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The Schools’ Collection

This is a collection of folklore compiled by schoolchildren in Ireland in the 1930s. More information

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  1. Local Heroes - Samuel McAlaster

    CBÉS 0917

    Page 215

    He and John Savage, in the face of continual fire, opened the door and held it so that Dwyer could run out.
    Instantly they drew the full force of the firing on themselves, and Michael rushed out and leaped a hedge.
    The troops fired at him, and he would certainly have lost his life were it not for the fact that he fell on the ice and the bullets passed over his head. He was chased by a young Highlander, whom he outwitted by tripping and so gaining space. It requires courage to hold open and door, and draw the fire of attacking forces, knowing that certain death is inevitable.
    It is said that after his death McAllister's ghost haunted the Glen, and that he constantly sent warnings in dream to insurgents whose lives were in danger.
    A statue is erected to him in the Square, Baltinglass, depicting him in a standing position holding a pike in his hand. On the slab underneath is an inscription in English and Irish giving details of his life.

  2. The Local Roads

    CBÉS 0921

    Page 087

    The principal roads in Aughavanagh are Glenmalure road which begins at Glenmalure and leads on straight to Baltinglass. It was made about one hundred and forty years ago. It was used by the military. There are whole lot of shores under it. The Mucklagh road begins at Aughavanagh hotel and goes on over Brown hill and through a little village called Greenane and on through Rathdrum. The Aughrim road leads from Aughavanagh to Aughrim. A lot of traffic runs on it. The Hacketstown road starts at Aughavanagh and goes on to Hacketstown. There is one mass path in Aughavangh. It is a short way of going to mass.

    Leisha Byrne
    Sleemane
    Aughavanagh

  3. (no title)

    “Glenmalure is probably the most historic place in the county. It is nine miles from Rathdrum and six from Glendalough by the old military road...”

    CBÉS 1127

    Page 006

    their neighbours from the mountains. There is that servility in them unknown to the descendants of Fiadh Mac Aodha. This to the writer way of thinking is the marked difference between the retainers of the old clan system and those of the landlord system. The clan system was of a democratic nature as opposed to the aristocratic landlord system. The chief was a democrat - his rule begot democrats. The landlords were aristocrats their rule begot fawning, cringing and servility.

    Michael Dwyer thrice burned Drumgoff Castle in Glenmalure. Once he was taken unawares by the Yeos. He collected a lot of old hats and went into a field of corn newly stooked. He put a hat in each stook and when the Yeos approached he fired. In the darkness the Yeos could not discern the stooks so they decided to retreat. The ruse was a complete success.
    Another ruse of Dwyer's occurred at Baltinglass. The house was surrounded and Mc Allister was wounded so badly that his chances of recovery were very slight. The wounded Mc Allister first

  4. Manister Abbey

    CBÉS 0516

    Page 506

    Manister Abbey.
    Three miles west of Meanus is Manister an Aonaigh, the monastery of the Fair or Assembly.
    About 1138 Malachy Archbishop of Armagh visited St Bernard of Clairvaux France, where there was a Community of Cistercians. Malachy was induced by the Abbot to introduce the order to Ireland. The first Cistercian monastery was built at Mellifont, the second at Baltinglass and the third at Manister on the banks of the Camogue.
    It grew in numbers so much that it gave monks to several monasteries in Munster.
    The story is told that one day the monks were going from Manister to Adare (6 miles away).
    They were going in procession and one monk at the end of the line had forgotten his breviary. He passed back work to those behind him and they in turn passed it back until it reached Manister

  5. The Night of the Big Wind - Great Storm of January 1839

    CBÉS 0716

    Page 248

    Co. Wicklow in January, 1839. On January 7th he wrote a letter from the village of Rathdrum to Thomas A. Larcom of the Royal Engineers residing at the headquarters of the Survey in Dublin. As the account of the storm is a vivid one and O'Donovan was a close observer, his letter, which is preserved among the Ordinance Survey Papers in Dublin, is worth quoting here. A hundred years ago Co. Wicklow had few good roads, and O'Donovan's letter shows that a good part of the journey over the bleak mountains had to be made on foot. The letter proceeds as follows:-

