Jack Langan was born on 31-01-1853 and lived his life at Shronowen, Tullamore, Co. Kerry. His wife’s name was Johanna Walsh. John died Feb 28th 1941 age 88yrs. They had a son Mick Langan and three daughters, Kitty, Hannie and Molly Langan. Mick was married to Mary Enright/O’Connor from near Gale Bridge. The aforementioned Ciss Higgins Faley R.I.P. has reliably informed me that on numerous Sunday’s throughout the years, Bob Higgins (son of Maurice and Nora Langan) and my aunt Maureen Langan McInerney would cycle back to Tullamore to visit their Langan relations. Mick died April 21st 1980 and is interred in Gale cemetery on the Ballybunion Road, west of Listowel. His wife Mary died July 5th 1987. 1911 Census for residents of No 6 in Tullamore, Shronowen, Co. Kerry as follows –
(son of Maurice 1.)Mick Langan took over the place from his father-in-law John Sexton, circa 1907. I remember Mick well. He was a very communicative and intelligent person and a stonemason by trade. Back in those years, (1959-1970) Mick, along with his son John and John’s wife Anna would regularly pay visits to my grandfather’s home in Glenagragra. To co-inside with such visits, the Chawke’s from Granagh (grandmother Langan’s relations) would invariably visit on the same day. I, despite the fact that back then I being rather timid, especially when in the company of so many people, would sure to be called upon to break the ice so to speak by being asked to sing the first song of the afternoon. Grandfather made sure that everyone got into the spirit of the occasion by producing bottles of his best-mulled porter and the entertainment would go on for hours on end. I really looked forward to those wonderful Sunday’s back then. Mick lived to be over 100 years of age and was so upright and strong in his limbs as to walk to the town of Glin each Friday to collect his pension. Following his 100th birthday celebrations the Limerick Leader of Sept 15th 1973 ran the following article;
‘’Secret of Long Life-by John, aged 100’’.
(It should have read Michael, not John)‘’Mr. Michael Langan, Cahara, Glin, County Limerick, celebrated his 100th birthday at the weekend with his sons and Daughters from Ireland and overseas. This was also the first complete family re-union in 54 years. Mr. Langan’s daughters, Mrs. Ellen McCarthy,Mrs. Kitty Feely, his grand-daughter, Mrs Barbara McNeil, and her son Terry, all came from Brooklyn, New York. His son, Maurice, travelled from Glasgow. Daughter, Mrs Mary Quigg, who lives next door to Mr. Langan, didn’t have far to go with her congratulations and Mr. and Mrs. John Langan didn’t have to move at all – they live with Mr. Langan. A cousin, Mrs Mary Harrington, from Long Island, New York was also at Glin for the occasion. Around 200 people from all over Munster attended the party. President Childers sent £50 to Mr. Langan along with congratulations and sincere good wishes.
Work, Pint, Pipe.Mr. Langan, still sporting a fine head of hair, let us into his secret of long life, ‘’Hard work, a pint and a smoke of my pipe.’’ Despite his great age, he is still very active, goes for walks and finds time to read the paper.’’ Mick went to his eternal reward 1974.
Census 1901.
Cahara.
Mick Langan
Mary (Wife)
Margaret (Daughter aged 2)
Census 1911.
Cahara.
Mick Langan – Aged 37.
Mary – Wife – Aged 36.
Maurice – Son – Aged 12.
Ellen- Daughter – Aged 9.
Mary Kate – Daughter – Aged 10 months.
John Sexton – Relative. (Father-in-law)
Glin parish records, 1851-1900 state:-06-02-1897 Marriage of Michael Langan to Maria Sexton. Sponsors for this wedding were Patrick Lynch and Maria Healy. Family from that union as follows –
(1) Ellen Langan (Babe) born 20/11/1901.
(2) Maurice Langan b1899.
(3) Mary Langan b1911.
(4) Catherine Langan b1920.
(5) John Langan b1925.
(1) Ellen (Babe) Langan was born Nov 20th 1901 in Glin, Co. Limerick and died December 13th 1977 in Oceanside, New York. Ellen was the first of the family to emigrate staying with her uncle Mike Conway. On January 30th 1929 she married Charles Finbar McCarthy in Brooklyn, New York. In 1926 Charles jumped ship in New York. He served with the British Navy between 1914 – 1918. Charles and Ellen had the following family – (i) Barbara Mary McCarthy, b January 9th 1930, Brooklyn, New York. (ii) Charles Michael McCarthy(Bud), b October 19th 1932, Brooklyn, New York. (iii) Barbara Mary McCarthy was married twice – firstly on May 20th 1952 to James McNeil and had the following family –
Thomas James McNeil, b November 19–, Brooklyn, NY.
James Charles McNeil, b January 19–, Brooklyn, NY.
Terrence James McNeil, b January 19–, Brooklyn, NY.Thomas James McNeil married Ann Favicchio Nov 1974 in Rockville Centre, NY. Family from that union as follows –
Thomas James McNeil b March 19–, Baldwin, NY.
Bryan Patrick McNeil b Nov 19–, Baldwin, NY.
Katie Ann McNeil b July 19–, Baldwin, NY.Terrence James McNeil married Rose Ann Portentier, Oct, 19–. Family from that union as follows –
Ryann McNeil b July 19–.
Terrence James McNeil (T,J.) b Sept 19–.
Meghan McNeil b July 19–.
As peviously stated, Barbara Mary McCarthy was married twice. Her first husband James McNeil died 1975. She re-married in 1981 to Ward Murphy.
(iv) Charles Michael McCarthy (Bud) married Grace Ellen Maloney Feb 19– in Brooklyn, NY. He served in the U.S. army from 1952-1954.Family fom that union as follows –
Grace Ellen McCarthy b June 19–, Brooklyn. (Nurse Manager)
Patricia Ann McCarthy n November 19–, Brooklyn. (Computer Analyst for special education children)
Jeannie Marie McCarthy b Dec 19–, Brooklyn.
Robert Charles McCarthy b Sept 19–, Brooklyn. (Captain in U.S. Merchant Marine’s
)(v) Patricia Ann McCarthy married Stephen Bruce Miller August 19– in Brooville, NY. Family from that union as follows –
Kevin Charles Miller b Aug 19–.
John Patrick Miller (Jake) b March19–.
(2) Maurice Langan also went to the U.S.A and married a Scottish woman. He retired to Scotland and died there without issue.
(3) Mary Langan was the second to emigrate to the U.S. She married a man by the name of Quigg and had one daughter Maureen Quigg. The marriage broke up and Maureen went to her father’s family and had no contact with her mother after that. Mary Langan Quigg retired to Glin, next door to the family home and died there.
