As previously stated, (See Lynch George, Lynch Family, Glasha blog) in the year 1868 Mick Faley and his wife Ellen Sheahan came from Templeathea to a corner of George Lynch’s farm in Glasha. Mick was born circa 1834. George was a road contractor and by having Mick Faley nearby, he knew he could expect the new labourer to work in his employment, which he did as did his sons, Denis Faley, (Paddy’s father, who was only nine days old when he came to Glasha), and Dan and grandsons thereafter.
1901 Census for Faley’s, Glasha as follows –
| Surname | Forename | Age | Sex | Relation to head | Religion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fealey | Michael | 67 | Male | Head of Family | Roman Catholic |
| Fealey | Ellen Sheehan | 69 | Female | Wife | Roman Catholic |
| Fealey | Daniel | 30 | Male | Son | Roman Catholic |
| Fealey | Margaret | 22 | Female | Daughter | Roman Catholic |
Mick Faley and his wife Ellen Sheahan had the following family -:
(1) Dan Faley. (baptised April 12th 1866 in Athea)
(2) Denis Faley.
(3) Ellen Faley.
(4) Johanna Faley. (baptised in Athea on 7th Apr 1870)
(5) Margaret Faley.
(6) Mary Faley.
(7) Bridget Faley.
(8) Catherine Faley (baptised in Athea on 6 Jan 1876)
Photo – Dan Faley & Hannie O’Sullivan 1896.
(1) Dan Faley (baptised April 12th 1866 in Athea) moved to Turraree following his purchasing of a farm there in 1893. The farm was in the possession a Dalton family and an indenture between the two parties dated March 13th 1893 and witnessed by James Lynch, Glasha and Patrick Griffin, Glenagragra read as follows –
This Indenture made the 13th day of March 1893 between Mary Dalton of Turraree, Glin in the county of Limerick widow, Patrick Dalton of same place her son and Catherine Dalton of same place her daughter of the one part and Daniel Faley of Glasha, Athea in the said county of Limerick labourer of the other part. Whereas Patrick Dalton late of Turraree aforesaid owned a small farm of land containing about seven acres, Irish measure, in said townland as a yearly tenant and whereas the said Mary Dalton the widow of the said Patrick Dalton has been since the death of the said Patrick Dalton in the occupation of the said land as tenant with the consent of the said Patrick Dalton and Catherine Dalton and of the other children of the said Patrick Dalton and whereas the said Mary Dalton put up the said land for sale by public auction on the 2nd day of March 1893 and the said Daniel Faley attended at the sale and bid for the said land the sum of forty two pounds sterling and was declared the purchaser thereof of the said sum. Now this indenture witnesseth that in consideration of the said sum of forty two pounds sterling (of which ten pounds was paid as a deposit at the auction and the balance has been paid before the execution of this deed) paid to the said Mary Dalton with the consent of the said Patrick Dalton and Catherine Dalton (the receipt whereof the said Mary Dalton, Patrick Dalton and Catherine Dalton do hereby acknowledge) they the said, Mary Dalton, Patrick Dalton and Catherine Dalton do and each of them doth hereby assign unto the said Daniel Faley the tenants interest in all that and those that farm of land containing seven acres Irish measure be the same more or less in the townland of Turraree, parish of Glin and county of Limerick with the buildings thereon as now in the occupation of the said Mary Dalton as tenant from year to year at the yearly rent of £3-10-0. To hold the same unto the said Daniel Faley for all the interest of the said Mary Dalton, Patrick Dalton and Catherine Dalton and of any other person claiming through the said Patrick Dalton therein subject to the aforesaid rent of £3-10-0 a year. In witness whereof the parties aforesaid have hereunto signed their names and affixes their seals the day and year first above written. Signed sealed and delivered by the said Mary Dalton, Patrick Dalton and Catherine Dalton in presence of James Lynch & Patrick Griffin
Mary x Dalton,
Patrick x Dalton.
Catherine Dalton.
