Loughmore Collected

Histories

Edited By

Mark Ryan
Yet meet him in his cabin rude
Or dancing with his dark haired Mary
You swear they knew no other mood
But mirth and love in Tipperary
By Thomas Osborne Davis

Table of Contents:

The Barons of Loughmore

Loughmore Groups and Clubs
Loughmore Landlords and Agents
Loughmore Creamerys
People of Note of Loughmore
The Grant Family
Sheedy Family
Cormack Brothers
Loughmore Mill's
Loughmore Castle
Parish Priests of Loughmore
RIC Barracks
Loughmore Castleiney GAA
Loughmore Schools
Killahara Castle
Macra Na Feirme Field Evenings
Loughmore Population
1659 Pender Census
Church of Ireland
Loughmore Brooch
Old Graveyard Loughmore
Loughmore Tidy Village Association
Loughmore Parish Centre
Land Ownership in Loughmore
Famine Relief Collection 1846
Mass Paths
2

Rebel Activities in Loughmore 1915 - 1922

Early History of Loughmore
Suir Drainage
Post Offices in Loughmore
Loughmore Shops and Pubs
Purcell Family
Loughmore Catholic Churches
Music in Loughmore
Folklore
Anseo agus Ansuid i Luach Maighe
Ordinance Survey Names Book 1840
Poetry Song and Verse
Ladies Football and Camogie
Community Games and Athletics
Tug O War Club
Loughmore Coursing 1930's
Dovea Cricket 1875
St Crunain's Holy Well
Land Dispute
Sources

The Barons of Loughmore

Purcell family were made Titular Barons by Earls of Ormonde
Sir Hugh Purcell
3

Richard 1328
Philip Purcell
Geoffrey Rothe Purcell 1397
Thomas Purcell 1430
Peter Purcell
James Purcell 1456
John Purcell 1466
Thomas Purcell 1518
Patrick Purcell 1534
Thomas Purcell 1538 1607
Ralph Purcell
Richard Purcell 1624
Theobald Purcell 1595
James Purcell 1607 1652
Baron Nicholas Purcell 1652 1722
Made Baron by King James II

Loughmore Groups and Clubs

Legion of Mary, Founded 1962
Pioneer Total Abstinence Association
4

1927
Irish Countrywomen Association
1967 2013
Loughmore Badminton Club
1984
Tug of War Club
1986
Macra Na Feirme
1967
Loughmore Parish Centre Committee
1983
Loughmore GAA
1855
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann
1970
Friends of the Mentally Handicapped
1970
Loughmore Gun Club 1982
St Joseph Young Priest Society
1983
Loughmore Folk Group
5

2000
Loughmore Tidy Village Association
1984
Suir Drainage Scheme
1884
Swimming Club
1974
Ceili Club
1968
Community Games
1983
Basketball Club
1990
Loughmore Feis
1935
Loughmore Youth Club,
1989
Loughmore Golf Society, 1985

Loughmore Landlords & Agents

John Maher, lands in Derry, Baronstown

6

Captain H. Irwin, lands held from the Bishop of Cashel, 10 towns lands in total
Sir George Goold, Graiguefrahane 7686 acres in Tipperary, sold lands in 1856
Samuel Cooke, Brownstown, 1796 1878, 631 acres in Tipp, sold out in 1856
Dixon O Keeffe, Clonmuckogue Beg
C. Mc Brier, Clonmuckogue More
John Trant, Dovea House, purchased lands in 1748, of Norman origin
John Ellis, Kilrush House, 1802 1857, Tinvoher
Richard Lawlor Cambie, of Huguenot origin
John Craven Carden
John Sadleir, Tinvoher
John George Adair, Tinvoher
John Mulholland, sold out in 1870
Onge, Whitefield bought 1853 sold 1858
William Butler
James Napper Webb, Woodville House

Creameries Loughmore
Loughmore Creamery

Established 1900. One of the two oldest branches of the Centenary Group. The site was
purchased in 1901 from Richard Burke, part of the Carden Estate. Burned down in 1920,
requiring a total new build. New facilities included easier loading. In 1923 no dividend was
paid to shareholders due to the cost of rebuilding branches. In 1924 milk supply was 800
gallons. Founding shareholders Cavanagh, Nesbitt, Cleary.
1998 Century Committee Members:
Patrick Egan Killahara, Patrick Gleeson Ballybrista
Managers:
Phelan, Wm Bourke, Ed Scanlon, Wm Grogan, Con Power, P O Brien, Kevin Dwyer, Bill
Delaney, Jim Grey, Donal Dwyer, Denis Kennedy
Ceased operation 1994
Ballyduag Creamery
Established 16th March 1901. First manager Pat Crowley, butter maker Tom Ahern. First
committee members J Cooke, Phil Gleeson, Paddy Kennedy, John Connolly, William O
Grady. Heydays were in the 1920's. In 1940 the creamery amalgamated with Ballyduff.
1998 Century Committee Members:
Richard Quinn Athnid, Jim Russell Ballyduag
Managers:
Pat Crowley, Tim O Connell, Dick Brennan, Bill Kennedy, Rev Connie Stapleton, Dick
Maher, Jim Leahy, James Dunne manager for 42 years 1956 - 1995
Ceased operation 1997

Bishop Thomas Bonacum 1847 1911

Born in Penance Jan 21st 1847, baptised 31st January 1847. Parents Edmund and Mary
McGrath. On a holding of about 10 acres. In 1850 the family set sail for America. Edmund
died after arrival.
Thomas educated in St Vincent College Cape Girardeau Missouri, and University of
Warburg, Bavaria, Germany. Ordained June 18th 1870 at St Louis, Missouri by Bishop Joseph
Melcher of Green Bay. Rector of the Holy Name church in St Lois, Missouri. Attended Third
Plenary Council of Baltimore as theologian for Archbishop Peter Kendrick.

Was named as first bishop of the proposed diocese of Belleville. Instead he was appointed to
the newly erected see of Lincoln to which he was elected on August 9th 1887. He was
consecrated bishop on November 30th 1887 at St Louis by Archbishop Peter Kendrick. Died
February 4th 1911, and is buried at Lincoln.

George Henry Borrow 1803 1881

Born in East Dereham Norfolk England. His father Thomas a lieutenant stationed in Ireland
since 1815 and whose regiment moved to Templemore in 1816. At Templemore George
Borrow, tall and large-limbed for a lad of thirteen, still had adventures; for on an excursion to
visit his brother at Loughmore, he encountered the fierce Dog of Peace and its master, Jerry
Grant, the outlawa fairy man, in league with fairies and spirits, and able to work much
harm by supernatural means, on which account the peasants held him in great awe.
He later became and English author of novels and travel guides based on his experiences of
traveling around Europe. Notable works include The Bible in Spain, Lavengro, Romany Rye
and Wild Wales

10

Ben Chifley 1885 1951

Prime Minister of Australia 1945 1949. Plaque unveiled and exhibition opened by Prime
Minister Paul Keating 21st September 1993 in Thurles. Grandmother Mary Dee Ballybrista.
She married Patrick Chifleey in Sydney 1859. Bens father was the third child. Mary died
1865. Mary was baptised in Loughmore, Oct 4 1823, youngest child with three brothers and
one sister. Her parents were William Dee and Judith Egan. William was a school master and
surveyor and the family lived at Ballybrista, Lisheen and Whitefield.
Union organiser, Leader of the Labour party 1945 1951, Treasurer of Australia 1941
1945, Member of Parliament Australia 1940 1951 for Macquarie, Minister for Defence
1931, Minister for post war reconstruction 1942 1945, 16th Prime Minister of Australia
The radical reforming nature of the Chifley Government was such that between 1946 and
1949, the Australian Parliament passed 299 acts, a record up until then.
At the age of five he went to live on his grandfathers farm and rarely saw his mother or
brothers over the next nine years. Married Elizabeth Mc Kensie a Presbyterian and denied the
sacraments for 37 years till his death.
Worked as a railway engine driver in his home town Bathurst New South Wales
Died June 13th 1951 Words on his headstone read If an idea is worth fighting for, no matter
the penalty, fight for the right, and truth and justice will prevail.
Chifley left a modest 13,400 as in the last three years of his life he had secretly given away
over 3000 to friends and relations
11

John Kelly 1929 2012

12

Born Kill 6 October 1929 beside no 7 bridge. Family moved to Killenaule in 1932 but
returned to Loughmore in 1942. He went to school in Loughmore from 1941 to 1944. He
worked on a farm near Moyglass and played junior hurling with that parish.

Went to Melbourne Australia in 1949. Took up boxing in 1953 won Golden Gloves in light
heavyweight and heavyweight Melbourne. Took up hammer throwing and entered the 1956
Australian Olympic trials. Moved to New Zealand and played rugby as wing forward with
Marxist clubs based in New Plymouth and Wellington. In 1954 won the Moran Cup at
Auckland's Eden Park with New Plymouth the only time they have ever won it.

Moved to America in 1959 and took up athletics. Finished 7th in the 1964 Yonkers marathon
in New York which was one of two Marathon Olympic trials for the 64 Olympics. In 1965 he
won the Philadelphia marathon in 2:37:23 in several inches of snow. Walked across Death
Valley California in Temperatures 120 to 145 degrees, 120 miles nonstop for 34 hrs. 9
minutes and 9 seconds. Thus entering the Guinness Book of Records.

Represented Ireland on the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City in the 50km race walking event.
But did not finish as he was overcome by flu. Race walks director for the US team in the
1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This involved organising all volunteers and setting and
measuring the course.

Honoured by function in 2000 in Loughmore Parish Centre. A plaque was unveiled for him in
2003 at the gates to Loughmore National School. An annual run in his name now takes place
in Loughmore.

13

Bishop Michael Russell 1920 2009

14

Born in Ballyduag 10th December 1920 of a family of 10. Attended Rahelty and Holy Cross
National Schools. Went to Christian Brothers School Thurles.

Ordained 17th June 1945. Worked on staff of St Patricks Thurles for 17 years. Attended St
Patricks College Maynooth and received a Doctorate in Cannon Law in 1945. Professor of
moral theology and sacred eloquence in St Patricks College Thurles, 1948 to 1965. Diocesan
secretary 1960 to 1965. Studied for and received a B A in Ancient Classics, first class
honours. Vice president of St Patricks College Thurles 1962 1965. Chair of Mid Tipperary
GAA 1956 to 1961 and went with the Tipperary team to the US in 1957. He had played minor
hurling for his county.

Appointed bishop of Waterford and Lismore from 1965 by Pope Paul VI. Last surving
member of the Irish Catholic hierarchy to have attended the second Vatican Council in Rome
as a bishop. Known as the bishop on the bicycle. His first act on becoming bishop was to
abandon the chauffeur driven car. His episcopal motto Humilitate et Lenitate humility and
gentleness was well chosen. Supported care for the aged, Credit Unions and the development
of community centres. Oversaw the building of many new churches in the expanding suburbs
of Waterford city in particular. Retired in 1993.

Died aged 88 January 13th 2009. The late bishop would be remembered especially for his
great love of the church, his deep faith, his prayerfulness, his devotion to Our Lady, his
humility, warmth and approachability said his successor bishop William Lee.

Bishop Hugh E Ryan 1888 1977

15

His father Tom was born in 1838 in Mooneenafulla in the town land of Clogheraily beg. The
family immigrated to Australia in 1858. Hugh was born 25th April 1888, Kyabram Australia.
Ordained on the 17th June 1916. Ordained a Bishop 18th October 1938 to Sandhurst and later
Townsville diocese. Retired in 1967. Attend second Vatican Council. Died 13 November
1977.

Bishop James Ryan 1888 1923

Son of Denis Ryan and Nancy Stapleton of Loughmore. The family immigrated to the US in
1855 following eviction. Studied at St Thomas and St Joseph Colleges. Ordained in
December 24th 1871. Made Bishop 24th February 1888 of Alton Illinois. Established forty
new churches and six hospitals.

Philip Crowley
Born in Loughmore 1812.Went to the United States in 1849.Principal of Public School in
Pittsburgh. Mayor of St Paul 1889 to 1891. RIP February 12th 1902

16

Jim Ryan 1897 1972

17

Born Baronstown Loughmore eldest of three sons. Was only sixteen when he gained his place
on the Loughmore senior team. Good footballer due to strength and determination. Took up
employment with the GSR and played with Templemore from 1914 to 1925. By the age of 19
he had secured his place on the county senior football team in 1916. Secured an All-Ireland
medal and three Munster senior medals.

