlawn, Ballinaga, New Inn, and Looscaun were torched in ‘a burning trail’ in east Galway.4g Other
barracks were damaged and there were five other ‘general’ attacks on the RIC referenced in the newspapers.5c
Police reports confirmed they were ‘boycotted and found it difficult to obtain fuel except by commandeering…
and impossible to hire equipment’.5c This was certainly the case in Athenry while, somewhat bizarrely, Sinn
Féin took over the vacated police barracks at Moylough.8 In Ballinasloe meanwhile, people were warned to stop
drawing turf for the RIC ‘at the point of a revolver’.4h ‘Policing’ had taken on a distinctly military nature.1f
In the western district, the barracks at Kinvara, Shrule, Williamstown, Kilkerrin (Clifden), and Letterfrack were
all burnt; with Roundstone vacated.4g RIC reports stated frankly that ‘the life of the police [was] barely bearable.
They were boycotted and shunned and dogged by external interference. Intimidation was everywhere and the
coming of winter and the long dark nights, favourable to the operations of armed gangs, are dreaded’.5a A
‘Resignations and Retirements’ section was now a regular feature in newspapers.
RIC men were ambushed at Gort, Kilcolgan, and Caltra before the shooting dead of two RIC men near Dun-
more. For each attack, the RIC responded with force; in the case of the latter, burning much of the town of
Tuam. On July 17th, the Connacht Tribune rather dramatically headlined ‘All Police Stations in the County Al-
most Destroyed’.4g The conduct of the police nationally and in Co Galway had become particularly brutal with
reprisals often misdirected, notably at Caltra. Meanwhile, in June and July of 1920, in protest at the atrocities,
the Connaught Rangers mutinied in India. All the while barracks continued to be destroyed at home.6j
In August, matters ‘settled’ somewhat in Galway East though some barracks continued to be attacked and a con-
stable was kidnapped (he was released and promptly resigned).5c In the west, in reprisal for the killing of an RIC
constable and the wounding of two others at Roscam; a public house was bombed-out apparently by the police.
The number of stations in the west had ‘reduced from 60 to 20 and wide areas were without police and under the
control of Sinn Féin [with] its own courts’.5c
The following month, in reprisal for the shooting dead of a detective at Galway Railway Station, two members
of the IRA were killed. While newspapers like the Connacht Tribune attempted to plot a neutral path in terms of
coverage; the Galway Express was now openly republican. Among its headlines, reflecting its view on the com-
peting police forces, were ‘Raids by British Police and Military in Tuam’ and ‘Republican Police Arrested by
British force in Carraroe’.8 The Express would pay the ultimate price for its stance...
To be continued in our Autumn edition. See same for footnotes.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grave Matters: Parish clergy in Clonfert diocese and intramural burial Declan Kelly
Up until the end of the nineteenth century, parish clergy were generally granted intramural interment (within
their churches), either in the sanctuary or in a side-chapel. The practice of intramural interment for senior clergy
was permitted from the time of the Council of Mainz (AD 813) and had become an almost uniform procedure
from the thirteenth century. For Irish Roman Catholic clergy, this was all the more acute from the advent of the
Penal laws with few other options available for burial places. Hence, we find Archdeacon Garrett Lorcan and his
predecessor Fr Tadhg Kenney interred within the old Penal chapel at Creagh, Ballinasloe. Where we find Clon-
fert clergy interred within churchyards up until the mid-nineteenth century, it seems to be an indication that they
came from within that community and had expressed a preference to be buried near or with family members.
Some instances include Canon Luke Dignam (Taughmaconnell),1 Canon John Macklin (Loughrea) and Fr Tho-
mas Walsh (Killimor). Similarly Rev John M`Keigue PP Cappatagle is interred beside his uncle Canon James
M`Keigue in Killalaghton cemetery. Both came from Ballydonnellan in Cappatagle parish.
