Stephen Nolan lived at Staplestown,
Ballinacarrig, near Carlow town. He worked for many years as a
storekeeper at Carlow Lunatic Asylum. His talent as a
photographer was recognised during his lifetime. The Nationalist
and Leinster Times of 2 January 1909 reports that Nolan has
added to his list of previous successes by securing a
certificate of merit at the Industrial Exhibition held in
connection with Wexford Feis in June 1908. The report also
states that many of Nolan’s photographs have appeared in the
magazine columns of the Independent and that he had previously
secured a prize at an international competition at Ilford,
England.
Stephen Nolan died on 30 April 1939 and was
survived by his wife and daughter. "The Nationalist and Leinster
Times" published an extensive obituary on 6 May 1939. Extracts
from it are given here:
‘Deceased was a man of most attractive
personality. Geniality and kindness were part of his being. He
was self-educated, and in his younger years he was a voracious
reader which helped to him to acquire a rare literary taste,
which was reflected in his splendid collection of books.
Deceased was an ardent Nationalist throughout
his career and remained faithful to the old Irish Parliamentary
system to the end. He gave practical support to the Gaelic
League when voluntary help was essential and he devoted a great
deal of his time to the movement for the establishment of Irish
industries.
The late Mr. Nolan had many hobbies. He was an
excellent exponent of ornamental leather and wood-work which he
practised in his spare moments. His artistic taste found scope
in the many splendid specimens of photography from his skilful
hands and which would do credit to a professional photographer.’
Source: Michael Purcell and
The Carlow Library
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