Snippets of Athenry and the Great Famine 1845-1850: A news report from Galway Vindicator on Athenry 1847

 I know I was to put some events of the Great Famine entitled Athenry and the Great Famine 1845-1850: Some Events. While researching on microfilm newspapers today I came across the following article below dated 3 January 1847. Which reads the following:

THE NON-RESIDENT  LANDED PROPRIETORS OF ATHENRY

"It is with pain we again find it necessary to advert to the very shameful neglect of the Non Resident Landed Proprietors of Athenry, towards their unfortunate Tenantry at this dreadful period of want and suffering among them. From the advertisement of the Local Relief Committee in another (? .. word after another is unclear on the paper) it will be seen that an ineffectual appeal has been made to these individuals in behalf of the destitute poor on their properties.    While the whole burmen of endevouring to rescue the unfortunate creatures from starvation is principally thrown on the benevolent Chairman of the Relief Committee, John Lopdell, Esq., with no other assistance than those of the Catholic and Protestant Clergymen of the locality, and a miserable fund of £56, which is at present nearly exhausted.

   It is indeed a matter of surprise how Lord Oranmore, Colonel Sewell, and Mr. Hickman, could exhibit so much indifference to the fater of their starving tenantry. They have, we understand, been several times written to soliciting their contributions, but never condescended to give even a reply, through pressing the payment of their rents to the uttermost farthing.

   Such grossly improper if not heartless conduct deserves public reprobation. We must again tell these parties that property has its duties as well as its rights, and that it cannot be permitted that while vigorously exercise the latter they should exhibit the most culpable neglect and apathy in the discharge of the former. It is not because they take care, except throughout their agents and bailiffs, to withdraw themselves from the wretchedness and misery existing in Athenry, they are to imaging that their starving and miserable tenants should have no claim upon their assistance.

  With as such anxiety as they endeavour to exact their rents they should try to relieve the necessities of their dependents. It is neither credible nor fair to fling them wholly unassisted on the generous benevolence of Mr. Lopdell, the clergy and a few of the gentry connected with the district.

   Let us hope however that as another appeal is about to be made to them in behalf of their starving tenants it will not be in vain. Equity not less than humanity calls on them to render prompt and generous aid to rescue them from their present dreadful privations." [Sic] 

[Sic] means that all words are directly qouted from the original text.

Athenry Publicans of 1936 by Ronan Killeen

1. Broderick, J. F., Church Street.
2. Corbett & Co., Northgate Street.
3. Curran, Thomas, The Square.
4. Daly, M, Cross Street.
5. Duffy, Patrick, The Arch.
6. Durkin, E. Church Street.
7. Fallon, Mrs., Northgate Street.
8. Fox, P. J., Old Church Street.
9. Glynn, J., Old Church Street.
10. Higgins, Thomas, Davis Street.
11. Jordan, Stephen, Davis Street.
12. Kelly, J. F., Cross Street.
13. Lardner, Mrs. B., Church Street.
14. Mahon, Patrick, Cross Street.
15. Manning, Joseph, Bridge Street.
16. Nolan, Mrs., The Square.
17. Nolan, R. P., Old Church Street.
18. O'Neill, Mrs., The Square.
19. O'Neill, Mrs. Cross Street.
20. Rooney. T., Davis Street.
21. Ruane's, Northgate Street.
22. Ryan, Miss, Northgate street.
23. Sweeney, J. M., Old Church Street.
24. Sweeney, Joseph, Cross Street.
25. Walshe, J., Northgate Street.

www.alhref.blogspot.com

The Prestigous Cross Street by Ronan Killeen (Revised 2019)

The above photograph was taken by the Dublin photographer Robert French sometime between 1880-1900. The photograph was entitled Main Street although we all call it Cross Street. Across from Mahon's Travel Agency you can see a Royal Irish Constabulary barracks with a Constable standing outside.
The Below Photograph you can see that Mahon's Travel Agency is thatched roof but the above photo you can see that it has become modernised in to a full stone building (as I have said I stand open to correction on this article).

My article on Cross Street, Athenry, has recently been published by South East Galway Archaeological and Historical Society Newsletter.

Across from Mahon's Travel Agency one can see a Royal Irish Constabulary barracks with a Constable standing outside and this image has been used previously in this journal. 

