TAGHMON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

- Recording the history of the parish -

Journal No. 3 1999 Affiliated to the Federation of Local History Societies

Editor: Tom Williams All articles in this journal are the copyright of the authors and may not be reproduced in any form without their written permission.

Correspondence or articles for publication in the next edition of the journal should be addressed to either of the following:

Tom Williams, Editor, Park House, Wexford.

Maria Colfer, The Rose, Camross, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford.

COVER

St. Fintan's Cross was drawn by Joseph Hunt, Tramore, Co. Waterford

PREFACE

President Mary McAleese, at the inauguration of the Messines Peace Tower in Belgium in 1998, illustrated and emphasised the growing maturity in historical outlook that has taken place in recent times in this country. Hitherto contentious issues, such as the motives of those from this country who joined up to fight in The Great War can now be discussed and written about with a better understanding of the state of mind of those who volunteered to fight. The President quoted the words of Sean Lemass during her speech -
'In later years it was common - and I was also guilty in this respect - to question the motives of those who joined the new British armies at the outbreak of the war, but it must in their honour and in fairness to their memory, be said, that they were motivated by the highest purpose.'

In this respect, Seamus and Joe Seery have contributed a significant article to this Journal. It lists in great detail the casualties in the First World War from County Wexford, with special biographical notes on those from the Taghmon area. We believe that this is the first time that these details have been listed in a local publication. The task of collecting the names and details entailed many hours of research in The Gilbert Library, Dublin and in Wexford County Library. It was onerous work and we owe Seamus and Joe a debt of gratitude. The article outlines the local attitudes to the war and gives a flavour to the perspective in the county during the years of this 'the war to end all wars'. We feel sure that the fruits of this valuable research will be used by Wexford historians over many generations in the future.

A note of appreciation is also due to the following: the paid up members of the society whose continuing support ensures that the society's finances are in good order; Celestine Rafferty, Michael Demspey and Jarleth Glynn, of the County Library, for their courtesy and support; Maria Colfer, for her secretarial prowess and her organisation of the Launch Sub-committee; Marie Williams for her painstaking proof reading; the Crandonnell Lodge for placing a meeting room at our disposal; the committee for its dedication, and lastly, the contributors whose analysis and perusal of historical matters continues to ensure that our journal appeals to all those who have an interest in history and culture. Tom Williams

TAGHMON HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN: Tom Williams
VICE CHAIRMAN: Brendan Hamilton
SECRETARY: Maria Colfer
JOINT TREASURERS: Seamus Seery & Margaret Cudmore
PRO: Jackie Handcock
JOURNAL EDITOR: Tom Williams
COUNCIL: Michael Doyle; Nuala Carroll; Rita Curtis; Margaret O'Gorman; Paddy O'Reilly; Rufina Walsh; Leo Jones

CONTENTS

Mounteen Ard
John Brennan - The Forgotten Rebel from Castlehayestown, Billy Sweetman
Daniel Cullimore (1804-1889), Rita Curtis
'When Moore Soared in the Sky', Nuala Carroll & Des Waters
Jacob Poole of Growtown - and the Yola dialect, Gearoid O'Broin
Accused of Being a Fenian, Hilary Murphy
World War 1 - The Wexford Casualties, Seamus Seery & Joe Seery
A Fairday at Taghmon -A Social Comment, Bill Layne
Reviving and Fostering Gaelic Games - Part 11 (1915-1927), Paddy O'Reilly
Schools - Then and Now (Part 11) - (Traceystown), Margaret O'Gorman & Maria Colfer
The Cullimore Bequest, Rita Curtis

MOUNTEEN ARD

(This little poem was written by Mike Martin of Taghmon in 1912.(see article in this journal, World War 1- the Wexford Casualties). For many years Mike was the Taghmon and district correspondence for 'The People' newspaper. Mounteen Ard is a hill between Taghmon and Brownscastle. It extends east and west from Forest to Clohultagh and commands a picturesque view for miles around.)

Good evening Tim mo Bhuachaill, you're reclining at your ease,
I'm going to take my evening stroll, come with me if you please,
The lovely scenes of nature shall banish all dull care,
And there's nought can cheer your spirits like the bracing mountain air.
Come trip along quite leisurely, the evening's our own,
The small birds all have ceased to sing and to their shelter flown,
The walk is scarcely half a mile, but miles we don't regard,
As we shall sit and chat a while on the top of Mounteen Ard.

Now cousin Tim, just take a look directly to the west,
You'll there behold those verdant hills in nature's mantle dressed,
A pleasing panorama of mountains, sea and sky.
With Slieve Coillte in the distance and Camross looming nigh,
There's the hill of Carrigbyrne, with gorse and heather crowned.
Where rabbits in abundance are delightfully found,
There never-ending beauty spots you're patience to reward,
While you inhale the freshening gale on the top of Mounteen Ard.

Just take a glance unto your left along the verdant lee,
Where the clear and peaceful streamlets murmur gently to the sea,
Down through Bargy's flowery lands their waters calmly glide,
Until they reach old Bannow 's Bay to mingle with the tide.
You've a charming view of Harveystown with Harpurstown between,
And the fruitful lands around Aughfad composed of pastures green,
With Newtown on the other side a peaceful, smiling vale,
Bounded by the great Coolcull and lovely Ballingale.

We've feasted well our senses, on those scenes to south and west,
The fertile lands, the purling streams and rugged mountain crest,
The happy homesteads dotted o'er this pleasing broad domain,
With meadows strewn with new mown hay and fields of ripening grain.
The evening shadows gather around, the village clock strikes eight,
The curlew gives us warning to seek a safe retreat,
We'll hasten to our quarters, as we mean our health to guard,
As Autumn wind blows keen and cool on the top of Mounteen Ard.