Full title: Commemoration of Centenary of Death of Neil “Plunkett” Boyle 15 May 1923 – 15 May 2023 Knocknadruce, Valleymount, Co. Wicklow
Creator / Author: Pádraig O’Baoighill (translation by Maureen Phibbs)
Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 46p
When Published: 2023
Publisher / Place of Publication: Not Stated / Co. Wicklow?
About: Neil ‘Plunkett’ Boyle was born in County Donegal in 1898 and he reputedly became the last man to be killed in the Irish Civil War when he was shot at Knocknadruce, Valleymount in West Wicklow on 15th May, 1923. This booklet was published to commemorate the centenary of his death. Most of the content of this booklet is taken from the book ‘Óglach na Rosann’ by Pádraig O’Baoighill (1994). The original Irish text has been translated by Maureen Phibbs.
ID number(s): None
Chapters: [Foreword: Neil “Plunkett” Boyle in West Wicklow 1922-1923] — Dedication — Plunkett of the Hills (ballad) — 1916-1923 — Neil Boyle — Comdt. Neil “Plunkett” Boyle (ballad) / Dominic O’Kelly — Neil Boyle in West Wicklow — Dunlavin — Hempstown (Tinode) — Blessington — Valleymount — Commandant Tom Heavey’s Memories of Neil Boyle — The Killing of John Moore at Mooney’s Pub in Manor Kilbride — Kylebeg — Manor Kilbride — Lacken — Ballyknockan — Knocknadruce — Funeral of Neil “Plunkett” Boyle — Members of Plunkett’s Column — Timeline of Events in Irish History 1914-1949 — “Plunkett” O’Boyle (ballad) / Annie Timoney — Acknowledgements.
Full title: Left at the Lamb: a flavour of the history and heritage of the Blessington area
Creator / Author: Aidan Cruise, David Harrington and Seamus Balfe. Editor: Professor Tom Barragry
Item Type / Page count: Book / 280p
When Published: 2022 – 2023
Publisher / Place of Publication: [Lakeside Heritage Group / Blessington, Co. Wicklow]
About: The subtitle of this publication calls it “a flavour of the history and heritage of the Blessington area”. In truth, it is more of a feast than just a flavour. In just under 300 pages, readers are given an overview of the history and archaeology of Blessington and its wider hinterland and can embark on an imaginary road trip where the heritage of all places between Saggart and Hollywood is described in more detail. The extensive use of photographs and illustrations make every location come alive and help to highlight the human element of local history.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Introduction — A Brief Historical Profile of the Blessington and Lakeside Area
[Archaeology and History] The Ice and Stone Age – Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic – Cairns – The Bronze Age – Piper Stones – Standing Stones – The Iron Age – Hillforts – Early Medieval – Raths and Ringforts – The Age of Christianity – Ogham Stones – The Vikings – The Normans and the Birth of Blessington – The Lordship of Ireland – Early Modern Wicklow – Wicklow, the Last County – Nine Years War — Rebellion, Defeat, Confiscation, Plantation — Archbishop Boyle, The Downshires and Blessington Estate – The Manor House and the Estate of Blessington – Wicklow and the 1798 Rebellion – Edward Heppenstall “The Walking Gallows” – The Wicklow Military Road – Captain Michael Dwyer – The 1800’s.
