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Staplestown Road, Carlow c.1998. This area was known as
Closh.
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Photo J. Brennan
- (Premises now demolished)
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- Still waiting for the Celtic Tiger
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- Staplestown Road (view of Railway Bridge)
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Staplestown Road, Just off the junction of
Barrack Street. |
Staplestown Road, Railway Bridge |
Staplestown Road, Railway Bridge. |
Staplestown Road,
Google image 2021 |
R. McDarby Sweet shop on Staplestown Road, |
Staplestown Road, |
Staplestown Road,
Google image 2021 |
Staplestown Road, at the junction of St.
Patricks Avenue and Clayton Hall c.2009. |
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- Staplestown Road. Looking towards the Shamrock Square.
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- Staplestown Road (view of Railway
Bridge)
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Staplestown Road,
Google image 2021 |
Staplestown Road,
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Images by W.
Muldowney, Google Street View & J. Brennan c2006
Staplestown
Road c.1940
Staplestown Road running parallel with Pollerton Road, leads from
the Shamrock Square to the Tullow Road. The houses are of various
styles and sizes, in 1940 we found 129 were listed as occupied,
including a number of shops and businesses. Upper Staplestown Road
is known as 'Closh', which means Water Channel, the name obviously
came from the Askea stream, after which the parish is named. The
bridge over the stream (which ran across the road) gave rise to the
area near Carlow Motors Garage being called 'Askea Bridge' even
today. Also here (Carlow Motors) was Reddy's Sandpit. Contractors
who repaired roads got stones here, ie: O'Tooles from Killeshin had
the contract for their area, they collected the materials from the
sandpit and drew them to Killeshin by horse and cart, where they
carried out the necessary repairs. Beside the site of the sandpit is
'Rope Walk' a lane called after the Rope Factory which was once
nearby.
Another sandpit, called 'the Stone Depot' was situated
beside the Railway Line, men worked here, breaking up stones with
hammers and they were paid by the cartload. During the '40's there
were quite a few open fields in this area, many will remember
Magee's field, now St. Patrick's Avenue, and the 'milking fields'.
The 'milking fields' were used by everyone in the surrounding area
who owned cows, which were grazed here and a fee was paid to the
landowner, who at one time was Major Browne Clayton of Browneshill.
These fields later became the sites for housing estates including
New Oak Estate, St. Killian's Crescent and Springdale. Part of St.
Killian's Crescent was originally the plots, which were owned by
many people including Nanny Nolan, Tullow Street, and Whelan's of
Closh.
The children of the area enjoyed many a game of football
along the road, fishing was also a popular pastime and youngsters
used to climb the wall, which stood where the entrance to New Oak
Estate is now, and follow the railway line up to the old Burrin.
When the boys of the street wanted to start a choir, they approached
Fr. Kennedy who organised it for them to sing in the cathedral. In
1947 they sang a Mass in Knockbeg College which was attended by
President Sean T. O'Ceallaigh. During the 1920's the military
imposed a curfew on the town, Owenie Rice who lived near Askea was
shot and fatally wounded at Upper Staplestown Road by the Black and
Tans. The only reason being, he was out after curfew.
- Staplestown Road, Carlow c.1998.
This area was known as
The Closh.
- Photo J. Brennan
No. 1: Patrick and Jane Doyle lived here, Patrick was one of an
old Carlow family who once owned 'The Shamrock' and Jane was
originally from Athy. Their children were Madge, a teacher, whose
husband's name was John Longstaff. Patrick who worked as a clerk in
the Army Headquarters married May Collins, a teacher, from Kilkenny.
Annie married William O'Connor and is now living at St. Patrick's
Ave., they have four children. Annie worked in the family shop for
some time, it was later let to Brennan’s while Mrs. Doyle continued
to live upstairs for some years.
No. 2: Tommy Keating, Sleaty Road. Graiguecullen married Margaret
Geoghegan. Hanover Mills. Children: Annie worked in the Boot
Factory, she later married Alfie Cooper and went to England. Tommy
also worked in the Boot Factory, he married Breda Price and is
living in Graiguecullen. Jack is married to Kathleen Bezenden and
they live in Mullingar, Jack served in the army for seventeen years.
Josie and her husband, Jimmy Brennan, own a shop in Graiguecullen.
Robert married Mary Brown, Austin married Mary Sunderland, they have
four children, the family resides at Roncalli Avenue. Austin and
Tommy both played for Eire Og, Austin being a founder member.
No. 3: Mrs. Ann Doyle ran a small business here, she sold
paraffin oil, candles and matches to those living in the area. The
house was later occupied by the Byrne family.
No. 4: Paddy 'Crowman' Kavanagh and his wife Nellie lived here.
Paddy worked in the Sugar Factory and was a well known footballer
with O'Hanrahans during the 20's and 30's.
No. 5: From Enniscorthy were James and
Annie O'Brien. The family
were renowned for their expertise in the buying and selling of
horses. Their children were Indian' Jim, Bill, Martin, Kevin, Paddy,
John, Tommy, Frank, Margaret, Bridget, Mary and Nan. 'Indian' Jim
having been refused permission to join the British Army by Sgt.
