BARRETT FAMILY, DIRREEN, TEMPLEATHEA & KNOCKNAGORNA ATHEA. By George Langan

The Barrett Family, Lower Dirreen and Knocknagorna, Athea, Co Limerick. Touching on the Langan, Lynch, Flavin, O’Connor, O’Connell, Barrett, Behan, Dalton, Thornton, Hudson, Cunningham, Culhane, Mullane, Tierney, Enright and Griffin’s.

Site updated on July 31st, 2026

BARRETT’S & LYNCH’S ALSO ON –

LYNCH FAMILY HISTORY AT

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(Much of the following is from documented sources, some parts are from conversations that I had with relatives and friends of the said families.)

Part of the Barrett farm in Lower Dirreen was in the ownership of the O’Dowd’s one upon a time, a testament to the complex tapestry of land ownership and familial ties in the region. The late Denis Collins R.I.P. of Mallow, who had deep roots in the area and a wealth of knowledge about its history, informed me that according to the late Sean O’Histon of Blaine, Athea, the O’Dowds, who were closely related to the Kelly’s, originally came from back near Moyvane, an area known for its rich agricultural heritage. The first Barrett’s that we know of arrived in the area from Glenduff, Newcastle West in the late 1700’s, marking the beginning of their legacy in Lower Dirreen. They were known as the ‘Dagger’ Barrett’s because of their significant involvement in the butter trade, which was vital for the local economy at the time. The meaning of the word ‘Dagger’ being something to do with either the making or transporting of the homemade butter, a craft in which they excelled and which contributed to their reputation. Jim Barrett, of Fairystreet, tells me that initially, the farm was in the ownership of an Enright family, comprised of two brothers and a sister. The Enright sister married Tom Ahern, who was the father of Jim Tom Ahern (1884-1979), a man known for his contributions to the community and his hardworking spirit. Jim Tom was married to Brigid Fitzmaurice from Moyvane, Co. Kerry, whose story is equally captivating; Brigid having returned from the U.S. after spending many years there, imbued with experiences that would have blended the cultures of her native land and her time abroad, enriching the narrative of the Barrett farm’s history as generations continued to intertwine, both in matrimony and in their agricultural endeavors.

It is of the belief that the two Enright brothers started a row which lasted three days resulting in one killing the other. The brother that survived was jailed and the landlord Rev. Hartnett, a protestant in charge of Athea divided the farm between a Barrett man and Patrick Ahern. Hartnett was living east of Glin on the mail road. Patrick Ahern came from back around Moyvane or Knockanure, he may have been one of the Ahern’s from Leitrim, Moyvane. Patrick married Mary (Maimie) Hayes, one and the same family as Johnny Hayes of Dirreen Upper. Jim Tom Ahern’s land was located between Jerry Hanrahan’s and Mick Sheehy’s. There’s a long boreen going down to Jim Tom’s place. Jim Tom had a brother and a few sisters all of whom emigrated to New York. Private Barrett, son of Denny ‘Brown’ Barrett bought Jim Tom Ahern’s place. Brigid Fitzmaurice had a sister who was married to William Ahern, Upper Dirreen. 

As already stated the Barrett man divided the farm between his two sons as follows –

James Barrett (1)  Born c1800 or thereabouts.

Thomas ‘Tom’ Barrett (1)  Born c1800 or thereabouts.

James Barrett (1), born c1800  Lr. Dirreen married Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile, Blaine, the Griffin family from Ducateen, Newcastle West now reside in the Normile farm. James Barrett & Kate Normile had the following family of 9 –

(i) Michael Barrett, (son of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile) born  circa 25/11/1830.

Michael Barrett  died as a child

(ii) James Barrett, (son of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile) born circa 25/11/1830.

James Barrett twin of Michael. On February 22^nd 1868, James married Johanna Reidy, Knockdown, daughter of Patrick Reidy. Johanna having been previously married to James Mullane, Lr. Dirreen, Athea. It is thought that James Mullane died in 1866.

James Barrett mentioned in the record of James Barrett & Johana Ready (Reidy)

Name	James Barrett
Gender	Male
Son	James Barrett

Name	James Barrett
Birth Date	1846
Age	22
Spouse’s Name	Johana Ready Reidy
Spouse’s Birth Date	1842
Spouse’s Age	26
Event Date	25 Feb 1868
Event Place	Ardagh & Athea, Limerick, Ireland
Father’s Name	James Barrett
Spouse’s Father’s Name	Patrick Ready
Spouse’s Marital Status	Widowed

James Barrett & Johanna Reidy had the following family of 7, known locally as the ‘Jamesy Barrett’s’. :

i. Kate ‘Jamesy’ Barrett. b3/12/1868

Kate emigrated to the U.S.

ii. Joan ‘Jamesy’ Barrett. b20/12/1870 / May 12th1871

Joan emigrated to the U.S. She married Joe Dalton from Knocknagorna, son of Joseph Dalton & Kate Sullivan from Knocknagorna. Later in life Joan and her husband Joe returned to Ireland and bought a three-storied house at 39 Church St. Listowel. Joe died on April 29th, 1941, his brother-in-law Thomas Barrett present at his death at Church St., Listowel. Following Joe’s death, Joan was joined by her sister Kate who had also returned home and the two sisters along with their brother Tom who had returned from the U.S. lived out their lives together in Listowel.

NB. It’s debatably as to which of the sisters Joe was married to, I saw somewhere that it was Kate Barrett Joe was married to.

iii. Jimeen ‘Jamsey’ Barrett. b14/1/1873

Jimeen who inherited the family farm married Mary Fennell,  Shanaway, Tarbert. They had one son Michael ‘Jamsey’ Barrett who inherited the place. Michael ‘Jamsey’ Barrett  remained single in life.

iv. Mary ‘Jamesy’ Barrett. b25/3/1875

Mary married her neighbour Jack Collins, Lr Dirreen who was a widower with six children.  Jack was the son of Denis Collins from Purt, Abbeyfeale and Mary Fitzgerald, from Gorteens, Upper Athea, one of the ‘Batt’ Fitzgerald’s.

v. Michael ‘Jamesy’ Barrett. b22/3/1877.

Michael emigrated to the U.S. where he joined the police force there. He was shot while on duty and died some years afterwards as a result of the shooting. His body was brought home to Ireland and laid to rest in Murhur cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

vi. John (Jack) ‘Jamsey’ Barrett. born June 24th 1879, died 1967/68. John married Evelyn Goddard.

John Jack Barrett emigrated to Manchester at the age of 16yrs and stayed with an uncle of his who may have been a policeman there. Some years later he headed south to London and was about 36yrs old when he married Evelyn.

I am grateful to Anita Potter for supplying me with the above and the following information on her grandfather John Jack ‘Jamesy’ Barrett.

Anita, informed me as follows,  ”my grandad, John ‘Jack’ Barrett was born June 24th, 1879, I recognised 39 Church Street, as a place my grandparents stayed when visiting Ireland, I have a photo of them in a rear garden of house in Church Street , John Jack Barrett died here in UK in Dec 1967 or possibly Jan 68, he is buried in Upminster Essex cemetery as is his wife Evelyn, they had 3 children – i. Mary Barrett born June 1914, ii. James John Alfred Barrett, my father, he was born May ,21st 1916, he was a London Policeman who died 2005. iii. John Barrett, not sure of his birth date but definitely youngest of the three offspring.
My grandfather John Jack Barrett was the brother of Tom Barrett who’s son Michael  Barrett had the cottage in Lower Dirreen that went back to the Reidy line on his death in the early 80’s.
It is my belief that my grandad had a sister known as Jo Barrett, a sister Kathleen or Katherine, and a brother Michael Barrett who went to Chicago.  My grandad always worked with horses, both 1st world war and after as a bakers delivery man with horse and cart for the Co-op in East London.
When I lived in Nigeria in the mid seventies I understood there was a great aunt who worked with the missions as a  nun in Ibadan, her name was Elizabeth, she was apparently rather formidable and after her retirement they brought her back to work in Nigeria again.  My geat aunt Jo as she was known  apparently did well for herself in the US but wonder if her real name could have been Mary Ann, Iremember them talking about a Molly and that could tie up with 39 Church Street Listowel.  Iremembers visiting in 1972 a shop in Church Street with an old chap who was making horse’s harness and reins etc, seemed to be a mound of leather cuts from the year dot.

On Dec 23rd, 2018 I received the following message on my Barrett site from Anita’s younger brother Nicholas – ‘George, hi I am Nicholas James Barrett born 23 June 1955, I am Anita’s younger brother, and grandson of John (Jack) Barrett b1879. Grandad’s birthday was 24 June 1879, not September. Unfortunately Anita passed away from sudden heart attack 21 September 2018. My daughter Kathryn Barrett (now Smith) born 2 October 1991 has taken an interest in tracing our family tree.’

(Sadly Anita passed to her eternal reward on September 21st 2018, may she rest in peace.)

vii. Tom ‘Jamesy’ Barrett. b17/7/1882.

Tom, who emigrated to the U.S.   was my uncle Dan Lynch’s godfather. He was a 2^nd cousin to Dan’s mother Nora Barrett, daughter of John Barrett. Tom returned home to Listowel to live with his two sisters. Tom ran an up-market shoe shop in the U.S

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(iii) Johanna Barrett, b19/3/1832 (daughter of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile)

Johanna Barrett married Patrick Sweeney, Ballyroe, Loughill, Co. Limerick. Family from that union as follows –

Kate Sweeney born on June 19th, 1864.

Deborah Sweeney born on March 21st, 1866.

James Sweeney born on April 18th, 1868.

Eugene Sweeney born on June 10th, 1870.

Thomas Sweeney born on April 25th, 1872.

Michael Sweeney born on Oct 26th, 1973.

Honorah Sweeney born on March 30th, 1877.

There could have been other family members as Patrick and Johanna were married pre- 1864.

(iv) Thomas Barrett, b27/6/1834 (son of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile)

Thomas Barrett married Ellen Brosnan, Islandanny (Sluicequarter, old name for Island-Danny). Ellen was the daughter of John Brosnan & a Miss Walshe.

1901 Census for this family as follows –

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	Thomas	68	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Ellen nee Brosnan	61	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Johanna	24	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Michael	22	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Jerry	20	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Ellen	16	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Thomas	11	Male	Son	Roman Catholic

A more detailed look at the above family of 8 as follows –

(i) Jerry Barrett. 1882

Jerry Barrett emigrated to the U.S.

(ii) James Barrett. 1875

James Barrett emigrated to the U.S.A.

(iii) Tom Barrett. 1889

Tom Barrett emigrated to the  U.S.A.

(iv) Kate Barrett. 1869

Kate Barrett emigrated to the U.S.A.

(v) Molly Barrett. 1878

Molly Barrett emigrated to either the U.S.A./ Australia

(vi) Joan Barrett. 16-1-1871

Joan Barrett emigrated to Australia.

(vii) Ellen Barrett. 1884

On Feb 26th 1916 at Athea church Ellen Barrett, Dirreen, Athea married Michael Scanlon, Dirreen, son of Denis Scanlan a farmer, the witnesses being – Con O’Sullivan, Kilbaha and Kate Barrett, Dirreen. Ellen & Michael had the following family -:

i.Denis Scanlan born on Dec 31st, 1916.

ii.Mary Ellen Scanlan. born on Jan 20th, 1919. Mary Ellen Scanlon married Liston and went to live in Loughill, Co. Limerick.

iii.Thomas Scanlan, born on Jan 27th, 1920.

iv.Baby Ellen Scanlan, born April 2nd, 1921. Baby Ellen Scanlan married Gerard Denihan, son of Tom Denihan who for years was the parish clerk in Athea. Following Ellen’s death Gerard re-married.

v.Patrick (Paudie) Scanlan. Patrick (Paudie) Scanlan, born Aug 7th, 1922. Paudie inherited the home place in Dirreen, Athea. Paudie married Nora Hurley, Athea sister to Sonny, Willie & Joe Hurley.

vi.Kit Scanlan, Dublin.Kit joined the nuns in Dublin.

vii.Mairead Scanlan.Mairead emigrated to the U.S.A. and joined the nuns there.

vii.Michael Scanlan. Michael emigrated to the U.S.A. Came home on a holiday and was killed in a freak accident involving a gate or something or other.

Mary Ellen Scanlan Liston’s grandfather was Denis Scanlan, son of John Scanlan, Dirreen and Kate Mullane. Mary Ellen’s grandmother was Margaret O’Connor, Clash, Athea, daughter of John O’Connor and Kate Sheehy.

Issue from the Denis Scanlan & Margaret O’Connor union as follows -: Michael Scanlan, Dirreen above. Mary Scanlan, Glin. Margaret, Josephine, Denis and Maurice, Athea and Patrick who went to the U.S.

(viii) Michael Barrett, b1876

On April 20th 1915 at Athea church, Michael  Barrett married Margaret Scanlan, Dirreen, the witnesses being John Barrett and Josie Scanlan. (viii)Michael Barrett and his sister (vii)Ellen Barrett married two of the Scanlan’s, Margaret Scanlan and her brother Michael Scanlan respectively, (a double marriage). Michael Barrett & Margaret Scanlan had the following family of 5 –

i. Tom Barrett. Tom Barrett emigrated to Bramley, Yorkshire England, married and had a daughter Gene Margaret Barrett  and a son Michael Barrett.

ii. Mary Ellen Barrett. Mary Ellen Barrett married Pat Buckley, Tarmons East, Tarbert, Co. Kerry. No family from this issue. Private Barrett (her nephew) son of Denny ‘Brown’ Barrett hereunder inherited the Buckley farm.  Mary-Ellen Buckley (nee Barrett) of Tarmons East, Tarbert, and formerly of Lower Direen, Athea, Co. Limerick) died on February 24, 2012, (peacefully), at Listowel District Hospital. Mary Ellen was buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery Listowel.

iii. Eileen (Nellie) Barrett, joined the nuns in Co. Tipperary.

iv.  Gerry Barrett, Gerry Barrett married Joan Kiely, from Carrick-on-suir. They lived in England for some time and later lived in Castletroy, Limerick.

v. Denis (Denny) Barrett. Denny Barrett, who was known locally as Denny ‘Brown’ Barrett inherited the home place, married Mary Enright, Gortnagross and had the following family of three -:

Private Male Barrett. lives in the home place with his mother.

Private Female Barrett. married Private Danaher, Upper Athea son of Jack Danaher & Peggy Dalton. (Peggy, from Glasha was my mothers’ best friend)

Private Male Barrett. inherited the family farm and the ‘Jamesy’ farm next door. Private married Private Reidy, Ballyhahill daughter of John Reidy.

(v) Michael Barrett b5/4/1837. (son of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile) Michael Barrett, The second Michael to be born was tragically killed off a horse.

(vi) Julia Barrett, b23/1/1839. (daughter of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile) No information to date on Julia.

(vii) Ellen Barrett, b28/10/1843. (daughter of James Barrett & Catherine ‘Kate’ Normile) Ellen Barrett, who was born October 28^th 1843. and died on November 4^th 1930 aged 87yrs was married to John Behan, Clounleharde son of Roger Behan, the marriage taking place in Athea church and registered on march 5th 1867 at Newcastle West. John’s age given as 25 years and Ellen’s 20 years. The witnesses being Patrick Hayes & Maurice Culhane. John and Ellen lived on the right hand side of the road to Carrickerry approximately a quarter of a mile from what is known locally as ‘Liz’s Cross’. Tah Mullane, son of Danny, Knockdown, inherited the place, The entire farm is now under plantation. John Behan & Ellen Barrett had the following family of nine (9):

(i) Tom Behan.12/6/1873

(ii) Roger Behan.18/1/1868

(iii) John Behan.28/6/1872

(iv) Jim Behan.27/3/1875

(v) Pat Behan.6/3/1876

(vi) Babe Behan. 9/8/1885

(vii) Ellen Behan.24.4/1888

(viii) Margaret Behan.21/5/1871

(ix) Catherine Behan.26/5/1879.

Residents of a house 16 in Glenbaun (Kilmoylan, Limerick) 1901 census for Behan family –

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Behan	John	55	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Behan	Ellen Nee Barrett	51	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Behan	Roger	29	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Behan	Maggie	23	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Behan	Dora	14	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic

1911 Census for the same family there is no Dora Behan listed

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Behan	John	73	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Behan	Ellen Nee Barrett	67	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Behan	Roger	37	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Behan	Patrick	30	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Behan	Thomas	24	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Behan	Ellen	20	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Dalton	Eileen	7	Female	Grand Daughter	Roman Catholic
Dalton	Margret	4	Female	Grand Daughter	Roman Catholic

Eileen & Margaret Dalton highlighted on above census were the daughters of Catherine Behan who was married to John M. Dalton, Ashgrove, Newcastle West and was my wife’s grandmother.

Behan family in more detail –

(i) Tom Behan married Annie Mullane, Lr. Dirreen, marriage details as follows – on June 12th, 1934 at Athea church, Tom Behan married Annie Mullane, Athea, daughter of Daniel Mullane, the witnesses being John Joseph Dalton & Annie Scanlon. John Joseph Dalton was the son of John M. Dalton, Ashgrove. Annie was a sister to Danny Mullane, Knockdown. Danny had a famous dance hall during the 1950’s. Tom also acquired his sister’s farm at Rocklodge, Loughill where he went to live. A family of the Dunne’s rented the Behan farm at Glenbawn for awhile. As previously stated the farm is now under plantation. Tom Dunne who now lives in Co Clare wrote a very interesting article in the B.R.J. 2001 p59 entitled ‘Saving The Hay In Glenbawn’.

I had a conversation with Tom Dunne’s brother Paddy Dunne on Monday Sept 1st 2016. He told me his family came from the west of Gale bridge on the ‘hell bog’ road just close to the hump-back bridge there where his cousin Tom Dunne still lives. The family first moved to Knockfinisk before settling in Glenbawn. Patrick (Pat) Behan son of John remained single in life and lived on in the family home until his untimely death on Oct 13th, 1930, aged 40 years, Margaret J. Dalton, Clounleharde present at the death.  He was housing an animal when suddenly it kicked out hitting Pat causing him catastrophic injuries from which he never recovered. His brother Tom then took over and at his behest invited Mick Dunne  son of Tom Dunne to come and live there and to act as herdsmen for him. All the Dunne family went to school in Clounleharde and the last of the family left Glenbawn in 1966 to take up residence in  Dunmoylan, Kilcolman. Later they moved to Clarecastle, Co. Clare but they still hold a special ‘gra’ for the place where they were reared. Thomas Behan died on Dec 20th, 1961 at Rock Lodge, Loughill aged 78 years, his daughter Kitty Behan present at his death.

(ii) Roger Behan lived in Clounleharde on the left hand side of the Carrickerry road immediately after Paddy Scanlon’s and opposite Brouder’s cottage, Glenbawn,  in a farm he got from his aunt Catherine Behan Joyce.  (Paddy Scanlon’s was formerly Connell’s). Paddy Scanlon married Madge Connell, Glenbawn and got the the house after Denis ‘Maneen’ Connell’s place was divided. Paddy who came from Lisready, Ballyhahill lived with his wife Madge up the same avenue as Paddy Faley on the right hand side. Their house was falling down and they put in for the ‘Maneen’s house along with about one acre of land following Maneen’s re-location to Newbridge, Ballinagran, Co. Limerick. In 1943, Denis ‘Maneen’ Connell got married to Nora Mulvihill from Aughrim, Moyvane as per hereunder –

Results for Irish Marriages 1845-1958

First name(s)	Last name	Registration year	Registration district	County	Potential spouse names
Denis	O Connell	1943	Listowel	–	Nora Mulvihill, Mary Mulvihill, Bridget Keane

In the 1901 census we have Pat Behane staying with his aunt Catherine Joyce.

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Joyce	Catherine	54	Female	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Behane	Patrick	20	Male	Nephew	Roman Catholic

1911 Census Catherine Joyce it would appear was living on her own.

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Joyce	Catherine	72	Female	Head of Family	Roman Catholic

Meanwhile, Patrick Behan was living with his father in 1911. Patrick Behan died at Clounleharde on Oct 13th, 1930, aged 40 years, Margaret J. Dalton, Clounleharde present at the death. Catherine Joyce died a widow at Clounleharde on March 14th, 1921, aged 87 years, Bridget Culhane from Ballyguiltenane present at her death. Catherine Joyce, born circa 1834 was the daughter of Roger Behan. It is believed Catherine was married to Maurice Joyce who died from pneumonia on Dec 26th, 1878 at Clounleharde aged 46 years, Timmy Shanahan from Clounleharde present at his death. Bridget Culhane was the sister of Mary Culhane, Mary who married Roger Behan hereunder.

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Joyce	Catherine	72	Female	Head of Family	Roman Catholic

Roger got married in 1918 to  Mary Culhane as per Irish Marriages 1845-1958 Index hereunder –

 Potential Spouses

Roger

Behan

1918

Limerick

–

Catherine Woulfe, Mary Culhane, Catherine Redfern, Bridget Barrett

In 1852 Samuel A. Dixon was the landlord over Glenbawn and his tenants included Roger Behan with a holding of 91 acres with Thomas Sheehy as his sub-tenant. Roger also had 23 acres of mountain held in common with Tom Wolfe. I’m not sure where the boundary between Glenbawn and Clounleharde is but the marriage, birth and death notices for the Behan’s gives their address as Clounleharde.

Prior to acquiring the Joyce farm, Roger worked in a bar (public house) in Newcastle West that was owned by his aunt, the aforementioned Catherine Joyce.

Paddy Faley related a story to me that Michael Dineen of Knocknagorna had related to him back in the 1980’s or thereabouts about Maurice Joyce who lived next door to Connell’s.   Apparently there was a quiet spot in Toureendonnell, Athea  where lived a family known as the Rahily’s,  Jim Kiely had the place in our time. Often in his childhood Paddy heard his father tell of the going on’s of this family but he could never recall all of it until he met with Michael Dineen. Michael got the following story from a Mrs. Con O’Sullivan who owned a shop near the Gale river bridge in Athea, her maiden name was O’Connell from Glenbawn, Ballyhahill. It appears that the Rahily’s, three rough looking long bearded men and a woman were noted rustlers. The woman would go around the locality by day visiting different families, her main purpose was spotting where there would be sheep or fowl for the three men to steal during their night raids. The robbers were operating for quite a lengthy period of time before being caught in the act. On a snowy winter’s night they decided to do a robbery on the adjacent O’Connell’s and Joyce farms in Glenbawn. During the robbery they stole some sheep and fowl but they hadn’t got very far away when the snowstorm ceased. Joyce and O’Connell must have been alerted as to what had happened as they were able to follow the rustlers footprints in the snow which lead them right to the Rahily homestead. They quietly peered in the little window of the ‘bohan’ and saw the family skinning a sheep as well as helping themselves to bowls of soup which they had made as a result of their captures. The two boys made their way to Newcastle West and alerted the constabulary, the Rahily’s were charged, convicted and transported to Van Diemen’s land. Before they were transported the police publicly shamed them by marching them through the village of Athea with a pieces of meat strapped to their backs. Back at their home in Toureendonnell the police found a large hole near the house where the feathers of the plucked fowl were secretly hidden. They also uncovered an underground drain which was used to carry the blood from the slaughtered fowl and animals to the nearby river.

Roger Behan got married on Feb 12th, 1918 at the church of St. Joseph, Limerick city to Mary Culhane born Dec 8th, 1886 at Ballyguiltenane, Glin, daughter of Michael Culhane & Brigid O’Connor, the witnesses being Pat Behan, Clounleharde & Brigid Fitzgerald, Clonoughter, Glin.

There are so many Culhane’s in Ballyguiltenane that they were given nicknames to distinguish one from the other. Mary Culhane’s people were known as the ‘widow’ Culhane’s. Mary Culhane’s parents were Michael Culhane 1848-1888 & Bridget O’Connor from Clash, Athea.  On March 6th, 1878 at Athea church, Michael Culhane aged 30 years from Ballyguiltenane, son of Thomas Culhane 1820- , married Brigid O’Connor aged 25 years, from Clash, Athea. daughter of Patrick O’Connor, the witnesses being James Culhane & Kate Scanlon. Michael Culhane died on Aug 12th, 1888 at Ballyguiltenane, his widow Bridget present at his death. Michael & Brigid had a son Michael Culhane born on May 10th, 1882 who on Jan 25th, 1916, married Ellen Shaughnessy, daughter of John O’Shaugnessy, Ballyguiltenane, the withesses being, John Culhane, Turraree and Norah Dinneen, Knocknagorna. It appears that Ellen was living in Knocknagorna at the time of her marriage hence the reason for Knocknagorna on the marriage certificate. Ellen’s mother was Mary Dinneen from Knocknagorna who on Jan 27th, 1891 at Athea church, married John Shaughnessy, Ballyguiltenane, the witnesses being Michael Dinneen & Mary Anne Woulfe. Michael Culhane & Ellen Shaughnessy had a son Michael (known locally as Mikie the widow) who married Eileen Kearney from Moyvane and their son Donie Culhane sat next to me in Ballyguiltenane National school in the class of 1957.