Blessington by Trap or Tram – The Scrap Iron Express – The Blessington to Poulaphouca Tram Co – Incidents and Accidents – The Blessington Tram [ballad] / Peter C. Grattan (Roving Bard) –The Blessington Lakes – The Crockery Way [ballad] / Martin Shaughnessy – Wildlife in the Area – The Blessington Game and Wildfowl Conservation Association
[A Trip to the Lake] Tallaght to Brittas – Sagart-Teach Sacra – Crooksling-Cnoc Slinne — Brittas-An Briotás — Kilteel-Cill Chéile – The Lamb – Rathmore-An Ráth Mhór – Hempstown – Golden Hill – Kilbride Lodge, Glen Heste Hotel and the Airfield – Lime Kilns – Quarries at Golden Hill, Three Castles, Oldcourt and the Dowrey – Manor Kilbride – St. Brigid’s – Hedge Schools in the Area – The Hollywood Grave-slabs – Mooney’s Pub – Cloghleagh – The Church of St. John the Baptist – Kilbride Army Camp – Seefin – Kippure – Boglands – Ballylow — The Coronation Planatation — Ballysmuttan – Ballysmuttan Bridge [poem] – Oldcourt – Ballyward – Three Castles – Interview with the late Paddy Phibbs – Crosscoolharbour & Crosschapel – The Church of Our Mother of Mercy – The Sandpits – The Fair Day – Gobbit’s Picture House (The Cottage Cinema) / Neville Gyves – Blessington Bridge – Knockieran (Cnoc Iarainn-the hill of iron) & Dwyer’s Brook – Carrig and Rathnabo (Rath na Bo-enclosure of the cows) — Lacken — Lacken Schoolhouse – St. Boden’s Well – St. Boden’s Well [poem] / Martin Keogh – The Cillín – Templeboden (Teampall Buadáin) – Kylebeg/Kilbeg (Coill Beg-small wood) – Mullaghcleevaun Mountain (Clefed Hill) – Blackhill (Cnoc Dubh) – Ballyknockan Granite – Ballyknockan (Bhuaile an Chnocáin) – Ballyknockan, my home on the hill [poem] / Peter Keogh – Valleymount (An Chrois) – Humphreystown – Baltyboys-Bhuaile Buí – Dame Ninette de Valois – Quakers – Tulfarris (“Tulach Ferghuis”-Fergus’ Hill) – Baltyboys schoolhouse – Hollywood – Poulaphouca — Song of Poulaphouca [ballad] –Dance halls — Russborough House – Interview with the late Frances O’Donoghue – Russellstown House – Killmalum-Cill Moloma – The Dispensary – Burgage – The Burgage Road [poem] – Burgage Castle.
Blessington – Garda station – New school – Boys’ schoolhouse – Downshire Hotel – Downshire Agent’s House — St. Mary’s Churchyard and St. Mary’s Church of Ireland – Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament – Downshire Monument – The Four Stone Tree – Court House / Market House built 1820s – St. Joseph’s Hall and the Band Hall – Some of the locals [Photo Gallery].
Sport – GAA – Soccer – Acknowledgements.
Extra #1: Includes well over five hundred black and white photographs or other illustrations.
Creator / Author: Diarmuid Ó Muimhneacháin, ar n-a gcur in eagar ag Risteárd Ó Foghludha (“Fiaċra Éilgeaċ”)
Item Type / Page count: Book / 169pp
When Published: 1946
Publisher / Place of Publication: Oifig an tSoláthair / Dublin
About: “Dhá Chích Dhanann” was one of the pen-names used by Jeremiah Moynihan (Diarmuid Ó Muimhneacháin). He lived from 1866 to 1934 and served in the Royal Irish Constabularly between 1890 and 1920. He was born in the parish of Ballyvourney in Cork into a family of well-known Irish poets. He retained this interest throughout his life and published pieces in various Irish-language publications. This book is a selection of his poetry and ballads and also contains a 12-page introductory essay and full-page photograph. The subject matter of his verse is Ireland, Irish history and culture, Irish patriots and Irish places including some West Wicklow locations. After retiring he continued his love of Irish culture by teaching classes in the West Dublin area. He is buried in Baltinglass Cemetery.