Community website for Millstreet, Co. Cork, Ireland
The following very interesting correspondence we recently received from Patrick Edward Mears (USA & Germany)
Patrick has visited the Millstreet area on more than one occasion having done some very professional and superbly detailed and comprehensive research.
“Dear Friends in Millstreet and the Surrounding Areas,
My name is Patrick Edward Mears and I am a retired lawyer from the USA who is now living in Germany. One set of my Irish Great-Grandparents, Philip John Cronin (1819-1883) and Mary Ann O’Leary (1825-1881), hailed from the Millstreet/Cullen area and emigrated to the United States of America in 1850, with their first-born son, Cornelius, in tow. They disembarked from their ship in the South Street Docks in Lower Manhattan and then made their way up the Hudson River to Albany, New York, where Mary Ann gave birth to her second child, Judith, in 1851. From there, they likely traveled on the Erie Canal to its terminus in Buffalo, New York, and from there probably took a Great Lakes Steamer to Detroit, Michigan. From Detroit, they made their way to Lapeer County, Michigan, where they purchased a farm in Oregon Township circa 1858. Nine other children were born to this couple, one of whom was my Grandmother, Mary Cronin Mears (1856-1924).
Mary O’Leary Cronin’s parents were Cornelius O’Leary (ca. 1800-1881) and Mary Williams (or Hyde) O’Leary (1800-1887). This couple and their children resided in what has been identified here in an earlier article as the “McSweeney House,” in Knocknakilla Townland, which house Sean Radley, my wife and I visited a few years ago on a trip to Millstreet. This couple, my great-great grandparents, likely began their exodus from Ireland when they emigrated to the United States and eventually settled in St. Lawrence River Valley, where they acquired farms near the towns of Brasher Falls and Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York State. After their arrival there around 1851, and after their deaths in the 1880s, their remains were buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Brasher Falls. Of their 13 children all but the eldest son, also named Cornelius O’Leary, emigrated to the United States of America. Presumably Cornelius Junior remained on all or a portion of the farmland owned by his parents prior to their emigration. [read more …] “The Splendid Research of Patrick Edward Mears of USA & Germany Shared”
We thank John P.Kelleher for reminding us of this important Anniversary which occurs on Wednesday, 4th Jan. 2023. A full and excellent comprehensive account (superbly researched by Michael Cashman in 2017) of this milestone event in the history of Millstreet may be viewed here: http://www.millstreet.ie/blog/2017/01/03/this-day-91-years-ago-today-in-millstreet
We thank John Tarrant for the following Report and Images. (Tomorrow we shall feature images by Tadhg Curtin). Tap on the photos to enlarge. (S.R.)
In Praises of Dromtariffe charts history of famed club
Dromtariffe GAA launched its history “In Praises of Dromtariffe” in the presence of a large attendance in Dromtariffe Parish Hall. The club boasts a long and distinguished history of achievement on the playing field, the 592 page history edited by Dan Joe O’Keeffe offers nostalgia and reminiscing, former and current Dromtariffe GAA players, officers and supporters convened at the launch for this once in a lifetime colloquial occasion.
Founded in 1885, Dromtariffe has been at the heart of the GAA since its very inception. The club continues to grow and encourage a new generation to play gaelic games.
A History Committee headed by Mary Browne and joined by Michael Byrnes, Joe O’Riordan, Seán Feely, Frank Barry and Dan Joe O’Keeffe ensured the content was meticulously researched, excellently structured and illustrated with fascinating photographs and text on football, hurling, ladies football camogie and Scór.
Apart from the GAA, subjects also covered are the War of Independence to an insight on Dromtariffe’s patron saint Iníon Bhuí with fitting songs and poems added.
“In Praises of Dromtariffe” is available from Dromtariffe committee members and retail outlets in Dromagh, Cullen, Kanturk, Kilcorney, Millstreet and Newmarket.