Roger died a widower on Dec 17th, 1947 at Clounleharde, aged 78 years, his son-in-law John Leahy present at his death.. They had a family of one, an only daughter Eily Behan who married John Leahy from Ballycommane, Tournafulla. John did a ‘cliamhain isteach’, married in there. John Leahy’s father was Michael Leahy and his mother was Nora Curtin. John and Eily met in the town of Glin through Eily’s aunt Brigid Culhane who was married to an O’Connell. Brigid lived at the Terrace in Glin. Mary Culhane Behan died on March 15th, 1943 at Clounleharde, aged 55 years, her daughter Ellen (Eily) present at her death.

The Leahy’s exchanged their Clounleharde farm with the land commission in the 1960’s and were subsequently re-located to a new farm at Kilmihill, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. Their youngest son, John Paul Leahy was tragically drowned at Doolan, Co. Clare in 1983. John Paul was among eight victims, three of whom were brothers from Co Carlow, who had been at Lisdoonvarna Festival – Ireland’s first ever music festival.  He had joined hundreds of others on the beach to cool down in the sea after watching Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher perform on the hot Sunday afternoon of July 31, 1983.  John Paul’s sister Angela said:

“We are not a family who show emotions easily but trying to cope with his death at 19 and in full health was more than we could come to terms with.

“I remember going to the hospital and seeing three hearses. They were for the three brothers. And that picture never left my mind.
“The fact that others seem worse than your situation did help us cope a bit.”

Fifteen years henceforth once more disaster would strike the Leahy family when John Paul’s parents John & Eily Leahy were fatally injured on Sept 10th 1998. They were involved in a head-on collision with a truck on the Limerick-Kilmallock road near the village of Grange. John, who was driving a grey Ford Fiesta, was killed instantly in the crash which occurred on a straight stretch of road. Eily, critically injured, was rushed to Limerick Regional Hospital but died soon afterwards. Local people described them as two wonderful people and great neighbours. John was a member of the Church choir at Kilmallock where Eily was a Eucharistic minister.

Parish Priest Canon William Fitzmaurice, a former Limerick County hurler, said in his homily the couple were very popular parishioners whose deaths had come as a great shock to the whole area.

In 1852 Samuel A. Dixon was the landlord over Glenbawn and his tenants included Roger Behan with a holding of 91 acres with Thomas Sheehy as his sub-tenant. Roger also had 23 acres of mountain held in common with Tom Wolfe. I’m not sure where the boundary between Glenbawn and Clounleharde is but the marriage, birth and death notices for the Behan’s gives their address as Clounleharde.

Prior to acquiring the Joyce farm, Roger worked in a bar (public house) in Newcastle West that was owned by his aunt, the aforementioned Catherine Joyce.

Paddy Faley was telling me a story concerning Maurice Joyce who lived next door to Connell’s,  as related to him by Michael Dineen of Knocknagorna back in the 1980’s or thereabouts.  Apparently there was a quiet spot in Toureendonnell, Athea  where lived a family known as the Rahily’s,  Jim Kiely had the place in our time. Often in his childhood Paddy heard his father tell of the going on’s of this family but he could never recall all of it until he met with Michael Dineen. Michael got the following story from a Mrs. Con O’Sullivan who owned a shop near the Gale river bridge in Athea, her maiden name was O’Connell from Glenbawn, Ballyhahill. It appears that the Rahily’s, three rough looking long bearded men and a woman were noted rustlers. The woman would go around the locality by day visiting different families, her main purpose was spotting where there would be sheep or fowl for the three men to steal during their night raids. The robbers were operating for quite a lengthy period of time before being caught in the act. On a snowy winter’s night they decided to do a robbery on the adjacent O’Connell’s and Joyce farms in Glenbawn. During the robbery they stole some sheep and fowl but they hadn’t got very far away when the snowstorm ceased. Joyce and O’Connell must have been alerted as to what had happened as they were able to follow the rustlers footprints in the snow which lead them right to the Rahily homestead. They quietly peered in the little window of the ‘bohan’ and saw the family skinning a sheep as well as helping themselves to bowls of soup which they had made as a result of their captures. The two boys made their way to Newcastle West and alerted the constabulary, the Rahily’s were charged, convicted and transported to Van Diemen’s land. Before they were transported the police publicly shamed them by marching them through the village of Athea with a pieces of meat strapped to their backs. Back at their home in Toureendonnell the police found a large hole near the house where the feathers of the plucked fowl were secretly hidden. They also uncovered an underground drain which was used to carry the blood from the slaughtered fowl and animals to the nearby river.

(iii) John Behan b  28/6/1872. On Feb 12th, 1918 at the church of St. Joseph, Limerick city John Behan  married  Bridget Barrett. daughter of Thomas Barrett, Glenduff, Athea, the witnesses being James Behan, Bridge St. Killaloe, Co. Clare & Ellie Behan, Clounleharde. Married at the same church and same day as his brother Roger. John & Bridget had no family. John Behan died January 17^th 1954 at Ballinloughane, aged 81yrs, Francis (Frank) Macken Ballyloughane, Ardagh present at the death. Bridget died a widow on March 10th, 1959 at Glenduff aged 84 years, her nephew Francis (Frank) Macken, Glenduff present at her death. It appears that Frank Macken, Bridget’s nephew inherited John & Bridget’s farm in Glenduff. Bridget Barrett was born on May 11th, 1876 at Ballinloughane to Thomas Barrett & Anna Corridan, Mary Ryan present at the birth. Francis (Frank) Macken was from Athlone (see hereunder). His brother Michael Macken (see hereunder) came to live with him later and they both died in Glenduff. A family by the name of Lillis lived there after the Macken’s. None of the brothers were married. 

On April 30th, 1889 at Athea church, Thomas Macken an R.I.C. constable, aged 26 years, address given as Carrickerry, son of James Macken, a living farmer, married Annie Barrett aged 20 years, daughter of Thomas Barrett, deceased, the witnesses being Michael Hurley & Bridget Dalton. Annie Barrett who was a sister to Bridget was born on July 4th, 1868. Annie Barrett Macken died on March 15th, 1912 at Kilnamanagh, Athlone aged 45 years, her widower Thomas present at her death. Thomas Macken died on May 5th, 1942 at Kilnamanagh, Athlone, aged 78 years, his son Thomas Joseph Macken present at his death.

Thomas Macken was stationed at Borrisokane Co. Tipperary. Family of Thomas Macken & Annie Barrett that I’ve accounted for as follows –

On July 3rd, 1890 a son Thomas Macken born at Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.

On Sept 18th, 1891 a daughter Bridget Macken born at Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.

On Feb 10th, 1893 a daughter Ann Macken born at Ballinloughane, Co. Limerick. Ann died from bronchitis  on Jan 21st, 1905 at Kilnamanagh,aged 12 years, her brother Thomas Macken present at her death.

On Dec 30th, 1894 a son James Macken born at Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.

On Oct 11th, 1896 a daughter Mary Frances Macken born at Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.

On June 4th, 1898 a son John Francis Macken born at Toomevara, Co. Tipperary.

On April 10th, 1900 a son Patrick Macken born on  at Kilnamanagh, Athlone West, Co. Roscommon.

On June 3rd, 1902 a son Malachy Macken born at Kilnamanagh, his father Thomas address given as Ballinahown, Athlone.

On 19 November 19th, 1904 a daughter Elizabeth Mcken born at Kilnamanagh.

On Dec 16th, 1906 a son Michael Macken (as above) was born at Kilnamanagh, Athlone. Michael Macken died on May 8th, 1964 at Ballinloughane West, aged 57 years, his brother Francis present at his death. Michael, who remained single in life was a cattle dealer.

On July 12th, 1908 a daughter Annie Macken born at Kilnamanagh.

On Feb 8th, 1912 a son Francis (Frank) Macken (as above)  born  at Kilnamanagh, Athlone, by now his father Thomas was an ex member of the R.I.C.  Frank remained single in life.

I’m trying to figure out how Thomas Macken and Annie Barrett met so I’ve come to the conclusion that it may have been through Patrick Griffin from Kilteery, Loughill who was another R.I.C. Constable stationed in Listowel. Patrick was married to Mary Connolly, a daughter of Mick Connolly, Barneigue, Carrickerry and would have been around the Barneigue area quite a lot. All Patrick Griffin’s children were born in Barneigue. Ballinloughane would be only a mile or so from Barneigue and it’s more than likely that Patrick and Thomas would have known each other, probably joined the R.I.C. together they being the one age.

 (Kilnamanagh is a townland in Athlone West in the Barony of Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.)

Annie & Bridget Barrett had a sister Mary Barrett born on Jan 9th, 1866.

(iv) James (Jim) Behan was born on July 28th, 1881 at Clounleharde. On June 20th, 1928 at church of St. Joseph, Limerick city, James married Maria Glynn from Creeveroe, Killaloe, Co. Clare, daughter of John Glynn deceased, the witnesses being Thomas Behan, Knockdown, Athea and Nita Scanlon, Annacotty. John’s address given as Main St, Killaloe and was a chemist by profession. James and Maria had a family of three -: Monica Bowers, Killaloe. Eileen Dalton, Killaloe. Nina McKeogh, Killaloe.

Jim Behan died May 23^rd 1975 aged 94yrs.

(v) Patrick ‘Pat’ Behan b1881, lived in Glenbawn, son of John remained single in life and lived on in the family home until his untimely death on Oct 13th, 1930, aged 40 years, Margaret J. Dalton, Clounleharde present at the death. Already mentioned above. According to the census of 1901 and 1911 Pat was born in 1890.

(vi) Debora (Dora, Babe) Behan  born on June 6th, 1888 at Clounleharde. On Feb 10th, 1923 at Loughill church, Debora married Frank O’Donnell, a merchant from Newcastle West, son of Patrick O’Donnell, the witnesses being Denis Leamy & Ellie Behan. Frank was accidently drowned on a trip to Ballybunion. Frank and Babe had no family and John Joe Dalton, Ashgrove, Newcastle West bought the place from Babe. John Joe’s son Pat Dalton is the current owner of the property. Pat Dalton is married to Bried Mahony, Newcastle West and have no family.

(vii) Ellen Behan  according to the 1911 census she was born in 1891. On July 30th, 1935 Ellen married John Foran from Ballinloughane, son of James Foran, the witnesses being Con Foran & Josie Dalton, no family from that issue. There’s a John Foran who died at Balliloughane on July 22nd, 1948 aged 65 years, his cousin-in-law Mary Shanahan from Clounleharde present at his death. Following the death of her husband, Ellen went to live in Athea village in a house known as ‘Marian Lodge’, which is located quite close to the village school. Josie Hayes nee Dalton, her niece went to live with her later. Ellen died October 14^th 1980 aged 92 years. I had the privilege of meeting both Ellen and Josie in August 1980 along with my wife Vera and daughter Emer Reynolds and the said Pat Dalton that day, four generations of the family assembled at the one time.

(viii) Margaret Behan. On March 7th, 1905 at the church of St. Joseph, Limerick city, Margaret married  Michael Fitzgerald from Loughill, son of Michael Fitzgerald, deceased farmer, the witnesses being Patrick Fitzgerald, Clounoughter, Glin and Dora Behan, Clounleharde. Michael & Margaret lived at Rocklodge, Kilteery, Loughill. Following Michael’s sudden death on March 16th, 1939, Margaret left the farm to her brother, the aforementioned Tom Behan.

(ix) Catherine Behan who was my wife Vera’s grandmother and who was my grandmother Nora Barrett’s 2^nd cousin married John M. Dalton, Ashgrove, Newcastle West in 1902. That would make my mother and Vera’s mother 3^rd cousins and Vera and me 4^th cousins. John M Dalton. died January 20^th 1929 aged 72yrs. Catherine Behan Dalton died Jan 23rd 1961 at her home in Ashgrove, Newcastle West  aged 91 years, her step daughter Johanna Dalton, Church St. Newcastle West present at her death. Catherine spent the last four years of her life confined to the bed following the breaking of her hip one morning whilst making her bed.

Catherine Behan was John’s third marriage.

John M Dalton’s  first marriage was on Feb 21st, 1893 at Mahoonagh church to  Catherine Kenrick, from Garryduff, daughter of Michael Kenrick who was deceased, the witnesses being Richard Woulfe & Bridget Fitzgibbon, Shanrath, Castlemahon and had one child -:

i.Johanna Dalton. Johanna who remained single was an S.R.N. in England. She died May 8^th 1965.  After she retiring, Johanna came home to Newcastle West and lived at Church St, with her half-brother John Joe Dalton.

John M Dalton’s second marriage was on Saturday February 23rd, 1895 at the church of St. Saviour’s, Limerick city at the age of 40 years to Ellen Wall, Wall’s Cross, Clouncagh, Knockaderry, aged 30 years, daughter of Patrick Wall, the witnesses being Peter Magner & Katie O’Grady. John M Dalton & Ellen Wall had three children as follows -:

i. Maurice Dalton born March 3rd, 1896 married Josie Kelliher, Ballintubrid, Newcastle West on April 19th, 1938 at Monagea church, daughter of Maurice Kelleher, the witnesses being Patrick Wall & Margaret Kelleher. Maurice and Josie had two daughters – Philomena and Margaret Dalton. Philomena married an Englishman and went to live there. He died at a relatively young age. They adopted two children. Margaret married Bob Morrison, Ballinruane, Kilmeedy and have no children. Bob died on Jan 19th, 2018. Johanna (Josie) Kelleher was born on June 13th, 1901 at Ballintubrid to Maurice Kelleher & Margaret Ahern. Maurice & Margaret were married at the church of St. Michael, Limerick city on July 20th, 1897, Maurices’ father was John Kelleher who was deceased and Margaret’s father was William Ahern from Ballyconway, Monagay, Co. Limerick who was also deceased.

ii.Mary (Mollie) Dalton born on April 15th, 1897 married Con Sullivan from Bantry, Co. Cork who was a relative to our former Taoiseach Jack Lynch. Con went out foreign as part of his profession and had been there only a couple of weeks when he contracted some virus which turned out to be fatal. No family from that issue. Mollie died March 22^nd 1971 aged 73yrs. Her niece Mary Dalton inherited Mollie’s home which is located a couple doors down on the right hand side of Maiden St. Newcastle West.

iii.Mick Dalton, born June 2nd, 1901, married on March 1st 1938  to Margaret Aherne, Coole West, Athea, daughter of farmer Daniel Aherne, the witnesses being John J. Chawke & John Joseph Dalton. Mick’s address given as Monagea. Margaret died Oct 1999. Mick and Margaret had a family of two -Michael and Mary Dalton, having lost at least four children. Margaret Aherne was born on May 27th, 1904 at Coole East, Athea to Daniel Aherne & Bridget Woulfe.

As already stated John M Dalton’s third marriage was on Nov 4th, 1902 at the church of St. Saviour’s, Limerick city to Catherine Behan, Clounleharde, the witnesses being James Cukhane & Dora Behan. John & Catherine  had the following five children -:

Catherine Behan and John M. Dalton had the following five children -:

i.Eileen (Eily) Dalton, born on Oct 19th, 1903 at Ashgrove, Newcastle West. Eily who remained single in life spent the greater part of her life in the home place with her brother Jimmy. Photo of Eily in A.P.J. 2007 p46.

ii.John Joe Dalton. who was born on July 26th, 1905.  On Feb 19th, 1944, aged 39 years, John Joe married Margaret (Nancy) Corbett, Ballintubrid, Newcastle West, aged 42 years, daughter of Patrick Corbett, the witnesses being James Dalton & M. Meehan. Nancy was an S.R.N and they had one son Pat Dalton. John Joe died August 18^th 1974 aged 69yrs. Pat Dalton married Bried Mahony, Bishop St. Newcastle West and have no family.

iii.Margaret (Josie) Dalton born on Nov 3rd, 1906 at Ashgrove married Stephen Hayes, Dysart House, Borrigone, Askeaton on Jan 28th, 1941, son of Denis Hayes, the witnesses being Dan Hayes & Johanna Dalton. Stephen Hayes died under tragic circumstances on September 19^th 1957. They had no family. Josie sold the place and went to live with her aunt Ellen Behan Foran in Athea. (See Ellen Behan above) Josie died April 26^th 1981. Stephen Hayes was born on Dec 24th, 1909 to Denis Hayes & Mary Bowen. Denis Hayes & Mary Bowen were married on Dec 2nd, 1905 at Ballingarry church, Denis aged 37 years and Mary aged 29 years. Denis was the son of Michael Hayes and Mary was the daughter of Daniel Bowen of Caherhennessy, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick. The witnesses were Patrick Mulcair & Annie Bowan.

iv.Jimmy Dalton who was born on Nov 7th, 1911 married in 1957 to Eileen Bowman, Curraghchase and had two in family -: Private Female & Private Male Dalton. Eileen died circa 1963 leaving Eily Dalton and a neighbour Cissy Greaney to rear the two young children. Private Female who has remained single lives in Donnycarney, Dublin. Private Male who inherited the family farm lives in Ashgrove. Jimmy Dalton died February 1^st 1985 aged 84yrs. Eileen Bowman Dalton died on April 27th, 1963 aged 34 years.

v.Bridget (Bridie) Dalton who was born on May 20th, 1908 was my mothers 3^rd cousin. Bridget married John Kiely, Rooskagh East, son of Michael Kiely and Ellie Moore, Toureendonnell. John Kiely who was an only child was born on Dec 14th, 1904, address given as Clounleharde (It appears that Toureendonnell came under Clounleharde back then) Bridget Dalton & John Kiely got married on Feb 11th, 1933 at Newcastle West church, the witnesses being Maurice M. Barrett, Ballyine and Margaret J. Dalton, Ashgrove.

More on the Kiely’s.

On Feb 16th, 1901 at the church of St. Michael, Limerick city, Michael Kiely aged 38 years, a farmer, son of John Kiely, & Bridget Connell, farmer, married Ellen (Ellie) Moore, daughter of Thomas Moore, farmer of Ballinloughane, Newcastle West, the witnesses being Patrick O’Connell, Hazelfield, Borrigone and Katie Moore, Knockanagun, Carrickerry. Patrick O’Connell more than likely was Michael  Kiely’s uncle.

On Dec 24th, 1904, ten days after giving birth to her son John, Ellen (Ellie) Kiely died from septicaemia, 15 days certified.

On Feb 15th, 1908, Michael Kiely, then a widower, married Catherine Culhane from Ballyguiltenane, Glin, daughter of Patrick Culhane, farmer, the withesses being John Kiely and Josey Culhane.

On Sept 24th, 1910, Michael Kiely died from heart disease at Toureendonnell, Ellen Sullivan, Toureendonnell present at the death.  Following the death of his father, John Kiely went to live with his uncle Edward (Ned) Kiely at Keale, Athea. On Feb 28th, 1911  Edward (Ned) Kiely, Keale, Athea, son of John Kiely, marriage at Newtownsandes to Mary Shine, daughter of Con Shine, Kilbaha, Moyvane, the witnesses being Edward Kiely and Katie Shine.

Following Michael  Kiely’s death, his widow, Catherine Culhane Kiely, aged 35 years, re-married to a Denny Cregan aged 33 years, from the Castlemahon area, son of Pat Cregan farmer. The marriage taking place at Athea church on Feb 20th, 1912, the witnesses being Con Cregan and Josey Culhane. 

John Kiely was only nine years of age when he came to Rooskagh East, his aunt Mary Kiely Woulfe who died October 20^th 1950 aged 89yrs having left him the farm. Mary lived in the house until her death. John was born in Toureendonnell in the farm, which he later sold to Paddy Sheehan. John, on his 21^st birthday was to inherit a large sum of money out of the Toureendonnell farm but this did not materialise, as the said sum got mislaid somewhere along the line, spent more than likely. A court case ensued resulting in John getting back his father’s farm in compensation. He was educated at Ballyloughane National School and received some private tuition in Newcastle West thereafter. He was very well versed in Geometry, Algebra and Latin.

Mary Kiely Woulfe was the wife of John C. Woulfe, marriage details as follows – On Feb 21st, 1905 at St. Michael’s church, Limerick city, Mary Kiely of Keale, Athea, daughter of John Kiely, farmer, married John Woulfe, aged 45 years, (age incorrect, he was at least 53 years) farmer and widower from Dunganville, Newcastle West, son of James Woulfe, a deceased farmer, the witnesses being Timothy Woulfe, Dunganville and Mary Ann Kiely, Toureendonnell. This was John C. Woulfe’s second marriage, his first marriage was on March 6th, 1889, age 30 years, (his address for this marriage was Rooska,) at Carrickerry church to Bridget Quinn from Glensharrold, aged 28 years, daughter of farmer Timothy Quinn, the witnesses being Thomas Aherne and John Woulfe. Bridget Quinn Woulfe died on Oct 18th, 1903 aged 52 years. This is the only Bridget that I can find that fits in with the first marriage to John C. Woulfe. Mary Kiely Woulfe died at Rooskagh East on Oct 20th, 1950 aged 89 years, her nephew John Kiely present at her death. My wife Vera was also in the room when she died.

Mary Kiely Woulfe was a sister to the aforementioned Michael Kiely and a sister to Catherine (Kate) Kiely who married Denis Costello, Turraree and later of Mulderricksfield, Borrigone, Co. Limerick. Kate Kiely was born on Jan 29th, 1880 at Toureendonnell, father John Kiely and mother Bridget Connell. (See also Lynch Mary earlier in the blog). Mary Kiely and John C. Woulfe had no family and as previously stated left the farm to her nephew John Kiely. Initially the said farm was to go to John C. Woulfe’s nephew Tom Windle but he died of a duodenal ulcer haemorrhage at Rooskagh on Sept 17th, 1922 aged 39 years, his brother John Windle present at his death. Tom gave his age as 40 years in the 1911 Census and listed as a boarder, living at Rooskagh with the Woulfe family. Surprising then they didn’t list him as nephew to the head of the family instead of boarder. John C. Woulfe’s sister Bridget Woulfe was married to John Windle from Knockfinnisk, marriage details as follows –

On Feb 18th, 1871 at Ardagh church,  John Windle, Knockfinnisk, son of Michael Windle, married Bridget Woulfe from Rooskagh, daughter of James Woulfe, the witnesses being James Windle & Hanora Leane. Family from that union as follows –

1.Mary Windle born on Dec 2nd, 1871, died 1873

2.Bridget Windle born on Feb 5th,1873. On Feb 7th, 1899 at Athea church, Bridget aged 27 years, married Maurice Woulfe, aged 25 years from Keale, Athea, son of farmer Jeremiah Woulfe, the witnesses being Maurice Woulfe & Johanna Wrenn.

3.Michael Windle born on Feb 20th, 1874.

4.James Windle born on April 9th, 1875. Died 1875.

5.Mary Windle born on June 20th, 1876. On July 29th 1908 at Athea church Mary married Martin Enright, aged 34 years, from Monemohill, Kilcolman, son of Michael Enright who was deceased, the witnesses being Terence O’Connor from Banogue West, Shanagolden and Hannie Windle, Knockfinnisk.

6.Catherine Windle born on Dec 28th, 1877, died 1878.

7.John Windle born on May 19th, 1879. On Feb 13th, 1923 at Templeglantine church, John married Hanora Dee from Menoline, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, daughter of James Dee a farmer, the witnesses being Jermiah Woulfe & Hannie Dee.

8.Thomas (Tom) Windle born on Aug 28th, 1880. Died 1922 and is buried in Kilfergus, cemetary, Glin. (Tom as boarder at John C. Woulfe’s above)

9.Johanna Windle born on Sept 10th, 1883. On June 1st 1918 at Athea church, Johanna married Patrick Woulfe, a farmer from Knocknagorna, Athea, son of Richard Woulfe, the witnesses being Michael & Nora Woulfe.

John C. Woulfe’s father was James Woulfe. According to Griffiths Valuation records, this James was occupier in Rooskagh back in 1852. Can’t find a death record for James. John C. Woulfe died on Oct 31st, 1929 aged 77 years from pernicious anemia, his wife’s nephew John Kiely, present at his death in Rooskagh.

All the Woulfe’s in Dunganville, Ducateen, Rooskagh and Ashgrove came from Athea. Back in the early 19th, centaury the Woulfe’s held most of the farms in Athea and completely owned Cratloe. There was John, James and Edmond Woulfe in Dunganville. Don’t know what relationship they were to each other. We know that John C. Woulfe’s father was James and his grandfather, more than likely, was one of three.

A cutting from the Limerick Leader newspaper of Nov 23rd, 1929 on the passing of John C. Woulfe hereunder. Correction on the list of chief mourners, John Kiely was the nephew of his widow  Mary Woulfe and not John C. Woulfe.