Choice of burial place was invariably governed by custom which under the canons of the Council of Trent (and
its successor the 1917 Code of Canon Law) was established if immemorial.2 The last intramural interments of
which I am aware in Clonfert diocese were those of Fr Patrick Costello, PP Woodford and Msgr James Madden,
PP Tynagh, both in 1901. While the advent of timber and cement floors in parish churches made these kind of
burials impractical and costly, the 1917 Code of Canon Law put a complete end to the custom by instructing in
Canon 1205 that “In churches bodies shall not be buried except those of residential bishops, abbots or prelates
nullius3 in their own churches, or of the Roman Pontiff, royal personages and Cardinals”. Canon 1209 still en-
joined distinction stating “The burial place for priests and clerics should, where it can be done, occupy a space,
separate from the laity, in the more prominent part of the cemetery; moreover, where it can be conveniently so
arranged, a place should in this space be set apart for priests, and another for inferior ministers of the Church”.
This injunction marks the point from which we find parochial clergy interred in dedicated zones of church pre-
cincts though there is the occasional distinction. Interestingly, all of these cases involve men reputed to have had
strongly independent minds. Thus, Fr John P Heenan was interred with his family in Creagh cemetery, Balli-
nasloe in 1931, Fr Martin Tuohy PP New Inn in Gurtagana cemetery in his native Looscaun in 1946, and Fr
Martin Leahy (who died in 1944) interred in Meelick cemetery among his parishioners and with his nephew Fr
PJ Leahy who predeceased him by a year.
In seeking out the graves of clergy who died before churches proper were built, one must remember that they
may be interred in the earlier chapel and there may be no remaining evidence of the burial. Fr Gerald Dillon died
in 1861 and was interred in the chapel erected by his uncle, Archdeacon Laurence Dillon, in Creagh. When Rev
Dr Egan was surveying the chapel in the late 1950s, there was a broken white marble plaque to Gerald Dillon`s
memory. There is now no trace of it.4 When Church of the Assumption in Killoran was being built from 1953-
54, six brick-lined graves were found in the sanctuary of the older church.5 These most likely belonged to priests
but no one can not say who exactly.6 In point of fact, out of 140 clergy ordained for Clonfert diocese from 1800-
1900, I can only account for the graves of 98. The demolition of old chapels for replacement by churches proper
in the nineteenth century and the Post-Conciliar re-ordering of churches best account for the loss of memorials
and wall-plaques. Sources have little to say on the ritual for intramural burial of clergy and when Fr Malachy
Green, PP Killimor, was being laid to rest in 1881, newspapers noted that “At the conclusion of the High Mass
the Most Rev Dr Duggan pronounced the absolution at the bier, and the remains, which had been in the church
since the previous evening, were lowered into a place prepared for them in front of the Virgin`s Altar”.7
I am only aware of clergy being exhumed and their remains re-interred on five occasions in Clonfert diocese: the
closure of the Pro-Cathedral8 in Loughrea prompted the re-interment of seven clergy in Garrybreeda cemetery;
the closure of old Duniry Church prompted the removal of the remains of Fr James M`Keigue to the mortuary
chapel in the newer church; the closure of Gurraun chapel in Tynagh parish prompted the re-interment of the
remains of a number of clergy to the rear of St Lawrence`s Church; the demolition of the old chapel in Fahy par-
ish preparatory to the building of Our Lady, Consoler of the Afflicted Church prompted the re-interment of the
remains of Rev Tomas Coen, Thomas Ryan and Cornelius Mahon; the removal of the remains of Monsignor
Thomas Burke and Timothy Joyce in 2007 to the precincts of the present St Brigid`s Church in Portumna.
