View of St Patrick's graveyard, Kilmoganny |
The Catholic Church, St Eoghan's has some wonderful stained glass windows and one wall memorial. The memorial reads " Of your charity pray for the repose of the soul of The Very Rev Edward Canon Coyne P.P. of Dunnamaggan who died on the 17th of November A.D 1889 aged 55 years. For 27 years he discharged his duties of his sacred ministry with exemplary piety, rare prudence, zeal and fidelity; in his life was fully realised the high ideal of a true priest of God. Requiescat in Pace".
Wall memorial to Canon Coyne in St Eoghan's Church, Kilmoganny |
There are 47 memorials in this graveyard, called St Patrick's, which we surveyed in August 2016. All the memorials face east, as one would expect, but some are very worn indeed and appear to be suffering from exposure to the weather. Strangely there are no stone markers; these are usually placed over a grave by people who could not afford to have a headstone carved. Many memorials are of an early date and interestingly carved which points to at least a proportion of the Catholic population that could afford to erect a carved memorial over their loved ones. It does suggest a certain amount of prosperity as there are 15 memorials here that date from the 18th century. The earliest is dated 1741 (No 22) closely followed by 1755, 1757, 1763, 1765, 1771, 1774, 1776, 1778, 1785 (x2), 1787, 1791 (x2) and 1799. There are another 19 memorials bearing dates from 1801-1847.
One memorial (No 2) to the Grinsill family is dated 1831 and is of slate; most memorials are of local limestone. Several old stones are decorated with a relatively small cross within a circle at the top of the stone (No 1 Crowley for example). Memorials decorated with similar crosses within circles can also be found at Kilree graveyard. None of these memorials have been signed by the mason who carved them although presumably carved by the same hand or from the same workshop.
A very individual tombstone carved to commemorate Mary Kenny who died aged 3 years in 1840, |
Memorial No 30 (McDonnell 1842 and signed by White of Carrick on Suir), has two small "supporter" stones on each side of the main stone simply marked M. McD with a cross. This fashion for "supporter" stones can also be seen in Knockmoylan graveyard and also in Hugginstown Old graveyard; these "supporter" stones appear in Catholic graveyards and we have not found them in Church of Ireland graveyards.
A Celtic cross carved by O'Shea of Callan for the Rev Patrick Hurley, of Adelaide, South Australia, to remember his mother Bridget who died in 1885 and his father Thomas who died in 1888. |
Memorial No 34 for the Bryan family records Margaret Bryan, alias Prendergast(died 1824) as affectionate, virtuous and honest; this is a rare description of a Catholic woman at this time in her own right. Usually women, if described at all, are described in the context of their relationship to the males of the family be it husband, father, uncle or brother. Memorials Power of (Nos 5 and 6) are for the family of Power of Graigue; the Power memorials in Lamoge graveyard also belong to this same Power family.
Memorial No 12 is flat on the ground but finely decorated with an IHS and Gloria scroll. It is dedicated to John McEnery of Carrick who died in December 1801 aged 75 years. And Patrick McEnery of Ballyhoile who died in December 1815 aged 53 years. This stone has a latin inscription which reads "Per Misericordiam Dei Requiescant in Pace". This is taken direct form the Catholic funeral prayers read by the Priest at the place of burial and translates "By God's Mercy Rest In Peace". Catholics who are living ( known as The Church Militant) have a solemn duty to pray for souls in purgatory (known as the Church Suffering). This is why many Irish headstone inscriptions might start with the words "Pray for the Soul of.........". Most headstones here would only record "Requiescat (singular) or Requiescant (plural) in Pace" and not the full phrase of "Per Misericordiam Dei Requiecat/Requiescant in Pace".
Index to names appearing on the memorials
Broderick, Bryan, Butler, Cahill, Carney, Cassin, Cleary, Coffey, Coughlin, Coyle, Crowley, Doherty, Dunne, Feehan, Fahee, Flanagan, Forrastal, Grinsill, Hayden, Heade, Hennessy, Hughes, Hunt, Hurley, (initials only) DK, Keating, Kelly, Kennedy, Kenny, Kerevan, Kirwan, McDonnell, (initials only M McD), McEnery, Moore, Moran, Murphy, Nolan, Norris, Pendergast, Phelan, Power, Prendergast, Read, Reade, Ready, Ryan, Sheehan, Slatery, Slattery, Tobin, Walker, Walsh.