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Réamhrádh — Bith-scéal an fhile 1866-1934 — A Éire, mo thír bhocht go hEág! — An áit is cuibhe — Tír bheag na Banban — Oileáinín na féile — Clanna Mumhan — Síothcháin — A Bhanba, dúisigh — Seo díl-chlann na séimh-fhear — Sruthán sléibhe — A Ghaedhala na cruinne — An Ghaedhilg in san ollscoil nua — Filleadh an deoraidhe — Tá mo chroidhe go dubhach — Feall Dhún Laimhin in “Ocht gcéad déag ach do” — I gCríochaibh Naomh-Mhantán — Aililiú! mo bhrónsa — Máire — Ag teacht abhaile ón aonach dom — An Ghlé-bhruinneal chóir — Cois na leamhna — Ag taisteal trasna Glinn Dom — Ó mhuise, a leinbh — An Fánaidhe — An tSealg san, “COMPULSION” — “WENTWORTH HOUSE” — A nDubhairt “WEST BRITONISM” — An rinnceóir taistil — Is suairceas ‘s is aiteas — Don Athair Peadar Ó Laoghaire — Druid liom, a leinbh — Do Chonchubhar Ó Muimhneacháin — An nóinín bán — Guidhe um pósadh — Guidhe do charaid — Guidhe do lánamhain — Guidhe do shagart — Freagra ar chuireadh: ó Thorna is ó Cháit, a dheirbhshiúr — Cead do Thorna chun dhá amhrán dá chuid do chlóbhualadh — Dán buidheachais ag admhughadh duaise ar Oireachtas 1907 — Le fáinne geal an lae — Crúdh na ngabhar tar laoi — Caoineadh na nDíleacht — Filleadh an Chraoibhín — Ár Mairbh (ar bás an Athar Eóghan Ó Gramhnaigh is Liam Ó Maol Ruanaidh) — An fear fáin — Aisling ar bháthadh Eibhlín Nic Niocaill — Gura fada é cródha — Dobrón bhainmhéara Chorcaighe .1. Bhean Thoirdhealbhaigh Mhic Suibhne (dá fear agus é i gcarcair Bhrixton — Éagcaoineadh Chathail Bhrugha-Aisling — Fáilte bhrónach (ar n-a thabhairt thar ais go hÉire do chorp an Athar Eóghan Ó Gramhnaigh do cailleadh in Aimeirice) — Do mhac giolla Brighde — An crann cárthainn — Corran Tuathail — Poll a’ Phúca — Cill Áirne — Ár mairbh tréigthe — Cómhrac abhann (tionntódh) — Mo mhaidirín “Trae” (tionntódh ar “My poor dog Tray”) — Tionntódh ar uathrádh Alastair Sailciorc ar an oileán San Juan Fernandez, ag cúpaeir — Gluais, notaí etc — Clár na línte tosaigh.
WW Connection #1: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC constable and later as a sergeant in Baltinglass.
WW Connection #2: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC head constable in Kiltegan.
WW Connection #3: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC sergeant in Blessington
WW Connection #4: On retirement in 1920, Jeremiah Moynihan took on a small farm in Manor Kilbride.
Extra #1: Browse the 1901 Census entry for Moynihan Family in Baltinglass.
Extra #2: Browse the 1911 Census entry for Moynihan Family in Baltinglass.
Creator / Author: Barry Kinane. Words and music by Barry Kinane except music for ‘Ballyknockan Band Reel’ by Paul Kelly and music for Track 10 by Kinane / Kelly.
Item Type / Count: Music CD / 10 tracks
When Published: 2017
Publisher / Place of Publication: Barry Kinane / [Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow?]
About: This is an album of Ballyknockan songs writen and performed by Ballyknockan native, Barry (Bat) Kinane. The songs incorporate historical facts and stories from the surrounding neighbourhood and present aspects of local and social history in an accessible and enjoyable format.
ID number(s): None
Contents [Track listing]: Where the Brook Waters Flow — Cock a Hoof – Mary – The Ballyknockan Band / Ballyknockan Band Reel — Ballinahown – Mrs O’s Delight / Mrs O’s Delight Reel – Madonna and the Lion – A Stonecutters Journey – Biddy Mulvey & the Landgrabber — The Hills above the Valley.
Publisher / Place of Publication: The Author / Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow
About: This book is a compendium of 100 articles originally posted on social media, by local historian Chris Lawlor, as a series of diversions from all the Covid-19 related news. The articles cover a huge range of topics with a particular emphasis on Dunlavin.
