O Ireland, isn't it grand you look -- Like a bride in her rich adornin'? And with all the pent-up love of my heart I bid you the top o' the mornin'! -- John Locke, "The Exile's Return"

HUNGRY GRASS Crossing the shallow holdings high above sea Where few birds nest, the luckless foot may pass >From the bright safety of experience Into the terror of the hungry grass. Here in a year when poison from the air First withered in despair the growth of spring Some skull-faced wretch whom nettle could not save Crept on four bones to his last scattering; Crept, and the shrivelled heart which drove his thought Towards platters brought in hospitality Burst as the wizened eyes measured the miles Like dizzy walls forbidding him the city. Little the earth reclaimed from that poor body; But yet, remembering him, the place has grown Bewitched, and the thin grass he nourishes Racks with his famine, sucks marrow from the bone. -- Donagh MacDonagh (1912-1968)

I just had a great thought. If anyone has items that you have ordered that are not the people you are looking for, and you can find no one to claim them, they would be great to be placed in a column in The Irish Everywhere Newsletter. You can either keep them in your possession and list them with me and they'll go into the newsletter. Then someone who recognizes the information could claim them from you, so your contact would be included in the newsletter..... or we can put in a blind ad without your email address and I can put you in touch with them. Let me know your thoughts. For those of you who did not receive The Irish Everywhere Newsletter, I have received some wonderful feedback from subscribers. I'm very pleased with the first issue and thrilled to hear the nice things that subscribers have told me. Notes from subscribers will be included in the next issue under Letters to the Editor. Denise Wells List-Owner, IRL-Cavan-L Editor, The Irish Everywhere Newsletter - subscribe at the County Cavan website... http://www.irelandgenweb.com/~cavan/cavan.html

We are taking our 16 year old grandson to Boston the end of the month. He has never been out of the South. Can anyone recommend an Irish pub where we can take this lad? Thanks for your help and please contact me off-line. Janice

> Can SKS refer me to the correct message board for traveling in Ireland? I > checked RootWeb.com but couldn't find any among the mailing lists? > > Rootsweb is for genealogy search. Nothing about travel as far as I know. But maybe someone on this list will answer you personally.

Looking for anyone with information related to the surname MILLEA. My ancestor was Bridget Millea born in Waterford Ireland in 1872 to James and Ellen (maiden name Walsh). She also had a sister named Mary Ellen. Thanks.

Can SKS refer me to the correct message board for traveling in Ireland? I checked RootWeb.com but couldn't find any among the mailing lists? Thanks. Nora

CALLED I went to find the grave of my grandmother who died before my time. And hers. I searched among marsh grass and granite and single headstones and smashed lettering and archangel wings and found none. For once, I said, I will face this landscape and look at it as she was looked upon: Unloved because unknown. Unknown because unnamed: Glass Pistol Castle disappeared. Baltray and then Clogher Head. To the west the estuary of the Boyne -- stripped of its battles and history -- became only willow trees and distances. I drove back in the half-light of late summer on anonymous roads on my journey home as the constellations rose overhead, some of them twisted into women: pinioned and winged and single-handedly holding high the dome and curve and horizon of today and tomorrow. All the ships looking up to them. All the compasses made true by them. All the night skies named for their sorrow. -- Ms. Eavan Boland (born Dublin 1944)

LOVE OF THE HORSE With narrowed eyes they judged the field He informed, the Grey's sire, was a great mover. She remarked, The Chestnut's dam had a sweet mouth. Red, yellow, blue, racing silks of every hue, rippled in the sunlight across the flickering screen. Around the room lay tarnished trophies. Walls, a mosaic of photographs of mares and foals. Room corners holding drifts of magazines and books, listing bloodlines. Stating what sires were standing where, and for how much. The crumbling mansion, revealing that for long years past, every spare hundred was spent on Chestnuts, Greys, Roans, Bays, and they regretted not one penny. -- Barbara Diamond, "The Leitrim Guardian"

Snippet that might be of interest to someone -- Per Edna O'Brien's book, "Mother Ireland," pub. 1976: "The tinker tribes are the Claffeys, the Sherlocks, the Driscolls, the Caseys, the Carthys, the Coffeys and the McQueens. They meet once a year at Killorglin in Co. Kerry for the Puck Fair."