According to the Irish Land Commission Estates Commissioners, it would appear that Dan purchased another small farm in 1908. An agreement was made on the 29th day of September 1908 between Rebecca Hamilton, Moygaddy, Maynooth in the County of Kildare, widow, and Daniel Faley of Tooraree Upper for the sum of £67. The said tenant who had been residing held on and in occupation of same since 1893 at the annual rent of £3-7-6 payable under a fixed rent order dated June 16th 1891. Signed Daniel x Faley. Occupation, Farmer, in the presence of Thomas Ruddle, Turraree Upper. X, Daniel’s mark. The farm in Statute measure came to 12acres, 1rood & 39sq perches. The above seems to be a little confusing, as it appears that Dan was renting the second farm since 1893 the same year as his purchasing the Dalton farm and Paddy Faley is quite certain that there was only one farm in the possession of his uncle Dan. In my opinion, it appears as if they were the same farm of land or part thereof. Dan was married to Hannie O’Sullivan from Knocknaclugga. Hannie died in the year 1898 whilst giving birth to a son whom they christened Mick Faley. It was Mick’s intention to marry a sister of Padden Mulvihill’s, Glasha but the good Lord had other ideas and in the year, 1928 He took Mick home at the age of 29. Mick suffered from T.B. Dan Faley died March 25th 1960 aged 93. Dan it would appear had great talent for training dogs and one dog in particular whose name was ‘Thady’. What this dog could do (and it would seem that there wasn’t much that he could not do) is relayed in the B.R.J 1989 p137/8 in an article by Danny Faley –‘My Dog Thady’. Take it from me it is well worth reading.
(2) Denis Faley was born in Templeathea circa 1868 as per 1911 Census. Not alone did he work for the Lynch’s he also helped out his neighbour, Mickie Mullane from time to time. Mickie’s house was situated across the river from Dalton’s kiln on the Knocknagorna side. Mick White from Glenagore (Glenagower) had the place after Mickeen, whether he inherited or bought the place I’m not sure. It could be that the Mullane’s of Knocknagorna allowed him on the place following Mickeen Mullane’s death. Mick was a big strong giant of a man. No need to ask where the Faley’s got their strength from then. Which reminds me of what my uncle Tom Langan had to say one evening as he was getting into Dan Barrett’s car after spending a hard day working in the bog with one of the Faley’s, crippled no doubt. Say’s Tom, ‘thanks be to God the Faley’s are a dying race’, Paddy and Mick Faley being the only sons with families all of whom were girls. Mick White kept a boar for stud duties which he kept in a shed down at the ‘Cooper ‘ Lynch’s in Glasha. His son Paddy White carried on the tradition of being big into the boar industry. The White property consisted of three little fields along the bank of the river. Mick Reidy built a house in one of the fields thereafter having received permission from Johnny Mullane, Knocknagorna to do so. The land and house are currently in the hands of the original owners, the Mullane’s of Knocknagorna.. (See Reidy family).
More on the White’s.
On Feb 29th, 1876 at Glin church, Michael White aged 30 years from Athea, son of Patt White a farmer, married Margaret Shine from Glin, daughter of Pat Shine a carpenter, the witnesses being John Dalton & Bridget White. A Michael White, widower, died on Feb 2nd, 1910 at Clounleharde aged 73 years, his daughter Margaret White from Clounleharde present at his death. Family from Michael White & Margaret Shine as follows –
Patrick Paddy White born on Aug 26th, 1878, died June, 25th1961 aged 84yrs at the home of his son-in-law Paddy Faley. Like his father before him, Paddy carried on the tradition of being big into the boar industry. Paddy White was married twice, firstly on July 31st, 1902 to Bridget Lenihan from Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, daughter of Martin Lenihan who was alive, the witnesses being – John Lenihan & Vera King. Paddy’s address given as Monagea, Co. Limerick. Family from that union as follows –
Michael White born on Oct 15th, 1902 at Templeglantine. Michael joined the Irish army and died a relatively yound age.