I was present, in my capacity as diocesan archivist, at the exhumations of Monsignori Burke and Joyce on 27th
July, 2007 and while it was a slightly macabre occasion it was nonetheless a fascinating insight into an ecclesi-
astical burial practice that went back to the days of the Byzantine Empire. Msgr Burke had been interred to the
front of the High Altar in the old St Brigid`s Church. When his grave was uncovered (under the supervision of
the Department of the Environment), we found that he had been buried in a grave lined with yellow brick up to a
height of about four feet with a timber-slab covering. This reflected the Byzantine form of burial9 with shallow
graves lined with bricks and a covering of tiles.10 As the remains were respectfully placed in new coffins, Fr
Brendan Lawless PP recited prayers from the modern ritual for the dead while I opted to simultaneously recite
the De Profundis as it was in keeping with the rituals that prevailed at the time of both burials. © Declan Kelly
References
1. Clonfert diocese had a chapter of canons until the death of Archdeacon Dillon in 1854 after which Bishop Derry appointed no suc-
cessor to Dillon as Archdeacon. The last canon of the Clonfert chapter died in 1872
2. The 1983 Code of Canon Law states that custom only attains the force of law if observed for 30 continuous years
3. Prelates nullius are territorial bishops or bishops without jurisdiction
4. Archdeacon Dillon`s chapel in Creagh developed a serious list in the east-gable wall in the 1950s and the upper portions were pulled
down in the early 1960s. Presumably the plaque found itself amongst the debris
5. Church of the Assumption replaced the chapel of 1837 which according to tradition was itself built on the site of the pre-
Reformation church. It is therefore impossible to date the burials
6. Killoran was an autonomous parish until 1809. Its present sister parish, Mullagh, was united with Kilreekil at the same time due to
“Ob causam paupertatis” - the cause being poverty.
7. Freeman`s Journal 13/7/1881
8. Now Kilboy`s Funeral Home
9. Rautman, M. Daily Life in the Byzantine Empire. The Greenwood Press (2006). P.11
10. Up to the 1990s, the slabs covering the tombs of Archdeacon Dillon & Bishop Costello were in place in the old chapel in Creagh.
What it says in the papers... Galway at a Crossroads
In the aftermath of the Rising
and the ongoing failures at the
front in the Great War, the
county and country was in a
state of social and political
flux—captured in the news
articles from the time.
While many Volunteers were
now fighting on the continent,
and some with different poli-
tics had ‘risen’ in 1916, others
still had not chosen their path.
All the while the threat of con-
scription loomed.
Pictured right is the Galway
Express, 2 June 1917 carrying
two very different articles—
one referencing the independ-
ence of the country, the other
supporting the troops in the
Great War.
The story of this era is cap-
tured in two new exhibitions
in the Irish Workhouse Centre
titled ‘From Colonial State to
Free State – What they Said’
and ‘From the archives, 1916:
revolution and recollection’.
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Shepherdess of County Galway
Following on from our piece on ‘Near Garbally’, we have contin-
ued to receive images of and about Co Galway and the attaching
painting has been forwarded by Thomas Sharkey with our thanks.
Pictured is ‘The Shepherdess of County Galway’ by Offaly artist
Charles Jervas (1675-1739) showing a beautiful Shepherdess wearing
a country dress and holding a staff alongside a lamb.
The painting (oil on canvas) was completed c.1715 after Jervas’ return
from the continent. Jervas was an immensely popular artist who was
commissioned by many of London’s elite including the monarchy.
It is not known who the Shepherdess, or more specifically the model,
was; however it goes without saying that the attire was not that of the
typical West of Ireland ‘Shepherdess’.
As for Jervas, he was also a successful translator and is recognised for
his translation of Don Quixote. His paintings of friends Jonathan Swift
and Alexander Pope hang in the British National Portrait Gallery.
Three years ago, at a fair some miles from Portumna, two clans arranged a meeting a month beforehand.
It was a matter of revenging an old man insulted by a young one. There were fifty against fifty. Troops
arrived when one side was in fight. – Coquebert de Monbret, 1791.