"THE QUEEN OF CONNEMARA" -- Francis A. Fahy Oh! My boat can safely float in the teeth of wind and weather, And outrace the fastest hooker between Galway and Kinsale; When the black floor of the ocean and the white foam rush together, High she rides, in her pride, like a sea-gull through the gale. Oh, she's neat! Oh, she's sweet! She's a beauty in ev'ry line! The Queen of Connemara is that bounding barque of mine. When she's loaded down with fish till the water lips the gunwale, Not a drop she'll take on board her that would wash a fly away; >From the fleet she'll slip out swiftly like a greyhound from her kennel, And she'll land her silver store the first at ould Kinvara quay. There's a light shines out afar, and it keeps me from dismaying When the skies are ink above us and the sea runs white with foam, In a cot in Connemara there's a wife and wee one praying To the One Who walked the waters once, to send us safely home. Cruinniu NA mBAD (The Gathering of the Boats) - a modern-day festival which recreates an age-old tradition of ferrying turf (peat) in the Connemara area of Co. Galway in the west of Ireland. Per stories by Galway storyteller, Tom Halloran from Clarinbridge as told to Charlie Piggott in the latter's story in July-Aug 1988 issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes" - in days gone by the harbours and inlets of Galway Bay were alive with traditional sailing boats going about their daily business of plying fuel and net fishing for herring. The traditional household fuel in the west of Ireland is turf (peat) which is a surface sediment of twigs and leaves deposited a few thousands years ago by post ice-age Ireland forests and compressed over the centuries. Transportation of turf from the bogs to outlying villages was one of the main functions of the traditional boats. Because few roads existed around the bay up to 75 years ago, the only means of communication and transportation was b! y the sea. A sailing vessel evolved in Galway over the centuries to withstand the harsh conditions existing on the west coast of Ireland called the Galway Hooker. Built with incredible strength and buoyancy, they were built by just a few families, among them the Caseys, Clohertys and Mulkerrins of Mweenish, and the Brannellys and Keanes of Kinvara, and this knowlege of building was passed down to each generation within these families. The hooker has been described as "a boat of local design, solid, cow-like with brown sails, a strong, safe fish-and-cargo vessel of the days before there were engines, with which to negotiate the coasts and sounds and islands." A hooker design existed in the U. S. called the "Boston Hooker," but appears to have been introduced by Galway emigrants in the 1850s. The hookers are locally subdivided into several classes: Bad Mor (big boat), Leath Bhad (half boat), Gleoiteog and Pucan. Due to the sudden upsurge of mechanisation, these handsome vessels almost became extinct. From well over 200 boats documented to be fishing out of the Claddagh village alone in the 1850s, just a handful were in existence by the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of people like John Healion and Bill Crampton, and others, many discarded older boats were reconstructed to their former glory and several new vessels were also built. The Galway Hooker Association was founded in 1978. An annual festival is now held in Kinvara harbour on the southern shores of Galway Bay. Kinvara has many maritime associations - the Vikings landed in the 10th century and the brandy-smuggling de Lemaines were very active in rigged schooners in the 18th century. The festival was the brainchild of Anthony Moylan, a hooker owner from Kinvara, whose idea it was to recreate the turf-ferrying spectacle of older days and for racing. Besides the hooker class, visitors observe an assortment of other sea-going vessels such as yachts, curraghs (canvas canoes), flat-bottoms, trawlers and work-boats of various types. One unusual sight is the climin race. A climin is a mass of seaweed weighing several tons which has been hand-cut and bound with ropes; floating on the water surface, not unlike an iceberg, it is propelled forward with long poles by two competitors standing on each climin. The festival has a variety of other events including "sean-nois" singing, traditional music, photographic and craft exhibitions, horse-shoe throwing and tug-of-war competitions. Sean-nois is Gaelic for "old-style," and this ancient form of unaccompanied singing is an integral part of the daily life of the "badoiri" or boatmen. They can be heard singing in ! Gaelic, as this is still the everyday language in the west of Galway, and the characteristic broad sounds of the language can be heard on the waterfront and in the drinking houses.

