Category: History
J.J. O’Mahony’s, General Merchant, West End
A photo of J.J O’Mahony’s General Hardware store c.1909. Photo from the Lawrence Collection [ref]
Dromtariffe GAA & Historical Book Launch
Dromtariffe GAA & Historical Book Launch.
All roads will lead to Dromtariffe Community Hall on Sunday December 4th, when Dromtariffe GAA will launch it’s latest club history. Written by Dan Joe O’Keeffe and titled “In Praises of Dromtariffe”, the book describes the club’s long and illustrious story from its foundation in 1895 to 2020. It is not simply just the adult-club’s story, but also that of the under-age, ladies and Scór, as well as other sections of interest. The book will be launched by John Tarrant, well known sports reporter and local correspondent. Here is an opportunity for Dromtariffe people, young and old, from near and far to meet, great and reminisce. There will be music and song, along with light refreshments for all. It is hoped that the book will also be of interest to those outside the Parish, as it relates many epic and well fought clashes between Dromtariffe and its various Duhallow opponents. The book will retail at €25 and will be available to purchase at a number of local outlets. This is a limited edition and may be pre-ordered by contacting any of the following:
Michael Byrnes (Snr) 029 58056
Frank Barry 087 9838087
Joe O’Riordan 087 2801867
Mary Browne 087 7951810
Sean Feely 086 3168212
Dan Joe O’Keeffe 086 1234348
Thomas Mahony (19), Fatally Wounded at Annagloor
A hundred years ago yesterday (22 October 1922), a party of Free State troops under Brigadier-Commandant Ahern arrested two suspected Irregulars at Rathduane in the Millstreet district after Mass on Sunday. As these troops were returning to Millstreet, they were ambushed at Annagloor (within a mile of the town) by Irregulars, who opened fire from both sides of the road. Private Thomas Mahony received a serious wound in the stomach and died at Blarney while being rushed in a military ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Cork city. See CE, 24 Oct. 1922; Death Certificate, [for] 22 Oct. 1922 (not registered until 22 April 1954), with a copy appearing in MSPC/2D377 (Military Archives).
The Cork Examiner provided the following account of O’Mahony’s career at the time of his funeral and subsequent burial in Midleton: ‘The dead soldier, who during the reign of terror [before the Truce of July 1921] was prominent with the East Cork Flying Column, won for himself, by his many daring exploits, the greatest regard by all who sought for the freedom of Ireland, and whilst the East Cork men were temporarily billeted in Clonmult—the scene of the famous engagement, where, unfortunately, only too many lives were lost—Thomas O’Mahony served in the column in a manner which the survivors of the fatal battle are always ready to praise, and speak of the dead soldier only in terms appropriate to a gallant and brave man. Following the Truce and the Treaty, Thomas O’Mahony was one of the first volunteers who took up quarters in Dublin under the regime of the National Army. [read more …] “Thomas Mahony (19), Fatally Wounded at Annagloor”
Honour and commemorate the heroic deeds of the Women of Cumann na mBan, and Men of the I.R.A
The Clonbanin Ambush, Centenary, Commemoration Committee.
Would like to extend to you, and whoever you would like to bring along with you on the evening of October 14th 2022, at 7.00pm sharp. To an event, where we endeavour to honour and commemorate the heroic deeds of the Women of Cumann na mBan, and Men of the I.R.A. Those treasured women and men that fought in the War of Independence that gave us the freedom that we enjoy today.
The venue is The Dromtarriffe Parish Hall. P51 KC 52, on the N72 roughly halfway between Mallow and Killarney on the Mallow side of the Sandpit House Bar. The event will be the first screening of our two-part Documentary titled. Clonbanin’s Journey through the War of Independence 1920 to 1921. The documentary is a very well researched, documented, and produced, by a highly professional Studio team, with the assistance of the committee, and numerous family members of the men and women that fought in that fight for freedom. This is a once-off chance to keep alive the history of Irelands fight for freedom, and to commemorate the Centenary of The Clonbanin Ambush. This is an opportunity for each and every one of us, young and old. If you love your Country, your County, and Parish. This is the time to show our Patriotism, Republicanism and Pride in our History. To Honour the Women and Men of the War of Independence and Clonbanin Ambush of March 5th 1921. It would be greatly appreciated if you were in the position to honour us with your presence on the evening of 14th October 2022.