Member of Tipperary team that played a challenge match against Dublin on Jones Road 21st
November 1920. 14 people were killed and 62 injured on Bloody Sunday. His brothers
Mick and Tommy and his brother in law Tom McGrath and Commandant Ned McGrath were
on the run due to the struggle for Irish freedom.

In America from 1927 to 1938. Played with the Tipperary club in New York and helped to
win football championships in 1927, 1928 and 1929 and hurling championships in 1934,
1937 and 1938. Paddy Mc Grath also from Loughmore played on the 1927 football Team.

Returned home in 1938 and took up employment with the Sugar Company in Thurles. He
guided Loughmore to the senior county title in 1940 its first since 1914 while playing full
forward. Became chairman of the club and was made President until his death. Elected as
Mid representative on the county board from 1943 to 1959 and from 1942 to 1962 he was a
senior football selector.

Married Josie Mc Grath of the Village, whose father owned public house. It was raided
several times by the RIC and Black and Tans. He joined the LDF in the war years and was
group leader in Loughmore. His name appears on plaque in Hogan stand in Stemple Stadium
Thurles.

Fr Andrew Egan C.S.Sp 1900 1971

18

Born Loughmore, educated at Rockwell and UCD. Attended UCD with Eamon De Valrea.
Ordained in 1927, Taught at Rockwell 1928 to 1933. Dean of boarders. Taught in Blackrock
in 1934. Became President of Rockwell in 1949 till 1955.
Member of governing body of UCD and elected as representative for graduates in 1955.
Devoted to Irish Language. Member of Cumann Gaelach, Leas Cathaoirleach of an
tOireachtas for a number of years.

Tom Fanning

Born in Loughmore but the family later moved to Templemore. Joined the army as a young
man based in Collins barracks Cork. Spent many years in Cork. Made a name for himself and
his county by winning many Irish and international races in long and middle distance running
in the 1930's. A cross country champion who completed three marathons in one year in 1932.
Came first in all Ireland marathon in 1933.

Thomas F Ryan
19

Grandson of Jeremiah Ryan Derry and Mary Deegan Old Bawn both of Loughmore.
Son of Patrick Ryan Old Bawn and Maria Fitzgerald. Born 19th October 1897 Dublin.
Educated at Rockwell College Cashel. Bank official at the Hibernian Bank Dublin.
Joined the 10th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers aged 19 on the 14th January 1916.
Appointed lance corporal on the 14th February 1916. Made corporal 25th July 1916
Moved to Pirbright England on 18th of August departed from Southantompton for France
landing at Haure. Participated in the battle of the Somme and the battle of Ancre, suffered
gunshot woods to the leg.
In 1917 was in the 11th reserve battalion in Dublin as active Sergeant. Admitted to 7th officer
cadet training battalion in Fermoy Cork. On the 29th January 1918 made second lieutant of the
Leicester regiment. Transferred to the 38th machine gun corps in the 38th Welsh division in
France 19 November 1918.Demobilisation on the 23rd May 1919 and relinquished his
commission on the 1st September 1921.Medals received Victory Medal, British War Medal.
Victory Medal:
Campaign medal, brown disk, contains figure of winged victory on the reverse contains the
words the Great War for civilisation 1914 1919. Ribbon rainbow design. To qualify one had
to be mobilised in any service and have entered a theatre of war between 05/08/1914 and
11/11/1918. 6.3 million Awarded.
British War Medal:
Campaign medal of the British Empire, for service in World War 1. Silver disk, effigy of
King George V, reverse St George on horseback, orange white black and blue stripped ribbon.
To qualify have to have entered an active theatre of war between 05/08/1914 to 11/11/1918
and completed 28 days of service. 6.5 million Medals awarded.

William P O Riain
20

Wrote for Sunday Sun, the Sun, the Star, Daily Chronicle and Morning Leader. Vice
President of London Gaelic League. Wrote novels The Heart of Tipperary and The Plough
and The Cross. Editor of Irish Nation and Peasant. Wrote book The Irish Labour Movement.
Left Ireland in his 20's but returned in 1906. Went to London in 1912 during the Irish literary
revival. Worked on The Daily Herald as assistant editor. Personal friend of Dr Douglas Hyde,
Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins.
Rip 2 January 1943 aged 70

Son Desmond Ryan

Well known writer in his own right. Author of book on Sean Tracy, The Man Called Pearse.
Pupil of Pearse at St Enda's. Wrote for the Freemans Journal. Wrote book Remerging Zion.
Biographer of Eamon De Valera.

Nephew Patrick Joseph Ryan 1918 2001

Parents Thomas Ryan and Catherine Dunne of Old Bawn Cottage.
Organiser for the Farm Labourers Union. President of the National Legal Justice Action
Group which was founded in Thurles in 1986.
Contributor to Thurles local newspaper An Droichead

21

22

The Grant Family

The Grant family lived in Moyne. Jeremiah Grant took a lease on the mill in Loughmore with
his wife Ann Denn in 1806. His mother Eleanor and sister Mary lived in Kilnesare lane. Mary
Grant married William Costigan but had a relationship with Nicholas Maher son of landlord
Gilbert Maher. Jeremiah fell behind in his lease and attempted to shot a bailiff Gleeson who
came to collect the debt in 1809 and had to go on the run. Mary convinced that Nicholas
ardour was cooling and less than honourable murdered him on the 6th June 1810. She and her
mother were arrested and tried on the 20th August 1810 in Clonmel. Mary was found guilty
and hanged on the 22nd August 1810 the last woman hanged in Ireland. Her mother Eleanor
received a reprieve. Jeremiah and his brother John were also arrested. John was sentenced to
transportation for life. Ann his wife was acquitted.

Jeremiah escaped but was recaptured for poitin making and horse stealing. He was
imprisoned several times and became a highway man called Captain Grant. He was a subject
of a ballad. In 1816 he was sentenced to death for highway robbery and during this time
dictated his memoirs, published in 1816. The memoir was titled The life and adventures of
Jeremiah Grant. He was the last man to be hanged in Marybourough jail.

John Grant 1792 1866 was one of the first three colonists to be granted land in the Blue
Mountains New South Wales Australia. John was the richest Catholic in the colony. He
married Jane O Brien and had three children after she died he married Elizabeth West who
had 9 children. His great grandson Peter still lives in New South Wales.
Jeremiahs sons John and James joined their uncle in Australia and married two Dooley
sisters. John died in 1855 in an accident and James had 6 children.
Mrs Beryl Koster visited Loughmore and the mill in 2010 she is the great great grandniece of
Jeremiah Grant.

23

Sheedy Family
24

David Sheedy 1844 1932 Irish Nationalist MP 1885 to 1900 and 1903 to 1918. Born in
Limerick married Elizabeth Mc Coy of Curraghmore Co Limerick. Lived in the mill in
Loughmore from 1879 to 1887, and then moved to Dublin.
Family:
Hannah 1877 -1946 born Kanturk Co Cork
Suffragette, Irish Nationalist, Founded Irish Womens Franchise League 1908. Married
Francis Skeffington. Son Owen Senator 1954 and lecturer in French at Trinity College
Dublin.
Margaret 1879 born Loughmore. Married Frank Culhane Playwright and Michael Casey Poet
Richard 1881 1923 born Loughmore, Professor of Law University College Galway
Eugene 1882 born Loughmore, Barrister and Circuit Court Judge
Mary 1884 born Loughmore
Married writer Thomas Kettle MP, 1880 1916, killed in battle of the Somme
Kathleen 1886 1938 born Loughmore
Baptised 1st May 1886. Married Frank O Brien 1912. Taught Irish and wrote numerous books.
Son Conor Cruise O Brien TD and Minister of Post and Telegraphs. Visited Loughmore in
1976
Uncle Fr Eugene Sheedy 1844 1917
Priest, President of the Irish National Land League Kilmallock. In Kilmainham Gaol with
Parnell Davit and Dillon. Visited his brother David in Loughmore on a number of occasions.
David Sheedy a descendant of David Sheedy 1844 1932, with his wife and family visited
the mill and village in 1993. He was welcomed by then owner, Jim Ormond.

25

Cormack Brother's
William Cormack aged 23 Daniel Cormack aged 18 of Killahara hanged on the 11th May
1858 for the murder of John Ellis protestant, Scotsman, and agent of John Trant Dovea
26

House. Two previous attempts were made on Ellis life in 1849 and 1850 in his 27 years in the
parish. RIC barracks erected opposite his house for his protection.
Ellis was shot around 11pm Thursday 22nd October 1857 on his way home from Templemore
railway station. Several arrests were made after the murder. Magistrate John Gore Jones
drummed up evidence against the Cormacks who were held for over five months without
trial. Ellis was rumoured to have an illicit relationship with the Cormacks sister Kitty. The
first trial took place in Nenagh March 1858 Judge William Keogh. A second trial took place
on the 15th of March after failing to reach a verdict. Both brothers were put on trial together.
The jury consisted of 11 Protestants and 1 Catholic. Spillane and Bourke were induced to
give false evidence against the brothers. Judge Keogh passed the death sentence and the
brothers were hanged and their bodies placed in quick lime and buried in Nenagh jail.
Bourke was sent to Canada and Spillane was taken out of the country for their own
protection. A man named Michael Gleeson who had been recently evicted by Ellis later
confessed to the murder. A petition was organised and signed by 2,357 people together with
catholic and protestant clergy including The Bishop of Killaloe and the Archbishop of Cashel
but to no avail. The trial was discussed in the House of Commons and appeared in an article
in the New York Times.
In May 1910 the brothers remains were exhumed; tens of thousands attended the removal.
There were 29 priests, 16 fife and drum bands, 20,000 people on foot, 2000 cars and 500
bycles for the 22 mile 10 hour journey to Loughmore. Rev Hackett PP and John Dillon MP
gave rousing speeches. Remains placed in oak coffins and laid to rest in a mausoleum in
Loughmore church yard.
1989 and 1993 the Moyne variety group put on a play The Cormack Brothers. A plaque in
memory of the Cormack brothers at the site of their home was erected in 1996 by Muintir na
Tire. 2008 the Loughmore drama group put on a play The Cormack Brothers and a pageant
recreating the events took place.

27

Loughmore Mill's
28

Mills were quite common in Ireland by the seventh or eighth centuries. Flour production
increased in tandem with the general expansion of tillage farming in Ireland between the
1770s and the great famine. The consumption of bread was considered a luxury by the
labouring population, by the end of the eighteenth century it was consumed by labourers and
peasantry in parts of the countryside occasionally and in some towns more consistently. The
famine and the removal of the Corn Laws 1846 initiated a new phase of investment in milling
due to increased demand for milled cereals.
Loughmore Mill:
Depicted on the Down survey map of 1655 8.Five story five bay stone building with intact
half hipped slate roof and 25 square headed windows with cut stone sills. Snecked rubble
limestone walls. Two bay two story former managers house recently renovated. At the
gateway there is a disused cottage. There was a backhouse across the yard from the mill.
Rebuilt 1842 as a flour mill, weir constructed to provide power to work the machinery in the
mill by raising the water level. Millrace runs through the west end. Mill wheel 20 feet high
and 8 feet wide with a shaft weighing 10 tonne giving 80 horse powers.
Owners: Sheedy, Bohan, William G Ormond bought the mill in 1919. His son Jim Ormond
ran the mill from 1972 to 1993 and ran a sawmill from the same premises now owned by his
nephew Tom Larkin.
Whitefield Mill:
Built c1780 L plan is substantially intact, retaining its machinery, millwheel and millrace. It is
five storeys high with small diamond pattern cast iron windows and a bellcote, from which a
bell was rung to summon the millworkers. Half hipped corrugated iron roof. Former millers
house is three bay two storeys with pitched slate roof. The mill produced pin head oat meal,
which is whole oat groats which have been chopped into pieces. Various forms
of oatmeal, rolled oats, and pinhead oats are cooked to make porridge.
Owners William Wright, Michael Mc Guire, John Connolly, Jim Fogarty bought the mill
from Connolly and Seamus Fogarty sold the mill to Michael Maher Ivy Hall 1978.