Faction Fighting John Joe Conwell
Faction fighting was a phenomenon unique to late eighteenth and
early nineteenth century Ireland. These fights were highly structured
and took place between members of a particular family, clan, name-
sake, townland, parish or barony. This practice of faction fighting ap-
parently originated in Co Tipperary c.1805, and gradually spread to
other regions of the country. Faction fights would take place on the
streets of towns, in market places or at cross-roads and were some-
times held at races, funerals or patterns (i.e. parish feast days). The
Fair Green at Newbridge by the Kilcrow river was a noted venue for
such fights. The faction could involve hundreds or even thousands of
members and fights to the death were not uncommon. Women also
played their part either by actively participating or by supporting their
men folk and tending to the injured.
The cause of the fights was often due to name-calling, insults, old feuds, or disputes over land. The people had
such a lack of faith in the law that they often preferred to settle differences without involving the police, who
often ignored such activities. The fights were rarely for political or sectarian reasons and some fought simply for
the love of fighting. The consumption of alcohol often contributed to the onset of such activities. Stones,
scythes, swords, as well as the sticks of the blackthorn, ash or holly were the principal weapons used in faction
fighting. The whitethorn stick was not used because it led to blood poisoning and wounds took longer to heal.
A special stick, a ‘loaden butt’, with lead inserted at its thicker end, was sometimes used. The skill of stick-use
was imparted by special trainers attached to schools of instruction. Guns were sometimes used and injuries were
often severe. A fatal outcome resulted from a ferocious fight at a fair in Borrisokane on 26 June 1829 in which
six men were killed and twenty one injured including four women. When the police, on horseback, intervened
they were attacked by both factions who chased them as they retreated. Subsequently, four people were shot
dead and a number of others were killed at the funeral of one of the victims.
Each faction had its own name and a distinct faction cry. The fight usually began after some incitement by an
opposing faction. The fighting was either one-to-one single combat or general fighting. It might continue for
some hours and was brought to an end only by victory for one side or the other, by the onset of darkness, or oc-
casionally by police interference. Once the fight was over no grudge was held, with opponents often working the
land together until the same day on the following year. Some landlords encouraged faction fighting as they be-
lieved it was better for the Irish peasantry to fight among themselves rather than unite in a common cause.
This policy continued until the appointment of Thomas Drummond as Under Secretary at Dublin Castle in
1836—he railed against such activity. In the second half of the nineteenth century faction fighting began to de-
cline due to the efforts, among others, of the local priests who tried discourages such practices. In addition,
gaelic games, particularly hurling, allowed rival parishes to engage in combat in a more civilized fashion.
Pictured is a sketch of ‘Irish Faction Fights’ by J E Timbrill from ‘The Journal of civilization’ by the Society for the Advancement of Civilization’ (1841, London), p.57.
Recommended Sources in Local History
In this edition we are focusing on the legal papers associated with land, estates, and individual properties. Com-
bined with other sources, these record-types are invaluable in chronicling the economic and social change.
A rich source for local historians are maps and tenant
details from estate records, though sadly few of these are
available to view on-line beyond a broad list of the col-
lection (many for Galway are available in the NLI or in
NUIG). However maps and details of Co Galway estates
which came before the Encumbered Estates Court in the
decade or two following the famine are available on
‘pay’ websites. An example is the Dolphin estate of
Bushfield, Loughrea (right). By 1856, five million acres
had been sold off and while the sales did allow for a new
class of landlord, there was little or no protection for the
tenants. From a research perspective, records are avail-
able in terms of the names of tenants, the size of their
holdings, and often maps of the estates.
Pictured right is a deed related to a Public House in
Glentane, near Castleblakeney (regular readers can refer
to our Summer 2015 edition—volume 18). The owner
of Glentane Inn at this time was Garet Ruan and his
name and signature appears on a deed confirming the
lease of lands at ‘Killmude, Mount Hazel’ between
James & Hugh Kelly and Malachy Kelly of Lismoyle,
Co Roscommon. The deed dated 29th November 1773,
is witnessed: ‘Garrett Ruane of Glantane in the County
of Galway, Publican, aged upwards of 40 years’.