(4) Catherine Langan (Kitty) married JackFeely (Fealy) from Loughill. Their house was situated almost directly across the road from Loughill Church. They emigrated to the U.S. Not sure if they were married and living in Loughill or not prior to they emigrating. Jack had a lorry and drew sand during the building of Paddy Murray’s Hall in Loughill which opened its doors on March 17th 1941. The renowned Bunny Dalton Band from Listowel supplied the music on that memorable opening night. Other bands to play there included – The McKnights, The Devon Dance Band, Jimmy McCarthy and the fiddlers four – Mick Mangan, Michael O’Connor, Jim McKenna & Con O’Connell. A traditional piece of music known as ‘Mick Mangan’s jig’ was one of the first tune taught to me on the fiddle by my grandfather Paddy Langan. Mick Mangan was born in Clounleharde. He married and thay both went to live in a farm that Elizabeth inherited from her uncle. This farm was situated approximately a half mile west of Ballyhahill village on the Glin road. Mick and Elizabeth had no family. I knew Con O’Connell well and had the occasion to play a few tunes together during his visits home from the U.S. in the mid 1960’s. (See also Griffin’s of Glenagragra) Paddy Faley reminds me that the Glenagragra Dramatic Class of which he was a member of also staged plays in Murray’s hall during the early 1950’s. Catherine (Kitty) Langan Feely died in New York.
(5) John Langan took over the home cottage in Cahara from his father Mick. He was married to Anna Prendeville from Listowel. It would appear that John was very close to his 1st cousin, Paddy Langan, my grandfather, of Glenagragra. John and his wife Anna often recalled the times of Paddy and his wife Babe going to the town of Glin in their pony and trap, going out to their house and spending most of the night there chatting with his father Mick and themselves. Babe would never say to Paddy it is time to go home as other wife’s might do, she was very patient and enjoyed the company. John was involved in Paddy’s election campaign of the 1940’s and 50’s, canvassing the countryside with him and acting as his tallyman on Election Day at the courthouse in Glin.
John Langan was as versatile as his forbearers were and took part in many local plays, concerts and dramas, many staged at the aforementioned Paddy Murray’s Hall in Loughill. The Glin correspondent of the Limerick Leader of Wed November 15th 1944 had the following to say about one such night out:
Enjoyable Night at Glin.
Glin Dramatic Company (writes our Glin correspondent) held on Sunday night a most delightful concert and humorous play at Reidy’s Hall, Glin, before a crowded and appreciative audience. The entertainment was opened by the Company singing ‘Kelly The Boy From Killane’ in fine style, and, also ‘The Bold Fenian Men’. These were followed by songs from Messrs. Joseph Healy, John Power, Pakey Culhane, John Langan and Master John Finn. Step-dancing items were contributed by Misses Adams, McNamara, Burke and McKeon. Master Michael Reid contributed the dance music. Miss McKeon recited a very pleasing item ‘’When Granny Was Young’’.
Those who took part in the play were Messers :- John Langan, Michael Mangan, Pakey Culhane, Joseph Healy, John Fennell and Misses :- Cathleen Dillane, Mary O’Sullivan Elsie Wallace ; each and all giving of their best and making the entertainment the delightful one it was. The ‘Soldiers’ Song’ brought the entertainment to a close.
John Langan died April 16th 2001. His wife Anna Langan died June 7th 1996. They had no family.
Decendents of Thomas Mackessey. Thomas Mackessey, Tarmons married Catherine Kennelly. Famly from that union as follows:
(1) Timothy Mackessey. b. circa 1838. Timothy Mackessey was born circa 1838. He married Elizabeth Mulvihill on Feb 11th 1872, at Murhur Parish, in the Parish of Newtownsandes, daughter of John Mulvihill. Elizabeth was born circa 1846. Newtownsandes. Witness – Edmund Sheahan. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Mulvihill, Glenalappa. She had at least two other sisters – Mary Mulvihill who married Edmund Sheahan in 1867 & Joan Mulvihill who married Thomas Sheahan in 1888. The two Sheahan’s were brothers. Their sister Mary Sheahan married Thomas O’Connor, Ballyguiltenane. Family from Timothy Mackessey & Elizabeth Mulvihill as follows –
(i) John Mackessey.b. April 12th 1873, Tarmons. Baptised May 11th 1873. Parish of Tarbert R.C. Sponsors: Martin Mulvihil and Catherine Mackessey.
(ii) Martin Mackessey, b. November 10th 1880. Emigrated May 22nd 1904 to Aunt Mary Ann Mackessey, 38 Meadow St, Ansonia.
(iii) Mary Mackessey, b. March 19th 1878, Tarmons, Co. Kerry. Baptised March 19th 1878, Parish of Tarbert R.C. Sponsors: Michael Mulvihill and Ellen Mulvihill. Emigrated on September 22nd 1904 to brother Martin at 40 Maple St, Ansonia.
(iv) Elizabeth Mackessey, b. circa 1890, Tarmons. Emigrated in 1908 from mother Elizabeth, Tarmons to brother Martin now living at 25 Button St. New Haven.
(v) Katherine Mackessey, b. circa 1889, Tarmons. Died May 19th 1950, New Haven, Connecticut. She married Thomas Joseph O’Connor circa 1907 in Connecticut. Thomas, born November 20th 1889 was a native of Co Roscommon. His occupation in 1920 was – Boilerman for railroad. Family from that union as follows: John J O’Connor b. circa 1915, New Haven. Died before 1998. Mary O’Connor, b. circa 1917, New Haven. Died before 1998. Thomas F. O’Connor, b. Jan 15th 1919, New Haven. Military service – Army WW2 African-European theatre, awarded Purple Heart. Member of New Haven Police for 25yrs. Died Oct 23rd 1998 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Married to Uretta Smith.
(vi) Ellen Mackessey, b. circa 1892, Tarmons. Emigrated from father Timothy, 1913 to sister Katherine at 15 Rouche ?, New Haven.
(vii) Timothy Mackessey, b. 1895, Tarmons.
(viii) Thomas Mackessey, b. November 19th 1875, Tarmons. Baptised November 21st 1875, Parish of Tarbert R.C. – Sponsors: Thomas Mackessey and Mary Mackessey.
(2) Johanna Mackessey. b. circa 1840.Johanna Mackessey was born circa 1840 at Tarmons. On August 19th 1871 she married Daniel Foley in Parish of Tarbert R.C. son of Jeremiah Foley, Kilcolgan. Family from that union as follows: (i) Jeremiah Foley, b. June 9th 1872, Kilcolgan, baptised June 10th 1872, Parish of Tarbert. Jeremiah was married twice, firstly to Anna Connors, b. circa 1875, Ireland, died September 22nd 1901, Derby, New Haven. Cause of death: puerperal septicaemia, phlebitis. Anna is buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Jeremiah’s second wife was Mary Fallow. (no info on Mary) (ii) Thomas Foley, b. circa 1876, Co. Kerry, Ireland. (iii) Mary Foley, b. December 25th 1879, Kilcolgan. Baptised Jan 2nd 1880, Parish of Tarbert, R.C. Sponsors: Jeremiah Fley and Margaret Mulvihill. (iv) Margaret Foley, b. May 2nd 1889, Kilcolgan. Baptised May 17th 1889, Parish of Tarbert. R.C. Sponsors: Jeremiah Foley and Bridget Foley.