I have tried both of the web sites listed in your "Irish Family History on the Web" and both come us with the "no site found on web" or similar statement. I really was interested in purchasing their book. Any suggestions? Please let me know how to handle at havensheaven@AOL.com. Marie Havens

http://www.rootsweb.com/~irish/igsi_published/misc/execute.htm?sourceid=00224688806391270835 IGSI - Executions Executions of Irish in England from 1606 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can't find your esteemed ancestors in Ireland? Maybe they weren't so esteemed after all. Check out this list of Irish who were executed by the English government in London for various crimes. The following list is extracted from the Internet extraction of the publication 'Haydn's Dictionary of Dates' published in London in 1895. The name's are as published, with forenames where found. The date is in reference to the day of execution. A reason for execution is noted if known and the last place of reference is the place of the trial. Also noted are the names of the victims, where known. In The reign of Henry VIII. (38 Years) It is said that no less a number than 72,000 criminals were executed. In the ten years between 1820 and 1830, there were executed in England alone 797 criminals.The place of execution in London (formerly generally at Tyburn) was in front of Newgate from 1783 to 1868, when an act was passed directing executions to take place within the walls of the prisons. The dissection of the bodies of the executed persons was abolished in 1832. Name Date, Reason, Place of Trial DIGBY, R 1606, 30 Jan Gunpowder plot conspirators, executed in WINTER, 1606 30 Jan London on this date. GRANT, 1606 30 Jan BATES, 1606 30 Jan WINTER, T 1606 31 Jan ROOKWOOD, 1606 31 Jan KEYS, 1606 31 Jan FAWKES 1606 31 Jan GARNETT, Henry 1606 03 May Jesuit KIDD, Capt William 1701 23 May And three others, for piracy M`NAUGHTEN, John Esq 1761 13 Dec Murder of Miss KNOX; MURPHY, Christian 1789 18 Mar * (or BOWMAN) A woman; Strangled and burnt for coining CROSBIE, Sir Edward 1798 04 Jun High treason; Ireland SHEARES, Messrs 1799 12 Jul High treason; Dublin CRAWLEY, Mr 1802 10 Mar Murder of two females; Dublin EMMETT, Robert 1803 20 Sep High treason; Dublin HAGGERTY, Owen 1807 23 Feb CAMPBELL, Major 1808 02 Oct Murder of Capt. BOYD in a duel; Armagh TUITE, Francis 1813 09 Oct Murder of Mr. GOULDI SCANLAN, John Esq 1820 16 Mar Murder of ELLEN HANLEY; Limerick BURKE, William 1829 28 Jan Murderer (BURKE & HARE); Edinburgh DELAHUNT, John 1842 05 Feb Murder of THOMAS MAGUIRE; Dublin CONNOR, Joseph 1845 02 Jun Murder of MARY BROTHERS; old bailey MANNING,George & Maria 1849 13 Nov Murder of O'CONNOR; Horsemonger-lane GRANT 1854 09 Apr Murder of THOMAS BATESON; Monaghan QUIN 1854 09 Apr Murder of THOMAS BATESON; Monaghan COOMEY 1854 09 Apr Murder of THOMAS BATESON; Monaghan DELANE, Dennis 1863 13 Apr Hired BECKHAM & WALSH to murder