Index of places appearing on the memorials
Adelaide, Ballygown, Ballyhoile, Carrick, Carrickatnaw, Carrick on Suir, Cotrilstown, Cottrelstown, Cottrilstown, Dunnamaggan, England, Garryhalloo, Graigue, Kilmoganny, Kyle, Lismatage, Oldtown, Rawelarish, Rossenara, Rossennarra, Sheepstown, South Australia, Waterford.
Index of occupations appearing on the memorials
Canon, Land Steward, Merchant, Rev (Priest)
Index of masons who have signed memorials they have carved
R. Colles (place illegible but probably Kilkenny), Molloy of Callan and Dungarvan, O'Shea of Callan, White of Carrick on Suir.
Memorial to Moira Moore opposite St Patrick's graveyard, Kilmoganny |
Ms. Casteleyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your work. The pictures on your site are excellent and the info you provide educational.
It may also lead me in a new direction in my research. I have been searching for some time for my Irish ancestors who immigrated to Canada, with no luck. They were Ellen O'Brien and Michael Butler of Kilkenny but I could find no records of them or their 5 children in Ireland. Looking at the graveyard you photographed at Kilmoganny I noticed the names Bryan and Butler and further searching has uncovered a marriage record which may be my ancestors. I have searched everywhere from FindaGrave to ships records and this is the first link I have found. Would you be able to tell me if there was further information on the headstones? If not, I am grateful to both of you for this wonderful blog - which I will be following - and a new research direction.
Hello Debbie
DeleteThank you for visiting our blog. We have checked out your Ellen O'Brien and Michael Butler in St Patrick's. The Bryan stone is an upright memorial. Erected by Patrick Bryan in memory of his father John Bryan he died April 1st 1799 aged 50 years. Also his wife Margaret Bryan alias Pendergast she died March 18th 1824 aged 38 yrs. She was affectionate and virtuous and honest. Also 2 of his children who died young....
The Butler entry is for a lady, Bridget Butler, nee Moran, who died in 1925. There is no stone for this lady but a note of her burial.
Can you let us know what information you have on the marriage record you have found? We might spot something of relevance or get some insight to the references to townlands or parishes. Does the marriage record give you parents or witnesses?
Kind regards
Mary and Bernie.
Sorry, I should have included that my name is Debbie Cook and I live in Kingston, Ontario, Canada
ReplyDeleteMs. Casteleyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your work. The pictures on your site are excellent and the info you provide educational.
It may also lead me in a new direction in my research. I have been searching for some time for my Irish ancestors who immigrated to Canada, with no luck. They were Ellen O'Brien and Michael Butler of Kilkenny but I could find no records of them or their 5 children in Ireland. Looking at the graveyard you photographed at Kilmoganny I noticed the names Bryan and Butler and further searching has uncovered a marriage record which may be my ancestors. I have searched everywhere from FindaGrave to ships records and this is the first link I have found. Would you be able to tell me if there was further information on the headstones? If not, I am grateful to both of you for this wonderful blog - which I will be following - and a new research direction.
Hi Debbie, sometimes it takes a little while but we may have found your Michael Butler.
DeleteMichael Butler married Ellen Bryan on the 27th February 1838 in the Parish church of Dunnammaggin Co kilkenny, Witnessed by James Power and Margaret Bryan.
Their son James was born 2nd August 1838 the address is given as Rossenara Kilmoganny... sponsors given as Margaret and Michael Mara.
Patrick was born on 4th February 1849 the address given is Baurscoob Dunnammaggin, sponsors Richard Head and Bridget White. Theres very little distance between these locations.
I can find no evidence of other children. Neither can I find death records for Michael or Ellen.
