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

Re-living some West Wicklow Memories

© The Publisher

Full title: Recollections from Baltinglass Hospital

Creator / Author: None stated

Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 44p

When Published: 2000

Publisher / Place of Publication: Baltinglass Adult Learning Centre & Community Education / Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow]

About: This A4-size booklet was launched at a Christmas party for residents and day care regulars at Baltinglass Hospital in Decemer 2000. The local Adult Learning Centre had run a course which allowed residents and regulars to refresh their literacy and numeracy skills and this booklet reflects their stories and contributions. People from a wide area of West Wicklow are represented and each has their own unique short contribution, whether it be a memory, a story, a recipe, a joke or a poem. The booklet was not generally available outside the hospital, but copies may turn up at charity shops / jumble sales from time to time.

ID number(s): None

Contents: [Introduction 1] / Annette Mangan — [Introduction 2] / Dorothy Fox — [Introduction 3] / Evelyn Barry — Prayer for the Elderly

[Contributions] Mick Byrne Knockananna – Mattie Donegan Kiltegan – Lucy Goggins Cryhelp, Dunlavin – Seamus Dowling Blessington/Dunlavin – Kathleen Fleming Clough/Raheen, Baltinglass – Kathleen Kelly Castlesallagh, Donard – Peter O’Brien Dunlavin – Peter Burke Tuckmill/Carrigeen, Baltinglass – Lil Coogan Irongrange, Baltinglass – Johnny Donohue Tinoran, Baltinglas – Mrs. Kathleen Dillon – John Keogh Graigue, Kiltegan – Josie Salmon Tinahely/Baltinglass – Jimmy Devoy Blessington – John Whitty Moone – Dan Richardson Lacken – Jamess Graham Rathdangan – Jim Redmond — Chris Loughlin Stratford — Bridie Farrell Clough, Baltinglass – Andy Flood Grangecon – Phil Harney Granamore, Hollywood – Paddy Ryan Clonmel and Castledermot – Neil Clinton Blessington – Harriet McDonnell Tuckmill, Baltinglass – Maisie Andrews Weavers Square, Baltinglass – Kathleen Jones Baltinglass – Anne Nolan Stratford formerly Graigue, Kiltegan – Joan Kelly Blessington, Johnny Donohue Baltinglass, Josie Murphy Blessington – Beatitudes for friends of the aged [poem] / Esther Mary Walker (kindly given by Alice O’Connell Liscolman – Thought for you today [poem] / Anon — Money [poem] / T. Johnny — Joe Charles Barraderry, Kiltegan – Daisy O’Connor Kiltegan – Margaret McCann – Brigid Connaty – Mrs. Thornton.

Killing the pig – Bridie Hanaffin – Betty Norton Griffinstown, Grangecon – Going to school – Christmas – Keeping the faith / Breda Daly, Mary Behan Blessington – Ruth Finlay Davidstown, Donard – Winnie Moore Woodfield Cross, Baltinglass – Richard Kelly Knockananna – Pierce Collins Manor Kilbride – Molly O’Reilly Hollywood – Kathleen Cullen Whitestown, Stratford – Tommy Tipper – Molly Byrne Knockananna – Blood, Sweat and no Tears – Jim Carroll Blessington – John Kearney Dunlavin.

[In Remembrance] The late Mary Murray R.I.P. – The late Jimmy Cullen R.I.P. – The late Joe Garrett R.I.P. – The late Chrissie Healy R.I.P.

Extra #1: Includes black and white photographs of some of the contributors.

Extra #2: In the following year, another similar booklet was produced under the title ‘Further Recollections from Baltinglass Hospital’.

Casting the Net Wide on Blessington Lakeside

© The Publishers

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.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

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

Picking Fruit in the Garden of Ireland

© The Author

Full title: Fraughan Picking in West Wicklow

Creator / Author: Michael J. Conry

Item Type / Page count: Book Chapter / 3p

When Published: 2011

Publisher / Place of Publication: The Author / Chapelstown, Carlow.

Parent Publication [book]: Picking Bilberries, Fraocháns and Whorts in Ireland – the human story / by Michael J. Conry / 375pp

About: This short chapter gives an account of fraughan picking in the Hollywood area, especially in the Glenbride Valley in the early decades of the twentieth-century. It was one of the few areas in West Wicklow that was a good source of fraughans. A driving force behind the activity was local curate and eccentric, Fr. Patrick Kavanagh. As with the book as a whole, this chapter accentuates the human interest dimension.

