Over the past year I've experienced problems using COMCAST to try to send Emails to Ireland and from the other end they experience obstructions in replying through COMCAST. Has anyone else experienced similar problems. Please respond. Jack keating

{ Extracts from this history formed part of the obituary of Mary Malone , the last surviving member of Carlow / Laois Cumann na mBan, who died in 1997.} Short history of Cumann na mBan. ( Women's Army / Gathering of Women) by Michael Purcell , 1982. I commenced this article with the intention of tracing the history of the Cumann na mBan "Republican Flag" that my mother and her comrades made when they were interred in Kilmainham Jail in 1923. During my research I interviewed several Cumann na mBan survivors living in Carlow . I also spoke to Marie Comerford, Sighle Humphreys, Nora Connolly O' Brien, and May Gibney, all veterans of the 1916 Easter Rising. Before I knew it the history of the flag was developing into a history of the Cumann na mBan organisation itself. I am aware that this is not a complete account but I hope this effort will encourage others to research the organisation before all the survivors have passed away. In my youth the Cumann na mBan Republican Flag embroidered with the motif of a rifle, interwoven with the initials C. na mB., in its worn, torn and tattered state was removed from storage whenever a local Republican died. Draping the coffin at the graveside, it was usually accompanied by the playing of the Last Post and with a volley of shots, fired over the grave by a Firing Party from the Curragh Command of the Irish Army. As I grew older the flag came to represent a last link to the fast disappearing generation of republicans who had fought for Irish independence. It was made in Kilmainham Jail by a group of women who in compliance with a directive from the leadership of Cumann na mBan, had opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921 and who were then during the ensuing Civil War (1922 - 1923 ) imprisoned by their former comrades. In British occupied Ireland Cumann na mBan members had been active as auxiliaries to the Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the Irish Citizen Army, the Irish Volunteers, Sinn Fein and later to the Irish Republican Army whose flying columns they assisted by providing information, food, shelter, clothing and medical assistance. All members were required to attend First Aid courses and Irish Language Classes and were also encouraged to take part in Signalling, Marching, Drilling and Target practice. They rendered service as couriers (known as "basket girls" or "pram women") delivering dispatches to IRA commanders throughout Ireland. They helped to provide and smuggle guns, cartridges and equipment for the volunteers. Later, at great danger to themselves and their families, they concealed the same arms, ammunition and uniforms in their homes. Members acted as organisers and recorders in the Republican Courts set up by the First Dail in 1919. They assisted in distributing pamphlets, posting handbills and organising public meetings. The members were also active selling Dail Bonds and in other fund raising activities such as organising dances, concerts and campaigning on behalf of political leaders. They provided "safe-houses" for men on the run, served on prison relief committees, provided practical assistance for the prisoner's families, sourced employment for them upon their release, collected petitions, protested and maintained a prayerful presence at executions. They consoled families who had lost loved ones in the struggle. Dressed in their homemade "Volunteer green" tweed uniforms, crossed with a Sam Browne belt and topped with a slouch hat, they formed Guard of Honour columns at the funerals of their comrades. Also during this period some members were encouraged to maintain or establish friendships with British army personal or sympathisers of British rule as a means of gathering intelligence for the IRA and the IRB. When one considers that association with any republican movement could result in the participant being severely punished and deprivation and persecution for their families, it illustrates just how brave they were by their actions .They had to contend with the Royal Irish Constabulary, the British Army, the notorious Black and Tans, informers and with, what at times was, a generally disinterested if not hostile population. Certainly the Republican movement was not widely supported in the Carlow area . Cumann na mBan was founded in April 1914 in order to involve women in the furtherance of the cause of Irish liberty. Later that year they opposed the introduction of conscription for young Irishmen to join the British Army. Those who joined Cumann na mBan came from diverse backgrounds and hailed from all over Ireland. Some had professional qualifications, doctors, teachers, nurses, others were shopkeepers, publicans, some were only schoolgirls. There were also a sprinkling of representatives from the "Gentry" class , but the majority were working-class women. They were of all religious persuasions and even the odd atheist signed up. All had one aim : "To establish and maintain a Republic by every means in their power against all enemies, foreign and domestic". With over seventy members taking part in the 1916 Rising the organization played an important role during that Easter week. Despite the fact that they were unarmed at least one member was killed and several others were wounded by the British troops during the fighting. It was a Cumann na mBan member, Nurse Elizabeth O'Farrell, wearing her Red Cross sash that delivered Patrick Pearse's surrender note to General Lowe. Later accompanied by a "bodyguard" of British soldiers she delivered the surrender terms to de Valera and the other commanders at their posts scattered throughout Dublin. Cumann na mBan members were refused representation on the Irish Army Executive Council when they were discussing the treaty negotiations in 1921. The following year they were the first national organisation to oppose the Anglo-Irish treaty. The executive committee of Cumann na mBan overwhelmingly passed a motion in February 1922 reaffirming their allegiance to The Republic and to Eamonn de Valera (despite the fact that he had disappointed the Cumann na mBan membership when he refused to have women serve in his 3rd Battalion during the 1916 Rising , he was the only 1916 commander not to avail of their assistance). Following the February meeting there was a fateful parting of the ways and one of the saddest chapters in the history of the fight for Independence came about as former comrades fought, imprisoned, tortured and killed each other during the Civil War or as the Republicans called it - The Counter Revolution. Later the women were treated badly by the Irish Free State Government . The organisation was banned. Because they had served side-by-side before the spilt , Cumann na mBan members were vulnerable to detection and arrest , their names, addresses, families and roles easily identified by their former comrades. It was at the hands of the " Free Staters" that they suffered the greatest deprivation and suffering when several hundred members were arrested and detained without charge during, and for months following, the Civil War. Nevertheless, this brave group of women carried out their tasks with unrelenting determination and sacrifice for the republican movement. They firmly believed in the inalienable right of Irish people to govern themselves in a country free and at peace. The censure of republicans by the Roman Catholic Church did not affect the Roman Catholic member's commitment to the church of their birth. Their Christian values remained with them to the end. I am reminded of an entry in my mother's autograph book dating from her own imprisonment in Kilmainham Jail, "Remember me is all I ask, And if remembrance proves a task, forget" ........................ (signed) May Gibney, April 1923. we will not forget.......... Michael Purcell, November 1983.