The Registry of Deeds was established in 1708 to pro-
vide voluntary registration for deeds and conveyances.
While original deeds are not retained, a synopsis of the
deed (called a memorial) is filed. These memorials were
also fully transcribed and copied into books.
Next is a land registry folio (right). Since 1892 details of
all transactions on registered land are recorded on folios
by the land registry. While the deeds behind the regis-
trations may only be inspected by certain people, the
land registry website can be viewed to trace ownership.
The various property records referenced above does not include the often rich source that are individual estate
papers. These will be covered in detail in an upcoming edition of ‘Recommended Sources...’.
If you have a heritage-related article or query that you would like to share with the society, we would be happy to
hear from you. You can contact us at [email protected], or by visiting our facebook page at www.facebook.com/
SEGAHS, by following us on twitter @SEGAHSIreland, or by coming to one of our lectures or field trips.
Galwaymen at War Marie Bennett
In this edition in our series, we focus on battles in Italy, the Philippines, Afghanistan, and Virginia. SEGAHS would
again like to commend the work done by Eoghan Ó Hannracháin who has written extensively on the Wild Geese in
French colours, and also our colleagues in Tuam (http://www.tuamfamilyhistories.com/soldiers/wild_geese_b.htm).
315 Years Ago
On 1 February 1702 the Battle of Cremona (Italy) between France
and Austria took place during the ‘War of Spanish Succession’.
Hundreds of Irishmen fought in French ranks that day, including
Galway’s David Horan (Dillon Regiment), in what was ultimately an
indecisive encounter. Horan would later have his right arm ampu-
tated after being shot in subsequent fighting in Italy. It was while
fighting in the Tyrol that Horan, who had been a Weaver at home,
received his wounds. He did recover however, and he died at
Mariembourg on the 4th April 1729. Pictured right is an unattributed
painting titled ‘Cremona, 1702’.
255 Years Ago
The Battle of Manila (Philippines) took place on 6 October 1762
during the Seven Years War when outnumbered Spanish troops were
defeated by Great British forces. Among the Spanish infantry in Ma-
nila was Captain Dionisio O’Kelly Burke (b.1732) from Lisduff, Co
Galway. Manila was one of the most important trading cities in Asia
and the British (and East India Company) wanted to expand their
reach and power. The city would remain under British control for 18
months, until returned to Spain in April 1764 under the Treaty of
Paris. O’Kelly-Burke was later admitted to the Order of Santiago (in
1772). Pictured is ‘A View of Cape Espirito in the Philippines, with
British and Spanish ships at war’ by George Anson.
175 Years Ago
The Siege and Battle of Jellalabad (13 April 1842) saw an Afghan
force of five thousand lay siege to modern Jalalabad, held by 1,500
Anglo-Indian troops, for five months. Among several Galwaymen in
British ranks was Sergeant John Cooney from Carrabane, Loughrea.
He and his comrades in the 13th Regiment of Foot surprised the Af-
ghan forces with a desperate counter-attack securing an unlikely vic-
tory. Following their triumph, the 13th marched back through India
and then Britain with every garrison firing a ten gun salute in their
honour. Pictured is the iconic painting ‘Remnants of an Army’ by
Elizabeth Thompson
155 Years Ago
The 8 March 1862 saw the sinking of the USS Cumberland by the
CSS Virginia at Newport News, Virginia, during the American Civil
War. Well over a hundred men were lost, but among the survivors
was Galway’s John Carr - after making a half-mile swim to shore.
Captain Carr had arrived in Boston at the end of the Famine in 1850
(in his eleventh year) and had enlisted in the Navy prior to the out-
break of the war. A truly remarkable character, Carr fought in many
battles on sea and land, and had previously fought in the capture of
Fort Sumter in April 1861. The last living survivor of the Cumber-
land, Carr died of pneumonia at Charlestown in 1913, aged 74. Pic-
tured is a coloured lithograph of the sinking by Currier and Ives.