Nicholson at the Recruiting Centre (at Carpenters) walked along with
Slan Brennan to Kilkenny where they enlisted and were sent to
England, then India. John married May Geoghegan from Brewery Lane,
and was a Carlow U.D.C. Councillor for 24 years and Chairman for two
consecutive years. They lived at No. 12 Staplestown Road for many
years and later moved to New Oak Estate. Bill married Annie Doyle
from Bridewell Lane. He was caretaker in the 'Old School". Dublin
Street for many years. Bill was always on the 'go', collecting money
for the pools and was instrumental in the formation of Eire Og. The
football field at Teach Asca is named in his honour — Pairc Ui
Bhriain. Martin, Paddy; Tommy and Frank never married. Tommy was a
tank driver in the 2nd World War and was injured in the evacuation
of Dunkirk. Frank works for Carlow County Council and is living with
Paddy at St. Patrick's Avenue. Kevin and Mary both married in
England. Bridget married Bill Walsh, their family now live at
Hanover. Nan married Mickie Shortall from Bridewell Lane. Mag
married 'Hallie' Tom Mulhall.
- A typical Town house in Staplestown Road
No. 6: Joseph and Mary Salter. Mary was from Chapel St.,
Graiguecullen and Joseph, who worked in the Sugar Factory was from
Staplestown Road. They had eight children. Noel married Margaret
Byrne, Castlecomer and works with Avery Scales. He played with
Barrow Rovers and won a Sports Star award in 1971. Aine married Tom
Mulhall, Tom played for O'Hanrahans. Collette married Tony O'Reilly
and is living in Carlow, Michael married Sadie Ralph, Maureen
married Jimmy McGrath, Hanover. Peter married Sally Byrne and his
twin Kay married Richard Doyle from Kildare and they now live in
Pinewood Ave., Frank married Ann McCutcheon.
No. 7: Jack and Anne Carey. Jack spent some years in the British
Army, at one time he drew the coal from the railway station to the
local hospitals. Their children are May, Vera, Richard and Jack. Vera
emigrated, Jack worked in the Nationalist and married Brenda Doyle,
and May still lives in Staplestown Road opposite this house.
The following was provided by Raymond Carey: Richard Carey
emigrated to England at the end of the war and married my mother
Rachel Craig in London in 1948. My grandfather Jack was drowned
sometime in the late 30's or early 40's. I am still trying to find
out about this event. My grandmother Anne died in the mid fifties
again still researching on that. I lost track of my relatives when
my father died in 1973 and although May, Vera and Jack may not be
alive now I know I have at least 3 cousins to trace. Just need to
find the time to continue searching. Best Regards Raymond Carey Sept
2013.
No. 8: The occupiers of this house were Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph
Curran. Joseph worked in the Boot Factory and his wife was a sister
of Mrs. Keating (No. 2). This was the last of Slaters houses and
Carlow County Council houses continued Staplestown Road.
No. 9: Patrick and Ann Hynes. Patrick was interested in cars at a
time when they were only beginning to appear in Carlow, he was sent
by the Ducketts of Ducketts Grove, to England to learn about the
motor trade and he returned a few years as a qualified mechanic. He
later worked for Thompsons.
No. 10: Jack and Margaret Cosgrove. The Cosgroves, known as Coskers, had four children. Moll, Liz who went to England, Chris
married Tom Whelan, they now live on the Green Road and Joe who
worked for years in Molloys, Tullow St., still living here.
No. 11: Patrick Walsh and family dwelt here. Patrick bought the
fowl for Slaters Poultry Yard. Walshe’s and two daughters, one of
whom, Essie, married Jim "Kegs' Haughney and their son Fr. Haughney
was well known in the area.
No. 12: Mr. and Mrs. Kelly lived here with their children
J. J.,
Marjorie and Dilly. Mr. Kelly was a policeman and Mrs. Kelly, whose
maiden name was Button, was from Hacketstown, she taught music.
Marjorie also taught music, particularly piano, she married Percy
McEvoy and they lived at Kevin Barry Ave. Dilly, single, still lives
here.
No. 13: William Brennan from Coon, Co. Carlow married Elizabeth
Foley from Cookullen, Co. Kilkenny. William worked in the Sugar
Factory offices. Their daughter Maria married Mick Donnnelly and is
living at St. Killian's Crescent. Son Willie married Tessie
Colclough of St. Killian's Crescent.
No. 14: Enoch Hewith lived
here, he was English and spent many years in the British Army. Sons
Joey and Jackie both went to England. His wife's brother, Joseph
Curran, lived at No. 8.
No. 15: Richard 'Nipper' O'Toole, single. Richard was a fireman
and he worked in Governey's Boot Factory. Himself and his brother
Jack were great fishermen.
No. 15:
(possibly No. 16) The
Griffin family were next.
There was only one daughter Frances, sons James, who had a
confectionery shop (where Tiny Tots is), Willie was in the British
Army, Mickie was a baker by trade. John and James lived here for
many years, the house later passed to their brother Patrick.
No. 17: Ned Reddy worked in the Sugar Factory, he was married and
had one son and two daughters. Jim worked in the Sugar Factory for
years and later in Corcorans. Daughters Frances and Kitty, who
married Tom Kerr, rate collector from Muinebeag.