If you have any queries, I can be contacted by phone 029 / 78017 or 086 / 8403914 email <email>
Best Wishes and Kind Regards
Charlie Drake. On behalf of the Committee
Knocknalammon Memories Part 2
A selection of old photographs from Knocknalammon. A feature was published a few weeks ago, which can be accessed here.
I think this was taken in the 60’s. That’s Mary (Babe) O’Sullivan on left. Man on right is Pat Hickey visiting from NY. Pat may be one of the younger men in the earlier period photos. Don’t know who the couple in the middle are. The next photo is of Babe in the 70’s. My 2 older sisters spent a couple of summers visiting her in the 70’s.The bottom two are of Babe in the earlier period (1920’s).
The reverse says Babe with friend Kit


Knocknalammon Memories

Wood carving from an old tree in Ballyvourney
We thank Theresa Cleary for alerting us to this article that appeared on EchoLive.ie on the 15th August featuring a woodcarving from an old tree paying tribute to a former district nurse, Julia Singleton (originally a Cullen native) with her faithful dog in Ballyvourney.
The Tricolour is flying at half mast to commemorate the centenary death of General Michael Collins.
The Tricolour is flying at half mast to commemorate the centenary death of General Michael Collins. Michael Collins was shot dead in an ambush at Béal-na-mBlath by the anti treaty forces. Micheal Collins was born October 16th 1890 in Woodfield, Sams Cross, County Cork. He was an Irish revolutionary, soldier and politician who was a leading figure in the early-20th century struggle for Irish independence. He was Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State from January 1922 and commander-in-chief of the National Army from July until his death in an ambush in August 1922, during the Civil War. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Co Dublin.
Passing Through Millstreet in 1804
Extracts from the Journal of a traveller who passed through Millstreet twice in August 1804:
Friday, 24th August 1804. … From Mallow to Millstreet I took a post-chaise; but like all other travellers in a post-chaise, might as well have been at home, as I can give no account of the prospects, or of the manners of the people. The little vile inn of Millstreet was full of the company resorting to Killarney; so that I fared very uncomfortably: but early next morning set off in a chaise, and arrived at Killarney to breakfast
Sunday, 26th August 1804: Next morning, Sunday, we set out on foot for Millstreet, before six o’clock; intending to reach that place in time for church at twelve. But the day being sultry, and the distance greater than we believed, sixteen Irish or twenty-one English miles, frequent restings became necessary; and it was full eight hours before we arrived at the end of our walk: alas! too late for church, of which the service seemed to have been hurried over with its usual rapidity. On the road we met multitudes of Catholics going to matins, neatly dressed, having their beads and crucifixes suspended at their sides. Can these decent people be the sanguinary rebels who delight in massacre, and seek to turn things upside down? With respect to the establishment, or any other denomination of religion, there seems to prevail a melancholy lukewarmness. There is no church on the road or near it, all the way from Killarney to Millstreet. Neither is any difference apparent, except amongst the Catholics, betwixt Saturday and Sunday; some being employed in burning lime, some cutting turf, some thatching their houses, others sewing or knitting at their doors, and all whistling or singing. [read more …] “Passing Through Millstreet in 1804”
Day of Regions Aubane Community Walk on Sunday August 21st
The Day of Regions Aubane Community Walk is happening on Sunday 21st August, leaving Aubane Community Centre at 2.00 pm and heading to the Butter Road Monument.
We hope to see as many possible on the day. Refreshments afterwards at Aubane Community Centre.
This event is sponsored by IRD Duhallow CLG
The Star Ballroom
Yvonne Kelleher Galvin saw this poster in the Bantry Market, the contact number is there if anyone is interested, it’s an original. Definitely a great find.
