275 Years of Aghold Parish History

© The Author
 (cover illustrations: Joy Griffin)

Full title: The Field of the Apple Trees: Aghold, Co. Wicklow 1716 – 1991

Creator / Author: Richard Codd

Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 48p

When Published: 1991

Publisher / Place of Publication: Not Stated / Co. Wicklow?

About: This booklet was published to celebrate the 275^th anniversary of St. Michael’s Church, Adhold. It provides a short account of the Aghold Church of Ireland Parish and is a useful introduction to the history of the area and the faith community.

ID number(s): None

Chapters: Introduction — St. Michael’s Church, Aghold — Church Furnishing — Rectors and Curates — Extracts from Parish Records — The Rectory — The Sunday School — Littlewood School — Church Organists — [Photo Gallery].

WW Connection #1: Apart from the subject matter, this publication was printed by the Baltinglass-based Epsilon Printing.

Extra #1: Includes 24 black and white photographs.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #4: Link to information on St. Michael’s Church via the Tullow Group of Parishes website.

Twelfth Collection of Articles on West Wicklow History

© Individual Contributors

Full title: Journal of the West Wicklow Historical Society: Number 12, 2023-24

Creator / Author: West Wicklow Historical Society & contributors, joint editors Chris Lawlor, Declan Keenan

Item Type / Page count: Journal (Complete issue) / 200p

When Published: 2023

Publisher / Place of Publication: West Wicklow Historical Society / Baltinglass (?), Co. Wicklow.

About: This twelveth publication of this biennial journal was launched in the Coimín Centre, Blessington on 9/11/2023. It includes perhaps the most diverse set of topics yet to appear in this journal. Full contents are listed below. The most extensive article in this issue runs to 24 pages. In it, Peter W. Halligan provides an enlightening account of the castles at Oldcourt and Three Castles. 

ID number(s): 0790-1739

Contents: Foreword from the Chairman / Paul Gorry — Donal McDonnell (1945-2022) — Secretary’s Synopsis / Cora Crampton — Noel Lyons (1942-2022) — Editor’s Preface / Chris Lawlor — Mapping the devolved Gaelic territories and districts of the O’Tooles / Declan Keenan — Migrant railway workers and local communities: a case study of Harristown station on the Sallins-Tullow branch line 1883-1951 / John O’Brien — Some observations on the Great famine in County Wicklow, c.1845-1850 / Gerald Cullen — Gentry, Brides and Lions / Maura Murphy Gibson — The man who wore a blue shirt in 1933: the Bass War in West Wicklow and Kildare / Declan O’Connor — A little bit of Bulgaria in Ireland: Pierce O’Mahony (1850-1930): politician and philanthropist / Brian McCabe — Dame Ninette de Valois (Edris Stannus) / Paul Tyrell — A 1792 Rental of the Lordship of Belan, Co. Kildare / Richard B. Lennon —Language Matters Revisited / Ita Roddy — Death from a Flat-Nosed Bullet in Blessington / James Scannell — A farming community: Hollywood in the early twentieth century / John Glennon — Sadhbh O’Byrne – glimpses of a Gaelic woman of sixteenth-century Ireland / Cora Crampton — The Manor of Blessington, created by Michael Boyle / Jim Corley — Revisiting the 1798 Dunlavin massacre for its 225th anniversary / Chris Lawlor — Balfe the Robber / Brendan Corrigan — A sociological interpretation of the Hillfort Capital – exploring Hughstown and Tinoran hillforts (part 1 of 3) / Mairéad Kelly — Charles Maule Drury (1848-1939) – collector of folklore / Paul Gorry — The castles of Oldcourt and Three Castles / Peter W. Halligan — ‘I say it as I think it’ : The life and controversial times of Rev. T. C. O’Connor, Rector of Donoughmore and Donard / Rosemary Raughter — Query / Peter W. Halligan.

Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with black & white photographs and maps.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide

Extra #4: Visit the West Wicklow Historical Society website

Salute to a Priestly Writer

© The Publisher

Full title: Ballymore Echo: Profile of Monsignor Maurice Browne

Creator / Author: Ballymore Echo

Item Type / Page count: Journal / Magazine (Complete issue) / 19p

When Published: 17^th June 1977

Publisher / Place of Publication: Ballymore Echo / Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare.