    Rathdrum,
    January 7, 1839.
    Dear Sir,
    We left Baltinglass on Friday and travelled by car to Blessington, expecting to get a car there to Glendalough, but the hotelkeeper would not send a car thither at the usual price per mile.............On the next morning, which promised to become a fine hard day, we set out for Glendalough, on foot, across the mountains thinking nothing of the distance which is only sixteen miles around the road. We came on in a very good humour for seven miles...............but when we reached the side of what

  6. Life of Father Prendergast

    CBÉS 0780

    Page 008

    Life of Father Prendergast.
    Father E. Prendergast was the son of a respectable farmer named Maurice Prendergast, who lived at Richardstown in the parish of Nurney. He was born about the year 1760, he was between the ages of 25 and 40 years at the time of his murder. After going to the local schools he was educated at Salamanca in Spain where he was ordained.
    On returning home he acted as curate in Baltinglass and Killeigh and in the united parishes of Monasterevan, Nurney and Kildangan under the Reverend Father Doran P.P. in 1798. He lived with his parents in Richardstown.
    He has been described as a gentle, inoffensive and pious priest and not taking part in any political excitement of the time. Still however, he may have sympathised with the United Irishmen, he was not a member of that body.
    Accounts of the foul murder. He was asked by a cousin of his named Carroll to baptise a child at Aadenstown where his presence was availed of to hear the confessions of the United Irishmen in camp Barnkill, which he did under a hedge. For this he was denounced to Captain (?)

  7. My Home District

    CBÉS 0782

    Page 212

    Graney is my townland. It is in the parish of Baltinglass. It is in the Barony of Kilkea and Moone and in the diocece of Kildare and Leighlin
    There are seven families and forty five people. There are ten slated houses and two thatched. The names of the people are Mr Kavanagh, Mr Stephenson, Mr Cogan, Mr White, Mr Doyle and two Mr Somer's.
    Their adresses are in Graney. There is an old ruins in. Graney. It was a nunnery a long time ago. There are two holy wells in Paddy Doyles garden.
    St Brigid's and St Mary's wells There is a tunnel from Graney nunnery to Castledermot abbey. The Lerr or Lirna runs near the nunnery. There is a forge in Graney
    The land is good and fertile. There are six bogs in the

  8. (no title)

    “Shortly after the rebellion of 1798, Michael Dwyer, the Wicklow chieftain, met a representative of the Hume family...”

    CBÉS 0899

    Page 419

    Shortly after the rebellion of 1798, Michael Dwyer, the Wicklow chieftain, met a representative of the Hume family, the largest landed proprietor in the County Wicklow, to discuss the terms of his surrender
    This meeting was held on a lonely moor in Ruadhawn Bog (near Knockanana Hackettstown) at present owned by a kinsman of my own named Patrick Redmond.
    They agreed that Michael Dwyer would surrender on condition of getting full pardon.
    This amnesty was broken, but it is generally believed, not by Hume, but by the Government
    Hume was looked upon as an honest man, but the Government at that time was both false and dishonourable and capable of breaking any treaty.
    Hume was leader of the yeomen, and did his best to capture Dwyer and failed
    The Baltinglass yeomen headed by Hume, shortly before this visited Kilamoat (Parish of Hackettstown) during Mass time where

  9. (no title)

    “Michael Dwyer's followers about the time of this incident had dwindled down to about a dozen.”

    CBÉS 0899

    Page 421

    Michael Dwyers followers about the time of this incident had dwindled down to about a dozen
    Aughavanagh Barracks was built in 1798 for the purpose of capturing Dwyer.
    The lands around it were owned by Parnell, and afterwards by the late John E. Redmond, who lived there for many, many years.
    On the day in question, the Baltinglass yeomen surrounded the hill overlooking Aughavanagh, where Dwyer and his men where hiding.
    When they had surrendered the hill Michael Dwyer rushed forward and at a suitable point waved his flag and shouted, "Surround them boys."
    The men fired a volley and the yeoman were so frightened, they thought they were surrounded and fled pell-mell down the hill
    Then Michael Dwyer and his men descended the hill and made their escape

  10. Local Roads

    CBÉS 0909

    Page 508

    Local Roads
    There are five roads from Hackestown. There is a road from hacketstown to Tullow. It is "The New Line". It was made in 1846 and 1847 to give employment to people who were starving in the famine. It was made nearly parallel to the old road. In some places the ditch of the old road can be seen.
    The road to Tinahely which was made in 1846 is all called "The New Line" by the local people. It is a fine well kept road. There is a great deal of traffic on it. It is also the bus road.
    There is a road to Baltinglass . It is kept very well and it is the widest road around here. there is also a road to Knocknanna. It is very hilly and the road is rough for travelling. The road to Clonmore is called the Woodside road. There a great many trees growing on this road.
    There is an old road called the Constable Hill road leading from the

  11. (no title)

    “Work which is now in progress on the new new reservoir at Poulaphouca...”