This is a street with a rich history and the late local historian Aggie Qualter in the book Athenry Since 1780: History Folklore, Recollections (1989), noted that  Cross Street is a prestigious street. In the above photograph one can see Mahon’s (now Iggy’s Bar) across the street was the old Royal Irish Constabulary barracks. The barracks is now a resteraunt called the Old Barracks Pastry and Restaurant (I have previously written a detailed account of the Athenry RIC in SEGHAS Winter 2017 edition). 

In the early 20th century Iggy's Bar was P. Mahon's who was a grocer and emigration agent in the 1901 census and Nora Mahon was mother to writer Mary Lavin. The building is architecturally significant and was built circa 1860 as a three bay two-storey house. It is built with limestone (a very common stone used in building 19th century buildings in Athenry). A camber-arch of red brick is around the windows. This was a common feature .

Iggy's bar , Cross street, Athenry. Image from google images.

One aspect of the social history of Iggy's Bar is the tragedy of the Titanic. It was in 15 April 1912 when the Titanic sank with over 1,500 passengers.  
Two people from Athenry were aboard, namely Andy Keane (a member of the Derrydonnell hurling team), and Annie Kate Reilly from Athenry.                                                                                                      

Local lore suggests a third Athenry native had a lucky escape. On the 2 May 1912, according to the Irish Independent , 'An Athenry woman whose son had intended to sail on the Titanic dreamed three nights in succession that the vessel had done down with all aboard, and she succeeded in prevailing upon him to defer his departure'. 

The mentioned Andy Keane is referenced in a detail in Jarlath Cloonan's Athenry G. A. A. Story: A History of Gaelic Games in Athenry:"Gaels from all over the County attended a Solemn Requiem Mass in the Parish church , Athenry in July, celebrated by Very Rev. Cannon Canton P. P. for the response of the soul of Andy Keane. An enthusiastic Gael and member of the victorious Derrydonnell team Andy was on board the ill-fated Titanic and was drowned with hundreds of others. 
Having decided to emigrate, his sister who was already in America, sent him the far of £8 and he booked through Mahon's Travel Agents, Athenry. Mahon advised him to go on a different ship where conditions would be much better but he decided to take the Titanic. He had with him a dozen hurley's, a melodeon and his County medal. 

The large congregation that attended the mass included all the prominent G. A. A. officials in the County, teammates and representatives of the various clubs. 'The departed comrade was dearly loved by his associates in the movement. At the county convention later in the year the Board presented a potrait of the deceased to his brother Patrick." 

According to Qualter,  Cross Street has a ‘six-stone faced houses which were built in 1902’. You can see this marking above what was old Noel Treacy / Fianna Faíl office on Cross Street. Qualter continues that ‘It was built by the landlord Lambert on what was then a waste-ground. During this era there were many modern amenities such as long  gardens, out-offices, and a right of way’. 
Qualter points out that ‘Nearly all the houses from the Western Hotel (We know it as the New Park Hotel) to Fox’s Lane (A reader has informed me that Thompson's was formerly owned by Tommy Fox-thus, Fox's Lane) were occupied by the Royal Irish Constabulary such as Sergt. Condron; Constable Gibbons; Sergt. Kells; Sergt. McGlade : Sergt. Minchen; Constable. Curran; Constable McLoughlin.  


Many of us would know that the famous author Mary Lavin lived in Athenry for a while. Her parents were Tom Lavin and Nora Mahon. Nora was the daughter to Patrick Mahon.  The families of Cross Street in 1911 were the following Kells; Hardiman; Duly; Ruthledge; Curley, Connolly, Higgins, MacNamara, O’ Heidin; Quinns; Commons; Payne; Beatty; Daly; Mahon; Harris; Judge; Kelly; Sweeney; Minichin; Davies; Nayes; Mulligan; Curran; Grady; Caslin; Daherty; Murphy; O’Neill; Corry; Moloney; Flanagan; Ryder; O’Dowd; Lardiner; Fergusan; Coake; Lynch; Condon; Bourke; Crossen; Blake-Davies?; Given; Horton; MacDermott; Coleman; Farrel; O’Reely; Conelly; Morrissey; Holland; Wyer; Meehan 

www.athenry.ie by Ronan Killeen

Athenry.ie is Athenry Tourism Group's website please update them on your events, organisations, business, or community groups.

http://www.athenry.ie/

Snippets of Athenry and the Great Famine 1845-1850 part 3: Those in business in Athenry Town 1846 by Ronan Killeen

I am using Slater's occupation Directory http://www.failteromhat.com/slater/0007.pdf and here is a biography of Isacc Slater http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Slater.