(3) Mary Mackessey. b. circa 1841.Mary Mackessey was born circa 1841. She married Patrick Geoghegan in 1866 at Glin. Patrick was born circa 1814 and died circa 1892 at Turraree, Glin. (See Geoghegan Patrick)
(4) John Mackessey. b. 1845.John Mackessey was born in the year 1845, Ireland and died on Sept 27th 1897 in Ansonia, New Haven. Married to a Mary Ann who died July 25th 1928 at Ansonia.
(5) Margaret Mackessey. b. circa 1846. Margaret Mackessey was born in Tarmons circa 1846. On February 7th 1865 in the parish of Tarbert she married William Quille Woods son of Timothy Quille Woods, Glenagragra. William was born circa 1841. (see Woods/Quille Timothy/Thady, Glenagragra.)
(6) Catherine Mackessey. b. 1852. No information on Catherine.
According to the Ellis Island records, a Martin Mackessey age 23 went to the U.S. in 1904. He went to his aunt MaryAnne Mackessey at 38, Meadow St, Ansonia. Later that year his sister Mary Mackessey age 20yrs joined him at the same address. 38 Meadow St. is now 70 Meadow St. and is the home of Mary Geoghegan Flynn, daughter of Patrick Geoghegan, Turraree. Mary inherited the place from her aunt, Bridget Geoghegan who remained single in life. My grandaunt Mary Langan and her husband Bill Dillon lived in the upper part of this house before they bought 184 New Haven Ave, Derby, Conn. In 1908, Elizabeth Mackessey went to her brother Martin Mackessey who was now living at 25, Button Street, New Haven and in 1913 another sister Ellen Mackessey went to her sister Katherine Mackessey to another address in New Haven. (15 Rouche Street?). These Mackessey’s were 1st cousuin’s to my great grandmother Nora Woods Langan, Glenagragra. According to the 1911 Census, their parents were Timothy & Elizabeth Mackessey, Tarmons, Tarbert, Co. Kerry. Timothy was 73yrs of age and his wife Elizabeth was 65yrs old. They had a son John age 38, a son Timothy age 16 and a daughter Ellen age 19 when the said census was taken. They were married 40 yrs and had nine children, all of whom survived. According to the Ansonia Deaths Record, Timothy had a brother John Mackessy who died Sept 26th 1897 and is buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery. John died of pneumonia and cerebral meningitis aged 52yrs. An 1896 Ellis Island record gives a Thomas Geoghegan age 20 b1876, travelling with a Thomas Mackessey age 21 b1875, both going to Ansonia. This Thomas Geoghegan was another son of Patrick Geoghegan Snr, and Mary Mackessy, Turraree. Thomas Mackessey was a son of Timothy’s, Tarmons. There have been various spellings of the name Mackessey/MacKessy/Mackessy over the years so we will go with the current spelling Mackessey, for this research.
Tom Langan (1) who was born in 1787 died at Knockanure on May 28th 1871 aged eighty-four years. His wifes name was Bridget McElligott born c1785 and died at Knockanure after 1841. He may have been a brother or a close relative to the Kilpadogue Langan’s, John, Jermiah etc. Tom and Bridget had a family of four or five that we know of. i. Maurice Langan b February 27th 1818. (my greatgreatgrandfather) See further on. ii. Ellen Langan b Sept 2nd 1831 at Chapel Cross, Knockanure. iii. Bridget Langan bApril 6th 1834 at Chapel Cross, Knockanure. Bridget was baptised 06-04-1834. iv. Kate Langan b 1836 and died 1896. v. Patrick Langan bSept 2nd 1840 at Chapel Cross, Knockanure. Patrick may have been called after his grandfather, the aforementioned Patrick Langan, brother of Sean, Glenagragra.
There could have been another son in the family, who may well be the father of a John Langan who also lived in Knockanure. (See John’s army records further on) ii.Ellen Langan, (as above) baptised 12-09-1831 who married a John Ahearn from Knockanure on 04-02-1860. Ellen Langan and John Ahern had at least seven children; the following can be accounted for – Tom(Toss) Ahern – b. 1860. (Going by 1911census) Brigid Ahern – born at Kealod, Knockanure in 1861. Mary Ahern – b 04-10-1863. Patrick Ahern – b 07-02-1866. James Ahern – b 30-08-1868. Maurice Ahern – b 25-07-1870. Jeremiah Ahern – b 20-12-1872. It would appear that Thos used to visit his Langan relatives in Glenagragra on a regular basis. The late Mick Higgins R.I.P. of Glasha reliably informed me that he himself had a vivid recollection of Thos Ahearn from Knockanure regularly paying visits on Tom Langan, who at the time was residing at the Higgins homestead. (Tom’s daughter Nora was married to Mick Higgins’s father Maurice and she looked after her father towards the end of his days.) Ciss Faley Higgins R.I.P. was of the opinion that Toss was a 1stcousin of Tom’s. This gives us another indication that there was a clear-cut connection between the two Langan families. Going on the theory that the first son born was generally called after his grandfather and bearing in mind what Ciss has told me, the situation would then arise that Maurice Langan’s father was indeed called Tom strengthening the possibility that the current Langan families arrived in Glasha/Glenagragra via Knockanure. Returning to the McElligott name, John Langan, Cahara told Nora Ghauri Langan that his father Mick often told him that the Langan’s and the McElligott’s were related again adding proof to what we have already established. Mick, by all accounts was very well versed in the genealogy department. Mick also said that there was a David Langan in the family.
John Langan (2)
Knockanure.John Langan was born in the parish of Knockanure, Co. Kerry in the year 1856. It is feasible that John was either the grandson or grandnephew of Tom Langan (1), more than likely the latter as Tom’s son Patrick was born in 1841 and it is unlikely that he, Patrick would have been married and have a son by the age of fifteen. John joined the British Army’s 67th Brigade of The Leinster Regiment on October 26th 1880. His description on enlistment as follows:
Age Apparently – 24yrs.
Height – 5ft- ¾ inches.
Chest Measurement – 36 ½ inches.
Complection – Fresh.
Eyes – Blue.
Hair – Brown.
Religious Denomination – Roman Catholic.
Distinctive Marks – Old wound between elbow and shoulder.
His Trade or Calling given as a Labourer.
Military History Sheet.
Service at Home and Abroad.Country – Home. From 21-10-1880 to 10-12-1882 – 2yrs-51days. Country – India. From 11-12-1882 to 15-03-1889 – 7yrs-93days. Country ====. 16-03-1890 to 24-04-1890 – 40days. Country – Home.25-04-1890 to 20-10-1892 – 2yrs-179days. Discharged on 20-10-1892 on termination of first period of limited engagement. Enlisted for a second period of duty for 4 yrs from 21-10 1892. At Birr, Co. Offaly Discharged on 20-10-1896 on termination of his engagement.
