February 10, 2012

AUGUST 1950: GIBBET RATH MEMORIAL COMMITTEE and DEMOLITION OF OLD WHITE ABBEY HALL/CHURCH

Leinster Leader
12 August 1950

St. Brigid Statue Project

Subscriptions to the Gibbet Rath memorial Fund (erection of statue of St. Brigid) continue to mount although the organisers feel that collections in some areas are not yet properly under way. Those appointed in all areas are urged to complete their collections as soon as possible.
At the last meeting of the Committee the Chairman, Rev. T. Kennedy, C.C., Rathangan, thanked a representative of the Kildareman’s Association in New York for their generous donation of £20.
To arrange to raise funds to go towards the cost of erecting a statue of St. Brigid at the Gibbet Rath, Curragh, a public meeting is being held in the Courthouse, Athy, next Monday evening at 9 o’clock.

Leinster Leader
12 August 1950

Historic Kildare Building Demolished

This week demolition of the old White Abbey Hall at Kildare was completed – a traction engine was used to pull down the gable and side walls. The old building had quite an interesting and historic past and old residents can recall attending mass there.

[authors note: St. Brigid's Statue was finally unveiled in 1973 and erected on the Market Square in 1976]

Couple of interesting notes from the Leinster Leader of August 1950

Posted by mariocorrigan at 04:01 PM

September 11, 2008

LOCAL NOTES FROM THE LEINSTER LEADER APRIL 1907

LEINSTER LEADER APRIL 20TH 1907 P. 1.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths.
MARRIAGES.

MURPHY AND SOUTHWELL-April 10th 1907 at Carmelite Church, Whitefriars Street, Dublin, by the Rev. E. P. Southwell, O.C.C. (uncle of the bride), assisted by Rt. Rev. Monsignor Murphy, P.P., V.G., D.D., Maryboro; Very Rev. Canon Joseph O’ Keefe, P.P., V.F., Athy; Rev. P. Campion, P.P., Kildare; Rev. W. Duggan, C.C., Athy; Rev. N. A. Staples, O.C.C.; Rev. M. Daly, O.P.P.; Rev. P. Behan, O.P.P.; Rev. J. McDermott, O.P.P, and Rev. T. Bartley, O.P.P., James J. son of Michael Murphy, Athy, to Janie, daughter of the late Patrick Southwell, Kildare.

--------------------------

P. 2.

SHIPPING

CUNARD LINE.
FINEST, FASTEST, AND MOST COM-
FORTABLE OF BRITISH STEAMERS,
Including
The “CARMANIA” (Turbine) and
“CARBONIA,”
the latest and most luxurious Hotels afloat.
FROM LIVERPOOL VIA QUEENSTOWN,
TO NEW YORK.
LUCANTA-Saturday, April 20
CABONIA-Tuesday, April 23
UMBRIA-Saturday, April 27
TO BOSTON.
SAXONIA-Tuesday, April 30
IVERNIA-Tuesday, May 14
SAXONIA-Tuesday, May 28
The “LUSITANIA” AND “MAURETANIA,”
The LARGEST STEAMERS IN
THE WORLD, are now completing.

UNSURPASSED ACCOMMODATION AT LOW RATES. An allowance of 10 per cent. on the homeward fare is made to Saloon and Second Cabin Passengers taking return tickets.
Second and Third-Class passengers, via New York, may travel without extra charge to Boston and Philadelphia, and via Boston to New York and Philadelphia. Third-Class passengers may also travel without extra charge to Baltimore.Passengers booked through to all parts of America and Canada. Apply-The Cunard Steamship Company, Limited, Liverpool; or
To their Agents-
Dennis Donohoe, Naas; T. J. Brenna, Athy; Tobias Bannon, Maryboro; Mrs. J. C. Magrath, Bagnalstown; P. F. Hosey, 142, Tullow Street, Carlow; Patrick and Henry Egan, Tullamore; T.B. Doyle, Baltinglass; S. Hipwell, Mountrath; Edward O’ Connor, Mountmellick; Miss Lily Malone, Kildare’ Price Bros., Portarlington; James Dempsey, Tullow; R. F. Kent and Co., Rathdowney; Michael Madden, Main Street, Roscrea; T. F. O’ Toole, Auctioneer, etc., Edenderry; Patrick Ryan, Abbeyleix; Humphrey Smith and Sons, Mountmellick; Miss Farrell, Newbridge.

.......................................................................................................

P.5.

INTERESTING FUNCTION AT KILDARE.

An influential deputation from Clane and surroundings neighbourhood made a presentation to Dr. Edmund T. Coady at the Railway Hotel Kildare, to congratulate him on his appointment to position of surgeon to the County Kildare Infirmary.

*******************
KILDARE PETTY SESSIONS. P. 5.

A man named Wm. Lowe of Roscrea, was arrested by Constable O’ Brien at Kildare on Friday last charged with stealing a bicycle at Maryborough on the previous day. When the bicycle was missed the Maryborough police followed Lowe on the road to Dublin, and traced him beyond Monasterevan, whey they lost him. Having given particulars to the Kildare police they returned. On the following morning Constable O’ Brien saw Lowe riding a bicycle into Kildare, and arrested him. He was conveyed to Maryborough and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

*******

On leaving Tralee jail on Saturday last John Nolan was arrested by Constables Grady and Sweeney, and charged with the larceny of a gold watch at Kildare in February, 1906, from Mr. John McCarthy, permanent way superintendent, G.S. and W. Railway. Defendant was brought before a special court and remanded to Next Petty Sessions.
-------------------------------------------------------------

LEINSTER LEADER APRIL 27TH 1907 P. 5.

KILDARE PETTY SESSIONS.
A TRIO OF LARCENY CHARGES.

A PLUMBER’S INGRATITUDE AND THE RESULT.
TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN SENT TO PRISON.
(From our reporter)

The usual fortnightly Sessions were held in Kildare on Thursday last, before Mr. J. E. Medlicott (presiding_, Major Thackeray, R.M.; Mr. C. Bergin and Mr. E. Conlan.
AN EX-CONVICT.
A man named Joseph Sullivan of Kildare, who had been previously charged with manslaughter, and was a convict on “ticket-of-leave” was charged by D.I. Smyth with failing to report himself to the police authorities.
Constable Patk. O’ Brien deposed that he was on duty at Punchestown Races, and interrogated the defendant with regard to his license. He said he had not the license paper on him at the time.
In reply to the bench, the defendant said he went to Glasgow to get work, where he was promised it, but failed to come back.
D.I. Smyth said defendant was cautioned to report himself in Glasgow to the police when he got there, but he failed to do so. The defendant had been convicted for drunkenness and disorderly conduct before he went to Dundalk.
To the bench: he should report himself when he entered a district, and once a month afterwards.
Defendant was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment from date of arrest, 10th April.

********

ALLEGED THEFT OF AN ASS.

Wm. Pilkington was charged with stealing an ass, the property of Mrs. Ellen Hardy, of Maddenstown.
Sergeant Muldoon, Kildare, prosecuted, and deposed that he found the defendant on the 20th April in Kildare at about 1 o’ clock a.m. with the ass, to which he had attached a strap. Having asked the defendant where he got the ass, the reply was, “You don’t think I stole him?” Following a deposition made by the defendant. Sergeant Muldoon stated: A further statement was made by Wm. Pilkington as follows:-When the ass was identified by Ellen Hardy, jun., of Maddenstown, as the property of her mother, defendant stated: “On the 19th April I was crossing the Curragh at 9.30 or 10 o’ clock coming to Kildare for lodgings. I met two men, who told me they were robbers. They asked me if I had any money on me. They had an ass in their possession which they told me they would sell cheap. I gave them 5s or 6s for it. They gave me a girth, which they told me I could sell. One man said his name was Heffernan and the other Whelan. I do not know them. They told me the ass was their own property, and not to say anything about it.
Miss Ellen Hardy deposed that on the 19th April she turned the ass out on the Curragh. The defendant now present was at the time in the “Furze.” She didn’t see the ass again until the next day at the police barracks, Kildare. She did not give permission to any person to take away the ass.
Cross-examined by defendant: Did you see me on the Curragh that day? Witness: I certainly saw you in the Furze that evening.
Defendant: You certainly saw me? Witness: Yes I can swear I saw you. Defendant: Well, that’s a lie (laughter).
Mrs. Ellen Hardy deposed to the ass being her property. It was value for £2.
Defendant said he was not guilty of stealing the ass. He bought it from the two men mentioned. They gave him a girth, saying they had lost the bridge. They said they would sell it cheap. He took the ass into Kildare and waited until he saw come civil police. Defendant said he wanted to be tried by the present court, but Major Thackeray said he could not be tried by that court unless he pleaded guilty. Defendant: I am guilty of taking it but not stealing it. Defendant said he belonged to the town of Maryborough.
He was returned to the Quarter Sessions for trial, bail being accepted in £40 and two sureties of £20 each.

------

MAN’S INHUMANITY.

John Nolan, a native of Cork, was charged by D.I. Smyth with having on the 26th February, 1906, stolen a gold chain, valued at £4 10s, from John McCarthy inspector in connection with the G.S. and W. Railway Company at Kildare.
Mr McCarthy deposed to meeting the prisoner on the 26th February of last year. As he knew him to be a plumber on the railway, he took him to witness’s own house when he said he was hard up. Witness went off to business on the following morning, and afterwards found the gold watch and chain missing. He did not see the chain again until he saw it in the police barracks at Kildare. The defendant was on time a plumber on the railway. The value of the chain would be £4 10s. When he saw the chain at the police station there was missing a gold cross, which was formerly attached to it.
From the evidence it would appear that the defendant had been arrested on leaving the jail at Tralee on completion of a term of imprisonment (for another offence).
Sergeant Williams, Cork, deposed to the arrest of defendant and to the finding of the gold chain in his possession.
Constable Brien stated that he arrested the prisoner at Kildare, and after usual caution he said, “I am Guilty.”
Prisoner, on being asked if he wished to be tried by that court said, “I am guilty. I wish to be tried by you.”
D. J. Smith read a very long list of convictions against to prisoner from 1901 to 1907. The majority of them were cases of larceny, illegal possession and also the stealing of a railway pass and pocket book.
The defendant made a statement to the effect that he had been in Tralee jail hospital for ten months, under treatment for a very bad leg, which was at one time in danger of amputation. He asked the magistrates to take into account this fact when dealing with him, and to take his sufferings into consideration, more particularly that they had happened since the crime of which he was guilty had taken place. He was very sorry for what he had done, and he would endeavour in future to live a straight life.
The Chairman spoke of the previous career of the prisoner, and said that the treatment meted out to Mr. McCarthy was extremely bad. Mr. McCarthy had taken in prisoner to his house and supported him, and the return was that he was robbed as a reward for his kindness. Defendant would be sentenced to six months imprisonment.

HALF AN ACRE.

Patk. Kelligan was charged by Sergeant Muldoon with allowing a horse and ass, his property, to wander on the public road near the town. Complainant said defendant was a small farmer. Defendant: Yes, with half an acre (laughter). A fine of 2s 6d and costs was imposed.

STEALING HORSE HAIR.

John Smith, Kildare, was charged by D.I. Smyth with stealing from Wm. Ryan, saddler, a sack or horse hair on the 18th inst. The defendant, it appeared was occasionally in the employment of Wm. Ryan.
In reply to the D.I., Wm. Ryan deposed that Smith was in his employment for the purposed of “Teasing” hair, and on the 18th April he missed the sack of hair complained of.
Major Thackeray asked what class of hair it was? The D.I. said it was horse hair. Ryan was a saddler. Major Thackeray: It may be ladies’ hair for all we know (laughter).
Ryan said he had three sacks of hair in the place, and he missed on the 23rd inst. The sack contained 30 lbs, of hair and was value for 30s. He went with Constable Brien to Dublin on the 24th inst., and after going to Mr. O’ Haire’s establishment at Queen Street, he saw the hair which had been taken from him, and he identified the hair and sack as those he had lost. Prisoner declined to cross-examine.
Defendant pleaded guilty, and said there was nothing against him before.
Constable O’ Brien said that he traced the hair to Dublin, and had a great deal of trouble. There was a sum of £2 8s 6d, actually expended on the case.
A man named John Flynn said defendant sold him the hair in Kildare. He said he had bought it from a Sergeant of the 10th Hussars and he gave defendant 6d per pound for it.
Flynn said he would pay Mr. O’ Haire the 30s.
Constable O’ Brien: Well, plank it down to me here (laughter).-The money was “planked”
Defendant was ordered to be imprisoned for one month with hard labour.
A number of ordinary police cases were also disposed of.
--------------------------------

In Kildare.

A grand concert will be held at the White Abbey Hall, Kildare, on the 6th May, for the purpose of relieving the strain of indebtedness in connection with the beautiful church attached to the Abbey. For a very long period past the Very Rev. Father Staples, O.C.C., Prior, has been paying a very heavy interest on the balances of debt. A committee of local gentlemen has been formed and everything lends to the prospect of a genuine night’s entertainment, which will financially aid in the good work for which it is intended.
***********
A grand concert will be held at the White Abbey Hall, Kildare, on the 6th May, for the purpose of relieving the strain of indebtedness in connection with the beautiful church attached to the Abbey. For a very long period past the Very Rev. Father Staples, O.C.C., Prior, has been paying a very heavy interest on the balances of debt. A committee of local gentlemen has been formed and everything lends to the prospect of a genuine night’s entertainment, which will financially aid in the good work for which it is intended.***********

A court-martial was held in the Kildare Military Barracks on Monday to investigate a charge brought against Driver Abel of the 37th Battery R.F.A., for the alleged stealing of a pair of boots from one of his military comrades. Major Hutchinson presided. Mr. Kearns, pawnbroker, Newbridge, gave evidence of the pawning of the boots by defendant who pleaded not guilty. The Court found the defendant guilty and sentence was deferred.

[Typed by Breid Kelly on behalf of Cill Dara Historical Society. The supplement with the same issue carried a stoery on Lord Edward Fitzgerald, 'The Greatest of the Geraldines,' which we will later reproduce on its own.]

More interesting local notes from the pages of the Leinster Leader April 1907

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:30 PM

September 10, 2008

NEWSWORTHY? More notes from the Leinster Leader 1907

Leinster Leader MARCH 30TH 1907

Oats, Hay, Straw, required for Mr. O’ Callaghan’s Contract at Kildare Barracks. Highest prices given.-Apply R. Brazil, Palacefield, Kildare.

LEINSTER LEADER 6TH APRIL 1907, P.5.

Kildare Petty Sessions.

MAN WHO HAS ALWAYS PLENTY OF MONEY
___________
PROSECUTION BY THE DISTRICT COUNCIL
________

The above Petty Sessions were held on Thursday week, before Major Thackeray, R.M. (residing), Mr. J. Moore, and Mr. J. E. Medlicott.
LICENSE TRANSFER.
Mr. J. F. Dowling, solicitor, made application for the transfer of the license lately held by Mr. Charles Heffernan, but which is now in the name of Mr. J. T. Heffernan, to Mr. Wm. Connolly.
D.I. Smyth, in reply to the bench said he had no objection, but he knew nothing about the applicant.
Mr. Dowling said the Lord Chancellor had been satisfied with the applicant.
Wm. Connolly applicant, examined by Mr. Dowling, said he had taken over the house, and he asked for a transfer.
Major Thackeray: Where do you belong to?
Applicant: The Curragh.
To Mr. Dowling: I have been doing business in the hotel way in another county-the County Meath. It was a very bush hotel, especially during the hunting season as it is a hunting county. I was advised to come to this county for twelve months’ rest.
Mr. Medlicott: Yes, you were advised to come to this county where there is no hunting (laughter). Major Thackeray: He may be an archangel for all we know, but we must satisfy ourselves (laughter).
Mr. Medlicott: He looks very much like one, but minus the wings (laughter).
The application was granted.

ALWAYS HAD PLENTY OF MONEY.
Thos. Cahill was charged by the G.S. and W. Railway Company with on two occasions attempting to defraud the Company by travelling without a ticket. Mr. J. F. Dowling, solicitor, appeared for the Company, and an inspector was also present.
Mr. Peter Kenefick, in reply to Mr. Dowling, said he remember the 12th February, and on the arrival of the special train from Amiens Street to Kildare he saw the defendant leave the train. It was a special horse train. Defendant got down outside the goods stores. Witness asked for his ticket, and was told he had only come from Newbridge, and it was not necessary to pay. He afterwards said he would call and pay the stationmaster on the following morning. He did not since pay for “the ticket”
Defendant said he had no time to get a ticket, and when the last witness spoke to him he proffered payment. He always had plenty of money and was never short.
Major Thackeray: You always have plenty of money. You must be a very luck man (laughter).
A second case against defendant was then gone into, when Mr. Kenefick examined by Mr. Dowling, deposed that on the 21st February, on the arrival at Kildare of the train leaving at 5.20 from Dublin, he noticed a door on the up side of the train open. He shouted out to shut the door, and he then saw that a man was at the open door and he asked for his ticket. The man was the defendant, who said he had given it up. He then said he would pay, but did not.
Defendant told the magistrates, that, he had a week’s ticket, and said he had given up the wrong half.
Mr. Richard Maher, stationmaster, was examined, and his evidence showed that the defendant was one of three men who on one evening purchased three single tickets to Sallins. The week’s ticket spoken of by defendant would be the ordinary return ticket, which would last for a week. In this case, however, the wrong portion of the ticket shown bore date of a fortnight previous to date complained of.
Mr. Moore said he was of opinion from the statement of defendant that he was working on the railway, and that he had a weekly ticket to travel.
Major Thackeray and Mr. Medlicott said that the defendant gave them the impression that the Railway Company were in the habit of issuing weekly tickets. Instead of that they now found that the ordinary return ticket was only in question, and even that was out of date.
For each offence defendant was fined 5s and 10s costs.

*****

Naas No. 1 District Council

LIGHTING OF KILDARE.
The L.G.B. sanctioned the payment of a supplemental loan of ₤50 for Kildare electric lighting.
*********
Fair. (P.5)

A great number of the principal buyers attended the Kildare fair and good pigs were in fair demand. Nice baconers made 52s, and 53s, per cwt.; second quality, 48s to50s. A large number of stores sold at fairly good prices. The supply of bonhams was small but sold well.

In the cattle fair the supply of beef was very large, and there were some nice lots of bullocks on offer. First quality beef made about 30s. per cwt., and second quality 28s. and 29s. There was a fair supply of stores and milchers. The sheep fair was small, but a nice lot of wethers made 63s. A small supply of lambs were picked up by local victuallers at good prices.
AUCTION (p.7)

CROSS KEYS, KILDARE.

PRELIMINARY NOTICE.

ROBERT J. GOFF & CO. have been favoured with instructions from Mrs. Flanagan, to
SELL BY AUCTION,
On THURSDAY, 25TH APRIL, 1907,
ON THE PREMISES, CROSS KEYS,
Rubber-tyred Outside Car, Iron-tyred- Cab,
Several Sets of Harness, Stable Utensils, 3
Milch Cows, Hay, &c.
Particulars in posters, to be had from
ROBERT J. GOFF & CO.
AUCTIONEERS,
1 HENRY ST. NEWBRIDGE.
---------------------------

LEINSTER LEADER 13TH APRIL 1907, P.5.

KILDARE QUARTER SESSIONS.
COMMISSION.

Mr. Payne, contractor, Kildare, sued Mr. John T. Heffernan for commission amounting to £6 12s. alleged to be due to him in respect of the letting of the Club House at Kildare.Mr. Dowling appeared for Mr. Payne, and Mr. P. J. McCann for Mr. Heffernan. The tenancy was held, it would appear, for a smaller period that any anticipated in connection with any arrangement with Mr. Payne, and a decree for a sum of £2 3s. was given.

More snippets of local information on Kildare Town from the pages of the Leinster leader 1907.

[typed and checked by Breid Kelly on behalf of Cill Dara historical Society - Thank you]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:59 PM

NEWSWORTHY? More notes from the Leinster Leader 1907

Leinster Leader MARCH 30TH 1907

Oats, Hay, Straw, required for Mr. O’ Callaghan’s Contract at Kildare Barracks. Highest prices given.-Apply R. Brazil, Palacefield, Kildare.

LEINSTER LEADER 6TH APRIL 1907, P.5.

Kildare Petty Sessions.

MAN WHO HAS ALWAYS PLENTY OF MONEY
___________
PROSECUTION BY THE DISTRICT COUNCIL
________

*****

Naas No. 1 District Council

LIGHTING OF KILDARE.
The L.G.B. sanctioned the payment of a supplemental loan of ₤50 for Kildare electric lighting.
*********
Fair. (P.5)

CROSS KEYS, KILDARE.

PRELIMINARY NOTICE.

LEINSTER LEADER 13TH APRIL 1907, P.5.

KILDARE QUARTER SESSIONS.
COMMISSION.

More snippets of local information on Kildare Town from the pages of the Leinster leader 1907.

[typed and checked by Breid Kelly on behalf of Cill Dara historical Society - Thank you]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:59 PM

July 31, 2008

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CONCERT KILDARE 1907

Leinster Leader MARCH 23^rd 1907

CONCERT (p. 5)

In Kildare.

The lovers of the old tongue had reason for congratulation at Kildare and Newbridge on St. Patrick’s night, when the Carmelite Hall in the former and the Town Hall in the latter were for the time being changed into Gaelic concert ones. From the talent displayed in both places it is scarcely remarkable that from a financial point of view a very great success was obtained, and in each instance a very enjoyable evening was spent. Both in Kildare and Newbridge the night was treated as an Irish one, and the halls were thronged. In Newbridge there is a net profit after the concert of ₤16.

“The Deal Little Shamrock” in a chorus by the girls of the Convent School opened the Kildare Gaelic concert, the different voices blending beautifully. The Kildare branch of the League then danced an eight-hand reel, in very good style, after which Mrs. Hennessy sang with much feeling and in her usual fine voice “Kathleen Mavourneen.” It is scarcely necessary to say that Mr. Cathal McGarvey did full justice to the recitation, “Sentenced to Death.” Miss Cissie Conway danced an Irish jig very nicely and in good time. Accompanied by Miss Bridie Hennessy on the violin, Master Thomas in a very pleasing voice sang “Aileen Aroon.” Mr. O’ Toole, of Nurney, touched the boards very lively to good time in a hornpipe.

The singing by Colonel Butler, who possesses a very fine voice, was much appreciated in “I saw from the Beach,” following which the Kildare branch occupied the boards with a four-hand reel. A selection of Irish airs was beautifully rendered on the violin by Miss Bridie Hennessy. Messrs. Twitchen and Dowling immediately afterwards got through a two-hand jig in capital style. Nancy Hennessy, who is quite a child, sang “Oh, I Love You, Dolly, I do,” very pleasingly, and a double jig by the boys of the Christian Brothers was much enjoyed.

In “The Sergeant and the Cart,” Mr. Cathal McGarvey was in his usual good form, and the singing of “The Coulin” by Miss Jones was much appreciated. At hornpipe by Mr. Crosby of Brownstown, followed, and was very well gone through. The chorus by the Christian Brothers’ pupils of “Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded” was in perfect harmony and applauded, but there was not the slightest evidence of sorrow in the house when Miss Quinlivan in very fine voice described the manoeuvres of the impudent “Barney O’ Hea.” If she did not exactly pile on the blarney she must to say the least of it-have put the “comether” on the audience, judging by the extent of the applause.

An eight-hand reel was then gone through by the Kildare branch, after which Mr. M. Heffernan recited in very fine style “The Lament of the Irish Tongue.” This was followed by the dancing of a double jig in perfect time by the Kildare class. “The Wexford Threshing Song,” on of Mr. Cathal McGarvey’s favourites, was sung by him and each applauded, and Master M. Mullally very feelingly rendered, “Mollie Bawn.” An Irish dialogue by Messrs. Heffernan and Dunne was very interesting after which Mrs. Hennessy sang “Maureen,” and was received with much appreciation. In a fine dashing style, and in good voice, Mr. Quinlivan treated the audience to the “Irish Jaunting Car.” Mr. Connery, organiser, danced a very lively hornpipe, and footed the floor in rare fashion.

The final chorus was as appropriate to the occasion and the night as the opening one, where the young girls of the Convent School sang “The Dear Old Tongue.” This brought to a close on of the most pleasant evenings yet held in St. Brigid’s town by the lovers of the old tongue.

The getting through in such a successful manner of a Gaelic concert in Kildare entails a very large amount of work and worry on the few who never complain of any inconvenience but merely look on it as if it were on the day’s agenda in connection with the cause, and as a result-a labour of love. The good Nuns in an especial manner deserve very much thanks for the careful training which must have been bestowed on the children who took part in the concert. Indeed, they have ever since a Gaelic branch was started in Kildare not lost an opportunity of teaching the language and sowing in the minds of their young pupils a love for it.

It is scarcely necessary to say that over Ireland the Christian Brothers are strong in their support of the old tongue, and Brother Adrian, and the other good members of the Community at Kildare are not exceptions. One would pardon a feeling of pride at the manner in which their pupils turned out on Sunday night. In fact, all round it is apparent that in Kildare the young idea is learning to shoot in the way that it should.