About: This is a special edition of the local newsletter / magazine which was published as a tribute to Rt. Rev. Monsignor M. Browne, P.P.V.F. (1892-1979). Monsignor Browne was Parish Priest of Ballymore Eustace / Hollywood Parish and also earlier served as a curate in Valleymount. Apart from his priestly duties he was a renowned author under the name Joseph Brady whose books included ‘In Monavalla’, ‘The Big Sycamore’ and ‘From a Presbytery Window’.  The main portion of this issue consists of a six-page interview with Monsignor Browne.

ID number(s): None

Contents: From the Foot of Slievenamon…to the Big Town of the Eustaces — Interview — “I’m no film star” / Don Ryan — The man I knew and know / John Dunphy C.C. – Our finest hour / Pauline Daly — Fr. Browne, the builder / Michael Conway — [Acknowledgements] / The Editor — [Back cover] Extract from “The Big Sycamore” by Joseph Brady – 1958.

Extra #1: Includes six pages of black & white photographs, plus cover pictures.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide

A Bishop’s Time in Dunlavin

© The Publisher

Full title: The Garden of Ireland

Creator / Author: Rt. Rev. R.A. Warke

Item Type / Page count: Book Chapter / 17pp

When Published: 1993

Publisher / Place of Publication: Mercier Press Ltd. / P.O. Box 5, 5 French Church Street, Cork

Parent Publication [book]: Ripples in the Pool / by Rt. Rev. R.A. Warke / 164pp

About: This book overall gives a personal sketch of a life of ministering in the Church of Ireland. This particular chapter recounts the experience of Rev. Roy Warke as he embarked on his first rectorship in the parish of Dunlavin with Hollywood Union. He took warm memories with him from his time in West Wicklow and he went on to become the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. Bishop Warke passed away this week.

ID number(s): 1856350649

WW Connection #1: Rt. Rev. R.A. Warke was Rector in Dunlavin from 1964-1967

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

300 Years of Protestant Community in The Glen

[Virtual Cover]

Full title: “The Inheritance of My Fathers”: a history of the parish of Donoughmore with Donard in the Diocese of Glendalough during the period 1669 to 1969

Creator / Author: The Revd. Norman P. Styles

Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 21p

When Published: c.1969

Publisher / Place of Publication: [The Author / Donoughmore, Co. Wicklow?]

About:  To coincide with the tercentenery of the Church of Ireland Parish of Donoughmore with Donard, this history of the parish was written in 1969 by the then rector, Reverend Norman Styles. It neatly captures the sense of faith community and social community that existed there since 1669.

ID number(s): None

Contents: An Exposition of Our Faith from the Writings of Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of the Church of Ireland Dioceses of Down and Connor from 1661 to 1667 — Foreword / The Most Reverend G. O. Simms, D.D. — [Historical background / Donoughmore Church] – The Church in Donard – The Union of Donoughmore and Donard – Parochial Clergy – The Church Population – Parochial Education – Parish Social Life Today – Reflections of Life in the Glen Two Centuries Ago – Donations and Bequests – The Church Plate – Appendix A: Succession List 1669 to 1969 – Appendix B: List of the names of parishoners whose families have resided in the Glen since the mid-seventeenth century – Appendix C: The Select Vestry of the Parish of Donoughmore with Donard 1969 – Appendix D: List of Donations in Donoughmore Church; Memorial Tablets in Donoughmore; List of Donations in Donard Church; Memorial Tablets in Donard – Tercentenary Celebrations 1969: The Programme.

Extra #1: includes four full-page black & white photographs

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Browse to the full text of this booklet via the post: The Inheritance of My Fathers

Extra #4: Hat tip to Oonagh McElligott who authored the post “The Inheritance of my Fathers” which contains the link to the text of this booklet.

A Hollywood Blockbuster

© Brendan Corrigan

Full title: The History of Hollywood, Co. Wicklow

Creator / Author: Brendan Corrigan

Item Type / Page count: Book / 402p

When Published: ca.2015

Publisher / Place of Publication: The Author / [Not stated]

About: A handsome publication that is a comprehensively-researched history of the Hollywood area in West Wicklow. Hollywood may be a small village, but this is a huge history and one that will probably be the definitive account for years to come. The author pays particular attention to placenames and people – two elements that provide the foundation for all local history – and their story will resonate with people near and far.