Mary White born on May 5th, 1907 at Tullig, Templeglantine, died on Aug 18th, 1907 from convulsions at Newcastle West Workhouse
Paddy White’s second marriage on Feb 8th, 1910 at Abbeyfeale church to Ellen Broderick, from Munkilly (Meenkilly), Abbeyfeale, the witnesses being – Michael Broderick & Nora Roche. Family from that union as follows – John White born on Sept 24th, 1912 at Tullig. Mary White born Dec 21st, 1914 at Tullig, lived in Mountcollins. Mary married Michael Mick Curtin from Mountcollins, son of Thomas Curtin, on Oct 26th, 1935 at Templeglantine church, the witnesses being John White & Mary Collins. Patrick Paddy White born at Tullig on Nov 21th, 1916, Paddy emigrated to Derby, England. Richard Dick White born on Jan 10th, 1919 at Tullig. Dick lived in Broadford, Daniel Dan White born at Tullig on March 8th, 1920. Thomas Tom White born at Tullig, Templeglantine on June 11th, 1921 died April 20th, 1986 at Mountcollins. – Margaret Peg White emigrated to New York, married Alfred Fraser, Peg never returned to Ireland. The aforementioned Ellen Nell White born Nov 1924, married Paddy Faley, Glasha/Glenbawn. Ellen Broderick’s father was John Broderick and her mother was Mary Roche.
Michael Mick White born on April 28th, 1880. Michael died a bachelor on July 13th, 1919 at Glasha, Bridget Lynch from Glasha, my great grandmother present at his death. Cause of death given as Typhus fever, 12 days certified. Michael Mick White was an army pensioner. Mick White spent some time in the U.S. and whilst there relieved many people from the army i.e., take the place of another which was allowed back then. Mick must have got disillusioned with the whole set up as he deserted the forces and it was said that he made his way back to Ireland in a meat barrel. Would he be in receipt of a pension if he was a deserter?
Bridget Bridge White born on Nov 20th, 1881. (see Denis Fealy hereunder)
Mary White born on Dec 3rd, 1882.
Margaret White born on April 25th,1884, died on July 18th, 1886.
Thomas White born on Feb 2nd, 1886. Thomas was known as Tom ‘Ba’ White who had a house in Mullane’s land in Lr. Dirreen, now the property of Andy Riordan. On Feb 9th, 1915,at Templeglantine church, Thomas White married the widow Mary Dillane nee King from Tullig,Templeglantine, daughter of labourer James King who was still alive, the witnesses being – Patt P. Broderick & Mary Anne Kelly. Mary King’s first marriage was on Feb 6th, 1904, at Abbeyfeale church to Matthew Dillane from Templeglantine, son of labourer Edmond Dillane, the witnesses being – John Dillane & Annie Meade. As far as I know without issue. When Tom White’s wife Mary would see some unmarried girl in the family way, allegedly, she was often known to pass the remark – ‘wonders they never cease and Patsy ? is the man’. Patsy it would seem had the name for being a womaniser.
My mother, when on her way home from the creamery in Athea, she would give a gallon of ‘back milk’ to Tom ‘Bah’ White’s wife who was Mary King from Templeglantine. Mary would always meet her at the gate but there was one particular day mother had occasion to go into the house to light a fag. Mother used to smoke at the time and on this particular morning she hadn’t any match to light up so a coal from Mary’s open fire would be the perfect alternative. The house was just a little ‘bohan’ with a canvass bag tied across an opening, which acted as a door and on stepping inside there at the end of the kitchen was a dairy cow chewing the cud to her hearts content. White’s house was located in Mullane’s (Hustle’s) farm of land on the left hand side of the road at the bottom of the hill known locally as ‘Thade’s’ hill heading upwards. Thade Scanlon’s. Andy Riordan is the current owner of the farm.
Tom ‘Ba’ White was a man of many talents and his natural abilities were much sought after. I’ll let Paddy Faley tell us in verse about the aptitude and skill of the said Tom –
‘No veterinary surgeon knew more than he did,
In the treatment of cattle for ills,
For Tom was a medical genius,
That compounded his own treatment and pills.
For killing a pig or cutting the meat,
There was no butcher that ever you saw,
Could compare in talent, in speed or in skill,
With the man nicknamed Tom Bah.’
