MARY ANNE5 FEURY (daughter of James4 Jim Feury & Joan O’Donnell) was born on 09 Aug 1873 in Ballyguiltenane, Glin County Limerick. She died on 10 Jun 1949 in Upper Turraree, Glin County Limerick Ireland. On Feb 6th, 1898 at Glin church, Mary Anne married Thomas Normile, son of Thomas Normile and Anne Enright, the witnesses being Patrick Enright & Bridget Feury. Thomas was born on Aug 20th, 1869 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin. He died in Co. Limerick, Ireland. (Mary’s brother Mick Feury, married Thomas Normile’s sister Catherine Normile, see further on)
Family from Mary Anne Feury & Thomas Normile, 14 as follows –
(i) Mary Normile, born April 8th, 1899 and died January 19th 1992. Mary married James O’Donoghue, b. 1892, R.I.P. May 3rd 1962, Dromreask and had the following family:
Thomas J. O’Donoghue who married Delia Duggan from Listowel and had two sons – :Private & Private. Tom along with Paddy Faley, Glenbawn and Pat Brosnan, Knocknagorna founded back in 1977 the Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal. (B.R.J.). Tom is the current editor of the magazine. Since I’ve written this, Thomas passed to his eternal reward on Tuesday Dec 9th 2014.
Bridget O’Donoghue. Bridget married David Broderick, R.I.P. Lr. Keale, Athea. Known locally as Davy Brouder. They built a new house in Dromreask near the site of Nonie Foran’s old homestead.
Mary O’Donoghue. Mary married David Broderick’s, brother and went to live at Lr. Keale, Athea.
More about James O’Donoghue (R.I.P. May 1962). James had a shop for a time in a piece of ground that he had rented from James Lynch, Glasha. My grandfather Paddy Langan later bought that particular piece of ground which was located directly across the road from Bill Flavin’s. James O’Donoghue’s father was also called James and his grandfather was called Patrick O’Donoghue who got married in 1836. Along with James, b. circa 1849, Patrick also had a son Joseph O’Donoghue and a daughter Winifred O’Donohghue, both of whom emigrated to the U.S. Joseph went to Michigan. James married Mary O’ Shea, Dromreask. The O’Shea family home was situated at the top of the Blaine Rd facing towards the bog. The Wallace’s, (The Paddy Mike Wallace’s as they were known by) lived there after. The farm is now under plantation. (already mentioned under Margaret Mullane above)
Family of James O’Donoghue and Mary O’Shea as follows: Patrick, Michael, James (above R.I.P. May 1962), Mary (U.S.A.), Bridget, Catherine (nun in U.S.) and Margaret O’Donoghue who married Padraig McCarthy (National Teacher) at Ballygoughlin School. Margaret was a teacher herself and was Principal teacher at Glin national school in the 1930’s.
(ii) Thomas Normile, b. 1901. Thomas married May O’Connell and went to live in Loughill.
(iii) Michael (Mickey) Normile, born 1901 moved to Scort (Glenagragra Upper),married Margaret Normoyle, Killeaney, Glin (No relation), daughter of John Normoyle and Ellie Sweeney. Mickey built the house in Glenagragra Upper in 1930 on the site of a cut away bank of ray-turf. There was a wren party held there sometime after its construction and it was said at the time that Joe ‘Pats’ Mulvihill spent the best part of a day, and was exhausted in the process, from cutting rushes with a scythe for the making of a passage all around the house so as the party guests had sound ground to walk upon. Many’s the bag of turnips I sold to Mickey & Margaret in the years 1969 to 1971 when i was in that field of employment. Michael (Mickey) Normile died Sept 1st 1995 age 94 years, his wife Margaret died January 1991. They had the following family of 3:
i.Thomas (Tom) Normile, who married Bridie McDonagh,
a native of Co. Galway, and they had the following family – Living Normoyle and
Living Normoyle. Bridie (pictured) died March 26th 2016.
ii.Private Female Normile who married Private Male Fennell, Glenagragra, son of Mick Fennell.
iii.John Normile who remained single in life, died January 4th 1996.
(iv) Johanna (Josie) Normoyle. Josie married a Murphy from Rooskagh, Athea, somewhere near Con Greaney’s. She worked for many years at her Normile cousins in Turraree. She used to walk over and back each morning and evening across the mountain. (These Turraree Normile’s were known as the Pelleck’s)
(v) Annie (Nancy) Normile. Nancy remained single and lived out her life with her brother and sisters in Dromreask. Many is the week she helped us with the footing of the turf up on Higgins’ mountain during the 1960’s. Annie died October 8th 1970 age 64yrs.