Dr. Rowan took a very deep interest in the promotion of the concert, and was indefatigable in looking after the different details and general arrangements. Mr. Connery, organiser, had quite enough on his hands too, while Messrs. Andrew Fitzpatrick and John Hennessy were the reverse of idle. Miss Malone throughout played the accompaniments on the piano in her usual good style.

With the general audience there were:-Very Rev. Fr. Campion, P.P.; Rev. Fr. Cowley, O.C.C.; Rev. Fr. McDermott, O.C.C.; Rev. Brother Adrian, Superior and the members of the Christian Brothers Community. The one matter for regret was the absence of the Very Rev. Fr. Staples, Prior, O.C.C., who owing to a recent attack of illness was unable to attend. We are very pleased to learn however that Fr. Staples is again well on the way to his usual health and strength. It is needles to say that the Gaelic Committee are very grateful for his kindness in placing at their disposal the Carmelite Hall on Sunday evening.

Leinster Leader report 23 March 1907 on a concert in Kildare to celebrate St. Patrick's Day

[typed and checked by Breid Kelly on behalf of Cill Dara Historical Society]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:20 PM

KILDARE SNIPPETS FOR 16 MARCH 1907

Leinster Leader 16 March 1907

Kildare Petty Sessions (p. 8)

,,,

(From our Reporter)

The usual fortnightly Petty Sessions were held on Thursday last, before Major Thackeray, R.M. (presiding), Messrs. J. Moore, C. Bergin, and E. Conlan.

RIDING ON THE FOOTPATH.

Constable Joseph Stephenson summoned John Quinn for riding a horse on the footpath. Mr. J. F. Dowling, solicitor, appeared for defendant, and explained that through illness Mr. Quinn could not appear, but he was willing the case should go on. After some legal arguments the case was adjourned.

...

**************************

GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (p. 8)

DUBLIN v. KILDARE IN ATHY.

All the arrangements are complete for the above contest, which takes place on the Show Grounds, Athy, on St. Patrick’s Day. A special train leaves Knightsbridge for Athy Athy, at 12 o’ clock. It will at all intermediate stations. The match is at 2.30, and the return train leave Athy at 7 o’ clock. Tickets-Dublin, 2s.; Sallins, 1s. 6d.; Kildare, 1s. At present the keenest rivalry exists between the above teams. When they last met at Jones’s Road a few weeks ago Kildare went under. But now, when our County team is preparing for the home-final, we confidently expect better things from them. For “style” in play the match on Sunday next will be equal to, if not superior the home final. The Kildare County Committee may be congratulated for providing such an admirable treat for Gaels on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Shamrock Football Club gold medals for the junior teams will be exhibited at the Athy match on Sunday. The medal is a beautiful one, with harp on top circling with shamrocks, and centre for initials.

At the annual meeting of the Shamrock Football Club, held in Kildare, the following resolution was proposed by Mr. J. Dunne, seconded by Mr. J. Duncan, and passed unanimously:-“That we tender to Mr. Flood our best thanks for giving us the use of his field for the past year.”

***************

COUNTY INFIRMARY.

MEAT WANTED.

The Joint Committee will, at the their meeting to be held here on FRIDAY, March 22^nd, 1907, at the hour of Two o’ clock, proceed to consider Tenders for the Supply of Beef and Mutton, Irish, and good quality, to be delivered at the Infirmary as required and cut up by Contractor under direction of Matron, from April 1^st, 1907, to March 31^st, 1908. Sealed Tenders, and addressed to the Presiding Chairman, will be received by me up to an not later than 12 o’ clock noon on day of Meeting. Tender Forms to be had from me on application.

R. KINGSTON, Secretary,

Kildare.

*************

SHAMROCK FOOTBALL CLUB, KILDARE.

The above Club intend carrying out a Football Tournament for a Set of Gold Medals-Open to Junior Teams of Kildare and adjoining counties.

Entries will Close on FRIDAY, 29^th MARCH, 1907, with Hon. Sec.,

MR. JOE WATERS, Kildare.

ENTRANCE FEE, 5s.

Draw will take place on the 31^st March.

***********

Comann Na Gaeilge (p. 4)

COME! COME!

A GRAND CONCERT

WILL BE HELD ON

ST. PATRICK’S NIGHT,

17^th MARCH, 1907

AT THE

WHITE ABBEY, KILDARE,

Under the auspices of the Gaelic League,

Who have secured the services of

CATHAL McGARVEY,

The King of Irish Ireland Entertainers.

STEPHEN O’ BRIEN, Nurney, will give

An exhibition in Step Dancing; also

J. CROSBY AND J. O’ TOOLE.

Jigs, reels, hornpipes galore!

Irish Dialogues, Recitations, Songs, Music

&c. will be rendered by the best local talent.

Doors open at 7 o’ clock. Commence 7.30.

Seats-3s., 2s., 1s.

---------------------

Some interesting snippets on Kildare from the pages of the Leinster Leader for 16 March 1907

[typed and checked by Breid Kelly on behalf of Cill Dara Historical Society]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:59 PM

July 28, 2008

ST. BRIGID

Kildare Observer, 23/6/1888.

BRIGID OF KILDARE, SAINT AND ABBESS.

(450 TO 525)

Out of the mists of miracle there looms before us, thirteen centuries ago in Ireland, the figure of a mighty woman – Brigid (or Bridgett) of Kildare. A woman who, without any doubt, impressed her personality upon her time and country, but whose character and actions can only be outlined by the uncertain light of the traditions of miracle and legend which both conceal and reveal her life.

In whatever way the stories strike us that a globe of fire hovered over the place where Brigid was born; or that the frighted mother came home from the fields on day to find her cottage all ablaze, and to the baby lay laughing with rosy cheeks unscathed amidst the flames; or that a pillar of light shone over the head of the maiden when she took her vows; - believe we these things or believe we them not, they mark one unmistakeable truth – they point to a life of no common order.

Through the halo of these and the many other legends which surround her, Brigid appears a type of all that is best in the character of Irishwomen. We see her first as a bright, assiduous child, sharing all she has with the poor; then as an earnest girl, striving to fulfil her filial duties under difficult and complex conditions; finally, as the self-sacrificing, devout woman, who felt that throughout all her life in all things she has the help of an angel of God while she spent her life for others, teaching and healing their quarrels as well as their diseases.

That her father was of noble birth all the accounts agree. The earlier narrative relate that her mother was a bond-woman, a second Hagar. May it not be that the difficulties brought to her earlier years by the unequal conditions of her parents aided to develop in Brigid that universal sympathy for all living creatures which she seems to have possessed-she not only fed the starving dog, but the wild boar from the woods, rushing down on the swine she was watching, at a word from her became tame. The wild fowl at her call came hovering round, and let her fondle them.

Whether a temporary and opportune blindness really came to her aid in the matter or not does not alter the fact that she overcame the plans her father had made for the marriage of his beautiful and attractive daughter, and early devoted herself to a religious life.

The great apostle of his age and country, St Patrick, received her as his daughter, and became to her as a father. What the great council of bishops was which sought her opinion is not apparently clear, nor the occasion of the visit paid by seven bishops to the saint at Kildare, but these references to her opinion show that her judgment was valued, and that she inspired confidence in the best minds of her time.

Her birthplace was at Fochart, in County Louth but her childhood and youth were passed partly in the west, partly in the south. When her fame grew the inhabitants of Leinster besought her to return to them, and she, seeing in their wishes a diving call, fixed her place of abode under an oak which she much loved-the henceforth famous Kildare (Church of the Oak), where in after years a holy fire was kept perpetually burning on her shrine. There, during her life, both a monastery and nunnery grew up under her rule, with on church in common. At Kildare she was buried, and thence about 1185 her remains were translated to the tomb of Saint Patrick and Saint Columba, that the remains of Ireland’s three greatest saints might rest side by side. There are churches to her honour in many lands, and many places have sought to be connected with her. She is said to have dwelt for a time in the Isle of Man. Abernethy in Scotland, Glastonbury in England have claimed to be her place of burial, the fame of lesser Brides being absorbed in the light of this greatest Bride, Brigid, or Bridgett,

Who rode on the waves of the world,

As the sea-bird rides upon the billow,

Strong in affection, ready in pity, clear in judgment, bright in spirit,-long may Brigid be the type of the daughters of Erin. – H. B. in Womens Suffrage Journal.

A short article from the Women's Suffrage Journal on St. Brigid of Kildare, reprinted in the Kildare Observer newspaper in June 1888.

[typed and edited by Breid Kelly}

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:27 PM

July 08, 2008

KILDARE LOCAL NOTES, COURTS AND FOOTBALL

Leinster Leader February 9^th 1907. p. 5

In Kildare.

It is with pleasure that we learn that Mr. Maguire, of Curragh View, is improving in health daily. The result of the accident was, of course, serious, and Mr. Maguire was in an unconscious state for the greater portion of a week, but now that the “turn for the better” has arrived, his friends will hope for a sign of his usual good health in a few weeks.

--------------------------------

(P 5.)

In Kildare.

We are pleased to learn that Mr. R. E. M. Bailey, of Doneany, Kildare, is recovering from the very serious illness which attacked him some few weeks ago.

***********

Mr. Kennedy, victualler, Kildare, has opened the premises lately held by Mr. McHugh in The Square, and the place having been thoroughly renovated it is now an up-to-date establishment for the business intended

-----------------------------------------

Leinster Leader February 16^th 1907. p. 3

COUNTY COURTS.

COUNTY OF KILDARE.

LIST OF THE SITINGS OF THE COURTS OF

GENERALQUARTER SESSIONS OF THE PEACE

AND OF THE COUNTY COURT.

For the year 1907.

EASTER SITTINGS.

KILDARE- Friday, 5^th April, 1907-Civil Bills and Ejectments, at 10.30 o’ clock.

Appeals from Petty Sessions and Licensing Applications, Applications for Compensation for Criminal Injuries, and Lance Cases, at 12 o’ clock.

Saturday, 6^th April, 1907-Civil Jury Cases.

MICHAELMAS SITTINGS.

KILDARE-Monday 30^th September, 1907-Civil Bills and Ejectments, at 10.30 o’ clock. Appeals from Petty Sessions, Annual Licensing Sessions, Applications for Compensation for Criminal Injuries and Land Sessions, at 12 o’ clock.

(P. 5.)

Kildare Petty Sessions.

(From our Reporter)

The above fortnightly Petty Sessions were held on Thursday, before Major Thackeray, R.M. presiding and Mr. E. Conlan.

ADVISING RESISTANCE.

Head Constable Brown charge Simon Dunne with on the 2^nd February being drunk, using obscene language and with advising some soldiers to resist arrest while they were being taken away by the military provost. The Head Constable described the scene in which he alleged the defendant was constantly shouting to the soldiers who were under arrest not to go with the military provost. In consequence of the conduct of defendant a very large crowd assembled, and he and Constable O’ Brien had to keep them back.

Defendant said he had not been with the soldiers on that evening at all.

Acting Sergeant Grennan deposed that he saw defendant with them a short time before.

Constable O’ Brien described the scene and the difficulty met with by the Head Constable and himself as well as the provost in arresting the offenders. Defendant was the cause of all the trouble and when the military police were making the arrest he shouted, “Don’t go with the b---- provost,” and then some of the soldiers shouted not to go. They had to bring the soldiers to the civil barracks, and the crowd having increased he and the head Constable had to come between them and keep off the crowd.

Sergeant Thos. Gill, mounted military police, deposed that on the occasion in question the military provost went to arrest some soldiers who were obstructing the thoroughfare and using obscene language. The defendant told the men not to go with the provost. One of the soldiers then took off his belt and defendant tried to get him away from them. The crowd was so riotous that the Head Constable and Constable O’ Brien had to assist the provost. The military police could have got away the men quite comfortably but for the conduct of the defendant.

Defendant was fined 10s. 6d. and costs, with the alternative of 14 days.

-------------------------------------------

(P.8.)

KILCULLEN TOURNAMENT.

Two important football matches took place at Kilcullen on Sunday last. The first was a replay between Kildare and Athgarvan; great interest was taken in this match it being their second meeting. On the first occasion Kildare proved victorious scoring 2 goals and 5 points to 1 goal and 1 point for Athgarvan. The play on Sunday last resulted in a win for Athgarvan by 1 point; the scoring being 1 goal and 3 points for Athgarvan to 5 points for Kildare.

CO. KILDARE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMIONSHIP.

The semi-final for the above is fixed for Sunday next, 17^th inst., at Monasterevan, between Kildare and Monasterevan. The ball will be set in motion at 2 p.m. Mr. Joyce Conlon will referee. Admission Free.

---------------------

P. 4

KILDARE

Great Cheap Sale

At DANIEL BOLAND’S

DURING BUILDING OPERATIONS.

In consequence of making extensive alterations I am offering a large and varied Stock of General

DRAPERY GOODS

At greatly Reduced Prices, including

Irish Manufactured Tweed, Serges, Blankets, Flannells, &c., &c.

Youths’ and Mens’ Ready made Suits in Great Variety.

Winsanley’s Celebrated Boots and Shoes,

500 Pairs to select from

DANIEL BOLAND,

Draper, Grocer, Seed and Manure Merchant.

KILDARE.

Some relevant notes regarding Kildare Town from February 1907

[compiled by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Breid Kelly]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:24 PM

June 18, 2008

DEATH OF WOGAN BROWNE FROM THE LONDON TIMES

The Times Feb. 10 1922

Article supplied by MARK MCLOUGHLIN

ARMY OFFICER SHOT DEAD

MOTOR-CAR BANDITS’ CRIME

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

A report reached Dublin to-night that Lieutenant Wogan Brown, R.F.A., attached to the Kildare Barracks, was shot dead at 11.30 this morning by a number of armed men.

Lieutenant Brown was a well-known Rugby football player, and within recent weeks had played as wing three-quarter for the British Army. He was to have played to-morrow in Dublin for Lansdowne, which has now abandoned its matches for the day.

Inquiries show that Lieutenant Brown was coming from the National Bank with £300. On arrival at the corner of Infirmary-road, which is almost opposite the artillery barracks, he was held up by two men, who stepped out of a motor-car.

Lieutenant Brown, it is said, resisted the attempted robbery. He was immediately shot through the forehead and fell dead on the footpath. The men took the money and, jumping into the motor-car, ordered the driver to get up speed. They had the car stopped at a place called the yellowbog, about 1½ miles from Kilcullen. Here they left the car and, threatening the driver, told him to drive on towards Kilcullen. Constabulary and volunteer police are scouring the country, and arrests are expected.

Aerial View of Kildare Town c.1918 courtesy of Mark McLoughlincoloured square shows site of shooting - left of this is the County Infirmary (now The Derby House Hotel) and mid/bottom right is the Artillery Barracks

Having viewed the recent material re. the death of Wogan Browne on the Grey Abbey site, Mark McLoughlin sent in an article from the London Times and an aerial photo of Kildare Town just a few years prior to the shooting. Our thanks to Mark

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:30 PM

1907: COURT APPEARANCES, GAELIC FOOTBALL AND THE ISSUE OF THE MEDICAL SALARY

Leinster Leader February 5^th 1907

Kildare Petty Sessions.

THREE MONTHS FOR A SMOKE.

(From our Reporter)

The usual fortnightly Petty Sessions were held in Kildare on Thursday, before major Thackeray, R.M. (presiding), Mr. Bergin and Mr. Conlan.

DRUNKENNESS.

Thos. Corcoran was charged by Constable Grady with being drunk on the 17^th inst., and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs.

Charged by Constable Sweeney with being drunk, Thom. McDonald was fined 10s. 6d. and costs. It happened to be a fourth offence within twelve months.

NOT IN CHARGE

Constable Stephenson summoned John Nolan for having on the 22^nd ult. left a horse and car on the street without any person in charge. A fine of 2s. and costs was imposed.

The same complainant charged Peter McDonald with being drunk while in charge of an ass and car on the fair day, 22^nd ult. According to the evidence of the Constable, McDonald was very drunk and was nearly falling in front of the car. He was fined 5s. and costs.

Joseph Connor was charged by Constable Stephenson with having his horse and car on the street without any person attending it. The defendant during that time was in a public house. A fine of 5s. and costs was imposed.

Eugene Dowdall charged by the same complainant, was fined 2s. and costs for allowing a horse and cart on the public street without anyone in charge.

“A LITTLE SUP”

Constable O’ Brien summoned Patk. Farrington for being drunk on the 24^th ult. The defendant said he had not taken a drink for some three months previously, but on that occasion he took “a little sup”. He produced a pledge, and the case was adjourned.

ADJOURNED.

Mr. Thos. K. Hinds, Railways Road, applied for a license for the sale of petrol. The application was adjourned for the purpose of enabling the local inspector to investigate the state of the premises where the storage was suggested to be.

THREE MONTHS FOR A SMOKE.

Acting Sergeant Brennan charged John Doyle with being on the premises of Mrs. Butler with fraudulent intent on the night of the 3^rd ult. When passing it appeared that Acting Sergeant Brennan heard the striking of a match in a shed which was off the road, but very near the chapel. He immediately went into the place, where he found there was a quantity of hay and some mattresses.-The defendant said he wanted to go in to light his pipe.

Previous convictions were proved against the defendant including one for cattle stealing in Naas. He was now sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour.

-------------------------------------------------------

(P.8 from an article on the G.A.A. by 'Thigeen Roe.')

...

I am going to add to my long list of celestial well-wishers three more, namely, Father Ramsbottom, Jack Fitzgerald, and William Gogarty. The Kildare-Monasterevan match was fixed for Last Sunday at Monasterevan and duly advertised. At the County Committee meeting it was arranged that either Father Ramsbottom or Jack Fitzgerald should referee the match. This precaution was deemed necessary, owing to the fact that the game was being played on the grounds of one of the competing teams. On Sunday both teams turned out punctually to time, and there was no referee. Neither of the gentlemen turned up. Father Ramsbottom was advertised on the posters as the referee. Why did he not turn up? A large crowd had assembled to witness the game and they were disappointed. Such disappointments are too frequent in Gaelic circles, and to them is due the general public apathy towards the Gaelic games.

--------------------

(P. 8)

KILDARE CUMANN NAOMH PADRAIG.

The boys of Cumann Naomh Padraig wish through your columns to thank the people of Kildare for their generous contribution to their new football club. The following is a list of the subscriptions-Rev. Father Campion, P.P., 6s; Christian Brothers, 5s; Dr. Rowan, 7s; Mr. C. Bergin, Co. C., 5s; Mr. J. Nolan, 2s; Mr. H. Buxton, 2s; Mr. Gavin, 2s; Mr. A. Wilberforce, 2s; Mr. J. Cosgrove, 2s; Mr. M. J. Kennedy, 2s; 1s. each- Mr. R. Kingston, Miss Mahon, Mr. G. McNabb, Mr. James Conway, and Mr. E. Heffernan; Mrs. Southwell, Mr. P. Hodgins, Mr. T. Harte, Mr. M. Fox, Miss Lawlor, Mr. J. Hennessy, Miss Bergin, Miss O’ Connor, Mr. T. Ryan, Miss Heffernan, a. Gael, A Friend, A Gael, Mr. P. Burke, Mr. c. Burke, Mr. Dennehy, Mrs. Bratron, Mrs. Fitxpatrick, Mr. J. Moore, junr.; Mr. C. McCann, Mr. W. Keaning, Constable O’ Brien, 6d; Constable Horgan, 6d; Rev. Father Campion, P.P., has honoured the club by accepting the presidency thereof, and it is not less honoured in having as vice-president Dr. Rowan, who is known to all said lover of boys and their sports. Master James Cosgrove acts as secretary to the club, and Master Laurence Ryan as captain of the team with Master Joseph Ryan as vice-captain. The following are members-Laurence Ryan, Joseph Ryan, James Cosgrove, Patrick Hodgins, Thomas O’ Grady, Patrick Noone, James Kelly, James Maher, Ernest Thomas, Thomas Mullally, Frank Mullally, Martin Hyland, Christy Kinsella, Patrick Kelly, Matthew Dooney, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Patrick Ryan. The rules to be followed are those of the G.A.A. The jersey adopted is a uniform green. On the breast is a white shamrock, bearing the initials C.N.P. The whole outfit is of Irish manufacture supplied by an eminent Dublin firm. Further subscriptions to the club will be gratefully acknowledged by Master J. Cosgrove, Market Square, Kildare.

------------------------------------

p. 8. ? of same issue

LETTER FROM DR. COADY.

The following letter was read:-Titusville, Naas, 29^th January, 1907. Gentlemen,-With reference to your resolution of last Wednesday giving the well-deserved increase of £25 per year each to all the medical officers of your staff except myself I beg to lay before you a few facts which should show you the gross injustice of your exclusion. First, the amount of work to be done in this hospital has almost doubled since my appointment. Compare the numbers for they 1896 and 1907. 1896-In fever hospital, 82; infirmary, 570; total, 652. 1906-In fever hospital, 175; infirmary, 1,016; total, 1,191. Total increase, 539. Second, I have been nearly 23 years in the service of the Board. Third the number of important and serious surgical operations now performed in this hospital and the number of lives saved thereby. All these surgical operations entail an amount of trouble, anxiety, and responsibility on me which, I am sure, if the Board only understood, they would be slow to endorse the statement made by a member last week that the medical officer of the workhouse had not the same responsibility as a dispensary doctor. According to the circular of Dr. Smyth, when he was a candidate for this position, it is ‘the most important and responsible medical appointment in the patronage of the Board.’ No one rejoices more than I do at you recognition of the claims of the other medical officers for their work is hard and their responsibility great, but so is mine, and, as I said before, I have been working for nearly 23 years in your service.- Yours, etc.,

DANIEL P. COADY.

The Chairman remarked that the number of cases in Dr. Murphy’s district was 1,263, in Dr. Coady’s 1,191, while the next largest, that of Dr. Roantree, was only 725. The serious cases occurring in the other districts, too, were shifted in Dr. Coady’s, and any surgical operations to be performed had to be done by him.

Mr. Foynes said Dr. Coady could save as much as the difference to Union in three or six months.

The Clerk said he thought what was intended to be conveyed by the statement that Dr. Coady had not the same responsibility as the others was that he did not incur the same travelling expenses.

The Chairman said the initial salary in the case of Dr. Coady was £130, and the Guardians had arranged to give him £5 extra from the 1^st April next. The initial salaries of the other doctors, except Dr. Ewing, were £125, and the Board arranged to give those doctors and increase of £25 bringing them up to £150, and leaving the medical officer of the workhouse £15 less than any other dispensary doctor except Dr. Ewing, whose salary was a separate and special on. There was at present a dispensary vacant, and they would fill the position next week. The gentleman who would be appointed then would begin at £125, and in a couple of months he would jump to £150, leaving behind after what they might call a few days service, a man who had been 23 years in the service of the Union.

Mr. Foynes: Its’ absurd.

The Chairman said he did not press that view in face of the fact that the Board had unanimously decided by the adoption of a resolution that day week that they would take into consideration any retrospective scheme, but that the doctors should start level from the 1^st.

Some interesting articles from the pages of the Leinster Leader for 5 Feb. 1907

[compiled, typed and edited by Cill Dara Historical Society]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:19 PM

April 02, 2008

DEATH OF WOGAN BROWNE - THE INQUEST

Kildare Observer, Saturday February 18, 1922

Murder of Lieut. Wogan Browne.

THE INQUEST.

An inquest into the cause of death of Lieut J. H. Wogan Browne was opened by Dr. Jeremiah O’ Neill, Deputy Coroner for South Kildare, at the Curragh Military Hospital on Saturday evening at 1 o’ clock, and occupied over three hours. The jury were: Messrs Percy Podger (foreman), Luke Hanlon, Laurence Higgins, James Connor, Jas. Hade, Philip Hade, Maurice Condran, John Magrath, William Rowley, Henry Church, James Clune, Richard Weller, and Enock Poole.

Mr. Lipsett, K.C. (instructed by Mr. C. Blair White, Crown Solicitor). Represented the military authorities.

There were in attendance:- The Brigade Police Officer: Captain Sean Kavanagh, representing the 1^st Eastern Division I.R.A.: Company Officers W. Graham and James Doyle, I.R.A. District-Inspector Queenan, R.T.C., Kildare, having deposed to holding a post mortem.

Patrick Daly, a young man of 18 years, was examined by District-Inspector Queenan, and stated he lived at Cross Keys, Kildare. He was employed by Mr. Kennedy, garage proprietor, at Kildare. He was in the garage on Friday when two young men came in and asked if they could hire a car to leave them in Kilcullen, and asked what would be the charge. I went upstairs and asked the boss, and told them they could have the car for 15s. I asked what time they wanted the car, and if they would have any delay there. They said they would want the car at 11 o’ clock and that they would have no delay – that they merely wanted to be left there. They went in the direction of the Square and came back about 11 o’ clock. The two men waited for a little time, and when the car was ready they started off. They got into the car and Mr. Kennedy’s driver – Thomas Graham – drove the car. I did not see the third man get into the car. I only saw two.

To D.I. Queenan – I described those men to District-Inspector Sweeny.

Thomas Grehan deposed in reply to D.I. Queenan – I am employed as a driver and mechanic by Mr. Kennedy. On yesterday morning I was called at between 11 and quarter past 11 o’ clock to go out with the car. The men came into the shop.