I hope you are still keeping an eye to our blog
Kind regards
Bernie and Mary
Ms. Casteleyn
ReplyDeleteAs stated above by Debbie Cook, this is a wonderful blog. Similar to Debbie, I too live in Ontario, Canada and haven't had much luck with researching my ancestors in Ireland. This blog may also lead me in a new direction (fingers crossed). Would you be able to provide any information on the Cassin and Hurley headstones? My 3rd Great Grandfather was William 'John' Hurley/Hurly (about 1800-before 1865)and he married Margaret Cassin (about 1800-1865). I have found my emigrating ancestor (their son) Joseph Hurley's baptism, in 1832 in Castlemoris, Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny. I believe there was another son named Richard that stayed in Kilkenny, Ireland. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Again, such a wonderful blog and I look forward to following.
Thank You Erynn McGee
Good afternoon Erynn
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very kind words about the blog and for taking the time to consult it. We will have a look to see if we have anything to help you. Cassin is really a very well respected surname around this area.
We will b e back.
Mary and Bernie
Erynn
ReplyDeleteHere are the headstones from St Patrick's at Kilmoganny. I fear they are not exactly what you are looking for. The Cassin stone is No 13. A tall upright stone; Here lies the body of Mrs Catherine McEnery alias Cassin who departed this life Octr 10th 1776 aged 48 years. Also her daughter Mary who died Octr 13th 1804 aged 23(?) and her father Mr Gerald McEnery who died July 14th 1813 aged 80 years.
No 40. is the Hurley memorial. Celtic Cross; Thy will be done on band down the shaft and decorated with Shamrocks. Erected by the Rev Patrick Hurley, Adelaide South Australia in memory of his mother Bridget Hurley who died 23rd Feby 1885 aged 60 years. Also his father Thomas Hurley who died 9th July 1888 aged 70 years. RIP. Carved by O'Shea of Callan. There is a picture of this Celtic Cross on the blog.
We have had a look at other local graveyards which we have transcribed including Kilkeasy, Hugginstown, Knocktopher Abbey, and Aghavillar which are all near to Castlemorres and Ballyhale but have not come up with anything to help you. Unfortunately we have not yet had the time to transcribe Ballyhale although it is on the list, so to speak. If we find anything of interest for you, we will let you know.
Sorry not to have sorted out your problem.
Kind regards
Mary and Bernie
Hi Erynn..we have now found two graves at Aghavillar
DeleteWilliam Hurley died 12th February 1752 aged 63 years.
Mr Peter Hurley who died 10 September 1853 aged 80 years...stone erected by his wife Alice ...
A Plaque also remembers John Peter and Mary Hurley we are assuming three generations here the two headstones are side by side.
Regards
Bernie and Mary
Hi Mary and Bernie,
ReplyDeleteI recently started looking into my family history, so it is really exciting to discover your site! I am from Australia, and I (think) I have relatives from Kilmoganny.
My great great grandfather, Peter Walsh (born ~1840), immigrated to Australia in the 1860s with several of his sisters. His parents were Martin Walsh and Ellen Shea.
I think they lived in Cottrellstown, Kilkenny Co (from a passport application + baptism records) and/or Kilmoganny (from the passenger list from their ship).
Sponsors from the baptisms include a Shea, Tobin and Davy.
I was wondering if you would have any record of Martin Walsh, Ellen (Shea) Walsh or any children. Apparently they had 3 children that died young (Jane, Ellen + Michael), and 2 daughters who married and remained in Ireland (Margaret, who married Richard Dunne and Frances, who married Martin Fox).
Thank you very much in advance,
Ellen
Hello Ellen,
DeleteThank you for visiting our blog I realise I may be giving you some information you have already.
You carry your GGG-mothers name. Your Ellen Shea married Martin Walsh on 28th July 1834.
Their daughters Anastatia was born 24th June 1835.
Bridget...12th October 1836. Mary...8th July 1836.
Ellen.... 28th June 1844. Anna...25th December 1846.
Sons Matthew 11th June 1848. Michael... 15th September 1848. daughters Margaret...13th June 1852.
Jane...28th January 1855. Son John...11 October 1857.