According to Slater's Occuapational Directory of Athenry in 1846 a paragraph reads 'The Parish of Athenry contained in 1841, 4,192 inhabitants and in the town 1,256 people'

Post-Master

Neptune Persse.

Gentry & Clergy

Batemna, Thomas G. Esq. Ivy Lodge.
Blake, Peter, Esq. J. P. Holly Park.
Bodkin, John D. Esq., J. P. Bingarra.
Braddish, Mr. John, Balineraig.
Browne, Mr. Barthlw, S. Athenry.
Burke, Edmund, Esq. J. P. Tyaquin.
Burke, Mr. James, Moor Park.

Burke Mr. Lambert, Tyquin.
Callogy, Rev. Michael, Esker Convenant.
Clarke James, Esq., J. P. Graig Abbey.
Cruise, Mr. Richard, Crossane Grove.
Cullinan, Rev. Daniel, P. P. Athenry.
Cullinan, Mr. John, Mount Browne.
Fitzpatrick, Rev. Wm., Esker Convenant.
Healy, Rev. Daniel, C. C. Athenry.
Kelly, William, Esq., J. P. Rockville.
Kinneen, James, Esq. Carton House.
Kinneen, Mr. Michael, Boy Hill.
Lambert, Walter, Esq. J. P. Castlelambert.

Lambert, Walter, Esq. J. P. Castle Ellen.
Lawless, Rev. John D. D., Esker Convenant
Lopdell, John, J. P., Prospect House.
Loughlin, Mark, Esq. Gloves.
McHanly, Mr. Michael, Athenry.
Maden, Mr. James, Carronakelly.
Mahon, Major. Thomas, Belleville
Perrian, Rev. Mark, Castle Turvin.
Persse, Burton, Esq. D. L. & J. P., Moyode Castle.
Smyth, Mr. Lawrence, Caherfinisclin.
Smyth, the Very Rev. Peter D. d.d., Esker Convenant.
Taylor, John, Esq. Mulpit.

Professional Persons

Barrett, James, Land Agent.
Lopdell, John, Barrister, Prospect House (The same one I believe as Lopdell’s were landed classes).
McCalanan, Lawerence, Surgeon.
Tully, John Master of a national school.

Inns and Public Houses

Barrett, Margaret, Hotel & Posting House.
Cannon, Matthias.
Dunleavy, John.
Holleran, John.
Whelan, John.

Shopkeepers & Traders

Barrett, Joseph, Grocer and Draper.
Burke, John, Grocer and Draper.
Cahill, Patrick, Butcher.
Collins, Patrick, Provision Dealer.
Connolly, Bartley, Grocer.
Culkeen, Daniel, Car Maker.
Fahy, James, Clothier and Dyer.
Grealey, Patrick, Draper & Stationer.
Hynes, John, Chairmaker.
Kelly, Brian, Nail Maker.
Kenneday, James, Gunsmith.
Kilroy, Eliza, Provison Dealer.
McKigne, John, Boot & Shoe Maker.
Mahon, Patrick, Carpenter.

Public  Instituitions

Ramsay, Charles, Chief Constable, Constabulary Barracks.
McChanan, Lawerence, Dispensary.
Smyth, Rev. Peter D. , Dominican Convent, D. D., Superior.
Mackey, Henry, Clerk, Sessions House.
Mackey, Margaret, Keeper.
Cooney, John P. Stamp Office.

Snippets of Athenry and the Great Famine 1845-1850 Part 2: Price Gougers

I will be using pieces of William Henry's Famine: Galway's Darkest Years book to add with my research for those to understand what is going on. 

In November 1846, food prices soared. a labourer would have to earn 21 shillings per week to sustain an average family of six or eight. According to research  by Rev. Martin Coen on Galway and the Great Famine he came across some information of Athenry's time in the Great Famine of 1845-1851. Connaught Tribune 1975 read below:

"There was growing disillusionment and distrust of shopkeepers, some of whom were cashing in on the situation. Daniel Culliann, P. P., Athenry, was informed that the state would not interfere where shopkeepers could provided supplies. 