No. 18: Patrick English married
Rose O'Keeffe. Their son Paul
served his time in Thompsons and works for the South Eastern Health
Board, he is now living at Barrack Street. The rest of the family
were Jimmy, Emily, Rosie and Muriel.
No. 19:
Richard O'Keeffe and family dwelt here. Richard was the
first to deliver petrol around Carlow, it was brought by horse and
cart from the station (pre. 1900). Children: Sarah went to England,
Kathleen who married Paddy Timmins from No. 130, Richard, Jim and
Joe all spent some time in the British Army as did Tom who was
serving in India, aged 16. Denis married Kathleen Roche from No.
134A. Cis married Christopher Maguire, Milford, their children are,
Christopher who worked in the Boot Factory and in England for many
years, returned to live in Carlow in 1980. Christy played senior
football for O'Hanrahans and was on the 1945 County Championship
winning team. Richard played minor football for the Shamrocks and
senior for O'Hanrahans, he spent 20 years in England and is now
living in Carlow. Paddy is living in Clonmore, Killeshin.
No. 20: William Ward and family. Daughter Mary (Mrs. Condell) was
an upholsterer and her husband a carpenter. Jack married Eileen
Beaucannon, Little Barrack St. and worked as foreman in the Beet
Factory.
No. 21: Patrick 'Patsy' .Timmins
Patsy worked as a crane driver
in the Sugar Factory.
No. 22: Patrick O'Neill, Staplestown Road married
Mary Byrne of
Tinryland. Patrick was a stone mason by trade. Children: Maureen
worked in O'Neill's garage and married Ed. O'Rourke of
Graiguecullen. They are living in England and have six children.
Lily, Patrick and Denis are single and still living here. Patrick a
bricklayer by trade worked for Thompsons and Denis works for Hughes
Memorials, College Street. Bridget married Con Cronin from Cork and
they moved to England. Thomas married Ita Brooks from Staplestown
Road, he was a bricklayer and worked for Carberys. They are now
living in J.K.L. and have ten children. James married Peggy Moran
from Galway, they now live in England and have two children. James
works in the motor trade in Luton.
No. 23: During the '40's this house was occupied by temporary
caretaker family's which included the Pierces and the
Walshs.
Quigleys from No. 121 across the road later occupied this house.
No. 24: John Burke was a sawer by trade and worked in Doyle's the
Shamrock for many years. He married Bridie Farrell from
Graiguecullen, their children were Lizzie and 'Mogs', single, Jim
married Bridget Lawler and lives at Kevin Barry Ave. — he worked in
Doyles of the Shamrock. Tommy worked at Corcorans and married Nancy
Keating, they also live at Kevin Barry Ave.
No. 25: Richard Burke married
Mary Helehan from Graiguecullen and
they had eight children. James was a painter, Thomas was a male
nurse in St. Dympna's Hospital and a talented handballer, Lily
worked in the Boot Factory for 16 years, she married Patrick Stuart
from Mullingar. Michael married May Nolan from Graiguecullen and
worked in Thompsons as a steel worker. Esther married J. Byrne,
works manager in Corcorans. Billy was in England for a few years but
he returned to Carlow and worked in Thompsons for 32 years. Billy
married Marie Whelan. Teresa is married and living in Mullingar.
No. 26: John Bourke and family lived here. John was a carpenter
and worked in Thompsons, the daughters were Mrs. Neill, Browneshill
Road, and Mollie who lived here until her death in 1985.
No. 27: Bernard and Lizzie Crossan were next. Their children were
John. Lilly and Marie, whose husband Jim Cuddihy still resides here.
No. 28: Here dwelt John Brennan, he was single and worked in
Wattie Kehoe's and later the Sugar Factory.
No. 29A — 34: Richard McDarby married
Catherine Byrne from
England. Maeve still lives there with Bridie and Lea, Richard was a
sales rep. for Governey's Boot Factory. Kathleen married
Tom
Dempsey, Brownshill Road. Angela married
Lawrence McGrath, Dublin.
Vera married Michael O'Sheas, Aries.
Joan married Tom Whelan, Tullow
Road. McDarby's had a shop (confectionery) here. McDarby's have a
long established family run business here, during the 40's. It was
the confectionery shop and bakery, changing to a grocery shop in the
early 70's.
(Numbers jump from 34 to 61)
- BOXING CLUB
- Front Row L to R: Johnny Cummins,
Kevin Hayden, Murt Brien, Paudge Ryan, Paddy Pender, Tom
McEvoy.
- Middle: Con Carroll, Jimmy Dunne,
Pat Corcoran, Pierce Prendergast, Joe 'Jugger' Brennan, Jim
Kearns, Ambrose Hynes, Mick Connolly.
- Back Row: Stephen Kavanagh, Ned
Haughney, Johnnie Harding, Sean Prendergast, George Hyland,
Tony Fenelon, Seamus Walshe.
Image courtesy of Liam
Hayden
No. 61: In 1940 the Kelly family lived here, they emigrated to
England in the 50's.
No. 62: Frank Slattery from Green Lane married
Mary Morrissey
from Ballymoon, Co. Kildare. Their three children are Michael,
married to Collette Lyons from No. 67, and living in O'Hanrahan
Ave., Kathleen married to Bob Martin and living in Staplestown Road,
Frank who married Kathleen Walker, Leighlinbridge and lives on the
Tullow Road. Both Frank and Michael carry on the successful family
business of painting and decorating.