[read more …] “Dromtariffe GAA History Book – A Report by John Tarrant”
We thank Annabelle O’Sullivan (née Reen) for sharing this most interesting photograph from 1962 when one of the final Dances took place at the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) Hall in Minor Row, Millstreet. Present for the occasion was Fr. James McGrath, C.C. (seated centre in the fourth row with glasses) in Millstreet at that time. Annabelle herself is to be seen on the extreme right in the third row. See how many you can identify! We already have been able to recognise quite a few! Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 13th Feb. 2022 at 7pm on C103. (S.R.)
Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 13th Feb.
Because of our historical past, this year is significant and bound to be a year of commemoration and in certain cases celebration.
Because of Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown, many centenary events were cancelled last year, but will be carried over to this year.
One such event will be the Battle of Clonmult – the 101st anniversary of which falls on Sunday week, February 20th.
On this week’s edition of ‘Where The Road Takes me’, John Greene looks back at the IRA’s heaviest defeat in a single engagement, during the War of Independence.
An informer, complacency, a catalogue of errors and strange decisions, a total disregard for the rules of war and illegal court-martials, all contributed to a battle that virtually wiped out the East Cork Flying Column and left deep scars on the local community, for years afterwards. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″
[read more …] “Millstreet Museum Pictorial Archives Shares Six Gems from the Past”
At 12 noon on Sunday, 21st Nov. 2021 the 101st Anniversary of Paddy McCarthy was commemorated at Mill Lane, Millstreet organised by the Millstreet Monument Committee. We thank Noel Keating for alerting us to the historic occasion and special thanks also to Shane Browne for sharing the excellent images. Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.)
[read more …] “Commemoration 2021 for Paddy McCarthy at Mill Lane on Sunday”
[read more …] ““We Go Into Action Today at Noon….” by Eamonn Duggan”
The Clonbanin Ambush Centenary Commemoration Committee
On Saturday 9th October 2021, our Centenary Commemorations / Celebration will take place in Derrinagree Church Carpark. This commemoration is to honour the men and women that participated in the War of Independence and the fight for freedom.
Our commemoration commences with Concelebrated Mass in Derrinagree Church at 1.30pm followed by Blessing of centenary monument. Some Ceremonial duties, Address by President Higgins’s Representative, Reading of the Proclamation, Oration by Cork County Mayor Gillian Coughlan, Chairman’s Address, The Raising of The Tri-Colour, accompanied a Colour Party from the I.U.N.V.A organization. (Irish United Nations Veterans Association). Followed by an evening of refreshments and entertainment in Dromtariffe Parish Hall. Everyone welcome but due to Covid restrictions we can’t guarantee everyone will get into the Church.
Mass will be relayed by outside speakers, to the Carpark only 160 persons allowed in the Church…so come early and avoid disappointments. Also, in the Parish Hall we will be restricted to 250 persons, or there about. We are also restricted to parking on the road, close to the Church, and there may be a bit of walking, but if everyone corporates with the parking stewards, it will be permitted to drop off people with walking difficulties, and then drive on a bit further to park. Parking on both sides of the road will not be permitted. The Committee appeal to every house around Derrinagree, Clonbanin, Dromagh and all over Duhallow, if possible, to proudly display our National flag to honour the occasion. Please come out in numbers and support the cause. It is our last commemoration of the War of Independence one hundred years ago. (We thank Charlie Drake for this feature)
The Clonbanin Ambush Centenary Commemoration Committee
wishes to announce the following dates of importance: Tuesday 21st September. A day trip to Spike Island, including a seat on a Luxury Coach, with reclining seats, arm-rests, head rests, plenty air-conditioning and ample leg room, total comfort guaranteed.
The military Gun Park alone has over a dozen exhibits used in coastal defence spanning over 300 years of warfare, as well as a recreation of the Battery Observation Post which would have targeted the guns on Spike Island. Plus, many more items of interest including military transport and smaller arms. It is much loved by military enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in the War of Independence. It has plenty toilet and rest-rooms facilities. A Café for refreshments.
The return journey will be via Mallow with a stop-over at the Arches Bar & Restaurant where we will enjoy a 3-course meal. Main Course, Dessert and Tea / Coffee.
Total cost Including Coach, Ferry, Guided Tour and Meal : €40. Pints, Wine and Drinks at the table are extra at your own expense.