ID number(s): 9780953294765
Contents: Introduction — Jonathan Swift — St. Palladius — A fairy story — Local folklore — Religion and identity — The vanished vellum — Dwyer radio interview – A cunning hussey — 1890s entertainment — Local quiz — Tournant graveyard — Dunlavin churchyard — Great panic,1832 — Edward Fenlon,1881 — Dunlavin Green ballads — Hearth money roll — John Lawler (Br. Albeus) — A military tradition — Feagh McHugh O’Byrne — The educator — Dunlavin and Naas CBS — Dunlavin victims, 1798 — Glen Mama — Garrett Byrne — Robert Barton — RIC commemoration — Shearman papers — Citizen Dwyer — Resurection of Dr. Emes — Countess Markievicz — Dunlavin in the 1920s — The Imaal bazaar, 1926 — Handball in Dunlavin — Milltown murder, 1921 — Running with crows — Ladies’ handball: poems — T. D. Sullivan Dwyer ballad — On Captain Dwyer — The outlaw’s bridal — On an escape of Dwyer — Wicklow men of ‘98 — The three flowers — Heaney and Kearney ballad – Fowler’s gate — Slain by the Slaney — University of Dunlavin — The Harristown sisters — The place-name Dunlavin — Exploits of Feagh McHugh O’Byrne — Dunlavin volunteers — Famine supplication, 1846 — Fenton family — A raw night in Swanlinbar — The blessed well — Catholic Dunlavin 1600-1800 — Population field study — HIST census project — Dunlavin village 1660-1710 — The judge — Proclamation day, 2016 — Tynte estate 1916 — Commemorating 1798 — Local history list — The 1641 rebellion — Death of Jane Fflood — Catholic surnames 1815-20 — J. Tynte inherits Dunlavin — John Devoy — Dunlavin c. 1200-1600 – Thornton lace — Imaal hall wall plaque — Interpretative panel — Dunlavin remodelled — Pre-famine Dunlavin — A class afternoon — Schools annals project — Fr. Thomas Butler — The market house bell — Dwyer lecture notes — West Wicklow tour — Protestant Dunlavin 1600-1800 — Slater’s Directory, 1881 — Nevill’s map, 1760 — The plough and the stars — Population, society, economy — Religion and politics — Marginalised groups — Pro- and anti-Home Rulers — World War One — Easter Rising — Republican transition — Anglo-Irish War I — Anglo-Irish War II — The Dunlavin tragedy — Towards civil war — Civil war in Dunlavin — Civil War claims I — Civil War claims II — Civil War claims III — Reflection — Illustrations credits.
Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with monochrome photographs.
Full title: What it said in the papers: the execution of Kevin Barry
Creator / Author: Michael Moriarty
Item Type / Page count: Book / 78p
When Published: 2020
Publisher / Place of Publication: Hillglens Publishing / [Place not stated]
About: The author of this little book found a bundle of old newspapers in his late mother’s attic. They all related to the last days and execution of her relation, Kevin Barry, in 1920. To co-incide with the centenary of Kevin Barry’s death, the author has now transcribed and published these “detailed and emotionally-charged reports from contemporary newspapers”.
ID number(s): 9781916182516
Contents: Introduction – Kevin Gerard Barry (1902-1920) Tombeagh, County Carlow and 8 Fleet Street, Dublin – Evening Herald 20 October 1920 – Irish Independent 29 October 1920 — Evening Telegraph Saturday 30 October 1920 — Irish Independent Monday 1 November 1920 — Irish Independent Tuesday 2 November 1920 – The Freeman’s Journal Tuesday 2 November 1920 — The Weekly Freeman 6 November 1920 — Expressions of Sympathy — The Freeman’s Journal Friday 5 November 1920 — Irish Independent Monday 8 November 1920 – Evening Herald Monday 8 November 1920 – Nationalist and Leinster Times Saturday 6 November 1920 – Epilogue – Appendix 1: Kevin Barry Song Lyrics – Appendix 2: 1920 Newspaper Scan – Appendix 3: Newspapers re-discovered by author.