1901 Census for John Woulfe of Rooskagh East.

Residents of a house 4 in Rooskagh, East (Rooskagh, Limerick)

 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Woulfe	John	48	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Woulfe Nee Quinn	Bridget	46	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Woulfe	Michael	53	Male	Brother	Roman Catholic
Castello	William	16	Male	Boarder	Roman Catholic
Riordan	Lizzie	22	Female	Servant	Roman Catholic
Sheehy	John	15	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic

1911 Census for John Woulfe, Rooskagh East.

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Woulfe	John	58	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Woulfe Nee Kiely	Mary	58	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Windle	Thomas	40	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic
Herbert	Bridget	20	Female	Servant	Roman Catholic

John Kiely died November 18^th 1967 aged 62yrs. His wife Bridget Kiely Dalton died August 11^th 1970 aged 62yrs.

Bridget Dalton and John Kiely had the following family -:

i.Michael Kiely.

ii.John P. Kiely.

iii.Catherine Vera Kiely.

i.Michael Kiely who remained single lives in the home place. Michael Kiely died on March 11th, 2012.

ii.John P. Kiely who remained single died on July 3^rd 1996.

iii.Catherine Vera Kiely was married twice. Firstly to Michael J Reynolds, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway and had one daughter Emer Reynolds. Michael who was a member of An Gda Siochana was murdered at St. Anne’s Park, Raheny on September 11^th 1975 whilst chasing an armed gang whom had just robbed the Bank of Ireland at Killester. He was accompanied by his wife Vera and daughter Emer as he gave chase in their private car.

Vera’s second marriage on June19–.was to yours truly Private Langan.

Emer Reynolds died on February 5^th 1998 aged 24 years and is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West. Catherine Vera Kiely and Private Langan are 4^th cousins.

FOUR GENERATIONS – 

Back left – Ellen Behan Foran, her niece Josie Dalton Hayes,

her grand nephew and grand niece Pat Dalton and  Vera Kiely Reynolds Langan

and her great grand niece Emer Reynolds.

Photo taken by George Langan, August 1980 at Marian Lodge, Athea the home of Ellen and Josie.

………………..

Other Behan’s.

We have a Jeremiah Behan born on Oct 24th, 1864 at Clounleharde to Jeremiah Bahan & Julia Nolan.

A son John Behan born on Aug 25th, 1867 at Knocknagorna to Jeremiah and Julia.

A daughter Ellen Behan born on Aug 25th, 1867 at Knocknagorna to Jeremiah and Julia.

A William Behan born on Aug 20th, 1869 at Knocknagorna to Jeremiah and Julia.

///////////////////////////////////////////

Mary Woulfe was the wife of John C. Woulfe. She was a sister to the aforementioned Michael Kiely and a sister to Catherine Kiely who married Denis Costello, Turraree and later of Borrigone, Foynes, Co. Limerick. (See also Lynch Mary) Mary and John C. Woulfe had no family and as previously stated left the farm to her nephew John Kiely. Initially the said farm was to go to John C. Woulfe’s nephew, Tom Windle but he died of ill health at a very young age.

John Kiely died November 18^th 1967 aged 62yrs. His wife Bridget Dalton died August 11^th 1970 aged 62yrs.

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(viii) Debora Barrett, b?

Debora Barrett (daughter of James Barrett (1) married Con O’Sullivan, Lr. Athea and had the following children as per –

Debora Barrett Mother Ireland Births and Baptisms, 1620-1881		spouse: Cornelius Sullivan child: John Sullivan b.Nov 2nd 1865
	Debora Barrett Mother Ireland Births and Baptisms, 1620-1881		spouse: Cornelius Sullivan child: Michael Sullivan b.March 3rd 1864

(ix) John Barrett, b?

John Barrett (son of James Barrett (1)) married Catherine Brosnan, c1858 of Island-Danny, cousin of Ellen Brosnan. John set up home with his wife in Knocknagorna in part of a farm that was once owned by the Sheahan’s. The original farm was divided with Sean Sheahan receiving the other half. The Sheahan’s and Barrett’s were related from away back.

1901 census for Sheahan’s, Knocknagorna as follows –

Sheehan	John	70	Male	Head of Family	R Catholic
Sheehan	Mary	40	Female	Wife	R Catholic
Sheehan	Michael	22	Male	Son	R Catholic
Sheehan	Johana	23	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Sheehan	Mary	20	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Sheehan	Catherine	19	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Sheehan	Bridget	17	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Sheehan	Ellian	15	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Sheehan	John	10	Male	Son	R Catholic
Sheehan	Patrick	65	Male	Brother	R Catholic

1911 Census for Sheahan’s, Knocknagorna as follows –

Sheahan	Mary	60	Female	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Sheahan	Johaana	29	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Sheahan	Michael	28	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Sheahan	Mary	26	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Sheahan	Bridget	24	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Sheahan	John	19	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Sheahan	Patrick	80	Male	Brother in Law	Roman Catholic
Moloney	Cornelius	32	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic

Back in 1833 when Knocknagorna was being assessed for tithes all the farms were held in partnership which included James Dalton & Barrett 194 acres and John Sheahan & Partner 241 acres. In 1852 there was a William Barrett Jnr, 72 acres, Johanna & Anne Sheehan, 145 acres and a William Barrett with 61 acres who had Thomas Barrett and Conor Enright as sub- tenant. By 1866, Pat Collins, grandfather of Denis Collins,R.I.P. Mallow was added to the voters list. The Collins family migrated from the Tullig/ Templeglantine area of Co. Limerick.

Pat Collins, Knocknagorna.

Pat Collins’ son, John (Jack) COLLINS  was born in Knocknagorna, Athea, Co. Limerick. He died on 20 Oct 1984 in Limerick. Jack farmed in Knocknagorna, Athea, Co. Limerick. On June 5th, 1943, at Moyvane church, Jack Collins married Margaret Ita McEnery who was born on 23 Jan 1917 in Tubbertureen, Moyvane, Co. Kerry, daughter of Denis McEnery, the witnesses being – Michael Collins & Nora mcEnery. Margaret Ita died on 28 May 2006 in Knocknagorna, Athea, Co. Limerick. She was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Athea, Co. Limerick.

The following Barrett’s and Sheahan’s appear in the 1901 census –  James Barrett, Hanoria Barrett, William Barrett, John Barrett and John Sheehan (as above census). John Barrett & Catherine Brosnan had several in family including Catherine Barrett b1859, James Barrett b1861 who married Elizabeth Stack, a son John Barrett b July 8th 1869 and a son Michael Barrett who married Mary Everett, an Australian. Michael Barrett and Mary Everett in turn had a son Jackie Barrett who married Mary Agnes Quille, Dromada,  born Oct 12^th 1903, baptised Oct 13^th, Fr. G. Quain P.P. Godparents; Jer Quille (her uncle) & Mary Dore, Parkana (2^nd cousin of her mother). Mary Agnes & Jack were married June 25th 1942, Fr. Thomas J. Connolly P.P. Witnesses; Paddy Thady White, Coole (1^st cousin of Jack Barrett) & Delia Broderick, Athea. Family from that union as follows : Michael Barrett, Vincent Barrett & Sean Barrett.

 

———————————–

MARRIAGE.

BARRETT—EVERT.—On the 6th Feb 1896 at St Columbas’ Church, Charters Towers, by the Rev. Father Comerford, Michael Barrett, second son of John Barrett, Athea, County Limerick, Ireland, to Mary Evert, second daughter of John Evert, of Charters Towers.

1911 census for Michael Barrett & Mary Everett as follows –

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	Michael	45	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Mary Everett	35	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Barrett	John (Jack) b1897	13	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Thomas	11	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Catherine	8	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Mary	5	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Johannah	3	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Ellien	1	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barry	Daniel	26	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic

………………..

Tom Barrett. (1) Born c1800

(The Lynch Line.)

Tom Barrett (1) born c1800  married Maria Shanahan c1830 and had the following family ;

(i) Catherine Barrett 

Catherine Barrett, daughter of Tom Barrett (1) was baptised on 31/10/1831. Godparents – John Barrett & Kathleen Buckley. (John Barrett was probably John ‘Jack’ Jamesy). Catherine  married John Scanlon, Upper Athea. Their daughter Johanna Scanlon married Michael Griffin, tailor Athea as follows –

On Feb 21st, 1903 we have the marriage of Michael Griffin, a tailor, aged 28 years from Gortnagross, Athea, son of John Griffin, deceased farmer, to Johanna Scanlon aged 24 years, born on Sept 24th, 1873, daughter of John Scanlon & Catherine Barrett,  farmer’s from Upper Athea, the witnesses being Thomas Griffin & Norah Barrett. Norah Barrett being my grandmother and Johanna’s 1st cousin. Johanna had a small shop which was situated between Griffin’s and Connell’s, Connell’s was the end house next to the river Gale bridge. Family from that union 10 as follows –

i.Mary Griffin born July 13th, 1904.

ii.John Joseph Griffin born on June 1st, 1905.

iii.Catherine Griffin born on Aug 6th, 1906.

iv.Thomas Griffin born on Dec 5th, 1907.

v.Ellen Griffin born on Aug 1st, 1909.

vi.Michael Griffin born Dec 8th, 1910.

vii.Maurice Griffin born on June 30th, 1912

viii.Hannah Griffin born on Oct 23rd, 1914.

ix.Gerald Griffin born on Sept 24th, 1915. Died March 30th, 1980.

x.Elizabeth Mary Griffin born May 16th, 1917.

(ii) Helen Barrett

Helen Barrett, daughter of Tom Barrett (1) was baptised 2/3/1834. Godparents – John Barrett & Helen Ford.

(iii) Thomas Barrett

Thomas Barrett, (son of Tom Barrett (1) was baptised on  1/5/1836. Godparents – John Barrett & Helen Foran Must have died as another Thomas born, see hereunder.

(iv) Thomas Barrett

Thomas Barrett, son of Tom Barrett (1) was baptised 5/11/1838. Godparents – John Barrett & Maria ? (last name not given)

(v) Johanna Barrett

Johanna Barrett, daughter of Tom Barrett (1) was baptised 22/3/1844 Godparents – John Barrett & Catherine Barrett.  On Feb 12th 1870 at Athea Church Johanna married Richard Woulfe, son of Maurice Woulfe, Cratloe West, Athea the witnesses being  John ?, Athea and John Barrett, Dirreen, Athea. Johanna’s age given as 20 years which differs from her baptism record and Richard’s age given as 26 years.

(vi) John Barrett

John Barrett, son of Tom Barrett (1) was born c1841. On March 1^st 1870, at the church of Newtownsandes, John married Johanna Thornton, Kilbaha the witnesses being Bryan Cunningham & John Stack. John died on Nov 6th,1920. Johanna died 10/7/1913 aged 85.

1901 Census for this family as follows –

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	John	60	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Hanna Thornton	54	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Thomas	29	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Mary	25	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Patrick	19	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Hanora	18	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Katie	15	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic

 A more detailed account on the family of John Barrett & Hanora Thornton, 6 as follows –

i.Thomas(Tom) Barrett,

Thomas Barrett, son of John Barrett was baptised on the 22/12/1870. Godparents –  John & Margaret Thornton. Tom who died February 5^th 1951, inherited the home place in Lr. Dirreen and on Feb 15th 1917 at Templeglantine church, Thomas (whose father was still alive) married Maggie Kelly R.I.P. August 17^th 1968, from Sugarhill, daughter of Patrick Kelly a farmer still living, the witnesses being Michael Barrett & Nora Kelly. Tom was known locally as Tom John Barrett. Tom and Maggie had no family so they took in Maggie’s nephew Patrick Kelly and left him the place. Patrick initially left the farm to one of the Tierney’s from Templeathea who for whatever reason didn’t take up his inheritence. The farm then went to his neighbour Tom Barrett, son of the aforementioned Denny ‘Brown’ Barrett.

ii.Paddy Barret.

Paddy Barrett, son of John Barrett was baptised on the 23/1/1881. Godparents – Thomas Scanlon & Maria Scanlon, Upper Athea. (son & daughter of John & Catherine Scanlon.) Paddy was in the London Metropolitan Police and spent some time in Scotland Yard. He was on a mission to France when he met and married his wife Marguerite Le Franc. Following his retirement from the police, he came to live in Dublin at 51 Kimmage Road West, where he did some private detective work. Paddy had his detective offices in the Abbey Building’s, Abbey St. Dublin 1. Paddy and Marguerite had two daughters –

Madeline Barrett.

Madeline Barrett remained single.

Simone Barrett.

Simone Barrett married Joseph (Joe) Hale and lived in Walkinstown Road, Dublin 12. Joe Hale was a traveller for a pharmaceutical company. His line of business took him around the country including to the West Limerick area. At times he would bring his family with him and they would stay at Lynch’s when around.

First name(s)	Last name	Registration year	Registration district	County	Potential spouse names
Simone Charlotte M	Barrett	1948	Dublin South	–	Roderick O’Connor, Joseph Patrick Hale, Sean Mcnamara, Patrick Dunne

They had a family of four, two sons and two daughters. One of the daughters married a Miller and had a son Eric Miller who played gaelic football for Dublin and international rugby football for Ireland. Paddy Barrett died June 8th 1962. His wife Marguerite died August 27^th 1954. at her sister’s residence 25 Rue Paul Doumer, Le Harve, France.

Paddy Barrett right with the Hale family

Walkinstown, Dublin 12, 1954

Paddy Barrett seated middle front with his two daughters

Madeline and Simone front and back left

with my mother Delia Langan Lynch back right

and Teasy Kelly front right, daughter of Tim Kelly, Athea

who married in Chicago to Jimmy Sullivan, Kilbaha,

Photo 1950’s

Madeline and Simone Barrett.

iii.Jim Barrett.

Jim Barrett, son of John Barrett was baptised on the 29/6/1877. Godparents – William Shanahan & Hana Thornton. Jim was also in the police force in London where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was married to Ellie Lowe, an Englishwoman and had no family. My uncle Tom Lynch remembers seeing a photo of Jim in the front page of the Daily Mirror newspaper waving a baton during some police incident.

(4) Mary (Minnie) Barrett.

John Barrett mentioned in the record of Mary Barrett.

Name	John Barrett
Gender	Male
Wife	Johanna Thornton
Daughter	Mary Barrett
Name		Mary Barrett
Gender		Female
Christening Place		Tarbert No 2, Lim, Ire
Birth Date		10 Nov 1875
Birthplace		Tarbert No 2, Lim, Ire
Father’s Name		John Barrett
Mother’s Name		Johanna Thornton

Mary (Minnie) Barrett, daughter of John Barrett was baptised in Tarbert on the  14/10/1875. (see above) Godparents – Patrick & Catherine Barrett.  On Feb 22nd 1906 at Athea church, Mary married John Tierney, Templeathea, son of John Tierney a farmer, the witnesses being – Mathew Tierney & Nora Barrett. Mary age given as 27 years which differs from her birth date and John’s age given as 37 years. Mary and John had the following family, all 1^st cousins to my mother -:

i.John Jack Tierney.

Jack Tierney, born on May 6th 1907 at Templeathe, his father John present at the birth. Jack remained single.

ii.Tim Tierney.

Tim Tierney who died on May 11^th 1995, married Eileen Collins, a daughter of Jim Collins, Slientrac.

Tim & Eileen had the following family –

i.John Joe Tierney

ii.James (Jim) Tierney

iii.Mathew (Matt) Tierney

iv.Edward (Ted) Tierney

v.Mary Ita Tierney –

Mary Ita died on Jan 12th 1952 at Templeathea aged 6 days,

her father Tim present at her death.

iii.Matt Tierney.

Matt Tierney who died on November 5^th 2008, married Nell Connors, Turraree. Nell died December 2003.

Matt & Nell had the following family –

John Chris Tierney

Mary Tierney

Joan Tierney

Majella (Jill) Tierney

Nora Tierney

iv.Mary Ita Tierney.

Mary Ita Tierney, born March 10th 1911 at Templeathea, her father John present at the birth. On Feb 9th 1937 at Athea church, Mary Ita Tierney daughter of John Tierney married Michael ‘Bud’ Dalton, farmer, son of Daniel Dalton Glenagore, Athea, the witnesses being Patrick Scollard & Eileen Tierney.married Michael ‘Bud’ Dalton, Glenagower.

v.Josie Tierney.

Josie Tierney (Johanna Mary). Born March 20th 1914, her father John present at her birth at Templeathea. Josie married Dick White, (Publican) Athea.

vi.Ellen Nellie Tierney.

Ellen Nellie Tierney married Jack Fitzgerald, Templeathea.

vii.Nora Tierney.

Nora Tierney married Larry McAuliffe, Lower Athea.

viii. Unknown Tierney, female, born on March 9th 1910 to John and Mary Tierney, Templeathea, her father John present at the birth. (must have died in infancy)

Mary Barrett Tierney died a widow on Feb 14th 1958 at Templeathea aged 84 years, her son Tim present at her death. John Tierney died May 29th 1954 aged 93 years his son Tim present at his death at Templeathea. Going my his marriage cert and the 1901 census John was born in 1869.

More on the Tierneys.

John Tierney who may have come from around the Castlemahon area of County Limerick was married to Mary ‘Mick’ Danaher  married into the Danaher place). Mary was born circa 1822 the daughter of Maurice Danaher. (John was born circa 1816 and died on March 20th 1890 at Knockatanwalla, (old name for that part of Templeathea) aged 74  years, married, his son-in-law Thomas Liston present at his death. Family from this John Tierney and Mary ‘Mick’ Danaher as follows –

Michael Tierney born circa 1863, remained single in life. According to the 1911 census he was living in Templeathea aged 49, living with his brother John and his mother Mary. I have a Michael Tierney who died on Sept 12th 1957 aged 94 years.

John Tierney married Mary (Minnie) Barrett my great grandaunt as above

Matthew Tierney b June 10th 1866.  He was also living in the home place according to the 1911 census, aged 43, years, married later as hereunder. I have a Matthew Tierney, who on Dec 2nd 1916 at Athea church, married Ellen Ahern, Templeathea daughter of Michael Ahern, farmer, the witnesses being Maurice Danaher, Glenagore and Mary A. Kelly, Athea. Mathew died on May 13th 1957 at Templeathea aged 90 years his nephew Mathew Tierney present at his death.

Name	Mathew Tierney
Gender	Male
Birth Date	10 Jun 1866
Birthplace	0594,ARDAGH AND ATHEA,LIMERICK,IRELAND
Father’s Name	John Tierney
Mother’s Name	Mary Danaher

4.Mary Tierney. On March 6th 1884, Mary married Thomas Liston, shopkeeper, Athea village son of Patrick Liston a farmer, the witnesses being William Liston & Ellen Tierney. (According to the 1901 census Mary giving her age as  29? which would make her only 12 years of age at the time of her marriage) Mary Tierney & Thomas Liston had the following family –

Edward (Ned) Liston, Athea village father of Teresa Liston who married Johnny Mullane, Knocknagorna.

Thomas Liston, became a banker in Wicklow

William Liston, On Sept 30^th, 1933 at Abbeyfeale church, William Liston, farmer & shiokeeper, married Ellie  Lane  from Meenkilly, Mountcollins , Co. Limericka, daughter of James Lane, the witnesses being Timothy Tierney & Eileen White. William & Ellie had one son Tommy ‘Willie’ Liston. They had the public house next to Irwins in the village and their son Tommy ‘Willie’ ran the pub for some years thereafter.

Mollie Liston, On Feb 8^th, 1923 at the church of St. Joseph, Limerick city, Mary Liston married John Woulfe, Killeaney, Glin, son of Philip Woulfe, the witnesses being – John Leahy & Josephine Liston, both with addresses at 18 Upper Cecil St. Limerick. John Woulfe ran a thriving shop in Killeaney as well as being a flour and meal merchant. 

Johanna (Josie) Liston born on June 10th 1901 at Athea, her father Thomas present at her birth. On Jan 7^th, 1922, Josie married Tom Wallace from Washpoole, Pallaskenry, son of farmer, Michael Wallace , the witnesses being – George A. Wallace, Washpoole & Nora M.Dalton, Parkana, Athea. Johanna and Tom met each other during the war of independence. They lived for some time at Bud Enrights in the village before moving to Limerick city where they bought a thriving business that was  located not too far from the Gaelic Grounds GAA grounds.

5.Ellen Tierney  daughter of John Tierney farmer, who on Feb 3rd 1894 at Athea church married Timothy Hunt Cool, son of Con Hunt & Mary Horgan farmer, deceased, the witnesses to the marriage being Patrick Hunt and Nora Danaher. On Nov 13th 1927  Timothy died at Dromada aged 69 years  his widow Ellen Hunt present at his death.  Ellen Tierney and Timothy Hunt  had the following family of three that I can account for –

i.Cornelius Hunt, who was born circa 1895 remained single in life. Cornelius died on April 18th 1966 at Coole West, Athea aged 71, his brother John Hunt present at his death. Con gave the farm to his brother John. (see more on the Hunt family hereunder)

ii.Timothy Hunt, Coole, born on July 12th 1897. On July 17th 1897 death of Timothy Hunt aged 5 days, his father Timothy Hunt present at his death at Coole, Athea.

iii.John (Jack) Hunt son of Timothy Hunt & Ellen Tierney who on Nov 24th 1932 at Athea church married Margaret White from Coole, Athea, daughter of Edmond White farmer, the witnesses being Con Hunt and Mollie White and thus became the father of Timothy (Thady) Hunt who was so kind to give me some of the above information. Thady was married to Nora Ita Fitzgerald, Knocknasna R.I.P., on Sat Jan 29th 2011. Margaret White Hunt died on Sept 30th 1960 at Coole West, Athea aged 56 years her brother Richard White present at her death.

 Death notice of Mary Tierney relict of John Tierney and mother of

John Tierney above who married Mary (Minnie) Barrett.

Going by the following death notice taken from Danaher Family History I am almost certain the Mary Danaher Tierney above was a relative of the Danaher’s of Monemohill, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick.

This death took place on the 8th August 1900 and was published in a newspaper after his funeral. We do not know the name of the Newspaper !. He was aged 34 when he died.

Father Canal (Cahill ?) (in the unavoidable absence of Rev S Danaher PP) officiated, assisted by the Rev Fathers O’Gorman and Kenrick, and among those present were P Danaher, Woodcliffe; D Danaher (brothers); John Danaher, Dublin; J Danaher, Moyreen;  Maurice Danaher, Stephen Danaher, Shanagolden; J Danaher, Athea; P Danaher, Glenagore; W Danaher, Loveglass; To Danaher, James Danaher, Loughill; Timothy Danaher, The Mount; Coroner J M Ambrose, MD; Dr Cornelius Nolan, Shanagolden; Dr Edward Ambrose, London; Dr S E Hayes, Rathkeale; Dr Morgan, Messrs Michael Feeheny, DC; John Morgan, DC; Edward Sheehy, CC; Fc Hartigan, BE; James Liston, DC; P O’Shaughnessy, DC, Loughill; J Fitzgerald, Balllyhahill; M H Woulfe, Newcastle West; Stephen Ambrose, do; James Ward, DC; John O’Shaughnessy. Joseph Fitzgerald, Michael O’Sullivan, James Moloney, DC; James T Moloney, Mohernagh; Daniel Commane, John Commane, Stephen Commane, P J Enright, John Enright, J Leahy. Thomas Leahy, Timothy Leahy, M Burke, Tiermore, R Burke, Old Mill; Peter Burke, P Hedderman, Fern Hill; Thomas Madigan, Shanagolden; M O’Callaghan, Ballynoe; D O’Callaghan, Feenagh; P L O’Sullivan, Chairman DC, Shanagolden; John Kelly, Shanagolden; James Purtill RO; Philip Purtill, Castlequarter; Thomas Liston, Athea; Denis Hurley, Athea; James Leahy, Benanaspuck; Michael Trehy, DC; Stephen Mulcair, John Mulcair, Michael McDonnell, James Nolan, DC; William Irwin, Moig; John Hurley, Banogue; P Liston, Park; John Manahan, Moyreen; Robert Quaid, Knockaderry; Daniel O’Brien, PLG; Michael Dore, Monegay; John Mangan, Shanagolden; John Dore, Shanagolden; Daniel Riordan, Michael O’Connor, Flean; John O’Brien DC; Thomas O’Brien DC; Thomas Stanley, John M Donovan, DC; M Cregan, DC; John Cregan, Shanid; J Creegan, Ballyhahill; W Cregan, J Flynn, Carrickerry; John Halpin, M Culhane, Thomas Culhane, Barneigue; John O’Kelly, Michael Dalton, James Neville, Michael Mangan, Monemohill; John Hastings, Patrick Kerley, Shanid; James Nolan, Ballyanne; Thomas Nolan, Waterpark; Cornelius Nolan, Glensharrold; Michael Leahy, P Barry, W Kennedy, Shanagolden; P O’Shaughnessy, CC, Newcastle West; P O’Shaughnessy, Solicitor, Rathkeale; T Hunt, Solicitor, Kilrush; James Norman, Rathkeale;  Dr Mangan, P O’Shaughnessy, DC, Kilbrethern; P Hunt, Athea; T Quaid, John Tierney, M Tierney, Templeathea; M Fitzgerald, Glenagore; J Dalton, Glenagore; Michael Liston, Glenastare; M Fitzgibbon PLG; James Fitzgibbon, RC; M McDonnell, Dunmoylan; John McDonnell, RO; Daniel Mullane, John O’Shea, Lisready; etc, etc,

Wreaths were sent by the Sisters of Mercy, Mrs Hartigan, Dr Ambrose, (London); Miss Nolan, Miss Delia Danaher, and several other sympathetic friends.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Phelan, Newcastle West.