No. 63: Lawrence Kehoe married
Esther Murphy from Monasterevan.
Lawrence worked in the Sugar Factory. Their children are: Pauline,
Margaret and Pat, married and living in New Oak Estate, Mary married
to Bill Brennan and living at St. Mary's Park, Syl married to Nancy
Byrne, they have 7 children. Ann who married Bill Hutton, George who
emigrated to Australia married Alice Lardy. Phil is living at
Hanover, married to Alice Walker.
No. 64: John Doyle from Bridewell Lane married
Kitty Geoghegan
from Muinebeag. Kitty was a midwife and helped old Dr. Doyle. John
was in the British army and was killed in action in France. Their
children were John, who married Mary Kelly, they had nine children
and lived here. John worked in the Sugar Factory. Martin married
Margaret McGrath, they had eight children and lived at O'Hanrahan
Ave. Michael married Dora Doyle, they had three children and lived
in England. James worked for Kodak in England, and was married to
Katie Roberts. Dora married Denis Ward and they had four children.
No. 65: John Doyle married
Mary Kelly, John was a builders
labourer. John (Jnr.) and his wife Rose (Dexies) are living at St.
Patrick's Avenue, they have seven children. Christopher and Brendan,
both single still reside here. Mary ('Bridie') works in the Regional
College, she is married to Patrick Fagan and they live in New Oak
Estate. Edward and Joe are both married and living in England.
Pascal married Angela Doyle, they now live in New Oak Estate and
have five children. Pascal worked in Corcorans for quite a few
years.' William was a professional jockey in the Curragh, he is
married and living in Naas.
No. 66: Bernard and Bridget Keating. Bridget's maiden
name was McGrath and was originally from Pollerton Road. Hannah
(Mrs. Savage), Betty married William McQuinn, after his death she
married Joe Reilly. Bernard married Mary Kelly, Kevin married Mary
Fox. Nancy married Tom Kelly and they went to England, Patsy married
Bridget Malone, John is married and living in England. Moll married
Jim Horohan, and Peggy is married to George Russell and living in
Dublin. Bernard and Bridget had two stepchildren, Ann and Christy.
Ann lives in Dublin and Christy went to England.
(According to Catherine Keating
Carroll (email April 2012) the Keating family lived at No. 84
Staplestown Road and not No. 66. as previousley published in the
Eire Og
Friends and Neighbours 1986 magazine.)
No. 67: The Lyons family were next, Jackie, Mollie (Shaw),
Collette (Slattery).
No. 68: Thomas Kinsella and family. Mrs. Kinsella was an invalid
for many years, they had one daughter who is living in England.
No. 69: P. Delaney married
Loretto Martin. Paddy had a bicycle
repair service here for some years. Daughter Angela worked for Dr.
Skuce and lives at home, son William is a technician, working in
Naas.
No. 70: Loughlin Nolan, Rathoe married
Maureen Hennessy from
Barrack St. Loughlin worked as a store-keeper in the Sugar Factory
until his retirement in 1983, and Maureen was a nurse in St.
Dympna's. They had two daughters and one son, Mary married Jim
O'Keeffe and emigrated to England, Loughlin an Electrical Engineer
is living in Australia and Kathleen who works in Braun is living at
home.
No. 71: Thomas Purvis was a baker by trade and worked for many
years in Slater's Bakery where Crotty's now carry on the same
business.
No. 72: Christy Flood from Friarstown married
Mary Hosey from St.
Killian's Crescent. Christy worked as a store-keeper with Esso. They
had two sons. Peter is a lecturer in Bolton Street College and
Christy (Jnr.) is a secondary school teacher in Kilbarrack, he is
also an active member of the Carlow Men’s Association in Dublin.
Peter and Christy played against each other in the 1961 S.F.C.
Final. Christy played with Eire Og and Peter with O'Hanrahans.
No. 73: Peter Jones and his sister Margaret lived here. Peter
drove the floats for C.I.E. His nephew Sean now lives here.
No. 78-81: Here dwelt Owen Carroll, he was married to
Ann Grant
from Killeshin. Their children were: twins Andy and Richard, Andy
played football with Shamrocks and Young Emmets, Jimmy worked in
Doyles, the Shamrock, Bridie, Margaret married Harry Coakley from
Castlehill.
No. 82: Joseph Byrne and his wife
Mary Ellen Quinlan dwelt here.
Joseph came from Charlotte St. and worked as a fitter in Thompsons.
Mary-Ellen was from Granby Row and worked in the Boot Factory before
her marriage. They had eight children. Paddy worked in Thompsons,
Maria is married to John Cullen and living in Dublin. Alice was a
dressmaker, she married Billy James and live in Castlehill.
Josephine is living in England, Jim and Christine are still in
Carlow, as is Joseph who lives with Alice. Dan married Eileen
Dempsey, they have seven children. Dan works in the Sugar Factory.
No. 83: Michael Byrne worked in the Boot Factory all his life,
his wife Bridget (nee Tobin) also worked there at one time.