WW Connection #1: The author is a native of Tynock, Kiltegan on the Carlow-West Wicklow border
Full title: The Trial of Billy Byrne of Ballymanus
Creator / Author: Foreword by Jim Rees
Item Type / Page count: Book / 72pp
When Published: 1996
Publisher / Place of Publication: Dee-Jay Publications / 3 Meadows Lane, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
About: This account of the trial of Billy Byrne was originally published around 1799 in Dublin. The case against him ranged from being Captain of rebel troops in the Battle of Arklow, to encouraging others to rebel and to being implicated in several murders. The text is presented with minimal alterations, but with the addition of an index, an account of his execution, and the inclusion of the ballad ‘Billy Byrne of Ballymanus’. In the ballad he is referred to as “the flower of Pleasant-hill”.
ID number(s): 0951923927
Contents: Publisher’s Note — Foreword — “Billy Byrne of Ballymanus” [ballad] — The Trial — Prisoner’s Defence — Defence Summation — Confirmation of Sentence — Petition for Clemency by Eleanor & Frances Byrne – Response of John Caldwell – Epilogue – Index.
Extra #1: The full title of the original 1799 edition is as follows: The Tryal of William Byrne of Ballymanus, County of Wicklow, Esq. On charges of being a Principal Leader in the late rebellion, and concerned in several murders in the same, held before A Military Tribunal at Wicklow, by order of Major General Eustace, on Monday the 24th of June and Continued by Adjournment to the 2nd of July, 1799, with the Prisoner’s Defence, the Judgement of the Court – Sentence etc., with his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant’s decision thereon. To which is added a Copy of a Memorial on behalf of the Prisoner, laid before his Excellency, and by him transmitted to the Commanding Officer at Wicklow for his report together with his Answer thereto.
Full title: Glenmalure: the wild heart of the mountains: a valley and its people
Creator / Author: Carmel O’Toole
Item Type / Page count: Book / 336p
When Published: 2015
Publisher / Place of Publication: [The Author] / Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow
About: A wide-ranging and beautifully produced hardback book which relates the history of Glenmalure and stories of its people. The content of this substantial book is meticulously and widely researched and includes oral testimonies. Every aspect is brought to life with lively text which is interspersed with glorious photographs and illustrations. This book will stand as the definitive history of this lovely valley for years to come.
ID number(s): 9781873489154
Contents: Acknowledgements — Introduction – Glenmalure Timeline – Glenmalure Map – Early Inhabitants & Religious Settlements — Feagh Mac Hugh O’Byrne: Firebrand of the Wicklow Mountains — The Battle of Glenmalure — The Escape of the Ulster Princes (Red Hugh O’Donnell and Art O’Neill) — Feagh Mac Hugh O’Byrne 1580-1597 – The Twelve Graves – Glenmalure 1798-1803 — The Military Road — Glenmalure Lodge – Mining in Glenmanlure — The Last House in the Glen – The Shadow of the Glen: J.M. Synge and Glenmalure – Tragic Accidents in the Mountains near Glenmalure – Forestry Men and Timber Men — Sheep Farming in the Hills: old traditions and new methods — Glenmalure: reflections / Fr. Willie Walshe — Ballinacor Estate – Kirikee School 1881-1969 — GAA in Glenmalure — Glenmalure Today.
Appendix I – Bibliography.
Appendix II – Townlands, Placenames and Local Names of Glenmalure. Glenmalure – Conavalla and local place names in Conavalla — Ballinagoneen and local place names in Ballinagoneen – Cullentragh Park and local place names in Cullentragh Park — Ballinafunshoge and local place names in Ballinafunshoge – Ballyboy and local place names in Ballyboy – Ballybraid and local place names in Ballybraid — Carriglinneen and local place names in Carriglinneen — Kirikee and local place names in Kirikee — Ballinabarney and local place names in Ballinabarney – Ballintombay Lower and local place names in Ballintombay Lower – Camenabologue and local place names in Camenabologue — Barravore and local place names in Barravore – Ballinaskea / Bolenaskea and local place names in Ballinaskea / Bolenaskea — Clonkeen and local place names in Clonkeen — Corrasillagh and local place names in Corrasillagh — Carrawaystick and local place names in Carrawaystick — Clohernagh and local place names in Clohernagh — Drumgoff and local place names in Drumgoff — Fananierin and local place names in Fananierin — Ballinacor and local place names in Ballinacor – Banks on the road.