To the Coroner – I saw two men in the Square first about quarter past 10. At quarter past 11 I took out the car and the two men I had seen in the shop got into it. They told me to drive to the Infirmary. When I got to the Post Office going down they said: “Stop at the School gate”. I was a time there, and they said they were waiting for another man to come along. No other man came along until the shooting. They asked me to put up the hood of the car and I did so. One of them helped me to put it up.

To D.I. Queenan – I saw soon afterwards a military officer coming from the direction of the town going towards the military barracks.

D.I. Queenan (to Coroner) – There are many barracks, sir.

Witness – He was coming from the direction of the police barracks. When the military officer approached the car I saw one of the men take out a revolver. He pulled a magazine out of his pocket.

District-Inspector – A revolver?

Witness – No; it was not in the shape of a revolver – a magazine I hear it called.

D.I. Queenan – What did he do then? – He walked towards the officer.

What occurred then? – When he got within a few yards the officer jumped to catch hold of him.

To the Coroner – He jumped apparently to catch hold of him.

To District-Inspector – He presented the weapon. I did not hear any words. They ordered me to start the car.

Coroner – Who ordered you to start?

Witness – One of the men beside me ordered me to start the car. He had a revolver.

To D.I. – The man who ordered me to start had a revolver in his pocket.

Coroner – How do you know that he had it in his pocket? – I saw him take it out of his breast and put it in his coat pocket.

D.I. – Did a second man approach the officer? – He did; yes. The hood was up. I could not see, but I could hear a struggle behind the car on the road. I did not hear any of the men fall.

Did you hear a shot – Yes.

And after the shot what happened – The man that was standing beside the car leaped in beside where I was – on to the seat next to me.

D.I. – Did you see the officer fall? – I did not. The other two men jumped into the car.

Anything else? – Yes; one of the men said “Well, that fellow is done, anyhow”.

D.I. Queenan – That was after he got into the car? – Yes.

Having got into the car, what did they further say? – They said: “Drive on.”

Did they indicate what direction? – Yes; they said “Drive round by the Nunnery.”

And they threatened you? - Yes; they told me that if I went to identify them in any way that there was more than three of them in it, and they would get me something.

During that time what words did they use – did they say anything else to you? – Not that I could hear anyhow.

To Coroner – They said only “Drive quickly”, this several times and nothing more.

To D.I. – I drove them to the bog. I do not know what bog.

To a Juror – It is towards Kildoon.

To D.I. – I do not know it as Maddenstown bog. I drove out for about three miles. They told me to pull up then and they got out of the car.

Did they say anything to you when going out? – Yes; they told me to go to hell or something, and then they told me to take the first turn to the left. That was in the direction of Kildoon. I continued on and came back into Kildare immediately. I did not pass through Suncroft. When I came to Kildare I met you (D.I.Queenan) in the garage.

District-Inspector – In reply to certain questions you made a statement to me? – Yes.

Was it somewhat as you have given hero? – Yes.

You told me roughly what occurred? – Yes.

Did you know any of these men – I did not know any of them.

To the Coroner – They were strangers to me.

To D.I. – I gave a description of them to the Captain of the Volunteers and to the military officer and to the police.

District-Inspector – Did you assist to the best of your ability to trace where these people went? – I did, yes.

D.I. – Did you see anything in their possession afterwards? – They carried the bag.

Coroner – What bag?

Witness – The bag they took from the officer.

To D.I. – The officer threw the bag on the ground when attacked and the man took the bag.

To the Coroner – He brought the bag over to the car. It was a kind of canvas bag

To D.I. – Subsequently when they left my car they took the bag away. When they left the car near Kildoon they took it with them.

Foreman – How long did the incident occupy – the shooting incident?

Coroner – How long was it from the attack until the men got into the car? – It was not more than two minutes.

To a Juror – The car was in the road for five or ten minutes. One man walked over to meet the officer.

To a Juror (Mr. Rowley_ - They told me to take the Tully road. They appeared to know the road thoroughly.

Mr. Rowley – Had they the appearance of country men? – Yes.

To the Coroner – They told me to take the Tully road as if they had some knowledge of the district.

To a Juror – The officer was shot behind the car and the hood was up. I did not see the third man approaching until he humped in. The engine was stopped for five or ten minutes, and when the officer was coming down I was told to re-start it. The man that followed the gentleman walked down by Nolan’s. There was another man who walked across to meet him. Another man remained with me in the car all the time.

Charles Swain, in reply to District-Inspector Queenan, stated: - I am the cashier in the Hibernian bank at Kildare. I remember yesterday morning, 10^th inst. I saw the late Lieut. Browne in the bank about quarter past 11 o’ clock. He presented a cheque for payment. I produced the cheque. He would not have been in the bank more than about five minutes. He carried a small haversack. I know he put the silver in the bag but am not certain about the balance, but they usually put all the cash into it after getting it from me.

D.I. Queenan – How much silver?

Witness – About £20 – that would be four £5 packets. The remainder was in notes - £100 in Bank of Ireland single notes and £15 in Treasury 10s. notes. That would be £135 in all. Mr. Wogan Browne generally came early. He was generally first to come. Friday is the pay day for the Battery.

Did he always go by himself? – Yes two may come together. He always came early and was always alone.

Mrs Lizzie Flanagan, in reply to D.I. Queenan deposed she was married and resided at New Row, Kildare. I was coming down Hospital Street at about 11.00 yesterday morning. When at the Protestant school gate I saw a motor car standing and two men were standing on the footpath. I heard a row, and, turning round, I saw the two civilians and the officer fighting on the road. One of the civilians fell, and then I saw the officer and the other man standing on the road and the shot went off. I then met another officer on the road, and I told him that one of his officers was after being shot. He asked me where, and I said “Just above the corner, sir.” The officer turned back into the barracks. That is all I know.

D.I. Queenan – Did you know any of these people who were scuffling with the officer? – No, sir.

To Mr. Lipsett, K.C. – There was a noise from the motor car. I noticed the car before the officer came up.

To a Juror – I was coming from the police barrack direction. I did not see the third man.

To D.I. Queenan – I noticed the driver, who appeared to be sitting by the wheel.

To the Foreman – I only saw the two men scuffling in the road with the officer.

To Mr. Lipsett. K.C. – She did not notice anyone about. There was not a Christian on the road beside myself.

To D.I. Queenan – I was on the footpath. The hood of the car was up. A man might be round in the shade on the other side. I did not see anyone other than what I have said. I did not notice anyone walking behind the officer. I did not take notice of any.

Driver Harold Onions, R.F.A., examined by D.I. Queenan, stated he was stationed at the Artillery barrack gate at the time of the occurrence. I saw a motor car on the road. It was about 20 minutes to 12 o’ clock. The car was there for about five minutes. I noticed the driver standing in front of the car. I was 150 yards from that point. I did not see anything happening.

Coroner – Did you hear a shot? – Yes, sir; I heard a shot.

Coroner – That was what attracted your attention? – Yes: I saw the officer fall. I only saw the driver in the car. The car moved away immediately the shot went. I could not say how many people were in the car. It was too far away. The hood was up.

To the Coroner – The car went away from me, starting immediately. I saw nothing more.

District-Inspector – Later you went up to where the officer fell? – Yes sir.

And in what condition did you find the officer? – He was lying with his face downwards. I turned him over: he was dead.

Was he bleeding? – Yes, sir.

Did you notice any wound? – He was shot through here (pointing to his forehead).

Coroner – did you turn him over? – Yes, sir. “The wound was over the eye”.

A considerable time was occupied by the post mortem examination by Surgeon F. T. Coady, Kildare, and Captain O’ Malley, R.A.M.C.

Dr. E. T. Coady stated he was called to the Kildare military barracks, where he saw Lieut. Wogan Browne, who was reported to be shot. He found life extinct. He made a post mortem examination, assisted by Captain O’ Malley. The deceased had a wound over the right eye and an abrasion on the left side of the forehead and left side of the chin. There was a wound in the occipital bone. Death was due to laceration of the brain. He found all the organs had been healthy.

To the Coroner – The abrasion may be due to falling on the road. It was a skin abrasion.

Captain O’ Malley. R.A.M.C., sworn, stated he assisted at the post mortem examination. He agreed with Dr. Coady. Death was due to laceration of the brain. There was wound in the occipital bone over the right eye, and portion of the temple bone was fractured. The heart and lungs were normal, as were the abdominal viscera.

Coroner – do you agree with Dr. Coady as to the abrasion on the face?

Witness – Absolutely.

The Coroner said the evidence in the case was very clear. It was shown that the officer was attacked at Kildare, and that he was fired at and shot. They had evidence of the shooting and they had the doctors evidence, which showed that a bullet entered the frontal bone and the brain, causing death. It appears to me the only verdict is wilful murder against some person or persons unknown. It is, of course, gentlemen, for you to say what is your verdict.

The Coroner added – Lieut. J. H. Wogan Browne comes of an old and distinguished Co. Kildare family that had hundreds of gallant gentleman famous in history and in story, and it is for you, gentlemen, should you so desire, to express your strong condemnation of the dastardly crime committed in your midst, a crime absolutely un-Irish and which one could understand in some of the larger cities of the world, but not here – a crime absolutely devoid of any political significance, and apparently perpetrated for money in the young officer’s possession. Further, gentlemen, it is the duty of loyal Irishmen to give every assistance to the Provisional Government to bring the authors of this outrage, culminating in the death of this young and promising officer, to justice. You, gentlemen, should you desire, can express your deep sympathy and pass a vote of condolence with the family of the deceased, which I shall duly convey to the relatives.

The jury, having deliberated for some time, found that death was due to injury to the brain, caused by a gunshot wound inflicted by some person or persons unknown and returned a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

Mr. Clune (juror) said the views of the jury were expressed in the full statement made by the Coroner with reference to the deceased officer. The jury expressed their abhorrence of the crime, which had been so foully committed in their midst, and conveyed to the relatives of the deceased an expression of deep sympathy.

The Inquest into the death of Wogan Browne. Tonight Wednesday 2 April 2008 James Durney will deliver a talk for the Cill Dara Historical Society, on The Death of Wogan Browne in the Kildare Education Centre (old parochial house), Kildare Town at 8 p.m.

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Breid Kelly - the report here on the inquest is an excerpt from a larger report in the Kildare Observer which also described in detail the funeral of Lt. Wogan Browne]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:21 PM

DEATH OF WOGAN BROWNE - THE FUNERAL

Tonight Wednesday 2 April 2008 James Durney will deliver a talk for the Cill Dara Historical Society, on The Death of Wogan Browne in the Kildare Education Centre (old parochial house), Kildare Town at 8 p.m.

Kildare Observer, Saturday February 18, 1922.

Murder of Lieut. Wogan Browne.

£135 MISSING.

IMPRESSIVE MILITARY FUNERAL AT NAAS.

No incident that has occurred in County Kildare within living memory has occasioned more widespread horror and condemnation than the murder and highway robbery of Lieut. J. H. Wogan Browne, R.F.A., at Kildare, in broad-day light on Friday last. All classes and Creeds united in condemning in the strongest manner possible such a terrible outrage. Lieut. Wogan Browne was a fine specimen of young manhood, who had only reached the age of 22 years at the time he was done to death while serving with his regiment in his native county of Kildare. From the details that can be gathered, it would appear the young officer was in the habit of calling at the Hibernian Bank each Friday morning for cash for the payment of his men at Kildare R.F.A. barracks. About 11.30 on that day in question he called at the bank and received a sum of about £135. He then left the bank and proceeded towards the barracks. At the corner of Infirmary road a Ford motor car stood. This had previously been hired at a local garage by three men, who had paid 15s., it appears for the use of the car, ostensibly to convey a patient from the infirmary. As Lieut. Wogan Browne approached the car he was held up by two men, who snatched the money from him and dashed for the waiting car. The lieutenant attempted to grapple with the men for the recovery of the money when, it is stated one of the men sitting in the car fired point-blank at him with a revolver. The bullet passed through his eye and he collapsed on the roadway, death being almost instantaneous. Meanwhile the driver of the motor was told by the three men to drive off as speedily as he could across Infirmary road and in the direction of Kildoon, revolvers being held to his head. He did as he was bidden, and having covered some few miles the car was stopped in Kildoon bog, the desperadoes dismounted and told him to return to Kildare, which he did. Later military police and I.R.A. united in a search for the miscreants. Several arrests were made later by the I.R. police, but so far no proceedings have been taken, although at least two of the men apprehended were detained and conveyed to Naas, where they have since been held.

Lieut. Wogan Browne was the youngest son of Colonel Wogan Browne, of Keredorn, Naas, and therefore a member of one of Kildare’s and indeed Ireland’s oldest Catholic families.

-------------------------------------

A PROMISING ATHLETE.

Lieut. Wogan Browne was a prominent member of the Landsdowne Football Club, for which he did excellent service during the season just closing. A fast, clever, and resourceful three-quarter back, he helped materially to place his club in the proud position that it now holds in Irish Senior Rugby. He was also played for the Army in representatives matches. As an athlete Mr. Wogan Browne earned distinction. He won many prizes on the track, and was in the first class as a half mile runner.

... [in original Inquest comes next]

KILDARE’S SYMPATHY

The Coroner said he would have the vote of sympathy duly conveyed to the relatives. He had also been handed by the Rev. Fr. Waldron, C.C., a few minutes previously, a copy of the following resolution, passed at a meeting of the people of Kildare that day, expressing sympathy with the deceased:- “That we, as representing every creed and section of the community in Kildare, hereby express on their behalf our deep abhorrence of the two-fold outrage of highway robbery and murder of which our town has been made the scene, and that we beg most respectfully to convey on behalf of the people of Kildare our heartfelt sympathy with the family, relatives and brother officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the late Lieut. J. H. Wogan Browne.”

(The meeting in question was presided over by Rev. Thomas Kelly, O.C.C., and amongst the representative attendance were:- Rev. Father Waldron, Very Rev. Dean Waller, Dr. E.F. Rowan, Messrs. T. McHugh, E. Heffernan, J. Bergin, J. Cosgrove, V.S., Thomas Kelly, N Hanagan, James Nolan, P. J. Connolly, Thos. Fitzpatrick, J.J. O’ Driscoll, M.P.S.I., Chas. Heffernan, J. Forsyth, S. Bratton, C.P.S., D. Boland, C. Hackett, M. Dennehy, N. McNabb, D.J. Carbery, J. Breslin, J. Ryan, J. Byrne, P. Moore, J. Conlan).

Captain Sean Kavanagh, Liason Officer, I.R.A., said, as representing the Eastern Division, he desired with the officers present to associate himself with the expression of deep sympathy. He wished to say that everything possible was being done by them, acting with the military and Royal Irish Constabulary, and he sincerely hoped their efforts would be successful.

District-Inspector Queenan – I beg to associate myself with the sympathy expressed, and think it right to say that the local Volunteer police in the present case have done everything they possibly could and spared no pains. They gave us every assistance, and have worked with us harmoniously. He hoped their continued joint efforts would result successfully.

The senior military officer present said on behalf of their authorities he appreciated the expression of condemnation by the jury of this foul and cold-blooded murder. He was sure the military authorities appreciated also the expression from the people of Kildare, who, as well as the jury, knew this young officer. He had also to bear tribute to the help which had been given by the officers of the Provisional Government. He hoped the joint efforts of the military, the police and the I.R.A. would be successful. This was an act for which there was no excuse. It was a foul murder committed for the basest reason. It showed well for the future of their land when all came together, and when the I.R.A. and their Liason Officer for the district were working jointly with the police and military in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of this foul murder to justice.

THE FUNERAL.

On Tuesday morning at 11.30 the funeral of the murdered officer took place to the New Cemetery, Naas, after Mass at the Curragh. The cortege pulled up at the military barracks, Naas, where it reformed. A firing party from the deceased officer’s regiment, the R.F.A., marched at the head of the funeral procession with arms reversed. Next came the band of the K.S.L.I. from the Curragh, playing the solemn strains of the Dead March in Sam (and later near the cemetery, Bethoven’s funeral march). Then came a gun carriage drawn by eight horses with outriders bearing the coffin draped in the Union Jack. Placed on the coffin were the dead officer’s sword and cap. Behind came his charger lead by a trooper. The top boots of the deceased were fixed in the stirrups reversed. Next followed Colonel Wogan Browne, father of the deceased, with two other relatives. After this in the procession marched a detachment of the men of the R.F.A., carrying twenty-four beautiful wreaths and behind a number of buglers followed by some hundred of the county gentry, officers and men of the deceased’s regiment and thousands of townspeople of every class and creed. The spectacle was the most impressive one ever seen in Naas, where military funerals have often passed through the streets, but nothing even remotely approaching in impressiveness and size this demonstration of grief for a young townsman, than whom we understand no more popular officer has ever served his country. For the first time in the history of relations between the military and the people of the country for the past few years was seen a complete co-mingling of the old and the new forces, police and the general public. All business and private houses were closed and shuttered as the procession passed through the town. The 1^st Eastern Division I.R.A. was represented by the following members of the Staff of the 7^th Brigade:- Brigade Commandant T. Lawler, Adjutant P. Tuile, Quartermaster Kelly, Brigade Engineer P. Lawler, the Brigade I.O. Capt. Sean Kavanagh, Liason Officer, Brigade Police Officer McKenna, and the local Battalion Police Officer. The prayers at the graveside, where there was a huge gathering were recited by Rev. M. Norris, P.P. assisted by Rev. Fr. Doyle, C.C.; Rev. Fr. Tierney C.C., and Rev. Fr. Kelly O.C.C., Kildare.

The remains having been deposited in the grave, the Last Post was sounded and three volleys were fired over the grave by the firing party. So huge was the throng at the cemetery that entrance had to be regulated by the Brigade Police Officer and his men, assisted by members of the military police. Three representatives of the Lansdowne Football Club attended the funeral and marched in the procession.

LIST OF WREATHS.

Amongst the many beautiful wreaths laid upon the grave were the following:-

“Dearest Jack, with his father’s love; “Jack, with deep sympathy, from Frank and Fred”; “Dearest Jack, with love from his three sister, Molly, Judith and Claire”; “From Lieut-Col and Mrs. A.J. Wogan Browne and Miss Wogan Browne, with very deepest sympathy”.; “In loving memory of dear Uncle Jack, from Betty, Joan, John, Barry and Mary”.; “With deepest sympathy from all at Killashee”.; “With deepesty sympathy from Miss de Robeek”.; With deepest sympathy from Mrs. James Robertson and family”.; “In proud memory and in deep sympathy from Col. Commandant and Mrs W.B.R. Sandys and Miss Sandys”.; “With deepest sympathy from Colonel and Mrs. W.J. Honner”.; “With deepest sympathy from the Officer, R.A. Kildare”.; “With deepest sympathy from the Officers 4^th Brigade, R.H.A., Kildare”.; With deepest sympathy from the people of Kildare Town”.; “With deepesty sympathy from Officers 36^th Brigade, R.F.A., Newbridge”.; “With deepest sympathy from the Officer, N.C.O.’s and Men 18^th Battery R.F.A., Kildare”.; “With deepest sympathy from the Junior N.C.O.’s and Men 17^th Battery, R.F.A. Kildare”.; “With deepest sympathy from the junior N.C.O.’s, R.A., Newbridge”.; “With deepest sympathy from W.O.’s, Staff-Sergts. And Sergts. R.A. Mess, Newbridge”.; “With deepest sympathy from N.C.O.’s 71^st Brigade R.F.A..; “With deepest sympathy from the N.C.O.’s and Men 142^nd Battery, R.F.A.”.; “With deepest sympathy from the Sergeants, Royal Artillery, Kildare”.; “With deepest sympathy from John J. Moriarty”: “With sincere sympathy from T. L. Harrington”: “With love and deepest sympathy from all at Carrig, Queenstown.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sir, - I should like to thank all the inhabitants of Kildare for the beautiful wreath they so kindly sent for the funeral to-day. I should also like to thank you all again for the resolution which was passed on Saturday, and which was received with much pride and gratification by the relatives as well as by all of us.

Yours truly,

W. SANDYS, Colonel-Commandant,

C.R.A., 5^th Division.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

31. Fitzwilliam Square Dublin,

20^th February, 1922.

Colonel Wogan Browne greatly appreciates the resolution passed at the meeting of the Naas Urban Council on the 14^th inst., and desires to send his heartfelt thanks for the expression of deep sympathy from him and his family which they have sent him in the name of the people of Naas on the sorrowful occasion of his dear son’s death.

Reports on the funeral of Wogan Browne. Tonight Wednesday 2 April 2008 James Durney will deliver a talk for the Cill Dara Historical Society, on The Death of Wogan Browne in the Kildare Education Centre (old parochial house), Kildare Town at 8 p.m.

[complied and edited by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Breid Kelly]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:10 PM

DEATH OF LT. WOGAN BROWNE - VOTES OF SYMPATHY

Kildare Observer, 25/2/1922

The Late Lieut. J. H. Wogan Browne.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF PEOPLE’S SYMPATHY.

The following letters have been forwarded to us for publication:-

31. Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin,

15^th. February, 1922.

Colonel F. Wogan Browne and family desire to express their deep appreciation of the resolution passed at the meeting of the people of Kildare on Saturday last, and to send them their warmest thanks for the kindly feelings they have shown them in these sorrowful circumstances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

36^th. Brigade,

Royal Field Artillery.

To Rev. Thos. P. Kelly, O.C.C.

On behalf of the Officers, Warrant-Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the 36^th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, I thank the people of Kildare for their very kind and thoughtful act in passing a resolution of sympathy with us in our great sorrow for the loss of our beloved comrade, the late Lieut. John Hubert Wogan Browne.

L. E. WARREN. Lieut.-Col., R.F.A.,

Commanding 36^th Brigade, R.F.A.

Newbridge, 12^th. Feb., 1922.

Kildare

14^th February, 1922.

KILDARE OBSERVER, 11/2/1922, P. 5

Terrible tragedy at Kildare.

An appalling tragedy, evidently arising out of an attack for the purpose of robbery, occurred at Kildare to-day (Friday). It would appear the Lieut. J. Wogan Browne proceeded to the Bank at Kildare and on leaving about 11-30 a.m. was met by three men who had arrived in a motor, and by whom he was attacked. They seized the money, but Lieut. Wogan Browne made a dash to recover it and was fired at by the men, who were armed. He was shot through the head and died almost immediately. The tragedy created a sensation in Kildare.

Lieut. Wogan Browne was a young soldier, and only surviving son of Colonel Wogan Browne, formerly of Keredern, Naas.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE KILDARE OBSERVER, 18/2/1922.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE KILDARE MURDER.

To the Editor, “Kildare Observer.”

Cildara,

14^th February, 1922.

A Cara, - As one result, it is now clear of the terrible tragedy enacted in this town on last Friday a straining has arisen of the good relations which have hitherto existed, even through the recent troubles, between the local garrisons and the civil population. The first evidence of this was the hostile demonstration made by a number of the military in Kildare on Friday night. Another is to be found in the fact the people who have been trading with the local garrison and the Curragh Camp had had their passes “stopped,” which is a serious matter for most of them, whose chief support was derived from this trading. Any statement, therefore, which would help to relieve this tension, or remove all grounds for it, is not I think, out of place, and it is with this hope that I, as a magistrate of this town, feel called upon to ask for a little bit of your space.

At a very representative meeting of the townspeople, held on the day after the tragedy, to express their abhorrence of the crime, and their heartfelt sympathy with the family, fellow officer, and regiment of the deceased, who was so universally respected, a gentleman stated that he was informed by a military officer that persons who were present when or immediately after the fatal shot was fired, refused to give any help to the soldier who tried to carry deceased into the barracks; but, on the contrary, “laughed and jeered”, and, as it were, “connived at the terrible deed. He said, further, that this was “quite true – a fact a positive fact.” (I indicate the words actually used)

A charge of this kind, made with such emphasis, was as serious a one as could well be made against the manhood of any community. I say manhood, because we must suppose that those present, or alleged to be, were an average sample of the townspeople generally. And the demonstration afterwards made against civilians generally, and also the stopping of passes bear out the view that by the action – or inaction – of those present or alleged to be, the whole community were being judged. It was preposterous to ask people on any evidence short of a most rigid inquiry on oath, to believe that fellow-men could adopt such a callously inhuman attitude as this at such a moment. For my own part, I could do no less that I did, when I heard that charge and I stated my belief that it was a gross slander. The gentleman who had made the statement thereupon claimed the “protection” of the chair, I do not know why, I did not refer to slanderers and indeed had no idea who first made the charge. It was the people who were spoken of in such terms, in their absence, who, to my mind, most required protection.

I had only expressed an opinion, but it was left to the next speaker to testify directly CONTRA. He told us that his brother was on the scene just after the crime was perpetrated; that he saw a soldier hurry from the lower barrack gate to where deceased lay: that he asked for no help, that he succeeded in carrying deceased some distance towards the barrack gate and then fell and lay on the ground in a fainting condition, I regret to say that although this gentleman’s statement seems to be accepted as conclusive by all present, the original statement of which it was a refutation, was not withdrawn, nor indeed modified.