MORE ON THE HUNT FAMILY

The Hunt family arrived in Athea circa 1740, a Robert Hunt was given an estate around Dromada and a lady by the name of  Dame Ann Crisp got another. I think the White families descended from Dame Ann Crisp.

We’ll commence with the family of Timothy Hunt, born circa 1834 son of William Hunt, Old Mill, Gortnagross, Athea. William born circa 1786. You will see they have Dromada, Tooradoo, Gortnagross and Old Mill listed as their addresses. Old Mill is a local name and is part of Gortnagross. The only conclusion that Timothy (Thady) Hunt and myself  can arrive at regarding Dromadda and Tooradoo is, that the family may have wanted to keep up the link to the place where they originated from. 

April 20th 1864, birth of Thomas Hunt, Dromada, Old Mill, Athea to Timothy Hunt & Margaret Carroll, farmer and labourer, Mary Carroll grandmother present at birth. (Margaret’s mother) Mary Carroll was the great great grandaunt of Ted Carroll, Gortnagross, whom I knew well as he used to cut turf at Higgins’ bog during the 1960’s.

April 4th 1867, birth of Catherine Hunt to Timothy & Margaret Carroll, Dromada, farmer.

Dec 29th 1869, birth of Mary Hunt, Dromada to Timothy & Margaret Carroll, farmer, Dromada. On Jan 13th 1886 death of Mary Hunt, Gortnagross, Athea aged 15 years, a farmer’s daughter, her mother Margaret Hunt present at her death in Gortnagross. The  age on the death cert may be incorrect.

Nov 12th 1872, birth of Hanora Hunt to Timothy Hunt & Margaret Carroll, Dromada, Tooradoo, William Hunt occupier present at the birth at Dromadda, Athea. (Old Mill).

Oct 18th 1875, birth of Timothy Hunt, Gortnagross to Timothy Hunt & Margaret Carroll, William Hunt  present at birth at Gortnagross. Timothy died at the County Home, Newcastle West on June 11th 1958 aged 83 years. On June 30th 1921  at Ardagh church  Timothy married  Catherine (Katie) O’Connor, Rooskagh, Ardagh, daughter of John O’Connor, farmer, the witnesses being John Hunt & Hannie Kilmartin.  The John Hunt witness, was known locally as Jack Hunt of Coole West, father of Timothy (Thady) Hunt whom I spoke with today, Friday Sept 21st 2018. Timothy Hunt & Catherine (Katie) O’Connor had a family, Bill Hunt, Tom Hunt & Connie Hunt. there were also girls in the family one of whom was  Margaret Theresa Hunt who died on May 28th 1933 aged 13 months, her father Timothy Hunt present at her death at Gortnagross.  On March 16th 1957  Catherine Katie O’Connor Hunt, Gortnagross, Athea, wife of a small farmer died at the County Home, Newcastle West aged 59 years.

Nov 3rd 1878, birth of Ellen Hunt, Dromada, (Old Mill) daughter of Timothy & Margaret Carroll, Dromada.

Oct 6th 1881, birth of Margaret Hunt, Dromadda daughter of Timothy & Margaret Carroll, Dromada. (Old Mill). On November 4th 1911 at Athea church, Margaret Hunt, Gortnagross, Athea daughter of Timothy Hunt, farmer, married Thomas Griffin, tailor, Gortnagross, age given as 33 years, son of John Griffin farmer, the witness being William Shine, Dirreen and Hannah Quille, Gortnagross. Thomas lived at the eastern end of Gortnagross. On June 3rd 1912, a daughter, Mary Ita Griffin born to Thomas  & Margaret, Gortnagross, Athea. On Sept 22nd 1913, birth of Bridget Mary Griffin to Thomas & Margaret, Margaret Hunt present at the birth. Bridget married a farmer by the name of Moloney from Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. On March 18th 1916 a daughter Margaret Griffin born to Thomas & Margaret. Thomas Griffin was an uncle to Mick ‘The Tailor’ Griffin, Main St. Athea as it was known back then, now Colbert St. The Griffin’s were related to my mother’s side of the family through the Barrett’s, Lr Dirreen as referred to under Catherine Barrett, daughter of Tom Barrett.

Feb 20th 1882, death of William Hunt, Gortnagross, farmer and widower aged 96 years, born 1786, his daughter-in-law  Margaret Hunt occupier, present at his death at Gortnagross, Athea. William was the father of Timothy Hunt above and was  Connie Hunt’s great grandfather. (I’m referring to Connie Hunt for the reason that I knew Connie well as he used to help us out with the cutting of the turf back in the 1960’s)

Nov 15th 1886, birth of Bridget Hunt, Gortnagross, daughter of Timothy Hunt, farmer, and Margaret Carroll. 

On Jan 18th 1897 death of Timothy Hunt, Gortnagross aged 64 years, his son Timothy Hunt present at his death at Gortnagross, Athea. This is the Timothy Hunt that was married to Margaret Carroll.

Feb 23rd 1892 death of Cornelius Hunt, Coole, Athea, a married farmer, aged 70 years, his brother John Hunt from Athea present at his death in Coole. This is the Cornelius that was married to Mary Horgan from Lisselton, Co Kerry. On April 8th 1895, death of Mary Horgan Hunt, Dromadda, a farmer’s widow aged 75 years, her daughter Ellen Dalton hereunder present at her death at Dromadda, Athea.

On Feb 14th 1888 at Athea church Ellen Hunt daughter of Cornelius Hunt & Mary Horgan,  Dromada, Athea, married James (Jim) Dalton age given as 26 years a farmer from Dromadda, son of James Dalton deceased, the witnesses being Patrick Woulfe and Ellie Hunt. James (Jim) Dalton was the uncle of Paddy Dalton who was murdered by Crown forces at Gort-a-Gleanna. Cornelius Hunt & Mary Horgan had a son Timothy (Thady) Hunt, Dromadda who on Feb 3rd 1894 at Athea church married Ellen Tierney, Templeathea, daughter of John Tierney (Deceased) and Mary Danaher, daughter of Maurice Danaher, the witnesses to the marriage being Patrick (Patie) Hunt and Nora Danaher. On Nov 13th 1927  Timothy (Thady) Hunt died at Dromadda aged 69 years  his widow Ellen Tierney Hunt present at his death. Ellen Tierney and Timothy (Thady) Hunt  had the following family of three that I can account for –

i.Cornelius Hunt who born circa 1895 remained single in life. Cornelius died on April 18th 1966 at Coole West, Athea aged 71, his brother John Hunt present at his death. Con gave the farm to his brother John. (see more on the Hunt family hereunder)

ii.On July 12th 1897 birth of Timothy Hunt, Coole, son of Timothy Hunt & Ellen Tierney, Coole, Athea. …….July 17th 1897 death of Timothy Hunt aged 5 days, his father Timothy Hunt present at his death at Coole, Athea.

iii.John (Jack) Hunt son of Timothy Hunt & Ellen Tierney who on Nov 24th 1932 at Athea church married Margaret White from Coole, Athea, daughter of Edmond White farmer, the witnesses being Con Hunt and Mollie White and thus became the father of another Timothy (Thady) Hunt who was so kind to give me some of the above information. The latter Timothy (Thady) Hunt was married to Nora Ita Fitzgerald, Knocknasna who died on Sat Jan 29th 2011. Margaret White Hunt died on Sept 30th 1960 at Coole West, Athea aged 56 years her brother Richard (Dick) White, Publican, Athea present at her death. Margaret White Hunt was the grand-niece of Mary White hereunder.

Cornelius Hunt & Mary Horgan may have had another son  John Hunt who was married to Mary White from Dromadda and they lived in Athea village where they ran a public house and shop. (Richard Dick) White’s pub in my time). Something to note here, when Mary Horgan’s husband  Cornelius Hunt  died on Feb 23rd 1892 it was his brother John Hunt  from Athea that was present at his death at Coole and not his son. Well in any case whether John Hunt was Cornelius’s son or brother he married  Mary White from Dromadda and had the following family –

A Timothy Hunt born pre 1865. The records that I have access to don’t go back beyond 1865. Timothy must have been the first born and would be called after his grandfather which was the norm back in those day’s. Timothy was a  solicitor in Ennis. Co. Clare.

A Patrick (Patie) Hunt was also born to John & Mary White, born pre 1865. (see Patrick (Patie) Hunt further on.

April 23rd 1865, birth of Cornelius Hunt, Athea to John & Mary White, shopkeeper, Athea. Cornelius also joined the priesthood and became a missionary in Australia. (see under Rev. Fr. Cornelius Hunt C.SS.R. Ba)

March 8th 1867, birth of Bridget Hunt to John & Mary White, Athea, shopkeeper & farmer. Bridget may have joined the nun’s.

June 7th 1869, birth of Mary Anne Hunt, Athea to John & Mary White, farmer & shopkeeper, Athea.

Sept 11th 1871, birth of Johanna Hunt  to John Hunt, shopkeeper & Mary White, Athea. It would appear twins were born, only one survived. The other child on birth certificate unnamed.

Oct 18th 1872, birth of Catherine Hunt to John & Mary White, Athea, shopkeeper & Farmer.

Also born in 1872 was a Hannie Hunt. On May 29th 1894 we have the death of Hannie Hunt aged 22 years, shopkeeper’s daughter, her father John Hunt present at her death in Athea. Mother Mary White. Hannie may have been a twin to Catherine above as both were born in 1872.

March 20th 1875, birth of John Patrick Hunt, Athea to John Hunt & Mary White farmer and shopkeeper, Athea. On Dec 27th 1894 we have the death of John aged 19 years, his father John Hunt present at his death.

Aug 20th 1877, birth of Edward Bartholomew Hunt to John Hunt  & Mary White, shopkeeper, Athea. Edward married Chris Danaher a sister to John ‘Rice’ Danaher Athea and subsequently became the parents of 98 year old John Hunt, Chicago, who on Sept 2nd 2018 made the trip to Ireland to see his beloved Limerick win the All Ireland senior hurling championship after a lapse of 45 years. I had the the honour and privilege of speaking to John on the phone on Wednesday Sept 5th 2018 whilst he was on that visit. Over the course of our conversation John gave me some important information on his ancestors with more to be added when he receives my questionnaire which I intend to mail him presently. John was jetting back to Chicago on Sat Sept 8th. Rice Danaher was married twice, following the death of his first wife who was one of the Leahy’s of Upper Athea he subsequently married a Danaher relative from Monemohill, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick.

Aug 1st 1903 death of John Hunt aged 79 years, married, a shopkeeper by occupation, his son Patrick (Patie) L.Hunt present at his death in Athea. This is the John Hunt who was married to Mary White above. On March 26th 1917 we have the death of John’s widow Mary White Hunt  at Athea , aged 83 years, her son Patrick (Patie) Hunt present at her death. As already stated, Patrick (Patie) Hunt who must have been born pre 1865 inherited the pub and married a Maria Egan. On October 17th 1919 we have the death of Maria Egan Hunt   at Athea, aged 50 years, wife of a publican, her husband Patrick (Patie) Hunt present at her death. Following the death of his wife Marie, Patrick (Patie) gave the pub to his brother Edward Bartholomew (Edsie) Hunt. He then departed Athea and went to Montenotte in Cork city to work as a gardener at an old folks home there. He died at Montenotte and is buried down there.

Jan 13th 1875 we have the marriage at Templeglantine church of Thomas Hunt aged 30 years, Athea a labourer, son of Thomas Hunt, who was also a labourer and who was now deceased, the marriage to Mary Wren aged 30 years daughter of Thomas Wren, Templeglantine, who was also deceased. The witnesses being Timothy Flynn & Maurice Woulfe.

On March 4th 1878 at Athea church Joanna Hunt, Upper Athea, age given as 20 years, daughter of James Hunt, farmer married Michael O’Sullivan, age given as 29 years,  farmer from Lower Athea, son of Patrick O’Sullivan, farmer, the witnesses being, Michael Sullivan and Mary Hunt. On March 6th 1885 we have the death of housekeeper Margaret Hunt, a spinster, aged 25 years, Michael O’Sullivan present at her death in Athea. We are assuming that Margaret was a sister to Johanna. On April 27th 1882, we have the death of a Mary Hunt, Athea, a spinster and cottiers daughter, aged 27 years,  her father James Hunt present at her death in Athea. It is likely Mary was another sister as a family of the Hunts lived in a cottage in Upper Athea. On Jan 13th 1888 we have the death of James Hunt, farmer, Athea a widower aged 70 years, Michael O’Sullivan, son-in-law present at his death in Athea. Michael O’Sullivan was a granduncle to the present day pair Patie & Connie Sullivan, Lr Road, Athea. (Spoke with Connie Sullivan on Mon Sept 24th 2018)

Jan 5th 1866, birth of Timothy Hunt, Cratloe to James & Johanna Harnett, farmer. I found on a death cert dated Nov 18th 1882 the death of a Johanna Hunt, Cratloe, Athea aged 48 years, a farmer’s widow, Margaret Woulfe occupier present at her death at Cratloe.

The following family are of a James Hunt & Mary Harnett whether they are the same family or not I’m not sure, a mistake could have been made with the names Johanna & Mary on the birth certs.

Sept 9th 1867, birth of Michael Hunt to James & Mary Harnett, Cratloe, Athea, farmer.

Feb 24th 1869, birth of Mary Hunt, Cratloe to James Hunt & Mary Harnett.

June 13th 1870, birth of James Hunt, Cratloe to James Hunt & Mary Harnett.

Aug 7th 1872, birth of John Hunt, Cratloe to James Hunt & Mary Hartnett Hunt.

June 2nd 1878 birth of Mary Hunt, Cratloe, Athea, daughter of James Hunt & Mary Harnett.

December 3rd 1878, death of Mary Hunt, Cratloe, Athea aged 6 months, her father James Hunt present at her death at Cratloe.

Dec 21st 1894 birth of Cornelius Stephen Hunt son of Timothy Hunt and Ellen Tierney, Coole, his father Timothy present at the birth. Cornelius was Timothy (Thady) Hunt’s uncle. Cornelius remained single in life and gave the farm to his brother John, Thady’s father. (as in Ellen Tierney above)

Dec 32rd 1894 birth of Catherine Mary Hunt, Athea daughter of Cornelius Hunt and Mary Hunt Hunt. (Cornelius’s wife was also Hunt) On Oct 13th 1895 we have the death of Cornelius Hunt, Athea, aged 33 years, a labourer, married,  his father-in-law William Hunt present at his death in Athea.

Sept 2nd 1904, birth of Thomas White to Thomas White Upper Athea & Mary Hunt White, Knockanure. They had a son James (Jimmy) White who emigrated to England and married there. Mary Hunt White was born in Knockanure, the daughter of James Hunt & Bridget Carroll. This James Hunt was born in Dirreen, Athea in 1855 and died at Carhooearagh, Knockanure, Co. Kerry on Sept 17th, 1940. James was the son of  Cornelius Hunt & Bridget Aherne, Bridget was from Dirreen, Athea. Other children born to Cornelius & Bridget as follows – William Hunt b March 11th, 1858. Bridget Hunt Jan 23rd, 1860. Cornelius Hunt born March 27th, 1862. John Hunt born July 19th, 1867.

Nov 8th 1905, birth of Mary White to Thomas & Mary Hunt White, Upper Athea.

October 15th 1907 death of Cornelius Hunt aged 16 years a carpenter by trade, his mother Mary Hunt present at his death in Athea. (shop)

May 3rd 1908, birth of Bridget White to Thomas & Mary Hunt White, Upper Athea, Margaret Guina present at birth.

Sept 15th 1910, birth of Catherine Mary White to Thomas & Mary Hunt White, Upper Athea.

June 23rd 1913, birth of James White to Thomas & Mary Hunt White, Upper Athea.

July 8th 1916 birth of John White, Upper Athea to Thomas White, labourer, and Mary Hunt White. 

Death of Margaret Hunt aged 94 years at Gortnagross, Athea on Aug 20th 1933, widow of a farmer, her son Timothy Hunt present at her death. She was Margaret Carroll a sister to Bill Carroll who was married to a Kirby girl from Duagh, Co. Kerry. She was the aunt of Ted Carroll who used to cut turf at Higgins’s bog in Glasha during the 1960’s.

Death of Mary Hunt, widow of a farmer, 66 years on Feb 8th 1933 at Athea, Edmund Hunt cousin, present at her death. Mary lived near Athea creamery a few  houses beyond Tadhg Shine’s forge. She had a little shop and she used to fatten pigs out the rear of the house.  On Dec 16th 1914, we have the death of her daughter Catherine Mary Hunt Athea, aged 19 years, daughter of a shopkeeper, her mother Mary Hunt present at her death in Athea. Delia Brouder lived in the house after Mary Hunt.

It is of the belief that the White family came to Athea from Limerick city circa 1709. His name was  Thomas White, a wine merchant and he lived at Coole, Athea with his wife who was a McCoy girl.

On Feb 14th 1904 we have the marriage of a John White aged 27 years from Templeathea, son of John White, a deceased farmer, to Hanora Lynch, aged 30 years, daughter of James Lynch, Glenagore, the witnesses being Michael Kiely & Mary Lynch. We have the birth of a John White at Adare, Co. Limerick on Aug 13th, 1876 to John White, Glensharrold and Bridget Kiely, Glenagore. Bridget’s married name not given. I know that the John White married to Hanora Lynch had an aunt Mary Kiely and an aunt Mary Kelly. John also had cousins Mary & Michael Kiely. Must be the same family, age-wise it fits in.

(5) Nora Barrett.

Nora Barrett, (my grandmother) daughter of John Barrett was baptised on the 13/4/1883. Godparents – Myles Thornton & Ellen Scanlon (probably another member of the Scanlon family)  On Feb 14th 1914 at Athea church Nora married George Lynch, Glasha (son of James Lynch), the witnesses being Ambrose Kelly, Ballygoughlin and Margaret M. Barrett, Bedford, Listowel. My aunt Joan tells me that a Molly Barrett owned a restaurant, namely ‘The Star’ at Church St, Listowel. The restaurant was situated on the right hand side of the street heading towards the Square. Aunt Joan often heard her mother speak of how this Barrett and she were related, and how she used to go in there for a cup of tea whenever she was in that town. This Molly Barrett was from Bedford, Listowel. (See also George Lynch)

(6) Kate (Katie) Barrett.

Kate (Katie) Barrett, daughter of John Barrett was baptised on the 15/6/1885. Godparents – John Thornton & Catherine Barrett. On March 1st 1919 at the church of St. Joseph in Limerick city  Kate (Katie)  married Timothy J. Kelly, Athea village, son of James O’ Kelly (1847-1901) Athea, and Mary O’Sullivan (1858-1947. The witnesses for the wedding being – Edward N. Meagher, number 10 Davis St, Limerick city and Margaret M. Barrett, Bedford, Listowel, Co. Kerry. On Feb 22nd, 1879 at Athea church, James O’Kelly, aged 32 years, son of farmer, James O’Kelly from Templeathea, married Mary O’Sullivan, aged 21 years, daughter of Timothy O’Sullivan, a smith & shop-keeper from Athea, the witnesses being – Edmond Riordan & Johanna O’Sullivan.  Mary O’Sullivan Kelly was 90 years of age and a widow when she passed to her eternal reward in Athea on March 26th 1947, occupation given as Publican & Shopkeeper her daughter Mary A. Kelly (informant) present at her death) Mary was known locally as ”Mainey Peggy”. and following the death of her husband, Mainey ran the pub and shop all by herself. James Kelly, publican, died in Athea on March 13th, 1891, aged 55 years, his wife Mary present at his death. By this time the O was dropped from the Kelly name. James O’ Kelly’s father was James O’ Kelly who was married to a Mary P. O’Sullivan.

James O’ Kelly and  Mary A. O’Sullivan had the following family –

1. Annie (Nancy) Kelly emigrated to New York and married a man by the name of Barry from around Roscommon or thereabouts. (There’s only a scrap of the 1911 Census for Athea village listed with no mention of Kelly’s)

2.Mary Anne Kelly  born January 14th 1880 (her father James (x mark) present at her birth in Athea), Mary Anne emigrated to the U.S. pre 1901 as she’s not recorded in the census of that year. She remained single in life. Seemingly during her stay in the U.S. she was affected by fire in some way or other which had a profound impact on her health.  She returned to Athea and never went back again. She was present at the death of her mother at Athea in 1947, as above.  She died at St. Joseph’s hospital, Limerick during the 1960’s.

3.Catherine Kelly born April 13th 1883 (her father James (x mark) present at her birth in Athea). Catherine emigrated to New York City where she married a George Stein.  They had 3 daughters;  Margaret Stein, born in 1914, (mother of Dennis Ferado, Texas who contacted me on Monday June 3rd 2019) and sisters Nora Stein, born in 1919 and Anna Stein the youngest born ?

4.Margaret (Peg) Kelly born February 12th 1885 (her father James (x mark) present at her birth in Athea). Margaret (Peg) emigrated to the U.S and married a Bill Wallace from near Limerick city. They had no family.

5.Timothy J. Kelly born May 22nd 1887, died December 4^th 1978.

Foreground – Timothy Kelly and his mother

Mary A. O’Sullivan Kelly ‘Mainey Peggy’ – Photo early 1940’s.

                                          

Timothy J Kelly had two sons (died at childbirth) and had four daughter’s as follows –

i.Peg Kelly who was married to Ted O’Connor a brother to Tony O’Connor who was married to my aunt Joan Lynch, Glasha, Athea.

                    Back left – Joan Kelly Woulfe, Margaret (Peg) Kelly O’Connor and her daughter Josephine O’Connor Browne.                        Front seated – Timothy Kelly and his grand nephew Dennis Ferado, Texas, U.S.A. Photo 1972.

ii.Mary Teresa (Teasie) Kelly emigrated to the U.S. and married Jimmy Sullivan, Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

iii.Joan Kelly married John Woulfe from Clash, Athea. Following the death of ‘Mainey Peggy’ her son Timmy carried on running the pub. After a while Timmy’s daughter Joan and her husband John Woulfe took over running the pub before selling it to Mossie Browne. Joan and John went to live in Ballykeeffe, Limerick City. John was a commercial traveller for some company. John and Joan had two daughters Private and Private Woulfe.

iv.Anna Philomena (Phil) Kelly emigrated to the U.S. and married a Mike Dore from Derk, Duagh, Co. Kerry. Mike and Phil had seven children all of whom are all living in Chicago, (June 27th 2019). My thanks to Josephine O’Connor Browne, grand-daughter of Timothy Kelly for that piece of information, see also under site comments. Philomena was just 49 years of age when she passed to her eternal reward.

I have just made contact with Tom Dore in Chicago (Dec 2019), Tom being the son of the aforementioned Mike Dore. I made a phone call tonight (Dec 12th 2019) to a Philip Dore in Derk, Duagh hoping that he might be someway related to the Mike Dore above and what a stroke of luck that call turned out to be, ninety year old Philip was indeed the brother to Mike Dore. I didn’t speak with Philip himself but had a good long chat with his wife Kate Dore nee McElligott. Kate informed me that the family went under the name Dower back in those days, hence the reason I couldn’t find any Dore listed in the 1901 and 1911 Census Population of Ireland. Mike Dore’s father was Maurice Dore who was married twice, firstly to Joanne Cronin,  and secondly to Mary Keane. Family from Maurice Dore and Joanne Cronin, 6 as follows –

Josephine Dore, remained single, was a  schoolteacher in Scotland, retired to Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Annie Enretta Dore. nun in Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

Madeline Dore, emigrated to Chicago, married Collins from Duagh. They knew one another before the both emigrated.

Angela Dore married Dave Keane from Strand, Monagea, Co. Limerick.

John Dore married Elizabeth Keane from Rylane, Duagh, Co. Kerry. (John and Maurice here-under were twins.)

Maurice Dore. married to Nelligan from near Headley’s Bridge,Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry.