I have not found your Peter or that sister Frances but you can see from the gap in the years between 1838 aned 1844 I am obvioulsy not finding all information. Their father Martin Walsh (d) December 1899 aged 91 years.
Ellen its past my bed time .
kind regards
Bernie and Mary
Thank you so much Bernie! I did not have this information!
DeleteI only really had information about Peter Walsh (my great great grandfather). I recently discovered that he had four sisters who came to Australia (Anastatia, Bridget, Mary, and Eliza) and lived in the same town. They came out at different times, as I found a passenger list stating that Peter and Eliza arrived in Australia 1864, with Anastatia Walsh as the depositor - so I assume she arrived earlier. Also the brother Matthew came to Australia in the 1900s after living in New York.
I am lucky that they lived in a small town in Australia, so they had lengthy obituaries in the local paper mentioning who they were related to and where they came from in Ireland. They are also all buried near each other in the local cemetery.
I recently found an old family tree (drawn by a relative who is now dead) which mentioned the 'Irish relations' and listed the names of more siblings who remained in Ireland, however there were no dates of birth, etc.
It is really exciting to have this information, thank you very much once again!
Ellen
Ellen,
DeleteWe are pleased to be able to assist you in your research. You can thrawl the original Parish records at the link with the National Library Ireland....http://registers.nli.ie/Dunnammaggan...
You may find it difficult to read at first but you will be amazed how you adjust and learn to follow the different hand written details.
You mentioned Richard Dunne Margarets Husband he was present at the death of Martin Walsh and he registered the death.. 3 Dec 1891 (see error above)
If you visit the National Archives Ireland
www.census.nationalarchives.ie/..1901...select Browse..
Kilkenny....Kilmaganny... Cottrellstown...House number 1 ..
This will take you to the original Walsh homestead ..now the home of Richard Dunne and his wife Margaret nee Walsh You will see their presence and the details of their family....
Follow from this to the 1911 Census and you will see Margarets abscense.. I think you knew this already, but Margaret died on 7th of May 1902 she was aged 47 years and her her husband Richard was present and was the informant of her death. You have facinating family history already and its wonderful to have follow up of so many members of a family emigrating and living closely and prosperously supporting each other it is the story that seldom gets told.
Regards
Bernie and Mary
Thank you very much Bernie and Mary! I did look through the registers and I found an extra child. You have been such a great help in finding new information that I would never have discovered on my own!
DeleteHi Mary, It was great to meet both you and Bernie earlier today and to have a too brief chat. I can now remember that I had found your blog this week but had not read very far. I will remedy this very soon As soon as my data allows. I look forward to sharing finds with you and Bernice and further appreciation of Kilkenny people and places both past and present. Kindest Regards. Annie Fallaize.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie
DeleteIt was lovely meeting you at Ballyhale Graveyard where we have just finished recording and are finalising our map. Your time in Ireland was short and you certainly made the most of it finding the less travelled paths. We could have had coffees but you were rushing away to check out of your Hotel. Glad you like the blog we hope to hear from you again and let us know when you are around next time we will be somewhere nearby.
Kindest regards
Mary and Bernie
Russ,
Deleteyou could tell us the details of the Marriage Certificate you hold
Thanks
Mary and Bernie
Hi Bernie and Mary,
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering if during any of your research around Kilmoganny, whether or not you have ever come across any information regarding the surname Develing. My ancestor James Develing married Susan James in the Parish of Kilmaganny in 1835. A Charles Develing is listed as a witness on the marriage record. James and Susan then immigrated to Australia. We believe that James's parents were Charles Develing and Margaret Ryan. I haven't been able to find much information about the family in Ireland (except for the one marriage certificate). If you have, or do come across anything I would really appreciate it. Congratulations on a great blog also!
Kind regards
Russ
Hi Russ,
DeleteThank you for visiting our blog
We are not ignoring you doing a little research and will be back to you..
Kind regards
Mary and Bernie
Hi Mary and Bernie, sorry for not getting back to you, I've been away! The marriage certificate I have simply states James Develing of parish of ?? Married Susan James of the parish of Kilmaganny 17 Aug 1835 in the Church of Ireland Kilmaganny. Witnesses Charles and Robert Develing. Hope this helps. James Develings Australian death cert in 1864 list his parents as Robert and Margaret Develing nee Ryan. Thanks again for having a look for me.