It seems clear, therefore, that the military demonstration on that night was due to the impression conveyed by some channel or other to the demonstrators that some of the townspeople had been guilty of a most un-christian display of inhumanity and that they should be made to feel that. If the charge had been true, and were applicable to the public generally, the latter would not have much to complain of, I think, if the demonstration had been much stronger. But it was to say the least of it disconcerting that any body of men could even suspect of such foulness a community who, I do not hesitate to say, felt as horror stricken and aggrieved over the death of a gentleman who (with his family) was so universally respected, as did his own military comrades. And the unceasing search for the perpetrators, day and night, by every man here who is permitted or authorised to do so, speaks for itself.

Mise,

L. ROWAN.

Articles from the Kildare Observer commenting on the death of Lt. John Hubert Wogan Browne at Kildare in February 1922

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Breid Kelly]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:57 AM

March 05, 2008

1907 FEBRUARY 5 - SOME INTERESTING AUCTIONS AND LOCAL NEWS

Leinster Leader February 5^th 1907 p. 1.

CO. KILDARE

GRASS LANDS AT LOUGHMINANE AND

SOUTH GREEN, KILDARE.

SUBSCRIBER is instructed to Set

On Thursday next 10^th January, 1907,

For G. G. Dunne, Esq.

The Lands at Loughminane, containing 47

Acres, in one or two lots for feeding cattle and

Sheep to 15^th December 1907.

Terms-The Stock will be herded in the

Usual way according to custom, but the Owner

Will not be accountable for loss or accident.

A deposit of One-fourth for the Rent with 5 per

Cent Fees on day of letting. Balance of Rent by

Bill free of interest to purchaser, payable

21^st Septermber, 1907.

Sale on the Lands at 2 o’ clock.

---------------

At same time will be Let for Miss Dunne,

Part of the Lands of South Green, containing

20a or 20p, I.P.M., for feeding cattle and

sheep for same time and terms as above.

WM. COONEY,

Auctioneer, ENFIELD.

-------------------------------------

DRUMCREE VILLA, TULLY

(2 miles from Kildare).

------------------

SALE OF HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,

&C., PONIES TRAPS AND HARNESS,

On MONDAY, 7^th JANUARY,

At 12 o’ clock.

Particulars from the Auctioneer.

ROBERT J GOFF & CO.,

1 HENRY STREET, NEWBRIDGE.

In Kildare

It was with much regret the news of the accident to Mr. t. Maguire, Curragh View, came to his friends in the county and outside. It happened that on Friday last he was schooling a young horse, and the animal endeavouring to throw him, failed, when it suddenly reared up and rolled over the unfortunate rider. When released it was found that Mr. Maguire was unconscious, and Dr. Coady was quickly on the scene. It was then found that Mr. Maguire had sustained a fracture of the skull and he was immediately removed to his residence at Curragh View, after which Surgeon McArdle and Dr. Lane Jovut word sent for, and arrived with promptitude.

****************

Mr. J. J. Hazlett, C.E., was on Tuesday last the guest of the Kildare Rugby and Cricket Clubs at Miss Talbot’s Hotel. The occasion of his departure to take over a position in connection with the Land Commission in Dublin was availed of by his friends in Kidare to show their appreciation of him during the three years he had spent there. Some 20 members sat down to supper, and afterwards on his being moved to the chair Mr. P. Talbot, in a very happy speech made the presentation, on behalf of the committee, of a gold watch and chain to Mr. Hazlett, who suitably replied. A pleasant evening was spent.

***************

Mrs. Elizabeth Waters of Hospital Street, Kildare, died on Tuesday last very suddenly at her residence. It was afterwards discovered that her death had resulted from an apopletic seizure. Much sorrow was felt at the demise of Mrs. Waters in the town, where she was so well known and deservedly popular. The funeral on Thursday was very largely attended by all classes in the town and district, and testified to the sympathy which is felt for her relatives.

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Breid Kelly]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:06 PM

February 25, 2008

LEINSTER LEADER ADVERTS 1935 - including unveiling of CIVIL WAR MONUMENT MARKET SQUARE

Leinster Leader 13/4/1935, p. 10.

ADVERTS

DANCING

ANOTHER POPULAR BIG NIGHT

AT KILDARE

ON EASTER SUNDAY

BAND BY MISS SHEILA DUNNE.

BAR, SUPPER, REFRESHMENTS.

NOVELTIES, LIMELIGHTS, ETC.

GENT’S, 5/-; LADIES, 3/6.

DANCING-10.30 P.M.

764zla13

SAME PAGE

I.R.A. NATIONAL

COMMEMORATION

IN KILDARE,

ON EASTER SUNDAY.

PROCESSION FALLS IN AT 2.30.

1. Droichead Nua Band

2. Fianna Fail And I.R.A

3. Monasterevan Band

4. Old I.R.A.

5. Mullaghmast Band

6. Cumann na mBan, Sinn Fein,

G.A.A., Gaelic League and Camogie

Clubs.

7. Rathangan Band

8. Labour Bodies

9. Inchaquire Band

10. General Public

Memorials will be unveiled by Rev. Father

O’Flanagan at 3 p.m.

364a2a20

TWO RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS WEBSITE

July 18, 2005

Large gathering of Republicans on the

Market Square

1935

Footnote by Mario Corrigan: The clergy had played a pivotal role in the development of Kildare Town and in the local organisations and the events arranged by the people of the town. In 1935 the monument to the seven men executed in the civil war was unveiled on the Market Square and the invited guest speaker was also a cleric. His speech was not of development and co-operation but a highly charged political tirade against the opponents of republicans and the I.R.A. It reminds us of the political atmosphere of the time and also how tensions in the local community remained high long after the Civil War. Even when I was growing up in the seventies I remember that you were told not to ask about that particular incident. A lecture given by Adrian Mullowney a couple of years ago in the C.Y.M.S. hall, for the local Historical Society, was probably the first time the matter had ever been publicly discussed in the town in 80 years or more.

January 05, 2007

Civil War Memories and Anecdotes

Two adverts from the pages of the Leinster Leader of 1935 for events for Easter Sunday including the unveiling of the Civil War Monument on the Market Square in Kildare Town

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:41 PM

February 18, 2008

1907 - January Sale

Leinster Leader 5 January 1907 p. 1

Advertisement

Sale of grasslands at Loughminane and South Green, Kildare.

Sale of household furniture at Drumcree Villa, Tully.

Letting of grazing at the Chair, Kildare.

Advertisments from 5 January 1907

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; edited and typed by Breid Kelly; special thanks to Cill Dara Historical Society]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:16 PM

January 1957 - Newspaper Reports

LEINSTER LEADER 1 JANUARY 1957.

KILDARE OLD FOLKS’ REUNION.

Sunday last was a red letter day for over one hundred “old folk” resident in Kildare Parish. They were guests of honour at a dinner and social arranged by the local Muintir na Tire Guild – and they certainly did justice to the fare offered in the C.Y.M.S. Hall, and then showed their appreciation by making the rafters of the building ring in the whole-hearted and enthusiastic sing-song which followed.

Listening to them sing one could not but appreciate the truth of the old saying – “you are as old as you feel”; certainly quite a few of the eighty-and-over-year-olds present could give the lead to some of today’s rock-n’-rolling youngsters who have everything but the vitality to give conviction to the “practices” which they preach so vehemently but fail so lamentably to make convincing.

But perhaps Parish Priest, Very Rev. P. MacSuibhne put the whole idea into proper perspective when he welcomed his elders by telling them that they were under no obligation whatever for the few hours of leisure and enjoyment being offered to them.

“You are here because it is your right to be here”, adubhairt An t-Athair MacSuibhne, “and you can rest assured that it gives the organisers and the people of this Parish the greatest pleasure to be able to give you all this opportunity of showing just how much you are appreciated.”

And what an evening they made of it, those pensioners on whom the years rest so lightly! From the first course (prime oxtail soup, take our word for it) they moved majestically through turkey, ham, sprouts, celery and all the trimmings to reach their highest peak of satisfaction and appreciation when, with all due honours, a blazing Christmas pudding was ceremoniously piped through the dining-room before being apportioned to the delighted guests.

Coffee (or tea) and biscuits gave way to the sing-song which proved so enjoyable and the guests went home with light hearts-and, no doubt, brighter hopes for the future. Might we venture to suggest the Kildare have set a headline which many other parishes would do well to follow?

******************

3,000 Fewer Cars Registered in Kildare.

An official of the taxation department of Kildare Co. Council told our representative today (Thursday) that the total number of vehicles registered was 3,400, whereas last year the total registration was 6,782. Allowing for several hundred latecomers this means that at least 3,000 motor vehicles in the county may be laid up until the petrol rationing is over.

On inquiry at Naas garages it was ascertained that the demand for petrol with coupons is meagre and the same state of affairs appear to exist all over the country.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

LEINSTER LEADER 5 JANUARY 1957 p. 7

Kildare and Droichead Nua

Christy Dempsey, 7 years old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dempsey, Rahilla, Kildare, was removed to the local hospital on Christmas Day suffering from injuries received when struck by a motor car near his home. On Monday it was learned that the youngster’s condition was satisfactory.

It is understood that the boy was engaged in a gem of “Cow-boys and Indians” with some other children at his home an ran through a gateway on to the road just as the car was passing. Struck by the vehicle, he was thrown into the air, landed on the bonnet and rolled into the ditch just as the motorist came to a halt. The boy was fortunate to have escaped more serious injuries.

Christmas in the Churches.

St. Brigid’s Parish Church, Kildare was packed to overflowing for the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, celebrant of the Mass was Rev. Fr. MacInerney, C.C. and a feature was the inspiring number of Holy Communicants.

Doctor Bereaved.

Dr. Cornelius O’ Driscoll, whose death has occurred at his residence, Cardiff, Wales was brother of Dr. J.J. O’ Driscoll, Kildare. A native of Innisbeg, Skibereen, Co. Cork, the late Dr. O’ Driscoll graduated at Edinburgh University, and served in the R.A.M.C. during the First World War. For the past forty years he had been a prominent member of the medical profession in Cardiff. He is survived by his widow and two daughters: Dr. O’ Driscoll of Manchester, and Dr. O’ Driscoll of Kildare, (brothers): and by his sister, Miss Elizabeth O’ Driscoll, Skibereen, Co. Cork.

Up Goes the Water.

Monday last was a “black letter day” for many of Kildare’s business people. Reason was the appearance of an official to read the water meters in their various premises forerunner of the new charges for water supply which will come into operation from Jan. 1^st.

One businessman told our representative that the new charges will cost him an extra ₤10 per year (based on the amount of water used last year). There was no comment when a visitor from overseas interjected “Ireland must be the only country in the world where you have to pay for water.”

Garda Transferred.

Garda Connolly, Kildare, is on temporary duty in Dundalk; he is one of a number of Gardai transferred to the Northern station in connection with the recent incidents in the Six Counties.

C.I.E. Official’s Death.

General regret was caused in Kildare by the death of Mr. R. D. Cousins, C.I.E. official. The late Mr. Cousins was attached to the Railway Company for a lengthy period and for some years past had acted as a relief station master operating throughout the Republic. A brother of Mr. Patk. Cousins, Dunmurray Road, he was educated at De La Salle Schools, Kildare, and in his youth was a member of Fianna Eireann. A Guard of Honour of Kildare Company, Old I.R.A., paid customary honours at a very largely attended funeral to New Cemetery, Kildare, on St. Stephen’s Day, and the coffin was draped with the Tri-colour.

---------------------------------------------

LEINSTER LEADER 5 JANUARY 1957. p. 5

Kildare Flier Killed.

Thomas Breslin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Breslin, Station Rd., Kildare, was killed in a plane crash at Fermoy on Thursday forenoon. Deceased was attached to the Irish Air Force and the plane was an Air Force Machine.

Some articles relating to Kildare Town from the Leinster Leader for January 1957

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; edited and typed by Breid Kelly; special thanks to Cill Dara Historical Society]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:07 PM

February 11, 2008

EVICTION AT TULLY - EXTRAORDINARY PRESS REPORT

Leinster Leader 13/10/1888 p. 7.

Cannibalism near Kildare.

AN EMERGENCY MAN IN TROUBLE

On Saturday last a special Court was held by the local Justices at Kildare-Messrs. J. E. Medlicott, S. Chaplin, M.D., and Matt. Lee-to hear a charge against one of the Emergency-men employed by Mr. Thomas Hendrick, Kerdiffstown, Naas, on the farm of Tully, Kildare, from which he evicted, under remarkably cruel and heartless circumstances, Mr. Patrick Moran. This person, who hails from Baltinglass, and who was known in connection with a serious offence committed on the Naas and Baltinglass branch of the Great Southern and Western Railway some months ago, was charged with eating a finger off his wife on the previous day. There was, evidently, no doubt of the fellow’s guilt, since he was sent to prison for two months; but it is not known whether he will be expected to do any work during his incarceration. Had this case been dealt with in the usual course, the accused would have been remanded to next Petty Sessions; but it is evident those dispensers of justice were desirous of preventing the public from getting a knowledge of the class of ruffians employed by their brother Justice. Had it been an evicted tenant, who was charged with resuming possession of his home, they would hardly hold a Special Court to deal leniently with him; and we have a shrewd suspicion that, even if the interesting cannibal above-mentioned were to be tried at the usual Petty Sessions Court, some of them would find a dirty excuse for his absence.

A strange case of a cannibalistic 'Emergency Man' from the pages of the Leinster Leader, 13 October 1888.

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan ; typed and edited by Breid]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:30 PM

January 23, 2008

KILDARE SPORTS ABANDONED AND DRAMA AT THE PICTURE PALACE

Leinster Leader 24/8/1918 p. 4.

ADVERT

KILDARE ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Owing to the inability to procure a suitable field, the above Sports, advertised to be held on September 1^st, HAS BEEN ABANDONED.

SAME PAGE

PICTURE PALACE, KILDARE.

For 3 nights only, commencing Thursday, 29th August, 1918.

Special Return Visit of Mr. W. Dobell’s Dramatic Company.

Each Evening at 7.30.; Doors Open at 7 o’clock.

Thursday, August 29th, “The Female Swindler.”

Friday, August 30th, “The Hidden Treasure of The O’Hara’s.” (An Irish Drama in 4 acts).

Saturday, August 31st, “The Worst Woman in London.”

Popular Prices, 2/-, 1/3 and 8d.

Reserved Seats, 2/-, can be booked at Miss Malone’s, Stationer, Kildare.

Some notices of Kildare Town interest from the Leinster Leader of August 1918.

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Maria and Breid]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:33 PM

August 29, 2007

The Tower on the Hill of Allen

Leinster Leader, August 3rd 1963.

A Leinster Landmark

The tower on The Hill of Allen

Eileen Ryan

        One of Leinster’s best known landmarks, and the one which probably lingers longest in the memory of the county’s exiles is the Tower on the Hill of Allen. Its outline appearing on the horizon means home for so many returning Kildare people.
        Known locally as “Aylmer’s Folly,” The Tower was the strange idea of a man who was in the year 1798, Sir Gerald George Aylmer, of Donadea Castle, Co. Kildare.
        Commenced in 1859, the work of building the Tower continued during the summer months only of the subsequent four years, as the position was too exposed for masonry work during the winter. There does not appear to have been any architect or engineer.

PURPOSE UNCERTAIN

Two masons named Lawrence and William Gorry, brothers, built the Tower, and their names are cut on the landing at the top of the stairs. The purpose for which the tower was erected is uncertain. William Gorry had been bound to the trade at the age of sixteen years, in the year 1846. He frequently worked at Donadea Castle, and often told how Sir Gerald would look across from there to Allen hill and say “I’ll build something on that.” He would examine the work as it proceeded, and tell the masons that it was better to spend his money giving employment than paying engineers.
The Hill of Allen lies about five miles to the north of Kildare, and commands an extensive view of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains, and the surrounding immense bog to which it gives its name. It is renowned as having been the site of the royal residence of the famed champion, Finn Mac Cumhail, a real historical character that flourished there in the latter end of the 3rd century.

FAINT TRACES

        There are now but faint traces to indicate the site of the royal palace. The summit of the Hill is very level and was formerly surrounded by earth entrenchments. A small mound called Suidh-Fionn, Finn’s Chair, occupies the highest point, and in its centre stands the Tower.
        In an age when labour-saving machinery and materials were unknown the erection of the Tower on such an elevation must have been a formidable undertaking. When digging the foundations the workmen discovered a cave, nine feet deep, filled with soft clay at the bottom of which they came upon a remarkably large human skeleton, which was believed in the neighbourhood to have been that of the giant Finn MacCumhail.
        The Tower is about 60 feet high, the base of it being 676 feet above sea-level, and the internal diameter is 9 feet. It is built of limestone, quarried and cut at Edenderry, and brought from there to Robertstown by canal, and carted to the Hill by Sir Gerald’s tenants. He promised that their names would be cut as “an everlasting memorial” on the steps of the Tower. There are eighty-three steps, and on each one name is inscribed, making a list in stone of the ancestors of many families still living in the Allen district.

FROM BALLYKNOCKAN

        Three canons formerly stood at Donadea Castle, and from one of these the wheels were borrowed for the four-wheeled lorry which conveyed the stones to the top of the Hill. The granite coping and steps, and the pedestal of the table at the top of the Tower, came from Ballyknockan, CoWicklow, and the limestone table from Edenderry. On the Hill of Allen itself was quarried the stone which lines the tower.
        William Gorry and his brother completed their work by placing a copper-framed glass dome on the tower, and a railing around the building.
        On the outside of the tower numerous inscriptions are scattered, and on the flags inside the iron railing the visit of the then Prince of Wales, afterwards Edward VII is recorded: “September 16 A.D. 1861 H.R.H. The Prince of Wales ascended this Tower.” The Prince was stationed at the Curragh during the year 1861, and on August 24th of that year Queen Victoria reviewed the troops at the Camp.

THE INSCRIPTION

Inside the tower at the top of the stairs, is the following inscription:-
“In thankful remembrance of God’s mercies, many and great- Built by Sir Gerald George Alymer, Baronet, A.D. 1860”: and on the top landing: “Lawrence and William Gorry, Bros., Masons.” Then on the top steps are the words “assisted by” and the names of the tenants are given on the steps as follows: - James Dowling, Allenwood: Anne Healy, Allenwood: Wilson Symonds, Allenwood, Thomas Baker, Allenwood, Patrick Logan, Allenwood, John Tiernan, Allenwood: Michael Gannon, Allenwood: Thomas Culleton, Allenwood: James Walsh, Allenwood: William Flynn, Allenwood: Denis Healy, Ballentine: John Tiernan, Ballentine: William Lazenby, Ballentine: Mel Somers, Ballyteague: Christ. Healy, Ballyteague: Peter Healy, Ballyteague: Edmond Hegarty, Ballyteague: Edward Payne, Ballyteague: James Doyle, Ballyteague: John Thornton, Ballyteague: James Hennigan, Ballyteague: Patrick Moran, Ballyteague: Francis Dowling, Barnecrow: James Carroll, Barnecrow: Francis Dowling, Baronstown: George Low, Baronstown: Thomas Flood, Carrick: James Walsh, Carrick: George Wilson, Carrick: Elizabeth Knowles, Carrick: James Doogan, Carrick: Patrick Lennon, Cloncumber: Thomas Hynes, Cloncumber: Robert Strong, Coolagh: Thomas Carter, Coolagh: Joseph Strong, Coolagh: John Rochford, Coolagh: Patrick Callan, Derrymullen: Bridget Mulhall, Derrymullen: Thomas Harbert, Derrymullen: Joseph Payne, Drimshree: Peter Cribbin, Drimshree: Michael Thorpe, Drimshree: Samuel Strong, Dunburne: William Wilson, Dunburne: Hugh Kelly, Dunburne: James Dowling, Dunburne: Patrick Dunn, Dunburne: Charles Ryan, Dunburne: James Norton, Grangeclare: William Price, Grangeclare: James Carter, Grangeclare: John Fitzpatrick, Grangeclare: Michael Connor, Grangeclare: Joseph Nevitt, Grangeclare: Joseph Carter, Grangeclare: Thomas Carter, Grangeclare: George Price, Grangeclare: William Tyrell, Grangeclare: Lawrence Behan, Grangeclare: James Brennan, Grangeclare: John Lazenby, Grangeclare: William Ormsby, Grangeclare: Christopher Hickey, Grangeclare: John Cribben, Grangeclare: Ed. Nowlan, Grangehiggin: Matthew Nowlan, Grangehiggin: Peter Noylan, Kilmeague: William Curtis, Kilmeague: Stephenson Haslam, Kilmeague: Matthew Lazenby, Kilmeague: John Healy, Kilmeague: Christopher Quinn, Littleton: Marcella Cribbin, Lowtown: Lawrence Cribbin, Lowtown: Matthew Knowles, Pluckerstown: Denis Dunny, Pluckerstown: John Dunny, Pluckerstown: Patrick Hickey, Rathernan: Richard Kelly, Rathernan: Catherine Healy, Russellstown: Peter Healy, Russellstown.

By Eileen Ryan

(in the original article Eileen Ryan's name appears at bottom not at top but is placed here at the top to clearly indicate the Author - Eileen Ryan is well-remembered in Kildare as the author of an excellent book on Monasterevin - I beleive she lived at Hybla)

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Carl Dodd]

An article from the Leinster Leader of 1963 by Eileen Ryan describing one of Co. Kildare's best known landmarks

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:06 AM

August 08, 2007

Unions rebel in Kildare in 1936

Leinster Leader 5/12/1936

THE LABOUR TROUBLES IN KILDARE.

Mid-week in Kildare town found no abatement of the dispute between proprietors of five leading business houses and their former employees. The establishments in question continue to be rigorously picketed by Union men. Our representative learned, however, that movements are on foot, with the object of bringing about a settlement. Leading citizens of the town-not directly affected by the dispute-have met with the object of seeking a way out and prominent leaders of Labour have been consulted. It is possible also that the Minister for Industry and Commerce may be approached with a view to intervention.

An interesting mention in the Leinster Leader of December 1936 of labour force unrest in Kildare Town.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:26 AM

August 01, 2007

A long way from the front!

Leinster Leader 9/6/1945

ADVERT

THE WAR IN EUROPE IS OVER

AND

THE KILDARE TOWN

CARNIVAL

Now in Full Swing

SUNDAY, 10th JUNE-CARNIVAL AMUSEMENTS FROM 3 p.m..

CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS PARADE in DANCE MARQUEE

at 4 p.m. GAELIC FOOTBALL MATCH at 7.30 p.m. JOCKEYS

v. GOLF CLUB. TUG-O’-WAR CONTEST First Round, at

8.30 p.m. LINDBERGH’S SENSATIONAL DEATH DIVE at

6.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. GRAND GALA DANCE, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Jim Dunny’s Band. Admission-5/-.

WEDNESDAY, 13th JUNE-CARNIVAL AMUSEMENTS FROM 3 p.m.

MONSTER JUMBLE SALE in DANCE MARQUEE at 4 p.m.

OPEN AIR BOXING CONTESTS at 7.30 p.m., confined to Curragh

and District Racing Stables LINDBERGH’S SENSATIONAL

DEATH DIVE at 6.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. GRAND GALA DANCE,

9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Admission-5/-.

ALL THE WEEK-ESTELLE. THE WONDER PALMIST. GOLF

PUTTING COMPETITION. RAFFLE STALL for VALUABLE

PRIZES.

MONDAY, 11th JUNE-DANCING 9 p.m. to 12. Admission-2/6.

TUESDAY, 12th JUNE-DANCING 9 p.m. to 12. Admission-2/6.

WEDNESDAY, 13th JUNE-DANCING 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Admission-5/-.

THURSDAY, 14^th JUNE-DANCING 9 p.m. to 12. Admission-2/6.

FRIDAY, 15^th JUNE-DANCING 9 p.m. to 12. Admission-2/6.

SUNDAY, 17^th JUNE-GRAND FINALGALA DANCE.

Admission-5/-.

SPACIOUS CYCLE PARK. TEAS, ICES AND REFRESHMENTS

1120zljune9

Interesting newspaper advert for a carnival in St. Brigid's Park as the war ends in Europe in June 1945.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:21 AM

July 24, 2007

Contentious Sheriff's Sale in the Market Square - Jan. 1882

Kildare Observer 14/1/1882 p. 3.

SHERIFF’S SALE IN KILDARE.

On Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, the cattle and horses of a number of tenants on the estate of Sir Erasmus Borrowes, D.L., were put up for sale in the Market-square, Kildare. The cattle and horses were seized under writs for rent. The tenants were Mary Lee, Thomas Lee, James Clinch, and James Rourke, due respectively the sums of ₤90, ₤80 1s. 10d.; ₤33 0s. 4d.; and ₤23 7s. 7d. A large number of police and infantry were drafted into the town, the latter being located in the Courthouse. All were under the civil command of Colonel the Hon. W. Forbes. The cattle were disposed of by Mr. H. A. Lee, sub-sheriff. A ring was formed in the Market-square, and into this the animals were driven by a number of bailiffs, who were escorted into the town, with cattle and horses by a detachment of cavalry. Prior to the sale taking place a goat was exhibited at the end of the town, and on his forehead was the line “Sir E. Buckshot.” No disturbance of any sort took place. At the commencement of the sale an altercation took place between Mr. Stephen Cleary and the police as to his right to enter the ring where the bidders were. In his capacity as a bidder he went forward and was told to stand back by one of the policemen; this he refused to do. Colonel Forbes called upon Sergeant Martin to put him back, and a young sub-constable received the same instructions. He then told the police that if they laid their hands on him he would summon them for assault. The altercation here ended, and he entered the ring. The Property Defence Association was represented by a Mr. White. The first lot of cattle put up was that of Mrs. Lee, and consisted of sixteen head; and the second lot was that of Thomas Lee. On an average, it was considered by judges present that the animals in both lots were worth ₤11 each. The bidding for them generally commenced at ₤1, and increased by farthings, &c. The cattle were all bought in by Mr. Anthony Hackett at prices varying from ₤5 to ₤7 10s. The next lot consisted of three horses, the property of Mr. Rourke. Mr. Cleary bought in two-one at ₤5 10s. and one at ₤10, and the third horse went to the representative of the Property Defence association, who offered the animal back at ₤8, the price paid. Mr. Rourke offered ₤1. The fourth lot, that of Mr. Clinch, comprised three cows and a bull. Mr. Clinch bought them in at ₤35 for the three cows and a ₤15 for the bull. The sub-sheriff received the full amount of the levy and costs. By noon the streets were clear and the town had assumed its normal condition.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:39 PM

June 21, 2007

Some local deaths as reported in the papers

Leinster Leader 9/4/1898, p.5 last ed.

THE FATAL CAR ACCIDENT NEAR KILDARE.
INQUEST ON THE DECEASED.

On Saturday last an inquest was held before Dr. O’Neill, Athy, Coroner for South Kildare, on the body of Mr Michael Cullen, Rathmuck, who was accidentally killed through being thrown from his trap at Knockshough, near Kildare, on the previous Thursday night. Evidence showed that the deceased came into Kildare on Thursday, 31st inst, and left for home with his own horse and trap at about 9.45 o’clock at night, in company with a man named Fitzpatrick, of Duneany. At Knockshough, about a mile outside Kildare, they overtook and collided with a man named James McCormack, who was driving a cart in the same direction. Cullen was thrown out of the trap and appeared to have been killed instantaneously. Dr. Power, Kildare, who attended the deceased a short time after the accident, was examined, as was a man named Beirne and his wife near the residence of whom the accident occurred, and a Miss Hambridge, of Silloth. The jury found that deceased came by his death through accident caused by collision. McCormack, with whom the collision took place, was arrested on the night of the accident by Head-Constable Roche, Kildare, brought before Mr. Doyle, J P, and charged with having, through negligence, caused the death of the deceased. He was remanded to the Kildare Petty Sessions on Thursday next, but was admitted to bail, himself in ₤20, and two sureties in ₤10 each. Deceased was unmarried, and lived with his brother.

Leinster Leader 16/4/1898, p. 5.

THE FATAL CAR ACCIDENT
NEAR KILDARE.

At Kildare Petty Sessions on Thursday, 7th April, before Messrs P J Doyle, J P, and Jas Kelly, J P, a respectable farmer named James McCormack, was charged on remand, at the suit of Mr Carey, D I, with having through negligence caused the death of Mr Michael Cullen, Rathmuck, at Knockshough, when driving from Kildare on the night of 31st March. After a full and careful hearing the bench decided that the collision was accidental, that no blame be attached to defendant and dismissed the charge. The magistrates at the same time expressed their high opinion of the able and impartial manner in which the case was conducted by the District Inspector, H C Roche, and their assistants. Mr James Kennedy, solicitor, Naas, appeared on behalf of Mr McCormack.

Kildare Observer, 7 March, 1896, p. 5

A MAN FOUND DEAD NEAR KILDARE

Last Wednesday Dr P L O’Neill, Coroner for South Kildare, held an inquest at Newtown Cross on the body of a man named Patrick M’Donnell, who was found dead at Grey Abbey. Near the town of Kildare, on Tuesday morning. Deceased was about 50 years of age. The evidence went to establish that deceased was a married man who was married to his second wife but a few weeks ago. From the time of his marriage he appeared to have been indulging rather freely in stimulants. On Sunday last he succeeded in getting hold of the purse containing the money, for a time his wife resisting, but in the end having to give it to him. On Monday morning he prepared himself to go to Kildare for more drink, and showed his wife the purse alleged to contain £5 or £6. On Monday night between nine and ten o’clock he left Kildare for home, and on the next morning his body was found at Grey Abbey at 7 o’clock; he was quite dead then, but warm.
Dr Power, Kildare, proved that death had resulted from exposure. The man did not appear to have been under the influence of drink when leaving Kildare on Monday night.
A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Death of Mr. Michael Cullen, Rathmuck in 1898 and Mr. Patrick McDonnell, Newtown in 1896 as reported in the local newspapers which can be a great source of genealogical information.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:40 PM

June 05, 2007

Obituaries of two well-known personalities from 1963

Leinster Leader January 12 1963. P. 8.

OBITUARY

Mr. T. Keogh, Kildare.

Mr. Thomas Keogh, Claregate St., Kildare, who has died, was one of the star players of the great days of Kildare football and was one of the best-known figures in Kildare G.A.A. circles. A native of the town, he played for the county on many occasions and also visited America. He also played for a period with Laois and made quite a reputation for himself while playing with that county.
For many years past he had been working with the Civilian Branch, Corps of Engineers, Curragh Camp. He was a very popular personality, noted especially for his frank and forthright honesty, unfailing good humour and ready wit.
Interment took place at New Cemetery, Kildare, on Sunday. Very Rev. P. MacSuibhne, P.P., officiated at the graveside, other clergy present including Very Rev. Fr. Fitzpatrick, O.Carm., Prior, White Abbey, and Rev. Fr. Gahan, C.C.
Members of the Round Towers G.F.C. and of the county team, as well as some former team-mates, acted as a guard of honour, and a Lily White football jersey was draped over the coffin. The large and representative attendance at the funeral included members of the Kildare and Laois Co. G.A.A. Boards, as well as representatives of clubs from both counties.
He is survived by his wife and son and by his brother John and sister Mrs. Aldridge.

Mrs. E. Cunningham, Kildare.

The death occurred on Thursday last of Mrs. Elizabeth Cunningham, Round Tower House, oldest member of one of Kildare’s oldest families and a very well-known and most highly respected figure. Widow of Mr. Michael Cunningham, she was a native of Laois but had lived for most of her long life in Kildare.
With her husband, she established and developed the family business at Round Tower House and up to a short time before her death continued to take an active interest in the business. An industrious woman all her life, she was very religious and was noted for her good neighbourliness and unfailing charity.
She was mother of Mr. Michael Cunningham, Co.C., Athy, and of Messrs. James and John Cunningham and of Mrs. Tom McWey, Kildare, and Mrs. Hugh Finnegan, Sutton. Grandchildren include Mr. Michael McWey, Co.C., and Sister Conleth of the Convent of the Holy Infant, Malahide. She was mother-in-law of the well known Kildare businessman, Mr. Tom McWey: of Mr. Hugh Finnegan and of Mrs. Michael Cunningham, Athy; Mrs James Cunningham, Athy; Mrs James Cunningham, Dublin, and Mrs. John Cunningham.
Interment took place on Saturday, the large funeral being widely representative. Rev. J. McWey, C.C., Edenderry, officiated and other clergy present included Very Rev. P. Mac Suibhne, P.P., Kildare; Very Rev. Fr. Fitzpatrick, O.Carm., Prior, White Abbey, Kildare; Rev. Fr. Gahan, C.C., Kildare, and Rev. Fr. Hughes, C.C., Nurney.

The deaths of Tom Keogh and Mrs Elizabeth Cunningham were recorded in the Leinster Leader 12 January 1963.

[This article was transcribed by Breid as part of an ongoing Cill Dara Historical Society Project dedicated to the ehnancement of our knowledge of the history and heritage of the town. My thanks to the Society for this and for all their work in the promotion of the history of Kildare Town and the surrounding districts.]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:36 PM

May 21, 2007

Death of Edward Medlicott of Dunmurry, 1872

The Leinster Express, Saturday, November 30, 1872, p.5

Births, Marriages, and Deaths.

Deaths.

Medlicott-On the 25th instant, at “Maison de Santa” Hospital, Dublin, after a short illness, Edward Richard, 1st Class Sub-Inspector and Inspector of Musketry to the R.I. Constabulary Depot, Phoenix Park, second son of the late Mr E. J. Medlicott, of Dunmurry, county Kildare, aged 40.

….
Same page, different column
..
THE LATE SUB-INSPECTOR MEDLICOTT, ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY. – The funeral of the late Sub-Inspector Medlicott, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, took place on Wednesday from the Maison de Sante, Charlemont-street, Dublin to Mount Jerome Cemetery, Harold’s Cross, where the prayers were read by the Rev. Mr Long. The cortege was attended by a large number of brother officers and sorrowing friends of the deceased. The chief mourner was Mr E. J. Medlicott, J.P., county Kildare. Almost all the non-commissioned officers and most of the men of the barracks, Phoenix Park, accompanied the remains to the grave, thus testifying the respect they bore for their late musketry instructor. In the carriages were the following officers of the service:- Colonel Hillier, D.I.G.; T. M. Brownrigg, A.I.G.; J. Duncan, A.I.G.; and Commandant of the Depot; W. Colomb, Adjutant; Dr. E. Le Clerc, T. W. Gloag, V.S.; T. M. Frith, Dr. Swan, V.S.; A. Reid, D. Smyth, T. Pelley, J. G. Webb, T. E. French, - Douglas, W. E. O’Shea, S. B. Rodger, B. A. Somerville, W. Law, H. H. Jones, J. M. O’Brien, A. E. S. Heard, A. J. M’Dermot, T. H. Warren, R. C. Carter, &c.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 09:54 PM

April 21, 2007

Early Kildare Football Teams

Leinster Leader 10/3/1888

KILDARE (ST. JOHN’S) G.A.A. V MADDENSTOWN FOOTBALL CLUB.

On Sunday week a friendly match was played between the 1st 21 of each of the above teams, on the grounds of the latter at Frenchfurze. At twenty minutes past two the ball was set rolling by Mr Joe Kelly, Frenchfurze, who acted as referee in a most satisfactory manner. Immediately the St. John’s rushed it up to the Maddenstown territory, and after about five minutes a point was scored. To this was soon added another point, and then a goal just before half time was called. When sides were changed the Maddenstown team seemed to play better, as the St. John’s were unable to add but one more point to their credit. The following kicked well for St. John’s. P. Anderson, M. Farrell, J. Twitcher, M. Byrne, J. Davis, M. Cahill, T. Hannon, and P. Talbot (captain); while for the Maddenstown team-J. Walsh, J. Casey, Gaynors, Nolan, F. Bradshaw, N. Behan, and M. Kelly, ably defended their goal.
…
[ON SAME PAGE]

On Tunday [sic-Sunday] last the return match between the St. John’s G A A, Kildare, and the Maddenstown F C took place on the grounds of the former (a field kindly given by Mr James Rogan for the use of the St. John’s At 2.15 the ball was thrown in by Mr C Heffernan, referee. The St. John’s immediately made a rush, but the ball was back again to the centre of the graund [sic-ground] in about a minute. Another rush was made, and after a sharp tussle the St. John’s scred [sic-scored] a point. The ball was kept in the Maddenstown territory almost the first half of the play, except for one grand rush by the Maddenstown boys, who nearly scored a point. The second half of the play resulted in the scoring of two points and a goel [sic-goal] for the St. John’s, who kept the ball in the Maddenstown territory the whole time, thus leaving the St. John’s the victors by one goal and three points to nil.

Leinster Leader 24/3/1888, p.7.

MONASTEREVAN DISTILLERY AND BREWERY H AND FC V
KILDARE (SONS OF ST BRIGID) F C.

On last Sunday a team composed of a mixture of the 1st and 2nd of the Monasterevan Distillery and Brewery Club, travelled over to Kildare to play their return match with the “Sons of St Brigid.” Play commenced about 3 p m, and for the first half the Monasterevanites, playing against the hill, but with the wind, kept the ball altogether in their opponent’s territory, and scored 3 points. In the commencement of the second half, they again rushed the ball to the Kildare territory, but failed to score. After this there were some good rushes on the part of the Kildare men in stopping, which some of the Monasterevan backs “muffed,” and drove the ball over their own goal line, thus giving two forty-yards free [sic-frees] to the Kildare men, off which Davis cleverly placed two points. The score at call time was three points for Monasterevan to two points for Kildare. The game played by the “Sons of St Brigid” partook more of the rough-and-tumble than any we have seen yet, from which however there seemed to be no good in appealing.

Leinster Leader 1/12/1888, p. 7.

KILCULLEN TOURNAMENT

A grand football tournament will be held on the grounds of the Sons of St. Brigid G.A.A., Kilcullen, on the 1st January, 1889, and following Sundays.

Reports from 1888 regarding football teams in Kildare. St. John's may be an early team at Tully named after St. John's Well while the Son's of St. Brigid were the forerunners of The Round Towers. The last snippet curiously suggests the Sons of St. Brigid were from Kilcullen?

Reports from the Leinster Leader 1888 of early G.A.A. football matches involving teams from Kildare Town.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:23 PM

April 03, 2007

Death of Kildare Sportsman, 1903

Kildare Observer 14/3/1903

Death of Mr. Robert Brereton

Kildare.

Sportsmen throughout Kildare and the adjoining counties have heard with sincere regret of the death of Mr Robert Brereton, which took place at his residence, Friarstown, Kildare, on Monday last, after a comparatively short illness. Deceased, who was Master of the Kildare Harriers for a considerable number of years, and was ardently devoted to all branches of sport, and was most popular with all classes of the community, and his demise at the early age of 41 years is universally regretted. The remains were interred in St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare, on Wednesday.

The chief mourners were:-Mr. Henry Brereton (brother), Messrs Brereton, Wexford (cousins), J E Dunne, Southgreen; R Kingston.

Amongst the general public were-Col Butler, Rev Fr O’Reilly, C C; Dr Power, F R C S; Capt Butler, Prov-Marshal, Curragh; Rev F Murray, C C; Messrs Isaac Gibson, T H Griffin, V S; G B Langran, V S; C Byrne, Co C; P J Doyle, J P, E Conlan, J P; T Cullen, M Dawson, J Shelly, Co C; J Sunderland, Co. C; H O Odlum, Rathangan; - Kerr, Rathangan, J Connolly, Co C; J Nooney, Co C; P Conlan, Youghal; P McCormack, R W Goff, M Bowe, Mgr Hibernian Bank, Newbridge; T I Llewellyn, Newbridge; W P Waters, Curragh; A Newson, Hibernian Bank, Kildare; J T Heffernan, Secretary Kildare County Council; E W Cuthbert, C P S; Dr Rowan, C Heffernan, etc.

The Burial Service was read by the Very Rev the Dean of Kildare.

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan]

An article from the Kildare Observer of March 1903 concerning the death of Robert Brereton of Kildare.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:32 PM

March 28, 2007

Opening of St. Brigid's Park - Advert from 1936

Leinster Leader 9/5/1936

OFFICIAL OPENING

ST. BRIGID’S PARK, KILDARE,

SUNDAY, MAY 10^TH, 1936

Blessing of Park, 2 o’clock (S.T.), fol-

lowed by Grand Opening Ceremony,

Choruses, Dancing, Musical Items, Selec-

tions by St. Mary’s Brass Band, May-

nooth etc. Side-Shows in plenty

Minor Football Championship-

LEIX V. KILDARE

3 o’clock (S.T.).

Senior Football Challenge-

LEIX V. KILDARE

4-30 (S.T.).

ADMISSION, 1s.; SIDE LINE 1s Extra

Each player of winning team in senior

Challenge shall receive a guaranteed wrist-

let watch, presented by Park Committee.

GRAND CONCERT THAT NIGHT

8 o’clock (S.T.).

Special trains leave Dublin 11 o’clock

(2s 6d return). Leave Portlaoighise Ten

past One (2s 6d return), calling at inter-

mediate stations.

TEA TENT ON FIELD.

743z2m9 NO VENDORS ALLOWED.

An advert from the Leinster Leader of 1936 announcing the forthcoming opening of St. Brigid's Park and the attractions on offer.

[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 09:10 PM

March 20, 2007

Kildare man killed in action in WWII

Leinster Leader 20 December 1941, p. 3.

YOUNG KILDARE MAN
KILLED IN ACTION

Mr. Frank Nixon, Windmill House, Curragh Road, Kildare, has been officially notified that his son Frederick H. Nixon, who was serving in the Royal Navy, has been killed in action. The sad news was heard with deep regret in Kildare Town and surrounding district where the deceased young man (he was 26 years of age) was well known and very popular with all. The sympathy expressed with the bereaved father and other members of the family is very widespread and sincere.

***

Some more personal details are available on the

Commonwealth War Graves Commission website

In Memory of
Able Seaman FREDERICK HENRY NIXON

P/JX. 153271, H.M.S. Puckeridge, Royal Navy
who died age 26
on 13 December 1941
Son of Francis Sidney and Annie Nixon, of Kildare, Irish Republic.
Remembered with honour
PEMBROKE DOCK (LLANION) CEMETERY

The gravestone is front left of picture

***

According to information on the Internet such as uboat.net the H.M.S. Puckeridge was sunk in 1943 by a German U-Boat...

Around 2015 hours on 6 September 1943 HMS Puckeridge (Lt. J.C. Cartwright, DSC, RN) was hit by two of four torpedoes fired by the German submarine U-617 and sank about 40 nautical miles east of Gibraltar in position 36º06'N, 04º44'W. HMS Puckeridge was en route alone taking important messages to Oran . 129 men were rescued and 62 men were lost with the ship.

Difficult to find infromation relative to the 13 december 1941 action but a post on the British Medal Forum provides some answers...

PUCKERIDGE
13 December 1941
One direct hit 250 kgm direct actiuon fuzed bomb
(Time out of Action) 7 months

PUCKERIDGE, while proceeding from Portsmouth to Liverpool, was attacked by enemy aircraft and sustained a direct hit on the upper deck just forward of ‘Y’ gun, to starboard of middle line, the bomb detonating on contact or just below the deck. The side plating, upper and lower decks and the internal structure from keel to upper deck, between the after gun mountings, was severely damaged. The superstructure aft of ‘X’ gun was wrecked. All compartments abaft the gearing roan, except the steering compartment were flooded, including the after magazines and after group of oil fuel tanks.
The ship settled by the stern with a heavy list to starboard and the quarter deck awash. The fire main aft was destroyed and a serious fire on the after mess deck was eventually brought under control by steaming astern and washing down aft. The main machinery was undamaged, but all electrical equipment in the damaged area was destroyed. ‘Y’ mounting and No.2 magazine were wrecked and the 4 inch R.U. ammunition on the upper deck was exploded by the fire.

Fighting Efficiency - Seriously impaired.
‘Y’ gun was destroyed ‘X’ gun in local control and all the after ammunition was lost. The steering gear jammed at 20° to port, but vessel was steered by main engines and could steam at reduced speed.

It seems the ship was towed back to Pembroke Dock (Wales) and the men killed in action were buried there.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 06:50 PM

March 13, 2007

The famous annual fair at French Furze

Leinster Leader 30/7/1898, p. 5.

FRENCH FURZE FAIR.

-----------

On Tuesday last the annual fair of French Furze took place on the Curragh edge. There was a good demand for hunters and for heavy draught horses. There was a big attendance of buyers both from England and the Continent as well as from Ireland. The brisk demand for animals of good quality, and the handsome prices paid show that the practice of cycling has not interfered in any way with the great industry of horse breeding. Mr Dermot Hurley, Ballyadams, Queen’s County, sold a hunter, by Master Ned, to Mr T J Roark, Carlow, at ₤120. Mr W S Heather, Sligo, bought five hunters at prices ranging from ₤50 to ₤90. Mr C Read, Waterford, bought three promising colts varying in prices from ₤40 to ₤65. Mr. Hopkins bought two handsome colts at ₤60 each. Captain Jones gave ₤70 for a colt likely to make a weight carrier. Mr Gerald Hurley, J P, Old Connell, Newbridge, gave ₤65 for a good-looking youngster. Captain M’Kenzie, R E, bought a very handsome longtail at ₤65. Mr O G Slocock, V S, Carlow, bought three hunters at prices ranging from ₤45 to ₤70. Messrs Widger, Waterford, bought about 14 first class hunters, and in many instances paid over ₤100. Mr Maher, Wexford, also purchased extensively in the hunter class. Mr J S Sandle, Harristown, invested in some good colts. Mr W K Young, Newbridge and Mr J Atkinson, Maynooth, also bought hunters. Mr Fraser, Ballykilcavan, got ₤90 for a four year old by St Jacob. Mr. Maher, Carlow, gave ₤35 for a three year old colt. Mr W. Mooney, Birdtown, gave ₤80 for a grand weight carrier by Studley Royal. Mr Bodeley, Athy, gave ₤35 for a useful cob. Mr M Whelan, Athy, sold a useful horse to Mr Johnson, Belfast, at ₤40. Mr Low, Dublin, gave ₤60 for a draught horse. Mr Daly, Dublin, bought troopers at from ₤25 to ₤40 each. Mr R Gannon, J P, Newbridge, sold a hunter at a good figure. Messrs Doyle, Dublin, bought a lot of draught horses at from ₤18 to ₤30 each. Mr Smallman, Portarlington, got ₤70 for a hunter. Mr M Healy, County Meath, refused ₤120 for a four year old by Sailor King. Mr Kearney, Boherard, got ₤80 for a hunter. Mr Teague, Athy, sold a hunter, by Early Bird, to Mr Meleady, Dublin, at ₤125. Mr Meredith, Athy, got ₤37 10s for a colt by Earl Soroone.

A note from July 1898 on the annual fair held at French Furze at the edge of the town.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:41 PM

March 07, 2007

Fortnight-long Carnival to add to An Tostal Celebrations 1954

Leinster Leader 8/5/1954, p. 2.

ADVERT

KILDARE TOWN
CARNIVAL

MAY 2nd – MAY 16th

OPENING ON SUNDAY WITH ALL

MCCORMACK’S AMUSEMENTS

DODGEMS, CHAIROPLANES, SHOOTING RANGE,

DELPH STALL, ETC., ETC.

MADAME MITIZIE, LADY PALMIST.

EVERY NIGHT A GALA NIGHT, WITH FOOTBALL MATCHES,

BASKET BALL, BOG BARROW RACE, CLOCK GOLF, FREE

KICK, FANCY STALL, THROWING THE SHEAF, PILLOW

FIGHTING, CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS.

Dancing Every Night

_____________________________

SID-BEN-ALI – Prince of Darkness

With his Array of EASTERN MAGIC and featuring the

FLOATING LADY – MUST BE SEEN.

DANCING EVERY NIGHT

IN THE LARGEST MARQUEE EVER IN THE TOWN

TO-NIGHT (FRIDAY)-By popular request-Jimmy Dunny

and his Famous Band. 9 – 2. Admission: 5/-. Admission: 5/-.

SATURDAY, 8th-Further Heats of Walls of Limerick Competition,

with Gallowglass Band. 8 – 12. Admission 2/6.

SUNDAY, 9th-CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS-See separate advt.

WHIST DRIVE, 7 o’clock. ₤25 in prizes. Score Cards, 5/-.

Dancing with Val Ward’s Specially Augmented Band. 9 – 3.

5/-.

MONDAY, 10th-SENIOR FOOTBALL MATCH. Dancing-Joe

O’Neill and his Stardust Band. 8 – 12. Admission: 2/6.

TUESDAY, 11th-Ceili and Old-Time. Gallowglass Ceili Band.

9 – 3. Admission: 4/-.Schools Match-Athy v. Kildare, 8

o’clock; Co. Kildare Schools Championship.

WEDNESDAY, 12th, 8 o’clock-FOOTBALL CHALLENGE-Wall-

papers Ltd. v. The Grocers. Dancing 8 – 12. Bobby Rogers

and his Band. 2/6.

THURSDAY, 13th-Dancing-Val Ward and his Band. 8 – 12. 2/6.

FOOTBALL FINAL.

FRIDAY, 14th-FINAL SCHOOL’S MATCH. Dancing to Alan

Beale and his Orchestra. 9 – 3. 5/-.

SATURDAY, 15th-Ceili and Old-Time. Gallowglass Band. 8 – 12.

2/6.

SUNDAY, 16th-DANCING EXHIBITION IN MARQUEE. GALA

CLOSING NIGHT. Bert Flynn and his Band. 9 – 3. Admis-

sion: 5/-.

1405zl

An advert listing all the attractions to the Carnival in Kildare in May 1954, obviously organised to coincide with the An Tostal celebrations. It gives us a snapshot into the entertainments available at that time.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:13 PM

February 27, 2007

An Tostal Celebrations in 1954

Leinster Leader 8/5/1954

TOSTAL CELEBRATIONS IN MANY CENTRES

KILDARE’S VARIED PROGRAMME

A well balance and varied programme of An Tostál fare proved most attractive in Kildare Town, and since Easter Sunday considerable interest centred on the various functions, features and fixtures.