Next of kin given as follows:
Mother – Ellen Langan, Knockanure. (Could be sister-in-law to Maurice Langan, my greatgreatgrandfather)Brothers – Thomas and Patrick, Knockanure. (Could be nephews of Maurice Langan, my greatgreatgrandfather.) It would appear that John spent the greater part of his life in the British Army. On September 4th 1914, at Cork, he enlisted with the Special Reservists under the term of ‘one year unless War lasts longer in which case you will be retained until War is over’, for which he was. On enlisting, for some reason or other, he gave his age as 40 years when in fact he was 58yrs of age. He gave his trade or calling as a Clark. He was passed fit to join the Leinster Regiment on said date. This latest term of duty would appear not to have run that smooth as can be seen from the following: 11-12-1915 – Went A.W.O.L. – 14 days F.P. No 2 by Co for absence. Forfeits 8 days pay for absence. 29-12-1916 – Deserted. 13-02-1917 – Rejoined. In arrest awaiting trial. Tried by Court Martial for desertion. 18-02-1917 – Found not guilty of desertion but guilty of absence without leave. (56 days detention) 26-03-1917 – Released from detention. Special remission by G.O.C. of 20 days. 15-05-1917 – Awarded 28 days detention by C.O. for absence. Forfeits 17 days pay. 11-06-1917 – Transferred to the Royal Munster Fusiliers. 26-11-1918 – Transferred to Res. E. Co. 26-06-1919 – Transferred to the Dorset Regt Discharged from the army December 14th 1919 and retired to the Soldiers Home, King St. Cork. Next of kin given as Ellen Langan, Knockanure. No mention of his brothers Thomas or Patrick. From ‘Missing Friends’ we find an advert in the Boston Globe newspaper looking for a John Langan by his brother Thomas, home address given as Knockanure.
Connolly Margaret nee Culhane, Barnigue, Carrickerry died on Feb 5th 1936 aged 96 years. Her great-granddaughter Una Mangan nee Barry, (who is still hale and heart today, June 26th, 2024), left us with an account on the hardship of the famine times and of the many unscrupulous landlords of that time and there afterwards. Much of the information she got from the said Margaret Connolly. Una was married to Mangan, a doctor in Dunmore East, Co. Galway.
Una tells us…….. ‘the soup kitchens, the number of deaths rising week by week in the town workhouses, the coffin ships, the Indian meal and the dreaded famine fever. Crowds of women and children crying out for something to save them from starvation gathered outside the Landlord’s door. One landlord was Colonel Dickson, sometimes spelt Dixon, built the school and brick houses in Clounleharde and is known to this day as Bricktown’.
Says Una...’The dark chapter during the 1880’s when John Delmege, Landlord of Glensharrold Estste,. raised the rent triple fold the original rent. Terrible evictions and untold misery took place and even starvation.’ Delmege, aided by his agent Hosford, liked to use his property for shooting game with his friends. He forbade his tenants to keep a dog to hunt for a hare or rabbit while the people were starving. Even a cat was forbidden, possibly to protect wildfowl.’
There was a time when two people walking from Knocknagorna towards Carrickerry died on the side of the road with green matter seeping from their mouths after eating the grass in an attempt to stay alive.
Una remembers the Landlord, Yielding of Glenastar, who lived quite near. ‘The house was beautifully situated and instead of formal gardens, there was a wooden glen and waterfall. John Yielding was related to Delmege and in my childhood Richard Yielding and his mother occupied the house. In the afternoons, Mrs. Yielding and companion, Josephine drove by with her chauffer, down to the Shannon. We often met them as we came from school, and in winter they were wrapped in furs. When Mrs. Yielding died her son came there. Mrs. Yielding, her son and lifelong companion Josephine, are buried in Churchtown cemetery, Newcastle West.‘
‘My grandmother, Mary Griffin nee Connolly came to live with us for twenty years and she was a great source of affection and education. Although confined to her chair with rheumatism, her hands were seldom idle. She taught us to knit and sow on her Singer foot machine, still going! I can see her sitting there, singing. She sang ‘Boolavogue’ and ‘The Three Flowers’, ‘Bold Robert Emmet’ and also drawing from ballads. She told us stories of the ‘Titanic’ and the ‘Lusitania’, Easter Week’, and the ‘War of Independence’. There were sad tales of emigration, of people who walked to the Cork courthouse and of transportation. Con Colbert from Athea was executed for his part in the Easter Rising, and we believed he put the flag over the G.P.O. The roads were trenched in an effort to defeat the Black and Tans. These people endured the rackrent and the desperation. God rest them all.’
‘She told us droll stories too, on the origin of the phrase, ‘I doubt it, says Croker’. Captain Croker had a big estate, and when he was dying, he sat upright at the window to survey his lands’.
Sweet Ballinagarde, how can I leave you’, he said.
‘Captain’ the parson assured him, ‘you are going to a better place.’
‘I doubt it’, said Croker, ‘I doubt it’.
‘Our first radio was a wonderful thing – a large ‘Atwater Kent’ with an aerial from a high pole outside. There was the dry battery and the wet battery which was charged in the garage in Newcastle West, when needed. Then we had the matches, the Sunday play, ‘Take The Floor’, Question Time and all the other programmes. Om Good Friday the radio programmes were silent – what a change!. Duly, on the day of abdication for Edward V111 the radio was tuned in. A number of neighbours who were interested in the Royal Family came in to hear the dramatic announcement. Unfortunately, in the middle of the abdication speech the batteries went out. Whenever I hear the abdication speech I remember that scene’.
‘Neither my grandmother nor granduncle could speak Irish, apart from the usual Irish words and phrases. The National Schools had doner their work well, and in one generation (due also of course to emigration) Irish was lost as a living language. But not everywhere, Michael Hartnett, the poet from Newcastle West, was raised nearby by his grandmother, and she spoke only Irish with her neighbours in Rooskagh’.
‘Another member of the family was my granduncele, Mick Connolly’s wife, Mary O’Neill. She was always reading. We called her ‘Mom – Mom’ and she brought another dimension to our lives, because she had travelled on board ship to America, and told us of her life there. She had attended a recital by the great pianist, Paderewski. All this was told to us while she baked in the pot-oven, or assembeled her mincer to make a meat loaf. There was plenty of eggs for a special dessert, ‘Floating Island’, meringues in a custard sea. Her books were kept in a wall recess in the parlour. One I remember contained to coat of arms and Mottos of Irish and Norman families.. We found the O’Neill’s and our Barry Motto ‘Boutex en Avant’, which gave its name to the town of Buttevant. Another book which I later remembered while doing the Renaissance course for the Leaving Cert History was the ‘Viper of Milan’ on the Viscount family’.
‘All the Connolly family were dear to us – Paddy, Mona, Eily and Jim. One of my granduncles emigrated to Melbourne and later on his daughter Molly, whom we all knew very well, was appointed to the Australian Embassy in Dublin. She often came down to see us, as it was her mother’s place also’.
‘The emigration to America continued after the famine and many never came back. I can recall a woman called Maggie Kenneally coming in to tell my grandmother that her daughter Mary had died in America. She had never seen Mary since she left, and they grieved together. The traditional trades like the Cooper had died out with the advent of the creameries. The firkins of butter were sent to the butter market previous to that time. With large families to support, the emigration to England began and as there was no employment in the countryside, people travelled outside their own area for work’.