DeleteSandra,
ReplyDeletewe will reply to you soon..
Regards
Mary and Bernie
Hi to all
ReplyDeleteI am searching for ancestors, Develing, I am as far back as Andrew Develing born in Hillsborough, Ireland, 1825, died Alice, Cape South Africa, 1869.He was the son Of Robert Develing, spouse Ann, who I am sure ? was from Hillsborough ?
Any information will be much appreciated.
Best regards
Rupert Develing
Hello All,
ReplyDeleteWe made a trip to Kilmoganny in 2012 and missed this. My grand mum was a Hurley. Born to Peter and Mary Hurley in the 1890s. We did manage to find their place with the help of a local who pointed us in the right direction. We found Hurley's in the Kells priory graveyard (a more recent one). We also stopped at another graveyard and found Hurley grave markers heading back to Kilkenny. My grand mum left Ireland in 1912 by way of Cork on the RMS Campania. Interesting to see the Walsh name since I believe a Mary Walsh was with my grandmum when she left Cork.
A correction.. my grandmother was born in 1888 on Dec 26 to Peter and Mary Hurley. Mary's maiden name was Peters. She left Ireland by way of Queenstown in May of 2011.
DeleteLooking at the 1911 census, I see there are a Peter and Mary still listed along with children. We have not been able to locate any of the children in this area years later. I know Peter died before 1915.. and Mary passed away in 1929. Any help would be appreciated.
DeleteHi Bernie and Mary,
ReplyDeleteJennifer from Australia here. I have a baptismal record which I think implies Church of Ireland in Kilmoganny. The record reads "Bap at Math Patrick, William son to Michl McNamara and Mary Toole....NB The above baptisms were performed by Rev Walter Holahan May 1792". This record was in the Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915 for Ossory Slieverue 1766 - 1866. At this time Rev Walter Holahan was pp at Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny. Would this be a possibility based on what you've written regarding an overlap of church grounds?
I'm also fascinated with your surname Kirwan. The above William had a daughter Ann, she married a John Fell whose grandmother I have as Mariam Anna Kirvan (this could be Kirwan?, I wonder?)
Christine Moore Blaauw
ReplyDeleteHello Bernie & Mary,
My 4 times Great Grandfather, Edmund Moore, born in 1800, Kilmoganny, Kilkenny, Ireland, which he left to go to England to join the English Planters that immigrated to Bay de Verde, Newfoundland, Canada sometime before 1820. I believe he went with the Duffit/Duffet family and married Nancy “Ann” Duffit/Duffet in 1820. They went on to have several sons, Andrew Moore, James Moore, Thomas Moore and Edward Moore. Edmund Moore passed away January 12, 1884.
My cousin Vincent Byrne told me when he went to Ireland he visited the former Moore homestead, but this was before 2011.
I would love to know if there are any Moores left in Kilmoganny and if anyone has information on Edmund’s parents or siblings.
Also are there any headstones in the cemetery (I know Moria’s headstone is pictured) that belong to any of Edmund Moore’s family?
It would be wonderful to connect with some of my distant cousins in Ireland.
Thank you,
Christine
Hi Bernie and Mary
ReplyDeleteI am not sure where to find the list of graves and details for this cemetery that you have surveyed.
While I have an interest in any Shea family buried here it would be good to see other family names that might be connected.
Do you have it saved somewhere and I just see it?
Thanks for you ongoing interest in capturing this information
Donna
My grandparents and several aunts and uncles buried in graveyard in Kilmaganny, grandmother katherine Sullivan and granddad Patrick,uncle shamus also listed on headstone Uncle pake Aunt may cooper Uncles Dennis &Tom. Home from us on visit visited graveside and looks like it could use some TLC As no one else from the family is left wondered who i might contact about perhaps getting some care for the grave. My contact Email is p6747@comcast.net If anyone has any information would much appreciate hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteThank You
Patrick Fitzgerald