(vi) James (Jimmy) Normile lived in the home place in Glenagragra. He inherited the place from his uncle Jack Normile. He was married to Mary B. Enright, (The ‘Fox’ Enright’s, Aughrim/Glenalappa) and had the following family: Private Female, Private Male, Private Female, Private Female who married Johnny Kiely, Moyvane, Private Female & Jim Normile who was the youngest. Jim died on Jan 12th, 2021. There was many a wren dance held at Jimmy’s humble abode, one in particular in 1964. Jimmy once described the fields of Glenagragra as resembling nothing but a ballad, they being so long. He was also known to have said that from Blaine to the end of the Kerryline should be put on one 41, (41 being a game of cards) meaning that the land was so poor that it should be played for in one game. Many’s the day I cut and drew home the hay for Jimmy. I remember one day in particular, it was the autumn of 1970 and it happened to be the day after I had taken my first taste of alcohol. I’ll never forget the sickness and Jimmy trying every cure in his book to cure me but to no avail. Jimmy Normile died August 15th 1975 age 76yrs.
(vii) Catherine (Kitty) Normile. Catherine (Kitty) replaced Nell Enright as servant girl at Johnny & Willie Connolly’s, Glenagragra. Kitty remained single in life. Kitty died January 2nd 1991 age 81 years. (Nell Enright later married Toss Higgins, both of whom emigrated to Birmingham, England and subsequently became mother and father to Pat (Pakie) Higgins of fitted kitchens fame in Glasha. There were other offspring).
(viii) Richard (Dick) Normile. Richard died May 1st 1958 at the age of 40yrs following a tragic accident. He was killed whilst drawing a load of turf with ass and cart from Jack Scanlon’s bog in Dromreask. Apparently the ass sat back trapping Dick in the bog-hole in the process. A loaf of bread and a packet of woodbine cigarettes were found floating on top of the water when his body was recovered from beneath.
(ix) Patrick Normile. Patrick emigrated to England and remained single in life..
(x) Bridget Normile married O’Shaughnessy from Askeaton and had the following family: John O’Shaughnessy & Mary O’Shaughnessy. Mary married a John Normoyle.
(xi) John (Jackie) Normile remained single and lived out his life with his sisters in Dromreask.
(xii) Maurice Normoile. Maurice emigrated and lived at Worcester, England. He died July 3rd 2002.
(xiii) Elizabeth (Lizzie) Normile. Lizzie remained single and lived at Dromreask with her brother and sisters. Lizzie also helped us with the turf footing during the 1960’s when we had the long Co. Council banks up in Higgins’.
(xiv) Edward Normile. Died at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Limerick.
1911 Census for Normile’s –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
| Normile | Thomas | 42 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Mary (Feury) | 40 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Mary | 13 | Female | Daughter | R C |
| Normile | Thomas | 12 | Male | Son | R C |
| Normile | Michael | 11 | Male | Son | R C |
| Normile | Johannah | 10 | Female | Daughter | R C |
| Normile | James | 8 | Male | Son | R C |
| Normile | Annie | 6 | Female | Daughter | R C |
| Normile | Katie | 4 | Female | Daughter | R C |
| Normile | John | 3 | Male | Son | R C |
| Normile | Bridget | Female | Daughter | R C |
More on the Dromreask Normile’s
Thomas Normile had a sister Catherine Normile who was married to Michael McGrath, Dromreask/Glenagragra. The McGrath home was situated opposite Paddy ‘Caipin’ Wallace’s. Michael O’Brien lived there afterwards and Mick Fennell after O’Brien. It says Dromreask on the census but it’s actually Glenagragra, a little stream divides the two townlands.
1901 Census for McGrath’s as follows –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGrath | Michael | 60 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Katherine (Normile) | 50 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Michael | 30 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Patrick | 28 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | James | 23 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Mary | 22 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Katherine | 21 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Edmond | 20 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Maurice | 15 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
1911 Census for McGrath’s as follows –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGrath | Catherine (Normile) | 69 | Female | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Michael | 43 | Male | Son | R C |
| McGrath | Mary | 39 | Female | Daughter | R C |
| McGrath | Maurice | 25 | Male | Son | R C |
Michael McGrath & Catherine Normile had a daughter Johanna McGrath, born January 1st, 1868, who perished in the river Shannon disaster of 1893 when a fishing boat that they had hired for a pleasure trip that day to Co Clare, sank on the return journey from Moyne Quay. In total seventeen people lost their lives on that fateful evening. The owner of the boat, Maurice Murphy and his son Paddy were among the seventeen that perished. Buddy Feury often spoke to me about the said disaster as Johanna was a 1st cousin to his mother Kate Normile.