‘The hiring-fairs were held in the square in Newcastle West, and the sercice contract usually was from early Spring until Christmas Eve, with perhaps a few days off for Listowel races or Puck fair. The lot of the servant boy or girl was not a life of leisure. There was a very well show on a radio docummentary called ‘The Sky over O’Leary’ – a satire on their hard lot. Two men once called to our house for a night’s lodging. They were walking from Valentia Island on their way to find work. By 1940, due to the advent of the milking machine, local industry and due also to emigration, the hiring fair died out in Newcastle West’.
‘Giving alms was part of living. If a traveller came, then they were not refused. Our more or less travellers were called Faulkner – Maggie, Mickey and their son Jackie and their numerous family. But many travellers from the West called to the house on their way to Listowel races or Puck Fair. My mother never refused anyone. Others travelled alone – like a man called ‘down and out’, because whenever he was asked how he was, he said ‘down and out’. Another visitor was Nellie Mulcahy, who used to call for a meal and her bus fair, and travelled all over West Limerick and North Kerry. Brendan Kennelly wrote a poem about her, that she was stoned by children on the road. Certainly her bird-like figure with wild white hair and a long black coat would perhaps frighten a child so much as to attack her. But he emphasised in his poem what a pitiful creature Nellie was, and indeed it was true’.
‘The Dispensary Doctor was Dr. McGrath from Athea, whose daughter Maighread is a local historian. He also attended in Ardagh. When the Dr. ewas called to the house then the patient was really ill and the neighbours gathered. The local hospital was in Croom and so the ambulance was called ‘The Croom Car’. At that time there were the usual epidemics of diphtheria, whooping cough, measles and TB was the real scourge, sometimes affecting several members of the family. I can well remember visiting two girls of my own age who died of TB in the County Home in Newcastle West. We used to visit two disabled sisters there, and some of our old neighbours. It was a gloomy place, like all institutions at the time. A nice old lady called Johanna McGrath continued with her crochet there. She was an amazing person, well able to follow intricate patterns in her house, without good light or glasses. Sometimes on a wet day we visited her at home, and she allowed us to wash her lustre jugs and willow patern dishes on her dresser. The old men in the Home liked to smoke their pipes in bed, but the nuns kept a strict watch. One man called John ‘Harness’ Dalton who had been a harness-maker had a great wit. When he told the nun she was a fine looking lady and that it was a wonder that she never married, she said she was married, married to God. ‘Well’ he said, ‘aren’t you the lucky woman’. On another occasion, an old patient had passed to his reward. ‘Tell me’, asked the nun, ‘what time did our good friend reach Heaven last night?’ ‘I couldn’t tell you what time he got there’ , he answered, ‘but he took off here at two’.
Una Mangan’s historical account provided, paints a vivid picture of the dire conditions during the Irish Famine and the subsequent years. It highlights the struggles of the people, the harsh measures imposed by landlords, and the desperate measures taken by those trying to survive. This period is marked by significant suffering and injustice, as exemplified by the actions of landlords like John Delmege. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of those who lived through such challenging times and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
Una Mangan’s mother was Catherine (Katie) Griffin, born April 1st, 1892 at Barneigue who married Martin Barry, a national school teacher, both of whom taught at Clounleharde national school. Martin was born on Jan 7th, 1898 at Skehanah, Clarecastle, Co. Clare, son of Patrick Barry & Winifred McMahon. Catherine Griffin Barry retired from teaching around 1961 and was immortalised in verse by the late Paddy Faley of Glenbawn. Martin retired a couple of years after her. Kate carried on the Connolly teaching tradition, her 1st, cousin once removed Margaret (Maggie) Connolly from Glenagragra was head mistress at Ballyguiltenane National school in her day and taught my late mother. Maggie was married to Bob Culhane, Ballyculhane, Glin.
Una Mangan’s grandmother was Mary Connolly,(daughter of Paddy Connolly & Margaret Culhane) born Nov 13th 1870 who on Jan 13th, 1889, aged 20 years, at Kilcolman church, married Patrick Griffin aged 25 years, an R.I.C. officer from Kilteely, Glin, son of Patrick Griffin a farmer, the witnesses being Ellen Connolly and a Mr. Daly.
Una Mangan’s great-grandmother was Margaret Culhane, born circa 1840, from Barneigue. Margaret died on Feb 5th 1936 aged 96 years, her grand-daughter Monica (Mona) Connolly present at her death. (Mona later married William Chawke, Clounleharde). Margaret Culhane was married to Paddy Connolly. (son of Patrick Connolly & Mary ?) B 1837 at Glenagragra, Athea and died Nov 11th 1899 at Barneigue aged 62 years, his son Michael present at his death. Paddy had moved east in the 1860’s, married and set up home in Barneigue.
Martin and Kathleen Barry were dedicated educators who taught for over 40 years at Clounleharde National School in County Limerick, Ireland. Their commitment to education left a lasting impact on the community.
During a school reunion held for past pupils, memories flowed as attendees gathered to celebrate their shared experiences. The event brought together 172 ex-pupils, some of whom traveled from various parts of Ireland, England, the United States, and even Malta. The reunion provided an opportunity for people to reconnect, reminisce, and appreciate the legacy of Clounleharde National School. The oldest past pupils in attendance were Pakie Geoghegan and Liam Enright, both of whom reside locally. The reunion also honored the contributions of Martin and Kathleen Barry, who had dedicated their lives to shaping young minds in the community. The event featured a reunion Mass, recollections, and a special booklet that traced the school’s history and captured the essence of school days over the decades1
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 20th 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 21st 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 18th 1967 aged 62yrs. His wife Bridget Kiely Dalton died August 11th 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 3rd 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 11th 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 June 28th 1984 was to yours truly George Langan.
Emer Reynolds died on February 5th 1998 aged 24 years and is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Newcastle West. Vera Kiely Reynolds Langan and George Langan are 4th cousins.
Re- Catherine Kiely, Toureendonnell, sister to Michael Kiely above –
Denis Costelloe, Turraree, Glin, (son of John (Jack) Costelloe & Bridget McEniry) who was born on May 24th, 1875, married Catherine Kiely, Toureendonnell, Athea. Catherine was a grand-aunt to my wife Vera Kiely Langan, Rooskagh East. Kate Kiely was born on Jan 29th, 1880 at Toureendonnell, father John Kiely and mother Bridget Connell. (They lived in Mulderricksfield, Borrigone, Askeaton in Catherine’s farm. From whom Catherine acquired the farm I have not assertained as of yet. I can only assume it was through her mother’s people, she being Bridget Connell, a relative of the Connell’s of Hazelfield, Borrigone whose farm was adjoining or maybe forming part of Catherine’s. The farm was quite small but was later increased following the acquisition of several acres from the Land Commission when Cooper’s nearby farm was divided amongst the farmer’s. There was no water in Catherine’s farm and Denis had to draw water with horse and cart from a well that was located somewhere close to where Corbet’s pub once stood, on the main Limerick road. They had ample running water after getting the extra land as a stream flowed through the centre of it.