Maurice Dower’s second marriage listed as follows – a widower farmer, marriage at Duagh church  on March 4th 1919 to Mary Keane from Rylane, Duagh, daughter of Michael Keane deceased farmer. The witnesses for this marriage were Pat Walsh and Madge Keane. Family from that union as follows –

i.Philip Dore who is still alive today Feb 4th 2020  (in his 90’s) living at Derk, Duagh, Co. Kerry. Philip married Kate McElligott as above.

ii.Mike Dore, emigrated to Chicago who died there circa 1986. Mike married Anna Philomena (Phil) Kelly from Athea, my mothers 1st cousin (see above).

iii.Nicholas Dore R.I.P. who married Nora O’Rourke, Inagh, Co. Clare and lived there.

iv.Jimmy Dore R.I.P. Got killed off a tractor at the home place circa 1958/9. Jimmy inherited the home place but following his tragic death his brother Philip above then took over.

v.Bridie Dore R.I.P. was a nurse in England and married a Gerard Draney.

vi.Bob Brendan Dore, worked with the Dept of Agriculture and is married to Margaret Conaghan ? and lives at Ardeskin near Donegal town.

vii.Kathy Dore emigrated to Australia and joined the nuns.

viii.Nell Dore is married to Con Murphy, Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry.

In the 1901 Census for Dower (Dore) family, Derk, it appears that their mother and father were deceased as their son Maurice is listed as head of the family. I have a Johanna Cronin Dower aged 63 years, married, who died at Derk on September 5th 1898 her son Maurice Dower present at her death. This is the Maurice as listed on Census below. I have a Maurice Dower a farmer who died at Derk on July 6th 1899 a widower aged 67 years his daughter Mary Dower present at his death. This is the Mary Dower as listed on Census below. There are no other Dower’s in my research that fits this family, other than the above.

Kate Dore was telling me that Bobby Jameson from Ballyculhane came on visits to their home on several occasions over the years. Bobby was related to Kate’s family through the O’Donnell’s and through the Costelloe’s of Killeaney, Glin. One of the O’Donnell’s was married to Costelloe. My niece Brid Langan, daughter of Patrick and Mairead Langan is married to Bobby’s son Shane Jameson.

1901 Census – Residents of a house 3 in Derk (Moynsha, Kerry)

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Dower	James	23	Male	Brother	R Catholic
Dower	Maurice	25	Male	Head of Family	R Catholic
Dower	Mary	27	Female	Sister	R Catholic
Dower	Bridget	21	Female	Sister	R Catholic

1911 Census for the Dower (Dore) family, exactly as it appears on the said Census, as follows 

Residents of a house 5 in Derk (Moynsha, Kerry)

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Dower	Maurice	40	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Dower	Josefephene	7	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Dower	Annie Enretta	3	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Cotter	Kittie	18	Female	Niece	Roman Catholic
Cotter	Ellie	11	Female	Niece	Roman Catholic
McElligott	John	21	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic

The Kelly family were coach builders and Timothy carried on that craft for much of his lifetime as well as operating a dance hall which was known as The Enterprise Hall. A regular band that played here were the Meade brothers and Tom ‘Tan’ O’Connor from Glin. Michael Meade played sax whilst Tom ‘Tan’ was a splendid accordionist. (so Paddy Faley told me). Timothy also ran the pub, shop and an undertaking business, the undertaking business being still operated to this present day, June 13th 2019 by his grand-daughter Mary T. Mulvihill. Timothy gave many their apprenticeship at his business, all the work done being attention to detail. Paddy Faley was telling me of two apprentices who served their time there, Paddy Hynes of Curra, Ballyhahill and Bill Barrett of Toureendonnell. Anyone who served their time at Kelly’s went on to have a very successful future. Paddy Hynes had it all, honesty, gentleness and kindness, which contributed to a very successful career. Tim Kelly’s mother, Mainey Peggy’ was very kind to Paddy and Bill, who occupied two beds upstairs over the pub during their apprenticeship’s days. The work might include building and repairing the tub trap, side trap and jaunting cars and the building of the common horse, pony and ass carts which were the order of the day back then. Coffins were also turned out at the workshop. The trap cars were much lighter than the common cars, had padding along the inside and were varnished to taste. The finished job included the insertion of different coloured lines running along the spokes and sides of the traps. This was a highly skilled operation and was usually carried out by Timothy himself. Timothy also built a horse-drawn hearse which he converted from a carriage that he acquired from the descendants  of  Lord Monteagle of Mount Trenchard, Foynes, Co. Limerick. This carriage was built in England and had rubber tyres which was a rarity at the time. Monteagle’s coachman Paddy Cusack drove the coach to Athea where it was subsequently dismantled and a whole new body fitted to it. It could be drawn by one or two horses, depending on what the family of the deceased required. Timothy was definitely using the horse drawn hearse up until the late 1950’s as my brother Patrick remembers seeing it for the first time coming down the roadway from Dan O’Connor’s of Glenagragra. Patrick was also telling me that our uncle Dan Lynch, Chicago told him that Kelly’s horse-drawn hearse was used to bring the remains of Denis Faley, Glasha to the Church in Athea during the 1940’s. Denis Faley died on Jan 6th 1947 and the late Mossie Higgins of Glasha told me that there was a ferocious fall of snow and heavy frost that winter. The bog road through Higgins’ mountain had been built by Limerick Co. Council  during the emergency years of World War 2 when turf was required to run many industries throughout the county. (After the war the turf banks were let to the local tenants for a nominal fee.)  This enabled Timothy being able to drive the hearse half way to the Faley home which was situated in the heart of the bleak mountainside.  The Faley’s had brought the corpse by common car to the end of the bog roadway to meet up with the hearse. It was uncle Dan’s job to tackle the horse and trap and to go over the Kerryline to collect his parents when the cortege arrived down from the mountain. Dan went on to say that an easterly blizzard struck that evening and it was so bad that the horse turned around of its own accord on his way over turning its back to the elements. The funeral party had to tie ropes onto the rear of the hearse to hold it back as it passed down at the rear of Higgins’ home, they were afraid the horse wouldn’t be able to hold it back on its own due to the underfoot conditions that were prevailing. the road being rather steep at that point.

Mainey Peggy was the daughter of Timothy O’Sullivan & Margaret ‘Peggy’ Dalton, Knocknagorna, Athea. Timothy, who was a blacksmith having his smithy (Forge) located between Kelly’s pub and where Finucane’s funeral home is today. At some stage John (Jack) Shine took over here but later moved to the other side of the street, next door to Hunt’s shop. Jack’s nephew Tadhg Shine was the last of the Shine family to operate the forge. I remember Tadhg well and often paid a visit to his forge with my grandfather Paddy Langan when he went there to shoe his horse. After closing down the forge Tadhg got a job as a farrier down at Bunratty Castle in Bunratty village Co. Clare which is approx a 10 minute journey from Shannon airport.

Maighread McGrath, daughter of Dr. Philip McGrath, Athea, told the story of the unsung citizens (women) of Athea one of whom was Mrs. Katie Kelly Barrett, Timothy’s wife. Maighread told of an uncle of her’s who couldn’t hear or speak, who was rescued from the Black and Tans by Mrs Kelly. He was walking, as he often did on the field at the rear of Kelly’s when the Black and Tan’s, searching for men on the run who they thought had fled on hearing their lorries coming up the street – called on him to halt. Of course being deaf he didn’t hear them so he didn’t halt. When they caught up with him they questioned him but he couldn’t answer either. Mrs. Kelly who was out on her back yard and on hearing all the shouting and commotion went over to see what was going on and was horrified to see the muzzle of a rifle pointed towards him ready to shoot. Says Maighread – ”Mrs. Kelly was one of those women and there were many of them of those days who wasn’t afraid of anyone except her God and He didn’t leave her down. She shouted at the Tan’s that the man they were about to shoot couldn’t hear or speak. Whether it was out of admiration for her courage, or the fact that they were more humane than the general run of those usurpers they lowered the gun and withdrew.” It wasn’t the first time he was saved, Thady Shine at the forge had to come to his rescue on another occasion.

I was informed by my aunt Joan and uncle Mick Lynch back circa 2002 that Mainey Peggy’s mother was Peggy Dalton, Knocknagorna, daughter of a James Dalton and Mary Barrett, Knocknagorna. I was also informed that Mainey had a sister  Nano O’Sullivan who on May 5th 1868, age 20 years, at Athea Church married Daniel Shine age 25 years, son of John (Jack) Shine above, blacksmith, Athea, the witnesses being – Patrick O’Sullivan & Joanna Shine. (the civil records give Michael Mulvihill and John Shine as the witnesses) The marriage certificate gives Nano’s father as Jeremiah O’Sullivan, but that must have been a mistake as well. Jeremiah may have been a brother to her father Timothy. The Athea Parish Register has Nano and Mainey’s father as Timatheos Sullivan.  Daniel Shine’s profession was also given as a blacksmith. (the marriage cert states that Nano’s father was Jeremiah O’Sullivan) According to Slater’s Trade Directory of 1881, Daniel Shine was the sole blacksmith operating in the village, joined in that trade in 1894 by James Ahern. The Shine’s were noted blacksmith’s in Athea. Griffith’s Valuation of 1852 shows that John Shine, along with having a forge, house, yard and garden in different parts of the village, he also owned 4 acres of land in Upper Athea. I can now confirm that Mainey Peggy and Nano were indeed sisters and that their father  was Timothy O’Sullivan who was married to Margaret Peggy Dalton as above. As per the 1901 census Margaret (Peggy) was 85 years of age and was living in Athea with her daughter. My thanks to Margaret Costello grand-daughter of Timothy Kelly for confirming some of the Nano information, today June 20th 2019.

Nano and Mary had a brother Cornelius O’Sullivan born on Oct 22^nd, 1850, sponsors – Johanna Shine & Julia Barrett. Jimmy Dalton, Dirreen, Athea tells me that Cornelius was the grandfather to Connie Sullivan, Lower Rd, Athea. Connie died in July 2023. Connie’s mother was one of the Quille’s of Gortnagross, Athea. 

I was informed that there were other children in the family, but the Athea parish register is almost impossible to read. I couldn’t find any other Sullivan born between 1850 and 1857. 

Margaret Peggy O’Sullivan, widow of a farmer, died on Aug 22nd, 1907 at Athea age 96 years, her daughter Mary A Kelly present at her death. Age differs from 1901 Census, but I wouldn’t mind that.

For some reason or other only part of the 1911 Census is listed for Athea village with the Kelly family and probably others omitted.

1901 Census – Kelly Family, Athea as follows –

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Kelly	Mary ‘Mainey Peggy’	42	Female	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Kelly	Katie	17	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Kelly	Maggie	15	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Kelly	Timothy	12	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Kelly	Annie	9	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
O’Sullivan	Margaret nee Dalton	85	Female	Mother	Roman Catholic

1901 Census for Nano O’Sullivan, Athea.

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Shine	Daniel	58	–	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Shine	Hanora (Nano O’Sullivan)	52	–	Wife	Roman Catholic
Shine	John	28	–	Son	Roman Catholic
Shine	Timothy	26	–	Son	Roman Catholic
Shine	James	22	–	Son	Roman Catholic
Shine	Micheal	18	–	Son	Roman Catholic
Shine	Dan	15	–	Son	Roman Catholic
Shine	Pat	12	–	Son	Roman Catholic
Shine	Edward	7	–	Son	Roman Catholic

………………. 

 The Thornton Line.

James (Jim) THORNTON died before 31 Mar 1901. James married Hanora (Norrie) CUNNINGHAM on 10 Feb 1844 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

There a James Thornton listed in Griffith’s Valuation (1848-1864) who occupied land in Kilbaha Middle in the parish of Murher (Moyvane). This James is the only Thornton listed for the entire barony of Iraghticonnor, of which Murher is a part, which suggests that this James is our Jim above.

Family from that union as follows –

(i) Myles Thornton b1858 (son of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham)

Myles married  Mary McAuliffe, Lower Athea daughter of Laurence McAuliffe. Myles was an All Ireland step dancer, Rumour has it that he danced his way all over Europe to America, spent it as fast as he was earning it before finally returning to Kilbaha where he got a site for a house from his father. Family from that union as follows, all 1^st cousins to my grandmother Nora Barrett -:

i.Myles Thornton, born on 17 Jan 1910 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was christened on 18 Jan 1910 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He died on 13 Aug 1934. He was buried in Murhur Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

Myles’s baptismal sponsors were William Kennelly & Mary Kennelly.

Myles married Brigid O’Connor, born in 1916 in Keylod, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died on 3 Apr 1996 in Limerick. She was buried on 6 Apr 1996 in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. They had one daughter Mary Thornton b 1934.

Following Myles’s death his widow re-married to Con Buckley, Knocknanure.

ii.  Jim Thornton, born on 21 May 1902. He died on 17 Jun 1969. Jim emigrated to the United States in 1923 with his sister Mamie Thornton. He settled in Kansas city, Missouri where he worked as a fireman for thee railroad company. Jim married a Margaret Cleary born about 1903 in Ohio. She died in date unknown. Margaret worked in a beauty salon. (helensfamilytrees.com & George Langan)

iii. John(Johnny) Thornton, born on 30 Sep 1915. He died on 9 May 1995. Went to live in Glenalappa, Moyvane. John (Johnny) married  Brigid O’Connor, born c1913 in  Glenalappa East, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died on 11 Dec 2001 in Listowel, Co. Kerry. She was buried in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Johnny married into the O’Connor place. Had the following family –

Myles Thornton,

Peggy Thornton,

Mary Thornton,

Bridie Thornton.

iv. Mike (Mickey) Thornton.,born in Jul 1917. He died on 17 Aug 1967. Michael married Nan Broderick, Tenakilla, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick.  Mike married into the Broderick place.  Family of 6.

v.  Frank (Francis) Thornton. born in Sep 1919. He died on 26 Mar 1989. Francis married Bridget Dore, born in Gortdromasillihy, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died in possibly 11 Oct 1968. A Bridget Thornton of Kilbaha died on 11 October 1968 aged 47. It is likely that this was  Bridget above. Family of 7 including Myles Thornton born in 1944. emigrated. He died in 2007. Mick Thornton born in 1947 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He died in date unknown. Francis Thornton born in 1949. John Thornton at the  cottage Kilbaha. John married a  Finnerty  girl from borrigone, Foynes, Co. Limerick. He died in 2007. (helensfamilytrees.com)

vi. Nora Thornton, born on 31 May 1903 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She was christened on 2 Jun 1903 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died on 18 May 1984. She was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Athea, Co. Limerick.

Nonie’s baptismal sponsors were Patrick Barrett and Catherine Brosnan.

There is an Ellis Island record for what appears to be Nora Thornton from Newtownsandes who emigrated, aged 21, in September 1924. Could this be our Nonie? On the ship manifest her nearest relative in Ireland is given as “Mr. Thornton” of Kilbaha, Newtownsandes. Nora was joining a sister, “Miss M. Thornton” (could this be Mamie?) in New York City. However, I am told that our Nonie and her husband lived in Dirreen, Athea. Could Nonie have emigrated and returned? (helensfamilytrees)

Nora Thornton married  John Shanahan son of Paddy Shanahan, Dirreen. Nora and John had the following family -:

Vera Shanahan born in 1937. She died on 27 Jan 1996.Vera who was a primary school teacher  in Athea married Paddy Collins, Templeathea.

Mary Christine Shanahan born c1941, died before 4 Nov 2009. Christine married Thomas (Tom) O’Sullivan. Bungara, Listowel, Co. Kerry.

Nora Mary Shanahan emigrated. She bought Johnny Hayes’s cottage and Micky Dick O’Sullivan’s cottage in Direen. She returns on visits to the cottages regularly.

Margaret Shanahan married a doctor in Ennis, Co. Clare ?

Paudie Shanahan inherited the home place in Dirreen. Paudie died tragically following a fall from a ladder.

From Kerryman Newspaper October 2014.

The death has occurred on Monday October 6th 2014 of Paudie Shanahan, Direen, Athea. Paudie was the son of the late John and Nora Shanahan and brother of the late Vera and Chris. Sympathy is extended to his sisters Nora and Margaret, brothers-in-law Tom, Steven, and Donough, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives, neighbours, and friends.

John Shanahan had a sister Breda (Julia) SHANAHAN, daughter of Patrick (Paddy) SHANAHAN and Bridget SULLIVAN. Breda was born about 1903 in Dirreen, Athea, Co. Limerick. She died on 30 Aug 1968 in Limerick. She was buried in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Julia married Patrick Pat Hanrahan (The Major Hanrahan’s) who was born on 16 Mar 1896 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was christened on 18 Mar 1896 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He died on 15 Apr 1969 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was buried in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

Pat’s baptismal sponsors were Michael Hanrahan & Mary Hanrahan.

Julia and Patrick lived in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry and had the following children –

John Michael HANRAHAN was born about 1930. He died in Mar 2004.

Living Hanrahan married Eileen Stack.

Michael HANRAHAN was born in1933. He died on 5 Feb 1999 in Dublin. He was buried in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Michael was ordained a priest in 1959. He ministered in Florida, mainly in the parish of Our Lady of the Lakes in Deltona and also in the parish of St. Teresa’s in Titusville.

There were at least 8 more family members.

(ii) Mike Thornton b.1861 (son of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) born about 4 Oct 1861. He died in 1927. Mike went to Australia. He died in 1927 in Ringwood, Victoria, Australia. Michael married Margaret MADDEN,  born in Victoria, Australia. She died in date unknown.

They had the following children.

James THORNTON was born in Victoria, Australia. He died in date unknown.

Mary THORNTON was born in Victoria, Australia. She died in date unknown.

Eileen THORNTON was born in Victoria, Australia. She died in date unknown.

William THORNTON was born in Victoria, Australia. He died in date unknown.

Pat’s baptismal sponsors were Michael Hanrahan and Mary Hanrahan.

Julia and Patrick lived in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry and had the following children –

John Michael HANRAHAN was born about 1930. He died in Mar 2004.

Living Hanrahan married Eileen Stack.

Michael HANRAHAN was born in 1933. He died on 5 Feb 1999 in Dublin. He was buried in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Michael was ordained a priest in 1959. He ministered in Florida, mainly in the parish of Our Lady of the Lakes in Deltona and also in the parish of St. Teresa’s in Titusville.

There were at least 8 more family members.

Jim (James) Thornton b1864 as above married 27 Feb 1900 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry to Margaret Hanrahan, b1872 at The Hill, Gortdromasillihy, Moyvane, Co. Kerry R.I.P. January 17^th 1953. Family from that union as follows, 4 in total, all 1^st cousins to my grandmother Nora Barrett -:

(i) Jack Thornton,  born on 15 Dec 1903 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was christened on 17 Dec 1903 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He died before 6 Aug 1986. Jack remained single and lived out his life with his sister Nora in Kilbaha.

(ii) Jim Thornton, born on 3 Jan 1902 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was christened on 7 Jan 1902 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. (Jim Died tragically),

(iii) Nora (Nonie) Thornton. remained born on 15 Dec 1903 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died on 6 Aug 1986 in Listowel, Co. Kerry. She was buried in Murhur Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Nora’s baptismal sponsors were Francis Thornton & Mary Hanrahan.
Nora remained single and lived out her life with her brother Jack  in Kilbaha. I knew Nora as I visited her home with my mother in the 1970’s. Lived out her latter days with her cousins the Kennelly’s of Kilbaha. The Kennelly’s  were left the Thornton farm.

(iv) Frank Thornton.

He was christened on 30 Aug 1908 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He died on 21 Oct 1997 in Chicago. Frank’s baptismal sponsors were Francis Thornton & Catherine Brassil.

Frank Thornton.

Frank emigrated to the United States in 1929 and settled in Chicago. In 1939 he joined the Chicago Police Department where he served until his retirement in 1965. His career as a police officer was interrupted during World War II when he served for three and a half years with the U.S. Army in Italy and Africa. A talented flute and tin whistle player, Frank immersed himself in the promotion of Irish music in Chicago, forming the Thornton Drum and Fife Band, giving tin whistle lessons, composing songs and leading several major concert tours to Ireland. He was one of the founders of the United States branch of Comhaltas (Comhaltas is an organisation that promotes traditional Irish music, song, dance and language). He died on October 21^st 1997 aged 89yrs. His wife Margaret O’Connor who hailed from Feans, Causeway, Co. Kerry passed away in 1979. (Helensfamiytrees.com)

See Athea Parish Journal 1993 p149 for an article that I wrote on the life and times of Frank, entitled ‘From Kilbaha to Chicago’.

(iv) Frank Thornton b1866 (son of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) born circa 6 Mar 1866 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was christened on 8 Mar 1866 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry.
Sponsors at Francis’s baptism were Timothy Mulvihill and Johanna Cunningham. Frank went to live in Derry, Listowel and married a Kate Lyons there. No family from that union. Following Frank’s death his widow left the farm to her husband’s nephew Willie Lyons  who married Ann Lyons. Willie and Ann were  3rd cousin,

(v) Liz Thornton (daughter of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) Liz married Jeremiah Brosnan, Listowel.

Elizabeth Thornton Births and Marriages 1845-1958

mentioned in the record of Jeremiah Brosnahan and Elizabeth Thornton

Name	Jeremiah Brosnahan
Birth Date	1838
Age	30
Spouse’s Name	Elizabeth Thornton
Spouse’s Birth Date	1846
Spouse’s Age	22
Event Date	15 Feb 1868
Event Place	Listowel, Kerry, Ireland
Father’s Name	John Brosnahan
Spouse’s Father’s Name	James Thornton

Family from that union as follows, there could have been more –

Catherine Brosnan,

Ellen Brosnan,

John Brosnan,

Hanora Brosnan,

James Brosnan,

Michael Brosnan.

(vi) Johanna Thornton (daughter of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) Johanna married my great grandfather John Barrett son of Tom Barrett. (see Barrett Family above)

(vii) Margaret Thornton (daughter of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) Margaret Thornton (My mothers grandaunt) was married to Richard Hudson, Kilbaha. (See Hudson’s below)

(viii) Kate Thornton (daughter of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) Kate in 1875 married Dan Kennelly, (Daniel)  on 17 Feb 1876 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. The Kennelly’s took in Nora (Nonie) Thornton (Daughter of James Thornton & Margaret Hanrahan) to their home and looked after her in her advanced years and were rewarded by receiving the Thornton farm for their kindness. (See Nora Thornton above)

(ix)Nano (Nora) Thornton  (daughter of James Thornton & Norrie Cunningham) born circa 27 Jun 1859 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She was christened on 29 Jun 1859 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry.
Sponsors at Hanora’s baptism were Thomas Relihan & Mary Kearney. Her date of baptism doesn’t tie in with her age as given in the 1911 census (44) but ages given in census returns are quite unreliable as people like to shave a few years off their real age or, as was common in days gone by, they genuinely did not know their exact age as birthdays weren’t celebrated as they are today.
Nonie lived in Kilbaha, possibly with her brother James as she is listed with him and his family in the 1911 census. She never married. Nora (Nano) was born with a disability  but lived a lengthy life.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////

MORE ON THE HUDSON’S.

RICHARD HUDSON was born in abt 1780s in north Kerry. He died before 1853 in probably Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was buried in probably Murhur Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

Richard had several in family including Edward Edmund Hudson who married Norrie Nora O’Connor daughter of William CONNOR and Mary WALSH, on 21 Jan 1841 in Duagh, Co. Kerry. Hanora was born about 28 Feb 1819 in Rathoran, Duagh, Co. Kerry. She was christened on 2 Mar 1819 in Duagh, Co. Kerry. She died on 20 Sep 1876 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She was buried in Murhur Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

Edward and Nora had several in family including Richard Hudson as above census who married Margaret THORNTON daughter of James (Jim) THORNTON and Hanora (Norrie) CUNNINGHAM, on 14 Feb 1874 in Newtownsandes (Moyvane), Co. Kerry. Margaret was born in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died before 26 Nov 1915 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She was buried in probably Murhur Cemetery, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

Richard and Margaret had the following children.

Edmond HUDSON was born on 27 Dec 1874 in Kilbaha, Newtownsandes (Moyvane), Co. Kerry. He died on 22 Feb 1875 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Edmond died of  ‘oppression’ when he was only two months old. The duration of the illness was two days.

Mary Anne HUDSON was born on 27 Apr 1876. She died in 26 Nov 1912 or shortly thereafter.

Hanora (Nora) HUDSON was born on 3 Aug 1877. She died on 20 Feb 1937.

John (Jack) HUDSON was born on 28 Nov 1878. He died on 21 Jul 1960.

Richard HUDSON was born on 6 Jul 1880 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He was christened on 8 Jul 1880 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. He died in 1908 in England.Sponsors at Richard’s baptism were Thomas Riordan and Honora Thornton.

Richard was a policeman in England and died of pneumonia aged about 27. He was unmarried.

James (Jim) HUDSON was born on 29 May 1883. He died on 18 Jun 1947.

Margaret (Maggie) HUDSON was born on 13 Feb 1884. She died on 26 Aug 1962.

Johanna (Hannie) HUDSON was born on 31 Dec 1888. She died on 7 Jul 1961.

A huge thanks to helen@helensfamilytrees.com for above information on the early generation of the Hudson’s .