All names and monies will have to be submitted and paid up-front before Tuesday 14th September 2021 with no cancellations accepted, because the booking will only be finalized with Spike Island when paid in advance.
Seats are limited and will be on a first come first served basis. The Coach is almost full, with just a few seats left. This is a final reminder.
In accordance with H.S.E guidelines, masks will have to be worn on the coach and on the ferry.
The other date to put in your Diary is October 9th 2021…..our Centenary Commemoration Celebration day, more about that later. Any further queries contact (086/8403914) (087/ 8350255) (087 / 9832388) (097 / 6251056)
We thank Charlie Drake for this wonderfully detailed programme. (S.R.)
As we recall the First Anniversary of the late John Kelleher of Mount Leader, Millstreet we remember an historic occasion in the 1960s when John found a perfectly shaped and unused Stone Axe when digging in his garden at Murphy’s Terrace, Millstreet. On professional investigation by Archaeologists it was believed to have dated between 3500 and 2500 B.C.. We, at Millstreet Museum, are so delighted to accept this truly historic Stone Axe which is being very kindly presented by John’s wife, Margaret and son Jim. This magnanimous gesture by the Kelleher Family of Mount Leader is greatly appreciated. Within the next week the very precious historic Stone Axe will go on display at our Museum Centre in Carnegie Hall in memory of the late John Kelleher, gentleman supreme and sportsman par excellence. Sincere thanks to Margaret and Jim for sharing such a treasure which will be admired for generations to come. Here we illustrate the Stone Axe plus information from “Seanchas Dúthalla” in the 1970s. (S.R.)
[read more …] “Truly Historic Axe Very Kindly Presented to Millstreet Museum”
Commemoration Committee for the following feature: “On Sunday 11th July 2021 at 12.00 mid day the National flag will be raised at full mast at our Clonbanin Ambush Centenary Monument in the Church Car Park at Derrinagree to commemorate the Truce and say a prayer for all the Volunteers that fought in the War of Independence. This is not an official commemoration but just our way of saying thanks to the men and women that have given us what we have today. If there is anyone in the Duhallow and the surrounding areas, be it Cork North, South, East, West, County Kerry or Limerick, that have medals belonging to a family member that took part in the fight for freedom, this is the time to wear them with pride, this is the time to let people know, you remember those family members that sacrificed so much for our freedom, and what better way to do it than to stand proudly, wear and display those medals, that were awarded to those men and women for their bravery, blood, sweat and tears in their sacrifices for that freedom. Sadly not all of those medals survived because in other times when one of the Volunteers died their medals were honorably and proudly pinned on their bodies and buried with them. So there are a lot of people who would dearly love to be in a position to wear the medals of their heroes, but sadly they haven’t got them. So please spare an hour on Sunday 11th of July 2021 to honour and participate in what is the last Centenary Commemoration in this part of the Country. None of us will ever again get the chance.”
From the Clonbanin Ambush Centenary Commemoration Committee
[read more …] “Remembering Volunteer Bernard Moynihan on this Day 1921 – 2021”
“Radio Treasures” Weekly Show is on air tonight (Tues., 29th June 2021) on Cork Music Station from 9.30 to 11.30 (Irish Time). Feel most welcome to contact the Show on corkmusicstation@ gmail.com or on Text/WhatsApp 086 825 0074 or check out the Seán Radley Facebook. Happy Listening! (S.R.)
A truly impressive Centenary Commemoration remembering Volunteer Michael Dineen was held in Ivale, Kilcorney on Sunday, 27th June 2021. Here we share some sixty images from the historic event which was superbly organised. The appreciative attendees were blessed with glorious weather in the wonderfully scenic setting. Look out for a full illustrated report by John Tarrant in the “Corkman”. Tap in the images to enlarge. (S.R.) Highlights of Sunday’s Event may be heard on tonight’s (29th June 2021) “Radio Treasures” programme on www.corkmusicstation.com at 10pm.
[read more …] “Most Impressive Centenary Commemoration at Ivale on Sunday”
We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 30th May 2021 at 7pm on C103. (S.R.)
Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday May 30th.
This week on ‘Where the road takes me, John Greene brings the three part programme on the sinking of the Lusitania to a conclusion.
In programme three, we outline the remaining years in the lives of the two protagonists, Capt. Bill Turner of the Lusitania and Capt. Walter Schweiger of submarine U-20.
Although Turner managed to clear his name somewhat, his scapegoating by Churchill made it an almost impossible task.
Schweiger, on the other hand suffered the same fate as the 1,197 Lusitania passengers he had sent to a watery grave two years earlier.
For passenger Julia o’Neill from Rosscarbery, tragedy followed her survival in her new home in Kilgarvan Co. Kerry.
And, were the Irish Government aware of the real identity of the German Submarine Captain they invited to Ireland in 1966 to commemorate the 1916 rising? [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″
It’s truly amazing how very quickly we have received excellent information regarding the four photos below from a very kind person who permits us to share the very interesting information. Sincere thanks to this person for the much appreciated background information to the four pictures. The following is the information received:
“The family is indeed the Owen and Catherine (Horgan) O’Sullivan family in Kilmeedy. The men in the back left are Horgans also from Kilmeedy. Catherine is pictured to their right. The younger men are O’Sullivan/Sullivan and include Jerh and Tady who stayed home on the farm. The young woman in the center is Margaret O’Sullivan Lucey. (Photo One).
The Wedding was in San Francisco…..not sure if this was the son or daughter of Paddy. (Photo Two)
The man standing alone was Stephen who was a Sheriff’s deputy in San Francisco and died in the line of duty. (Photo Three)
Four historic photographs were recently shared in the hope that somebody may be able to identify those appearing on the images. It is believed that the first one with the large group was taken in Kilmeedy in the 1930s/1940s and is linked to the Sullivan Family. The other pictures may have been recorded in America. If you feel that you have any relevant information in regard to the images please email millstreetmuseum @gmail.com. This would be very much appreciated. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
We extend sincere thanks to John Tarrant for very kindly permitting us to share this wonderfully historic photo of the Class of 1945 which John’s late Mum, Nora had not only preserved for decades but has so very carefully written all the names of those in this superb image on the back of the photograph. This picture also appears in John’s splendid Millstreet Matters feature in this week’s “Corkman” (Thurs. 11th March 2021). The amazing coincidence we note is that not only is Nora Tarrant (née Buckley)…4th from left in 2nd row… featured in the picture but so also is Peggy Kelleher (née O’Connell).…6th from left in back row – both of whom went to their Eternal Reward over the past week. RIP. There are many others thanks to Nora’s excellent captions whom I recognise in this precious photo of 1945 even though I was not born until 1951. Renewed thanks to the Tarrant Family for sharing this true pictorial gem. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.)
We extend sincere thanks to Photographer Supreme Neil O’Connor of USA and West End, Millstreet for sharing two further superb images adding to our recent feature on “Millstreet Shopfronts Down the Years”. Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.)
We thank Donal Kelleher for sharing images of the very impressive new Monument situated in the Church Car Park of Derrinagree Church remembering the Clonbanin Ambush of 1921 which on this Friday, 5th March 2021 is the exact Centenary of the historic event. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
[read more …] “Today is the Exact Centenary of the Clonbanin Ambush”
Clan Callaghan…..The O Callaghan Family of County Cork
Maureen Phibbs from Co. Wicklow (formerly Maureen Hickey of Cullen) is Editor of the renowned “Irish Roots” Magazine and has recently been in touch with us in regard to an important Book which has just been reissued. Maureen writes:
“The author is Joseph F. O Callaghan, (the “O” is without the apostrophe throughout the book) now aged about 93 and living in the US. He is professor Emeritus of Medieval History, Fordham University. He first published the book in 2004 after spending many years researching the history of the O Callaghans. The revised and updated edition is now just published. It traces the fate of the O Callaghans from the tenth to the twentieth century including the O Callaghans along the Blackwater valley from Mallow to Clonmeen against the background of local and national history. It has copious notes, 16 genealogical tables of family trees and the bibliography is an excellent research tool for anybody studying local or national history.