Patrick E. McTighe, Esq. Athenry wrote under no certain terms to the Lord Lieutenant (A British Monarch's Representative  and the head of the Irish Executive from 1801-1922) on 26 September 1846  ‘I have no faith or honour of honesty of provision dealers, men at the moment who rejoice at the idea of  reaping a golden harvest by the poor.’
   I am uncertain if the following paragraph is anything to do with Athenry ‘When one shopkeeper had heard of the government’s attitude, he refused a starving  mother  a pennyworth of a meal  for her orphans;  she had to lie down and die amidst of her orphans. The writer accused Mr. Labourchere, the c commissionary general, of not being ‘acquainted with the ordinary operations of the provision trade. 1,800 people should not be left at the mercy of these men."

www.alhref.blogspot.com

Snippets of Athenry and the Great Famine 1845-1850 by Ronan Killeen

As I am involved with the Irish Famine Commemoration via Athenry Tourism Group. I will be posting the bits and pieces that I find in books, newspapers, documents etc as a build up to the Great Famine commemoration in Athenry - no date has been set yet. I have been reading William Henry's book Famine: Galway's Darkest Years  which was published in 2011. I found two interesting facts in it:

1.      Page 38: "The Assistant Secretary to the Treasury at the time was Charles Edward Trevelyan. This was his official title, but he was in fact the permanent head of the Treasury. Although some would argue that he worked hard on relief schemes, he was against the idea of providing free famine aid. Indeed, his attitude towards the Irish people was appalling. He believed that the famine was a punishment by God on an idle, ungrateful and rebellious country. Trevelyan is immortalised in the song 'The Fields of Athenry'”.

2.      On  page 114 when Henry refers to the quote that was in the Galway Vindicator on the 5 July 1848 it mentions that  "A few days ago the sheriff of the county paid a visit to the lands of Gurrane, in the neighbourhood of Athenry, on the estate of a man calling himself the Honourable Col. Bermingham Sewell, and demolished the entire village of Cahertubber, leaving but two houses stranding, one of which was converted into a depot for the remnant of roofing of those that were not committed to the flames.
The wretched and unhappy victims are to be found squatted upon the road side, presenting the most frightful appearance of destitution. In vain have those beings looked for compassion from the Honourable Col, although all their gardens are well cropped, and a few short weeks of bounteous Providence would have left them in a situation to discharge the trifling demands of this most Christian landlord, who liberality, generosity and hospitality are in perfect keeping with his honourable cognomen" 

That Honourable Col.Bermigham Sewell also owned lands at Ballydavid, Athenry. The following is Sewell’s family lineage from the Landed Estates research that was completed by NUIG http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie:8080/LandedEstates/jsp/family-show.jsp?id=1283: Thomas Bermingham Daly Henry Sewell was a son of Elizabeth Bermingham and Thomas Bailey Heath Sewell and grandson of Thomas Bermingham 1st Earl of Louth and Baron Athenry. His claim to the baronetcy of Athenry failed in 1800.
    At the time of Griffith's Valuation the Sewell estate was one of the principal lessors (landlord) in the parish of Athenry and the representatives of Colonel Sewell also held land in the parishes of Clonbern, barony of Ballymoe and Dunmore, barony of Dunmore. Thomas Sewell's had 4 daughters who married Sir William Edward Leeson (who held 710 acres in county Galway and 230 acres in county Roscommon in the 1870s), General Marcus Beresford (one of their daughters married George Brydges Rodney), George Drummond Earl of Perth and Melfort and the Reverend Solomon Richards, whose representatives held 2,544 acres in county Galway in the 1870s.

It will be interesting to find out who the sherriff was in 1848.

www.alhref.blogspot.com

Athenry Crime Follow Up: Who were the United Irish League? by Ronan Killeen

As many of you noticed in a previous article Athenry Crime 1859-1912 the United Irish League  pops up a lot to do with land this short article will explain who they were I have take the following passage from S. J. Connolly's book The Oxford Companion to Irish History:

"The United Irish League was founded in 1898 by a man called William O'Brien to agitate for redistribution of the western grass ranches to small farmers. It was instrumental in reuniting the Nationalist Party in 1900, after which it became a constituency and fund-raising organisation. 
   O Brien lost control of the UIL and soon opposed it bitterly. In the later years it was propped up the Ancient Order of Hibernians, but contracted sharply after 1916; the Dublin Offices closed in 1920. 
   The land question was both UIL's strength and weakness. Its inability to take up other issues was symptomatic of the Nationalist Party to prevent the development of cultural nationalism into a hostile political force between 1900 and 1916. The UIL could still be militant in easter Connaught during the years 1898-1901 and 1906-9."

www.alhref.blogspot.com