Marriage details of Denis Costelloe and Catherine Kiely as follows – On June 18th, 1914 at Athea church, Catherine Kiely from Keale, Athea, daughter of John Kiely a farmer, married Denis Costelloe from Turraree, Glin, son of John Costelloe, a farmer, the witnesses being Michael Costelloe, Turraree and Mary Kiely, Templeathea. Denis & Catherine had the following family –
i.John Costelloe, born May 22nd, 1917 at Craggs, Borrigone, Askeaton, Co. Limerick. John was godfather to my wife Vera. I knew John quite well.
ii.Michael Costelloe, born May 19th, 1918 at Craggs, Borrigone, Askeaton. Michael worked in the Post Office at Cecil St., Limerick.
v.Mary Costelloe was the only one of the family to marry. She married Timothy Dillane, Rooskagh East, Carrickerry, Athea, son of Michael Dillane, Athea Parish and Catherine Frawley, Monemohill, Kilcoleman, Co. Limerick. Family from that union as follows –
Issue from Michael Dillane/Catherine Frawley union as follows –
William Dillane, Dublin.
Tom Dillane, Rooskagh East.
Patrick Dillane, California.
John Dillane, Detroit.
James Dillane, Detroit.
Michael Dillane, Shanagolden.
David Dillane, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Timothy Dillane, Rooskagh East.
Joseph Dillane, Rooskagh East.
Con Dillane, Rooskagh East.
Mary (Molly) Dillane, Rooskagh East.who married her neighbour Tommy Madigan, Rooskagh East.
Timothy Dillane’s grandfather was William Dillane and his grandmother was Margaret Murray. Catherine Frawley’s father was Thomas Frawley and her mother was Margaret Sheehan.
Denis Costelloe died at the County Infirmary, Limerick on March 30th, 1943 suffering from Nephritis, (inflammation of the kidney) aged 67 years. Catherine Kiely Costelloe died at Mulderricksfield, Borrigone, Askeaton on Nov 15th, 1932 suffering from Myocardial of the heart. (George Langan)
O’Flanagain Sean Ban Aerach, (merry white haired John),….Sean was a poet, versifier and a piper who was a native of Tulla, Co. Clare, spent much of his time around Glin as tutor to the children of the Knight, Thomas Fitzgerald. Buried in the same grave in Kilfergus as that of my ancestor, Tom (Captain Steele) Langan. The reason for O’Flannagain being buried in the same grave as Tom remains a mystery. Johnny Hayes told Thomas F. Culhane, ‘Launey’ that Sean Ban Aerach married a Kennedy girl from Nantinan and that she was a relative of the O’Longain’s, as Peadar O’Longain, Michael Og’s grandfather, was married to a woman of the same name. Maybe therein the mystery lies. However, Michael in all of his manuscripts there is no reference whatsoever to any of Sean Ban’s poetry. The following is a verse from Sean Ban’s ‘Aisling’, translated for me by my very good friend the late John Guilfoyle from Kilbeggan. John was a Sergeant in An Garda Siochana, and was fluent in the Irish language.
‘One time as I was before bad luck it came over me
A woman was mine in *Magh an Iubhair or lovely Nantinan
A fresh and affectionate gentle woman without disgrace
One who to London would go with me if necessary
In lovely Glin there’s a woman of gentle good manners
And in Athea is my hearts desire
In Askeaton there’s a woman, and I tell you no lie
I was struck on her, way back in my gay younger days
Evermore while I live, shall I bother with anyone
Except me and my baby, and we two together.’
*Magh an Iubhair...the ancient name of the parish of Kilnaughtin, (Tarbert).
Thomas F. Culhane in his book – Ttraditions of Glin and its Neighbourhood tells us that Sean Ban Aerach was known throughout Munster for the playing of the Ceol Si (Fairy Music) that he supposedly learned from the fairies in a fort in Tinnakilla, Ballyhahill. When Sean Ruadh O’Shaughnessy settled in Tullyleague and married a Joan Enright from Athea before 1760, Sean Ban Aerach attended the wedding. On his way home he fell into a drunken sleep in that same fort in Tinnakilla, Ballyhahill. Joan O’Shaughnessy, their eldest daughter born 1760, married Dennis Houlihan in 1779, Denis was from Flean, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick. My former teacher at Abbeyfeale Vocational school, Padraig O’ Cearbhaill (Patrick Carroll), was the great, great grandson of Joan and Denis. Padraig’s father was John (Sean) O’ Carroll and his mother was Kate Houlihan from Flean, Ballyhahill.
Sean Ban Aerach’s people were wealthy landlords in Co. Clare. Thomas F. Culhane had the following verse that I have translated as follows –
‘Were I in Tarbert with Sean O’Laoghaire,
Or with Liam de Burca in Ath na tSleibhe,
Or in Cluain na Cille with my relations,
I should make a laugh that the world would hear,
Many is the courtly and gentle maiden,
Who’s welcome me with a hundred welcomes.
Thou fairest Knight, I would shake your hand,
And drink your health, without a word of a lie.
For more on Sean Ban Aerach O’Flanagain see Traditions of Glin and its Neighbourhood by Thomas F. Culhane (Launey).
We were left with the following account on the Danaher family from Colm Danaher, son of master William.
‘In the middle of the 17th 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.’
‘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‘
‘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)
‘It was from his grandmother Mary Culhane that William learned most of the family tradition. 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 tom the people through the good offices of the Landlore, 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 21st, 1873 at Rathkeale church, Daniel Danaher married Mary ‘May’ Moylan 1843- from Ballyallinan, Rathkeale, daughter of William Moylan, a stone mason, and Mary Culhane1798- 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 & MaryDanaher had the following family –
i. William Danaher was born on July 5th, 1874.
ii. On July 11th, 1876 a daughter Anne Danaher was born.
iii. On Feb 14th, 1879, a daughter Catherine ‘Katie’ Danaher was born.
iv. On June 29th, 1880 a daughter Mary Danaher was born.
v. On May 31st, 1882 a daughter Hanora Danaher was born.
vi. On Aug 30th, 1884 a daughter Agnes Danaher was born.
Daniel Danaher died at Rathkeale on Dec 12th, 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 5th, 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 28th, 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 3rd, 1910 at Upper Athea. On Jan 12th, 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 30th, 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.
Martin Gerard Danaher, born Sept 7th, 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 4th, 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. He was holding classes at O’Connor’s farmhouse in Clash, Athea after finishing his days teaching at Clash national school. William died a widower on May 18th, 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 MargaretRyan Danaher died on Dec 14th, 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 traveling 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 remembered 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 condemn the outrage.
Liam continues……..”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 reside 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 would 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 defense of Glin Castle and his death there. They also spoke 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 West, a civil servant. I do not know if they were ever published.”
”I used to drive my grandmother around to visit 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 Irishpoet. 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.