ID number(s): 9780953587650 / 0953587657

Extra #1: includes map and three 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 the Publisher’s Website

A Hollywood Church History

© The Publisher
Cover image by Liv Oeian

Full title: St. Kevin’s, Hollywood

Creator / Author: Christopher Moriarty

Item Type / Page count: Magazine Article / 3pp

Journal Information: The Sacred Heart Messenger Magazine, pp. 22-24

When Published: February 2020

Publisher / Place of Publication: Messenger Publications / 37 Leeson Place, Dublin 2.

About: A short article from the series ‘Places of Worship’, this presents a potted history of St. Kevin’s Church in Hollywood in West Wicklow.

ID number(s): 1649-4450

Extra #1: Includes three colour photographs.

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

Extra #3: Link to the Publisher’s website

The A-Maze-ing Hollywood Stone

© JRSAI

Full title: The Holywood Stone and the Labyrinth of Knossos

Creator / Author: Goddard H. Orpen (1852-1932)

Item Type / Page count: Journal Article / 13pp

Journal Information: Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Sixth Series, Volume 13, Number 2, pp. 177-189

When Published: December 1923

Publisher / Place of Publication: R.S.A.I / Merrion Square, Dublin

About: The Hollywood Stone is a large decorated stone which was found in 1908 face downwards close to the Pilgrim’s Road which leads to Glendalough. The author, having originally assumed that the decoration represented a cross, now proposes that the design really is of a type of maze or labyrinth that is associated with that of the Minotaur at Knossos in Crete. This article looks at the history of this pattern, also known as the ‘Game of Troy’, and compares the Hollyood example with others from abroad.

ID number(s): 0035-9106

Extra #1: Includes several photographs and illustrations.

Extra #2: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

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

Extra #4: Read this article online via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this article.

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.

Your 19-Century Catholic Ancestors from Ballymore Eustace Parish

 

 

 

 

 

Full title: Ballymore Eustace, Archdiocese of Dublin, Counties of Wicklow, Kildare

Creator / Author: The National Library of Ireland

Item Type: Website / Publicly Accessible

Homepage URL: http://registers.nli.ie/

When Viewed: Contents described are those showing when viewed in Nov 2020.

Publisher / Place of Publication: National Library of Ireland / Kildare Street, Dublin 8.

About: The National Library of Ireland holds microfilm copies of over 3500 church registers from parishes in Ireland. The library has now digitised these registers as images which provide records of baptisms and marriages from the majority of Catholic parishes in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to around 1880. The available registers are not searchable by individual names. Instead, they are browseable by diocese, parish and date, searchable by parish and it is possible to zoom from a country map to parish level. This blog entry relates to the parish of Balltmore Eustace, County Kildare, part of which extends into West Wicklow.

Contents:  These registers cover baptisms and marriages (1779-1881). These date ranges are indicative only and coverage may be incomplete. Please refer to the NLI site for specific coverage.

Extra #1: Browse the Catholic Parish Registers for Ballymore Eustace Parish

Hat-Tip: To The National Library of Ireland who have arranged for the digitisation of these records and their free accessibility online.

The Famine in Talbotstown Upper

© KCC &
Authors

Full title: Responses to Famine in West Wicklow

Creator / Author: Séamas Ó Maitiú

Item Type / Page count: Book Chapter / 9pp

When Published: c.1995

Publisher / Place of Publication: Kildare County Council / Naas, Co. Kildare

Parent Publication [book]: Lest We Forget: Kildare and the Great Famine / 106pp

About: This essay was published as part of a book commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the Great Famine in County Kildare. It looks at the adjoining district of West Wicklow and uses contemporary accounts from the journal of Elizabeth Smith to show in particular how local officialdom responded to the crisis.

ID number(s): 0952001322

Extra #1: Check Libraries Ireland for this publication.

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

Extra #3: Link to the full text of the book containing this chapter, courtesy of the Co. Kildare Online Electronic History Journal.

Extra #4: Link to a portrait of the author via https://portraidi.ie/ga/seamas-o-maitiu/

Hat-Tip: To the Kildare Library and Arts Services who have arranged for the digitisation of this book and its free accessibility online.