Nora Hudson (daughter of Richard Hudson & Margaret Thornton) was married to Dan Lyons, Derry, Listowel.

Family from Dan Lyons and Nora Hudson as 8 follows ;

(1)Tom  Lyons, Derry, Listowel. born  c1906. He died on 4 Mar 2009.

(2)Danny Lyons, Derry, Listowel. (Undertaker)

Danny Lyons was born about 1916 in Derry, Listowel, Co. Kerry. He died on 27 Apr 1995. He was buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Daniel married Elizabeth (Bessie) CAREY about 1940.

Dan was well known in the Derry area because he was a funeral director and the owner of a local Texaco service station.

Elizabeth (Bessie) CAREY was born in Carrigcannon, Lyreacrompane, Co. Kerry. She died on 8 Sep 1955 in Listowel, Co. Kerry. She was buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Listowel, Co. Kerry.

(3)Dick Lyons lived at Bedford, Listowel. born  c1907. He died on 13 Feb 1982.

(4)Jack Lyons lived at Tarbert and Derry, bought a farm in Derry.

(5)Jimmy Lyons lived at the O’Connell farm in Glenagragra, Glin and later Dromreask. Jimmy married Mary Sheahan, daughter of Henry Sheahan, Ballyguiltenane and Ellen Dillane, Killeaney, Glin.

Jimmy Lyons and Mary Sheahan had the following family -:

Henry Lyons, Laharn, Tralee. m Kathy Windle, Knockfinisk, Athea.

Maureen Lyons, Main St. Glin. Married John Barrett son of J.C. Barrett Co. Councillor and publican.

Eileen Lyons, Dromreask . Married her neighbour Gerry Mulvihill son of Denny Jer Mulvihill and Dora Barrett. Knocknagorna. (Daughter of Michael Barrett and Mary Everett)

Donie Lyons who inherited the home farm in Dromreask. Donie married Betty Moran, Clash, Athea.(All this family are my 3^rd cousins)

Jimmy Lyons died on Jan 14th, 2001.

(6)Nellie Lyons lived at Cush, Moyvane. born c1909. She died on 9 Aug 1996. Nellie married Jimmy  Finucane.

(7)Nora Lyons lived at Gortaglanna, Kilmorna. born c1913. She died in 2002. Nora married Danny McMahon,

(8)Madge Lyons went to New York. born c1911. Madge married Heaney.

Johanna (Hannie) Hudson  (daughter of Richard Hudson & Margaret Thornton) married Tim Riordan, Dirreen. Family from that union as follows -:

Mary Riordan who married Patsy Fitzgerald, England.

Peg Riordan who married Peter Flatley , England.

Eamonn Riordan, Dirreen. Eamonn married Bridie Sheahan, Ballyguiltenane, daughter of  Henry Sheahan, Ballyguiltenane and Ellen Dillane, Killeaney, Glin.

Josie Riordan  married John Lynch, Glasha her 2^nd cousin. The said John Lynch was my uncle, his grandmother being Nora Thornton sister to Margaret.  (See Blog on – Lynch Family History By George Langan)

The Riordan’s, Sheahan’s and Lyons’s are all related.

Tim Riordan’s father was Ned Riordan who was married to Johanna Hanley.

James (Jim) HUDSON was born on 29 May 1883. He died on 18 Jun 1947.

Margaret (Maggie) Hudson (daughter of Richard Hudson & Margaret Thornton) who was born on 13 Feb 1884 in Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She was christened on 16 Feb 1884 in Moyvane, Co. Kerry. She died on 26 Aug 1962. She was buried in Athea Cemetery, Co. Limerick.

Sponsors at Maggie’s baptism were John Ahern and Ellen [surname not recorded].

Margaret (Maggie) is not listed in the 1901 census return for her father’s household. There is, however, a Margaret Hudson, aged 13, listed as a visitor in the household of a Thomas Sheehan of Kilbaha South (Maggie’s older sister, Mary Anne Hudson, was married to a Thomas Sheehan in Kilbaha)

Margaret (Maggie) married James (Jim) ENRIGHT, Glenbawn, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick in 1912. James was the son of John Enright and Elizabeth Leahy  and the grandson of James Enright who in 1852 was the holder of 58 acres under the landlord Samuel A. Dixon. James (Jim) Enright died,  possibly  Oct 24th 1945. Elizabeth came from back beyond the new graveyard at Gale bridge on the Listowel road. In 1840 all the occupiers of Glenbawn were tenants-at-will, ie they could be all evicted without notice. The soil was described for the most part as heathery bog with some coarse pasture with a little arable producing oats and potatoes. About half the townland was fenced and reclaimed. Jim farmed in Glenbawn in Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick. His father John Enright must have died young as we see in the 1901 census his widow Elizabeth (Liz) is head of the family.

For more on the Enright family visit

https://langangeorgedotcom2.wordpress.com/

Other Barrett Families. 

‘Brown’ Tom Barretts, Knocknagorna. 

Thomas William (Brown Tom) BARRETT.  Born about 1833 – Knocknagorna, Athea, Co. Limerick, Ireland, the son of Michael Barrett. Died circa October 15^th‘ 1888 aged about 55 years. 

Thomas William Barrett got married circa 1860 to Hanora Ahern 1837-1927, daughter of John Ahern, Leitrim, Moyvane & Johanna Shine Moyvane, Co. Kerry. Johanna was born circa 1805 and died 1880. Thomas William Barrett & Hanora Ahern had the following family – 

i. Kate Barrett, baptised April 21^st‘ 1861, died in 1945 – Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, aged 84 years. Kate married to George Airey circa 1858 and had the following family –  

 Thomas Airey ca 1887- 

 Mary Airey ca 1889- 

 William Airey ca 1891- 

 Kate Airey ca 1893- 

 Nora Airey ca 1893- 

 Ellie Airey ca 1894- 

ii. Johanna Barrett, born May 24^th’ 1862 – Knocknagorna, Athea, died 1935, Ballylongford, Co. Kerry, aged 73 years. It is believed that Johanna remained single in life or if she married it could be to Carmody??. 

iii .Patrick Barrett, born March 16^th’ 1864 – died, February 17^th’ 1943 Knocknagorna, Athea, Co. Limerick, aged 78 years, Kathleen Barrett, Knocknagorna present at his death. Patrick remained single in life. 

iv. William Thomas Barrett, born November 15^th, 1865 – Knocknagorna, Athea, County Limerick, died May 5^th’ 1950 – Eldorado, Saline, Illinois, USA, aged 84 years. Married twice, firstly on August 27^th‘ 1891, Blackburn, Union, Kentucky, United States, to Ellie Barrett. Ellie was born August 15^th‘ 1868 at Knocknagorna, Athea, Co.  Limerick, and died on December 27^th‘ 1907 – Equality, Gallatin, Illinois, USA, aged 39 years. Ellie’s parents were Cornelius (Con) Barrett 1831-, Knocknagorna, son of William Barrett 1810-1889 and Catherine Sullivan. Ellie’s mother was Helen (Ellen) Scanlon born circa 1840- and died circa 1891. Con Barrett & Ellen Scanlan who were cousins, were married on April 30^th‘ 1862 at Athea church. William Thomas Barrett & Ellie Barrett had the following family –  

Hanora Barrett 1893-1971 

?. Barrett 1899-1899 

 Anna Barrett 1901-1982 

 Thomas Bernard Barrett 1902-1997 

 Helena Barrett 1905 

William Barrett’s second marriage took place on October 20^th‘ 1909, Ridgway, Gallatin, Illinois, USA, to Clara Fromm 1879-1970. Family from that union as follows – 

William Anthony Barrett, 1910 – 1939 

Joseph Barrett 1913-1985 

 John Philip Barrett 1916-1992 

 Clarence Vincent Barrett 1920-2013 

 Clarabell (Clarice) Barrett. 

vi. John Barrett born on Nov 1^st’1867, died a bachelor on November 21^st‘ 1931 aged 61 years, his brother Thomas present at his death in Knocknagorna. 

vi. Ellen ‘Ella’ Barrett, Born November 20th, 1869 – Knocknagorna, Athea, Co.  Limerick. Died March 15^th‘ 1932 – Ridgway, Gallatin, Illinois, USA, aged 62 years. Married January 27^th‘ 1903, Equality, Gallatin, Illinois, USA, to William Lawler 1853-1927. Family from that union as follows – 

 Guss Lawler 1886- 

 William Charles Lawler 1903-1985 

 James Thomas Lawler 1905-1991 

 William Lawler 1908 

vii. Michael Barrett 1871-1934 Baptised on March 6^th‘ 1871 – Knocknagorna, Athea, Co Limerick, the witnesses being – Julie Ahern & Helena Mulvihill. Died June 27^th‘ 1934 – Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri, USA, aged 63 years. Married October 19^th‘ 1897, Equality, Gallatin, Illinois, USA, to Bridget Francis Fitzgerald 1875-1950. Born in 1875 – Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, died July 15^th‘ 1950 – Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri, USA, aged 75 years. Family from that union as follows –  

Margaret M Barrett 1899-1973 

 William J Barrett 1901-1940 

 Teresa Mae Barrett 1903-1989 

 Maurice Barrett 1904-1918 

 Michael Barrett 1905-1918 

 Patrick Barrett 1907-1928 

 James Barrett 1908 

 Thomas Barrett 1909 

 Eleanor Barrett 1910-1980 

 Mary Ellen Barrett 1912-1943 

 Hanora Barrett ca 1913 

 Anna Mae Barrett 1915-1929 

 Kathryn E Barrett ca 1919 

 Helen Barrett 

viii. Thomas Barrett 1873-1874. Died less than one year old. 

ix. Mary Barrett 1874-1947. Born 31 March 31^st‘ 1874 – Knocknagorna, Athea, Co. Limerick. Died a widow on March 11th, 1947 at Gorteen East, Cloncagh, Co. Limerick, aged 73 years, Thomas Kennedy, son-in-law from Gorteen East present at her death. Married Patrick Lyons 1872-1935, son of Michael Lyons, on Nov 30^th‘ 1901 at Cloncagh church, the witnesses being Michael Curtin & Maggie Barrett. Patrick Lyons was an engine driver. 

x. Margaret Barrett, Born 23 December 1875 at Knocknagorna, Athea, died in December 1951 Duncaha, Shanagolden, Co Limerick, Ireland, aged 76 years. On Feb 23^rd‘ 1909 at Athea church, Margaret married John Sheehy from Duncaha, Kilcolman, son of Michael Sheehy, the witnesses being John Sheehy, Turraree, Glin & Lizzie Barrett, Knocknagorna, Athea. Family from that union as follows – 

i.Michael Sheehy, born 27th April 1911 in Duncaha. On Feb 15^th‘ 1944 at Ballyhahill church, Michael married Catherine O’Connor 1919-1998 from Duncaha, Kilcolman, the witnesses being – Frank & Madge O’Connor. Catherine was the 7^th‘ child of twelve to James O’Connor & Ellen Sheehy of Duncaha. Ellen Sheehy had a sister Anne Sheehy who I believe emigrated to Australia, her descendants are there today in any case, one of whom was Brian Boyce who contacted me through my Barrett blog.

Francis (Francie) O’Connor inherited the O’Connor place and he married Neville from down around the Craggs, Barrigone, Askeaton. Their son Jim O’Connor is the present man farming there (2022) along with his sister. 

 xi.John Barrett 1876-1926 ?? 

xii. Elizabeth (Lizzy) Barrett. Born February 16^th‘ 1878, Knocknagorna, Athea, sponsors being – Patrick Barrett & Helen Dalton. Lizzy died 20 May 20^th‘ 1968 at Hill House, Upper Athea, Athea, aged 90 years. Married on February 15^th‘ 1916, at Athea church to John Jack ‘Dagger’ Fitzgerald, a farmer from Upper Athea. Family from that union as follows –  

Elizabeth Mary Fitzgerald born on April 24^th‘ 1917. 

Maurice Fitzgerald born on Nov 11^th‘ 1918. 

Thomas Fitzgerald born on Jan 23^rd‘ 1920. 

John Fitzgerald born post 1922. 

More on the Fitzgerald Family. 

John Jack ‘Dagger’ Fitzgerald’s father was Maurice Fitzgerald 1846-1940. Maurice was married on Feb 28^th, 1878 at Ardagh church to Eliza ‘Bessie’ O’Connell 1851-1928, daughter of John O’Connell, Glensharrold. ‘Dagger’ means butter-maker. 

Maurice Fitzgerald’s father was John Fitzgerald who came from somewhere near Duagh, Co. Kerry. On April 6^th, 1842, John Fitzgerald married Catherine Quille 1824-1896, Dromada, Athea, daughter of Denny Quille 1775-. John & Catherine had 11 children, at least six of whom emigrated to Cortland, U.S.A. 

xiii. Richard Barrett Born March 10^th, 1880, Died February 3^rd‘ 1900 at  Knocknagorna, Athea aged 19 years. 

xiv. James Barrett, born June 27^th‘ 1882 at Knocknagorna, died ?. 

xv. Thomas Barrett, Born April 29^th‘ 1884 and died on April 21^st‘ 1947 at Knocknagorna, Athea, aged 62 years. On June 30^th‘ 1917 at Glin church, Thomas married Catherine (Kate) Sheehy 1888-1983 from Turraree, Glin, daughter of Thomas Sheehy & Kate Hunt. The witnesses being – John Barrett & Margaret Sheehy.  

Margaret Sheehy was a sister to Kate Sheehy. On April 13^th, 1920 at Glin church, Margaret married Patrick Dillane from Glenastar, Ardagh, son of James Dillane, the witnesses being Patrick Dillane & Bridie Mulcair. James Dillane 1860-1940 was married to Elizabeth (Bessie) Barrett 1860-1944 from Ballyine, Ardagh. James Dillane & Bessie Barrett had the following children – 

Patrick Dillane 1884-1932 married Margaret Sheehy 1889-1979 as above. 

Margaret Dillane 1885-1885. 

Margaret Theresa Dillane 1888-1966, married Joseph A. Conroy in Philadelphia, U.S.A. 

Thomas Dillane 1892-1944, died in Philadelphia, unmarried. 

Elizabeth (Babe) Dillane 1887-, married Patrick Lenihan, Raheen South, Croagh, Co. Limerick. A family of 6 as follows – Mary Anne, Elizabeth, William, James, Patrick and Joseph Lenihan. 

Catherine Dillane 1898-1987 married Jack Roche, Kilnamona, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick without issue. 

(My thanks to John Dillane, Ballinabearna for the information on the Dillane’s of Glenastar.) 

Thomas Sheehy & Kate Hunt got married at Glin church on Feb 10^th, 1874, the witnesses being John Hayes & Mary Donovan. Kate Hunt’s father was Daniel Hunt, Killeaney. Kate Hunt Sheehy died a widow on June 6^th, 1928, her son John (Jack) Sheehy present at her death in Turraree Lower.  

John (Jack) Sheehy got married on March 4^th, 1919 at Ballyhahill church to Catherine Hayes, daughter of John Hayes, Glenbawn, Ballyhahill, the witnesses being Timothy Hunt & Mollie Hayes. John (Jack) Sheehy died on Jan 4^th, 1952 at Turraree aged 69 years, Mary Sheehy, daughter, present at his death.  

Jack Sheehy had a son Tommy Sheehy who was a great friend of my father’s. Tommy married Josephine (Josie) Costelloe from Turraree, (Coole Road). Another sister of Tommy’s was Katie Sheehy who married John Wallace, Tullyleague. Katie died in 1988; her husband John died on April 19^th, 1988. Josie Sheehy died on Dec 27^th, 1993; her husband Tommy Sheehy died on Oct 2011.

 (I spoke with TommySheehy on numerous occasions)

More on the Hayes Family. 

There was a Michael Hayes, Clounleharde born pre-1864. This Michael Hayes had three sons and one daughter –   

1. John Hayes (son of Michael Hayes) born pre-1864. He lived in Glenbawn/Clounleharde, the entrance to his farm was approx. 100 yds east of Roger Behan’s. (John Leahy from Tournafulla married in thereafter to Roger Behan’s daughter Eily Behan). On Feb 22^nd, 1876 at Ballyhahill church, John Hayes aged 22 years, son of Michael Hayes, Clounleharde who was listed as deceased, married Mary Shanahan, Clounleharde aged 22 years, daughter of John Shanahan, who was living, the witnesses being James Dore & Ellen Hayes. John had received a portion of his father’s farm, hence having the entrance from the Glenbawn/Carrickerry road. The entrance to the original Hayes farm was from Clounleharde, east of Clounleharde school.   

John Hayes & Mary Shanahan had the following family – 

i.Mike Hayes. Born on Dec 10^th, 1876 at Clounleharde. Mike worked around the locality doing odds and ends. 

ii.John Hayes. Born Jan 1^{st, 1879} at Clounleharde, remained single. 

iii.Mary (Molly) Hayes. Born on July 14^th, 1896 at Clounleharde. Molly remained single. 

iv.Katie Hayes. Born Sept 19^th, 1890 at Clounleharde. Married John (Jack) Sheehy in 1919, as above. 

v.Jim Hayes. Born on Feb 14^th, 1880 at Clounleharde. Jim became a policeman in Chicago. 

2. Female Hayes (daughter of Michael Hayes) who married Commane, Knockdown (The Lodge) 

3.James Hayes. (son of Michael Hayes) On Feb 12^th, 1888 James married Bridget Madigan from Knockpatrick, daughter of John Madigan, the witnesses being – Kathleen Culhane & Michael Hayes. James and his wife lived at Dromin, Ballyhahill. Family from that union that I know of as follows –

Mary Hayes born on March 17^th 1891 at Clounleharde, Katie McInerney present at the birth.

Edmond Hayes born on April 2^nd, 1892 at Clounleharde, Mary Sheehy present at the birth.

Ellen Hayes born July 10^th, 1894, Katie O’Sullivan present at the birth in Clounleharde.

John Hayes born on April 7^th, 1893 at Clounleharde.

Anne Hayes born on Aug 15^th, 1899 at Clounleharde, Mary Nolan present at the birth.

Johanna Hayes born on Jan 5^th, 1901 at Clounleharde, Mary Nolan present at the birth Johanna died May 5^th, 1902, her sister Katie present at her death.

Thomas Hayes born on Jan 1^st 1902 at Clounleharde, Mary Nolan present at the birth. 

4. Michael Hayes (son of Michael Hayes) born 1866 who on Feb 8^th, 1891 at Loughill church married Mary Anne Walshe, daughter of Patrick Walshe, Mohernagh, Ballyhahill, the witnesses being – John Walshe & Mary Chawke. Michael Hayes & Mary Anne Walshe had the following family –  

i.Katie Hayes born on March 17^th, 1892, died from pneumonia at the age of 18 years. Died April 15^th, 1910 at Clounleharde. 

ii.Michael Hayes born June 22^nd. 1893 at Clounleharde, Bridget Sullivan present at the birth. Michael emigrated to the U.S. and married Anne O’Connor over there. Anne was from Clash, Athea. 

iii.Patrick (Sonny) Hayes born on June 10^th 1894 at Clounleharde. Sonny inherited the homeplace and remained single in life. I remember mowing rushes for Sonny back around 1970. 

iv.Mary Hayes born on July 2^nd, 1895 at Clounleharde. Mary married Jack Frawley from Galway. 

v.Edmund Hayes born on Oct 15^th, 1900 at Clounleharde, Hanora Sullivan present at the birth. Died on Jan 27^th, 1901. 

vi.John Hayes born on June 27^th, 1902 at Clounleharde. John Hayes died May 1^st, 1905 (accidental drowning) 

vii.Ned Hayes born on June 1^st, 1904 at Clounleharde. married Kathleen Mulcair, Turraree. Ned inherited his uncle Michael’s place (Walshe’s) in Mohernagh. 

viii.Margaret (Daisy) Hayes born on Dec 15^th, 1905 at Clounleharde. Daisy also remained single and lived in the homeplace with her brother Sonny. 

ix.Eileen Hayes July 15^th, 1909 at Clounleharde, emigrated to Australia and became a nun. 

There were two children in the family whom accidentally drowned. Apparently, a stream that flowed by the house became swollen following heavy rain and on two separate occasions swept the children away, both children being 2 years of age. One was John as above, can’t locate the death cert for the other child. 

Ned Hayes’ son, Private Hayes and his wife now live in the Hayes farm in Clounleharde. 

Thomas Sheehy’s father was Mick Sheehy married to Madigan from around Knockpatrick and Mick Sheehy’s father was John Sheehy married to Courtney from Knockaboula.   

Family from Thomas Barrett & Kate Sheehy as follows –  

i. Nora Barrett born on March 29^th‘ 1918. 

ii. Kitty Barrett born on Dec 26^th‘ 1919. Kitty emigrated to the U.K. 

iii. John Joe Barrett born post 1921, married Kitty Woulfe, Bridge House, Athea. John Joe had emigrated to Chicago and spent some time in the U.S. army. He served in all of his time in Korea where he was tasked making coffins for his fallen comrades. He was great friends over there with my uncle Dan Lynch, Glasha, Athea. Dan had emigrated in 1949. John Joe and Kitty returned to Athea and lived in the Lr. Road, in Tom Woulfe’s house. Tom, (who was Kitty’s father) moved to Bridge House, having inherited it from his relation, Patrick O’Sullivan. Patrick O’Sullivan was a brother to Tomin Jackie O’Sullivan, Dirreen. Most of John Joe’s family live in Chicago, they having American citizenship. John Joe was the pioneer of the Athea Credit Union. 

iv. Thomas Barrett born post 1921, remained single and farmed the home place. Thomas’ nephew Private Barrett from the Lower Rd, Athea now lives in the Barrett farm. Private is married to Private Mulvihill from Lower Dirreen (Scrathan). Tommy is the son of John Joe Barrett & Kitty Woulfe. 

v. Mary Barrett born post 1921 married Connie Brouder, Templeathea, Athea. Mary died on Dec 18^th, 2018 and is interred in Templeathea cemetery. Connie & Mary had a family of 14. Connie died March 18^th, 2021 and is interred in Templeathea cemetery. 

vi. Josie Barrett born post 1921 married Patrick Roche, Benmore, Templeathea, Athea. Patrick died on Feb 15^th, 2016 aged 86 years. Patrick was Predeceased by his brother Fr. Gerry Roche. (St Patrick’s Missionaries) Fr. Gerry was murdered in 2009 at the parish house where he worked in Kenya where he worked since 1968. Fr. Gerry is interred in Holy Cross cemetery, Athea. Patrick Roche is interred in Templeathea cemetery.  

The Roche’s parents were Edmond Roche & Mary Dalton who were married on April 2^nd, 1929 at Athea church. Edmond was the son of Edmond Roche, Ballaghbehy, Dromtrasna, Abbeyfeale and Catherine Collins, Ballymacjordan, Duagh, Co. Kerry. Mary Dalton was the daughter of Patrick Dalton, Templeathea. The witnesses to the wedding were John Roche & E. Dalton.  

Edmond Roche & Catherine Collins were married on Feb 21^st, 1895 at Duagh church, the witnesses being John Flynn & John Broderick. Edmond was born on January 1^st, 1872, address given as Ballaugh, son of Edmond Roche & Catherine Horan. Catherine Horan was from Ballaughbehy North, Abbeyfeale.North Catherine Collins address given as Ballymacjordan, Duagh, Co. Kerry, daughter of Daniel Collins & Hanora Lyons, both parents listed as deceased. Catherine’s birth address given as Ballynamadagh, Duagh. 

OTHER BARRETT’S. 

A William Barrett born circa 1811, died on Nov 28^th, 1889 at Knocknagorna aged 78 years, his son James Barrett present at his death. It is thought that William married a Julia Dalton and had the following family –  

1.Richard Barrett 1843-1880. Married Mary Harold 1837-1902 from Grouselodge, Kilcoleman and had the following family – 

i.Patrick Barrett 1870-1928. On Jan 26^th, 1904, Patrick Barrett aged 35 years, married Mary Moran aged 27 years, at Athea church, daughter of Thomas Moran deceased, Toureendonnell, Athea. The witnesses being – William Barrett & Margaret Moran. 

ii.Julia Barrett 1871-1888. Died on Feb 25^th, 1888 from Phthisis. 

iii,Bridget Barrett 1872- 

iv,Mary Barrett 1873- 

v.Michael Barrett 1875-1939. Michael married Margaret Moran 1879-1939. 

Johanna Barrett 1877- 

William/James Barrett 1878-1935. 

2. James Barrett born 1852 who married Johanna Quaid 1852- 

Barrett Family Templeathea. 