29

30

Loughmore Castle

In the 15th Century the Manor came into the ownership of the Purcell family who built the
tower house which replaced an earlier structure. Later in the 17th century a fortified house was
attached.
The tower house has rounded corners which are not common, guns loops and machicolations.
It is four storeys high with semi basement. Measures on the outside fifty three feet from east
to west and thirty six feet from north to south and its walls are nine feet in thickness at the
base. The first floor would have acted as the main hall. The third floor contained the
bedrooms with a garrison for deference above this.
The style of the 17th century additions dramatically different to the 15th century tower house
used to highlight the long lineage of the Purcell family. Contains large mullion framed
windows containing at the time expensive glass and 9 fireplaces. Two towers are joined by
the court containing five floors. The old part was also remodelled at this time and the
windows were enlarged.
Entrance in the north wall a double doorway with murder hole overhead. A secret prison
chamber is contained in the south wall its door 10 feet above the floor. Front faces the river
suir with avenue down to waters brink with bridge which is no longer in existence. On either
side of the avenue were shallow pools originally fish ponds. The castle is mentioned on the
Down Survey as the black castle.
Abandoned by the mid-18th century. Nicholas Purcell who when defeated by Cromwell turned
his cannon on his own home. Hugh D Purcell of Seattle went about the purchase of the castle
in 1936. Also that year an ancient tunnel from the Abbey to the castle was rediscovered. The
tunnel exists since the days of persecution when the monks of the Abbey used it to seek
shelter in the castle. Negotiations on taking the castle into state care took place in 1992 but to
no avail due to lack of money for such a large restoration project.

31

Parish Priests of Loughmore

32

Fr O Dullaney Matthew 1585 1592

Fr Moloney John 1597
Fr Purcell James 1607
Fr O Neil 1611
Fr Delaney William 1626
Fr Meagher Philip 1640, buried in old graveyard Loughmore
Fr Fogarty Malachy 1704 and 1720
Fr Ryan Denis 1731
Fr Green Dr Charles 1732
Fr Ryan John Canon 1739 1788, buried in old graveyard Loughmore
Fr Morris Nicholas 1788 1795 (Thurles)
Fr White William 1795 1798, buried in old graveyard Loughmore
Fr Mullally James Canon 1798 1832, (Mulinahone) buried Loughmore church grounds
Fr Dee David 1833 1855, (Bansha) buried Loughmore church grounds
Fr Cooney John 1855 1861 (Clerihan)
Fr Meagher Thomas 1861 1865, (Ballingarry) first priest to be buried in Loughmore church
Fr Ryan Patrick 1865 1874, (Kilenaule) buried in Loughmore church
Fr Keane Timothy 1874 1893, (Knockaney) buried in Loughmore church
Fr Hackett John Canon 1893 1915, (Thurles) buried in Loughmore church
Fr Godfrey Thomas 1915 1930, (Tipperary) buried in Loughmore church grounds
Fr Russell John Canon 1930 1949, (Galbally) buried in Loughmore church grounds
33

Fr Dee John Canon 1949 1960 (Bansha)

Fr Skehan Walter G 1960 1971 (Moyglass) buried in Loughmore church grounds
Fr O Keefe Thomas 1971 1974 (Moycarkey)
Fr Ryan John C 1974 1984, (Upperchurch) buried in Loughmore church grounds
Fr Cooney Patrick 1984 1992, (Anacarty) RIP 2000 buried Holycross
Fr Dooley Maurice Mgr. 1992 2009, (Thurles) retired
Fr Corbett Padraig 2009 present (Thurles)

Memorial stones in Loughmore for priests:

Fr Patrick V O Mahoney, Fr Thomas Meagher, Fr Patrick Ryan, Fr Canon Hackett, Fr P B
Cahill, Fr John Cahill, Fr Timothy O Keane, Fr John Fanning, Fr P Harney.

Stained glass windows in old church dedicated to priests:

Fr M Fogarty, Fr D Ryan, Fr C Green, Fr J Ryan, Fr N Morris, Fr J White, Fr J Mullally, Fr D
Dee, Fr J Cooney, Fr T Meaghar, Fr P Ryan, Fr T O Keane and Fr T Hackett.

Water fonts dedications:

Rev T Godfrey PP, Mrs Mary Fogarty Whitefield Mills

34

RIC Barracks

35

The Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) was the armed police force in Ireland from 1836 until
1922. About seventy-five percent of the RIC were Roman Catholic and about twenty-five
percent were of various Protestant denominations, the Catholics mainly constables and the
Protestants officers. By 1841 the force numbered over 8,600 men. The discipline was strict
and the pay low. The RIC was replaced by the Civic Guard renamed the Garda Sochna in
1923.
Loughmore Village:
Three rooms, one stable and one turf house
1854 Constable John Loughnane stationed in Loughmore
Constable George Fennell 1871
1901 census
Patrick Somers Sargent aged 46 who later joined the Garda Siochana.
J K Constable aged 24
P D Constable aged 25
P B Constable aged 21
Two police present as of 1st January 1919. Burned down 1920. Knocked down 1969

Dovea, Killahara:
Built due to attempted assignations of John Ellis 1849 and 1850 murdered 1858
Constable Shaw and Douglas Sargent Connolly, Sargent Gleeson 1933
Four police present on the 1st Jan 1919. Barracks attacked April 1921.
Renovated in 1924 and closed August 1933

36

37

Loughmore Castleiney GAA

Described as a Football island, in mid Tipperary. Both Loughmore and Castleiney formed
clubs in 1885 but combined in 1961. Training fields used over the years were Delaney's at
Cambies Cross, at the four roads, Keanes in Castleiney and Carrolls in Clondoty. In 1978 the
club sold the playing field at Clondoty and purchased 8 acres for new playing field from John
Grimes for 15,000. In 1981 played out, sowed and levelled a full sized playing pitch and a
juvenile pitch. 1986 completed dressing rooms and side-line seats. 2004 new lighting to
facilitate evening training. 2011 upgrade of club facilities dressing rooms, kitchen, meeting
room, referee room and toilets.

Senior Hurling Champions Tipperary in 2013, 2007, 1998, 9th highest club in Tipperary
Munster Club Senior Hurling Champions in 2007
First double winners of senior football and hurling in 2013
Senior football champions in 1914, 1940, 1946, 1955, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1992,
2004, 2013, ranked third highest club in Tipperary
Mid Tipperary senior football champions in 1914, 1915, 1919, 1940, 1941, 1946, 1947, 1948,
1951, 1954-1958, 1965- 1985, 1987-2000, 2003-2005, 2007-2010, 2012
Tipperary minor football champions in 1956, 1964, 1976, 1977, 1979, 2002
Mid Tipperary senior hurling champions in 1928, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998,
2002, 2003, 2004, 2011
Intermediate hurling champions in 1980
Chairman of County Tipperary Football Board, Chairman of Mid Tipperary GAA Board
Sean Mockler 1994 1997
Secretary of Mid Tipperary GAA Board, Sean Ryan 1966 1973
Chairman of Mid Tipperary GAA Board, Pat Cullen 1985 - 1988
38

Loughmore School's
39

Records of hedge schools are scant. Teachers depended on subscriptions from pupils and the
generosity of neighbours for their upkeep. There was a hedge school at the Islands lane in
Miss Cambies field. The teacher was James Geehan. Pupils wrote on slates and some wrote
with ink and quills. In 1754 one of the schoolmasters was Edmond Dwyer. In 1824 there were
four schools
Clogheraily Wm Ryan, Kilcurkee Ml Meehan, Ballybrista Thos Bryan
Killahara James Bergin, Graiguefrahane Ml Cahill
On 1841 map mentions a school in Ballybrista and another in Loughmore village. In 1846
there were 5 schools. In 1851 there were 2 schools with an average attendance of 50 pupils
National system of education came into existence in the latter half of the 1850's. Local
contributions were expected to help pay teachers salary. Principals had a basic salary, results
fees and school fees. The first trained teacher in Loughmore was Jeremiah Nash and was
principal in 1899.
An application was made in 1839 for a schoolhouse. In 1840 the grant was authorised to
build a one room 29x18x11 feet including privies but this failed to take place. The school
now part of the present hall was built in 1857. Consisted of two rooms of equal size
29x18x11 feet one room for boys one room for girls. There were 196 females 120 males with
five desks. Each room had four windows, teachers desk and seat, bookshelf, blackboard, 2
iron racks for cloaks and one clock for the school earthen floors and fireplaces. Land was
leased for a shilling a year from John George Adair.
In 1932 it was decided to build a new school. A two thirds grant for the cost of build was
received and the building was ready for occupation by September 1933. Four rooms of 36m
squared. No electric light or running water, toilets were latrines 50 yards from school.
Heating by solid fuel fireplaces. In 1964 running water, flush toilets, concrete play areas and
oil fired central heating was installed. Installed telephone in 1994. School extension complete
in March 2008. School garden 2012. Autism unit built in 2014.

40

Killahara Castle

41

Built by Donagh O Fogartie in 1550, Chief of the O'Fogartie clan, who controlled large areas
of North Tipperary at that time. O Fogartie was killed in battle in 1582. In the 1600 it passed
by marriage to the Purcell family. In the 1650s Cromwellian forces ransacked the Castle,
removing the roof and dispossessed the Purcells.
The castle passed to the Trant family. In 1850 one Black Jack Fogarty, a descendant of the
original chieftains, a tenant of the castle, died there, beggared by the Great Famine. The
Trants in 1852 attempted to restore the castle. In 1880's the Trant family were targeted for a
boycott in the land wars and work on the castle ceased. The castle was used as a meeting
place for a lawn tennis club. A second attempt at restoration was made in 1903. Emily Trant
lived in the castle for a year. In 1921 the black and tans burned out the castle in response to
reports that the IRA was meeting there. This destroyed all the inner structure and windows. In
the 1930s Laurence Trant sold the estate to a local farmers coop.

The castle became a venue for dances in the 1920's and 1930's. In 2006 the castle was sold
with seven acres. The castle, until April 2008, stood as a shell. It had no roof, no floors, and
no windows. The lower level window openings were wider than originally, courtesy of the
1853 restoration attempt. The surrounds of some of the widened windows were crumbling, as
they had been hastily patched up with brick work rather than stone corbels and lintels. At the
top, the castellation and various original features were missing and there was a concrete barge
all around the top of the walls, as a result of the 1904 restoration. However the castle stands
on rock and the overall structure was good.

It is now a seven bedroom house five storys high. It has arrow slit windows, white washed
walls and spiral stone stair case. Its walls are 2.5 metres thick at the base and stand proud in
the townland of Dovea.

Macra na Feirme Field Evening

42

Macra na Feirme meaning "Stalwarts of the land" is a voluntary rural youth organisation. The
organisation provides an outlet for members in sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts,
community involvement and agriculture. It was founded in 1944 and is one of Ireland's oldest
organisations. A group was formed in Loughmore in 1967. Each summer Macra would
organise a field evening to take place on a local farm. At this such events as stock judging,
food identification, farm quizzes, household management quiz, bread & cake making, weight
throwing, fashion competition, queen of the Suir, best dressed lady, pillow fighting, art
competition, fancy dress parade and tractor test. The evening would conclude with a dance.
1968

Willie Cullen

Cloone

1969

Willie Cullen

Cloone

1970

John Maher

Graiguefrehane

1971

James Mc Grath

Loughmore Village

1972

James Mc Grath

Loughmore Village

1973

Hennessy family

Loughmore

1974

John Joe Connolly

Barronstown

1975

John Joe Connolly

Barronstown

1976

Edward Connolly

Barronstown

1977

Edward Connolly

Barronstown

1978

Laurence Long

Lisheenataggart

1979

Laurence Long

Lisheenataggart

1980

Laurence Long

Lisheenataggart

1981

Mick Maher

Ballyduag

1982

Mick Maher

Ballyduag

1983

Richard Gleeson

Curraghmore

1984

Richard Gleeson

Curraghmore

1985

Denis O Connell

Old Bawn

Loughmore Population
43

Year

Population

Households

1841

6,512

1005

1851

4,625

733

1861

3,170

560

1871

2,398

474

1881

2,211

408

1891

1,976

385

1901

1,767

346

1911

1,608

332

1921

No census taken

1936

1,443

1946

1,351

1951

1.248

297

1956

1,263

1961

1,249

1966

1,209

1971

1,143

283

2014

1,057

1659 Pender Census

44

Sir William Petty 1623 1687 was an English economist, scientist and philosopher. He first
became prominent serving Oliver Cromwell and Commonwealth in Ireland. He developed
efficient methods to survey the land that was to be confiscated and given to Cromwell's
soldiers. He was also responsible for the Pender Census and the Civil Survey of Ireland. In
1652, he travelled with Oliver Cromwell's army in Ireland, as physician-general. He
successfully secured the contract for charting Ireland in 1654. This enormous task he
completed in 1656 and became known as the Down Survey. As his reward, he acquired
approximately 30,000 acres in Kenmare, and 9 000. This personal gain led to persistent
court cases on charges of bribery and breach of trust, until his death.
It records the names of persons with title to land, the total number of English and Irish living
in each towsland and the principal Irish names in each Barony. The work was edited by
Seamus Pender and published in 1939.
The principal name in the barony of Eliogurty and Ikerryn was Theobald Stapleton
Parishes

Places

Number of people

Loughmoe

Loughmoe

140

Clonedotie

Titled person

English
4

136

13

13

Ballybristy

15

15

Garranbane

31

29

Clonmoge

19

19

Barownstowne

Theobald Stapleton

Irish

24

24

45

Kilkillaghery

12

12

Curraghmore

Clonmoge Begg

13

13

Killaghery

49

49

46

Church of Ireland
The Church of Ireland began as a reformed church independent of the Roman Catholic
Church in 1536 when the Irish Parliament declared Henry VIII to be the Supreme Head of the
Church. Loughmore is situated in the Church of Ireland diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.
The nave of the old church in Loughmore had been used for a period for protestant service
before Dovea church was built. A proposal to build a new parish church on the old church site
in Loughmore was proposed but rejected. The site in for the church was donated by the Trant
family.