Peter Langan (1), son of Patrick (1) lived at Kilpadogue. On Jan 8th, 1898 at Tarbert church Peter Langan married Anne Goulding from Carhoona daughter of John Goulding and Ann Hynes. The witnesses being Edmond McNamara and Katie Moloney.John Goulding was the son of Hugh Goulding, Carhoona and Anne Hynes was the daughter of Michael Hynes, Lisreidy, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick. They were married on Feb 17th 1874 at Glin church, the witnesses were Hugh Goulding and Michael Hynes. Anne’s age given as 21 years and John’s age given as 28 years. Children from Peter Langan and Anne Goulding as follows -:
Nora………………..b21/06/1899.
Patrick………….b10/07/1901.
John…………….b07/05/1904.
Mary……………b19/06/1905.
Eileen………………b20/04/1907.
Anne…………….b29/07/1908.
Jerry……………b17/10/1909.
Maurice (Mossie)…………b28/01/1911.
Peter……………b14/07/1912.
Margaret……….b15/01/1914.
Elizabeth………..b ? (the youngest)
Nora married a Con Sullivan in America and had one son John. Nora died in 1994.
Patrick married Mary Cahill from Co. Clare and had six children – Peter Joseph, Diarmuid, Patrick (Paudie), Cyril, Anne & Leo.
John married Rita Buckley from Moyvane and had seven children – Peter, Larry, Maurice, Roseanne, Mary, Norma & Joseph.
Mary married John Sullivan and had at least four children -: Jimmy, Fr. Con, Ann and Eileen.
Eileen married John Mahony in America and had four children.
Anne went to the U.S. She was married twice one of her husbands name was Gough. No family from either husband.
Jerry married in England to Bridget Shaughnessey, sister to John Shaughnessy, Public House, Glin. They had four children. Joseph, Francis, Anne & Carmel. Joseph died as a young child during the 2nd World War. He was sent from England to the family home in Kilpadogue for safety. Tragically he fell into the old black pot of boiling water in the kitchen and died as a result a couple of days later.
Maurice (Mossie) joined the Royal Navy and lost his life June 8th 1940 in World War 2 during the sinking of the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Glorious.
Peter, the youngest son who on May 27th 1937 married Ellen ‘Bon’ Wallace of Tarbert Island daughter of Patrick Wallace and had six children – Eileen, Thomas, Joseph, Alex, Mary & Nora. Margaret married John Hill in London. He was a Welshman from Mountain Ash – one son Kevin who now resides in Listowel. Elizabeth married John O’Connor of Ballylongford and had five children – Kathleen, Donal, Anthony, Ted & Anne. The 1901 Census for Peter Langan (1) of Kilpadogue reads as follows -:
Census Kilpadogue 1901.
Peter…Aged 34.
Anne…Aged 21, (Peter’s wife.)
Also Present…Ellen..Aged 34. (Peter’s sister, single)
Mary..Aged 35. (Peter’s sister, single)
Question -: (1) Is Peter and Ellen’s age incorrect on the Census forum? (See Patrick Langan (1)
(2) Mary who was present during the Census would have been the same age as her brother Patrick. This would indicate that they could have been twins or if not, a very quick conception had taken place that same year. (See also Patrick Langan (1))
Census Kilpadogue 1911.
Peter…………………..Aged 46.
Anne…………………..Aged 34. (Wife)
Children.
Nora………………………Aged 12.
Paddy………………..Aged 10.
John……………………Aged 7.
Mary…………………..Aged 6.
Eileen………………….Aged 4.
Anne…………………..Aged 3.
Jerry……………………Aged 1.
Maurice………………..Aged 2 months.
In total, Peter Langan (1) had 38 grandchildren. All the Langan’s resident in and around the Tarbert area today are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Trying to find the direct Langan ancestral route has proved ever so difficult but I am strongly of the opinion that the following lines could be of significant importance. A family of the Langan’s who were born in Kilpadogue towards the end of the 18th century could provide us with the all-important missing link. Could this family be that of Patrick Langan, Ballydonoghue, brother of Sean O’Longain of Glenagragra? The following can be accounted for – John, Jermiah, Maurice, Daniel, David and probably Tom. There was a sister Mary and perhaps a sister Martha in the family. Taking into account that Tom lived the greater part of his life in Knocknanure still, I believe he could have been the same as the Kilpadogue Langan’s, if not a brother certainly then a close relation. It is quite feasible that one of these men was my great, great, great grandfather.
John Langan. (1)
John Langan (1) was married to Hanora McEvoy. They lived at Kilpadogue for a time but moved to Reenturk sometime after the birth of Sarah, probably circa 1824 and had several other children; the following can be accounted for -:
Sarah………………–/–/1822.
Michael……………15/08/1824.
Martin……………. 20/11/1825.
Catherine………….04/05/1828.
John……………….03/04/1835.
Joseph……………..29/12/1837.
Margaret…………..–/–/1845.
Johanne……………–/–/1848.
Martha……………..–/–/—-
Sarah Langan. (1)
Sarah, the eldest child of John married Patrick Boland in Ballylongford on February 1844. Patrick who was from Kilrush Co. Clare was a corn merchant and used to travel to Ballylongford to buy corn. They settled in Ballylongford for a while after the marriage but moved to a farm at Farrnstack, Lisselton sometime afterwards. They farmed 70 acres there in 1824 but had increased that to 138 acres – the whole town-land by 1859. Brendan Kennelly the renowned poet from Listowel is a descendent of Sarah and Patrick. Did the said Brendan inherit the ‘duachas’ from the O’Longain’s, may I ask? No information on hand in relation to the remainder of John’s family
Jermiah Langan. (1)
Jermiah Langan (1) farmed at Kilpadogue. He was married to Mary Keane and died at Kilpadogue a widower on 17/5/1866. There is no record on hand of his wife’s death. Children on record from that union are as follows -:
Patrick…………b–/–/1822.
Ellen……………b14/05/1825.
Margaret……….b14/09/1830.
John……………b13/03/1833.
They also could have had a daughter Johanna as Patrick and Johanna Langan were sponsors at the baptism of David Keane, son of Daniel Keane and Bridget Foley, Kilpadogue on 26/05/1853. David Keane was probably a nephew of Jeremiah’s wife, Mary.
Patrick Langan. (1)
Patrick (1), who inherited the farm from his father Jeremiah, was married to Hanora Lyons and had six children as follows -: Peter…………..b09/06/1863. (Twins) Ellen…………..b09/06/1863 Mary…………..b–/–/1866. Patrick…………b13/02/1866. (Were there two sets of twins in family?) Michael……….b29/10/1868 (A Michael Langan died aged 4 in 1872). Maurice……….b11/02/1870. (A baby Maurice Langan died 1871) Patrick died at Kilpadogue, a widower on 20/02/1899, aged seventy-seven years. His wife Hanora died at Kilpadogue on 21/02/1886 aged fifty-five years. It would appear that there could have been two sets of twins in the family if the authenticity of the Census Population of 1901 can be relied upon, or subsequent Census for that matter. For example, it wasn’t unusual to give incorrect dates of birth when filling out such Census, and I know that one particular householder in a certain parish, at the request of the police officer who was carrying out the Census, supplied that officer with the relevant information on several of his neighbours. Bearing this in mind, see Census Population, 1901 & 1911 in relation to Peter Langan (1). It would appear from this Census that Peter and Ellen were born in 1867. No information on hand in relation to the remainder of Jeremiah’s family.