The programme opened auspiciously with the highly successful historical pageant, briefly referred to in a recent issue. Presented in the C.Y.M.S. Hall on Easter Monday and Tuesday by the boys and girls of Kildare, excited considerable comment and was highly praised by all who saw it.

Outstanding features were the magnificent choral and solo singing, the accompaniment and incidental music, the well-timed entrances, the colourful costumes and the artistic stage settings and lighting.

The boys of the De La Salle Schools and the girls of the Presentation Convent entered into the spirit of the pageant with understanding and enthusiasm and succeeded in infusing a spirit of realism into the whole presentation. Almost 100 in all were engaged and they deserve every credit and commendation for their efforts.

Army Sergeant Barney McCourt was the moving spirit behind the appealing stage settings, and in his efforts he was expertly assisted by electrician Mr. Wm. Reilly.

The choir was prepared by Rev. Mother Laserian; tableaux a wrranged by Rev. Bro. Cataldus, and accompanist was Miss M. McEnerney. Script was by Rev. E. McGrath O.Carm, Prior, Kildare; Rev. Bro. Cataldus, Commdt. W. Rea and Mr. B. Treacy.

A special word of appreciation is due to the parents of the children taking part.

Other feature’s of Kildare’s programme were the I.C.A. exhibition of work in the National Schools on Sunday week (public patronage of this exhibition was not up to expectations, despite the fact that the display was both interesting and informative); the fancy dress competition on the same night; an open-air basketball exhibition game (Army players v. C.Y.M.S. representatives) in the Market Square and a juvenile exhibition (concluding on Friday, April 30th) in the Courthouse.

There were numerous visitors to the town during the period, and there was an exceptionally large number of visitors to the nearby Japanese Gardens at Tully.

LECTURE ON ’98 AND EMMET

Under the auspices of the Kildare An Tostál Committee, a lecture was given by an tAthair Seosamh O’Murthuíle, S.J., on the Kildare men’s part in the Rising of 1798.

After the lecture there was a presentation on behalf of the 1798 National Commemoration Committee of a certificate of honour to Mr. Daniel Rourke, of Rathcoole, the direct descendant of Felix Rourke, the incorruptible 1798 leader, he was hanged after the Emmet Rising of 1803 on refusing to give any information which might implicate his comrades.

At the lecture was displayed a pair of dancing shoes belonging to Lady Pamela, the wife of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, which had been preserved in the family of the Misses Cahill, Kildare, for over a century and a half; a cup belonging to Edward Fox Fitzgerald, the son of Lord Edward, was also shown.

The lecturer recommended the founding at Kildare of a regional museum of the history of 1798 as a means of honouring the fine part played by the Kildaremen in that period of our history.

An article from the Leinster Leader of May 1954 on the An Tostal celebrations in the town for that year.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:46 AM

February 06, 2007

Kildare Postman Retires

Leinster Leader, 12 October, 1957, p. 3

KILDARE POSTMAN

RETIRES

Mr. James Daly, Cross Keyes, Kildare, retired recently after a lengthy service of 48 years as postman in Kildare. To mark the occasion of his retirement a presentation of a beautiful watch, suitably inscribed was made to him by the staff of the Kildare Post Office.

While wishing him every happiness in his well-earned retirement, Kildare people will regret the departure of Mr. Daly from his regular round. Always courteous and affable, he was extremely popular with all the townspeople who appreciated his unfailing and excellent service and the co-operation and goodwill with which he carried out his duties.

[Photo in issue of Oct 19, p. 4 – Marty Fleming photographer but photograph would not reproduce well from the microfilm]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:53 PM

January 23, 2007

Construction of Wallpaper Factory - July/August 1936

Leinster Leader 1/8/1936, p. 3.

KILDARE WALLPAPER FACTORY.

TENDER OF NEWBRIDGE FIRM ACCEPTED.

The tender of the well-known firm of contractors, Messrs. Sheridan Brothers, Newbridge, for the erection of the factory buildings to house the new wallpaper industry at Kildare has been accepted, at approximately ₤13,000. Work on the site (at Cross Keys, on the fringe of the town of Kildare) commenced on Tuesday and construction will proceed apace, as the main building must be completed within the coming four months. The acceptance of Messrs. Sheridan’s tender gave great satisfaction in the district as the firm will employ wholly local labour.

Leinster Leader 15/8/1936, p. 9.

KILDARE FACTORY.

Following a slight initial delay work has commenced in earnest on the erection of the new wallpaper factory at Kildare. For the past week the contractors, Messrs. Sheridan, Newbridge, have had gangs of local labourers and carters busily engaged in levelling operations, sinking foundations etc. The site, at Crosskeys, at the western end of the town, is an ideal one and during the past week has been viewed by a great number of persons interested in this very important industry.

Two articles from the Leinster Leader recording the initial stages of construction of the Wallpaper factory.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:36 PM

January 15, 2007

St. Brigid's - First Ever Kildare Senior Hurling Championship 1978

Leinster Leader 14/10/1978, p. 8.

SENIOR TITLE TO BRIGID’S

St. Brigid’s …………… 3-10;

Ardclough……………… 2-9.

THE LONG WAIT for St. Brigid’s ended at Droichead Nua last Sunday when they turned in a sparkling third quarter to win their first ever Kildare Senior Hurling Championship.

Their opponents and victims of the day, the much-honoured Ardclough side, fought hard to regain a title they last won two years ago, but at the end of a first-class hour of close sporting hurling, they were forced to give best to a club which in its 29-year history had won every title except the illusive senior trophy.

The winners, who had an earlier round win over the same opposition, were slight prematch [sic] favourites to lift the Sean Carey Cup but for long periods it seemed to the fair-sized crowd that their second appearance in a senior county decider (they lost to the same opposition two years ago), would again be a losing one.

They won the toss but elected to play into the strong wind and this decision seemed to be ill-advised. The more experienced Ardclough side took an early grip on the exchanges and playing some lively hurling totted up some early scores.

During their period of dominance, they were first to the ball, with St. Brigid’s lacking the bite shown in the earlier round and playing like a side somewhat overcome by the occasion. St. Brigid’s did show improvement in the second quarter and were afforded some golden scoring opportunities, but still could only manage one core [sic-score] in that first half, a goal. And when Ardclough led at the interval by 1-6 to 1-0, another title looked destined for Ardclough.

But in the minutes after the changeover the whole scene changed. St. Brigid’s who had been listless in the first half, were a team transformed. Every sector showed a hundred per cent improvement. An early goal set the pattern and it was St. Brigd’s now who called the tune. Score followed score for St. Brigid’s and in a fifteen minute spell of brilliant hurling they added 2-4 to hit the front for the first time.

Against this surprising pressure, the Ardclough defence began to falter and their fullback line in particular failed dismally to cope with the dashing St. Brigid’s attack. St. Brigid’s went five points clear but going into the last quarter slackened off somewhat and Ardclough with a goal hit back to get within two points of the leaders.

But the winners defence defended heroically and with long serving Tommy Burke, sound all through the hour but tremendous under the severe Ardclough onslaught, clearing ball after ball, they held out. During that nailbiting finish Ardclough had their chances of salvaging the verdict, but they messed and missed and their failure to convert a late close-in free was a deciding factor.

A close but merited win for a team that have had their share of ill-luck since their Junior title win of eight years ago. And it must be added a deserving reward for those hurling enthusiasts in the club who have kept plugging away seeking the number one title despite many setbacks. Club Chairman Ger Tiernan, for so long a member of their senior side, didn’t play on this memorable occasion, but all will agree that no one contributed more to this hard-won victory.

It was a fine team effort by the well trained and dedicated winning side and each member of the winning team must be applauded but for Tommy Burke, Jack and Mick O’Connell, John O’Leary, Pat White and Danny Rankins it was especially pleasing to share, after years of trying, in the club’s greatest triumph.

The losers battled right on to the final whistle and could have snatched it. But when on top they failed to wrap it up and for once their normally sound defence wilted under the St. Brigid’s third quarter pressure. The Walshes, Ned and Johnny, Dom Maguire, Bobby Burke, and Tommy Johnson were their most prominent players.

Referee, Mick Kelleher, Athy.

Leinster Leader report from October 1978 on St. Brigid's Hurling Club's sensational victory over Ardclough in the County Senior Championship

[original spelling and grammar retained - mistakes identified by [sic] in text]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:39 PM

January 08, 2007

Junior Hurling Final 1969 - first County Title for St. Brigid's

Leinster Leader 22/11/1969, p.10.

JUNIOR HURLING FINAL DISAPPOINTED

St. Brigids 2-14 Broadford 1-5

THE Junior Hurling League Final, which brought St. Brigids their first County Title, was another disappointment.

Broadford lost this game in the first half when they failed to avail of the assistance of a strong wind and allowed themselves to fall into a nine goal [sic] deficit, halftime score reading 1gl 5pts, to 5pts. In that period Broadford had plenty of chances but their attack failed to turn them into scores.

For ten minutes of the second half exchanges were even and little divided the sides but then in a purple patch that saw the three Connells add a succession of well taken scores, St. Brigids gained a clear advantage and in the last ten minutes were very much on top.

Best for the winners were Mick, Tommy and Jack O’Connell, Tommy Anderson, Eddie McDermott, Tommy Burke, Danny Rankins and Des Hipwell. Tom Moore, Michael Moore, Paddy Mangan, Mick McKeever and Teddy Gorman played well for the losers who were forced to line out short three of their best players.

The Leinster Leader of 22 November 1969 recorded a victory for St. Brigid's in the Junior Hurling Final against Broadford.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:19 PM

January 05, 2007

Christmas School Concert and Poems

Leinster Leader

SCHOOL CONCERT.

PRESENTATION CONVENT ST. BRIGID’S KILDARE.

The children of the Presentation Convent Schools, under the guidance of the good Sisters, gave their annual treat to the Kildare folk last Sunday and Monday evenings; and their efforts were thoroughly appreciated and genuinely enjoyed by almost inconveniently large audiences. Indeed on Sunday evening a considerable number were quite content to witness the proceedings through the spacious wide open windows. Everything combined to add to the immense success which the concerts were unanimously voted to be. The stage, which itself, was irreproachable, was artistically furnished with a well chosen variety of exquisite scenery under perfect control; and thanks to Mrs. Cooney the electric current was brought to bear upon the success and surround them with all the magic glamour which perhaps only an abundance of electric light, skilfully managed, can effect. Nor were the little people, who animated those fairy-like scenes, in the least unworthy of their surroundings. Elegantly attired light on foot and light of heart, in all the gaiety and innocence of childhood, they kept tripping about the stage through a maze of Gaelic dance, or blended their young voices in melodies of sweet song, at times admirably suiting the action to the word. They were evidently delighted with themselves and beaming with happiness, and their audience in sympathy with them, were equally happy and delighted. Incidentally they gave unmistakable proof to all whom it might concern, and naturally the subject concerns everybody, that even the youngest among them are not by any means losing their time in school; and perhaps the realisation of this afforded the keenest satisfaction not only to the children’s parents but to the whole assembly. The more advanced pupils were seen at least to equal advantage, figuring in living Tableaux, illustrating striking events in the life of our far-famed Patroness St. Brigid of Cill-Dara. We cannot attempt to describe them. All must recognise that the venture was a particularly ambitious one; and it speaks volumes for the mental and indeed material resources of both Nuns and girls to testify that down to all the details of drapery, ornament, pose and paint, the Tableaux Vivants were crowned with success, while they were an equally eloquent and welcome tribute to Kildare’s interest in, and reverence for St. Brigid. Intensely humourous items were the “Suffragettes” in militant mood, the “Maids of Lee’ alternately young and old, and literally two-faced, and “Mrs. Mulligatanny’s Spring Cleaning.” The school girls were also quite at home in the musical department, reflecting much credit on their teachers and themselves. The Misses Bergin, Beechgrove, were generous as usual in contributing both violin and pianoforte items, at the same time high-class and popular, and they spared no efforts to provide very agreeable entertainment during the intervals. Miss Nolan, from Carlow, by her beautiful rendering of the vocal solos “Thora” and “Fiona” evoked hearty applause.

.......................................................................................................................................

Leinster Leader, 20/12/1941, p. 5.

CHRISTMAS.

‘Tis Christmas time; O Blessed Babe,

Thy Festival is here,

All honour to Thy memory;

Thy Feast of love so dear,

Pray teach the warring hearts of men

To cease all earthly strife,

That peace my feign and tranquil be

The memory of Thy life.

‘Tis Christmas time; O loving Babe,

Thy Festival divine,

Thy aid we need; Thy Glorious Light

Oh, may it ever shine,

Pray help us in our duty

What’er that task may be,

And may we love Thee ever

Unto eternity.

‘Tis Christmas time; O gentle Babe,

Thy Festival once more,

Pray keep the Faith in Irish homes

And on them blessings pour,

May every Christian heart be true

To thee, dear Babe; our King,

May peace come soon to all the world

While Christmas joy bells ring.

P. McCormack.

Kildare.

Leinster Leader, 22/12/1945, p.4.

CHRISTMAS

Long ago, one winter’s night,

The air without was cold,

Mary and Joseph shelter sought,

The Inns are full, they’re told.

They travelled on in silence

But One was ever near

To bless their Divine Mission,

And tho’ sad, they did not fear.

They found a cave-a stable

And with oxen resting there,

The Babe was born, the King of Kings,

Yes, in a manger bare.

The shepherds came, adoring Him,

Great joy their hearts did fill,

Angels sang Glory to God on High

Peace on earth to men of good will.

And there the gentle Joseph,

With Mary Mother mild,

Are moved with deep devotion

As they tend their loving Child.

A tender Babe, but yet a King,

A star His presence told,

The Wise Men came, their gifts to bring

Of frankincense, myrrh and gold.

O Blessed by Thy Holy Name,

Our Babe, Our Lord, Our King,

All praise and all thanksgiving

While Christmas joy-bells ring.

Patrick McCormack

Kildare.

From the Leinster Leader - Two poems by Paddy McCormack of Kildare and a report on a School Concert performed at the Presentation Convent.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 09:41 PM

December 06, 2006

The White Abbey; the first 600 years!

600 Years of the Carmelites in Kildare Town,

White Abbey, 1290 – 1890 A.D.

Mario Corrigan

The original White Abbey or St. Mary’s Priory, was founded according to most sources around 1290 A.D. by William de Vescy, Lord of Kildare. It was founded as a Carmelite Friary and became known as the White Abbey after the colour of the habits of the Carmelite Friars. There is very little documentary evidence relating to Kildare. William Feys a friar from Kildare a was accused in 1310 of breaking into a chest of valuables from ‘a stone house of the friars’ and stealing 15 marks of silver. Kildare was the friary most famously associated with David O’Buge, a native friar, who was Provincial of the Order between 1321 (possibly 1320) and 1324. He probably died sometime before 1327 and was buried at Kildare. A man of great learning he was described as ‘the light, mirror and splendour of the Irish nation.’ Another famous learned Carmelite, Ralph Kelly, who reputedly began his studies at Kildare, became the first Irish Procurator General of the Order. He was also appointed Archbishop of Cashel. He died in 1361. Supposedly some of the valuables from the Silken Thomas castle at Maynooth were deposited in the friary at Kildare before the capture of the castle in 1535.

It was surrendered by the Prior to the Crown during the reformation on 3 April 1539 and at that time consisted of a church and belfry, dormitory, hall, two chambers etc. Most of the buildings were burnt in May 1540 by the O’Connor’s of Offaly and when an extent was made in November of that year all that remained was the church and a messuage that the Friars used as a hall. They recommended that the church could be thrown down, its value being 20 shillings but that the messuage containing a garden and a small close, containing one acre could be retained for use by a farmer, its value being 20 pence. There were 4 acres of arable land and 1 acre of waste land valued at 4 shillings, in the possession of David MacThomas and another messuage rented for 2 shillings and customs – 1 weeding day, 1 reaping day and 1 hen worth 5 pence. The total of the extent was 8 shillings 1 pence. One source says it was granted to William Dickson but elsewhere it is stated that it was granted to David Sutton of Tully in 1543 although initially, at the time of the extent, it may have become the property of Gerald Sutton.

Apparently the Carmelites returned to Kildare around 1710 and a rectangular building is apparent from the early maps of Kildare in 1757 to 1817. However the Friary is shown as a ruin by Austin Cooper, the famous sketcher of Irish Antiquities, in 1790. This building was still in existence in 1847 but later demolished. There is a record of a Carmelite, Fr. William Duane, at Kildare making a will in April 1790 whereby he endowed his brothers and nephews with 1 shilling each and left his remaining goods to two other Carmelites Rev. Augustine Gormican and Rev. John Nilan, his executors. Fr. Farrell, a Carmelite friar, was killed at the Gibbet Rath on 29 May 1798, apparently trying to secure the safety of people gathered on the Curragh Plain. His grave has been kept for generations by the local people and is clearly marked. The Prior, Fr. Healy, was actually hanged near the gate of the White Abbey by the yeomen during the Rebellion but was cut down by his housekeeper and survived.

Fr. Patrick O’Farrell of White Abbey was Provincial of the Order in 1813. In his will of 1817 which showed him to be a man of some means he mentioned the freehold lease of lands at White Abbey he had obtained from Thomas Kelly Esq. Fr. O’Farrell was probably dead by 1818. Michael Hughes may have been the only Carmelite (Prior?) in Kildare in 1819 but because of differences with the Bishop Dr. Doyle it appears he may have been suspended and left the diocese for London shortly after, returning in 1827. However he was reaffirmed in 1823 as Prior at Kildare and apparently James McCormack and Malachy Monahan were friars. With the passing of Catholic Emancipation in 1829 the regular religious had to register and this was done by Fr. Hughes of White Abbey.

During the Tithe War of the 1830’s there appears to have been only one friar at Kildare while in 1840 the Prior was still Fr. Michael Hughes and Fr. Scally was a friar. There is a mention in this year that Fr. Hughes had built a new convent there by this time. While Fr. Hughes retained the deeds at White Abbey he was superseded by 1842 as Prior by Patrick Parr who was 38 years of age. Parr attended the Provincial Chapter of 1843 and was elected Superior of Kildare. He was again elected as Prior at the Chapter of 1846 where a case of perjury was brought against Michael Hughes for information relating to the ownership of a field near White Abbey but the result was in his favour. John Carr, Licentiate from Louvain who was 15 years professed was elected prior at the Chapter of 1849. Parr was still at Kildare (16 years professed). Kildare had again only two Carmelite priests in 1850. It appears that Parr was back in charge in 1852 but had been transferred to Kinsale by the end of 1855.

By 1868 at least there appears to have been a school at Kildare maintained by the Friars. (according to the Parochial School Returns of 1824 there was a school (at least 5 others) in existence in the Town from 1817 under the supervision of Denis Murphy the house being given free of rent by the convent of this town and this may refer to the White Abbey although it accommodated both boys and girls and in 1871 the Chapter makes reference to a school for boys). John Elias Bartley Prior of Kildare attended the Provincial Chapter of 1871 (being 17 years professed) as did Fr. John Eliseus Whitley aged 29 years (being professed 10). Bartley was re-elected as prior of Kildare. At this Chapter it seems there is reference to the school in Kildare having 300 boys. In 1872 one of the three priests at Kildare was moved to Dublin owing it seems to a shortage of priests but this was rectified and by June 1874 there were once again three Carmelites at Kildare. In December 1874 Fr. John B. Daly was teaching more than 50 pupils in the school in Kildare which differs considerably from the earlier reference. This school was apparently closed soon after the De La Salle Brothers opened their school in Kildare Town in 1884. John Elias Bartley was elected Provincial of the Order at the 1875 Chapter and Terence Dominic Sheridan was elected prior of Kildare. It was noted in the annual visitation of 1876 that Kildare was completely free of debt. Sheridan was re-elected at the Chapter of 1878 and again it was noted Kildare was free of debt.

Nicholas Albert Staples was elected Prior in 1881. By order of the local Government Board the White Abbey Graveyard was closed in 1882 on sanitary grounds amid much local disgruntlement. In November of that year some prosecutions were secured at the Kildare Petty Sessions against persons who had engaged in ‘illegal’ burials.

Fr. Staples was re-elected prior at the Provincial Chapter of 1884 and on the 8 December of that year the work on the new Church at White Abbey was begun and the first stone, placed by Robert Cassidy of Monasterevin, was blessed in 1885. The dedication ceremony and official opening was held in 1889. The church was erected with the help of public subscriptions by Fr. Staples, at a cost of £3,500, the architect was William Hague F.R.I.A.I of Dublin and the builder John Harris of Monasterevin. Harris it appears went into liquidation and the work was completed under the supervision of Prior Staples who even went to America to raise funds. The last mass to be held in the old church was held in 1887, in which year Fr. Staples was once again elected prior of Kildare.

According to the Kildare Observer of 30 March 1889 the dedication ceremonies began at 11 o’clock on Monday 25 March and were presided over by Dr. Lynch, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin assisted by his Coadjutor, Rev. Dr. Comerford. At one point the article lists Fr. Staples in attendance later says he was unable to attend, being ‘far away upon the sea.’ Some of the work had yet to be done, such as the extension of the spire, but the beauty of the church was apparent to the large crowds who attended the ceremony. Built in the Gothic style it was cruciform in shape, the total length of the church described as 112 feet, the width of the nave 32 feet and that of the transepts 26 feet; the walls being 27 feet high. The walls were constructed of dark limestone in contrast to the fine grey granite used in the dressings while the internal ceilings were boarded in highly varnished pitch pine. Wicklow granite and local stone from Boston, Rathangan were used in the building of the church which eventually would have a tapering spire rising to 104 ft. The high altar and sanctuary floor etc. were of marble, the altar being a gift of Mr. Cassidy of Monasterevin and the altar rails a gift of Mrs. Kavanagh. The three beautiful windows were donated by Mr. Richard Bolger, Dublin, Mr. M. Lee, J. P., Kildare and Mr. William Staples, Naas – they were manufactured by Messrs William Martin, Son and Co. of St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin. Above the main door, the Rose Window is of special interest with its representation of the prophet Elijah who is regarded as the spiritual father of the Carmelites.

In celebration of the sixth centenary in 1890 the town was thronged with visitors by rail and road and many gathered at the railway station to greet arriving Carmelites from the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Whitefriars St., Dublin. A huge procession with banners made its way to the church where Fr. Moore an ex-Provincial of the Order preached a sermon on the devotion to Our Lady.

According to the An Tostal Programme of Kildare from 1953, ‘The Cemetery adjoining the Church has four ancient carvings in the wall. The first two are probably from the eleventh century and show the Gryphon, the animal symbolising Mercy. The other two are scenes from the Passion of Our Lord, the Ecce Homo and the Crucifixion. These carvings were once in the Grey Abbey, and were removed here for preservation.’ The Urban Archaeology Survey states however that by the 1970’s at least they had been removed to the internal north transept wall of the church. They are identified by the Survey as being mostly 16^th century tomb panels some of which may resemble other fragments within Kildare Cathedral. At least three are said to have come from the Grey Abbey (the Survey probably relies here on the evidence of Rev. Denis Murphy in his article on Kildare in the Journal of the Kildare Archaeological Society).

[It must be acknowledged that while various sources were consulted the article relies heavily on the book on The Irish Carmelites by Peter O’Dwyer, published by the Carmelites , Dublin 1988.]

An article from the Grey Abbey Conservation Project's new book CHURCH OF THE OAK, on the White Abbey from 1290-1890.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:01 AM

November 21, 2006

1907 - Talbot's Bull in Boland's Bar!!

Leinster Leader Saturday 17 August 1907, p.5.

In Kildare

…

The bull who amused himself in a china shop is always with us, but it is something new to find a bullock making a sudden dash for a drapery establishment, calmyl hesitating at the door and in a moment or two, after a survey, entering the premises. On Tuesday last a fine bullock purchased from Mr. James Logan by Mr. Patrick Talbot, Kildare, was being driven to the victualler’s premises of the latter, and evidently thinking that it should see a new phase of life before final sentence was passed, it made a side move and went in a hard gallop towards Mr. Boland’s premises in the Square.

* * *

Stopping suddenly at the door, it coolly walked in through the drapery department and caused no little consternation. However, it evidently did not find what it was looking for, and proceeded towards the bar premises, where it is alleged against the unfortunate beast that he surreptitiously got through more liquid refreshment than he was able to pay for. Sentence of death has been pronounced by Mr. Talbot and there is no immediate prospect of a reprieve.

* * *

The well-known licensed and general business premises of Mr. Edward M’Cormack, Kildare, have been bought over, or rather bought in, for Mr. M’Cormack during the past week. The sum paid is the substantial one of ₤2,210, and we are glad to see that Mr. M’Cormack will still carry on the business as usual in his own name and right.

* * *

It will be remembered that Mr. M’Cormack, who is one of the most popular business men in the county, had a few weeks ago to seek protection of the court, and the estate is now bought in for Mr. M’Cormack, we are glad to see, by a fellow-townsman. During the time of arrangement, and preliminary to the order of sale, Mr. J. J. Sherlock, officer of the courts, assisted Mr. M’Cormack in every possible way. Mr. Sherlock has the happy knack of making himself popular while attending to his duties.