Appendix III – Poems & Songs of Glenmalure. Glenmalure / Anon. – Glenmalure / Jim Byrne – Feagh McHugh / Thomas D’Arcy McGee – Follow Me Up To Carlow / P.J. McCall – The Battle of Glenmalure / M.J. McCann — The Battle of Glenmalure / Anon. – The Death of Feagh McHugh O’Byrne / MacKeohoe – Gleann Maoliúra / Biddy Jenkinson – At the Mass Rock / Jim Byrne – The Outlaw’s Bridal / Anon. – Michael Dwyer / T.D. Sullivan – Michael Dwyer / Peadar Kearney – The Rebel’s Grave / Jim Byrne – Glenmalure / Dave Curtis – The Lone Hiker / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Daughters of Wild Glenmalure / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Croaghanmoira / Jane Clarke – The Curate of Greenane / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Jim Connolly / Peter Cunningham-Grattan – Old Ballinacor G.A.A. Song / Christy Hughes – Kathleen / Jane Clarke – Lovely Wicklow / W..J. Duffy – Glenmalure / Jim Byrne.
Appendix IV – Leaders in Glenmalure. Michael Dwyer (1772-1825) – John Mernagh (1770-1857) – Patrick Grant (1761-1800) – Hugh Vesty Byrne (1770-1842) – Extract from the Memoirs of Miles Byrne.
Extra #1: Includes numerous photographs, maps and other illustrations.
Parent Publications: Appears in various books, magazines, discs.
About: The metrics of the West Wicklow Bookshelf Blog have indicated that someone searched using the terms ‘Dunlavin massacre song’. In response, we have transcribed the lyrics of the ballad ‘Dunlavin Green’ as recorded by Frank Harte and Donal Lunny and made it available to read online. The ballad refers to the execution of 36 people by British Crown Forces on May 26th, 1798.
Full title: Journal of the West Wicklow Historical Society: Number 8, 2015
Creator / Author: West Wicklow Historical Society & contributors, joint editors Chris Lawlor, Donal McDonnell
Item Type / Page count: Journal (Complete issue) / 148p
When Published: 2015
Publisher / Place of Publication: West Wicklow Historical Society / Baltinglass (?), Co. Wicklow.
About: This eighth publication of a set of articles on aspects of West Wicklow history is the biggest issue yet. The articles span the centuries from c.1000 BC to modern times and feature locations from Hollywood to New South Wales. The most extensive article in this issue is by James O’Driscoll and concerns itself with the hillforts of the Baltinglass area and the techniques used in their construction.
ID number(s): 0790-1739
Contents: A word from the Chairman / Noel Lyons — Ramblings of the Secretary / Donal McDonnell — Editor’s Preface / Chris Lawlor — Tubber and the Castle Leslie connection: an overview of Tubber House and Demesne c. 1764-1824 / Emma Lyons – Hillfort construction at Baltinglass: building Ireland’s hillfort capital / James O’Driscoll — From crime to wine: The Claytons of New South Wales / Margaret Smith — Robert Pipho and the Baltinglass Rebellion / Brendan Corrigan — ‘Yes, this is Wicklow’: recovering George Francis Savage-Armstrong as a poet of Wicklow / Rosemary Raughter – Not so doddery: the Dunlavin solicitor, Mr. Dodd / Declan O’Connor — A Black and Tan executed / D.J. Kelly — A famous row between two publicans in 1886 / John Glennon — Rathdangan and Killamoate: my native area / Peadar C. Ó Cuilinn — In the shadow of Joseph Holt / Henry Austin — Death on a country road / James Scannell — Poor men and poor women / Joe McArdle – Two August 1911 cycling mishaps / James Scannell — The Dunlavin massacre: two ballads of 1798 / Chris Lawlor.
Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with black & white photographs, maps and drawings.
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