Richard White born on Oct 1st, 1887.
Margaret Maige White (2nd, Margaret to be born) born on Jan 27th, 1889. On Jan 27th, 1914 Margaret Maige White married labourer, John Dillane from Clogough, Glin, son of Michael Dillane, the witnesses being James Culhane from Clogough, Glin & Hannie O’Connor from Dirreen, Athea. Both parents alive at the time of marriage.They had two sons as follows –
Michael Dillane.
John Dillane. (John Joe)
Michael Dillane born April 6th, 1915 at Glin. Michael Dillane, born at Ballyguiltenane Lower, (Clogough). Michael died at Glasha, Athea from an ear infection at the relatively early age of 19 yrs. My mother knew Michael well, a tall lean man, unlike his brother John Joe, who was stocky with a round face. Their father John Dillane died from pneumonia on Dec 14th, 1917 at Croughatousane Hospital, Listowel, aged 40 years. Maggie re-married at Glin church on Feb 11th, 1919 to a man by the name of Paddy Kenny, a labourer from Clounleharde, son of Edmund Kenny, the witnesses being Michael O’Reilly & Mary Pegum. They had one son, Ned Kenny, born on May 29th, 1920 at Glin. However, tragedy was soon to strike, Maggie died at Turraree, Glin on May 1st, 1923 giving birth to their next child, Margaret Kenny and if that wasn’t bad enough little Margaret died on June 9th, 1923 at the Faley home in Glasha, Athea, Bridget Faley present at her death. Cause of death – convulsions, one hour, certified. The family lived in Clounleharde in the double cottages on the road down to Ballyhahill. Margaret’s death cert gives address as Turraree but there’s only a stream dividing Turraree from Clounleharde. Kate Tuthill lived in the adjoining cottage, which was later occupied by Paddy Shiels. Following Maggie’s death Ned Kenny went to live with his aunt in Newcastle West who was married to a man by the name of Sheahan. This Mr. Sheahan worked at the creamery in Ardagh. Ned Kenny died circa 2006.
John Dillane (John Joe) born June 22nd, 1916 at Glin. Paddy Faley reminded me that his 1st cousin, John Joe Dillane of Dromagarraune, Ballyhahill saved some of his hay in the month of October 1946, that year being one of the wettest years since records began. John Joe Dillane, who remained single in life, died January 14th 1990 aged 73yrs. I knew John Joe very well.
Following the death of their mother, John Joe and Michael Dillane came to live with their aunt Bridge Faley in Glasha.
Mick White had a public house in Glin for a time, (whether he had it rented or otherwise I’m not sure) that later became Danaher’s. Denis Faley was married twice, firstly on Feb 27th, 1906 at Athea church at the age of 36 years to to Mary Bresnahan aged 30 years from Knocknagorna, daughter of Thomas Bresnahan, the witnesses being my grandfather George Lynch and Nora Reidy. Mary died sometime between 1906 and 1911 without issue. Paddy Faley tells me that there was a romantic pathway the entire journey across the mountain from Faley’s to Bresnahan’s.
Along that trodden path she tripped
Her young heart light and airy
For Mary knew that someday soon
She’d become Mrs. Denis Faley.
G.L.
(2) Denis re- married to Bridget White, Bridget’s address given as Athea village, wedding at Athea church on Feb 11th, 1911, the witnesses being Thomas White, Athea and Katie Ahern, Coole, Athea. Bridget was born Nov 20th, 1881, a gap of 11 years between herself and Denis. Their first date was at Dalton’s of Glasha. Bridge had one look at him and then ran away saying he was too old. Obviously, Bridge had a change of mind, as shortly afterwards they became a happy and contented husband and wife.