St Michaels church of Ireland Dovea was built in 1856. Detached three bay naves, chancel to
east and entrance porches gabled to south west and lean to north east corners. Now in use as a
private residence. Replacement pitched artificial slate roof having limestone eaves. Course
dormer windows and rendered chimney additions and with bellcote.

Gothic revival artichitechure ornate quatrefoil and latticed windows. Roughly dressed cut
masonry is clearly the work of a skilled craftsman. Church on an elevated position. Pointed
arch opening to south porch with timber battened door with strap hinges. The graveyard is on
site. The church was constructed of limestone and one of the first churches to have the rock
face texturing to its stone.

The Trant family imitated an ambitious project of developing a protestant village in Dovea.
Built a cluster of houses, church rectory and school. A century later the project failed. First
the school and then the church were converted into private dwellings.

In 1857 the resident Protestant Minister in Dovea was Edwin Ormsby. Services conducted by
a rector of Thurles the last of whom was Cannon Pike.

47

Loughmore Brooch

Purchased by the Royal Irish Academy by Edward Clibborn in 1842 for 8 2s 2d. When the
RIA became The National State Museum the brooch and documentation became separated. It
became known as the Tipperary Brooch. But due to the investigation of George Cunningham
historian and founder of the Roscrea Heritage Centre it was correctly named the Loughmore
Brooch.
The brooch is silver and dates from the 9th century and was discovered in Loughmore in
March 1842 by William Maguire in Whitefield tenant of Sir George Goolds. Maguires farm
was purchased by Michael Ormond from the Keogh family relatives of Maguire.
The brooch has been considerably damaged with pin head broken and repaired. Decorated
with four amber studs. It is of cast silver partly gilt. Consists of a ring and freely moving pin.
The hoop of the ring is of plain silver.
Exibited at South Kensington Museum London in 1863. The brooch is on permanent display
in the national museum. Its location in Loughmore places the area to the forefront of metal
working in early Christian times.

48

Old Graveyard Loughmore

49

The gravestones were catalogued in 1992 with 293 headstones cleaned and details recorded.
The three most common surnames in the old graveyard were Mahers 25, Ryans 24 and
Fogartys 15. The oldest grave stone and the oldest person is James Sheppard of College Hill
who died in 1710 aged 104. The penal laws were enacted in 1679 forbidding burials in
supressed abbeys unless they were used for service by the Established Church.
Names recorded which are no longer in the parish are Lynan, Mooney, Moresy, Mara,
Greagh, Prute, Marugh, Nail and Quaoney. In the old abbey are two stones with Latin
inscriptions.
The following is a list of those interred before 1798
James Brennan RIP 1st Feb 1790, Mary Burke 27th Sept 1783, Patrick Carey 9th May 1797,
James Dee 25th Apr 1796, Denis Fin 6th Jan 1782, Ellis Fogarty 12th Mar 1769, Martin
Gorman 18th Oct 1793, Joan Harty 30th Sept 1772,Mary Doran 2nd July 1774, Bridget
Sweeney 28th Apr 1797, Anne Ryan 5th Mar 1757, Nicolas Laffan 20th July 1787, Thomas
Molloy 9th May 1780, Rev John Ryan 19th Aug 1788, Mary Morrough 30th June
1784,Margaret Quinlan 9th Aug 1797, James White 4th Jan 1791, Anthony Kennedy 25th July
1783
In 1824 Catholics could be buried in supressed abbeys provided written permission was
received from the Church of Ireland minister.
Deaths from 1798 to 1827 were 1460 in number while only 108 tombstones exist, which is
less than 7.5% of the number of deaths. The total number of names on tombstones in all the
graveyards is about 2500. But the total number baptised since 1798 is close to 14000. It is
clear that a great majority of people are buried in unmarked graves until relevantly recent
times. A great majority of poor people in the past lived and died leaving no trace except lines
in the parish register.

Loughmore Tidy Village Association

50

The committee was formed in 1984 under a small voluntary committee of five members.
Prior to the committee the maintenance in the village was conducted by council workers for
about two weeks each year. This meant that the burial, school and parochial grounds were
much overgrown.
Work started with the clean-up of the graveyards with the assistance of FAS workers.
Repainted the school both interior and exterior in 1993. Then repaired broken stone walls and
added flower beds. In 1994 demolished old dispensary which had been derelict for some time
previously inhabited by two families both of whom were employees of the great southern
railways. Made way for new side entrance and parking spaces for the school. Organised the
installation of new lighting in the village. Houses of Kathleen Coman and Mrs Quinn were
renovated.
Workers were employed under Social Employment Scheme and the Student Scheme. Cleaned
and restored the village pump now focal point for the village. Parish centre repainted. Picnic
area established beside the mill. Trees planted throughout the village. Won first place in north
Tipperary 2002 run by the Dept. of the Environment. Came third in Tipperary run by North
Tipperary County Council. Cleaned up old ball alley and planted with shrubs and flowers.
In 2003 invited to Aras Uactharain to acknowledge work done. 2004 tarmac at entrance to
church and old graveyard lane. 3rd place in Tipperary received endeavour award and burial
grounds award.
Now hold annual open air mass in the old graveyard. 2008 redecorated and refurbished the
Cormack Mausoleum by restoring the coffins installing lights and laying pavement around
the perimeter. The Cormack pageant was also organised by the committee.

51

Loughmore Parish Centre

The old school built in 1857 was vacated in 1933 and thus became the hall. Many
organisations hold meetings, socials, card games and concerts now in the community centre.
In 1969 Macra Na Feirme built a side room to the hall called the supper room.
52

In 1981 a committee was formed under the guidance of Fr Ryan to create a new parish centre.
First the supper room was knocked. Then the old hall was divided into ticket office, shop
toilets, kitchen and meeting room. Then a new main hall was attached with stage. Much of
the work was done by volunteers and FAS workers. The new hall was opened March 9th 1984
with mass followed by a meal and dancing. Unfortunately Fr Ryan died before the opening.
Funding was by progressive 25, sale of works, 500 clubs, Baron/Baroness of Loughmore
competition and a draw for a car. Denis Leahy was care taker for the old hall and Maureen
Cordial became caretaker of the new hall. The endeavour was fully paid for by 1986. Some of
the users are ICA, Legion of Mary, Badminton club, Gun club, GAA, Pioneers, Comhaltas,
Macra na Feirme, Tug of War. In 1989 Dick Bourke became caretaker of the hall. A group of
Macra na Feirme members from Dublin and Wexford stayed overnight in the hall for Feile 90
or The Trip To Tipp. They slept in sleeping bags on the floor in the main hall. Backdrop of
old style thatched cottage on the stage painted by Regina Campion.
Serves as a polling station for elections. Used on average 200 days/nights during the year.
On-going costs of running the centre are meeting by card games, car boot sales, sale of
works, dances and American tea parties. It also acts an s a base for those working on FAS
summer employment schemes. The hall was used for religious ceremonies while the new
church was being built in the 1970's. Used to serve refreshments for family friends and
neighbours after funerals.
Interior redecorated by FAS workers in 2002 with a mural of Loughmore Castle on the rear
wall. 2007 oil fired central heating installed to complement gas heating. New doors double
glazed windows and blinds fitted. Centre repainted in 2008. Dovea House painted on back
drop on the stage by drama group. 2011 outside of hall cleaned and painted and new sound
system installed. 2012 used for mass while the church was being refurbished. 2013 used by
the school during its building works. The centre is run and maintained by a small voluntary
hard working committee. Through the continued interest aid and enthusiasm of the various
groups that its true value and worth can continue to be attained.

Land Ownership in Loughmore

At the top did a few landlords who had the freehold of huge tracts of land comprising of
hundreds or thousands of acres often own several towns lands. At the bottom was the huge
number of tenants each with a lease on a small acreage but owning nothing. In between were

53

often one or more middlemen who rented from the head landlord and sublet to the tenants
each year creaming off profit rents all of which ultimately had come from the sweat of the
tenants. The Purcells Barons of Loughmore for centuries were the freehold owners of most
of Loughmore parish with a brief intermission during the Cromwellian period where they
were sent to Connaught like the rest of the landed Irish. Fortunately the then Baron was
married to a sister of the Earl of Ormond who after the fall of Cromwell was administrator of
Ireland for the crown and ran planters off his own and his relatives lands. Nicholas Purcell
died without heir in 1723 and his lands went to his wife and later to his daughters. These
fought over it and the matter was settled in court in 1764. Mary the eldest daughter was
awarded lands around the castle. She married John Whyte and their grandson also John
Whyte sold the estate in 1783 to Cork merchant George Goold. The Famine impoverished
many landowners and the imcumbured estates courts were set up to sell off insolvent estates.
Sir George Goolds estates were auctioned off in the 1850's. John Salier bought Laghile, John
George Adair bought the parish priests farm of 26 acres, Graiguefrahane, two main parts of
Tinvoher, Edward Corcoran bought Rocker and part of Tinvoher, and Mr Moore bought
Carrick Loughmore. John Ellis bought a part of Tinvoher.
Many buyers of property were speculators whose main aim was to make money by selling off
the property whenever a profit could be made. Tenants were part of what was being sold.
John Adair sold his Loughmore property to the Cardens who became landlords in Loughmore
for the next half century. Land league agitation for the three F's Fair rent, Free sale and Fixity
of tenure resulted in the land act 1881 which allowed tenants to take their landlords to the
land commission courts to get a fair rent fixed. The land act of 1923 after the Irish
government took control from the British, allowed estates to be taken over compulsorily by
the land commission and redistributed to sitting tenants at favourable rates called annuities
over 60 or so years. These annuities were half of the annual rent and were further halted by
the government in 1933. Then further decreased in real value year by year due to inflation,
some annuities became not worth collecting with total debt being easily payable as a lump
sum. Thus ended the transfer of freehold ownership of land to former tenants was the most
successful revolution in Irish history.

Famine Relief Collection 1846

54

The population in the parish in 1841 was 6,512 of these 1,887 had disappeared over the next
10 years. More than 1.75 times the present population of 1,057 had died or emigrated within
the famine decade.

The Tipperary Vindicator newspaper in June 1846 carried an account of a meeting held to set
up a famine relief fund for Loughmore and Templeree because of the potatoes blight had
struck. The report stated that in the unions of Loughmore and Templree a large portion of the
potatoes crop which had remained untainted had been calculated as a sufficient guarantee
against famine until the coming of the new crop. But this resource against famine no longer
existed here in the residue of the potatoes crop the disease has appeared and decomposition
has been more rapid than any period since its commencement.

The article gives a list of the subscriptions to the fund. In 1846 a labourers daily wage was
10 pence. Total for the collection was 235.16.
25 Rev D Dee PP
10 John Trant, Samuel Cooke
5 H Rcarden, Rev M Thompson, J M Loughlin, Minchin Rudd, Mrs Lloyd, Rev L Bergin
CC
1 Henry Creagh, Edward Camby, Thos Kirwan, William Laffan, John Fogarty
The famine worsened in the winter of 1846 and by the beginning of 1847 the parish priest Fr
David Dee was one of the signatories to request the Lord Lieutant for matching public
funding because vast numbers of the poor are now without food or any means whatsoever.
The Lord Lieutant in reply of 1847 agreed to direct a session to be held for this purpose.

Mass Paths

55

A mass path is a pedestrian track or road connecting destinations frequently used by rural
communities most usually the destination of Sunday mass but also primary school. Most
common during the period before motor transport. Many went through fields and had stiles.