While on the subject of Census, people who gave their age as 50/51 in the 1901 Census were often found to be 72/73 in the 1911 survey. The old age pension was a great temptation to add on a few years. The said pension was paid out initially on Jan 1st 1909 to anyone aged seventy years. The basic rate back then was 5/- (shillings) per week. In order to qualify for the said pension some sort of ‘proof of age’ had to be submitted by each applicant. In receipt of applications, the authorities would then carry out a crosscheck of it by researching the 1841 Census of population and if that proved to be inconclusive two reliable, members of the parish would be called upon to swear an affidavit that the person or persons were of pensionable age. Applicants would also qualify for payments if they could prove that they were born before, the night of the ‘Big Wind’, January 6th 1830’.
Patrick Langan. (2)
Patrick Langan (2) b Feb 13th, 1866 at Kilpadogue son of Patrick (1) would appear to be the twin brother of Mary Langan.
Patrick Langan. (3)
Patrick Langan (3) of Reenturk was married to Hanna Dinneen. One daughter on record, Dorris born 18/11/1859. Patrick (3) was probably a 1st cousin to Patrick (1)
Joseph Langan.
A Joseph Langan of Reenturk married Johanna Murphy and had a daughter Hanora born 28/12/1859. There could be other children.
Peter Langan. (1)
Peter Langan (1), son of Patrick (1) lived at Kilpadogue. On Jan 8th, 1898 at Tarbert church Peter Langan married Anne Goulding from Carhoona daughter of John Goulding and Ann Hynes. The witnesses being Edmond McNamara and Katie Moloney.John Goulding was the son of Hugh Goulding, Carhoona and Anne Hynes was the daughter of Michael Hynes, Lisreidy, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick. They were married on Feb 17th 1874 at Glin church, the witnesses were Hugh Goulding and Michael Hynes. Anne’s age given as 21 years and John’s age given as 28 years. Children from Peter Langan and Anne Goulding as follows -:
Nora………………..b21/06/1899.
Patrick………….b10/07/1901.
John…………….b07/05/1904.
Mary……………b19/06/1905.
Eileen………………b20/04/1907.
Anne…………….b29/07/1908.
Jerry……………b17/10/1909.
Maurice (Mossie)…………b28/01/1911.
Peter……………b14/07/1912.
Margaret……….b15/01/1914.
Elizabeth………..b ? (the youngest)
Nora married a Con Sullivan in America and had one son John. Nora died in 1994.
Patrick married Mary Cahill from Co. Clare and had six children – Peter Joseph, Diarmuid, Patrick (Paudie), Cyril, Anne & Leo.
John married Rita Buckley from Moyvane and had seven children – Peter, Larry, Maurice, Roseanne, Mary, Norma & Joseph.
Mary married John Sullivan and had at least four children -: Jimmy, Fr. Con, Ann and Eileen.
Eileen married John Mahony in America and had four children.
Anne went to the U.S. She was married twice one of her husband’s names was Gough. No family from either husband.
Jerry married in England to Bridget Shaughnessey, sister to John Shaughnessy, Public House, Glin. They had four children. Joseph, Francis, Anne & Carmel. Joseph died as a young child during the 2nd World War. He was sent from England to the family home in Kilpadogue for safety. Tragically he fell into the old black pot of boiling water in the kitchen and died as a result a couple of days later.
Maurice (Mossie) joined the Royal Navy and lost his life June 8th 1940 in World War 2 during the sinking of the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Glorious.
Peter, the youngest son who on May 27th 1937 married Ellen ‘Bon’ Wallace of Tarbert Island daughter of Patrick Wallace and had six children – Eileen, Thomas, Joseph, Alex, Mary & Nora. Margaret married John Hill in London. He was a Welshman from Mountain Ash – one son Kevin who now resides in Listowel. Elizabeth married John O’Connor of Ballylongford and had five children – Kathleen, Donal, Anthony, Ted & Anne. The 1901 Census for Peter Langan (1) of Kilpadogue reads as follows -:
Census Kilpadogue 1901.
Peter…Aged 34.
Anne…Aged 21, (Peter’s wife.)
Also Present…Ellen..Aged 34. (Peter’s sister, single)
Mary..Aged 35. (Peter’s sister, single)
Question -: (1) Is Peter and Ellen’s age incorrect on the Census forum? (See Patrick Langan (1)
(2) Mary who was present during the Census would have been the same age as her brother Patrick. This would indicate that they could have been twins or if not, a very quick conception had taken place that same year. (See also Patrick Langan (1))
Census Kilpadogue 1911.
Peter…………………..Aged 46.
Anne…………………..Aged 34. (Wife)
Children.
Nora………………………Aged 12.
Paddy………………..Aged 10.
John……………………Aged 7.
Mary…………………..Aged 6.
Eileen………………….Aged 4.
Anne…………………..Aged 3.
Jerry……………………Aged 1.
Maurice………………..Aged 2 months.
In total, Peter Langan (1) had 38 grandchildren. All the Langan’s resident in and around the Tarbert area today are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Peter Langan. (2)
The Tarbert Connection
Peter Langan (2), born 1912, son of Peter (1) lived on Tarbert Island. He died July 3rd 1998.
Langan Joe.
Tarbert.
Langan Joe is the son of Peter Langan (2) above. According to the said Joe, himself and my father, Ned Langan were 4th cousins. His father Peter (2) and my grandfather Paddy Langan were 3rd cousins. Peter Langan (1) and my great grandfather, Tom Langan were 2nd cousins. Patrick Langan (1) and my great great grandfather Maurice Langan were 1st cousins. In that case, either Jermiam Langan (1) or one of his brothers, more than likely Tom Langan, was Maurice Langan’s father. It is also worthy to note that the aforementioned Paddy Langan, my grandfather ran a public house in Tarbert in the early 1900’s. What was Paddy doing back around there? There must have been some connection along the way.
Maurice Langan. (1)
Maurice, born circa 1779 died at Kilpadogue on 13/1/1854 aged seventy-five years. He was a bachelor. He was known locally as Maurice ‘Steele’ Langan, which would indicate that there was some connection between this family and that of Sean O’Longain of Glenagragra. (see Captain Steele heretofore)
Daniel Langan. (1)
There seems to be no record available on the death of Daniel Langan (1). Registration may not have taken place. However, it seems that he was alive at the death of his wife Mary when she died on 08/12/1864 at Tarbert, aged seventy-four years.
Daniel Langan. (2)
(Son of Daniel (1)
There is a record of a marriage between a Daniel Langan and Bridgette Holly in the year 1833.