his landlord, F.FITZGERALD HOPE, William 1863 15 Apr Violation and murder of MARY CORBETT; Hereford KELLY, Joseph 1863 11 Aug Murder of FITZHENRY, a schoolmaster; Wexford THOMAS, ALVAREZ, HUGHES and O'BRIEN 1863 11 Sep Ferocious murderers; Liverpool CURRIE, John 1865 12 Oct Murder of Major DE VERE; Maidstone LARKIN, Michael 1867 23 Nov Murder of BRETT, a policeman; Salford FENIANS, 1867 23 Nov Murder of BRETT, a policeman; Salford FAHERTY, Timothy 1868 04 Apr Murder of his sweetheart, MARY HANMER, (for rejecting him); Manchester O'FARRELL 1868 21 Apr For attempting to assassinate the DUKE OF EDINBURGH; Sydney, N.S.Wales FENIAN, Michael Barrett 1868 26 May For Clerkenwell explosion. The LAST public execution in England; Old bailey WELLS, Thomas 1868 13 Aug Murder of Mr. WALSH, stationmaster at Dover. 1st private execution. CORRIGAN, Thomas 1874 05 Jan Murder of mother; Liverpool BAILEY, Edwin 1874 12 Jan Murder of child; Gloucester BARRY, Ann 1874 12 Jan Murder of child; Gloucester FLANIGAN, Henry 1874 31 Aug Murder of aunt WILLIAMS, Mary 1874 31 Aug Murder of NICHOLAS MANNING; Liverpool MULLEN, Michael 1875 04 Jan Murder ? ; Liverpool McCRAVE, John 1875 04 Jan Murder ? ; Liverpool CORKERY, Jeremiah 1875 27 Jul Murder of policeman; Warwick McHUGH, ? 1875 02 Aug Murder; Durham GILLINGHAM, ? 1875 02 Aug Murder; Durham BAUMBOS, C.E. 1876 25 Aug Mutineer; Cork CROWE, ? 1876 25 Aug Mutineer; Cork O'DONNELL, Charles 1876 11 Dec Murder of wife; Newgate Manchester McGOVERN, Patrick 1877 21 Aug Murder; Liverpool BYRNE, Patrick John 1878 12 Nov Murder of two brother sergeants; Northampton McGOWAN, James 1878 19 Nov Murder of wife; Manchester McGUINESS, William 1879 11 Feb Murder of wife; Lancaster DILLEY, James 1879 25 Aug Murder of illegitimate child; Newgate CASSIDY, William 1880 17 Feb Murder of wife; Manchester BURNS, Hugh 1880 02 Mar Murder of PATRICK TRACEY at Widnes; Liverpool KEARNS, Patrick 1880 02 Mar Murder of PATRICK TRACEY at Widnes; Liverpool MOORE, Albert 1881 17 May Murder of of an old woman; Maidstone MULLARKEY, Bernard 1882 04 Dec Murder of THOMAS CRUISE; Liverpool CAREY, Patrick 1883 08 May Murder of THOMAS EASTHAM and MARY WHITE, Chester RILEY, Thomas 1883 26 Nov Murder of ELIZABETHH ALSTON; Manchester DUTTON, Henry 1883 03 Dec Murder of HANNAH HENSHAW; Liverpool O'DONNELL, Patrick 1883 17 Dec Murder of JAMES CAREY, the informer; Newgate CASSIDY, Peter 1884 19 Aug Murder of wife; Liverpool MINAHAN, Daniel 1885 07 Dec Murder of wife; Newgate WHELAN, James 1886 31 May For murder; Winchester MURPHY, James 1886 29 Nov Poacher, Murder; York CARROLL, Thomas William 1887 18 Apr Murder of LYDIA GREEN; Newgate DELANEY, Arthur T. 1888 10 Aug Murder of wife; Derby CONWAY, John 1891 20 Aug Murder of NICHOLAS MARTIN,a youth;Liverpool NEILL, Thomas 1892 15 Nov Murder; Newgate EDWARDS, Thomas 1892 22 Dec Murder of MARY CONOLLY; Usk MANNING, Albert 1893 16 Mar Murder of JANE E.FLEW; Gloucester