In fact I made an audio recording at the home of Buddy in 1987 and I listened to that recording again last night, April 9th 2013 and Buddy confirmed to me in that said recording that Johanna McGrath and his mother Kate Normile were indeed 1st cousins. The screams coming from the boat were heard on the Kerry mainland as the party were only a few hundred yards from the shore. The locals thought that the passengers were having a good time enjoying themselves on board the vessel so they didn’t take much notice, little did they know as to the nature of what exactly was happening. As far as I can recall, Johanna’s body was never found. I think Michael McGrath 43yrs above was the last of that family to reside in Dromreask. He was married to Kate Burke from Tarbert with no issue from that union. (I am open to correction in this) As previously stated Michael O’Brien from Killeaney, from a place there known locally as ‘the yard’, bought the McGrath place. Michael was married to Liz Anne Fennell a sister to the aforementioned Mick Fennell. The O’Brien’s relocated to a farm at Altavilla, Askeaton and the said Mick Fennell built for himself and his wife Mary Prendeville a new cottage in part of the vacated farm. Michael O’Brien had two brothers – Pat and John. The three brothers went under the a.k.a. – ‘Dublin’, ‘Bac’ and Citeog’. Michael O’Brien died July 31st 1972 age 60yrs. (Mary Prendeville was a cousin to Anna Prendeville who was married to John Langan, Cahara, my grandfather Langan’s 1st cousin. My mother Delia Langan Lynch received her Primary education at Ballyguiltenane National School under the tutorship of Maggie ‘Dave’ Connolly, Glenagragra who was the head mistress there. Her classmates included – Emily Fennell, Glenagragra, (sister to Mick Fennell above) Kathy Morgan Moran, Glenagragra mother of renowned hotelier Tommy Moran, Toureendonnell, Athea, Agatha O’Connor, Ballyguiltenane and Mary ‘Mikeen’ Culhane, Ballyguiltenane who married Bill Hayes, Fairystreet, Athea. The four girls were 16yrs of age when they received their confirmation and remained on in Ballyguiltenane ‘till they reached 7th class. Mother received post primary at the Technical school in Listowel but she didn’t stay there very long as she had the majority of the curriculum learned during her time in 7th class in Ballyguiltenane. During her short time in Listowel, she stayed in B/B at a two-storey house on the left as one enters the town. Mother was great friends with her classmate Emily Fennell and often stayed nights back in her home but even-though the curse of emigration took Emily to England still, they remained very good friends. When Emily would come home to Glenagragra she would stay several nights back in Glasha with mother, however, over the passing of time they sadly drifted apart and did not see one another after that. I hope that they are now unified once again, joyfully rejoicing with the angels and saints in God’s glorious kingdom. Emily’s brother Mick Fennell b1907 whom I knew very well was a great poet. Mick passed to his eternal reward on January 4th 2000 aged 93yrs. Mick was a nephew of Ned Fennell born 1865 who was appointed teacher at Ballyguiltenane school in 1886. (For more information on Mick Fennell see Book ‘Year of the Elderly’.)
My mother knew Emily’s father and mother very well, her father was Michael Fennell, born 1863 and her mothert was Ellen O’Connor, daughter of Edmond Connors from Glenalappa who was married to Mary Windle. On Feb 15th, 1896 at Newtownsandes church, Ellen O’Connor, daughter of Edmond O’Connor, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Co. Kerry married Michael Fennell, a farmer from Ballyguiltenane, son of John Fennell, the witnesses being – E. Fennell & Johanna O’Connor. (The Fennell’s live in Glenagragra and not Ballyguiltenane) John Fennell was married twice, his first marriage to Scanlon from Kinard, Glin. John Fennell’s second marriage to Catherine Morgan b1834 from down near Ballybeg, Glin and who in 1901 was a widow. Ellen O’Connor, born February 16th, 1876 at Glenalappa, Moyvane, Co. Kerry and died at Glenagragra on June 27th, 1968. Extracts from Ellen’s diary can be found in B.R.J. 1980 p58 & 75. Edmond Connors’s mother was Mary Burke. The Fennel’s came to Glenagragra from back near Tarbert having originally arrived there from Co. Clare.
1901 Census for Fennell’s of Glenagragra as follows – Johnny Fennell husband of Catherine not listed – presumed deceased.
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fennell | Catherine Morgan | 67 | Female | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Michael | 38 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Edmond | 36 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Ellen O’Connor | 24 | Female | Daughter in Law | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Mary | Female | Grand Daughter | Roman Catholic |
1911 Census for Fennell’s of Glenagragra – now listed under Ballguiltenane Upper.
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fennell | Michael | 48 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Ellen O’Connor | 35 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Mary | 10 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Catherine | 9 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Hannah | 8 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Bridget | 5 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Michael | 4 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Norah | 2 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Fennell | Eileen | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
————————–
Family of Michael Fennell and Ellen O’Connor in more detail.
Michael Fennell, nicknamed ‘Cud’ (1863-1939) and Ellen O’Connor (1876-1968) had 11 children as outlined hereunder by Angus Somerville, son of Margaret Fennell Somerville. Angus contacted me by email in March 2020.
”Mary (May) Fennell. Kath, Johanna (to us Jo, previously Hannah), Bridget (Bridie), Michael Fennell (Mick), Nora, Eileen, Margaret, Elizabeth Anna (Lizaanna), Emily, John. May was born in 1900, Bridie 1905, Margaret 1913. The first 3 lived to 80,79,80 years of age. My mother Margaret died in June 1986 at 72. Eileen reached 88, the rest 90 or more.”