Loughmore Village to Kilnesare which begins at the Mill and goes along the east bank of the
Suir until you come to a footbridge made of timber; here you go up the slope of Con Devitts
field.
A path going from Loughmore, to the bridge of Cloone. It goes along the east bank of the
river Suir.
Ormonds lane through Ryans, Keoghs, Mahers, and Hennesseys and ends in the village.
Barronstown to the Liffey road and it goes through Kennedys and Ryans.
Cambies gate to the Islands going along the top of a bank.
Beginning at Whitefield road and ending at Rucker road goes through Hennesseys, Carrolls
and Fogartys.
Clonmocogue lane to Liffey road going through Evistons Shanahans and Morriss.
Clogheraily to the Liffey road goes through Kennedys Mahers and Cormacks.
Path going from Longs goes out to the Lisheen road.
Kilnsare to Templemore road goes through Burkes, Nesbits, Mahers, Barrys, Fogartys,
crossing Kilnashare lane through Brennan and Prats. It is nearly a mile long and is called The
Black Ditch because blackthorn bushes are growing on both sides of it. The path is not visited
now.
It would be difficult to trace most of the Mass paths today. Many of the houses mentioned
have also disappeared and many of the people are gone to their reward.

Rebel Activities in Loughmore 1915 - 1922

56

Edward Mc Grath NT Loughmore village was an active member of the National Volunteers
until 1915. He formed an Irish Volunteer unit in Loughmore in 1916 with Michael Egan
Kilkilahara as its first member. Then in 1917 he formed a Sein Fein club in Loughmore
which grew from seven members to over twenty. Edward was forced to give up his teaching
job in Killea national school as a result. The unit had a double barrel shot gun, a .22 rifle, and
a .32 revolver. Company captain was Edward McGrath, 1 st Lt Michael Egan, 2nd Lt Dermot
Dunlea, Adj Michael Ryan and Q/M Patrick Burke; other members were Thomas Healy and
Michael Brolan. The Loughmore Company organised into a battalion with HQ in Thurles. A
parade was held in Thurles and 1000 volunteers took part from every parish in Mid Tipp.
Securing arms and learning how to use them was the main aim, these were mostly seized by
force. Lead was collected and melted down and made into bullets. Homemade bombs were
also produced but were a danger to all.
Edward setup a training ground in Loughmore on the grounds of Miss Cambie in 1918. The
brigade assisted in canvassing for Seamus Burke in the General Election of 1918. In 1919
members acted as crowd control for the funeral of Pierce Mc Cann to Dualla. Edward became
a local organiser for the Dail Eireann Loan. Dan Maher aged 12 wounded in the left kneecap
at the shooting of District Inspector Michael Hunt June 23 rd 1919 in Thurles. In 1920 the
McGrath family home was raided, wrecked and looted due to the fact that Edward was now
Vice Commandant of the Mid Tipp Brigade. The brigade acted as crowd control at the Walsh
Miracles in Templemore. District Inspector Wilson shot in Templemore August 16 th 1920.
Armed military on bicycles and in Lorries arrived in the village and searched the village hall
for arms. The Sein Fein hall wrecked and set on fire and local creamery burned. Loughmore
barracks was vacated by RIC in March 1920. Then destroyed by burning in April, in
accordance with the general order from HQ.
Edward was arrested and used as a hostage and released 12 months later on general release
following the signing of the Treaty. Visit of Ernie O Malley IRA leader 6th May 1921 to the
home of Edward Burke Graiguefrehane. Captain J P Burke was the son of the above. Drove
O Malley in jaunting car to Carrolls and Mahers of Clogheraily for a rest. Others were
rested at Shannahans and Morris of Curraghmore. In 1922 the road from Thurles at Cambies
cross was obstructed with four huge fallen trees. Those on the run stayed in a shack at the
Burkes of Graiguefrehane or at the Fogarty family home.

Early History of Loughmore

57

A pre Celtic group Ele (Laigin) forced south from Leinster to Tipperary by the Ui Neill.
Battle of Ele vs Ui Neill AD 503 at Loughmaigh.
Village ringwork situated on a rise of ground with extensive views of church and castle. A
raised circular area 24.5m in diameter enclosed by an earth and stone bank mainly reduced to
a slope with a possible causeway entrance. Evidence of external stone facing of the bank,
with wall footings protruding from the top of the bank. A 19th century limekiln is built into
the south face of the slope where part of the interior of the site has been quarried out.
Medieval Kellabeggs including Clogherailymore were Bishop's lands up to the 17th Century
part of the Demense of the Arch Bishop of Cashel called Cross Lands.
Loughmore was part of Eliogarty Territory. Prince John in 1185 granted Eligorty to Theobald
Walter founder of the Butler family dynasty in Ireland.
In 1328 Loughmore became a borough in a Barony in the feudal system.
Manor of Corketeny owned by Thomas De Hereford a Knight married to Theobald Walterss
daughter includes Loughmore. Thomas De Hereford died and his wife remarried Hugh
Purcell.
The modern parish embraces three medieval parish units, Callabegs or Loughmore East,
Loughmore West and Templeree. Templeree was detached from Templemore and attached to
Loughmore in 1760. Many forms of the name Loughmore appear throughout the centuries
Locma, Lochma, Luacmo, Luachmagh, Loghmo, Loghmagh, Loughmo, Loughmoe and
Loughmore. The Annals of the Four Masters refer to the parish as Luachmagh, the plain of
the reward. The ancient annals recount a number of pre historic battles at Luachmaighe as
well as one in historic times at Lochmagh when the Ui Neill and the Leinstermen crossed
swords.

Suir Drainage
58

The Suir flows 183km from it source in the Devils Bit Mountain to meet its two sisters Nore
and Barrow and enters the Celtic Sea passing through Loughmore on its journey.
The drainage and improvement of land act 1863 notice to engineers. John Connolly honouree
secretary. River drainage meeting present John Trant Esq. chair, Lieutenant Colonel Knox
Brittas.
John Wm Cooke, Chair of Thurles board of guardians petition from 120 ratepayers that the
Suir should be cleaned. Guardians asked local government board where to get the money to
open up the river Suir from Turtulla to Loughmore in September 1875.
1884 Mr Cormack and Mr Greene representatives of Loughmore joined Mr Knox in a bid to
get work started on the Suir but to no avail.
1919 Edward McGrath hired to survey and map flooded land beside the Suir in Loughmore
and Thurles for local committee on question of drainage. 1920 500 paid to Mr Ormond to
remove silt and bushes from the river.
1960 went to see minister of finance with Thurles Chamber of Commerce without luck.
In November 1965, 59 land owners led by Fr Skehan went to the County Council to seek aid
to relieve the flooding. The council granted 10,000 over three years to clean the overgrown
river from Loughmore to Holycross.
1970 failed to get money for maintenance from the county council.1989 committee was
reformed. Farmers whole lands affected contributed to a drainage fund and two machines
were put into action. Deputation went to the county council. Chair Frank Mockler Secretary
Jim Geehan Treasurers Conor Eviston Joe Brennan Committee Phil Gleeson Gerry Carroll,
Phil Mc Grath, Mick O Connell, Phil Doyle and Jim Crone.
9th February 2014 a call has been made to have the river drained and cleaned to prevent
flooding. The river has not been cleaned properly since 1989. Five million was given to
Templemore in 2013 for flood relief scheme. 2% of this could make a huge difference in
Loughmore. Allocation of funding was granted but restricted by fisheries board. Frank
Moclker member of committee.

Post Offices in Loughmore

59

The Postmaster General of Ireland was setup in 1784 this confirmed the monopoly for
carrying letters in Ireland, giving the right to establish a four mile limit penny post in Dublin,
sub offices around the country and measure the post roads. In 1831 the office of Postmaster
General of Ireland was amalgamated with the equivalent office for Great Britain. The GPO
thereafter operated throughout Great Britain and Ireland for the next 90 years. Following
the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 responsibility for posts and telegraphs transferred to the
new Provisional Government and then, upon the formal independence of the Irish Free
State in December 1922, to the Free State Government. A Postmaster General was initially
appointed by the Free State Government, being replaced by the office of Minister for Posts
and Telegraphs in 1924. An early visible change was the repainting of all post boxes green
instead of red. In 1984 the Department of Posts and Telegraphs was replaced by the separate
Irish state-owned companies An Post and Telecom ireann.
In 1889 there were 2 post offices in Loughmore.
Loughmore post office was run by Meaghers along with grocery and pub for 40 years. After
the Meaghers the post office was vacant for over two years. The post office moved across the
road to Laurence Ahern a retired teacher whose wife Ellen was postmistress. Denis O
Driscoll was the postman. Kate Phillips took over with Thomas Lanigan as postman.

In 1917 it was taken over by Kate Leahy then her son Denis in 1954. His daughter Geraldine
took on the business in 1986 ceasing in 2003. In 1988 Michael Lanigan retired as postman. In
1932 there were two radios in the parish one in the parochial house and the other in the post
office. The Leahy family invited anyone who wished to hear the Eucharistic Congress
ceremonies which were broadcast along with match finals and other important events.

Dovea post office in 1901 was run by postmistress Mary O Brien in 1911 it was run by her
husband Patrick and then their son Patrick until it was closed in 1963.

60

Loughmore Shops & Pubs

61

At one time the village had three pubs, several grocery shops, post office, draper, petrol
pump, small sweet shop, dispensary, forge, creamery, RIC barracks, ball alley, band hall and
quarry.
The pub in the village opposite the hall was owned and run by Michael McGrath
Castelequarter 1890, then by his son in law Jim Ryan of Baronstown. Denis Ryan purchased
the pub in 1968 and rebuilt it further back from the road in 1975. Then the establishment was
taken over by Donal Young in 1994, then by Liam Murphy of Thurles, John Martin of
Clonakenny in 1999. Alvy Stapleton took over in 2007 and is the current owner.
The 1889 Bassett Director lists two pubs run by Cathleen Feehan and Patrick Maher. Feehans
pub was taken over by Nicholas Cormack of The Moors, then Quinlans of Ballydaff, Shellys,
Guinans then by Campions in 1960. Taffy Mc Grath bought it in 1999 and then later sold it to
Martins and closed in 2005.
Patrick Meaher ran a post office, pub, grocery and hardware business. This passed to Timothy
Bowe and Polly his wife. Then to Tommie Ryan who sold it to Michael Butler of Ballingarry
in 1950. Then the business went to Joe Brennan of Kilrush who added a petrol pump the
business is closed.
The post office moved across the road and a small shop was run by retired school teacher
Laurence Aherne later by Kate Philips then it passed to the Leahy family who ran it for three
generations with the shop closing in 1991 and post office closed in 2003.
Bridget Colman came from Gurteen and her daughter Kathleen took over the shop and gave
50 years service to the village until 1991. Paddy Cordial was the blacksmith who bought the
forge in 1927 from Michael McGuire. The railway line came through the village in 1847.The
first phone was installed in the post office in 1929. Electric lights were installed in 1944 four
in total one at creamery cross one at Johnny Fitzpatricks house one at village pump and one
at the church entrance. Electricity was brought to the village in 1948. In 1971 the county
council set up a village water scheme negotiated by Fr Walter Skehan.