My ancestors were married in the Prish Church of St Paul in the City of Dublin in 1851. She was a Catholic but he was Church of Ireland. The certificate says they were married in the Parish church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the United Church of England and Ireland after Banns by me J W Stevenson. Can anyone tell me if this was the Catholic st Paul's or the Anglican St Paul's. I know there were two at the time. Thanks. Allyson Jardine, Dumfries

TO THE FOUR COURTS, PLEASE The driver rubbed at his nettly chin With a huge loose forefinger, crooked and black; And his wobbly violet lips sucked in, And puffed out again and hung down slack: A black fang shone through his lop-sided smile, In his little pouched eye flickered years of guile. And the horse, poor beast! It was ribbed and forked; And its ears hung down, and its eyes were old; And its knees were knuckly; and, as we talked, It swung the stiff neck that could scarcely hold Its big skinny head up -- then I stepped in, And the driver climbed to his seat with a grin. God help the horse, and the driver too! And the people and beasts who have never a friend! For the driver easily might have been you, And the horse be me by a different end! And nobody knows how their days will cease! And the poor, when they're old, have little of peace! -- James Stephens (1882-1950)

AFTER FIVE YEARS Pulling up in my car, I went into the cottage, wearing a tie. They didn't recognise me until I took off my sportscoat. Well I knew the walls and what they contained. I could account for the crack in the cup I drank from. I could hear their voice from a distance, knowing its nearness; hardly a word new, hardly a smile that wasn't a clue to another. And when they handed me the fiddle, I played the tune they taught me, although the time was off; the three brothers from the hill came in to make me more at home. The strange cat on the range was the only sign that I had been away. He was offspring of in the generation in between. -- Augustus Young (born 1943)