Children: Tom, known to many from his years with W. P. Good, Tullow
St. is now working Saxones. Jack was a barman in England. Bridie
married Tommy Clarke, Bridewell Lane and they went to America. This
house was build in 1916.
No. 84: This house was occupied by Michael Connolly from Barrack
St. and his wife Sarah Carter from The Numbers, Graiguecullen. They
had ten children, Edward and Jack both work in the Sugar Factory,
Michael and Richard played football for the O'Hanrahans, they
emigrated to England, Mary married Jimmy Walsh. Joseph was a
carpenter in Carberys and married Bridie Rice. Jane's husband was
Sonny Byrne, Teresa worked in Wattie Kehoes and married John
Dowling, Patrick worked for the U.D.C. William married Francis
Sunderland and they live at St. Patrick's Avenue.
No. 85: John Ryan, a Post Office Technician, was married to
Bridget Coogan from Portarlington. They had five children. Stasia
married Hugh Wogan and is living in Dublin. John, better known as
Jackie, married Jenny O'Shea, both were Post Office Officials. They
lived for some years in Carlow before moving to Wexford. Maura
married Thomas Fender and lived in England. Paudge (Patrick Gerard)
married Claire Haughney, he had a precision engineering business at
St. Killian's Crescent which is being carried on by his son Martin.
Paudge was well known for his sporting interests, and was coach to
Patricia and Mary Amond. Delma married Peter Shaw, they live in
Leighlinbridge where they have a family run Sawmills and Hire
Service.
No. 86: The Wall family were next. Patrick Wall was originally
from Graiguecullen, and daughters were Suzanne and Mary.
No. 87: William 'Bill' Hayden came from Ballon, he was head
gardener in St. Dympna's and his wife Brigid O'Reilly was a nurse,
Bill was a famous Leinster cyclist. They had seven children. Sheila
married Herbert Payne and went to Surrey. Seamus is a teacher and is
married to Pat Furlong, Liverpool. Tom married May Matthews from
Dundalk, he is a baker and they now live in Australia. Kevin married
Noreen Daybell, Liverpool. Colm married Chris Davies, they are
living in England where Colm works as a personnel officer with the
British Ministry of Pensions. Emby married Ken Hayden and they live
in Essex. Liam married Maylee Moran from Killarney, they live at
Sharon Avenue and have five children. Liam is vice-principal in the
Vocational School, he is also a qualified pilot and was a member of
Carlow Gliding Club during the fifties and early sixties. At that
time the Club had a membership of about 50 which included Terry
Moran, Pat O'Mahoney, John and Jimmy O'Neill and Brendan Mulhall to
mention but a few.
No. 88: Next came Kate and Molly Keegan and their brother James,
none of whom were married. James worked in the Boot Factory all his
life.
No. 89: James Brown was an Insurance Agent and was married to
Elizabeth Hennessy from Palatine. Their children were Michael, Sean,
May and Cis (Anne) all of whom worked in Corcorans at one time or
another. Michael was a lover of opera, Sean was an accordian player
of some note, he played on Radio Eireann and on Radio in Chicago.
May worked in Duggan's Stationery Shop and in later years in the
Catholic Repository. Cis married Paul Butler from Piltown, Co.
Kilkenny. Paul was an electrician in the Sugar Factory. Cis, who was
a dressmaker, is now living at Larkfield. All the family were music
lovers and kept a large selection of classical records.
No. 90: Patrick Byrne, a builders labourer, married
Dora Parrk,
they had twelve children. Anna is married and living in Australia,
Dolores, Dorothy and Bernadette are married and living in
Bedfordshire. Denis, Tony, Eugene and Teresa also went to England,
Edward, John and Pascal both single, Ronald is in the army.
No. 91: James Coogan married
Mary ‘Pol’ Murphy originally from
Lr. Staplestown Road, James came from Castlecomer and worked as a
painter and decorator for Thompsons. Mary ran a small shop here
which was continued by daughters Lil and Lorrie until a few years
ago. Claire, a confectioner, married M. White and emigrated to
Canada. Thomas married Nancy Dunne. He was a Post Office Official in
Carlow and later went to the Department of Post and Telegraphs in
Dublin. Aine married Peadar Clancy and resides in Canada, James
'Tosh' married Susan Mangan, Eamonn married Vera Gilmore, Tosh' and
Eamonn both went to England. Michael married Chrissie Fitzpatrick
and they live in Graiguecullen.
No. 92: John and Anna Hayden were next. John was a foreman in the
Boot Factory. Anna's maiden name was Brennan. This house is now
occupied by John's niece Mrs. Corcoran, formerly of Hanover Mills.
No. 93: Cornelius (Con) Coakley
originally from Wexford married
Margaret Dwyer from Brewery Lane. Children: Con, a well known
tradesman, worked in the Boot Factory for many years. Mollie the
eldest died aged 22. Ned (Decker) married Mag Walsh, they had a
large family. Ned was a founder member of Eire Og. Jim married Rose
Townsend, they have eight children and live in Kevin Barry Ave. Jim,
a well known postman, did the Scoreboard at Dr. Cullen Park for many
years commencing in 1956. Madge, still living here, married Frank
Hayden from Graiguecullen and they both have sons Paddy, Gerard,
Lesley, Paul, Kenneth and Niall.