Easter Sunday Commemoration
21st Birthday of Clara News – May 1998
Front row – Eiblis McCarthy, Noreen Dennehy, Ann Cowman
Second row – Patrick Dennehy, Judy Reardon, Eily Buckley, Marian Buckley, Eileen Dinneem. Mary Guiney, Moira O’Keeffe
Back row – John O’Sullivan, Ml McCarthy, Colman Culhane, Denis Reardon, Dan Buckley, Cormac Dinneen, Patrick O’Keeffe, Jerry Buckley, Kathryn Tarrant, Donal Cowman, Donal Guiney
Rail Works at Millstreet Station in 1988
Yesterday, the Irish Railway Record Society posted a video of railway works at Millstreet and Charleville on their Facebook Page. The first minute and a half is from Millstreet Station. To reminisce on how it was 33 years ago., just click on THIS LINK to watch the video (I think that you may need to be logged into facebook to view it). [read more …] “Rail Works at Millstreet Station in 1988”
Ballydaly Remembers the Centenary of the Truce
100th Anniversary of the Killing of Frank Creedon
Mikie Dinneen, Murdered 100 years ago today at Tooreenbawn
In the aftermath of the Rathcoole ambush a week earlier, where two Auxiliaries were killed, and many wounded, the British forces conducted the biggest sweep of any area in the south of Ireland, looking for IRA suspects. Early on the morning of the 24th of June 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer Michael Dineen from the Kilcorney Company County Cork was taken from his brother’s house in Ivale, and shot in the back multiple times just 300m away.
The British Commandant instructed that no inquest was to take place as such action would have risked lives unnecessarily of local forces.
His funeral was probably the largest ever seen locally, and he was buried in Millstreet Church Graveyard (along the path, just down from the sacristy door).
Pictured above is the memorial at the site of his murder in Tooreenbawn.
For more information on Mikie Dineen, and what happened, we recommend these: [read more …] “Mikie Dinneen, Murdered 100 years ago today at Tooreenbawn”
George H.S. Duckham (1900-1921)
On June 22nd 1921, George H.S. Duckham, was returning to Millstreet from leave in London where he had been married just a week earlier. A young R.I.C. constable in Millstreet, he had rested in Macroom Barrack overnight, and was making his way in plain clothes on a horse and side-car to Millstreet. It was at the height of the war of Independence, and unfortunately for him, the IRA knew he was coming and they ambushed him between Macroom and Carriganima at Carriganeigh Cross. They took him prisoner and apparently found on him amongst other things, a list of the names of the members of the Millstreet Battalion Column that were to be shot on sight. On top of that, as a constable he apparently had a bad record in the eyes of the local republicans. He was tried by the IRA and shot. His body was left across the river from Carriganima Church, but apparently taken away and buried in a bog elsewhere by locals who were afraid that the police would cause trouble in the area. His body was never found and remains a mystery. He left behind a young wife and a young son, also named George Henry Samuel Duckham. Wherever his body lies, may he rest in peace.
He is one of four+ R.I.C. (two auxiliaries, two Black and Tans) that lost their lived in Millstreet during the War of Independence. Below are two reports on his demise, and also as some details about his background: [read more …] “George H.S. Duckham (1900-1921)”
Rathcoole Ambush – 100 Years Ago Today
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Rathcoole Ambush, one of the largest and most successful ambushes by the IRA during the War of Independence, which increased pressure on the British Empire to leave Ireland to the Irish..
The IRA laid landmines in the road, and detonated them as a convoy of Auxillaries passed over them, disabling two vehicles and trapping three more. Two auxiliaries, both only 20 years old, William A.H. Boyd, and Frederick Shorter were killed in the ambush, and many more injured.
Further Details of the ambush can be found in the article The Rathcoole Ambush – June 16th 1921
Clonbanin Ambush Centenary Monument
The Clonbanin Ambush Centenary Monument (at Derrinagree Church) was completed today with the erection of two information boards. The board on the left tells the story of the Ambush and the board on the right contains the relevant maps outlining the routes the Volunteers travelled and the Ambush site. The committee would like to thank the following for the design and fabrication of the boards:
- Seamus Buckley, SB2 Steelworks, Meenskehy,
- Declan Crowley, Milltech Digital Printing, Cork.
Seeking an editor
I drafted a manuscript titled “100 Letters from Ireland” based on letters my grandmother Bella Murphy Barker wrote from 1922-1923 while she, my mother and aunt were visiting my great grandmother Jude Sugrue Murphy in Knocknaloman. I am seeking an editor to review the manuscript before I publish and I will gladly pay for the service.
The Tricolour is flying at the Clonbanin monument
The Tricolour is flying at the Clonbanin monument to commemorate the Centenary Anniversary of the Drishanebeg Train Ambush on the 11th February 1921.The Volunteers of the Millstreet Battalion IRA achieved a major success over British forces by stopping and boarding the train, travelling from Mallow to Killarney, and seizing rifles and ammunition from the troops on the train. The Volunteers had taken up positions at the Ambush site, on eight consecutive nights not knowing when they would be called into action.