A REFORMER TO HIS FATHER We shared not one idea in thirty years Of occasional bicker and chat. One night of loud Useless argument, unique and useless tears Of mine surprised us. We paused, astute and proud, Unreconciled. I think I had stopped hearing Your words, and heard around me the rest, Unknown, remote and thought I was comparing The sound of your worse with their best. Subservient to love I bent my head Stiffly. You laughed; nervous, elated, and laid Nicotined fingers lightly on and said Nothing. Never again, and now you are dead; And still I labour to build a country fit For heroes, knowing you'd want no part of it. -- James Simmons (born 1933)

This appeared on another list, but it is too good not to pass on --- proving, once again, it is hard to "dampen" Irish enthusiasm! > Thanks to the Genealogical Society of Ireland <GenSocIreland@iol.ie> for > this news item: > > > HEAVY RAIN FAILS TO SPOIL THE PARADE > > Ireland's only Fourth of July Parade went ahead on Thursday evening in Dún > Laoghaire despite calls for its cancellation due to the terrible weather > conditions. Bands, marching groups and floats headed by the Irish Air Corps > Pipe Band and a Colour Party drawn from the Irish Army Reserve battled > through sometimes heavy downpours to march the full length of the Parade > route through the Town of Dún Laoghaire. > > The Town's dignitaries too braved the rain with Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Betty > Coffey, MCC insisting to complete the entire route on foot from the "Top Hat > Corner" through the Town centre, down on to the seafront and up Marine Road > where she and the other digitaries, including Cllr. Gary Jones, Deputy Mayor > of Holyhead; Cllr. Dónal Marren, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire > Rathdown County Council; Mr. Hilary Hayden, President of the Dún Laoghaire > Rathdown Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Jeff Evans, Welsh Joint Chairperson of the > Holyhead Dún Laoghaire Link Organisation; Mr. Seán Kane, FGSI, President of > the Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association; Mr. Dónal O'Neill, > Blackrock Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Logan Raju, Mayor of Blackrock and Mr. > Breasal Ó Caollaí, Secretary of Dún Laoghaire Business Association and Irish > Joint Chairman of the Holyhead Dún Laoghaire Link Organisation reviewed the > Parade. > > Walking with An Cathaoirleach this year was the "Grand Marshal of Dublin's > Riviera" Fr. Seán Cassidy, CC, who received a civic recognition award in > recognition of services to the community at the Civic Reception held in the > County Hall on Wednesday attended by the American Ambassador, Mr. Richard > Egan. Fr. Seán, in true style, donned the formal attire of an early 19th > century priest - dress coat, high stiff collar and top hat. > > Marshalling nearly five hundred participants was a mammoth task undertaken > with great efficiency by Mr. James McSharry and his team from Ógra Fianna > Fáil who, regardless of the appalling conditions, managed to get the Parade > underway with only a nine minute delay. All along the route of over a mile > An Gárda Síochána were assisted by the parade stewards drawn from the newly > formed Dún Laoghaire Town FC who became Dublin's Riviera "Blue Caps" under > the direction of the joint Captains, Ian Kane and Abraham Wahid. This > football club brings together local lads and the "New Irish" from the > immigrant communities in the Town of Dún Laoghaire, indeed, of the thirty > "Blue Caps" assisting An Gárda Síochána about half were girls and boys from > the local hostel. The young "Blue Caps" were delighted to see many of the > dignitaries in the Parade also sporting their distinctive Dublin's Riviera > "Blue Caps". > > Though for parts of the length of the parade route the numbers of spectators > was disappointing, this soon changed with crowds four deep at the Dún > Laoghaire Shopping Centre and on the Pavilion Complex promenade. Good humour > and a joyful disregard for the weather was the order of the day with the > very young and extremely enthusiastic Red Rosettes II Majorettes from > Loughlinstown giving encouragement to all as the danced in the rain to the > tunes of the Tallaght Youth Band. The multicultural flavour of the event > was highlighted by the Éigse Laoghaire group with over twenty different > nationalities represented in this colourful "Rio" style marching group led > by the well known local artist Veronica Heywood and her dog "Domi". Waving > flags and banners of many colours to signify unity in diversity this group > kept in tune with the very professional Clondalkin Youth Band leading this > section of the parade. > > The County Council provided the ever popular "Thomas the Tank Engine" which > was filled to capacity with possibly the youngest and bravest of our > participants who shrugged of the wet conditions to simply enjoy the occasion > as did the young members of the Dramtech Group who marched hand in hand > taking in the atmosphere of a great occasion for all participants. A clown, > "Stilt Man" and "Batman" moved through the groups entertaining all, > sometimes chasing two "escaped convicts" in white overalls and chains. The > real American flavour was supplied by the folks of the GTI Café Bistro as > "Uncle Sam", a very large "Chicken" and a very popular "Cheer Leader" who > kept the sometimes sparse crowds in the party mood. > > Cathy O'Brien and Fran Jenkins of the Dún Laoghaire International Horse > Committee had a float packed with cheer leaders advertising the upcoming > Horse Show on the August Bank Holiday. > > It was certainly the day for the motor enthusiast with many vintage and > veteran cars, classic American automobiles and the roar of the "hogs" or > Harley Davidson Bikers all providing a unique display in the Town. Mr. Rónán > Walsh of the Royal Marine Hotel provided refreshments at the end of the > Parade for the drivers of the cars and bikes who lined-up to exhibit their > vehicles in the Hotel carpark. > > The depth of the link between Ireland and USA was certainly evident on > September 11th last with the loss of so many Irish Americans, many hundreds > in the NYPD and New York City Fire Department and Thursday's event reflected > this link though the participation of the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band and > a Fire Tender in the Parade. > > The Army Reserve, formerly known as the FCA, had a contingent of troops > participating in their new uniforms for the first time on parade in Dún > Laoghaire under the direction of Comdts. Byrne and Holahan. Indeed, another > first for Dún Laoghaire was the appearance of the Irish Prison Service Pipe > Band in our Fourth of July Parade, joining the other bands each leading a > section of the Parade which stretched the entire length of George's Street - > Dún Laoghaire's main street. > > At the end of the Parade all the participants were treated to refreshments > in the Dominican Convent School and the Dún Laoghaire Club supplied by Coca > Cola Ireland, Weirs, Dunphy's, Costello Flowers & Jewellers, McDonald's and > the Miami Café . The task of feeding this multitude was made all the easier > by volunteers under the direction of Margaret Browne in the Convent and Lori > Kelly in the Club. > > Started in 1997 and lapsed since 1999 due to roadworks in the Town Centre - > Ireland's only Fourth of July Parade is most certainly back on the road as > an annual event in Dún Laoghaire on Dublin's Riviera. Next year the > organisers hope to hold the Parade in the Summer!!!! > > > > >