Paddy Faley spoke fondly of his mother in a letter he wrote to Radio Eireann on July 27th, 1963 for which he received 3 guineas, says Paddy
‘Ah! those little Irish mothers passing from us one by one. Who will write the noble story of the good that they have done, I quote from Around The Boree Log. I’ll take my own mother for example. When her fairly large family were still young my industrious father fell into delicate health and was compelled to live on the miserable pittance of seven shillings and six pence per week from the National Health Insurance. My mother did not despair, she put her shoulder to the wheel and supplemented the household budget by daily labouring out in the bogs, forking and footing turf a profitable undertaking in the western part of West Limerick. She returned home each evening cheerfully going through all the house-wife’s duties that awaited her. Never complaining or discontented, she cared her sick husband with the fond affection of a loving devoted wife and never left him without his pipe of tobacco his little consolation in his miserable health. Weekly she walked to the town of Glin six miles away to collect outdoor relief for her orphaned nephews whom in her charity she adopted. She returned home again on foot laden with two large message bags of provisions handicapped with a heavy plaid shawl generally worn by the women of that time. She was noted for her fast walking and there’s a story told about her; one day she was passing Dan Maurice Culhane’s homestead on her way to Glin, it so happened that Dan was pulling out of the yard with the horse and cart also going to Glin town and he said to her, would it be delaying you mam if you took a lift in the car. Yet in spite of all her demands she found time to visit and console a sick neighbour and to attend and help to lay out a corpse for a wake and act as a midwife to a mother in labour before hospitals were as much resorted to as they are today. She never missed mass on a Sunday and saw to it that her children attended also, again on shanks mare, four miles to church in this rural district. Inside this happy home there was no bitterness, quarreling or dissension, the unity of the the family was reinforced each night in the family rosary and that little Irish mother prayed herself to sleep on her beads at night. No wonder then as she lay dying in her seventy seventh year to see her lips moving as her finger counted the beads she had counted so often before until they grew weaker and weaker as she dropped off peacefully into her last long happy sleep her mission ended. She left to each of us a legasy, the legasy of the rosary which we are proud to inherit and pass on to our children.’
Denis Faley & Bridget White had the following family -:
Photo – Denis Faley & wife Bridge White circa 1930’s.
i.Bill Faley.
ii.Mary Faley.
iii.Danny Faley.
iv.Mick Faley.
v.Paddy Faley.
vi.Joe Faley.
i.Bill Faley married Peg Griffin, Glenagragra, sister to Gerald. No family from that union. Peg died 23-11-1985. Her husband Bill died 25-01-1991.
Left – The late Bill Faley R.I.P. and his nephew Denny Falahee.
ii.Mary Faley
Mary married Peter Falahee, Templeathea in the 1940’s and had the following family -:
Living Falahee who is married and lives in Birmingham.
Living Falahee who married Living Ahern, Athea.
Denis Falahee, R.I.P. Templemore who married Living O’Connor, Glensharrold. Denis joined An Gda Siochana, February 23rd 1972. Peter Falahee’s grandfather’s name was Thade Falahee. Peter’s father was Edward Falahee who was married to Brigid O’Shea. Family from that union as follows -: Jack, Peter, Tim (Ex British Army P.O.W. 1942.) and Bessy who married Bridgeman from near Ardagh. Peter Falahee had a Council turf-bank up in Higgins’s bog quite close to where we had a bank ourselves. Peter died April 6th 1965 aged 64yrs. His wife Mary died June 15th 1991.
Eddie Falahee and wife Peggy paying a visit to the late Paddy Faley R.I.P, Glenbawn.
Photo 2000.
Left – Paddy Faley, his sister Mary Falahee & brother Joe Faley.
iii.Danny Faley.
Danny Faley and his wife Ciss Higgins.
Danny was a renowned fowler and angler. He was the first man to catch a trout on the opening day of Glasha Lake. Danny was also the first man locally, to purchase a bushman saw back in 1947. He used it for cutting down trees and cutting them up for firewood. The neighbours thought it was the greatest invention of all time. He worked for Limerick County Council, Roads Dept with his horse and cart thereafter, retiring on March 24th 1982. Danny inherited the place from his uncle Dan Faley. The Weekly Observer Newspaper of January 4th 1989 carried an article on Danny Faley namely – ‘Good Samaratin Work on the Road’. Danny is also mentioned in the A.P.J., an article ‘Fowling and Hunting’ written by this author. Danny went to his eternal reward on Wednesday April 5th 2006 twelve days short of his 89th birthday. Poem to his memory ‘Our Uncle Dan’ by Gerry Daly, A.P.N. 12-04-2006. Tribute to my brother Dan by Paddy Faley Weekly Observer 19-04-2006 p22 also B.R.J. 2006 p62. (See also Higgins Elizabeth, Turraree.)