Angus went on to say ”Mick Fennell, being eldest son had the whole inheritance, married a second cousin Mary Prenderville and had lots of children. Angus’ parents in the 70s bought some of his land and had a house built there, next door to Mick’s newly built cottage on the O’Brien part of the farm. Of Mick’s children, Mary Fennell (b ????), who married Sammut, has lived most of her life in London, but the others have only ever left Ireland for a short spell. Michael (Mikie) Fennell who married Mary Normile, Glenagragra (Scort), daughter of Mickey Normoyle is now head of the family and he was in England once for a year, at the time Angus was there, but he never met him. Apart from Mikie, his elder sister Bridie Fennell (1939-1974) and the one who died as a baby, I met all of the others.”
”Mick, Lizanna and John Fennell stayed in Ireland, the rest went to London, and several joined the St Francis rambling club in Kent, where at least 2, Nora and Margaret, met their spouses. They settled in a ring on the western and southwestern fringes of London. May did not marry, so she established a routine of visiting each of her siblings once a month. So far 4 other cousins have died but the many who remain are still in touch directly or indirectly. Only 4 have left these islands, Mick’s remaining eldest daughter, who is in Australia (in UK until retirement) and 3 O’Briens (Lizanna’s) in USA.”
Angus went on to say -”Of those you may possibly have heard of, Matthew Shardlow, who edits Buglife and has appeared on TV as an expert on insects, is the eldest son of Michael, in turn eldest son of Nora (as it happens, my godmother). One of my nephews, Peter Coyne, has also been on TV doing an operation. One of Matthew’s brothers has been doing some family research, so if the name Shardlow comes up again you will know where it came from”.
More on the McGrath’s as follows
There was a Daniel McGrath who lived at Turraree Upper in Jack ‘Patsy’ Culhane’s place. I have received two different accounts regarding this family, one informant tells me that they were related to the aforementioned Glenagragra McGrath’s and the other says that they were not. Anyway I give hereunder whatever information I have on this Turraree McGrath. Daniel lived to be over 100yrs. He had a son Paddy born 1873 who lived to be 95 years. Paddy in turn had a son Daniel and Daniel’s son Joe born circa 19?? is the current holder of the property.
1901 Census for Daniel McGrath’s Upper Turraree as follows –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mc Grath | Daniel | 70 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Mc Grath | Mary | 60 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Mc Grath | Patt | 28 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Mc Grath | Ellie | 23 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Mc Grath | Annie | 15 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
1911 Census for McGrath’s as follows – (Patrick (Paddy) had taken over from his father.)
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGrath | Patrick | 39 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Mary | 39 | Female | – | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Mary | 4 | Female | – | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Bridget | 3 | Female | – | Roman Catholic |
| McGrath | Annie | Female | – | Roman Catholic |
Another family of the same McGrath’s, John & Bridget lived in Ballyguiltenane.
1901 Census for Ballyguiltenane McGrath’s –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mc Grath | Patrick | 44 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Cathcolic |
| Mc Grath | Bridget | 43 | Female | Wife | Roman Cathcolic |
| Mc Grath | John | 80 | Male | Father | Roman Cathcolic |
| Mc Grath | Johanna | 70 | Female | Mother | Roman Cathcolic |
| Costello | Margaret | 26 | Female | Niece | Roman Catholic |
| Costello | Thomas | 20 | Male | Nephew | Roman Catholic |
| OShaughnessy | Bridget | 13 | Female | Servant | Roman Catholic |
1911 Census for McGrath’s, Ballyguiltenane –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGrath | Patrick | 58 | Male | Head of Family | Catholic Church |
| McGrath | Bridget | 57 | Female | Wife | Catholic Church |
| McGrath | James | 38 | Male | Nephew | Catholic Church |
| McGrath | Margret | 36 | Female | Nephews Wife | Catholic Church |
More on Anne Enright who was married to Thomas Normile.
1.Anne Enright, on April 5th, 1864 at Glin church, we have Anne Enright aged 25 years, daughter of Timothy Enright a farmer from Ballyguiltenane married Thomas Normile aged 25 years, son of Thomas Normile a farmer from Ballyguiltenane the witnesses being Patrick Enright and Mary Hanrahan.
Mary Normile born on July 11th, 1865 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin.
Catherine Normile born on Dec 6th, 1866 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin. Catherine, married to Michael McGrath as above.
Thomas Normile was born on Aug 20th, 1869 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin (married Mary Anne Feury, as above)
Michael Normile, born on Aug 25th, 1873 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin.