No. 94: The Byrne family. Nora, single, Mick living in
Staplestown Road, Kitty emigrated to Canada. Jim worked in the Boot
Factory and mended shoes in his spare time, as did many of the Boot
Factory workers, charging only a few pence per pair.
No. 95:
Michael Curran from Potato Market married Mary Connolly
from Barrack St. Michael was in the British Army during the 1914-18
War, on returning he joined the Irish Free State Army, he commenced
work in the Sugar Factory in 1926. Michael and Mary had three sons.
Sons: Tony married Maisie Carroll from Clifdon. Tony worked on The
Docks in London for many years, he later returned to live in Carlow.
Michael (Jnr.) was a reporter for the Nationalist before going to
England where he worked for the Daily Telegraph, he is married to
Marline Genner. Richard (Dick) worked in Stathams before going to
England. He is married and living in America where he works for an
engineering company.
No. 96: Bridget 'Biddy' Lynch married
Patsy Lawler. They had four
children, Nell went to England, George married Lil Hayden also of
Staplestown Road. Paddy was a plumber and worked in the Curragh,
George and Jim both worked in the Boot Factory. Biddy had a cat
which used to follow her when she visited her neighbours. The cat
used to listen at the door of each house until it heard Biddy's
voice and then climb onto the window sill and claw the window to be
let in. Patsy was a fack maker, a fack was similar to a spade but
had one side lower than the other. These were made in a small forge
out back.
No. 97: Mrs. Haughney, was Pol Whelan from Askea Bridge. Nan
worked in the Beet Factory, Hannah worked in the Boot Factory. Both
girls went to England, as did their brother Tom.
No. 99: Living here was the Kelly family,
Josie married W. Hogan
from Clare. Eileen married Joe MulhalL Donny married Nancy King from
Limerick and their son is Eire Og's Gene Kelly. Tom married Lil
Leonard from Pollerton Road. Tom is a member of the Workmans Club of
which he was Chairman at one time. He was also a member of a choir
in Carlow Cathedral and sang at Masses and weddings. Tom and Lil
have two daughters, Joan, married and living in America and
Margaret, who worked in Rome for two years and is now living at
home.
No. 100: Edward Hutton married
Julie Ryan who worked in the Boot
Factory. Their children are Eileen, married to John Purcell and
living in Montgomery Street, Kitty who married Percy McDarby and
moved to No. 4, Accommodation Road, and Frank married Maisie
Dowling.
No. 101: Next was the Quigley family. William worked in
McDonnells Bakery, Tullow St. and was married to Mary Townsend.
Children: Mary married John Moore and she is living at Upper
Staplestown Road. Their son Kevin and his wife Mary have been
prominent members of Eire Og for many years. John and Willie went to
America, Chrissie became a nun and spent many years in New York,
Janie married Jacob Lambe from Dublin and they went to England.
Fannie married Jack Greeves and moved to Dublin, Margaret married
Michael Barry and lives in Spain. Eddie was a Sugar Factory worker,
he married Annie McKenna from Graiguecullen. The girls were active
members of Cumann na mBan and their home was raided regularly by the
Black and Tans and the R.I.C.
No. 102: Richard James and his wife Winifred nee Phelan
dwelt
here. Richard from The Numbers worked as a mechanic in Thompsons
until an accident to one of his hands forced his early retirement,
he later worked as caretaker in the C.Y.M.S. Winifred was from
Harristown, Co. Kildare and ran a shop in the house. Their nephew
John Joe Lambert lived here with Richard and Winifred for some time.
John Joe was a noted athlete and cyclist, and has a news agency in
Dublin St. His daughter Beatrice (Byrne), also an athlete, wore the
Irish singlet throughout Europe and held many Irish track records.
She won the Eire sports star award in 1969 and '70.
No. 103: Mr. and Mrs. James Kehoe and their thirteen children
were next. James (Jnr.), Kathleen, Mary and Michael are all married
and living in England, Sylvester married Anne Cooney and they live
on the Dublin Road. Oliver married Sylvia Kehoe, St. Mary's Park,
Geraldine married Matt Lay, Monica married Gerry Breen. Josie
married Paddy Comerford, they live in Rathnapish. Bridget married
John Doyle and Thomas married Sheila Delaney, both families live in
New Oak Estate. Lily married P. J. McBerthy and moved to Donegal.
Patricia, single, works in Braun and resides there.
No. 104-107B: Mr. and Mrs. Mickie Byrne lived here. Two of their
children were 'Mini' and Annie both of whom went to England.
No. 108: Mr. and Mrs. Kinsella. One son, also named John lived
here.
No. 109: Michael Nolan from St. Fiaac's Tee., Graiguecullen
married Alice Haughney from No. 10 Potato Market. Alice worked for
some years in Corrs, Tullow St. and Michael worked for Thompsons.
They had four children, Lily worked in the Bon Bon Restaurant, she
married Joseph Hynes and now lives in Mount Leinster Park. Marie is
married to Michael McGrath, she worked in Ewing's Restaurant,
Dublin St. and now lives in Ballon. John worked in Thompsons, he
married Margaret Ryan from Castlecomer and they live in New Oak
Estate. Alice married Patrick Kelly from Granby Row, and they have
two children and live in England.