ID number(s): None

Contents: Preface and acknowledgements – List of abbreviations. [Part I – The story of Hollywood] Hollywood before the Normans – Sir Geoffrey de Marisco – The Butlers and the Fitzgeralds – Robert Pipho of Hollywood – 17^th and 18^th centuries – The 1798 Rebellion – The early 19^th century – The Famine and its aftermath – The Land War – Independence and beyond – The O’Reilly Family of Rathattin – The Guirke Family of Knockroe – St. Kevin’s Church (RC) – St. Kevin’s Church (Ch of Ire) – Education in the 19^th century – Soldiers of fortune. [Part II – The Placenames of Hollywood] Introduction – Lord Waterford’s Estate – Killerk, Bannagroe and Athgarvan – Blakestown and Britonstown.[Part III – The People of Hollywood] Introduction – Hollywood Upper – Hollywood Lower – Knockroe – Dragoonhill – Slievecorragh – Broughills Hill – Cheneys or Kiernans Hill – Hollywood Demesne – Newtown – Knocknastreile – Rathattin – Athgreany – Conlans Hill – Mullicagh Upper – Mullicagh Lower – Woodenboley – Drumreagh – Dunboyke – Scalp – Toor – Lugglass Upper – Lugglass Lower – Knocknaboley – Corragh – Coonmore – Walterstown – Johnstown – Harristown – Ballintober – Ballysize Upper – Ballysize Lower – Glebe – Killerk – Bannagroe – Athgarvan – Blakestown Lower – Blakestown Upper — Britonstown. [Appendices] I. Patrick Lynam – II. Grants – III. Evictions of 1830 – IV. Crops grown in Hollywood in 1851 – V. Names of residents 1780s/90s – VI. Tithe Applotment Books – VII. Rev. Rickard’s List of Evictees. List of Maps and Illustrations – Select bibliography – Index for Parts I and II – Index of Surnames in Part III.

Extra #1: Includes dozens of photographs, maps, plans and tables of data.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #4 A review of this book appears in the Journal of the West Wicklow Historical Society, Number Nine, 2017.

In The Footsteps of Dean Swift

© The Publisher

Full title: Mark of Protest: an autobiography

Creator / Author: Victor Griffin

Item Type / Page count: Book / 235p

When Published: 1993

Publisher / Place of Publication: Gill & Macmillan Ltd. / Goldenbridge, Dublin 8.

About: This is the autobiography of The Very Reverend Victor Gilbert Benjamin Griffin, also known as Dean Victor Griffin. He is a Church of Ireland clergyman, who after spending over 20 years ministering in Derry, was appointed Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. He held this position from 1969 to 1991 and became a well-known figure in Irish public life.

ID number(s): 0717118746

Chapters: Acknowledgements — Childhood — Farm — Living in a Minority Community — Kilkenny — Mountjoy — Trinity — Derry — Northern Divisions — Daphne — St. Patrick’s Cathedral — Appeal — Croke Park and Lansdowne Road — Visitors to St. Patrick’s – Dublin in Crisis – Inflammatory Words – Battling for Pluralism – Ecumenical Needs – The Protestant Perspective – Index.

WW Connection #1: Victor Griffin was born in Carnew in South West Wicklow in 1924.

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Includes eight pages of black & white photographs.

Extra #4: View the 1911 Census Return for the Griffins of Woolgreen Street, Carnew.

Timothy Clifford O’Connor R.I.P. 1913

© The Publisher

Full title: The Late Rev. Chancellor T.C. O’Connor [obituary]

Creator / Author: W.B. Wells (editor)

Item Type / Page count: Magazine Article / 1pp

Journal Information: The Church of Ireland Gazette, Volume LV, Number 1742, p. 512

When Published: June 13^th, 1913

Publisher / Place of Publication: Church of Ireland Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., / 61 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin.

About: A one-page obituary of Rev. Timothy Clifford O’Connor. He was described as being “an uncompromising opponent of Home Rule”. Outside of the political field, he appears to have been less strident and maintained good relations with people of all denominations.

ID number(s): None

WW Connection #1: Rev. T.C. O’Connor was Curate in Blessington Parish from 1872-74, before spending nearly the next 40 years as Rector of Donaghmore and Donard Parish.

Extra #1: Includes black & white photograph.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Link to the Online Archive of Church of Ireland Gazette. As of August 2016, all issues for 1911-1923 are online. To find this particular article input the search terms “Chancellor Timothy” under the tab ‘Please Enter Your Search Below’.

Extra #4: Browse the 1901 Census entry for T.C. O’Connor in Donaghmore.

Extra #5: Browse the 1911 Census entry for T.C. O’Connor in Donaghmore.

Hat-Tip: To the Representative Church Body Library (RCBL) for making this issue available and freely accessibility online.