From the information available to me, a Barrett came from near Ballincollig, Co. Cork to Borrigone, Askeaton, Co. Limerick where he acquired some land. His children didn’t retain the actual farm, they spread to different parts of Borrigone. One remained in Dysart, Borrigone, Patrick was his name and the other brother moved to Turraree and had a son Thomas 1819-1894 born in Turraree Upper, Glin and died there. Thomas had at least three sons, Patrick, John and Thomas and one daughter, Margaret who married Patrick Barrett from Turraree Lower and their daughter Johanna married Paddy Ruddle, Turraree. Patrick and John Barrett emigrated to Chicago and the youngest son Thomas, moved to Churchtown, Athea circa 1850. His brothers in Chicago sent him money so he could lease land in Churchtown. Thomas married Julia Ita Shanahan, daughter of Edmond Shanahan, Graffa, Ballylongford, Co. Kerry & Mary McMahon.   

Family of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan, 9 as follows – 

1. Thomas Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan), born 1855 at Churchtown and died 1921 at Fairystreet, Athea. Thomas moved from Churchtown, Athea to Fairystreet circa 1880 to a farm that was vacated by Redmond Roche. Redmond was a relative of Stephen Roche at Leahy’s cross, Gortnagross, Athea. Roche and a man by the name of Synan were sort of small landlords. At the entrance to Synan’s estate, on the Glin road where the housing estate is now located, two iron gates stood there right up to my time around Athea. It was always referred to locally as ‘Synan’s Gates’. It was said that during the time of the Whiteboys, hangings took place at these gates.  

Thomas Barrett was married twice. His first marriage was on Nov 4^th, 1884 at Listowel church to Mary Sheehy, Cratloe East, Athea, daughter of farmer Edward Sheehy, the witnesses being – Edmond Buckley & Bridget Barrett.  Family from that union 3 as follows – 

i. Margaret Mary (Rita)  Barrett born on Nov 10^th, 1885 at Templeathea. She was known locally  as Rita. Rita got married at the cathedral in Killarney, Co. Kerry to Connie Connell from Clash, Athea. Connie had two brothers who were in the R.I.C. Can’t find a marriage cert for Rita & Con.  

ii. James Barrett born on Feb 25^th, 1887 at Templeathea. Died from T.B. 

iii. Julia Anne Barrett born on Aug 27^th, 1888 at Templeathea. Died from T.B. 

Jim Barrett, grandson of Thomas was relating a story to me in the event leading up to Thomas’ second marriage. Apparently, Thomas met his brother-in-law Ned Sheehy one Sunday at mass in Athea and Ned asked him would he accompany him back to Tullamore, Ballydonoghue the following Sunday, he had heard of a possible match for himself (match, as in matchmaking), Says Ned,‘will you come with me and help me make the match’. Thomas agreed, so the following Sunday after mass the two went down to Batt’s bar and bought drink to bring back with them, which would be the custom I suppose for such an event at that time. They arrived back at Tullamore house where they met Edmond O’Connor and his daughter Johanna. They went up to parlour where they drank and chatted away for a couple of hours. Following the discussion, they asked Johanna if she would marry Ned, ‘no I won’t says Johanna, but I’ll marry the other fella’, the other fella of course being Thomas. I’d say Ned was sorry he had asked Thomas to accompany him that Sunday. 

So, Thomas Barrett’s second marriage then took place on Feb 6^th, 1894, at Ballydonoghue church to Johanna O’Connor 1859-1912, daughter of Edmond O’Connor, Tullamore House, Ballydonoghue, the witnesses being John Barrett & Edmond O’Connor. Edmond O’Connor was born in 1829 at Ballyconry near Ballybunion, probably in the parish of Ballyduff and died at Tullamore on July 14^th, 1903, his son John O’Connor present at his death.  Edmond was married to Mary Buckley, born in 1839 and died from heart failure at Tullamore on March 8^th, 1892 aged 53 years. Johanna O’Connor had a brother, Fr. Jeremiah O’Connor who was secretary to the Bishop of Kerry, he later became Parish Priest at Tarbert as is buried in Tarbert. 

Mary Buckley was the daughter of Timothy Buckley & Johanna Dillane. Bernard Buckley who founded the Greyhound waste and re-cycling company descended from these Buckley’s. The Buckley’s had their roots in Co. Cork and migrated to north Kerry. 

Edmond O’Connor was the son of James O’Connor from Kenmare, Co. Kerry who came to Ballyconry and married Ellen Perryman from Beale, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry and for a number of years they farmed there and raised a family. Ellen Perryman was a great worker and was by all accounts a ‘gold getter’. She acquired better land at Coillbui and the family moved there and it was in Coillbui that Edmond O’Connor grew up, having been born in Ballyconry. Coillbui is situated between Gale Bridge and Listowel.

Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor had the following family of 8 – 

i. Thomas Joseph Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on Jan 24^th, 1896 at Templeathea. Tom emigrated to Canterbury, New Zealand, on Sept 4^th, 1924 to the port of Sydney, Australia on the S.S. Borda from the port of London. He left there and went to Chicago where he was employed as a bus driver. Tom was married to Catherine McAuliffe from Castleisland, Co. Kerry. 

ii. Edmond Edward Barrett, (son of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born at Templeathea on Dec 26^th baptised 28^th, 1897-1974. On Feb 22^nd, 1936 at the Church of St. Joseph, Limerick city, Edward Edmond Barrett married Catherine Mary Collins, born on April 14^th, 1907 at Dirreen, Athea and died in 1993, daughter of John Collins, farmer, Dirreen, the witnesses being – Edward Barrett & Mary Collins.

(My thanks to Jim Barrett, Edmond’s son for much of the Barrett information)

The proper spelling of Dirreen is Derreen and that’s the way it is spelled in the reference book which contains the proper spelling of all the placenames.  

iii. John (Jack) Thomas Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on July 1^st 1899 at Templeathea. John was a doctor and had his practice at Shannon Lawn, west of Glin. On Sept 20^th, 1924, at St. Peter & Paul’s church, Cork city, John married Hannah Agnes Broderick, daughter of farmer, David A. Broderick from Youghal, Co. Cork, the witnesses being Thomas Barrett & Pauline Broderick. Hannah Agnes’ uncle was Bishop Keane in Limerick.  

There’s a story in relation to Jack Barrett. Jack left school at the age of fourteen and from then till he was sixteen, along with another group attended Master William Danaher who was holding classes at O’Connor’s farmhouse in Clash, Athea after finishing his days teaching at Clash national school.  At the age of sixteen years Jack came to Dublin and sat the matriculation to join the college of surgeons. He passed the exam and was accepted as a student without ever going to secondary school. Jack Barrett graduated from the college of surgeons and took up practice in Glin, Co. Limerick. 

We were left with the following account on the Danaher family from Colm Danaher, son of master William. 

‘In the middle of the 17^th century, two brothers Maurice & Philip Danaher left their home in North Tipperary. They were escaping the landlord Brodel’s persecution…a Cromwellion officer who was rounding up hundreds of young people to be dispatched to the West Indies to work as slaves. They left during the middle of the night to meet up with a connection in Co. Kerry. They stopped at Mothar Glas, Glenagower, Athea with little or nothing and remained there. It was said that the rabbits and salmon from the nearby river kept them alive the first winter. Following Maurice’s death, the tenancy passed on to his son Daniel and then onto Daniel’s son Daniel who settled in Castlemahon, Co. Limerick. Daniel set up a hedge school in Castlemahon. Daniel Danaher was followed by his son Patrick who carried on the hedge school as did Patrick’s son John. One of John’s sons Daniel got a teaching post at Duxtown, Rathkeale.’  

Kevin Danaher, Son of Master William Danaher (Liam O’Danachair) gives us a slightly different account on the flee to West Limerick. In the Book. ‘MEMORIES OF MY YOUTH By Liam O’Danachair, the introduction by Kevin Danaher as follows –

‘The writer of these notes was born in July 1874 (that was William Liam Danaher) and christened Cul-Le-Cine, as his father explained in a letter to a cousin’ as follows –

‘I have named him William which I suppose you will be somewhat surprised at. But this name has been Mary’s father’s, and in gratitude for bringing her over the sickness-I have waived my own claim in this respect. Daniel Danaher who wrote this letter was born in 1828 and was principal teacher in Duxtown National School. His father, John, (Old Johnny or Johnny Pheatsai Dean) was a farmer and hedge school master in Lios Un Uisce, Mahoonagh Parish and married to Anne O’Brien of Croom, a cousin of the Farm By Lough Gur O’Brien’s’.

‘Old Johnny was born in 1788, son of Patrick (Peatsai Dean) also a hedge school master whose wife Margaret Scvanlon was a kinswoman on the one hand of the Fenian poet Michael Scanlon and on the other of the Scanlon sho was hanged for the murder of the Cailin Ban. Peatsai Dean was so called from his fathe Donal (Donal Spainneach) who had lived for a time in Spain, first as a student and then as a soldier in the Spanish army and had returned to Ireland in 1731 with a quantity of books and manuscripts and a Spanish wife (Known in family tradition as ‘The Spaniard’ her own name been forgottoen. This Donal set up a hedge school and offered instructions in Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, English and Irish, as well as mathematics, book-keeping, navigation and the use of globes.’

‘Donal Spaineach was a son of Donal Mhuiris, of Mothar Glas, Athea, whose father Muiris, was one of two brothers, the first of the name O’Danachair to come to West Limerick as refugees from the Cromwellion devestation of the McCarthy lands in County Cork. Philip, the elder, settled on a good farm at Cnoc an tSeanbhealaigh, Athea and Muiris, the younger, on a farm of mainly unreclaimed land at Mothar Glas.’

Cnoc an tSeanbhealaigh is appros 300 yds east of Flavin’s cross in Templeathea, down on the right heading towards Carrickerry. Mothar Glas is in Glenagower (Glenagore) further to the east. (George Langan)

‘William Danaher’s mother was Mary Moylan born in 1840, the daughter of William Moylan, farmer, stone mason and house carpenter of Ballyallinan, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick and Mary Culhane of Riddlestown -the grandmother with whom William lived as a child and from whom he learned most of the family tradition. She was born in 1798‘

‘William Moylan was the son of John Moylan & Mary Egan (Mac Egan) whose father was Charles Mac Egan who owned a tavern which stood on the site where the bridge carries the road over the railway at Rathkeale station. Mary’s brother Darby Egan was a priest in the diocese. John Moylan’s father was Seamus na nEan because of his skill as a wild fowler. Seamus was married to Mary Deely 1720-1807 was a priest in the diocese and enabled to minister to the people through the good offices of the Landlord, Southwell.‘

‘As a child of 5 years old in 1732, this Seamus was returning with his father from the forge in Newcastle West with a new spade when they were stopped by some drunken English soldiers who took the opportunity of insulting and jostling ‘a native’, they began to play with my father as the child put it afterwards. Maddened by the baynet jabs, Patrick Moylan defended himself with his spade with which he killed one of his tormentors. As they bore him down he shouted to the child to run home. That night in the darkness, some neighbours cut down his hacked and battered body from the Crooked Tree, where it had been hung up as a warning. That same Crooked tree at Lisroe was still there in 1939 at the bend of the Newcastle West road, not the main road. (These notes from Kevin Danaher, taken from his father’s account on the family – ‘Memories of my Youth’.)

On August 21^st, 1873 at Rathkeale church, Daniel Danaher married Mary ‘May’ Moylan 1843- from Ballyallinan, Rathkeale, daughter of William Moylan, a stone mason, and Mary Culhane 1798- from Riddlestown, the witnesses being – James Condan & Mary Culhane.  Mary May’s occupation given as a dressmaker. Daniel & Mary lived on in the Moylan farm.  (George Langan)

Daniel & Mary Danaher had the following family –  

i. William Danaher was born on July 5^th, 1874.  

ii. On July 11^th, 1876 a daughter Anne Danaher was born. 

iii. On Feb 14^th, 1879, a daughter Catherine ‘Katie’ Danaher was born.  

iv. On June 29^th, 1880 a daughter Mary Danaher was born.   

v. On May 31^st, 1882 a daughter Hanora Danaher was born.  

vi. On Aug 30^th, 1884 a daughter Agnes Danaher was born.  

Daniel Danaher died at Rathkeale on Dec 12^th, 1930  aged 90 years, his daughter Katie Kirby present at his death. Mary Moylan Danaher died at Rathkeale, the widow of a schoolteacher, on Nov 5^th, 1937 aged 96 years, her daughter Katie Kirby present at her death. 

Colm Danaher continues…..‘William Danaher was educated at Duxtown National School, Mungret College and took an honours graduation at the Royal University in 1894. He trained as a teacher at De La Salle training college. He taught school in Rathkeale and thereafter at Cappamore. In 1901 he came to Athea and was appointed to Clash school.  Knowing Danaher’s knowledge of literature and mathematics, the parish priest asked him to take some evening classes for students who wished to further their education. He got board and lodgings at a farmer named John O’Connor in Clash. His first two students were C. Mulvihill and C. Sullivan from Lower Athea who went on to become priests. The fame of the night school spread and soon he was overcrowded to the degree that each pupil was restricted to two nights per week. Pupils came from Knockanure, Glin, Carrickerry and Abbetfeale. The last scholar to call to Master Danaher for an evening session – fifty years after his first such class – was Tim Kelly, son of Jack Kelly and grandson of Tade Kelly, Knocknaboul, Athea, Tim went on to become a Supt in An Garda Siochana.’ 

‘Brown Joe’ O’Connor was married to one of these Kelly’s.  

‘Other pupils that attended the classes included – three from Templeglantine, Matt and Denis Dillane and Jimmy Collins who went on to be a T.D. in Dail Eireann. Doctors McGrath, Lane, Barrett and Leahy also did their matriculation from O’Connor’s.’ 

On July 28^th,  1908 at St. Michael’s church Limerick city, William Danaher, aged 30 years, (marriage age differs from birth age ) married schoolteacher Margaret Ryan aged 26 years, her address given as Athea, daughter of John Ryan, a farmer, the witnesses being – Martin Culhane, Rathkeale & Anna M. Ryan, Carrickerry.  Margaret Ryan was from Martinstown, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.

‘William & Margaret went to live in Upper Athea in a house that was built for Fr. John Ryan who became P.P. in Athea. A family of the Galway’s lived there afterwards’. ’In 1916 William built a house in Gortnagross and in 1926 he was transferred to Athea boy’s school as principal where he taught ‘till 1937’.  

William Danaher & Margaret Ryan had four sons as follows -,  

John Joseph Danaher born on March 3^rd, 1910 at Upper Athea. On Jan 12^th, 1944 at the church of St. Therese, Dublin South, John Joseph Danaher, profession  given as medical practitioner at the Coombe Hospital,  married Ellen Christina McNally from Navan, Co. Meath, the witnesses being Kevin Danaher & Magdeline McNally. John Joseph Danaher emigrated to Newcastle, England where he continued his practice. He died in Jan 1980 at Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. 

Kevin Danaher, Caoimhin O Dannachair, was born on Jan 30^th, 1913 at the Crescent Nursing Home, Limerick city. Kevin was a professor of folklore at Universary College Dublin (U.C.D.)    and was the man who saved the Manx language for the people of the Isle of Man. Caoimhín Ó Danachair died 14 March 2002 in Dublin and is buried in St Fintan’s cemetery, Sutton, Dublin. For the life and times of Kevin see link hereunder. 

https://www.dib.ie/biography/o-danachair-caoimhin-danaher-kevin-a2392

Martin Gerard Danaher, born Sept 7^th, 1915 at Gortnagross, Athea. Martin died in March 1990 at Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales. Martin was a doctor in Llanelli, Wales. 

Colm Danaher born Feb 4^th, 1922 in some hospital, can’t make out the name. He was registered as Patrick Column but that was corrected to read Colm. Colum gave up his teaching at a relatively young age and went out working for farmers etc, he worked with the rural electrification scheme diggig holes for the poles with shovel and pick-axe. No diggers back then. Colm was laid to rest in Edenderry about 10 years ago.

William Danaher taught in Athea from 1904 untill his retirement in 1937, first at Clash N.S and afterwards in Athea N.S. William died a widower on May 18^th, 1957 at Bons Secours Home, Tralee from a strangulated hernia as a result of falling off a bicycle, he was aged 85 years. His wife Margaret Ryan Danaher died on Dec 14^th, 1944 at Sunvale, Athea, her son Caoimhin O Dannachair,  (Kevin)  present at her death. (Sunvale being the name of the house in Gortnagross) 

Excerpts from Memories of My Youth By Liam O’Danachair as follows –

Liam O’Danahair’s earliest memories from where he lived from 1873 to 1884 are of his grandmother and Aintin Norrey, they were two old women who always spoke Irish. The house was about a mile from Knockaderry in the townland of Ballyallinan. Neighbours would call to the house at night, sit around the fire and converse in Irish. People he remembered calling were – Dick Nash who told stories in Irish, James Malone, an old man named Lynch, Con O’Donnell, Old Doherty, Johnny Mulcahy and two Egan’s. Occasional visitors included were ‘Paid na hAbhainn’ or ‘Paddy from Feale’ who always had a roll of Irish manuscripts. A travelling man by the name of Cotter who was also a poet would call. He believes that this was the same Cotter man that he heard of twenty years later in Athea, he known as ‘Mac Cotter na Gruaige. He would also hear poems by my kinsman Micheal Og O’Longain read out at these gatherings.

The old people that listened to John Moylan reme,mbered a time when country people would not understand an address in English and when most of the sermons in Church were in Irish. When Major Going was shot at the ”Five Cross Roads” east of Rathkeale, in 1822, the Parish Priest addresses a meeting, in Irish to condem the outrage.

My grandmother also heard a similar address near Coolcappagh from Fr. Derby Egan, who made a speech in Irish condemning the shooting of Major Hare at Mount Heny House, this was in 1822 also. (She was born in 1798 and died in 1893). I left the house in 1884 to rteside with my parents in Rathkeale.

At the nightly meetings many traditions of the past were recalled. They spoke of Sean O’Chogaidh, the Moylan who fought under Sarsfield at Limerick and who later built the house where we sat. They spoke of Cathal Mac Eagain, my grandfather’s grandfather who kept a tavern at the cross-roads where Rathkeale railway station now stands. This tavern was a rendezvous for the local poets and a frequent visitor there was the Steward of the Knight of Glin on his way to fairs in Rathkeale, Adare or Croom. He was Micheal O’Longain, the father of Micheal Og O’Longain.

My grandmother woud repeat what she had heard from her father, Thomas Culhane, of the taking of Glin Castle by Carew – ”Criu” as she called him and of the death of her ancestor, Donal Culhane, in the fight. This Donal was known as ”Fear an Iarla” as he had been a gallowglass of the Earl of Desmond some 25 years before his defence of Glin Castle and his death there. They also spole of the death of the Cailin Ban.

But best of all I remember the tales of wonder told by my grandmother, Dick Nash and others. I am under the impression that two men whom I met some sixty years ago took down many tales from Dick Nash and others. These men were Jerry Howard, one time N.T, at Ballyloughane N.S., Ardagh and Michael Cussen of Monagea, Newcastle EWest, a civil servant. I do not know if they were ever published.

I used to drive my grandmother around to vist some of her cronies, one of whom was a Mrs Higgins, a Mrs. Roche and ”Long Anne” Tesky whose eldest son was then ninety years of age and she herself about 115 years. Tesky was the last speaker of Irish among the Palatines and also the last speaker of that German dialect which they brought with them to Ireland in 1712.

There was a station at Tadhg Leahy’s of Binn an Easpuig while Eoghhan Rua was working there.

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Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin (1748 – 29 June 1784), anglicized as Owen Roe O’Sullivan (“Red Owen”), was an Irish poet. He is known as one of the last great Gaelic poets. A recent anthology of Irish-language poetry speaks of his “extremely musical” poems full of “astonishing technical virtuosity”, and also notes that “Eoghan Rua is still spoken of and quoted in Irish-speaking districts in Munster as one of the great wits and playboys of the past.”^[1] This is taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

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John (Jack) Barrett & Agnes Broderick had the following family – 

i. Conor Barrett who became a county surgeon in Longford. 

ii. Kevin Barrett became a G.P. in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Kevin was a fantastic footballer who played for Glin. 

iii. Ian (Eoin) Barrett lived in Dublin. 

iv. Stan Barrett emigrated to Canada and joined the Canadian army and fought in the Korean war. Sam lived in Vancouver. 

v. Miriam Barrett married Laurence (Larry) Brazil from Cork and they lived in Dublin. 

iv. James Francis Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on Nov 4^th, 1901 at Templeathea. On June 21^st, 1938 at Coolcappa church, James married Mary Eileen Nestor from Kilquane,  Coolcappagh daughter of farmer, Michael Nestor, the witnesses being – Edward Barrett & Margaret Nestor. They had a family of two sons.  

v. Patrick Michael Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on Jan 8^th, 1904. Patrick, at the age of 20 years, emigrated to Chicago to join his older brother Tom. Patrick was married to Eileen O’Kane from east Limerick. 

vi. Timothy Edmond Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on April 6^th, 1907. On Sept 26^th, 1940 at the church of St. Mary, Listowel, Timothy married Nora Prendeville from Charles St, Listowel, daughter of James Prendeville, the witnesses being – James Prendeville & Nora Donegan. They lived in Listowel and reared a family of three sons, Thomas, Raymond and Edward. After the children had finished school all the family, except Raymond, moved to Peterborough in England. Raymond got a job in a factory in Listowel and later joined the Gardai and was stationed at Bridewell in Cork. Raymond married Mary Culhane, a sister to Dan Culhane, Turraree, Glin. Mary was working in Listowel. Raymond and Mary had a son Private Prendeville and he is a pharmacist with his own pharmacy in Cork.  

vii. Mary Josephine Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on April 20^th, 1909 at Templeathea. On Sept 6^th, 1927 at St. Joseph’s hospital, Limerick, Mary Josephine married James Leahy from Broadford, Co. Limerick who was a creamery manager in Athea, the witnesses being – John Leahy, Green St. Barracks, Dublin & Mary Barrett. James was the son of Daniel Leahy. Two of their children were born in Athea.  James and Mary moved to Clondrohid, Co Cork where James was employed as creamery manager. They subsequently bought a small farm in Broadford where they remained till their death. Leahy descendants are still living in Mountplummer, Broadford today, Feb 27^th, 2023.  Clondrohid, the home place of Fr. Peadar Ua Laoghaire 1839-1920 or Peadar Ó Laoghaire, also anglicized as Peter O’Leary. Peadar was an Irish writer and Catholic priest, who is regarded today as one of the founders of modern literature in Irish. 

viii. Julia Ita Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor) born on Oct 27^th, 1912 at Templeathea. Julia, who remained single, lived out her life in the Barrett household. 