No. 112: The Brooks family were next. Edward, Dympna, Ita married
to Tom O'Neill (J.K.L.), Eamonn married Bridie Curry and lives in
Dereen Heights, Sean married to Angela Moran from Bridewell Lane and
living on the Green Road. Carmel married Paddy Murphy from 7 Potato
Market.
No. 113: Ger Devine and family lived here. Ger was in the British
Army and was a noted bird catcher. He married Bridie Maher from
Bridewell Lane. Ger and Bridie had three daughters, Kathleen, Lil
and May. Kathleen married and lived in England, Lil was single, and
May married and moved to Wexford.
No. 114A: James and Bridget Walsh. Bridget (Farrell) was from
Mill Lane. Lena is married in England, Mary married Jim Bolger from
Castledermot, James single, Christopher married Margaret Moran and
lives in Oakley Park.
No. 114B: Along with Hoseys next door, this house was originally
owned by Reddys of Tullow St. It was purchased by Bernard
Fitzpatrick or Barney Fitz as he was known around 1940. Barney
hailed from Castledermot and his wife Anastasia (Coogan) was from
Castlecomer. Barney worked for a number of years as a butcher with
Carpenters of Barrack St. and started his own business in the 40's.
Many readers will recall his slaughter house at the top of McDarbys
lane, which was knocked in the late 60's to make way for New Oak
Estate. An avid football fan, Barney followed the great Kildare
teams of the 50's and 60's throughout the length and breadth of
Ireland. Barney and Anastasia had three children, Eamonn, Seamus and
Breda each of whom excelled themselves on the sports field. Breda (McGuinne)
played a lot of hockey, the two lads between them have managed to
win Senior Championship medals, Eamonn represented Carlow Hurling
Club, O'Hanrahans and Eire Og. Eamonn married Connie Brennan and
lives here where he carries on his father's business.
No. 115: Tom Connors, single, lived here with his sister Elien
(Mrs. Murphy) and her family.
No. 116: John Carroll and his wife
Nellie nee Kehoe were next,
John was a 'Red' (Military Police) in the Irish Free State Army.
They had five children, Kitty. Anthony and Joe emigrated to England,
Marie married Ernie Jones, Lilly married John Fox and lives in the
family home, Jack became a Christian Brother.
No. 117: Philip Redmond worked as a linesman for C.I.E., he was
married to Kate Brennan. Philip and Kate had four children. Philip
(Jnr.) married May Purcell and was a bus driver in Dublin, Elsie
married Paddy Procter, she worked in the Boot Factory for some years
and lives on Staplestown Road. Noel still living here worked for
Texaco Oil Co. until his retirement last year. Willie married Peggy
Cooke and is now in New Zealand.
No. 118: Mrs. Mary Kelly and family were next. The children were:
Cissie who was a well known ballroom dancer, worked in Haddens as a
dressmaker, Lisha, Martin an ex-British soldier, worked in the Boot
Factory. Mary, Lizzie, Jim, Kathleen, Robert, Nora who spent many
years in London. Jack was a painter and decorator and married Mollie
McDarby and lived in St. Killian's Crescent.
No. 119: William Fleming married
Mary Kelly and they had six
children, Laura, Peg, Alice, John, Liam and Robert. Laura married
Davy Gough and moved to Dublin, John was a fitter in the Sugar
Factory and he lives here with his sister Peg. Alice married Bernie
Doyle from Muinebeag. Liam is married to Bridget Kavanagh and living
at Marlboro St., Graiguecullen. Robert married Peg Rice.
No. 120: John Moran and his sister Margaret (married to Jack
Connors from No. 126) and their families lived here.
No. 121: Ed (Ned) Quigley from No. 101 married
Annie McKenna from
Granby Row. They had ten children. Edmund a retired lieutenant col.
in the Curragh, Peggy married Leo Dalton. Ina married Ger Broughal.
She is I.C.A. President of Ireland this year. Stella is married to
Jackie Meade and living in Larkfield. Delma, married to Tom Byrne,
resides in Rathnapish. Seamus is manager of Philatelic Department of
the Post Office, Bray. Teresa, Kevin, Peter and Liam still living on
Staplestown Road.
No. 122: William and Winifred Moore. Winifred (nee Murray) came
from the Green Road. Josie married Thomas Galbally from New Gardens,
their son Bill now lives here. Josie is living at McGamhna Road.
Annie lives in Dublin.
No. 124: Elizabeth O'Keeffe from B arrack Street, married
George
Whittle who was in the British Army. The Whittle family moved here
from England about 1910. Elizabeth and George had one daughter
'Tory' who married Michael Walsh, a baker, and lives at St.
Killian's Crescent.
No. 124A: Mrs. Kate Coakley and family. Mary married Michael
Farrell and lives at J.K.L. Nellie married Harry Shaw and Cornelius
married Margaret Dwyer from Brewery Lane and they moved into No. 93.
No. 125: Samuel Carter born 1898 from Montgomery Street married
Bridget Nolan from Staplestown Road. Children: Daisy worked in the
Boot Factory and married Paddy Corcoran. Jack worked in the
gasworks, he later married and moved to England. Patrick was also in
the gasworks, he later worked in the Sugar Factory, Lily worked in
the Blade Factory before her marriage to Billy Kinsella from Granby
Row. Beatrice married Matt McLoughlin, she worked in the Boot
Factory, they now live in England. Peggy, Samuel (Jnr.) and William
also went to England.