Thanks to Sean Duggan for pointing out to me that the website I sent only has birth certs for the Republic from 1922 on and for both the Republic and Northern Ireland from Jan 1864 to Dec 1921, marriage certs from 1922 on and death certs from 1924 onward to present. Also for the Republic and Northern Ireland, they have marriage certs from Jan 1920 to Dec 1921. At the main General Register Office they have the complete set of certs and you can check their prices and availability at: http://www.groireland.ie/about_us.htm -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com

Gosh, I didn't have enough coffee before sending my previous message to the list. Here is the website in Ireland for ordering your certificates: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/find_a_service/bdm/certificates_ie -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com

Dear Pat, Thanks for that great news.  What is the url? Kathleen Brennan Mammoser Researching BRENNAN, BRETT,GALLAGHER & KENNEDY in CO MAYO> CHICAGO and BRENNAN in CO SLIGO> CHICAGO HOWARD in CO CORK> HARVARD , IL > CHICAGO MAMMOSER in Schoenenbourg , FRANCE > CHICAGO   http://www.mammoser.com

A new site has been set up to make ordering certificates from Ireland easier. They cost 8 euros plus 2 more euros if you need a record search. You can use your credit card online and supposedly receive them within a week depending on how far they are going. Remember the years of records: Non-Catholic marriages start in 1845. All births, deaths and other marriages start 1864. Many of the early indexes are online at the Family History Library pilot site so you might want to find your record from there first to save you the search fee. -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com

With the previous "Covered Cars" posting I should have added that the same journey today would take about 40 minutes, by this 1819 advertisment it took about 10 hours, same journey ! 1819. From PPP. COVERED CARS, Between DUBLIN and TULLOW, every day, (Sundays excepted) START from No. 8, Mark's Alley, Francis-street at Eight o'Clock, and Arrive in Tullow before Six; - returning , they leave Tullow, at Seven and arrive in Dublin before Five. JOSEPH LEONARD, Proprietor, returns his unfeigned Thanks to the Inhabitants of Carlow and its Vicinity, for the Preference heretofore given to his Establishment ; and begs leave to inform them that he has fitted up above House as a HOTEL and LIVERY STABLES. He trusts from his unremitting Attention that those who may favour him with a Preference, will find such Accommodation as will merit a continuance of their Support >>> LEONARD will Let, or Sell the Interest in his House, ( known by the Sign of the Royal Oak ) , in Dublin-street, in the Town of Carlow, formerly occupied by Mr. J. Rochfort. The House is in thorough repair - a considerable sum having been expended in newly Roofing, Papering and Painting, fitting up the Out-offices, etc. Application to be made to Mr JOHN HOPE, Bridewell-lane, Carlow