62

63

Purcell Family
Legend has it that the Purcell family can trace their origins from Charlemagne Holy Roman
Emperor. The earliest documented Purcell was French Norman Hugh Porcel. He was granted
tithes of Montmarquet in Picardy. Sir Hugh Purcell was part of the Norman invasion of
England in 1066. In 1171 Sir Hugh Purcell, Knight came to Ireland with Strongbow and was
slain at Waterford while under his command, his son Hugh was the founder of the family in
Loughmore. He married Beatrix a widow of Thomas de Hungerford in 1204, daughter of
Theobald Fitz Walter, chief Butler of Ireland, from whom he received lands in and around
Loughmore. The Purcells were created titular Barons in 1328, a title conferred by the Butlers
of Ormonde & Desmond. While they enjoyed the style of the title they were not Lords of
Parliament or recognised by the crown. Many of the Purcells are buried in the chancel of the
abbey church. James Purcell led attacks against neighbouring families as the O Meaghers of
Ikerrin, the Kennedys of Ormond and the Hacketts of Middle third.
Richard Purcell married Mary Plunked of Killahara. In 1607 he was tried and found guilty of
the manslaughter of his brother in law Adam Tobin High Sheriff of Tipperary. Theobald
married Ellen Butler daughter of the 11th Earl of Dunboyne. Theobald was a member of the
1634 Parliament for Tipperary. He was the first man to engage in the rebellion of 1641. He
led 500 men in taking Cashel in Dec 1644 in the rebellion of the Catholic Confederacy.
Colonel James Purcell married in 1639 Lady Elizabeth Butler daughter of Thomas Butler
Viscount Thurles, sister of James Butler Earl/Duke of Ormond. He had four daughters and
one son. Nicholas born was born 1652. He was three months old when his father James aged
thirty died. His mother a widow was order to Connaught 1653 and her lands declared forfeit
to the crown. She was able to maintain the lands by renting them from William Barker who
had the lands 222 acres from Edmund Blake. She sold estates in Upperchurch at a bargain
rate to Joseph Damer and John Ryan of Inch.
Nicholas Purcell married Rose Trevor daughter of Viscount Dungannon. She inherited lands
at Loughbrickland, belonging to Sir Marmaduke through her mother as a dowry. After her
death he married Ellis Browne daughter of Sir Valentine Browne, the Earl of Kenmare. He
entered the army and was Captain by 1686 and Colonel a short time later in 1686 appointed
to the Privy Council of Ireland. Baron Purcell and his regiment Purcells Yellow Horse from
the colour of their uniform, fought in Derry, Belturbert, Enniskillen, Armagh, the battle of the

64

Boyne, battle of Aughrim and finally the siege of Limerick. He was one of the signatories of
the Treaty of Limerick and in 1691 Purcell returned to Loughmore broken man beset by debts
and failing health. The last Baron Nicholas died in the castle on the 24th March 1723 aged 71.
His only son died when he fell into a vat of boiling water. He had four daughters, Mary,
Sarah, Helen and Katherine. Nicholas had four sisters and one brother Thomas a major killed
in action on Thomand Bridge whose son Philip from whom the Purcells of Dundalk descend.
The estate was divided between sisters and daughters with part of it sold to Goold in1787
then parts sold to George Adair in 1857. In 1875 it was sold to Carden and then under the
1923 Land Act to the Land Commission.
Nicholas daughter Helen married Thomas Coke of Pintown Carlow and they obtained the
castle portion of the lands and were the last to live in the castle until 1760. They had a son
William and a daughter Anne. Nicholas daughter Katherine married Daniel O Callaghan in
1715 they had two daughters and one son Donogh. Nicholas daughter Mary married Colonel
John White of Lexlip Castle in 1704. They had one son Charles whose descendants Nicholas,
William and Caroline live in Lisnagade House.
Thomas Purcell of Cranagh Castle daughter Mary married Richard Comerford FitzThomas.
John Purcell was the owner of Cranagh Castle in 1640 which was ruinous by 1654.
John Grace of Brittas married a Purcell, the family was connected to the Butlers from whom
they got Brittas Castle and 920 acres in 1666.
William Fanning married Catelina Purcell of Ballyfoyle who were a branch of the Purcells of
Loughmore. They were related to Dr Edward Comerford Archbishop of Cashel in 1693.
John Ryan of Inch House in 1722 married Frances Mary Matthew daughter of George
Matthew who was the second husband of Elizabeth Poyntz Lady Thurles ancestor of the
Purcell family.
The Purcell family is celebrated in poetry of Padraigin Hackett and in music of harper John
Scott of Westmeath who composed the lamentation for the baron of Loughmore in 1599
and in book named Landlords and Hurling by Br Liam O Channigh.

65

Loughmore Churches

66

St Pecaun (Began) of Kilpecaun Bansha visited the parish and founded in the 7th Century a
monastery in Kilnasare a small portion of the walls is still to be seen. 1250 the church in
Loughmore was not owned by Hugh Purcell but belonged to the Abbot of St Thomas in
Dublin. The Abbey was built by the Purcells the same time as the castle dated before the
Reformation and is dedicated to St Thomas. It consists of three parts a vaulted chamber and
upper story a residence the floor of which is 5 inches lower than the floor of the church. The
cancel is the centre of the building. A large roman arch divides the chancel from the nave
which is quite spacious. It has roughly cut limestone walls and would have had a stone roof.
From 1291 from various records there is evidence of the existence of a number of churches in
Loughmore, Kilnesare and Kilbricane. Many other church sites cannot be positively
identified such as Killkilhahara, Lisheenataggart and Clonamuckogue. The present boundary
of the parish was finalised circa 1761 when Templree was united to Loughmore. In 1731 Fr
Denis Ryan was pastor and his mass chapel was a wretched cabin on the banks of the suir
adjacent to the site of the old church of Kilesare. In 1752 a decent chapel with three doors
and six windows with Pastor John Ryan located in the village and dedicated to the Virgin
Mary along with the next three churches. In 1825 Fr James Mullally built the church which
replaced the church of 1752. The site for the church was given by Gilber Maher on the estate
of Sir George Goold of Old Court Cork. It was an example of a barn church design. It was
built in the form of a cross and had a flagged floor. There were three galleries and entrances
and stone belfry. The Blessed Virgin alter was on the right hand side of the high alter. The
main entrance on the west was used only for funerals and weddings. Fr David Dee leased 16
acres from Sir George Goold at 20 per annum in 1838 on which he built the parochial house
called castle view which he left to his successors under certain conditions, the lease for which
expired in 1937. In 1908 Canon Hackett added decorative towers and ornate front entrance.
Major repairs and renovations were again carried out in the 1930's and the flagged floors
replaced by Canon Russell. Fr John Dee acquired an extension to the cemetery. Fr Walter
Skehan renovated the parochial house and erected a porch and remodelled the kitchen. He
also tarmacadamed the avenue and yard and restored the out offices. Fundraising for a new
church began in 1971 and mass was celebrated in the new church on the 4th of August 1977. It
has four full length stained glass windows and is octagonal in shape with everything focused
on the sanctuary. The alter; ambo, seat and baptismal font are of white and black marble. The
alter contains the relics of the martyrs St Probus and St Felix.

Loughmore Music
67

In 1599 harper John Scott of Castleroe county Westmeath composed a piece of harp music
called Lament for The Baron of Loughmore.
The house dance was a big social occasion. Most dances took place during threshing season
and were looked forward to. Mike Bergin and Jim Gleeson of Kilnesare often played for such
dances in the early years of the 1900's. Ned Neill of Neills bog Clogheraily was a well-known
fiddle player. His fiddle with an unusual design of a lions head for a scroll has survived and
is owned by the Connolly family Barronstown. Ned taught John Connolly Sr who taught
Katherine McGrath nee Morris Castlequarter. Fiddle player Larry Wall Fitzpatrick who
worked at Ryan's of Derry influenced musicians Mary Nesbitt nee Ryan, Mick Ryan and
Tommy Ryan Barronstown.
The Loughmore Fife and Drum Band of the early 1900's were trained by Mick Maher and
Tom Purcell. The band led the cortege of the Mc Cormack brothers from Nenagh to
Loughmore. Around this time Tim Dwan was giving lessons in the Loughmore area. His
pupils included Tommy Ryan, Bridget Hoare and Gerard and Toby Maher. Kathleen Ryan NT
gave guidance to Mary Nesbitt and Mick Ryan. Many others learned how to play an
instrument in their own time. As house dances became more prevalent musicians were in
more demand. Dances lasted through the night. The most sought after musician was Jimmy
Lanigan accordion player Tinvoher.
During the summer feis and sports days were common. Music and dancing were an important
part. These were usually held in Gleesons field Ballybrista. In one music competition was
won by Robert Ely on accordion.
Regular dances were held in Kullahara castle in the 1920's and 1930's. With two sessions one
on Sunday afternoon as a second later that evening. In 1936 Cannon Russell PP opened the
annual feis which had dancing competitions, pipers bands, Irish airs on violin, Loughmore
school choir, stall games and Irish story telling. Later in the 1940's and 1950's weekly dances
took place in the hall in Killahara and Loughmore. Regular attendance of up to two hundred
with admission of four pence.

68

In 1941 Kathleen Ryan NT fiddle organised a band that would be available to play at local
plays and concerts. Members were Michael Connolly fiddle, Mary Nesbitt fiddle, Jimmy
Lanigan accordion, Tommy Ryan fiddle, Paddy Fanning drums and Martin Purcell.
In the 60's Martin Gleeson and Richard Gleeson helped organise music classes under teacher
Kathleen Nesbitt. Soon a ceili club was formed with dances held every Wednesday. The band
for these dances was Kathleen Nesbitt, John J Nesbitt, Jimmy Sullivan, PJ Hoctor, Dan
Larkin and Seamus Hoctor.
Comhaltas was formed in 1970 and so music classes got underway. Among its first pupils
were Marian Phyllis Anne and Margaret Connolly, Jim John Gerard Margaret Anne and
Marie Geehan, Kathleen Marion and Tom Maher, Mary Brennan, Kathleen Campion, Rose
Gleeson and Marian and Catherine Mc Grath.
Won an all-Ireland ceili band competition in Dublin in 1971 for under 11's. In 1976 five
bands competed in the county fleadh. This was the first year a senior ceili band was produced
first all-Ireland group win was in Listowel in 1978 under 11.
In 1982 won under 18 group competition. This group became known as Ceoiltoiri na Suire
and turned France and Germany and played for Ronald Regan's visit to Ballyporeen also in
the Centenary GAA concert. In 1985 the under 15 group won the all-Ireland competition in
Kilkenny. In 1989 a senior group won the all-Ireland in Sligo. A long line of soloists in music
and song have won various medals down the years.
Loughmore Comhaltas won the Tipperary Shield for best branch 1972 1986. The branch
made a video in 1989 of the local activities in Loughmore. Loughmore still provides music
classes to this day.

69

Folklore

The night of the big wind January 5th 1839 a famous landmark a huge tree known as Crann na
Loct was tumbled in Clonmocogue.
At the end of February 1933 Loughmore experienced what was regarded as the heaviest
snowfall for probably half a century. All traffic apart from trains was halted as roads were
impassable. There was no post, no creamery, no newspapers and no school which lasted a
couple weeks or so.
In 1938 according to newspaper report the river Suir had sunk to the proportions of a rivulet
and the water had never been so low. Land was parched and grass and crops suffered from the
drought.
Many years ago the entire country side was covered with a dense forest, which principally
consisted of ash trees. So closely set together were they that a man might step from branch to
branch for the entire length of the wood. At this time a king lived in Loughmore, and but for
one thing, his life would have been entirely free from care. In a place called Clonmuckoge
there lived a boar and sow of gigantic size, who spread terror through the land, as they
constantly uprooted the crops, and killed whomsoever they met with. Naturally the king
desired to be rid of his troublesome subjects, and promised that their slayer should receive as
reward the hand of his only daughter, the castle, and as much of the adjacent lands as he
wished.
Tempted by love or cupidity, many men went forth on their perilous errand but one and all
met with the same terrible fate. At last a young man named Purcell arrived at the castle and
craved permission to attack the monsters, which was readily, though not hopefully, granted.
Information was brought to him by some of the kings people, that the boar had moved off to
some distant part of the forest, while the sow had betaken herself to a place called coolaculla,
there to rear up her young brood. Purcell finding the moment propitious, made his way thither
in search of her, not walking along the ground but going from branch to branch and from tree
to tree, till finally he arrived over the spot where she lay. He carried with him his bow and
arrows and commenced to fire a shower of arrows as soon as he caught sight of her.

70

So thick was her skin that the arrows refused to penetrate it while she roused to fury rushed at
the tree in which Purcell was, roaring and bellowing in her rage. At last seeing that it was of
no avail to attempt to pierce her body he waited his opportunity and when her mouth was
wide open he sent a shaft straight down her throat. She uttered one tremendous roar and fell
over on her side stone dead.
The board hearing her death cry and instinctively guessing what was the matter came like a
hurricane through the wood in the direction of the sound, pushing aside the trees in his path
as if they were so many blades of grass. When her arrived at the spot and caught sight of the
dead sow and her slayer his rage knew bounds. He reared up on his hind legs against the tree
and shook it to and fro in his endeavours to uproot it. Purcell however seeing that he too was
only vulnerable in the one spot bided his time and sent an arrow between his jaws. At this
time the boar turned tail rushed off through the forest and finally died at some unnamed
locality beyond Thurles. In proof whereof there is to be seen in the ruined church yard by a
stone which has carved upon it the boar and sow and the boneens as on the Purcell coat of
arms. Thus Purcell won his prize Luach mhaigh or the field of the reward according to the
four masters.
At the Templemore end of the castle near the high road and bounded on one side by the
railway embankment, will be noticed a remarkably level stretch of green field. Along on side
of this at right angles to the railroad and form some part of its length leaning against the
garden wall may be seen a long low mound. It is said that one of the baron Purcells was so
enamoured of the game of Hurley that he kept a private team of hurlers the above mentioned
field was their playing ground and the mound served as a kind of grand stand for the
spectators. Amongst his hurlers on Londergan was undoubtedly the best. Favourite feet of his
were to stand at one end of the castle, throw up the ball and strike it with his Hurley high over
the roof. Quick as lightening he would rush to the far end of the building strike back the ball
before it had time to reach the ground, and so would cause it to pass and repasts nine times in
all over the castle without ever allowing it to fall to the earth. But he had two grave faults he
was very quarrelsome and so eager was he for the fame that he would never keep his proper
place in the field, but must ever be where the ball was. A very important match was to be
played on a certain Saturday and the baron fearing Londergans quarrelsome disposition
devised a plan to get rid of him for the day. On Friday morning he gave him a letter which he
bade him carry to a friend in Dublin some ninety miles away.