Right – Danny Faley, Dan Lane & Danny McGrath in Glin town.
Photo 1980’s.
iv.Mick Faley
Mick, who died October 16th 1987, was also a member of the Glenagragra Dramatic Class of the early 1950’s. He emigrated to Birmingham and married my aunt Peg Langan, Glenagragra. Issue from that union as follows – Private Faley who married Private Trueman from Quinton. No family. Private Faley married John Tarpy R.I.P. – One girl, Private Tarpy. (Private & Private were twins) Private Faley married Private Dale and had a family of three – Private Female, Private Male and Private Male. Private Faley married Private Barber from Edgbaston and had two in family – Private Male and Private Male. (see also Langan Margaret (Peg)
. Mick Faley & Peg Langan on their wedding day 1954.
Mick Faley & Peg with twins – 1955.
Left My grandfather Paddy Langan, his daughter
Maureen and Mick Faley c1947.
Left – Mick Faley R.I.P., Birmingham & Glasha
(brother of the late Paddy R.I.P., Glenbawn) with his nephew Denny Falahee R.I.P.,
Templemore & Templeathea.
Photo – 1985 at 30 Station Rd, Harbourne, Birmingham.
v.Paddy Faley
On Monday October 17th 2011 I lost my esteemed and treasured friend the late Paddy Faley from Glenbawn, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick. Paddy, in many ways was as much a father figure to me as a friend. Was it not for Paddy’s coaxing and cajoling I may have never written a line of poetry or song. He was a great listner and was always at the ready to offer me advise and help whenever I needed it. One of my last links with the pas,t he could recall from memory many events and happenings from the 1920’s onwards and could also relate stories and fairy tales from his father’s store, stories that he treasured so much, not all of which were fiction. It was only the week before he became ill that he related to me an account on my grandfather Paddy Langan re-his 1942 appointment to the Limerick County Council. The bond of friendship between the Faley’s and the Lynch’s (my mothers side) extends back to 1868 when my great-great grandfather George Lynch invited Known to all and sundry (thanks to yours truly) as ‘The Bard of Sweet Glenbawn,’ he married his 1st cousin Ellen (Nell) White, R.I.P. 18-11-1962, Templeglantine daughter of Paddy White, Glin and Ellen Broderick, Abbeyfeale. This was Paddy White’s second marriage having been previously wed to Bridget Lenihan and having one son Mick White who joined the Irish army and died at a comparatively very young age. (Already referred to) Paddy Faley bought the southern field, that being the field (already referred to under Lynch George) along by the river that forms the boundry between Glasha and Knocknagorna from Jimeen Lynch, John Lynch’s grandson, circa 1953. Paddy paid Jimeen £10 for the field but had the price he paid for it got back within a year after receiving a grant for draining the place. Paddy had grazing for three cows in the field and would bring the tank of milk on his back down to Johnny Connolly’s in Glenagragra each morning on his way to work. Johnny took the milk to Turraree creamery for him. Paddy eventually adapted his bicycle in such a way as that he could hang the tank from it, which made the chore much easier on him. Following his relocation to Glenbawn, Paddy sold the field to my uncle, the aforementioned Tom Langan. Such are the sign of the times the two fields in question are now under plantation, as is the surrounding mountainside. Paddy worked for Limerick Co. Council Roads dept from the 1930’s until his retirement in 1985. Paddy was also a member of the Glenagragra Dramatic Class of the early 1950’s. See Paddy’s account of that celebrated class in the B.R.J. 1978 p38/9. Paddy told me he was working at Connolly’s quarry, Glenagragra in 1939, on the day that World War 2 broke out.
Mossie Higgins standing outside the porch,
all that was left of the old Faley homestead when we paid a visit there circa 1988.
The said spot is now under plantation.