2.Patrick Enright, born circa 1833, Patrick married Hanora Scanlon from Dromreask and had the following family of 7, that I know of –
i. Denis Enright born circa 1868.
ii. Mary Enright. Born June 20th, 1868 at Ballyguiltenane, mother given as Hanora Flynn.
iii. Daniel Enright born on Jan 12th, 1872 who, on Feb 6th, 1906 at the age of 35 years, at Athea church, married Mary Dalton, aged 33 years, daughter of John Dalton, a farmer from Glasha, Athea, the witnesses being Daniel Scanlon and Maggie Lynch, Maggie was my grandaunt. from Glashapullagh, Athea. Daniel Enright died from Hemiplegia at Dromreask on Jan 30th, 1907 aged 35 years, his sister Johanna Buckley present at his death. Daniel’s widow Mary Dalton Enright re-married on Feb 16th, 1909 at Athea church to John (Jack George) Griffin, Glenagragra, the witnesses being Edward Stack, Moyvane and Mary Langan, Glasha. Mary Langan being my grandaunt.
John Griffin & Mary Dalton Enright had a son and a daughter as follows –
i.Unnamed Male Griffin b. 17 Aug 1914, Glenagragara, Glin, Co Limerick, d. 17 Aug 1914, Glenagragara, Glin, Co Limerick.
ii.Margaret (Maggie George) Griffin, born on April 9th, 1912 at Glenagragra. On Feb 6th, 1940 at Glin church, Margaret (Maggie George) Griffin aged 27 years, daughter of John Griffin, married John (Jack) Nolan born Dec 25th, 1899, Finnoe, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick, (aged 40 years on marriage cert) son of John Nolan, labourer, the witnesses being Tim (Tadhg) Shine, a blacksmith from Athea and Peggie Dalton, Glasha, Maggie’s 1st cousin. Peggie Dalton and my mother grew up together, both houses in Glasha being in the one yard. Jack Nolan married into the Glenagragra place, for a short period of time may I add as he had a farm in Lisready, Loughill bought but a dwelling house had yet to be built there. Jack had returned from the US having worked there from 1926-1934 during which time he saved enough money to purchase the said farm in Lisready. Saving money in America at that time couldn’t be easy, in fact it was some feat to accomplish as that was the era of the recession and the banks at that time weren’t the safest places to stash any hard-earned dough. Jack Nolan and his wife Maggie were great friends with my grandparents, Paddy & Babe Langan. In fact, it was the said Jack Nolan that nominated my grandfather Paddy Langan to contest the 1942 Co Council election on behalf of the Labour party to which he was elected. Maggie died March 24th 1990. Her husband Jack Nolan died July 1st 1986
iv.Johanna Enright was born on Sept 7th, 1867. Johanna married Denis Buckley from Rea, Duagh, Co. Kerry, son of Timothy Buckley, the marriage taking place at Glin church on March 2nd, 1905, the witnesses being – John Buckley & Lizzie Scanlon. It is of the belief that following the death of Mary Dalton’s husband Daniel Enright, Buckley attempted to take over the Enright farm. Daniel Enright‘s brother Patrick Enright, hereunder, was away in the ‘bush’ in Australia and had not been seen since he went out there. Apparently, the conditions of the will made by his father outlined that if Patrick couldn’t be contacted in Australia, the farm was to be inherited by Buckley. Having eventually been tracked down Patrick returned home to Dromreask to a land war. A court case ensued in which Patrick won the day. The story has it that during a particular visit by Buckley to Dromreask his horse was shot from beneath him as he was going up the Blaine road. ‘It wasn’t me, says Patrick, because if it was, tisn’t the horse that I’d have shot’. Patrick Enright and his cousin Jack Normile were wrongly accused of the incident, were convicted and served a period of time in prison. On Thursday February 1911 the Enright farmhouse in Dromreask was burned to the ground. The building was found to be on fire at 4am by Denis Buckley who had arisen early to leave for Co. Kerry. Buckley alerted the other occupants who were powerless to put out the blaze, the flames being fanned by a strong southerly wind. Constables from Glin, Sgt Butler and Constable’s, Joyce and Walsh proceeded to the scene at 8am.
v. Maurice Enright born April 6th, 1871. Mother given as Flynn.
vi. Timothy Enright born April 29th, 1873. Mother given as Flynn.
vii. Patrick Enright born on Feb 24th, 1874 at Ballyguiltenne, who on June 27th, 1912 at the church of the Holy Cross, Charleville, married Anne Maume from Charleville, Co. Cork, daughter of Edward Maume, a bootmaker, the witnesses being Edward Ryan and Mary Roonen. Family from that union 6 as follows –
Nora Enright born ? married Paddy Manning in Shanagolden.
Anne Enright born June 17th, 1914. Anne emigrated to England and married a man by the name of Hyde ??. She came home and died here in the land of her birth.
Johanna Enright born Feb 6th, 1916. Johanna emigrated to England and married a man by the name of Moore.
Pat Enright, born Nov 23rd, 1917 – R.I.P 11-02-1991. Pat married Mary Lynch, Glasha daughter of James Lynch and Hannie O’Grady.
Ned Enright, born Sept 1st, 1919 – R.I.P. June 3rd 2003. Ned remained single.
Dan Enright, born on Dec 3rd, 1920, R.I.P Dec 1999, all of whom lived in Dromreask. Dan remained single.