71

Londergan though well knowing the reason for this dared not disobey but registered a mental
vow that he would fulfil his task and yet return in time for the match. He set off on foot for
the metropolis as hard as he could delivered the letter received a reply and finally reached
Loughmore on Saturday afternoon just as the match was about to commence.
The baron saw him approaching and angrily asked him why he had not obeyed his orders. In
proof positive to the contrary Londergan produced the letter from Dublin. It then dawned
upon the baron what had happened and seeing the terrible state of fatigue he was in he
ordered two of his servants to strip the messenger and put him standing in a keg of butter
which happened to be in the house. This was done in order that his joints might not stiffen.
Such an intense state of heat was he in that he actually melted his way right down through the
butter until his feet touched the bottom of the tub. He eventually got out and played that day
in the hurling match.

Annseo agus Ansuid i Luach Maighe

72

1772 Murder of William Mihan of Loughmore father of three

1837 The OConnell Annuity collected in Loughmore
1839 Daniel OConnell Abolition of Tithes Collection from 218 persons in Loughmore
1843 The OConnell Tribute Loughmore subscription
1849 Carrick eviction by Mr Gold of 20 families
1851 John Ellis evicted 10 families from Tinvoher
1880 Parnell Defence Fund Loughmore collection 46
1880 Land question meeting, Loughmore banner present last used in 1829, on it a view of the
castle and some lines of national poetry
1882 Ladies Land League Loughmore Mary Sheedy, M Gleeson
1889 Tenants Defence Fund 47 Loughmore subscription
1893 Home Rule Fund 3 Loughmore subscription
1903 Meeting to setup Poultry Federation Mrs Mc Grath NT and Mrs O Driscoll secretary
1905 Success of a Loughmore student Patrick Ryan in receiving place at Royal Marine
Clerks, a monitor at Loughmore School, teacher Mr Nash
1909 Members of Loughmore Branch of United Irish League arrested Thomas Gleeson,
Patrick Maher, and Patrick Cormack
1914 James Davy appointed Justice of the Peace for Tipperary
1922 Irish Farmers Union Loughmore chair P Cleary vice chair T Cullen treasurer T Keogh
Secretary J Doyle
1937 Loughmore School closed due to flu epidemic

73

1938 Mr P Cormack the Stream appointed Peace Commissioner for Tipperary and adjoining
counties
1949 Six new houses built in the west end of the village
1966 Proposed merger of Loughmore and Castleiney national schools
1970 Soccer being played on a pitch at Maradyke
1981 Maeve Nesbitt Munster reporter for RTE Anything Goes programme
1982 Michael Cooney Uileann Piper won senior All Ireland Piping
1985 Paddy Kennedy completed the Dublin City Marathon in 3 hours 45 minutes, his second
time. Member of Moyne Athletic Club also won several medals and therapies.
1987 Ailymore Dairy Foods Ltd based in the Islands finalist in Live Line Award
2012 Community Shop and Tearooms Co Operative opened
Billy Bourke all Ireland junior handball champion

Ordnance Survey Names Book 1840

74

Baronstown, Baile an Bharuin, Barous town, contains a large fort and old castle
Brownstown, Baile a Bhrunaigh contains old castle and gentlemans house, house valued at
22 in 1850. Occupied by Samuel Cooke and held from Captain Gould, original lease dated
1782, and house is slightly north east of original house.
Carrickloughmore, Carraig Locha Mor rock of the big lake. Contains a lough, Moneena side
Moinin na Soighead little bog of the darts or arrows.
Coogualla, Coige Uladh contains holy well, Tobar Muire, Marys well
Clonmacogue more, Cluain na Muc Og Mhor pasture of the big young pigs
Cloone, Cluain lawn or meadow contains old castle and Cloone lodge. Ruins of Cloone castle
stood on the banks of the Suir until they were struck by lightning, deemed unsafe, demolished
and stones used on local roads.
Graiguefrahane, Cloughleigh, graigue or village of prohane or greystone, contains old castle
Kilnasear, Cill na Saer, church of the Artisans contains, old castle and ruins of a chapel
Kilcurckee, Cill Cnoc Aoigh, church of Hughs Hill, contains graveyard for children called
Faustample
Killahara, Cill Eatha, church of Eachar contains old castle, Dovea house built in 1830 valued
at 79. Killahara house built in the late 19th century contains 3 reception rooms, kitchen,
utility room, drawing room, study, dining room and bedrooms.
Tinvoher, Tigh an Bhothair, House of the Road, contains old castle, old church and graveyard
and Roman Catholic Church
Penane, Pionan a local corruption of Beanan a little peak. Contains a Danish fort.
Skeagh, Sceach a bush a white thorn bush
Whitefield, Garran Ban white shrubbery, Garranbane is the name in all old leases. Contains a
flour mill

Poetry Song & Verse

75

The Ballad of Fair Loughmore author unknown 1922

It's a Tipperary village and it nestles on a hill,
in a land bereft of tillage lacking food to feed the mill,
and the waters of the river through the rocks and pebbles roar
as they circumvent and quiver in their travels by Loughmore.
There's a castle standing stately, telling tales of days gone by,
But to ruin it has gone greatly, nature tells the reason why.
It's a building grey and lonesome from the tower to the floor,
but it once was gay and handsome, ornamenting fair Loughmore.
The barrack walls are tumbled down now changed the scene of old.
Where England's crown was to be found, now floats green, white and gold.
And here's a health to those who fought and drove them from our shores,
And to every gallant Irishman from Blarney to Loughmore.
The village decks the hillside with a resting place close by,
The home of age and pride and youth who thought it well to die,
To leave this world of grief and woe for that eternal shore
Which may be up or down below but far from fair Loughmore.

Title and author unknown

The sweet silvery Suir with its current so pure,
Laughing and sparkling by storied Loughmore,
And on through the valley, twixt beech tree and valley,
to join its fair sister the beautiful Nore.
Inscriptions on Plaques in Cormack Brothers Mausoleum

76

By the Irish Race in memory of the brothers DANIEL and WILLIAM CORMACK who for the
murder of a land agent named ELLIS were hanged at NENAGH after solemn protestation by
each on the scaffold of absolute and entire innocence of that crime, the 11th day of May
1858. The tragedy of the brothers occurred through false testimony procured through GOLD
and terror, the action in their trial of JUDGE KEOGH, a man who considered personally,
politically, religiously and officially was one of the monsters of mankind, and the verdict of a
prejudiced, partisan packed perjured jury. Clear proof of the innocence of the brothers
afforded by ARCHBISHOP LEAHY to the VICEROY of the day but he nevertheless gratified
the appetite of a bigoted, exterminating and ascendancy caste by a judicial murder of the
kind which lives bitterly and perpetually in a nations remembrance.
Corpora sanctorum in pace sepulta sunt: et vivent nomina eorum in aeternum R.I.P. Which
translates as: The bodies of the saints are buried in peace; and their names live for evermore.
R.I.P.

In commemoration of the removal of the remains of the CORMACK BROTHERS from the jail
yard at NENAGH to this mausoleum on May 11th 1910. In the morning a solemn REQUIEM
OFFICE and HIGH MASS were celebrated in the Parish Church, Nenagh, Canon McMahon
presiding, and an immense number of Killaloe priests being in the choir. The funeral cortege
which contained MR JOHN DILLON, M.P., MR J. HACKETT, M.P., and many others of high
name and inspiring example, was by magnitude, representativeness and observance
unprecedented in IRELAND. At Loughmore, the pastor preached a funeral oration and
assisted by priests from IRELAND, ENGLAND, AMERICA and AUSTRALIA, officiated at the
placing of the remains here to rest in peace and honour until the day of their vindication by
Jesus Christ before the whole human race in the Valley of Josophat.
Visi sunt oculis insipientium mori illi autem sunt in pace. Which translates as: In the sight of
the unwise they seem to die, but they are in peace.

77

The Ballad of the Cormack Brothers anonymous

All you true born Irishmen I hope you lend an ear
And hear a true narration of those lines I have penned down here,
Just leave awhile your cares and toil and then a memorial we will raise
To the memory of the Cormack boys who were hanged in Nenagh Gaol.

It was in the year of 57, all in the troubled times,

When cruel eviction was spreading through our isle;
Bad landlords and their agents were the rulers of our land,
It was then that Ellis was shot down all by an unknown hand.

When the news spread round Killahara that the agent he was shot,
The police were soon informed and assembled on the spot;
They searched each field and garden, every house and every shed,
Until they came to the Cormacks house, where those two lads were in bed.

They accused those boys of murder from information they had got,
From a coachman who was passing at the time Ellis was shot;
They said that they were innocent, but it was of no avail,
They were handcuffed and made prisoners of and conveyed to the County Gaol.

At the Spring Assizes those two boys stood trial in Nenagh Town,
And by a packed jury they both were guilty found;
The Judge addressed the prisoners and he asked what that had to say,
Before he signed their executions for the 11th day of May.

78

It was in Killahara we were reared, between Thurles and Templemore,

Well known to all the inhabitants round the parish of Loughmore;
We are innocent of shooting Ellis as the child in its cradle does lay,
And we cannot see, for another man's deed, why we're both condemned to die?

On the 11th of May in 58 the hanging it took place,

And by a holy Pastor they were both reconciled to grace;
Such thunder, rain and lightning has not been witnessed since,
As the Lord above sent down from Heaven as a token of their innocence.

Now to conclude and to finish, let all good Christians pray

For the Cormack brothers, who are mouldering in the clay?
May the Lord have mercy on their souls, for alas they are no more;
May their souls reside in Heaven and their bodies in Loughmore.

Ballad of Captain Grant

O my name is Captain Grant, I make bold for to say,
I'm as worthy a champion as ever went the way,
With a good case of pistols, and a trusty broad sword,
Stand and deliver was the instant word.

To commit a mean action, I always did scorn,

In robbing the rich, I thought it no harm.
Their effects and their money, from them I secured,
And shared part of the spoils with the languishing poor.
When I meet poor travellers, hungry and dry,
79

Their cravings and wants, I did always supply,

And with these poor creatures, divided my store,
And when it was gone, I went robbing for more.

From Maryborough prison, I made my way out,

And those who opposed me, I put to the rout.
With my metal bolts I knocked the sentry down,
And made my escape out of Maryborough town.

In the house of poor Tennor, that night I did lie,

And for his sad fate I did bitterly cry.
He got sentenced to die, for the sheltering of me,
But he never had a hand in any robbery.

I and my comrades took to the highway,

And then fell a robbing, by night and by day.
We robbed Captain Stubby and a great many more,
On rum, gin and brandy we spent part of the store.

Straight we took our way to the County Wexford,

Where we sheltered ourselves in the midst of a wood.
Until a wicked woman us there betray,
She had us surrounded as sleeping we lay.

On our arms we rested, and when we awoke,

80

To our great misfortune our powder got wet.

We were obliged to give ourselves up,
To that gallant fine hero called Captain Jacob.

The guards did surround us by night and by day,

To Maryborough prison they marched us away.
And in a short time our trials came on,
We were condemned to die by the laws of the land.

May Heaven pity my wife and my children small?

Theyre left there lamenting my woeful downfall.
And all you good people take warning by me,
Shun drinking, late hours and bad company.

And when that I'm dead and laid in the mould,

All you good people please pray for my soul.
May Heaven comfort my children, and keep them from want,
And Heaven have mercy on brave Captain Grant.

Loughmore Castle & Abbey by R C Lanigan

A majestic castellated relic of bygone ages
Stands Loughmore castle in sombre, lone, impair
Bereft of all an age of luxury had given,
Yet in dignity it stands in slow decay.