Paddy together with his wife and family left their home in the mountain in Glasha and moved east to Glenbawn on April 25th 1959. Paddy immortalized that memorable day in verse thus – ‘The Home I Left Behind’ that can be seen in the B.R.J 1977 p8/9. See also ‘The Spot Where I Was Born’ B.R.J 1990 p71. See also B.R.J. 1991 p95 for an article by Paddy on his childhood memories. Paddy and Nell had the following family -:
Private Faley Prendeville, Glenbawn, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick.
Private Faley Martin, Athlone, Co Westmeath.
Private Faley Murphy, Glenastar, Ardagh, Co. Limerick.
Private Faley Tansey, Dublin. (now goes as Private White, living in Wales 2017)
Private Faley Daly, Co. Cavan/Co. Tyrone.
For more on Paddy Faley see his book ‘The Life and Rhymes of Paddy Faley’, published in 2003 by As Duchas Dochas, Bishop St., N.C.W. and available at your local library.
Faley home in Glenbawn c1988.
Paddy’s daughter’s have written many poems over the years which can be found in local newspapers and journals. Here is one from Peg taken from Athea and District Newsletter. For other Newsletters click on link provided below 4d ago –
Knockdown News-02/08/2017
By Peg Prendeville
Grandchildren Sleeping over.
They arrive in all excited with their pyjamas and their toys
And suddenly my quiet home explodes with all the noise
With each one seeking favour as they pick where they will sleep
And I realise I’m in a hole which is big and wide and deep.
Seven happy children running through each room
Exploring all the corners like a sweeping broom
“Nana, I am hungry. Can I have a snack in bed?”
“Oh no, you can’t” I answer as I hold my aching head.
So I line them at the table. “What would ye like to eat?”
“Cornflakes! Bread! Some pizza! and maybe something sweet?”
As soon as they are satisfied we sort out where they’ll lie
“I want to be beside my brother. If I’m not I’ll cry.”
“I’m not lying next to Clodagh as she snores most of the night.”
“And I’m not sleeping next to Ríain cos we will only fight.”
We say a prayer for those we love in this world and the next
And a story then is called for before I get too vexed.
Eventually they’re settled with blankets on the floor
“And leave the light on Nana and please don’t close the door”.
With anxious breath I leave them and hope I’ve time for tea
But just when I am resting there is a great melee.
They are swinging off the curtains and dancing in the bed
But gave a show of innocence when I stuck in my head.
At last they fell into a sleep until the dawn appeared
When they awoke still full of life; it was just as I feared!
But in spite of all the noise and chaos I will do it all again
They provide such funny moments; they’re my sunshine in the rain.
On the same Newsletter her sister Bridie Murphy wrote the following as outlined by Peg –
Bridie Murphy, Glenastar put pen to paper last week after the Sale of Work/ Car Boot Sale in Carrigkerry. All proceeds were going to fund a defibrillator.
Nana King’s Spotted Dick
It was late when I got there, so there wasn’t much left…
I was rushing all morning and was feeling quite stressed.
I looked round the table to see what I’d pick
It was then I clapped eyes on Nana King’s spotted dick
It must have been hidden or else t’would be gone
Anything THAT precious wouldn’t be there too long
I rummaged in pockets to get my change quick
Before anyone noticed Nana King’s spotted dick
Someone was calling me, I turned to see
A man holding something was looking at me
“There is just one more piece here” he said. “Take it quick”
“Everyone loves Nana King’s spotted dick”
I’m back home again now and the kettle’s just boiled
This evening my husband is going to be spoiled
He’ll eat every crumb and his fingers he’ll lick
He can never resist Nana King’s spotted dick!
Bridie Murphy
On Oct 17th, 2019 on the 8th, Anniversary of her father, Peg wrote the following –
Dad,
Its just 8 years since you left us
to find our own path is life
While you caught up with our mother
Your happy and sweet loving wife.
You were such a rock through our childhood
That we thought life would be too hard
But your spirit lives on within us
No, we cannot keep down the Bard!