A highly amusing story in the Leinster Leader of August 1907.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:02 AM

October 31, 2006

MONSTER FIELD DAY, ST. BRIGID'S PARK, SEPT. 1970

Leinster Leader 19/9/1970 – Advert., p.2

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE…

MARYVILLE MONSTER

FIELD DAY

AND DONKEY DERBY

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20th

ST. BRIGID’S PARK, KILDARE

COMMENCING 2 p.m.

DONKEY DERBY (Entries Invited) plus LADIES DONKEY OAKS – BABY SHOW (no entries after 3.30) – MEN’SKNOBBLY KNEES COMPETITION – CATCH THE GREASY PIG – PIANO SMASHING CONTEST – MEN’S TUG-O’WAR – LADIES TUG-O’WAR –

CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS PARADE (14 years and under) Leaves from Square 2 p.m.

CO. KILDARE CREAM CRACKER EATING CONTEST – 7-A-SIDE FOOTBALL FINAL – CRAZY OBSTACLE RACE – NOVELTY PRAM RACE – FORTUNE TELLER – DISPLAY BY THE A.F.S. – GENTS NOSE-CONTROLLED GOLF BALL RACE – CRAZY GOLF – IRISH DANCING EXHIBITION – THROWING THE SHEAF – PILLOW FIGHTS – MODEL AEROPLANE DISPLAY – CIVIL DEFENCE BAND – PONY RIDES – BOTTLE STALL – RIFLE RANGE – AUNT SALLY – DELPH SMASHING AND MANY OTHER NOVELTIES, STALLS, AND SIDE-SHOWS.

JOE CONNOLLY and his COUNTRY WESTERN BAND

CHOIR OF THE PRESENTATION CONVENT

Adults 2/- - CHILDREN FREE – All Events Open

COME EARLY – Don’t miss any of the fun – Usual Refreshments – no Hawkers

4696zl

An advert from the Leinster Leader from September 1970 gives an indication of the range of events and attractions at the traditional Field Days held in the Park.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:30 PM

June 12, 2006

Sean Lemass at Cill Dara Golf Club - 1 Sept. 1940

Leinster Leader 7/9/1940, p.6.

CILL DARA GOLF CLUB

INVITATION DAY, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

The competitions organised by the Committee of the Cill-Dara Golf Club took place on Sunday last. The following members from the various clubs in Co. Kildare and Dublin availed themselves of the invitations. All the competitors were entertained to luncheon after the morning competition, and the day’s proceedings were terminated when up to seventy sat down to dinner in the Club Pavilion at 9.30 p.m.

Mr. Sean Lemass (Minister for Supplies), Mr. Jerry Owens, Mr. Noel McCauly, Mr. C. W. Chambers, Mr. W. Towell, Mr. P. L. Flanagan, Mr. D. McDowell, Skerries; Mr. Emmett Dalton (Hon. Sec.), Mr. M. P. Byrne, Mr. Noel Cuddy, Mr. E. Doran, Mr. J. Conroy, Mr. A. O’Malley, Mr. C. Smirke, Mr. K. J. Duggan, Mr. P. Powell, Mr. A. W. Briscoe, Mr. E. M. Quirke, Mr. E. Harcourt Wood, Mr. George Mullen, Mr. Joe Canty (Captain), Hermitage; Mr. C. J. Mullan, Mr. John Hanlon, Mr. L. King French, Mr. J. D. Woods, Portmarnock; Mr. Phil Murphy, Mr. D. J. Toohig, Mr. J. Lenehan, Mr. W. McConnell, Mr. D. O’Reilly, Mr. B. J. Scannell, Woodbrook; Mr. H. W. Colthurst, Mr. C. Armstrong, Malahide; Mr. J. Tunney, Mr. P. J. Kavanagh, Milltown, Mr. Aidan Bailey, Bray, Mr. T. E. Kerrigan, Mr. J. Carbury, Mr. J. G. O’Neill, Mr. H. D. Prim, Athy; Mr. M. C. Collins, Curragh; Dr. J. D. McCormack, Lieut. W. Donagh, Lieut. D. Murphy, Mr. F. M. Burke, Mr. C. M. Burke, Mr. D. F. Coady, Mr. F. Cosgrove, Mr. H. O. Darling, Mr. C. Faichney, Cill-Dara.

RESULTS.

Nine Holes Foursome-1, Mr. J. Owens (plus 2), Skerries and Mr. Noel McCauley (12), Skerries, 36, 2½ , 33½; 2, Mr. D. F. Coady (7), Cill-dara, and Mr. C. M. Burke (18), Cill-Dara, 41, 6¼, 34¾.

Eighteen Holes Fourball v. Bogey-Mr. Noel Cuddy (7), Hermitage, and Mr. E. Doran (10), Hermitage, 8 up; Mr. J. Owens (plus 2), Skerries, and. Mr. Noel McCauley (12), Skerries, 8 up; Mr. A. O’Malley (7), Hermitage, and Mr. C. Smirke (10), Hermitage, 8 up.

The following members of the Club were in charge of the arrangements–Mr. John Doyle, President; Mr. Chas. Burke, Vice-President; Mr. M. P. Murphy, Captain; Mr. Flor Burke, Vice-Captain; Mr. M. F. Murphy, Hon. Sec.; Mr. W. Whelan, Mr. J. A. McCullagh, Mr. J. J. Cosgrove, V.S.

The Captain and Vice-Captain, in their speeches, having thanked the visitors for their attendance. Mr. Sean Lemass, in his reply, paid a very high tribute to the organising committee for the splendid condition of the course and the excellent way the arrangements were carried out; he also complimented the Ladies’ Committee on the splendid way the catering was accomplished. Dr. J. D. McCormack, Mr. Joe Canty and Mr. A. W. Briscoe also returned thanks on behalf of the visitors.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:15 PM

February 18, 2006

RUGBY 100 YEARS OLD IN KILDARE TOWN?

Leinster Leader 27/1/1906 p. 5.

District Doings.

…

A team representing the newly-formed Kildare Rugby Football Club met a Carlow team at Killeshin, Carlow, on Monday. Carlow won by 2 goals (one dropped) and one try to nil.

***

Buxton, the well-known Curragh jockey, played for Kildare, and played well. During the progress of the match, Fitzgibbon, one of the Carlow players, had the misfortune to break his left forearm. He was attended soon afterwards by Dr. W. O’Meara.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Kildare Observer 27/1/1906

Rugby Football.

Kildare v. Carlow.

This match was played on Monday at Carlow, and resulted in a win for the home team. Bailey and Skinner played well for Carlow, as did Quinlain, Cosgrove and Lesmond for Kildare. Score:-Carlow 1 goal, 1 dropped goal and 1 try (12 points); Kildare, nil.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

Leinster Leader 17/2/1906 p. 5.

District Doings.

…

In Kildare.

…

The Phoenix Rugby Club will travel to Kildare on Sunday to play the local team. Play will commence at 2.30 at Hawk Field, Kildare.

[There is a townland named Hawkfield near Newbridge, Co. Kildare but this is probably a reference to an actual field near Hawk Hill on the Monasterevin Road, Kildare. This was the property which was loaned for GAA matches by Mr. D. Flood. This is borne out in the next report.

A report of one such football match is carried on this site from the Leinster Leader 17 August 1895 p. 8, KILDARE (SONS OF ST. BRIGID) v ATHGARVAN – Mario Corrigan]

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Leinster Leader 17/2/1906 p. 5.

District Doings.

…

In Kildare.

…

A very large number attended at Kildare on Sunday last to witness the Rugby match between the local team and the Phoenix (Dublin) [team? – sic]. Something in the neighbourhood of 1,000 spectators were on the field, and following a very interesting and close game, the result meant a victory for the home team by a try to nil. Mr. Hazlett was fortunate in the last few moments to secure the try. The Dublin team were very hospitably entertained at the Railway Hotel after the match, and from what we can learn their outing was all round an enjoyable one.

***

The one following the other in Kildare on Sunday-G.A.A. after Rugby, and in the same field. The Rugby match being over, the Monasterevan Fizzers lined up to meet the Kildare Shamrocks, and after a hard and fast tussle, which would remind one of the old prowess of the Fizzers and Blunts, the score was 3 points each, which will mean a replay.

[Blunts were named after a local landlord – Wilfred Scawen Blunt – and if memory serves were one of the forerunners of Ellsitown GFC – original spelling and grammar maintained, indicated by [sic] - Mario Corrigan]

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Kildare Observer 24/2/1906

Rugby Football Fixture.

On Thursday next, March 1^st, a team representing Naas will play Kildare on the grounds of the Naas Hockey Club at 3.30 sharp.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Kildare Observer 3/3/1906

Rugby Football.

------------

Naas v. Kildare.

------------

Rugby football matches are few and far between nowadays in Naas, where, some fifteen years agothere was aflourishing club. We are safe in sayingthat since the time mentioned there has been, but one match, and that was about six years ago against St. Andrew’s College. Let us hope that the game will not be allowed to lie dormant for another six years—there is plenty of young material, and judging by their display they would be able to hold their own with most ordinary clubs. The game was revived on Thursday, when a team representing Naas played Kildare. Unfortunately the evening was most unsuitable, heavydrizzling rain falling throughout. There was a large number of spectators, who were not lax in encouraging any points of merit during the game. Kildare won the toss and played with a slight breeze in their favour for the first half, in which it is only fair to say that the home side had much the best, and it was very hard luck that prevented Carter from scoring. At half time the score sheet was still unmarked, and although both sides tried hard it remained so to the finish, the game ending in a scoreless draw. Kildare played two men short. The forwards on both sides played a good game, and to their lot fell the greater portion of the game on account of the soft state of the ground. Telford and Lesmonde were the best forwardsfor Kildare, while in the back division Murphy wan excellent, and H Buxton displayed as much tact with hands and head as if handling one of the Kilcumney “good things” [. – sic] In the Naasteam forward division Gibson displayed all his old prowess. Tully and Kennedy were also good. Of the backs Carter played a fine game,and none the less brilliant were Wallace, Smith, and King.

The followingwere the teams:-

Kildare—E B Gray, full; J Murphy, J Hazlett, F Bourke, and W Watson, three-quarter; H Buxton and T Bourke, halves; M. J. Egan, Lesmond, Kenny, Telford, J Cosgrove andCochrane, forwards.

Naas—B A King, full; P Cahill, B Francis, R J Smith, andJ Tracy, three—quarters;Robert Carter and TWallace, halves; T R Gibson, J J Tully, M Linnane, —Despard, E Kennedy, — Davenport, S Morrison, and J Robinson, forwards.

Dr Morrissey, Naas, refereed.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Leinster Leader 3/3/1906

Rugby Football.

------------

Naas v. Kildare.

------------

The Kildare Rugby Football Team travelled to Naas on Thursday and played a friendly match with the newly formed Naas team. The day was a most unsuitable one for football, a thick drizzling mist falling throughout the day, with the result that the hockey grounds, where the game was played, was very much on the soft side. When the teams lined out at 4 o’clock there was a fairly good attendance of spectators present. Kildare won the toss, and in the first half played with a slight breeze in their favour. The game throughout was of a rough and tumble character, and the proceedings were only enlivened on a couple of occasions, when the spectators were treated to a good display of rushing tactics on the part of the home team. The Kildare team were a more evenly balanced lot, but they played the greater part of the game with two men short. When the whistle went at full time no score had been registered for either side.

The followingwere the teams:-

Kildare—Full, Gray; Murphy, Hazlett, F. Burke, and Watson, three-quarters; Buxton and T. Bourke, halves; Egan, Desmond, Kenny, Telford, Cosgrave andCochrane, forwards.

Naas—King, full; Cahill, McQuaid, Smith, and Tracey, three-quarters;Carter and Wallace, halves; Gibson, Tully, Linnane, Despard, Kennedy, Davenport, Morrison, and Robinson, forwards.

Dr. Morrissey, Naas, refereed.

[Kildare Observer has for the Kildare team - Lesmond or Lesmonde for Desmond and Cosgrove for Cosgrave; for Naas team, B. Francis for McQuaid and Tracy for Tracey

Kildare Observer 3 March 1906

During the week Dermot O'Mahony asked me about a match played between the newly formed Rugby Clubs in Kildare and Naas in 1906. After a little research I found a few articles of interest re. the match and the Kildare Town Rugby Football Club.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:36 PM

December 28, 2005

HUNTING IN KILDARE IN 1957

Leinster Leader Saturday, December 7, 1957, p.9

Hunting

Kildare Hounds

Monday, November 25th - Kildare.

Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove dispensed hospitality at Lislee Hall before [the] hounds moved off from this popular venue. Sillot covert which was the first draw, proved blank. Finding in a field of kale belonging to Mr. C. Graham, near the covert, hounds were soon away and were fast over the Newtown-Sillott road, through Newtown on to Hendy’s Reeds. Here they swung left-handed and continued to run fast across the King’s Bog, over the Kildare-Nurney road, by St. Brigid’s Shrine, through Tully, on to Kildare town, where they pulled down their fox outside Kildare Infirmary, after a capital hunt lasting 50 minutes.

Finding in a field of kale of Capt’s Kelly’s near Oghill, hounds hunted to Cherryville before turning to the right over the Kildare-Kildangan road, through Mr. J. McGrath’s farm, on to Sillott, where scent failed on fouled ground. Hendy’s Reeds held several foxes. Selecting one rounds [sic – hounds] pushed him out and hunted nicely towards Rathmuck, before turning right-handed to run parallel with the Kildangan-Kildare road, over Moore’s Hill, on to Mr. Corry’s farm at Newtown where they marked their fox to ground, after a nice 20 minutes. A fox found in Mr. Heffernan’s furze took us towards Ballyvarney, before swinging right-handed across Mr. Delaney’s farm, on to the main road at Doneany, where hounds had to be stopped in failing light after a good day’s sport.

[The Kildare Hounds mentioned were probably the Naas Harriers under the mastership of Jack Hartigan; spelling retained from original and obvious mistakes identified by square brackets and sic - Mario Corrigan]

Posted by mariocorrigan at 03:00 PM

December 22, 2005

SALE OF STABLES AND BOILERS FROM KILDARE BARRACKS 1920

Kildare Observer Advert 10/12/1920

G. (Royal Insignia) R.

MINISTRY OF MUNITIONS.

BY DIRECTION OF THE DISPOSAL BOARD (HUTS & BUILDING MATERIAL SECTION).

IMPORTANT SALE BY AUCTION OF STABLES AND BOILERS, at KILDARE BARRACKS, on WEDNESDAY, 14th JANUARY, at 12 o’clock, comprising:-
THREE CORRUGATED IRON-ROOF STABLES on STEEL FRAMES (each 143ft. long, 21ft. wide, 10ft. high, to accommodate 50 horses), with Corrugated Iron Managers, Iron Bales, and Corrugated Iron Store House attached.
Also (by direction of the Disposal Board-Furniture Section):-
82 GOOD PORTABLE BOILERS with Removable Pans, 20in. diameter at top, about 14 gallons capacity, complete with Bends, Piping, Hoods, Rakes and Handles
66 BOILERS, same as above, but without Bodies; and
11 BODIES.
Further particulars from the Auctioneers:-Messrs.
STEEL, ROYCROFT & PRICE, Kildare and Newbridge.

Nors:-For particulars of other Government Property for Sale see “SURPLUS,” price 3d., at all Bookstalls, or by quarterly subscription of 2s. post free, payable in advance to the Director of Publicity, Ministry of Munitions, Whitehall Place, London S.W.1. (b-3j).

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:08 PM

December 14, 2005

KILDARE GIRL'S EXAM SUCCESS IN 1920

SUCCESS OF A KILDARE STUDENT
..........

We are pleased to chronicle the success achieved by Miss Cissie Hopkins, daughter of Mr. P. Hopkins, Kildare, at the recent King's Scholarship examination for Ireland in being placed first of firsts. Miss Hopkins graduated under the accomplished teaching staff of the Presentation Convent, Kildare, whom we are happy to congratulate on the distinction won by their brilliant student.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:36 AM

October 02, 2005

HUNTING AT GREY ABBEY

Leinster Leader 4/11/1905 p. 6

KILDARE HARRIERS
…………..

The Harriers met at Kildare on Saturday last, and at once proceeded to the Grey Abbey meadows, where a hare was found after a little time. Running in the direction of Sinnott [sic] Hill it turned when reaching there, and came back oractically to the point whence it started, where the hounds lost scent. There were out:- Mr. J. T. Heffernan (master), Mr. J. Cosgrave, Mr. J. Murphy, Rathangan; Mr. Gardiner, Rathangan; Mr. Price, Athgarvan; Miss Stoney, Ruanbeg; Colonel Butler, Friarstown: etc.

Spelling and grammar retained as in original; Sinnott is obviously Silliot (pronounced locally Sillet) Hill
Cosgrave should probably read Cosgrove

Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:05 PM

STATIONMASTERS OF KILDARE

Leinster Leader 10/8/1901 p. 2

THE KILDARE STATION MASTER
…………..

Mr G R Payne, station master at Kildare station of the Great Southern and Western Railway, has been notified of his transfer, on promotion, to Queenstown. Mr Payne was a most painstaking and efficient official, and the people of the district, while very glad to have learned of his promotion, regret his departure from amongst them. He will be replaced by Mr Maher of Youghall. [sic]

Queenstown is now known as Cobh

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:50 PM

FIFE AND DRUM BAND IN KILDARE

Leinster Leader 8/ 2/1913 p. 8

ST. BRIGID’S FIFE AND DRUM BAND,
KILDARE
…………..

A correspondent, Mr. George Rankin, Kildare, writes to us to announce that the committee have re-organised the above Band, and that the services of the Drum-Major of the South Lancashire Regiment, stationed at the Curragh, have been retained for the Band. He points out the great difficulty and expense of maintaining a corps of drums in a state of efficiency, but that nothing will be left undone to cultivate the musical talent of the Kildare boys. The public who recognise the advantage of having a good Band of musicians, no doubt will contribute generously to the under taking.

Accoding to Paddy Newman of Lourdesville there was a Pipe band in the 1930's which was reformed in 1947 by the C.Y.M.S. but obviously Kildare had a long tradition of music and musicians.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:50 PM

September 25, 2005

KILDARE COURTHOUSE AGAIN IN DISREPAIR

Leinster Leader 6/4/1901 p. 8

CONDITION OF KILDARE COURTHOUSE.
……………….

During the morning a continual noise interfered with the progress of business at the Quarter Sessions on Tuesday. It was caused by the flopping to and fro of a blind attached, to a window which could not be closed. After lunch, the court became full of smoke.
His Honor remarked that the Courthouse was in a disgraceful state.
Mr. White, Crown Solicitor, said that the County Council had allowed something for repairing the roof. The conditions of the Courthouse would require to be improved.
Mr. Dane, Clerk of the Crown and Peace- The smoke comes down the chimney nste ad [instead] of up it and the window won’t shut.
Mr. M’Cann said they were very anxious about the re-opening of the Infirmary, but nothing was done about the Courthouse.
His Honor said Athy Courthouse was just as bad. The heating apparatus of Athy was most extraordinary.

{Grammar and spellings retained as in original}

Posted by mariocorrigan at 06:30 PM

THE BEGINNINGS OF THE CYMS HALL PERHAPS?

Leinster Leader 27/11/1943 p. 4

MODERN BALLROOM FOR KILDARE ?

As reported in these columns some weeks ago, there is afoot in the town of Kildare an ambitious project, sponsored by a group of prominent business men, to provide the town with a new and up-to-date ballroom of the most modern construction. The ambitious scheme (involving very considerable capital outlay) advanced a step when, at the Railway Hotel, Kildare, on Friday last a very largely attended and representative meeting discussed the project and unanimously decided to further the matter. A second meeting of all interested parties is to be held in the near future.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 06:30 PM

September 18, 2005

THE ELECTRIFICATION OF KILDARE !

Leinster Leader 30/1/1904 p. 7

KILDARE ELECTRIC LIGHTING
SCHEME.
…………………………….

SWORN INQUIRY
………

Mr A. Price, Local Government Board Engineering Inspector, held a sworn inquiry, at the Courthouse, Kildare, on Monday, into the proposed scheme for the lighting of the town by electricity. Mr S. J. Brown, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the Naas No. 1 District Council, in support of the scheme. Mr D. J. Purcell, Clerk of the District Council; Mr F. Bergin, B.E., Engineer to the Council; Rev Father Campion, P.P.; Mr John T. Heffernan, (Secretary County Council) Secretary to the Lighting Committee; Mr P. Talbot, D.C., and Mr C. Bergin, Co.C., Mr W. H. Clegg, Electrical Engineer, were in attendance.
Mr Purcell was the first witness examined. He said that the valuation of the area of charge for the lighting – the town of Kildare and certain adjacent townlands – was £5,326. The outstanding balances of loans, chargeable to the area amounted to £1, 016 19s 5d. The present rate of taxation in the pound on the area of charge was 2s 3¾d on land and 3s 4¾d on buildings. The poundage rate for the repayment of the loan of £3,300 for the scheme would be about 11¾d in the pound on the area of charge.
Mr Clegg gave evidence as to the details of the scheme the cost of which he estimated as follows – Buildings, £250; gas plant, £409; engines, dynamos, etc., £824; batteries, etc., £230; mains (including lamp posts, etc.,) £1,647 – total £3,350. He estimated the annual expenditure connected with the scheme at £250 for 24,000 units of electricity. If the consumption exceeded 24,00 units the Council should pay the difference in the cost of coal and the wages would be the same. He estimated the revenue at £625 a year. That would be 15,000 units at 7d per unit for public lighting and 9,000 units at 5d per unit for private lighting. The expense of the public lighting would be 9d in the pound but the difference in the amount of the expenditure and the revenue would go to reduce the cost of public lighting. He added that the National Electric Construction Company were willing to “run” the works for five or ten years for a sum of £250 per year, any revenue exceeding £250 to be paid over to the District Council.
Mr Brown asked would they be prepared to do that for the full term of the loan – 20 years.
Mr Clegg said he had no authority to exceed the period mentioned – 5 or 10 years.
Mr F. Bergin, B.E., said that the population of the town of Kildare was 1700 exclusive of the military. The scheme provided for 500 16-candle power lamps lighting at the same time and provision was made for an increase of 250 lamps, if necessary.
Messrs Denis Flood, Thomas Boland, Henry Brereton, James E. Dunne, and Jas Clinch, objected to their paying towards the cost of the scheme, as their holdings were over a mile and a half from the town of Kildare.
Mr Flood, the only objector who consented to be examined, admitted in reply to Mr Brown, the necessity for lighting the town.
Mr Brown proposed a vote of thanks to the Inspector for the manner in which he conducted the inquiry. The Inspector returned thanks and said that the scheme as submitted to him by Mr Clegg appeared to be satisfactory.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:50 PM

September 13, 2005

SOCIAL ASPECT OF BARRACK BUILDING Part II

Leinster Leader 26/4/1901 p. 8

ENTERTAINMENT AT KILDARE BARRACKS.
………………………

At the New Barracks, Kildare, on Saturday evening, the members of the Scotia Villa held an At Home. The company present included Mr and Mrs Rodley [the manager of the works] Mr and Mrs Barber, Mr and Mrs Lewis, Mr and Mrs Stoodley, the Misses Kirby, Plant, Thompson, Forde and Costelloe, and Messrs Oram, White and Culver. About forty ladies, and gentlemen sat down to collation, which was served at 7.30 p.m. Subsequently Scotch selections were played by Messrs Culver and Duffus, and songs were given by Messrs Knight, Williams and Mackintosh, the latter being much appreciated. Mr Stephenson’s recitation in Scotch was also much admired. Dancing and games completed the evening’s programme. The manner in which the At Home was carried out reflects great credit upon Mr W Duffus (the secretary) and the other gentlemen forming the committee. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment.

See also on this website, Entertainment at Kildare, Leinster Leader 12/1/1901 p. 5 which describes Mr Oram as the foreman and mentions a Mrs Studley (Stoodley ?).

And also The Social Aspect of Barrack Building.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:45 PM

September 06, 2005

KILDARE RAILWAY STATION ALMOST BURNED TO THE GROUND

Leinster Leader 24/ 2/1923 p. 2

Fire at Kildare Railway Station
……………………..

There was a rumour current early on Monday that the entire railway station premises at Kildare had been burned to the ground. Inquiry, however, showed that through the efforts of the Curragh Fire Brigade the fire was confined to the booking office, and the residential portion of the premises. At about 9.30 the Civic Guard at Kildare were informed that portion of the premises was on fire and on proceeding there they found the ticket office ablaze. The Curragh Fire Brigade arrive in a very short time and working up to 11.30 managed to confine the fire to the ticket office. The Station Master with his family, lives immediately over the booking office. The stationmaster was very fortunate in escaping. They lost, it is stated, a considerable quantity of furniture and personal belongings in the fire. Having left before midnight the Fire Brigade were again called to the railway station at 6.30 on Tuesday morning as the fire had again broken out. Some office furniture, stationery, etc., were lost in the fire. The Brigade continued until 8.45 in the morning when the fire was completely subdued. It is not known how the fire originated.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:37 PM

August 30, 2005

DEATH IN 1941 HAS CONNECTION WITH 1798

Leinster Leader 29/11/1941 p. 3

LINK WITH 1798
………………..
DEATH OF MR. ML. McDONAGH,
FRENCHFURZE

Deep regret is felt by the people of Frenchfurze and Brownstown, Curragh, at the death of Mr. Daniel McDonnell, which occurred at his residence, Frenchfurze, at the age of 68 years. “Dan” as he was popularly called, belonged to one of the oldest families living around the Curragh edge, and was employed for a number of years up to his death as Assistant Curragh Ranger. In the discharge of his duties he earned the goodwill of everyone with whom he came in contact by his unobtrusive manner.
A grand uncle of his named Michael Houlihan, when a lad of sixteen years, assisted at the burial of a priest who was killed on the Curragh during the massacre of the insurgents by the British troops under the command of General Duff in 1798. This grave known as “The Priest’s Grave,” is a familiar landmark on the Curragh about midway between the Gibbet Rath and Strawhall.
The deceased leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss. The funeral, which took place to the family burial ground at Carna, was largely attended by the people living in the Curragh area.