With embodiment of experience and skill was built

81

This castle some four hundred years ago,

When alien force with pride of conquest, held
In bondage, and aggravated an intolerant sway.

The lordly castle sited near the village some

Two miles south of Templemore, attracts the
Admiration and interest of passengers by rail
As from fleeing train a hasty view obtains.

A visit to the fortress if rewarded, when the

Lofty eminence by spiral stairs is gained.
A panoramic view, unimagined vista, stretches
Even to the vague horizon a comprehensive view.

Other castles, towers Church spires, ancient Abbeys

Arouse an interest in those ancient relics, as we read
The wealth of history of bygone times, as recorded
By the chroniclers of events, of ages long ago.

Ladies Football & Camogie

82

The Camogie club was formed in the summer of 1968 with training from Pat Cullen and Sean
Kearney. Formation of ladies football club in 1975. The football club won the county title in
1975 against Ardfinnan in Golden. Three members of the team were on the Tipperary team
that won the all-Ireland final, Josie Stapleton, Catherine Tracy and Breda Webster. In 1977
the club won the under 16 county titles and senior county title. In 1978 the club won the
county title and the Munster club title championship. Won the county title in 1979 also.

A camogie club was set up again in January 1991. The GAA club provided jerseys and use of
the playing field for training.

2001 local girls play camogie with Drom Inch and Templemore. Niamh Connolly and
Lorraine Bourke were members of the Tipperary team junior and senior who won all Ireland
honours this year. Some girls played with Moycarcey ladies football team. 2011 local girls
who played camogie with Drom & Inch which won the under 15, senior county club and
senior Munster club final.

Athletics & Community Games

83

Martin Hynes won four cups and twenty medals in 1968 at long distance running. A
Loughmore team of John and Seamus Purcell and Jim Connell won a set of cups at an open
race at Shannon Airport in 1968. In 1969 John Purcell captained the premier A C team and
won the Baily Cup. Then won the Munster Cup Juvenile Championship in Ovens Co Cork.

1983 Loughmore first ventured into Community Games by entering in swimming, light
entertainment and athletics. A sports day was held in Cuguilla in 1991. Margaret Danagher
Tinvoher won bronze in the 1500 meters under 14 at the national finals in Mosney. In 1992
Margaret won gold in the 1500 metres all Ireland community games in Mosney. Athletic
training took place in the hall.

1994 Margaret won gold in the community games marathon. 1996 Damian Fogarty Killahara
won in under 13 athletics. 2000 continued winning ways in cross country, triple jump and
marathon. Training took place with Templemore AC a Thurles Crokes AC. Community
games included the following activities chess, draughts, egg and spoon, cycling, long puck,
swimming, running, football, table quizzes, art, three legged race and camogie.

84

Tug O War Club

85

Tug O War is a sport that directly puts two or more teams against each other in a test of
strength, teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal being to bring the rope a certain
distance in one direction against the force of the opposing team's pull. The sport was
practised in ancient Egypt, Greece and China. It originated in the great days of sail when
teams of men were required to tug on lines to adjust sails while ships were underway or even
in combat. The sport was part of the Olympic Games from 1900 until 1920.
The sport of Tug of War has been prominent in Ireland for many centuries. Teams up to the
start of the last century comprised ten men at two weights, 104 stone and catch weight. The
Irish Tug of War Association founded in 1967, is an amateur organisation which acts as the
governing body for the sport of Tug of War in the Rep. of Ireland with the object of
developing Tug of War in conformity with the principles of, and the Laws laid down by the
ITOWA.
The club was set up in 1986 by Pat Cormack of Rocker who was a member of Knock senior
team. Junior and senior teams were formed. Training sessions consisted of tractor pulling and
live pulls. Indoor training took place John Hennessey shed in Whitefield. A sports day was
organised for November. Four senior teams competed for the Moynihan Aluminium Cup.
Eight teams took part in the junior section, Training under Denis Pound with rig in Dick
Bourkes field. Won first place in Moyne field evening in 1987. Less than 15 team won at
Loughmore parish field evening. Mrs Campion sponsored Junior Cup and allowed the use of
her premises for meeting
In 1988 travelled to 24 pulls with 6 wins. In 1990 affiliated to Irish Tug Of War Association
following very strict rules governing a days pulling. Qualified to represent Munster in 640
kilo event and came second. Won Munster 600 kilo championship and Munster 680 kilo
championship. 1991 held two major competitions, Munster championship in conjunction with
the Holy cross Horse Show and novice All Ireland held in Loughmore in Mrs Nora Mc
Graths field. This year it was agreed to establish under 18 and fewer than 21 teams. The
under 21 won the Munster title in 1992. The cup for this competition was donated by Pat Mc
Cormack in memory of the Cormack Brothers.

Loughmore Coursing 1930's

86

Ireland has been associated with the coursing of greyhounds for generations, although the
Irish Coursing Club was not formally established until 1916. Before then, the sport of
coursing and its rules were already highly developed in England for several hundred years,
and it was the Duke of Norfolk who fully described them as the Laws of the Leash in the late
1500s. Many standards we still see in coursing today can be found in Laws of the Leash, and
this includes only two greyhounds released at a time, and allowing the hare a significant head
start before the greyhounds are slipped. These practices and others were already well in use
and we know this from the work of a Greek historian writing extensively about the proper
raising and training of the swift Celtic sighthounds.
The Irish hare is legally protected since 1930 in the Republic of Ireland, initially under the
Game Preservation Act (1930), more recently by the Wildlife Act (1976) and Wildlife
(Amendment) Act (2000). The hare is listed as an internationally important species in the
Irish Red Data Book (Whilde, 1993).

Loughmore Coursing:
Loughmore stake,

Castle stake,

Abbey stake

Knocka stake,

Ballybrista stake,

Brownstown stake

Annual dance for club held in Templemore town hall

Dog owners:
Wm Dwyer Killara Castle, Mr Cormack Curraghmore
Judge Stephen Keating, Slipper Mr Horan
Occasional licence, hours 11 to 5, granted to Loughmore coursing in 1934.

Dovea Cricket 1875

87

An Irish Cricket Union was formed in 1890, though its only function was to select the Irish
international team. The Irish Cricket Union was officially founded in 1923, and is made up of
five provincial unions, namely the Leinster Cricket Union, the Munster Cricket Union,
the Northern Cricket Union, the Connacht Cricket Union and the North West Cricket Union.
[2]

Its powers initially were strictly limited and it was reconstituted in 1933. Ireland was

accepted as an associate member of the International Cricket Council on 6 July 1993.

Dovea vs Dundrum
Dovea first innings
E Richmond

W Ryan

F Trant

H Thompson

Captain Prichard White

W Ryan

C Carden

G Thompson

C Barker

Not out

P Long

J Thompson

F Carden

G Thompson

J Trant

J Thompson

H Barker

G Thompson

Attendance:
Sir John Carden Bart, Mr Fitzgibbon Trant, Officers 53rd and 43rd regiment Templemore.
Match took place at well-kept cricket grounds Dundrum. Lunch provided by Mrs O Shea
Dundrum.

88

St Crunain's Holy Well

The well was originally located near the ruins of Brittas church but when it was desecrated it
transferred itself across the suir to its current position in Clonamuckoge. It has a cure for
cataracts.
Holy wells have been centres of piety for centuries in Ireland. There is said to be possibly
3,000 holy wells in Ireland. These sites are thought to have the power to cure illness through
ritual. As is the case here the well is associated with the veneration of early Christian Saint. It
is believed that the power to cure disorders is strongest on the Pattern Day usually a
significant date on the Christian calander which is different for each well.

A certain ritual known as a round or station is performed in order to receive a requested

favour or cure. This involves particular prayers while walking around the well an odd number
of times in the direction of the sun and drinking the water at specific intervals. To complete
the round a rag symbolising the ailment is tied to a sacred rag tree usually an ash, hawthorn,
holly or oak.

Use of water for domestic purposes is strictly forbidden and the wood from the tree cannot be
made to burn. It is believed that a sacred fish usually a salmon, trout or eel resides in the well
and acts as a guardian. The popularity of visiting these well remained constant over the
centuries but particularly during the reign of Henry viii and during the era of the penal laws
as religious practices were supressed.

Catholic emancipation saw greater religious freedom which resulted in greater attendance at
churches and thus a decline of the holy wells. Also extreme drunkenness and violence
became common sights at holy wells at Pattern days. So much so that the Catholic Clergy and
the civil authorities discouraged assemblies at such sites.

89

Land Dispute
Edward Cambie purchased an interest in a 130 acre farm in Clondoty from the landlord John
Trant in the 1820s. He died in the 1860s and his wife took over the lease. This lease expired
and a notice to quit was served on her. Not being able to manage the farm herself she invited
her brother in law Richard Cambie to become the tenant. Richard offered first 200 then 220
and finally Trant accepted 230 per annum for the farm. 10 to 12 years later when the lease
was up for renewal Richard reminded Trant that he was paying 50 more than his late
brother. This was during a period of Land agitation and reduction of rents.
Trant replied that Fanning had offered 20 more than Cambie was paying to get the land.
Showing Fannings desire to get the land was of many years standing. Richard Cambie was
around 80 at this time with a young family. He had inherited 100 from his grandfather. He
was barley constable for Eligorty and had his own farm of 120 to 130 acres in Loughmore.
Billy Fanning was a founding member and treasurer of the Loughmore Land League. He had
seven sons to provide for. This was the most opportune time for him to get the land. He was a
Poor Law Guardian in the area. Richard refused to pay the increased price and gave up the
farm in 1882. Fanning took the farm on the 15th March 1885.
This caused an outcry from the local Land League as it was against its principle of rack rents
and dispassion of tenants. On the 18th April 1885 a large demonstration took place in
Loughmore with numerous bands and banners. There were a number of speakers including
the Rev James Cantwell of Thurles, Fr O Keane PP, Robert Nolan and David Sheedy MP. A
boycott of Fanning was called for and he was expelled from the league.
At the petty sessions in Templemore, Michael Bourke was charged with unlawfully assaulting
Fanning on the 29th June outside the church in Loughmore. Nine other men were charged
with aiding and abetting the assault. The Fannings were subjected to abuse before and after
mass by people hooting and shouting after them calling them land grabbers. They had to go
back into the church and Billy drew his revolver to keep back the crowd. Bourke was found
guilty and sentenced to a month in prison and the other accused were fined 2. Fanning was
escorted home by the police followed by a large crowd 1000 to 2000 people. A further 12
police arrived to block the crowd from following the Fannings escort.

90

Richard died during the agitation and the Judge in the petty sessions was Thomas Cambie of
Kilorgan his nephew. On the 8th August a demonstration took place in Thurles with 400 carts
and cars. Bands played God Save Ireland and Let Ireland Remember. The gathering was to
welcome the release of Bourke and his arrival on the 6pm train. He was escorted into town by
50 mounted horsemen. He was presented with a silver watch, a new suit of clothes and a
purse of money. He was escorted home and when passing Fannings the crowd was silent
except for the ringing of a hand bell.

On September 1885 Pat Maher was sentenced to two months in prison and bound to the peace
for 12 months, for assaulting Fannings escort. Fanning surrounded the farm on November
12th 1885 and the boycotting ended. Trant worked the farm himself for a period of time. After
which Fanning took it over. In 1913 Cambie went to the Land Court to try and get the farm
back but was too late in application.

Sources
91

Loughmore Parish Newsletters compiled by the Legion of Mary, 1968 to present,

contributions by Fr Walter Skeehan, Denis Leahy, John Joe Nesbitt, Tom Cullagh, Joe
Brennan, Mgr. Maurice Dooley, Teresa O Connell etc.
Guilty or Innocent, Nancy Murphy
A Century of Co Operative Endeavour, Raymond Smith
Captain Jeremiah Grant, Margaret Maher Gleeson
A History of Templemore, Paul P Walsh
Rambling Down the Suir, Michael Fewer
The Parish Churches of North Tipperary, William Hayes Joseph Kennedy
Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly, Christy O Dwyer
A Day to Remember, Loughmore Tidy Village Committee
Keep Their Names Ever Green, Padraig O Haicead
The Black and Tans in North Tipperary, Sean Hogan
Loughmore NS 80th Anniversary Celebration Book
Cashel & Emily Heritage, Walter G Skehan
Loughmore Parish, Jack Tobin
History of Templetoughy Volumes 1 2 & 3
Tipperary, Martin O Corrbru
Munster, Sean Jennet
Tipperary History and Society, William Nolan
Maps

92

93