    CBÉS 0913

    Page 134

    to the memory of the Archbishop - who was an ancestor of the Lords Blessington- commemorating his benefaction to the village and its inhabitants.
    On the construction of the Dublin, Baltinglass and Carlow coach road Blessington became greatly enhanced in prosperity and importance. During the early part of the last century the great bridge designed by Nimmo was built over the Liffey at Poulaphouca to supersede the old horse pass bridge about half a mile to the north east, made in early times to supersede the Ford of the Horse Pass.
    The inhabitants were incorporated by Royal Charter in the reign of Charles II. We are told that the Archbishop was authorised by the Charter to appoint a Recorder, Town Clerk, and numerous other civic funtionaries.
    Their salaries were a heavy strain on the revenues of the municipality. This town and borough, old records tell us, were represented by two members in the Irish Parliament.
    The Marquis of Downshire suffered serious loss in the 1798 Rising through the burning of his magnificent mansion, which was situated with its demesne and deer park a little to the west of the village.
    The house was never rebuilt, and the ruins can still be seen. The church during the 1798 troubles was used as barracks for a garrison temporarily maintained in the locality.

  12. An Old Ruin

    CBÉS 0914

    Page 226

    In the sixteenth century the lands all around Jober were owned by Viscount Baltinglass. When he went into rebellion he had to give up his lands.
    After this they were given to Sarsfield. Now they are owned by a family named Harrington.
    It is said that the lands of Logatrina and other neighboring townslands were the property of the sarsfield family and also the castle.
    It is said that this house was much bigger. At one time it was owned by a family named Bookley.
    The last person to live in this house was a family named "Pratt" some relation to the " Jynte" family.
    At the back of this house there is a field known as the "orchard" field, on a certain day the people round Dunlavin used to go to this field and eat apples.

  13. Story - The Famine

    CBÉS 0916

    Page 272

    After the famine of 1846 the people were so run-down, fever broke out. The country people mostly depended on potatoes. The potatoe crop failed to grow. The people were so starved that most of them got the fever. A shed was built in my great Grandfathers field. The people who had fever had to live in this shed. No one was allowed into this shed except those who had fever. My great grandfather used to leave buckets of milk outside the door for those who had fever. The field is now called Bawn's field. The ruin of the shed is still to be seen in Bawn's field. It belongs to my uncle Mr. John Byrne,
    Portrition,
    Kiltegan,
    Co. Wicklow.
    Portrition is about 4 1/2 miles from Baltinglass. The field is on the left hand side of the road.

  14. Local Ruins in Rathballey Long

    CBÉS 0917

    Page 031

    There is a house in Rathballey Long. It was formerly the dwelling-house of people named Wills. It was a three storey house, the roof of which was slated. It was overlooking Baltiboys Holleywood road. The ruin is now owned by Capt. E S Hornidge Talfarris house. There is another ruin in Rathballey Long also. It was called Windsor Castle. There was a fairyrath about it somewhere.
    There is a ruin near Poulaphouca. People named Healy's lived there. It was situated near the river. The coach passed by it. The coach passed from Dublin to Baltinglass. The coach road was beside the house that time. There was no main road by Poulaphoca that time.
    Mr Dunne lived in it. Mr Michael Mooney who is about eight years dead lived in later.
    It can be seen from Valleymount Holleywood road. My father was led astray in its grounds one night. There was an avenue up to it.
    Grass is grown over the avenue now.