His father, William, was born at Dromcummer.
We are featuring the book in the next issue of “Irish Roots” which has just gone to print. We are publishing which is really the 10th article in the Clan Callaghan book.
The Drishanebeg Ambush Centenary Commemoration Address
by Jack Lane
Aubane Historical Society
CENTENARY OF THE DRISHANEBEG AMBUSH
11th February 2021
I want to thank the Committee for organising this event and inviting me to speak. A good indication of their efficient and professional approach was to ask me to speak here some months ago. That is much appreciated. I also want to thank the Committee for doing this and making such an event as we have today.
I think many of you will agree that this type of event was unimaginable a few years ago. Irish history writing by our academics and commentators went through a very bad period for a number of years.
There was an attempt to give us a bad conscience about the war of independent and these types of commemorations were seen as in bad taste. The only disagreement I have with the commemorations is that they should be called celebrations but never mind.
There was an attempt to create a narrative of the War of the Independence that was designed to give us bad conscience about the whole thing because it was alleged to be a sectarian episode; that it was war against Protestants. This was incredible to anyone who had any knowledge at all of the people who fought that war or the events of the war. It was an attempt to try to prove that our state was deformed at birth, so to speak.
[read more …] “The Drishanebeg Ambush Centenary Commemoration Address by Jack Lane”
We thank Michael Thornton for the following wonderfully comprehensive feature regarding the upcoming historic Centenary Event. And thanks to Michael also for the recent photo of Tom Meaney at the Ambush Commemoration Site by the main Millstreet – Mallow Road near Keale Bridge. Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R)
THE DRISHANEBEG TRAIN AMBUSH COMMEMORATION
On 11th February 100 years ago, men from Millstreet and the surrounding areas successfully carried out an audacious and meticulously planned operation against British soldiers travelling by train between Mallow and Killarney. Two volunteers boarded the train at Rathcoole and by holding the train driver and fireman at gunpoint, forced them to stop the train at Drishanebeg, where an ambush had been prepared. After a period of intense gunfire, the British troops who had suffered casualties, surrendered. Fourteen rifles, 600 rounds of ammunition plus sundry equipment was taken, before the train, with the wounded onboard, continued to Killarney.
The arms captured at Drishanebeg proved to be of immense help to in later engagements at Clonbanin and Rathcoole.
This event was deemed one of the more successful engagements against the Crown Forces for the Millstreet Battalion Volunteers during the War of Independence.
The Drishanebeg Train Ambush Commemoration Project Committee was established to commemorate the events of that historic night at the Glebe Railway Cutting. [read more …] “Today is the Centenary of the Drishanebeg Train Ambush”
We thank Seáno Murphy of Knocknagree (originally from High Mill Lane, Millstreet) for sharing this wonderfully historic photograph of 1956 showing the Millstreet Team playing an important Match in Macroom – a County Quarter Final. Seáno is pictured on the extreme left in the front row. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.) Seáno has just kindly shared the names of all in the picture:
Back Row from left: Ted O’Connor, John O’Shea, Denis Kelleher, John O’Keeffe, Con Corcoran, Brendan Moynihan, Teddy Kelleher, John Kelleher, Cormac Dineen, Neily Dennehy, J.J. Hinchion and Jim O’Connor (Dooneen). Front Row from left: Seáno Murphy, John Corcoran, John F. Daly, Dan O’Leary, Garda Mick Byrne stationed in Knocknagree – father of the former Garda Chief Commissioner, Pat Byrne (Goalie), Joe Buckley, John “Sing” O’Sullivan, William O’Leary, Pat Joe Kelleher and Anthony Manley.
Marking the Centenary on 1st Feb. 2021 of the death of Captain Con Murphy a dedicated Committee paid special tribute to his memory firstly at The Square, Millstreet today (Sunday, 31st Jan. 2021) at 10 a.m. and one hour later in Ballydaly. Here we share images from the historic events. Later in the week John Tarrant will share a full illustrated report in the “Corkman”. Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.)
[read more …] “Captain Con Murphy Remembered in Millstreet & Ballydaly Today”