125 Years of Education in Blessington

© St. Mary’s

Full title: A History of St. Mary’s National School Blessington: 125th anniversary 1882 – 2007.

Creator / Author: St. Mary’s National School

Item Type / Page count: Book / 159p

When Published: 2007

Publisher / Place of Publication: St. Mary’s National School/ Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

About: A book that is a commemoration of 125 years of teaching at the local primary school. It celebrates the history of the community as told through a compendium of short pieces brought to life by past and present pupils.

ID number(s):None

Contents: Chairman’s address – Principal’s address — Introduction – Forewords – Hedge schools / Larry McCorristine – The National School System / Larry McCorristine – Towards a new school: Blessington 1882 – Blessington Catholic Schools – A Lament for Allen View National School [ballad] / Pat ‘Phildy’ McGowan – An Interview with Mr. Frank Murphy – probably the oldest surviving pupil of St. Mary’s – “I learned nothing” / Frank Murphy – Pat Hanlon (aged 93 years), The Rundle, Knockieran – Bridie and Jane Tyrrell – “Worse than Purgatory” / Evelyn Hudson – “Never missed a day” / Tom Tyrell – The Blessington Tram [ballad] / Peter C. Grattan – Sheila Walsh, née Boylan, aged 82 years – Billy Crowley – an interview – The Teaching of Religion in the National School – Parish Priests of Blessington Parish – The Church of Our Mother of Mercy / Beth Halligan — The Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament / Beth Halligan – Seamus Dowling: the man from Mill House – School in the 1940’s – From Blessington to Baghdad / Joe Halligan – Hampden Bomber Crash Site Blackhill 1941 – Annie Byrne née Geoghegan, Burgage – “The Good Old Days” / Pete Nolan – The Primary Certificate – My Memories of St. Mary’s N.S. 1948-1949 / Ron Charles née Veronica Bohan — Knitting and Sewing – She Taught Them All / Vincent Byrne – Mrs. Elizabeth O’Donnell / Manus O’Donnell – Sean Davin, Principal of St. Mary’s N.S. from 1968-1996 – Memories of St. Mary’s National School, Blessington / Theresa Torsney née Creighton — Memoirs of St. Mary’s / Rena Hennessy – Willie Sargent Remembers – Blessington National School Parents Association – Darren McHugh – Schooldays in the 1980’s / Larissa Nolan – Gemma Ashe (R.I.P.) – Comórtas / Ciaran Duffy – Christy Casey – New Principal – Christy Casey (R.I.P.) – an appreciation – Lisa Frederick-Dunne (R.I.P) – Gerry Brown, Principal of St. Mary’s N.S., Blessington 1999-2007 – German in St. Mary’s 1995-2003 / Iris Rouse – Remembering St. Mary’s National School, Blessington 1995 to 2003 / Ellen Bytyqi, Naseem Nolan & Macha O’Donnell – Sport in St. Mary’s National School, Blessington / Lisa Smith – Turning the Sod / Gerry Brown – 125^th Anniversary Mass and Unveiling of Commemorative Stone — St. Mary’s National School, Blessington, Co. Wicklow – List of teachers – Epilogue.

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Contains dozens of black and white photographs, mainly of local people.

A Century and a Half of Baltinglass History

© The Publisher

Full title: Baltinglass Chronicles 1851-2001

Creator / Author: Paul Gorry

Item Type / Page count: Book / 379p

When Published: 2006

Publisher / Place of Publication: Nonsuch Publishing Limited/ 73 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.

About: The Table of Contents of this book doesn’t even begin to offer a hint to the wealth of information contained in it. Apart from a street directory, public transport information and public administration information for each of the chosen years, most of the book is taken up with accounts of events that occurred in the intervening years and helped shape Baltinglass and its immediate hinterland. In particular, the author focuses on the people involved and there is a feeling that you could be reading a newspaper report of something that just happened yesterday. If we ever get the time, we would like to list the entire contents and make them more discoverable.

ID number(s):9781845885069

Contents:About the author – Introduction – Acknowledgements – Baltinglass in 1851 (Administration — Public Transport — Street Directory) – Baltinglass in 1901 (Administration — Public Transport — Street Directory) – Baltinglass in 1951 (Administration — Public Transport — Street Directory) – Baltinglass in 2001 (Administration — Public Transport — Street Directory) – Endnotes.

WW Connection #1: The author is a native of Baltinglass.

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.

Extra #3: Contains sixteen pages of photographs and illustrations, including two maps.