Annie Maume Enright was born 1878 and died at Dromreask on September 19th 1959 age 81 years.
Annie Maume’s father was Edward Maume and her mother was Neville, both from Charleville.
1901 census for Enright’s, Dromreask –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
| Enright | Patrick | 68 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Enright | Nora (Scanlon) | 64 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Enright | Denis | 33 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Enright | Mary | 32 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Enright | Maurice | 29 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Enright | Timothy | 27 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
1911 census for above –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
| Enright | Hanora (Scanlon) | 77 | Female | Head of Family | Catholic |
| Enright | Mary | 42 | Female | Daughter | Catholic |
| Enright | Maurice | 39 | Male | Son | Catholic |
| Enright | Timothy | 37 | Male | Son | Catholic |
| Enright | Mary | 4 | Female | Grand Daughter | Catholic |
—————-
More on the Normile’s of Turraree (Pellek’s).
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normile | Michael | 47 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Catherine Costelloe | 40 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | John | 19 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Patt | 18 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Mary | 13 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
Michael Normile was married twice as follows – Michael Normile, son of John Normile, deceased farmer, on Jan 23rd, 1879 at Glin church, married Catherine Culhane, daughter of John Culhane, a farmer from Kinard, Glin, Michael’s age given as 25 years, the witnesses being Michael Normile and Mary McCoy. Two sons from this marriage as follows –
John Normile and Patt Normile as in above Census
Michael Normile’s second marriage was on May 28th, 1887 at Glin church to Catherine Costelloe from Turraree, daughter of Mortimer Costelloe, deceased farmer, the witnesses being Morty & Kate Costelloe.
Daughter Mary Normile born from this marriage as in above census.
John Normile b1882, 19 years as in above Census was married to Mary Griffin, (daughter of Michael Griffin & Nora (Nano) Fitzgerald, Glenagragra). Mary Griffin born c1891 emigrated to New York where she married the said John Normoyle.
John Normile and Mary Griffin had the following family – Kitty Normile who remained single in life and Mary Normile who became a nun. Mary Griffin Normile died June 6th 1970. Her husband John Normile died August 5th 1966. These Turraree Normile’s and the Dromreask Normile’s were cousins. As far as I can recall Jackie Normile, son of Jimmy Normile, Glenagragra inherited the Turraree farm.
8. MICHAEL5 (MICK) FEURY (son of James4 (Jim) Feury & Joan O’Donnell) was born on 07 Jul 1877 in Co. Limerick, Ireland. He died on 03 Sep 1921 at Glenagragra, Glin, Co.Limerick, Ireland, Thomas Normile, his brother-in-law present at his death. He married Catherine Normile, from Dromreask, Glin, daughter of Thomas Normile and Anne Enright, on March 2nd, 1905 at Glin, County Limerick The witnesses being Timothy (Thade) Griffin, Glenagragra and Bridget Normile. Catherine was born on Dec 6th, 1866 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin. She died on 08 Aug 1962 at Glenagragra, Glin, Co. Limerick, Ireland. (I knew Catherine as we used to call to Feury’s on our way home from National school, and seeing Catherine in her latter years sitting by her cosy fireside.) Both Michael and Catherine are buried in Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin.
Mick Feury was a renowned athlete. He was a member of the great Glin football team of 1899-1912. He was an above average sprinter and if he had, the proper training, there is no doubt he would have broken the stoutest of sprint records. He was versatile in the long and high jumps and a talented musician and step dancer to boot. He was a powerfully built man who never trained and travelled to most meetings on foot. Mick was a member of the district council, a seat he held until his death on September 3rd 1921. Paddy Faley has a detailed account on the sporting life of the said Mick in the B.R.J. 1988 p11.(See also B.R.J. 1994/5 p110)
1901 Census for James Jim Feury father of Michael (Mick) Feury.
Residents of a house 20 in Glenagragara (Kilfergus, Limerick)
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feury | James | 64 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Mary | 27 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Feury | Michael | 23 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Feury | Richard | 20 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Mary | 2 | Female | Grand Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Normile | Thomas | Male | Grand Son | Roman Catholic |
For the 1911 Census Jim’s son Mick had taken over –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
| Furey | Michael | 33 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Furey | Kate( Normile) | 44 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Furey | Johanna | 5 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
| Furey | Thomas | 3 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Furey | James | 2 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Furey | James | 76 | Male | Father | Roman Catholic |
Notes for Michael Feury: His godparents were James Reidy and Marie Griffin.