1901 Census for Thomas Barrett & Johanna O’Connor. 

Residents of a house 14 in Templeathea West (Glenagower, Limerick) 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	Thomas	40	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Barrett Nee O’Connor	Johana	30	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Thomas	5	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Edmond	3	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	John	1	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Harnett	James	45	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic
Doody	John	15	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic
Keeffe	Nora	23	Female	Servant	Roman Catholic

1911 Census for Thomas Barrett &  Johanna O’Connor. 

Residents of a house 14 in Templeathea West (Glenagower, Limerick) 

Show all information 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	Thomas	55	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Barrett Nee O’Connor	Johana	43	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Margret	25	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Thomas	15	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Edmond	13	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	John	11	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	James	9	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Patrick	7	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Timothy	4	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Mary	2	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Mc Coy	Patrick	19	Male	Farm Servant	Roman Catholic
Moroney	Johana	26	Female	Domestic Servant	Roman Catholic

John Collins was born on May 24^th, 1871 at Purt, Abbeyfeale and died in 1968. On Feb 16^th, 1904 at Athea church, John Collins, aged 34 years, married Elizabeth Ahern, 1873-1910 aged 25 years, Dirreen, Athea, daughter of John Ahern & Mary (Mainie) Hayes, the witnesses being – Con Riordan & Ellie Ahern. John & Elizabeth went on their honeymoon to Lidoonvarna, Co Clare and had returned only two weeks when Elizabeth’s father John died. (see hereunder) 

Elizabeth Ahern was born on Dec 1^st, 1873 at Dirreen, Athea and died from parturition placenta previa, certified, on Oct 23^rd, 1910 at Dirreen , aged 35 years. Elizabeth Ahern was the daughter of John Ahern & Mary (Mainie) Hayes. John Ahern was born in 1832 and died a widower from heart failure at Lr. Dirreen on March 10^th, 1904, aged 72 years.  Mary (Mainie) Hayes was born circa 1835 and died from cancer of the stomach on Oct 22^nd, 1895 at Dirreen, Athea, aged 60 years, Mary Ahern, daughter of the deceased present at her death. Mary (Mainie) Hayes was the daughter of Thomas Lynch & Margaret Hayes but for some reason or other they never got married. John Ahern and Mainie Hayes were married circa 1862 

John Ahern & Mary (Mainie) Hayes had the following children –  

i. Catherine Ahern born at Dirreen 1863-1941.  On Feb 18^th; 1894 at Athea church, Catherine, aged 19 years, married John Ahern, 1859-1932, aged 22 years, Parkanna, Upper Athea, the witnesses being, Timothy & Bridget Ahern. Catherine became Thade Ahern’s grandmother. (It could have been Feb 9th, 1894 that she got married.) It was Catherine that gave Kevin Danaher many of the stories he recorded in his books.

ii. Bridget Ahern born on June 24^th 1865 at Dirreen and died on July 1^st, 1929 at Kilbaha aged 64 years, her daughter Margaret Walsh, Gurteenavallig, Tarmons, Co. Kerry present at her death. Margaret was married to Michael Walsh, Kilgarvan, Ballylongford. Margaret Walsh was from Bridget’s second marriage to Dan Shine. Bridget was married twice, firstly, on Feb 1^st, 1890 at Athea church to James Shanahan 1849-1895, Kilbaha, son of John Shanahan, the witnesses being, John Shanahan & Mary Ahern.   Family from that union as follows – 

i. Mary (Mollie) Shanahan. According to Irish Genealogy Births, Mary was born on Nov 10^th, 1890-1974, Patrick Ahern present at her birth in Kilbaha. Looking at the Moyvane Parish church records, it states that Mary was born on Nov 9^th, 1891 and baptised on Nov 11^th, 1891 her sponsors being – Patrick Ahern & Bridget Ahern. The church records are the more accurate. 

ii. John Jack Shanahan, born on May 13^th, 1893-1968.  On Feb 26th, 1938 at Moyvane church, John Shanahan married Hanora (Hannah) Harrington, Kilbaha, daughter of James Harrington, farmer, the witnesses being – John Conroy & Julia Galvin. John died at Kilbaha on Jan 7^th, 1968. Hannah died on April 17^th, 1992 at Kilbaha. 

iii. Bridget Shanahan, born on June 30^th, 1895-1973. On March 4^th, 1924 at Newtownsandes church, Bridget married bachelor farmer, Patrick Dalton from Parkaba, Athea, son of Timothy Dalton, the witnesses being – Tim Dalton & Hannie Shine. On Feb 18^th, 1889, at Athea church, Tim Dalton from Upper Athea , son of William Dalton, married Ellen Scanlon, Templeathea West, daughter of Patrick Scanlon, the witnesses being – Michael Langan & Bridget Dalton.  Patrick Dalton was the father of Jimmy Dalton who lived there in my time. Jimmy was a great man for the fishing, of course he had the luxury of the river Gale running by his land. Patrick Dalton died on March 13^th, 1945. His wife Bridget Ahern died on Oct 20^th, 1973. Jimmy Dalton died on Jan 14^th, 1985. His sister Eileen Dalton died on May 9^th, 1959. (The church records are incorrect regarding the addresses of Tim Dalton and Ellen Scanlon. It’s the other way around, Tim Dalton was from Upper Athea and Ellen Scanlon was from Templeathea West.)

James Shanahan died on Oct 27^th, 1895 at Kilbaha from Tonsilitis and Pneumonia, aged 46 years,  

Bridget Ahern’s second marriage was on Feb 16^th, 1896 to Dan Shine, a farmer from Kilbaha, son of  Cornelius (Con) Shine & , Catherine (Kate) Reidy, the witnesses being – William Shine & Mary Ahern.

Family from Bridget Ahern Shanahan & Daniel Shine as follows – 

i.Catherine (Kitty) Shine 1896-1983. Kitty who remained single,  ran the post office in Moyvane.  

ii.Margaret (Maggie) Shine 1897.  On Apr 29^th, 1924, at Kilnaughton church,

Margaret married Michael Walsh, Kilgarvan, Ballylongford, Co. Kerry, son of Patrick Walsh, the witnesses being – Patrick Hanlon & Nellie Shine. 

iii.Hanora (Nora) Shine was born 1899. Hanora married Mick Woulfe, Knocknagorna, Athea. The Woulfe’s came from Keale to Knocknagorna. Family from Hanora Shine & Mike Woulfe as follows –

The eldest became a nun. Dan Woulfe, emigrated to Canada. Mike married Teresa Barrett, Knockdown, Mossie lives in Dublin. There were other family members.

iv.Johanna (Hannie) Shine born 1900. Johanna married John Conroy and they lived in Cabra, Dublin 7.  

v.Ellen (Nell) Mary Shine 1905-1972. On Sept 4^th, 1928, at Moyvane church,

Ellen married Tom Sheehan, Kilbaha, son of Thomas Sheehan & Mary Ann Hudson, the witnesses being – John Sheehan & Mollie Shanahan. Ellen & Tom had a family of 17. 

Cornelius (Con) Shine was born in Kilbaha circa 1842. On Jan 31^st, 1869 at Ballyhahill church,  Con, aged 27 years, married Catherine (Kate) Reidy, Clounleharde,  aged 22 years, daughter of Patrick Reidy, the witnesses being – Patrick Reidy & Catherine Shine. The Reidy family lived in Knockdown which came under Clounleharde back then. I knew most of the Reidy descendants. My uncle Bill Lynch was married to Elizabeth (Lil) Reidy, Kate Reidy’s grandniece. 

On Feb 18^th, 1873, at Glin church, Kate Reidy’s brother, James Reidy, married Mary Griffin, Glenagragra, daughter of Patrick Griffin. Patrick Griffin had migrated to Glenagragra from Kilmurry/McMahon, Co. Clare.  

1901 Census for Shine’s/Shanagan’s. Kilbaha. 

Residents of a house 4 in Kilbaha, West (Newtownsandes, Kerry) 

Show all information 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Shine	Nora	2	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Shine	Johanna		Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Shine	Maggie	3	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Shine	Kate	4	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Shanahan	Bridget	5	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Shanahan	Mary	10	Female	Daughter	R Catholic
Shine	Daniel	31	Male	Head of Family	R Catholic
Shanahan	John	8	Male	Son	R Catholic
Shine Nee Shanahan Nee Ahern	Bridget	35	Female	Wife	R Catholic

iii. Patrick Ahern born circa 1867 and died as a teenager circa 1873. 

iv. Mary Ahern was born 1869-1950. On Feb 14^th, 1889 at Athea church, Mary aged 28 years, married James Jim Scanlon 1863, aged 35 years,Templeathea West, down by the river, son of Patrick Scanlon, the witnesses being, Michael Scanlon & Lizzie Ahern. Jim and Mary had no family.   Jim left the place to his nephew, Patrick Dalton, Parkana, Athea, Patrick’s father Tim Dalton being married to Jim’s sister Ellen Scanlon. (See above). Jim Scanlon had a brother Edmond Scanlon who married William Barrett’s widow in Knocknagorna, (married in there). She was Ellen Hayes from Fairystreet and they subsequently became the parents of Bobby Scanlon who was there in my time. 

Patsy Lynch, Glasha, in 1883  married Johanna Dalton, Parkana, Upper Athea, daughter of John Dalton. Johanna was born in 1856. Johanna had a sister Mary Dalton who married John Sheehy, Templeathea East. She had another sister Catherine (Kate) Dalton who married James Ahern, Knockfinnisk. These Dalton’s were related to the Tim Dalton’s above. 

1901 Census for James Scanlon & Mary Ahern, 

Residents of a house 1 in Templeathea West (Glenagower, Limerick) 

Show all information 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Scanlon	James	38	Male	Head of Family	Catholic
Scanlon Nee Ahern	Mary	33	Female	Wife	Catholic
Scanlon	Patrick	74	Male	Father	Catholic
Gleeson	James	18	Male	Servant	Catholic
Mc Coy	Hannah	16	Female	Servant	Catholic

1911 Census for James Scanlon & Mary Ahern. 

Residents of a house 1 in Templeathea West (Glenagower, Limerick) 

Show all information 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Scanlon	James	47	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Scanlon Nee Ahern	Mary	42	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Collins	Mary	23	Female	Servant	Roman Catholic

v. Johanna Ahern born 1871-1943, married Jim ‘Hustle Up’ Mullane’, 1875-1951 Dirreen, son of John Mullane, Dirreen &  Annie Nolan, Parkwater, Shanagolden.  Tim Riordan in my time lived in Jim’s place. Jim and Johanna had emigrated to the U.S., don’t know if they had married before emigrating or not.  Anyway, Jim returned and opened a shop and there was a story told at the time that a man from Asdee in Co. Kerry called to the shop enquiring as to where Joe Quaid lived. Jim, being a bit inquisitive, asked him what his business with Joe was.  The man replied that he had an account of a match with a Coughlan woman from Asdee who had returned from New York with a dowry and that she was willing to marry a farmer and she was told Joe Quaid was looking for a wife. ‘Stop says Jim, don’t go no further, I have a man for you, my son Tom over in Knocknagorna is a farmer and so a match was made between Tom and the Coughlan woman. A family of the Woulfe’s were farming that farm in Knocknagorna and they left for a farm back in Knockanure which wasn’t as good as the one they were leaving. Jim Mullane bought the farm and put his son Tom in there. 

vi. Elizabeth Ahern born on Dec 1^st, 1873 (married John Collins,see above) 

vii. Ellen Ahern born 1877-, died circa 1950’s, married John Moore 1887-, Knockanure. Lived in a cottage, died 1950’s ? 

viii. Margaret Ahern born 1883-1933, married John ‘Martin’ Liston, 1866-1936 Dirreen in 1906. They were the parents of Dan ‘Martin’ Liston whom I knew.. 

John Ahern was the son of Patrick Ahern, Lr. Dirreen & Catherine Neville from Leanamore, Ballylongford. Catherine Neville was born ?  Patrick Ahern was born in 1793 and died a widower from chronic rheumatism at Dirreen on Dec 5^th, 1873, aged 80 years, his son John Ahern present at his death. 

John Collins was the son of Denis Collins, born in 1820 and died on Dec 26^th, 1896 at Abbeyfeale Hill aged 76 years, his nephew, Denis Collins, Abbeyfeale Hill present at his death. Denis was married to Mary ‘Batt’ Fitzgerald 1831-1919 from Gorteens, Athea. One of the ‘Bat’s’ was a Sacred Heart Order nun in Fargo, North Dakota, taking the religious name of Sr. Mary Peter’s. 

Denis Collins was the son of John Collins, Abbeyfeale Hill and a Miss O’Brien, daughter of ‘Big Denny’ O’Brien from Purt, Abbeyfeale. It is of the belief that Denis moved to the O’Brien farm following the death of ‘Big Denny’.

2. Edmond (Ned) Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) born circa 1856 and died 1916. Ned inherited the Churchtown farm. On Feb 13^th, 1893 at the church of St, Saviour’s, Limerick city, Edmond married Julia Lane, daughter of Thomas Lane, Abbeyfeale, the witnesses being – John Barrett & Julie Lane. Married by Timothy Curtin C.C., Abbeyfeale. Edmond Barrett & Julie Lane had the following family of 3- 

i. Thomas Benedict Barrett born on May 25^th, 1894 at Meenakilly, to Edmond Barrett & Julia Lane of Churchtown, Athea, James Lane, Meenakilly present at the birth. On June 20^th, 1933 at Temleglantine church, Thomas married Catherine Wren from Tullig,  Templeglantine, daughter of William Wren, the witnesses being Edward Barrett & William Wren. Thomas & Catherine had 4 daughters, the youngest married Michael Robinson, a geologist from Galway who bought a farm in Kilscannel, Ardagh, Co. Limerick. 

ii. Julia Mary Barrett born at Templeathea on Dec 28^th, 1895 and died in 1901 aged 6 years. 

iii. Mary Ellen Barrett born March 1901, On June 27^th, 1933 at Rathkeale church, Mary Barrett married Denis O’ Shaughnessy, Ballylinderrig, (Ballylin) Kilbradran, Co. Limerick, son of Denis O’Shaughnessy, the witnesses being Patrick J O’Shaughnessy & Nellie Barrett. Mary Ellen and Denis had no family, so they took in her niece Julia, daughter of Benedict Barrett & Catherine Wren and Julia is still alive today March 6^th, 2023. 

1901 Census for Edmond Barrett & Julia Lane. 

Residents of a house 9 in Templeathea West (Glenagower, Limerick) 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	Edmond	40	Male	Head of Family	R Chatolic
Barrett Nee Lane	Julia	33	Female	Wife	R Chatolic
Barrett	Benedict	6	Male	Son	R Chatolic
Barrett	Julia	5	Female	Daughter	R Chatolic
Barrett	Mary		Female	Daughter	R Chatolic
Brosnan	Julia	26	Female	Relative	R Chatolic
Sheahan	Kate	26	Female	Relative	R Chatolic
Moore	Kate	21	Female	Domestic Servant	R Chatolic
Fitzgerald	Patrick	16	Male	Servant	R Chatolic

 
1911 Census for Edmond Barrett & Julia Lane 

Residents of a house 9 in Templeathea West (Glenagower, Limerick)  

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head	Religion
Barrett	Edmond	55	Male	Head of Family	Roman Catholic
Barrett Nee Lane	Julia	46	Female	Wife	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Mary	52	Female	Sister	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Benediet Thomas	16	Male	Son	Roman Catholic
Barrett	Mary Ellen	10	Female	Daughter	Roman Catholic
Moran	Mary Anne	19	Female	Servant	Roman Catholic
Moran	John	17	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic
Mcoy	Patrick	17	Male	Servant	Roman Catholic

3. Mary Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) born  1858 died 1858 

4. Mary Ellen Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) born in 1859, died 1932. 

5. Ellen Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) b 1861 died 1933, joined the sister of mercy Abbeyfeale. 

6. Bridget Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) 1863-1923, joined the sisters of Good Sheppard, Limerick city. 

7. Catherine Barrett (daughter of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) b 1866-1914, joined the Sisters of Mercy, Aabbeyfeale.. 

8. Patrick Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) b 1867-1887. 

9. John Barrett (son of Thomas Barrett & Julia Ita Shanahan) b 1873-1930. John went to Athea and bought the pub on Barrack St. John was married twice, firstly on July 23^rd, 1897 at the church of St. Augustine, Limerick city to Mary Anne Jordan  1869-1899, from Athea, the witnesses being Denis & Lizzie Hurley. The Jordan’s were originally from Co. Cork but of English origin. Mary’s father, Henry Jordan was a Military officer in the RI.C. The R.IC. barracks in Athea was situated in the square at the rear of Griffins butcher’s, almost directly across from where Edward (Ned) O’Connor lived. There was a row of stone houses with slated roofs along there, the first on the left being the Barracks. (Mrs. Hannie Shea Nee O’Connor in Park gave ‘Brown Joe’ O’Connor this information). Hannie O’Shea’s father and ‘Brown Joe’s’ father were 1st cousins. Dr. McGrath lived in one of those houses as well, as did Willie Hurey. The R.I.C. had part of Pa Danaher’s house rented before relocating to the square.. Mary Barrett, (Marianne on death cert) died on Sept 3^rd, 1899 from exhaustion after severe childbirth labour, her husband, shopkeeper, John Barrett present at her death in Athea. It would appear the child she was carrying didn’t survive either.   

John’s 2nd marriage to Margaret O’Connor born circa 1873 from Coillbui, back the road from Gale bridge towards Listowel. She died in 1950.  

John Barrett & Margaret O’Connor had4 sons as follows – 

i. Thomas Barrett born on Jan 24^th, 1896 at Templeathea. Thomas inherited the pub in Athea. 

ii. Michael Thomas Barrett born on March 6^th 1907, went to Chicago. He moved from Chicago to New York where he married a White girl from Glenagore, (Glenagower)Athea. He never returned to Ireland. They had one son James Barrett. James was married with three daughters. 

iii. Edmond Barrett, born July 8^th, 1908. Edmond was in catering and married one of the Jimmy Danny O’ Connors from Lr. Athea. They lived in London and had a son and two daughters. 

iv. John Barrett. Born on May 31^st, 1910. John had the pub in Newcastle West. John married Lena Mullane from around Broadford, Newcastle West. 

Julia Lane’s father qualified as a doctor from the Royal College of Surgeons and had his practice for a time in Churchtown.  He later became a consultant and was head consultant at the Meath hospital in Dublin . His father Daniel Lane was a surgeon in the British army in Pakistan, India. He had to wear his uniform each day while at work. When his platoon was leaving India, they had to march to the train station, then travel hundreds of miles to the boat out on the Bay of Bengal, having to walk the last 20 miles with gun on the shoulder. When he returned home, he bought a place in Ballybunion and died there and is buried in the local cemetery. (Jim Barrett)

John Hayes an R.I.C. sergeant in Tipperary was born in Fairystreet Athea. He bought a business and a pub in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. John Collins bought the Hayes farm when James Hayes died. There’s a stream dividing Fairystreet and Templeathea west, Templeathe West is actually in Bin-na-gleanna. A small Landlord from Co. Clare lived in Fairystreet and named his house Fairy Lawn Cottage, Fairystreet has nothing to do with fairies. Back in the olden times there were two rows of mud houses standing street style in that area and the Landlord named it Fairystreet. (Straid na Scheoighe.) Churchtown was the village next to the graveyard and by all accounts a village water pump from that era still exists to this present day. The original entrance to the graveyard was from across the road from Connie Brouder’s, farm, a couple of hundred yards from Flavin’s cross, almost directly across the road from where the Dalton’s used to go down the boreen to their home. They used to go to mass in the old church in Churchtown.  (Baile an tEampaill.)  Templeathea was the first village in Rathronan.  In later years the village of Athea was built following the construction of the Glin to Abbeyfeale road and as a result the people were moved from Fairystreet to the new village. The last two families to be moved were the Denihan’s and the Moore’s. John Moore was a tailor. He lived in the house where my aunt Joan and her husband Tony O’Connor had their shop. The present John Moore (Feb 20^th. 2023) lives in Adare and pays visits to Athea regularly.  It is believed the Denihan’s originally came from Fenit.  Knockanaire House up on the hillside close by is where the landed gentry, the Honorable Kate Courtney lived. 

We have the marriage at Knockanure church on Feb 11^th, 1893 of James Barrett, Knocknagona, Athea, son of John Barrett to Eliza Stack of Carrueragh, Listowel, daughter of Maurice Stack, the witnesses being – Thomas Barrett & Bridget Stack. James married into the Stack place. Private Barrett, grandson of James is the present occupier of Carrueragh. Private’s father Tom Barrett married Catherine Cahillane from Gurthaleen, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry and went to live in Knockdown, Athea. Catherine’s sister Bridget Cahillane married my grand-uncle, Maurice Langan, Glenagragra. Story has it that Tom Barrett met Maurice Langan one morning at Crough creamery. Says Tom, ‘Langan, I have a woman for you’. Apparently, Tom’s wife Catherine was near having a baby and Bridget had come over from Castlemaine to help out.

I have a marriage on March 5^th, 1889 at Glin church of a farmer’s daughter Johanna Barrett, aged 33 years, daughter of Patrick Barrett 1811-1897 & Margaret Barrett, Turraree to Thomas Ruddle, farmer’s son, aged 30 years, son of Andrew Ruddle, Turraree, the witnesses being – Denis Mulcair & Mary Enright.  It is of the belief that Johanna Barrett was a niece to Thomas Barrett 1819-1894 as in beginning of blog on Barrett’s of Templeathea. So, that being the case, it’s quite probable that Johanna’s father Patrick, was the Patrick in Dysart, who may have moved to Turraree at some stage or other, maybe to work with his brother Thomas. Patrick Barrett died a widower on March 11th, 1897 at Turraree, aged 87 years, Margaret Ruddle, Turraree present at his death. Margaret Ruddle was Margaret Enright who was married to David Ruddle, Turraree. Margaret died on May 4th, 1899 at Turraree aged 41 years, her husband David Ruddle present at her death.

1901 Census for Ruddles, Upper Turraree as follows – 

Surname	Forename	Age	Sex	Relation to head
Ruddle	Thomas	43	Male	Head of Family
Ruddle Nee Barrett	Jonoah	44	Female	Wife
Ruddle	Andrew J	11	Male	Son
Ruddle	Mary C	9	Female	Daughter
Ruddle	Thomas	6	Male	Son
Stack	Mary	19	Female	Servant

1911 Census for Ruddle’s Upper Turraree as follows – 

Surname Forename Age Sex Relation to head  Religion 

Ruddle Thomas    54   Male   Head of Family     Roman Catholic 

Ruddle  Johannah Nee Barrett  56   Female      Wife        Roman Catholic 

Ruddle Andrew (Sonny)  21    Male               Son       Roman Catholic 

Ruddle Thomas  16    Male                           Son        Roman Catholic 

Ruddle Mary  19   Female                   Daughter         Roman Catholic 

Woulfe Thomas  40                       Male Servant         Roman Catholic 

Thomas Ruddle & Johanna Barrett lived in Knockdown, on the Kerry-Line road where Paddy Halloran lived afterwards. (approx. 200yds west from the cross on the right-hand side) Thomas was the creamery manager at the old Cork & Kerry creamery, which was located across the road from Joe White’s, Knockdown. Family hereunder and as per Census above – 

i.Andrew Ruddle, (son of Thomas Ruddle & Johannah Barrett) otherwise known as Sonny Ruddle was born on Dec 23rd, 1889 at Turraree. Sonny married twice, firstly on June 30th, 1931 at the church of St. Joseph, Limerick city to Josephine Donovan, Tullyglass, Glin, the witnesses being Thomas Ruddle & Margaret Mary Donovan. Sonny’s 2nd marriage to Margaret Peg (Maggie) Cummane, a sister to John Cummane, The Lodge, Knockdown. 

ii.Mary Catherine Ruddle (daughter of Thomas Ruddle & Johannah Barrett) born on May 20th, 1891 at Turraree. Mary married Jim McNamara from Ballygoughlin, Glin, Co. Limerick. It is of the belief that Jim died in a public house in Glin while dancing a polka set.

iii.Patrick Joseph Ruddle (son of Thomas Ruddle & Johannah Barrett) born on March 28th, 1893 at Turraree.

iv.Thomas Ruddle (son of Thomas Ruddle & Johannah Barrett) born on June 6th, 1894 at Turraree, Margaret Ruddle present at the birth. Thomas joined his father as assistant manager at the Cork & Kerry creamery before securing for himself the job as creamery manager at Kilmeedy creamery, Co. Limerick. 

1901 Census for Cummanes, Knockdown as follows – 

 Surname    Forename    Age    Sex      Relation to head       Religion 

Cummane Patrick           46      Male     Head of Family      Roman C 

Cummane Ellen Nee Enright 30 Female      Wife                 Roman C 

Cummane Michael          8      Male            Son             Roman C 

Cummane Mary             2       Female     Daughter       Roman C 

Cummane Margaret      1       Female     Daughter     Roman C 

Enright Margaret          30      Female  Visitor             Roman C 

Enright Johanna            18       Female Visitor            Roma

1911 Census for Cummane’s 

 Surname Forename Age Se xRelation to head  Religion 

 Cummane Patrick 50 Male Head of Family Roman Catholic 

Cummane Ellen Enright 40 Female Wife Roman Catholic 

Cummane Patrick 14 Male Son Roman Catholic 

Cummane Mary 12 Female Daughter Roman Catholic 

Cummane Margaret 10 Female Daughter Roman Catholic 

Cummane William 9 Male Son Roman Catholic 

Cummane Daniel 7 Male Son Roman Catholic 

Cummane Thomas 4 Male Son Roman Catholic 

Cummane John 2 Male Son Roman Catholic 

Cummane Ellen Female Daughter Roman Catholic 

Enright Johana 26 Female Visitor Roman Catholic 

Patrick Cummane was married to Ellen Enright from Templeathea. Their son John Cummane, aged 2 in above census, inherited the family farm and married Mary Meade from Killeaney, daughter of Michael Meade and Catherine O’Connor. Catherine O’Connor’s brother Jim O’Connor was married to my grand-aunt Maggie Lynch from Glashapullagh. Family from John Cummane & Mary Meade as follows – 

Private Cummane. 

Private Cummane. 

Private Cummane. 

Private Cummane.

Private Cummane. 

Private Cummane. 

On Feb 21^st, 1922, at Coolcappa church, Michael Hayes, farmer from Athea (Fairystreet), son of Thomas Hayes, married Margaret Nestor from Coolcappa, daughter of Michael Nestor, the witnesses being – Eamon O’Haoda & Annie Nestor. Gerald Griffin, the butcher with ‘an Chroi Mhor’, was married to their daughter. 

Ob Feb 13^th, 1909, at Newtownsandes church, James Hayes, Athea, son of Michael Hayes, married Bridget Hudson, Kilbaha, daughter of William Hudson, the witnesses being – Thomas H. Danaher & Margaret Hudson. 

I have a John Hayes born on Feb 18^th, 1876, son of Denis Hayes, a labourer, and Mary Guinea. Denis & Mary were married on Feb  24^th. 1870 at Athea church, the witnesses being, Edward McKenna and Michael Kelly. 

Paddy Dalton of gort-a-gleanna had a brother Michael Dalton in Dublin. These Dalton’s had a sister married to Michael Foley from around Templeglantine who was a principal teacher in Duagh, they lived in Listowel.