Postcards from the Edge
This edition’s contribution is a religious-flavoured postcard from
the north of the county, and comes courtesy of Helen Varley. It is
titled ‘Kneeling Corpus Christi Procession at Headford, Co Gal-
way, 1908’ and depicts that once familiar religious festival.
The Feast of Corpus Christi, sometimes known as the Feast of the
Body of Christ, is celebrated on the eighth Thursday after Easter
and commemorates the ritual of the Eucharist. It remains a very
significant event in the Catholic calendar.
Among the customs, which originated during the Middle Ages,
were pageants and processions, often taking place on the follow-
ing Sunday. Pictured right is a Tuam Herald article from 5 June
1915, detailing the efforts to mark the event in Tuam town.
The School’s Folklore Collection in 1937-38 also has rich references to the importance of the annual feast with one,
from Kilkerrin again in the north of the county (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4623001/4622501), including the say-
ing ‘On Corpus Christi, if you have not meat take the ear of your god parents, so the old saying used to say’.
Thank you to everyone for continuing to send us postcards, we promise to get to them all eventually. We’re attempt-
ing to spread the images geographically. Our next ‘Postcard from the Edge’ comes from Killimor.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Workhouse Wins National Heritage Award
Each year the Heritage Council presents four na-
tional heritage awards under the categories
‘Reaching Out’, ‘Hidden Heritage’, ‘Heritage
Hero’, and ‘Cool for Kids’.
On February 22nd last, the Irish Workhouse Cen-
tre won the main ‘Reaching Out’ award in recog-
nition of their Heritage Week 2016 programme of
events, some of which partnered with SEGAHS.
Pictured is Acting Chair of the Heritage Council
Michael Parsons, Minister Heather Humphreys
with Steve Dolan from the Irish Workhouse Cen-
tre / SEGAHS.
GAA Heroes of Old - Killimordaly
On 23 May 1914 the Tuam Herald reported on Killimordaly vs
Tuam St Jarlaths, a fixture which resulted in an objection. Indeed,
Killimordaly went on to win the 1914 Junior Crown (North Board).
Pictured left is the Killimordaly North Board
Junior Champions side of 1914, as follows
Back Row: Joe Hanlon, Sonnie Dilleen, Tommie
Hawkins, Bill Duffy, John Creaven.
Middle Row: Pat Hanlon, Tom Cannon, Tom
Connaire, Joe Keating, Tom Gilligan.
Front Row: Sean Cannon, Eddie Burke, Sonny
Lawless, Willie Kelly, Bob Lawless.
Absent: Michael Hanlon (captain).
Our thanks to Deirdre O’Connor for both the im-
age and detail on this club.
Images of the Past… the Police Papers
The picture top left comes from the Illustrated Police News (IPN) of 15 July 1882 and depicts a fatality of the Land
War in Loughrea that summer when a land agent for Lord Clanricarde, John Henry Blake, and his servant Thady Ru-
ane were killed on 29 June. Blake was said to be guilty of ‘rack-renting’ i.e. raising rent in order to keep a larger por-
tion for himself. The shootings brought to five the number killed in that immediate locality in one year, and to eight
killed in the wider area. While 21 arrests were made, and it was suggested individuals from Raruddy townland (just
outside Loughrea) were responsible, no one was ever prosecuted.
The sketch, top right, comes from the IPN of 9 August 1884 and concerns the murder by Thomas Parry of his ex-
girlfriend Alice Byrnes/Burns. According to one of the newspaper reports, Parry enjoyed a whiskey and then sun-
stroke caused him to go insane and shoot the victim several times. In reality, it appears he was a deranged lover who
tried to take his own life also. Some newspapers reported noted that Alice's step-father George Mack disproved of her
marriage to Parry, with the consistent theme being that she found a better suitor. Parry was convicted and executed.