Michael5 Mick Feury & Catherine Normile had the following family:
(i) Thomas Michael6 ‘Buddy’, Feury (son of Michael5 Mick Feury & Catherine Normile) b. 1909 and died October 26th 1993 at St. Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West. Thomas married Ellen Liston, Dirreen, b. circa 1912 and died at Glenagragra, October 15th 1989. Both interred at Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin. Mikie Kinnane, Glenagragra/Scort was telling me that Buddy and Mikie’s mother Kate O’Donnell were 2nd cousins. The O’Donnells came from Park, Clounleharde/Kilcoleman and later went to live at Ballycormack/Knocknaboula. (Buddy’s grandmother was Joan O’Donnell) Michael O’Donnell, a descendant of the above was married to Mary Kilmartin from Rooskagh. This was Michael’s second marriage having previously wed Catherine McInerney daughter of Paddy McInerney and Nora Fennell from Tullyleague. Michael O’Donnell and Mary Kilmartin lived on the Ardagh road just outside Newcastle West. Mary had three brothers – Mikie, Patie & Johnny Kilmartin. My wife Vera new all the Kilmartin’s very well. Mikie Kilmartin was the only one of the brothers to marry. He married Mary Sheahan and had the following family: John, Morgan, Bill, Mickey, Mary, Nora, Ann, Peg & Eileen Kilmartin.
THOMAS MICHAEL (BUDEEN) FEURY’S, PHOTO 2007
The old Feury homestead stood immediately to the rear of this house. I remember it well, it had mud walls and there was a large crack on its eastern gable-end, it having been struck by lightning many years earlier. Buddy Feury inherited the music and song from his forebears and won many medals and trophies at several Fleadh Cheoil’s. He had what was known as the Sliabh Luacra style of playing although he used to say he brought the music from Clare. He got much of his tutorship from Hannie Long of Turraree. I remember well an occasion circa 1970, when I was detailed to go drawing out ‘dung’ (farmyard manure) for Buddy or Buddy as he was affectionately known. The ‘dung’ had to be loaded onto the trailer with pitch forks, no mechanical means back then, and by mid-day I had my fill of it. No sooner had we the dinner ate than I turned to Buddy, who was seated at the top of the table and said -: forget the shit Buddy, take down the fiddle and give us one blast of ‘’The Mountain Road’’. His good wife Nell R.I.P. turned ‘round, looked at her husband and said -: ‘’Jesus Bud’ did you ever hear the like of it and we having men hired for the day’’. I think Buddy and myself were two of a kind for not alone did he adhere to my request but played not one, but several tunes that same afternoon in his own inimitable style. Of course I never did believe in ‘all work and no play’ and still don’t. Buddy Feury was telling me of an incident that happened a few years before my grandaunt Margaret Langan Higgins died. Word was sent to him to call on Margaret when ever he’d get a chance and to bring the fiddle with him. Buddy assumed that she must have had some musician visitor staying with her and that this person wanted to play a few tunes. Anyway he arrived at the house with fiddle under his arm to find nobody there except Margaret herself. ‘Did you bring it?’ asked Margaret. ‘I did’, replied Buddy, ‘but who’s going to play?’. ‘I am’ says she and with that she took up the fiddle and proceeded to play a blast of a tune leaving Buddy standing spellbound in the middle of the floor. It was only at that point and time he reliased she could play. I said to Buddy, ‘I suppose it was a blast of ‘Fr. Halpin’s Topcoat’ that she gave you’. He looked at me and in a whisper replied, ‘Bunker Hill’. Moreover, as all music lovers will know ‘Bunker Hill’ is a very tricky three-part reel. Buddy came 1st in fiddle competition at Athea Fleadh Cheoil on May 8th 1983. 1st place duet with his neighbour Donie Lyons (flute), Athea Fleadh Cheoil, May 20th 1984. He won the Padraig O’Caoimh cup in Scartaglen in 1988. Took honours in the duet competition at Glin Fleadh 1988, once again teaming up with his neighbour Donie Lyons who was on concert flute.
Buddy was great friends with Padraig O’Cearbhaill (Carroll) from Glin. Padraig was principal at the vocational school in Abbeyfeale during my day’s going there, 1965/68. and Buddy told many a story of their journeys to competitions and wren parties together. As already stated, Buddy was a renowned fiddle-player and won numerous medals at competitions throughout west Limerick and north Kerry. Buddy won his first Munster trophy at Foynes in 1941 in a competition organised by Padraig among others. The two cycled to Foynes on that Sunday and as faith might have it Buddy got a puncture passing Mount Trenchard and with no kit to mend it, he continued his journey and back again to Glin, cycling on the rim, destroying both tube and tyre in the process.
On another occasion Padraig was teaching Irish classes in Athea and Buddy cycled in to meet him and to have a few drinks afterwards. It so happened that there was a wren dance that same night at Maurice (Mosseen) O’Connor’s in Ballygoughlin and the two of them on their bicycles, headed for the party, Buddy having the fiddle with him in Athea. They started out for home the following morning and Padraig said he’d accompany Buddy as far as Ballyguiltenane cross. Just as they were about to mount their bicycles, who did they see arriving on horseback from the direction of Ballygoughlin Schoolhouse, only the curate from Glin. Dances as such were strictly forbidden at that time by the Catholic church. Without a word, Buddy hopped on his bicycle and left Padraig to deal with the wrath of the priest. ‘Is that Feury off there’ said the curate to Padraig, he knew well what was going on. Indeed, Padraig wasn’t one bit concerned or unsettled by the priest’s arrival.