Captain Cornelius Murphy: 1915-1921
In the last few days we have been asked for a little more information on Captain Con Murphy, whose 100th anniversary is today, and after whom Murphy’s Terrace in Millstreet was named. For this purpose, below is a detailed article on his active years, written by his great-grandniece as a special study for her Leaving Certificate a few years ago:
Captain Cornelius Murphy: 1915-1921
First Volunteer of the Irish Republican Army to be executed under Martial Law for possession of firearms.
In 1921 my great-granduncle, Captain Cornelius Murphy was the first to be executed by the British Firing Squad since the executions of the 1916 Easter Rising Leaders. He was also the first volunteer of the Irish Republican Army to be executed under Martial Law for possession of firearms.
His military career began in December 1915, when Con was appointed Officer Commanding of the Rathduane Company in Ballydaly which comprised of forty men. At the time this was under Tomas MacCurtain’s Cork Brigade of Irish Volunteers, in January 1919, this Company became part of Liam Lynch’s No. 2 Brigade. After the Easter Rising, 1916, the controversy surrounding the executions of the Rising Leaders had grown in intensity, and the Royal Irish Constabulary, (backed by the British Army) raided Ireland for signs of potential threat to English security. Con and his brother Denis were arrested in the aftermath of the Rising as part of a nationwide crackdown on prominent Republicans (more than one hundred men were captured in total). The Murphys arrived at Knutsford, Chesire on June 7th 1916. All the detainees were released in August of that year as the jail was shut down. [read more …] “Captain Cornelius Murphy: 1915-1921”
Remember and honour Capt Con Murphy
The Tricolour is flying at half mast at the Clonbanin monument to remember and honour Capt Con Murphy, Rathduane Company, Millstreet Battalion IRA who was executed by British forces in Cork Jail on 1st February 1921.
Class from St Patrick’s College, Millstreet 1964 or maybe 1965
Centenary Remembrance
The Tricolour is flying at half mast at the Clonbanin monument to commemorate and remember the tragic events of the 21st November 1920 in Croke Park, when British soldiers opened fire at a Tipperary v Dublin football match resulting in 14 innocent civilians being killed. We also remember Volunteer Paddy McCarthy, Meelin, who was shot dead by Black and Tan forces on the 22nd November,1920 at Mill Lane, Millstreet, Co Cork.
BLOODY SUNDAY 1920.
A moving and poignant video, by the GAA, of the tragic events of 21st November 1920 in Croke Park, when British soldiers opened fire at a Tipperary v Dublin football match resulting in 14 people being killed.
Click here to view the video (Facebook log is required)
Centenary Anniversary of Terence McSwiney
The Tricolour is flying at half mast at the Clonbanin monument, to honour the memory of Terence McSwiney, Lord Mayor of Cork, who died on hunger strike in Brixton prison, England on this day 25th October 1920. We also remember Commandant Michael Fitzgerald and Volunteer Joseph Murphy who died on hunger strike in Cork prison on 17th October and and 25th October respectively, during the War of Independence
Walsh family tree
I was wondering if someone might please be able to help me?
My name is Helen Sagan and I live in Australia. I understand it is not your job to do family history research for anyone who might happen to ask, but I am looking for some very specific local history information regarding the Rockite movement of 1822 and I thought you might best be able to assist or direct me.
I am researching my husbands Walsh family tree, on the Kerry side of the Blackwater, in-fact I visited your library back in 2011 and spent many pleasant hours looking through the Casey Collection.
At present I am investigating two brothers Healy, Tadj(Timothy?) and Liam(William?) that were executed on 10th August 1822 (along with 3 others) and have their names inscribed upon a monument erected at Shinnagh Cross, Rathmore. I believe these brothers to be my husband’s Uncles and would sincerely love more information on them.
Most recently I discovered the Duchas School books (a truly marvellous & enlightening collection!) which introduced me to tales of old local people during the 1930’s, recalling stories their grandparents would have told them, some about the Whiteboy uprising and precisely the 1822 murder of William Brereton and the subsequent events that resulted in and around Rathmore.