( Mario Corrigan - The title says ML McDonagh while the text says Daniel McDonnell; as always the original entries are copied exactly as they appear in the paper - errors and all)

Posted by mariocorrigan at 10:05 PM

August 11, 2005

KILDARE EX-SERVICEMEN 1949

Leinster Leader 30/7/1949 p. 3

KILDARE EX-ARMY MEN
HOLD DINNER

The Kildare branch of the National Federation of Irish Ex-Servicemen held their first annual dinner in the Railway Hotel, Kildare, on Sunday last. The dinner was attended by Messrs. P. Maguire and S. Quinn, National Executive representatives, and by representatives from the Regular Army, Old I.R.A. and members of the Ballyshannon Pipe Band.
The Branch Chairman (Mr. Boner) proposed a toast, wishing success to the Federation.
Mr. Quinn, seconding, said that the Federation expected the support of all ex-servicemen and deserved to be on as sound a footing as other ex-service organisations in the country. As ex-members of the Irish Army, no ex-soldier should have the slightest doubt about his status or the part his organisation was entitled to play in the cultural and social life of the country.
Mr. Maguire, who also spoke, said that the Federation was the youngest national organisation in the country. Great efforts had been made by certain ex-servicemen to build up the Federation. In particular he would like to mention the founder of the Federation, Councillor P. White. The Kildare branch was one of the strongest branches in the thirty-two counties and he hoped it would maintain that position.
Messrs. Kelly, B. Cullen and J. Kavanagh also spoke. An enjoyable musical evening followed.

……………………………………………………………………………

Posted by mariocorrigan at 11:43 PM

July 30, 2005

KILDARE LAND OWNERS ORGANISE AGAINST POACHERS

Leinster Leader 3/11/1945 p. 2

KILDARE TOWN GAME PRESERVATION SOCIETY
………

NOTICE
…….

TAKE NOTICE that the townslands in the occupation or possession of the undermentioned persons are preserved as and from the date of this Notice and all persons found thereon in pursuit of game will be prosecuted without further notice. The said Society has become a recognised Society under Section 15 of the Game Preservation Act, 1930, and notice of same was published in “Iris Oifigiuil” on the 26th day of September, 1944. Permission to enter the lands of any of the persons mentioned below for the purpose of killing, taking, or preserving game thereon, must be obtained from the Society on and after the date of this Notice. The lands in the occupation or possession of the persons mentioned will be laid with poison from time to time at the discretion of the said persons.
Thomas Harte, The Square, Kildare (Whitesland East).
Ernest Dunne, South Green, Kildare.
Thomas Dunne, Coolanknock, Kildare.
John J. Conlan, Crockanure, Kildare.
Edward Medlicott, Dunmurray, Kildare.
John Loughlin, Kilmuney, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.
John Ennis, Thomastown, Kildare.
Joseph O’Beirne, Kyle, Kildare.
Arthur Johnson, Kyle, Kildare.
Charles Graham, Whitesland East, Kildare.
Lawrence Ryan, Newtown, Kildare.
John Ryan, Green Road, Kildare.
C. W. Waddington, Turf Lodge, The Curragh (for the entire Sheshoon Stud Farm).
Joseph J. Cosgrove, Lislea House, Kildare (Whitesland East).
Vernon Gibson, Rathwalkin, Kildare.
William Hanley, Kilkumney, Kildare.
James J. Murphy, Bishopsland, Kildare.
Mrs. Fennell, Rathhilla, Kildare.
William Holohan, Rathhilla, Kildare.
Simon Holohan, Rathhilla, Kildare.
Dated this 30th day of October, 1945.
F. E. Murphy
Acting Secretary.
2526z2nov10.

(no. is the one from the original Leader notice)

Posted by mariocorrigan at 03:10 PM

July 29, 2005

SOME OF THE LOCAL LAND OWNERS IN KILDARE DURING WWII

Leinster Leader 13/5/1944 p. 4

NOTICE
…………………………………..

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
…….

Take Notice that the following persons owning lands in the Townlands of Grey Abbey, Kildare, Knockshough Glebe, Whitesland West, Loughminane, Crossmorris, Rathwalkin, Knavinstown, South Green, Kilcumney and Rathilla respectively have had their lands laid with poison or shall at their own discretion so lay their lands with poison as from the date of publication of this Notice, and all further trespassers found on the lands will be immediately prosecuted – George Graham, Grey Abbey, Kildare; George Butler, Grey Abbey, Kildare; Joseph McGrath, Kildare; Kennedy O’Brien, Kildare; Christopher Hackett, Kyle, Kildare; Michael Holohan, Kyle, Kildare; Christopher McCormack, Kildare; Joseph O’Beirne, Kyle, Kildare; Michael Hackett, Loughminane, Kildare; Patrick Behan, Knavinstown, Kildare; Michael Clery, Rathwalkin, Kildare; Vernon Gibson, Rathwalkin, Kildare; Ernest Dunne, Southgreen, Kildare; William Hanley, Kilcumney, Kildare; Charles McNabb, Kildare; Michael Cunningham, Kildare.
93811

(no. is the original from the Leader notice)

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:57 PM

July 25, 2005

RUMOURED TRANSFER OF MILITARY FROM KILDARE BARRACKS 1936

Leinster Leader 21/11/1936 p. 5

IMPORTANT MILITARY TRANSFER

………………………

TRADERS DEPUTATION

…………………..

Our representative learns that that the Ministry for Defence has decided to remove the Artillery Corps, up to now stationed at Kildare Barracks, to Plunket Barracks, Curragh Camp. Portion of the transfer has already been affected. The removal of this considerable military force from Kildare is naturally a big loss to the trades people of the town, who are hopeful that the new wall paper factory, when launched, will do something to offset this loss. Kildare Barracks, of course, lacks the modern conveniences of the new home of the Artillery Corps.
A deputation of Kildare traders waited on Mr. Norton last week in connection with the rumoured transfer of the personnel at the Military Barracks, Kildare, to the Curragh Camp.
Mr. Norton had an interview with the Minister for Defence in connection with the matter and was informed that the barracks at Kildare were structurally defective in certain respects, and that it was necessary to transfer the personnel to the Curragh Camp pending the reconstruction and renovation of the Kildare Military Barracks. It is not intended to close the Kildare Barracks permanently.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:57 PM

July 18, 2005

Large gathering of Republicans on the Market Square 1935

Leinster Leader 27/4/1935

I.R.A. NATIONAL COMMEMORATION.

…………………………….

KILDARE CEREMONY.

………………..

ADDRESS BY FR. O’FLANAGAN

………

On Sunday last the town of Kildare was the scene of a big muster of Republicans when in connection with the chain of I.R.A. National Commemoration meetings held all over the country the local I.R.A. and its adherents and sympathisers gathered to do honour to the memory of the seven Kildare Republicans who were executed at the Curragh in 1922.

Sunday’s ceremony brought contingents from all parts of the county to the town of Kildare and a very big crowd witnessed the formation of the parade of the I.R.A. and the subsequent unveiling of the handsome memorial which has been erected in the Market Square to the memory of the executed men. The memorial takes the form of a Celtic Cross in marble the inscription being as follows:-

“Sacred to the Memory of Patrick Bagnall (17); Stephen White (19); Jackie Johnson (18), Patrick Nolan (24), Patrick Mangan (22), Jos Connor (24), Brian Moore (37).

Heroes who fought and gave their lives 1922. For the Republic of Ireland. May God Diffuse their spirit amongst us. Erected 1935, by a local committee.”

The parade was headed by the Droichead Nua Band, following which came No 2 Kildare Co., I.R.A. Next the Monsterevan [sic] Band, then a very strong muster of representatives of the old I.R.A. followed by the Mullaghmast and Inchaquire Bands, and representatives of various national bodies and the general public. The parade then formed a hollow square about the memorial which was draped with the tricolour, and Eamonn Kirwan introduced the Rev Fr Michael O’Flanagan who had attended to unveil the memorial and deliver the oration. Loud applause greeted Fr O’Flanagan as he ascended the platform. Having undraped the memorial, Fr O’Flanagan said – This is a very solemn and sacred occasion here in the town of Kildare. We meet here to pay tribute to the memory of seven soldiers of the Irish Republican Army who under circumstances of unparalleled atrocity were done to death by their former comrades – done to death by those with whom they had fought side by side but who had been led from the right path and had so far wandered from it that they finally descended to the foul murder of their former comrades. There was a sentence in the address appointed to be read that day at such gatherings as these throughout the length and breadth of the country which was of particular impodtance [sic] – “It was only when our leaders compromised that defeat overtook our party,” an indication that the devotion of the people should be given “not to leaders but to principles.”

Devotion to individuals was a fundamental mistake which had been made over and over again in the history of the Republican movement. In 1921 and some years preceding this devotion was given two [sic] men whose names with others were pledged to the establishment of an Independent Republic. When those men were overawed and browbeaten into the acceptance of a compromise they took half the Irish people with them on the wrong road. Men said – “What is good enough for Griffith’s and Collins is good enough for me – we will go to hell with Griffith’s and Collins” [sic] And (the speaker continued) though I am speaking figuratively, as it is not for me to judge any man, they went to hell with them for the blood of these seven men is upon hands [sic]. Led by Collins and Griffiths [sic] that Free State Government continued the work of the Black and Tans and Auxilaries [sic]. Then, in later years the same blind devotion was given another man also pledged to Republicanism, with the result that we still have a “Free State [sic] which every day is growing more and [sic] like the “Free State” of 700 years ago. These men all began the same way with a profession of Republicanism then they accepted something else as a stepping stone to a Republic.” [sic] They forget that stepping stones are proverbially slippery with the result that they fall headlong into the river bringing those who follow them so blindly with them. This second Free State party is shaping in the same direction as the first. True, they have not yet shed the blood of their brothers but they hound them into their foul jails and they who become the jailers of their people are bound to yet become their executioners. Therefore let us weigh all the advice – let our first devotion be “not to leaders, but to principles.” The enemy can corrupt a leader of the people but not the steadfast principles of a million people.

Sean Kirwan appealed to those men of Kildare who were not already members of the I.R.A. to join that association and requested those who were members to pay even more attention to drilling and training than they were doing at the present time.

The singing of the “Soldiers Song” followed and the parade immediately dismissed. No untoward incident occurred at any time during the afternoon or the evening.

Civil War Grave.jpg

Civil War Grave at Grey Abbey

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:57 PM

July 11, 2005

YEARLING COLT TO BE WON DECEMBER 1926

Kildare Observer 11/12/1926 p. 7

Whist Drive in Kildare

……………..

The whist drive held in the Club House Hotel, Kildare, on Wednesday night last, was a tremendous success, not only from the financial point of view, but also that of entertainment. Over one hundred and fifty guests were present, which included parties from Naas, Newbridge, Athy, Monasterevan, Maynooth and most of the smaller towns, and every available space of the lower rooms was filled to capacity. There was keen competition among the gentlemen players for the very attractive prize offered by Mr. Doyle, the horse trainer, who gave a yearling colt as first prize and of which there was a very fine drawing in the main hall. The scores came out very high, the winner, Mr. J. Mulvin, Edenderry, coming first with 189; Mr. J. Behan, Ballysax, second; and Mr. M. Regan won the sealed, 146. With the ladies, the top score was 180 and was held by Miss B. M. Noone Edenderry; Miss Moloney, Kildare coming second with 178. The lady’s sealed prize was won by Miss May Hayde, Enfield, the score called being 156. Immediately after the play, tea and refreshments were served by the Committee, which were thoroughly enjoyed, as there was no break through the game.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 09:14 PM

July 03, 2005

KILDARE NOMINATIONS TO THE FIRST SEANAD

Kildare Observer 9/12/1922 p. 3

Kildare in The Irish Senate.

………….

In the list of thirty members of Seanad Eireann nominated by the Irish Government appear those of the Earl of Mayo, K.P., P.C.; Captain J. H. Greer, Curragh Grange, The Curragh, Director of the National Stud at Tully, Kildare, and Sir Bryan Mahon. Lord Mayo was a member of the Irish Convention in 1917. Sir Bryan Mahon is a Galway man, and was Commander-in-Chief in 1916-1918. He is a Steward of the Irish National Hunt and the Turf Club, and married Lady Milbanke, widow of Sir John Milbanke, V.C., and daughter of the late Colonel the Hon. Charles F. Crichton, D.L., of Mullaboder., [sic] Ballymore-Eustace.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 05:06 PM

July 01, 2005

CIVIL WAR TROUBLES IN THE KILDARE OBSERVER IN 1922

Kildare Observer 25/11/1922 p. 3

Not C.I.D. Men.

……………………..

HOLD-UP AT KILDARE

………….

On Monday evening while Mr. Sean McKenna, superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Co., and late brigade police officer at Naas, with Mr. Muldowney, were walking from Kildare station towards the town a shot was heard, evidentially either fired or accidentally discharged by some men walking behind them. Mr. McKenna turned round to the men and enquired what was wrong. He was informed by the men, seven in number, that they had been sent after him and his companion in the belief that they were C.I.D. men. They were questioned by the men, who were armed with revolvers and hand grenades, and having established their identity were allowed to go. The hold-up occurred near the railway hotel shortly after noon.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 08:50 AM

June 21, 2005

COMIC CRIME CAPERS AUGUST 1901

Leinster Leader 24/8/1901 p. 8

A “DEAF AND DUMB” MUTE……………………..
CLEVER ARREST AT KILDARE……………………..
On Wednesday week last Constable Thomas Grady made a very clever arrest at Kildare. It appears that on the previous evening an old man, who signed himself Peter O’Brien, was begging around the town and presented a letter to several shopkeepers, which stated that he was deaf and dumb and a cooper by trade, but at the time out of employment. Constable Grady watched this “gentleman” and noticed that in a couple of shops he asked for rum, and on the following morning he caught him tendering the letter above mentioned. He thereupon placed him under arrest and on being brought before Mr Medlicott, J P, O’Brien was sentenced to three month’s imprisonment. During the hearing of the charge the man pretended to be deaf and dumb but after sentence was passed he was told by the magistrate that he might don his hat, which he did. On returning to barracks he asked the police at what time the train would start, which would take him to gaol. He informed the police that he had been 180 times convicted for the said offence. It will be remembered that about three years ago the same culprit was arrested by Constable Grady at Monasterevan, for a similar offence, and was sentenced to three months. The “mute” is a native of Clare. His real name is Michael McNamara.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:52 PM

Concert at Kildare January 1901

Leinster Leader 26/1/1901

CONCERT AT KILDARE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

……………………

A most entertaining concert was given on Monday last by the boys of the above schools. The Town Hall was very artistically decorated for the occasion. Among those present were the Right Rev. Mons. Murphy V.G., under whose patronage it was held; Rev. Father O’Reilly, Prior of the Carmelite Convent; Rev. Bro. Anthony, Provincial of the Order, and Rev. Bro. James, Superior, Bagnalstown. The reserved seats, the back and all other available space were well filled. The Pianist, Mr. P.J. Sage, Dublin, is entitled to special praise as he contributed largely to make the concert all that could be desired, even by the most fastidious. In general all the boys went through their different parts creditably. Master Michael Doran’s recital of “Brian Boru’s Address” elicited loud applause. As chairman of the “Anti-Nonsense Club” Master Michael Jones deserves to be congratulated. In the two dialogues “The Music Lessons” and the “Rival Politicians” in which Master John Ryan took part he showed his talents to the very best advantage. “The Priest’s Leap” recited by Master Jas. Mullally was exceedingly well received. Very fine likewise was his singing of “Chiming Bells of long ago.” Master John Mullally’s rendering of “We’ll all go a-hunting today” was warmly received. Masters P. Hoogins and J. Woods delivered a Prologue in fine style. The Fourth Standard boys sang “My Land” and “There’s Music in the Air” in excellent time and tune. Three of the chief choruses, “Let Erin Remember,” “The harp that once” and “Happy Land, thy lengthening Story were sung by the boys of the higher standards with great spirit and effect, showing that they were carefully prepared by teachers that were competent to do the work expected from them. Judging from the applause and the impressions made on the people the entertainment proved to be a complete success no matter in what light it might be viewed. The boys did all that could reasonably be expected from them, and certainly this account would lack a most important feature if the good Brothers, that spent so much time and pains preparing the pupil to amuse and entertain their parents and townsfolk were forgotten. If “Honour where honour is due” is a true motto, then the highest eulogium should be given to the Christian Brothers. We hope that entertainments of this nature will be more frequent in Kildare, for they cannot fail to do immense good whether viewed as a means of developing the social and moral qualities of the children, or as a means of imparting pleasing impressions that should be cherished.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 01:47 PM

June 12, 2005

THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF BARRACK BUILDING JANUARY 1901

Leinster Leader 12/1/1901 p. 5

Entertainment at Kildare.
On Saturday night last the Irish foremen and timekeepers employed at the military barracks in course of erection in Kildare, entertained their English friends in the same employment. A number of guests were invited, and when supper was served at twelve o’clock about fifty sat to table. The health of the strangers was proposed and Mr. Oram foreman, responded in suitable terms. Dancing commenced after supper, the music being supplied by the employes [sic]. Songs were also rendered by Mr. Oram, Mr. White, Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs. Studley, Miss Dollard, Miss Farrelly, and Mr. McLoughlin. Proceedings were kept up until the small hours, when the party separated well pleased with their night’s pleasure. Messrs Behan, Hickey, and Murphy, who organised the entertainment, are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:42 PM

RUNAWAY HORSE

Leinster Leader 19/1/1901 p. 8

A RUNAWAY HORSE AT KILDARE

On Saturday last, a race horse, the property of Mr. F. Cullen, Curragh, whilst being exercised bolted and ran at furious speed into Kildare, carrying its rider, a son of Mr. Cullen. When near the Ball-alley a car was approaching and despite the rider’s efforts the horse ran into it. The shaft of the car entered the animal’s body and killed it almost instantly. The rider was thrown from the saddle but escaped uninjured.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 07:42 PM

June 05, 2005

Sons of St. Brigid V. Athgarvan 1895

Leinster Leader 17 August 1895 p. 8

Gaelic Athletic Association.
……………………
KILDARE (SONS OF ST. BRIGID) v ATHGARVAN.
The Athgarvan team journey over to Kildare on Sunday to try conclusions with the “Sons.” Notwithstanding the heavy downpour of rain during the early part of the day the home team left nothing undone to make the ground (which was kindly given by Mr D Flood), appropriate to the occasion.

The appearance of the renowned nine acres on Sunday, with flags flying at intervals all along the side lines, and point posts, brought back to the mind of every lover of the national game the good old days of the championships, where the best teams of the county concentrated to do battle for the premier place of honour. It was after 4 o’clock when both teams lined up, each fully confident of success. For the first ten minutes the play was very fast, during which time an open occurred for the “Sons” by being awarded a forty yards kick-off, which Moore very scientifically sent into the immediate vicinity of the Athgarvan goal post, which was quickly repulsed. Failing to score, the Athgarvan men took possession of the ball, and rushed it very determinedly up the field, which move was strongly resisted by the Kildare backs, who forced the attack. After some very fine play Athgarvan was favoured with a goal to their credit. On the ball being kicked out both teams went to work with a will, and the ball was kept continually in motion up and down the field, when Coghlan got an open kick-off, which Kildare credited with a point. On sending out the ball again Kildare was quickly favoured with another score. When half time was called the score stood: Athgarvan, 1 goal; Kildare 2 points. On play being resumed the “Sons” seemed to realise their position, and fully resolved not to let their opportunity go,” [sic] went to work with a determination that seemed not to leave victory a moment in doubt. They sent the ball up the field very quickly, invading their opponents territory, and with one rush put the ball out between the goal posts. On the ball being sent in motion again it seemed easy to name the victors, as Kildare was very quickly favoured with two points more to their credit. At this stage, and with fifteen minutes of the time to elapse, the rubber “inside” burst, but was quickly replaced by another. On the men being called on to form up some of the Athgarvan men were missing. On going to look after them they were found dressing, and said they would kick no more. On being pressed by their men to finish the time they refused, which brought the matter to a rather abrupt termination, leaving the Kildare men the victors by 1 goal, 4 points to 1 goal for Athgarvan.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:22 PM

THE COURTHOUSE KILDARE 1882

The Kildare Observer 23/9/1882 p. 5

The Courthouse, Kildare.

This building, which was in a rather dilapidated condition in the inside, has been completely renovated.

The walls have been coloured and the wood work re-painted. The building is now somewhat more like a court of justice than it was a few months ago, when grim walls and a plentiful supply of cobwebs on the ceiling formed an unpleasant feature of the inside. The work has been done by Mr. P. Dunne, Naas.

Posted by mariocorrigan at 12:22 PM

February 10, 2012

AUGUST 1950: GIBBET RATH MEMORIAL COMMITTEE and DEMOLITION OF OLD WHITE ABBEY HALL/CHURCH

September 11, 2008

LOCAL NOTES FROM THE LEINSTER LEADER APRIL 1907

September 10, 2008

NEWSWORTHY? More notes from the Leinster Leader 1907

NEWSWORTHY? More notes from the Leinster Leader 1907

July 31, 2008

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CONCERT KILDARE 1907

KILDARE SNIPPETS FOR 16 MARCH 1907

July 28, 2008

ST. BRIGID

July 08, 2008

KILDARE LOCAL NOTES, COURTS AND FOOTBALL

June 18, 2008

DEATH OF WOGAN BROWNE FROM THE LONDON TIMES

1907: COURT APPEARANCES, GAELIC FOOTBALL AND THE ISSUE OF THE MEDICAL SALARY

April 02, 2008

DEATH OF WOGAN BROWNE - THE INQUEST

DEATH OF WOGAN BROWNE - THE FUNERAL

DEATH OF LT. WOGAN BROWNE - VOTES OF SYMPATHY

March 05, 2008

1907 FEBRUARY 5 - SOME INTERESTING AUCTIONS AND LOCAL NEWS

February 25, 2008

LEINSTER LEADER ADVERTS 1935 - including unveiling of CIVIL WAR MONUMENT MARKET SQUARE

February 18, 2008

1907 - January Sale

Leinster Leader 5 January 1907 p. 1 Advertisement Sale of grasslands at Loughminane and South Green, Kildare. Sale of household furniture at Drumcree Villa, Tully. Letting of grazing at the Chair, Kildare.

January 1957 - Newspaper Reports

February 11, 2008

EVICTION AT TULLY - EXTRAORDINARY PRESS REPORT

January 23, 2008

KILDARE SPORTS ABANDONED AND DRAMA AT THE PICTURE PALACE

August 29, 2007

The Tower on the Hill of Allen

August 08, 2007

Unions rebel in Kildare in 1936

August 01, 2007

A long way from the front!

July 24, 2007

Contentious Sheriff's Sale in the Market Square - Jan. 1882

June 21, 2007

Some local deaths as reported in the papers

June 05, 2007

Obituaries of two well-known personalities from 1963

May 21, 2007

Death of Edward Medlicott of Dunmurry, 1872

April 21, 2007

Early Kildare Football Teams

April 03, 2007

Death of Kildare Sportsman, 1903

March 28, 2007

Opening of St. Brigid's Park - Advert from 1936

March 20, 2007

Kildare man killed in action in WWII

March 13, 2007

The famous annual fair at French Furze

March 07, 2007

Fortnight-long Carnival to add to An Tostal Celebrations 1954

February 27, 2007

An Tostal Celebrations in 1954

February 06, 2007

Kildare Postman Retires

January 23, 2007

Construction of Wallpaper Factory - July/August 1936

January 15, 2007

St. Brigid's - First Ever Kildare Senior Hurling Championship 1978

January 08, 2007

Junior Hurling Final 1969 - first County Title for St. Brigid's

January 05, 2007

Christmas School Concert and Poems

December 06, 2006

The White Abbey; the first 600 years!

November 21, 2006

1907 - Talbot's Bull in Boland's Bar!!

October 31, 2006

MONSTER FIELD DAY, ST. BRIGID'S PARK, SEPT. 1970

June 12, 2006

Sean Lemass at Cill Dara Golf Club - 1 Sept. 1940

February 18, 2006

Leinster Leader 5 January 1907 p. 1

Advertisement

Sale of grasslands at Loughminane and South Green, Kildare.

Sale of household furniture at Drumcree Villa, Tully.

Letting of grazing at the Chair, Kildare.