No. 126: The Connors family were next. The children were Mag,
Ciss, Paddy, Joe (none of whom were married) and Bill, who worked in
the Boot Factory and married Ellen Hennessy. They lived in St.
Killian's Crescent and their son Joe works in St. Dympna's. Jack
married Margaret Moran from No. 120.
No. 127: Was a small shop owned by Mrs.
Brigid Smith in the '40's
and later by Teresa Hennessy.
No. 128: Mrs. Margaret Doyle dwelt here. She worked as a
seamstress in the Sacred Heart Home until her death in 1950. The
house is now occupied by her grandnephew, Terry Ryan and family.
No. 129: James 'Jelly' Monks married Mare Fenlon, and they had
five children. Jimmy, Willie, Mary married to Jim Payne, Nan
(Murray) living in Dublin, and Ger, a well known cyclist, married to
Kathleen Dwyer and living here.
No. 130: Next came Patrick Timmons from Bridewell Lane and his
wife Kathleen O'Keeffe from No. 19 Staplestown Road. Patrick worked
in the Sugar Factory and they had eight children. Mary (Finn) worked
in the Blade Factory. Josie worked in the Boot Factory for some time
and later married Willie Dunne, Tony and Paddy, both single, still
live here. Paddy is a fluent Irish speaker and caretaker in the
Irish National School. John spent some years in England, Jim is
married in England. Anne married T. Murphy and Richard married Mary
Scully and lives in Graiguecullen. He works in the Sugar Factory and
played for Eire Og at one time,
No. 131: Ellen Parr lived here. She was a lover of cats. Ellen
was a fluent Irish speaker and a member of Cumann na mBan, her
brother Frank lived in The Numbers, Graiguecullen.
No. 132: John and Margaret Duffy. Margaret nee Brady was from
Staplestown Road and John was from Enniskillen. Sons John and James
both worked in the Boot Factory at one time, John later worked in
the Sugar Factory. They are both single and reside here. Daughters
Kathleen, and May (Moran) who lives in Larkfield.
No. 133: William O'Brien and family were next, William's brother
James lived at No. 5. William married Mary Connors from Wexford and
their children were: Martin lived here up to recently and has now
moved to No. 114. Margaret married Paddy Hutton and resides in St.
Mary's Park. Cis married Jim McDarby, Lily, Jim, Bridget married
Michael Curran and moved to St. Killian's Crescent, Anne, Sadie,
Allied married J. Fitzpatrick, Kate, Paddy married Annie Berry.
No. 134A: Agnes and Thomas Roche. Agnes
(nee Kelly) was from
Dublin St., where her family had a printing business. Thomas, a
carpenter, was originally from Tralee., they had six children.
Madeline married Paddy Prendergast and lives in Dublin, Annie
(Duval) lives in England. Kathleen (Kitty) married Denis O'Keeffe,
No. 19 Staplestown Road and they also went to England. Agnes married
Willie Donoghue from Graiguecullen. George married Mary Curten from
Cork and lived on Staplestown Road. Thomas married Annie Watchorn
and moved to 27, Pollerton Road.
No. 134B: Mary Ann Moran, widow, had two sons Jack and Tom. She
married Michael Moran, a cobbler from Harrow Cross, Leighlinbridge
whose cousin Cardinal Moran was the first Cardinal of Australia.
Tom, a great handballer, saw active service in World War 1, he later
worked for Guinness in Dublin. Michael Moran had daughters Sarah,
who went to America, Mary to England. Annie married John Brady from
Staplestown Road and son Matthew who married Julia Keogh from
Bestfield.
No. 135: Edward (Ed) Brennan and
*Sarah Brennan were next. Sarah was well known
for her cure for whooping cough. Their children were Thomas, Seamus,
Paddy and Edward, all single. Thomas and Paddy worked in the Boot
Factory. Nancy married John Campion, Pollerton Road, Bill married
Jean Piggott, Mollie married Dinny Hyland, Graiguecullen, Joseph
'Juggers' married Una Scully from College Street. Christy married
Bridget Byrne and lived in Sleaty. John, single, worked in Doyles of
the Shamrock. (*Sarah Brennan was
my 3rd Cousin).
No. 136: Thomas Tudley' McEvoy ran a boarding house, and the
charge was 4d a night. A son, Maurice, has a farm in Laois.
No. 137: Joseph Corcoran from the Youth Centre Lane worked in
Thompsons, his wife Ellen Hogan was from Graiguecullen. Son Paddy
emigrated to England and daughter Nellie married Paddy Murphy
(brother of Tommy Murphy) and lived in Knockbeg.
No. 138: Richard Wall from Shillelagh married
Margaret Desmond
from Green Lane. Richard was in the British Army for some time, he
was among the first to bring beet by horse and cart to the Sugar
Factory when it opened. Daughter Nan (Ryan) lives at Maher Road,
Graiguecullen.
No. 139: Patrick Byrne and his wife
Nan (Lynch) were next.
Patrick was in the British Army before he joined the Sugar Factory.
The family later went to live in Manchester.