IWC (IRISH WORKHOUSE CENTRE) UPDATES
Since the publication of our Spring edition, the Irish Workhouse Centre
hosted the ‘Taste of Portumna’ biodiversity and food festival, and the ‘Eaten
Bread’ history conference – on Friday and Saturday, March 10th and 11th.
In addition to the biodiversity focus, the centre provided a forum for local
food producers to exhibit their wares (top right). The event was a huge suc-
cess and the local community having enhanced pride in their local produce.
The conference (right) was also a great success, with the focus of same being
on Ireland’s evolving biodiversity, and on the history of food production and
preparation. The breadth of the archaeology of food was also discussed.
The conference speakers were Margaret Hickey, Clodagh Doyle, Rosanne
Meenan, John Tierney, Mary Bulfin, and Noel Leahy. A legacy of the con-
ference is the ongoing exhibition provided by Dr Christy Cunniffe.
In April, the IWC launched their 2017 Exhibitions with a visit by Minister
Sean Canney (right), pictured with Steve Dolan (SEGAHS, IWC), Mary
Healy (IWC), Damian O’Connor (Historian), and Christy Cunniffe (GCC).
‘From Colonial State to Free State – What they Said…’ is an exhibition
which includes documents illustrating an extraordinary period in Ireland’s
history—the years proceeding and succeeding the Easter Rising.
‘From the archives, 1916: Revolution and Recollection’ – this exhibition
relates to the events or people involved in the 1916 Easter Rising in Galway.
Our thanks to Galway County Archivist Patria McWalter for the exhibitions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May
19/05/2017 – Friday – Launch of the County Fleadh at the Workhouse
The Workhouse will host events all weekend (the recent visit of Comhaltas is
pictured bottom right). For more, visit http://www.galwayfleadh.ie/
June
03/06/2017 to 08/07/2017—Local History Training Course
SEGAHS are proud to partner with the Irish Workhouse Centre in providing
a six-week training course on local history. This GRETB-supported course is
targeted heritage groups, tourist providers, or those interested in becoming
local historians. The course will be given over six Saturdays in June-July, at
11:30am each Saturday, starting on June 3rd in the Irish Workhouse Centre.
See http://irishworkhousecentre.ie/visitor-info/ed
09/06/2017 to 11/06/2017 – Workhouse Fit for Fun Festival
Includes a heritage conference on the waterways, Lego event for children,
exploration dome, and countless events for families. For more information,
visit http://irishworkhousecentre.ie/events/
July
08/07/2017 – Conference on the History of the Big House and Estate
See http://irishworkhousecentre.ie/segahs-conference/
August
19/08/2017 to 27/08/2017 – Heritage Week at the Workhouse
In a record number of events anywhere, the Workhouse have organised 27
activities, or 3 per day. The Workhouse will host nine events, organise and
deliver nine events off-site, and produce nine different publications. For
more, see http://irishworkhousecentre.ie/heritage-week-2017/.
Poems of Old - The Clostoken Heroes from one hundred years ago
The United Irish League (UIL) were active throughout East Galway at the beginning of the twentieth century.
UIL branches would meet regularly to unite the cause for tenants, as the Land League had decades before. Some
parts of the county were rife with agitation notwithstanding the passing of the various land acts. Throughout
1907-08 ‘Cattle Driving’ intensified, notably around Loughrea e.g. in Clostoken (Kilconickny) parish.
In the summer of 1907 Martin Connolly from Cloonoo; Martin Quinn and John Keary from Cahertinny, and
John Duggan from Knockauncoura—all in that parish, and Thomas Healy from nearby Ballymana were accused
of ‘unlawfully driving sheep’ off the lands of Burton Persse (of Moyode House) and James Palmer at Raruddy.
Constant Police Protection of stock had to be provided by the RIC as a result of the agitation.