FYI -- Per July-August 2002 issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes," the five-member Tom & Lily Murtagh family have converted an original stone cottage to serve as the venue for some activities in which visitors can participate in, in a program which runs from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday from May to September. Activities directed by five members of the Murtagh family include brown bread making (participants donning aprons), bodhran and set dancing lessons (slow and fast), a tractor ride down to the bog with an informative talk about how the bog was formed, its role in Irish life down through the ages, and unusual plants found on the ancient landscape are pointed out. You also have a chance to go turf-cutting! After a treat of scones, the group is taken out to watch "Chip" the sheepdog and her young pups expertly guide sheep to the corner of the field, responding to whistled commands. Visitors are then introduced to the age-old sport of hurling, by Eoin Carto! n, the son-in-law, who encourages the more energetic to learn a few key skills. Another outdoor activity is "sugan" rope making with a tug-of-war held at the end to verify which rope is the strongest! The evening draws to a close with a delicious hearty meal served up by the family and a traditional Irish ceili, where local musicians arrive in a group and play music and you are encouraged to join in. The Murtagh Family Causey Farm, Girley, Fordstown, Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: +353 46 34135 info@causeyexperience.com Website: www.causeyexperience.com

This was transcribed and posted to the Brooklyn, New York list but thought it such a sad and touching tale that I had to share. Margaret BROOKLYN UNION ARGUS Monday, 24 September 1877 LONG WATCH ENDED Death of the Twelve o'Clock Man - A History of His Curious Hallucination The poor, demented Twelve o'Clock Man who for so many years haunted City Hall died yesterday in the home of his sister in Warren street, near Washington avenue. His name was Thomas CONNORS. He was born in Westmeath County, Ireland, about fifty years ago, and came to this country in his early boyhood. About ten years ago he was first noticed clinging to the iron railing in front of City Hall at noon, intently watching the face of the great clock in the tower. He was dressed very shabbily, and a black, stubby beard covered his face. He spoke to no one, and refused always to answer any person who spoke to him. As soon as the bell began to strike twelve, he habitually drew himself up to his full height, standing on the stone base of the iron fence, clinging to the rail and throwing his body back as far as his arms would permit, he would remain motionless until the last stroke of the bell ceased to echo, and then stepping down he would shamble off with a sad expression of face, as though disappointed at not meeting some one he had expected to come. He repeated this day after day, in all kinds of weather and soon earned the title of the "Twelve o'Clock Man." He was one of the curiosities of Brooklyn in the first years that he began to visit the hall, but as time passed he received just no more than a sympathetic glance from those who passed him. The small boys who at first annoyed him ceased their jibes on finding that he did not grow angry or in any way show resentment. He went to his post daily, walking with his head down, his body bent forward, his hands thrust into his pantaloon pockets, and his feet dragging heavily along. The expression of sad anxiety onhis face was one rarely seen outside the walls of an asylum for the insane. The lines of his face indicated acute mental suffering, and his manner was that of a man crushed by the weight of sorrow. CONCERNING HIS HISTORY nothing could be learned from CONNORS himself, but a story gained credence that he had been induced to loan $4,000 to a lawyer, who promised to meet him the next day at City Hall at noon, and pay him back his money. CONNORS, it was said, was then sane, but the disappointment turned his brain, and he came each day vainly expecting to meet his debtor and receive his money. Investigation showed that he was never the owner of so large a sum as $4,000, and that he had been a weak-minded Irish boy, whose brain was turned when he reached manhood with the hallucination that a man was to meet him at twelve o'clock at City Hall and pay him money. He was followed one day and traced to a small house in a sparsely settled part of the city, known as Darby's Paten, where he lived with his sister who raised pigs, geese and goats for a living. COONORS earned a little money now and then by sawing wood, putting in coal and doing light chores, but he could never be induced to do any work until after he had been to the Hall and heard the clock strike twelve. He was as uncommunicative to his sister about his troubles as to every one else, and when she tried to talk him out of his apparent belief, he always answered: "He told me to come at twelve o'clock and he said he'd be there." After some time he changed his position going nearer to the City Hall, and at length he was to be found every day leaning against one of the great marble pillars in the portico. He was known to all the officials of the city for the last ten years. Frequently the politicians offered him money, but he uniformly declined to accept charity. He was never known to take alms from anyone. Keeper Patrick TORMEY was more familiar with him than any one else around the City Hall. One Sunday when COONORS came to the Hall Mr. TORMEY told him that no one would be there that day, and CONNORS said: "Yes, but he told me to come at twelve o'clock." Again, when TORMEY passed one chilly morning he said: "Tom, it's cold." "Yes," said CONNORS, "it's cold," drawing his shoulders up and pulling a threadbare coat closer to him. He seemed uneasy when spoken to, but as he never caused any disturbance he was permitted for ten years to follow out his hallucination. CONNORS WAS MISSED from his accustomed haunt about three years ago, and his obituary was published at length in the newspapers, but a few days afterward he turned up again to hear the bell strike twelve. He had been ill, and he hurried back to his post so soon that he had a relapse and missed many more days of watching. From that time his health steadily declined. He grew rapidly feebler and more emaciated during the past years. Constant exposure gave him rheumatic pains and he climbed the steps of the Hall with difficulty. He face bore a sadder expression in the last days when he was seen about the Hall, and he seemed as he went away about to burst into tears. Five weeks ago he was missed again from his accustomed place, and he lay sick in his sister's home until he died yesterday morning, at 7 o'clock, without the attendance of a physician. The Coroner was summoned to hold an inquest, and last night a wake was held over the remains. A picture of the Twelve o'Clock Man swinging back from the iron fence, listening to the sound of the noonday clock, was painted in oil by Prof. Ferd. T. BOYLE, as was a companion picture of him grasping the iron pickets and peering through the fence. The pictures hung for several years on the parlor walls of the Faust Club. Two years ago, J. J. MCCLOSKEY, the actor, wrote a play entitled, "The Twelve o'Clock Man, "representing the odd life of CONNORS. It played for a short time in the Park Theatre.