  15. Local Roads

    CBÉS 0917

    Page 237

    The names of the local roads are, the "New Line", "Bog Road", "Feddan Lane", and the "Green Lane".
    The "New Line" leads from Talbotstown Crossroads to Woodfield Crossroads. Talbotstown is in the parish of Kiltegan. Woodfield Crossroads is in the parish of Baltinglass. This road was made in the time of the Famine 1846 to 1847.
    There is an old road running through Crossnacole called "Fedden Lane" which is about one mile long. It is very old but still known and used.
    Crossnacole, Kiltegan parish, Talbotstown barony.
    The "Bog Road" leads from Graigue Cross to Farrells' Cross. Graigue is in the parish of Kiltegan, barony Talbotstown. This road is so called because there are bogs on each side of it.
    The "Green Lane" is in Highpark. It is still used. Highpark is in the parish of Kiltegan, barony Talbotstown.
    A road was made in the time of the famine, called the "New Line". It starts about quarter of a mile outside of Hacketstown, and leads through the bog to Ballinaguilky. This road is a mile long.

  16. Local Crafts

    CBÉS 0917

    Page 240

    A man by the name of Arthur Mullins, had a forge opposite Tyneclash School, Kiltegan Parish, County Carlow, about forty years ago. He used to make spades, scythes, and other farm implements.
    Mrs Matthews, Townland Kelsha, Parish Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, used to spin wool until the year 1911. She knitted socks of the wool.
    Mr Henry Dunne of Kyle, Townland Kill, Parish Donaghmore, County Wicklow, was a great thatcher about fifty years ago.
    Mr Hobson of Mungoduff, Townland Mungoduff Lower, Parish Kiltegan, County Wicklow, constantly mowed one acre in one day with a sickle.
    Mr Jones of Kilranelagh, used to weave or spin flax between forty and fifty yeras ago. Townland Kilranelagh, Parish Baltinglass, County Wicklow.
    Mr and Mrs Smith, Hacketstown, Parish Hacketstown, County Carlow, used to make workbaskets, clothes baskets, and marketing baskets. Their daughter still carries on the craft.

  17. Old Poets

    CBÉS 0920

    Page 107

    It cannot be excelled where e're you go
    In Baltinglass Ive attended Mass
    And in Rathvilly and Annamoe
    On each sabbath day I have heard them play
    With attentive ear I have heard each note
    Their voices sweet, mild and discreet
    In our "Holy Temple in Killamoat."

  18. Legends of Our Neighbourhood

    CBÉS 0782

    Page 076

    The Priory which was said to be the most renowned in Leinster, for its learning was also noted for the blessed well which was attached to it.
    It was called Saint Mary's, Well and was marked by a stone inscribed in Latin.
    This stone was defaced by the antics of a madman.
    There are many other historical places about Graney and many historical events relating to it.
    In which the Ambush is the latest.
    This happened in October 1924.
    A lorry full of soldiers were proceeding from Castledermot to Baltinglass and on passing through Graney (were) was suddenly fired on by the hidden enemy.
    Five of these soldiers were victims of this Ambush and two of them escaped with severe wounds.
    It is said that during the Fenian Régimé the Fenians were similarly surprised by the English soldiers in a public house in Graney.
    These men were hanged out of an ash tree, insted of being shot.

  19. Ballyellis

    CBÉS 0894

    Page 084

    84
    While round that red banner
    of England
    Five thousand sabres glance
    And proudly the Ancient Britons
    Press on the roll of the drum
    With stealthy tread like tigers
    Those cowardly Yoemen come
    From Arklow and Coolgreany
    Gorey and Carnew.
    Hacketstown and
    Baltinglass those warriors
    so true,
    To fight for that tyrant,
    England. spur madly oer the plain
    But little did those

  20. Names of Fields - Owned by Parents of Children Attending the Stratford Lodge National School Baltinglass

    CBÉS 0916

    Page 108

    Fields owned by Mr John Jones
    Newtown
    Baltinglass
    1 The Lawn (before the house)
    2 The Slaney Field (River Slaney flows through it
    3 Back of Tommy's (Tommy Furlong
    4 The Plough (Good land - always tilled)
    5 The Twenty Acre (it's size)
    6 The Back haggard
    7 Ned's Field (Ned Kelly's house is on one side of it )
    8 The Bog
    9 The Brook Field
    10 The Terred Field. (The owner has no explanation for this name
    11 War's Bog. (The owner has no explanation for this name)