For you never died when you left us
You just moved gently aside
To watch us in our endeavors
And I know you are swelling with pride
When you see the poetry flowing
Through all of our creative minds
Each in a different manner
Illuminating the dull daily grinds.
So don’t you worry about us
We are all doing just grand
Knowing you’re just round the corner
The biro still stuck in your hand.
Best wishes
Peg
vi.Joe Faley
Joe was adopted and reared at Faley’s. He emigrated to Canada where he married his wife Lynda. Lynda died in December 2006. I met Joe for the first time on Monday October 8th 2007 at Paddy’s home in Glenbawn. We renewed our aquaintence at Paddy’s funeral. Denis Faley died January 6th 1947. His wife Bridget died December 8th 1957. Bridge White Faley’s father was Mick White and her mother was Margaret Shine. Bridge White had a brother Tom ‘Ba’ White who had a house in Mullane’s land in Lr. Dirreen, now the property of Andy Riordan. Tom was married to Mary King from Templeglantine. When Tom’s wife Mary would see some unmarried girl in the family way, allegedly, she was often known to pass the remark – ‘wonders they never cease and Patsy ? is the man’. Patsy it would seem had the name for being a womaniser. Tom was a man of many talents and his talents were much sought after. I’ll let Paddy Faley tell us about the aptitude and skill of the said Tom –
‘No veterinary surgeon knew more than he did,
In the treatment of cattle for ills,
For Tom was a medical genius,
That compounded his own treatment and pills.
For killing a pig or cutting the meat,
There was no butcher that ever you saw,
Could compare in talent, in speed or in skill,
With the man nicknamed Tom Bah.’
Family from Paddy White/Ellen Broderick union as follows – Peg in New York, Dick, Broadford, Paddy in Derby, England, Mary in Mountcollins and the aforementioned Nell (Ellen), Glenbawn. Ellen Broderick’s father was John Broderick and her mother was Mary Roche.
(3) Ellen Faley married John Shanahan, Glenagragra Upper (Scairt). John Shanahan aged 35 years and Ellen Faley aged 35 years were married on Jan 29th1898 at Glin church, the witnesses being Daniel Faley, Turraree and Bridget Shanahan. They had three daughters in family – Molly, Bridie and Ellen Shanahan.
(4) Johanna Faley married Mick Liston, Church St. Glin and had the following family – Mick, Paddy and Jim Liston. Jim went to the U.S. Paddy Faley used to visit his aunt Johanna occasionally while still a barefoot garsoon. He remembers all the trees that grew along Church St. from the Sq. back to the Castle gate. Says Paddy, ‘being fascinated with the picturesque view a couple of lines from my schoolbook sprang to mind’ –
‘Woodman spare that tree, touch not a single bough,
In my youth it sheltered me and I’ll protect it now’.
‘There was a householder who was short of fuel for the fire and he told the woodman’ –
‘Woodman cut that tree, spare not a single bough,
In my youth ‘twas dear to me but turf is dearer now’.
(5) Margaret Faley married Tom Brosnan from Knocknagorna and had four in family – Moll Brosnan, Nell Brosnan, Joan Brosnan and Margaret Brosnan. Margaret (Maggie) married Jack Enright from Glenbawn. Paddy Faley immortalised the said Jack Enright with the poetic composition ‘Turfman From Glenbawn’. (B.R.J. 1983 p56.) Jack’s sister Nell was married to Toss Higgins, Glasha. (See Langan Margaret Daughter of Tom) Jack died Nov 22nd 1989. Margaret (Maggie) died Tuesday Oct 14th 2008. Tom Brosnan was a brother to Mary Brosnan, Denis Faley’s 1st wife.
(6) Mary Faley married Johnny Hennessy, Knockdown. They had one daughter Babe who married Dan ‘The Soldier’ Faley from Knockdown.
(7) Bridget Faley married Jerry Long, Turraree with no issue from that union. Jerry’s first wife died.
(8) Catherine Faley (no info on Catherine may have died as a child)
Saving the hay at Faley’s circa 1947.
Left – Dan Lynch, my mother Delia Lynch Langan & my father Ned Langan.
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