In the House of Commons it was claimed that over one hundred locals were involved in that disturbance, though
attempts to portray the incident as a near-riot were rubbished. The subsequent trial was moved to Dublin so as
to, many believed, ensure a damning verdict. All were convicted and sent to Mountjoy Prison. The following is a
contemporary poem and song referring to that particular event and the practice of cattle driving.
The Clostoken Heroes
All you who love the shamrock green attend unto my tale
These lines are true you may depend I’m going to reveal
Concerning our Clostoken men I mean to let you know
To clear Rathruddy farm they manfully did go
Twas when they heard that Burton Persse from Athenry did creep
Accompanied by all his herds for the shearing of the sheep
They drove out cattle herds and sheep with half its fleece
Although it was protected by Loughrea town police
There was Connolly, Healy, Duggan and likewise Martin Quinn
And our gallant youth John Keary, they were all United men
These fine men they were summoned and tried in Loughrea town
Convicted by removal, their courage to break down
They would not be tried in Galway by English cruel laws
For the judge he knew the jury was in sympathy with the cause
The trial was brought to Dublin I know it was not fair
To get the Orange jury who found them guilty there
The jury that found them guilty was worse than Carey the spy
For he betrayed our countrymen for the bounty of Mountjoy
For six long days our heroes brave in prison cell did wait
Depending on Justice Wright to hear of their sad fate
But when they got their sentence they received it with a smile
Saying it’s all for the land we love and dear old Erin’s Isle
Cheer up my comrade boys and down-hearted do not be
For the day is fast approaching when we will be set free
Clostoken had a very active and cross-religious branch of the UIL, comprising P Raftery (President), M Forde, J
Duggan, M Fahy, J Stratford, T Plower, T Keane, P Gleese, and Thomas Keary (secretary). Three years earlier,
in 1906, Keary (Keighrey) had been refused a gun licence seeing his case being raised during Parliamentary de-
bates as the government sought to divide the League.
As with other branches, Clostoken UIL was however rife with division with members being accused of the mis-
appropriation of funds, or consorting with inappropriate persons. It was a turbulent and divisive time and Keary
had his kiln burnt to the ground in January 1908. The role that these men played on the march to independence is
now being appreciated. Pictured above is Clostoken church (top), and a nineteenth century sketch of Mountjoy.
Larkin Matters... Aughrim
Membership
Are you interested in your local history? SEGAHS warmly welcomes
new members, and as a member of our society you will learn about your
area’s heritage in an interactive way by having access to regular lectures
and gatherings. You do not need to have any qualifications or a high
level knowledge—anyone can get involved. The annual fee is only €20.
As a society we are committed to good governance and openness. This
year’s AGM took place on February 23rd (right), with the board agree-
ing to maintain their positions for the forthcoming year: Anne O’Toole
(Chairperson), John Joe Conwell (President), Pat Madden (Secretary),
Michael Ward (Treasurer), and Steve Dolan (PRO).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is eagras deonach é Cumann Staire agus Seandálaíochta Oirdheisceart na Gaillimhe (SEGAHS) a bunaíodh chun bua na
staire, na seandálaíochta agus an bhéaloidis in Oirdheisceat na Gaillimhe a chun chun cinn. Is fédir teagmháil a dhéanamh leis
an chumann ag an seoladh ríomhphoist [email protected], ar an suíomh Idirlín www.facebook.com/SEGAHS, nó trí cha-
baireacht linn ar twitter ag @SEGAHSIreland.
South East Galway Archaeological & Historical Society (SEGAHS) is a voluntary organisation
highlighting the richness of the history, archaeology, and folklore of South East Galway. If you
would like to make contact, you can do so by e-mailing us at [email protected], by visiting our
webpage at www.facebook.com/SEGAHS, or by following us on twitter @SEGAHSIreland.
Editor: Steve Dolan. Produced with the assistance of Galway County Council.