There is a poetic tribute to Buddy Feury by Paddy Faley in B.R.J. 1993 p143. See also B.R.J. 1991 p73 – Good Old Days In Musical Ways also by Paddy Faley.
See also link hereunder.
http://historicgraves.com/kilfergus/li-kfgs-0003/grave
(ii) James6 Feury,(son of Michael5 Mick Feury & Catherine Normile) b. 1909 and died September 6th 1978, interred in Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin. In the month of March 1950, James married Teresa Keating, born circa 1912, Glensharrold, Ardagh and died, September 2002 at Drombanna, Co. Limerick. James & Teresa had one son, Private Feury b19.. who married Private Dillon from County Mayo.
Their children are Gerald7 Feury born 19.. and Rachael7 Feury born 19..
(iii) Josephine6 Feury (daughter of Michael5 Mick Feury & Catherine Normile) R.I.P. January 26th 1986 married John Hayes, Dirreen son of John Hayes and Bridget Dillon, Duagh, Co. Kerry. Josephine6 Feury and John Hayes had the following family:
(i) Catherine Hayes, who emigrated to England and married a man by the name of Edward Forde from Newmarket, Co. Cork. Family of two – Private Female and Private Male.
(ii) Private Male Hayes. Married in Mungret, Co. Limerick. (May have worked in the cement factory, was also good on the G.A.A fields)
(iii) Private Female Hayes, emigrated to Birmingham, England.
(iv) Private Female (Birdie) Hayes married to Private O’Connor, a farmer in Ballingarry. Family as follows – Private Female, Private Female, Private Male and Private Male
(v) Michael Hayes. A noted gaelic footballer who won a Co. Senior Championship medal with Athea in 1968. Michael later emigrated to England, died Jan 2022.
(vi) Private Female Hayes. who was born, 19.. married another man by the name of Private O’Connor from Bunnygara, Listowel and they went to live at Knockaderry, not too far from her sister Bridie and had the following family: Private Female, Private Female and Private Male
More on the Hayes family.
The Hayes family Dirreen originally came from Knockdown. John Hayes married a Riordan girl in Dirreen. Married into the Riordan place. They had a son John Hayes (spelt Hayse in Irish Genealogy) who on Feb 13th, 1866 at Ballyhahill church, aged 36 years, married Bridget Normile from Knockdown, aged 30 years, daughter of John Normile a farmer, the witnesses being John Hayes and Patt Hayes with James Hayes another witness. Family from that union 4 as follows – NB. Dirreen came under Clounleharde back in those days.
i. Bridget Hayes born on Aug 5th, 1870 at Clounleharde, who at Athea church on Feb 14th, 1904, aged 39 years, daughter of John Hayes a farmer who was still living, married Maurice Danaher, Templeathea, aged 40 years, son of Maurice Danaher a farmer who was still living, the witnesses being James Hayes and Bridget Danaher. Family as follows – Tom, Moss, Jack.
ii. Mary (Mollie) Hayes born on March 20th, 1872 at Clounleharde. who married Cregan from near the ‘Four Cross’’, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick.
iii. James (Jim) Hayes Hayes, born on Nov 12th, 1868 at Clounleharde. James emigrated.
iv. John Hayes born on Oct 2nd, 1867 at Clounleharde, who on March 3rd, 1908 at Duagh church, married Bridget Dillane, daughter of David Dillane, deceased, the witnesses being Tim Riordan and Maggie Dillon and had the following family:
v.Johanna Hayes, born circa 1876. She died a widow on March 11th, 1905, aged 29 years, from T.B., her brother James Hayes from Dirreen present at her death. Johanna married Tom Liston, Dirreen, Athea (son of Patrick ‘Padden’ Liston & Nell Aherne) born on Aug 29th, 1876 and died on Jan 14th, 1905 at Dirreen, Athea, aged 28 years, his brother Denis Liston, Dirreen, present at his death. His death cert says he was married and that he died from T.B.
Jim Hayes born Oct 15th, 1918 who went to live in Limerick city. Jim worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Limerick City and was one of the stalwarts of the great Athea Football team of that era. Married Mary Donovan from Crecora, Co. Limerick. Jim Hayes died 2011
Margaret Hayes who married Joe White, Knockdown.
Bridget Hayes, born Nov 19th, 1910, R.I.P. September 28th 1991 who married Charles Molyneaux, Lyreacrompane, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Family as follows – Female Molyneaux who married Male Cantillon, Private (Babs), Private Male, Private Male and Private Male Molyneaux.
Mary (Moll) Hayes born June 20th, 1917 who married Tom Flavin, Clounleharde, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick..
Josie Hayes who married Jim Atkinson from Portadown, Co Armagh
Johnny Hayes born May 16th, 1909 who married Josephine (Josie) Feury, (as above).
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