Extract from a lecture by Professor Donal McCartney delivered in 1986. Published by Michael Purcell in "Carlow Past and Present 1987". In the early decades of the 19th century Catholics and Protestants by and large had lived on excellent neighbourly terms with each other. During this period the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, James Doyle (J.K.L.), wrote about the blessings to Ireland which a union of the churches would bring and of the advantages to be derived from the mixed education of Catholics and Protestants, saying that he did not know of any measure which would prepare the way for a better feeling in Ireland than that of uniting children at an early age, and bringing them up in the same school. This was the time when the Protestant gentry of Carlow were helping Fr. Michael MacDonald to build his new church in Killeshin, the foundation stone of which was laid in May 1819 on a site given by William Cooper (of Cooper Hill). Protestants like Col. Bruen, and the Earl of Portarlington made generous financial contributions towards the building fund. To add to the fund a Grand Oratorio and Sermon was organised by the Carlow Protestants under the patronage of Lady Butler, Lady Burgh, Mrs Bruen, Mrs Rochfort, Mrs Cooper and Mrs Fishbourne. Among the gentlemen who acted as collectors on the occasion and who were publicly thanked by the Catholics of Killeshin were Messrs. Browne, Burton, Cooper, Vigors and Fishbourne. When the building was completed in August 1819 the Carlow Morning Post asserted: To the liberality of the Protestant gentry the Catholics are chiefly indebted for the erection of this very handsome building. Most of this good neighbourliness was to change into bitter sectarian feuding a few years later during the 1820s largely as a result, on the one hand , of the launching of the Protestant Evangelical Crusade to convert Irish Catholics to Protestants and the deep resentment which this caused among the Catholic clergy; and, on the other hand, to the launching of Danial O' Connell's Emancipation movement in 1823 and the exaggerated fears which this struck into Protestant breasts. The Evangelical movement in England had chosen Ireland and its Roman Catholic people for a great missionary crusade.

During the Beresford vs Watters dispute Mr Pack-Beresford took himself off to Bangor, County Down to get married in August 1891. Here is a report preserved in the Agents, Mr Thorpe's scrapebook in the Pat Purcell Papers. May 1891, Carlow Morning Post. A marriage has been arranged between Mr Denis Pack-Beresford, of Fenagh House and Alice, only daughter of Mr James A, Lyle of Portstewart House, County Derry, and Glandore, County Antrim. August 1891. FASHIONABLE MARRIAGE IN BANGOR. The marriage of Mr Denis Robert Pack Beresford D.L. and Miss Alice Lyle was solemnised recently in Bangor Parish Church in the presence of a large and very fashionable congregation. >From an early hour the inhabitants of Bangor were astir and preparations were made to give the happy pair a very cordial welcome. In the church the cunning hand of the decorator had been at work, with the result that the chancel presented an appearance of exceeding beauty. The decorations which were executed by Lord and Lady Clanmorris, assisted by the head gardener from Bangor Castle.. As guests arrived and as each carriage stopped before the gates the occupants were cheered most heartily. Amongst the first arrivals were the Marquis of Dufferin and his party and the reception accorded them was of a very flattering character. Shortly after noon his Grace the Lord Primate of all Ireland entered the church building accompanied by the Very Rev the Dean of Down and the Rev. Canon Lyle (uncle of the bride). The father of the bride , with the bridegroom and his brother the best man, Mr Arthur Pack-Beresford, R.A. shortly afterwards arrived. Amidst ringing cheers and joyous peals the bride with her mother then approached the church from Bangor Castle, the residence of the bride's uncle. The bride's gown was of ivory satin duchesse, made in empire style, with flounces and veil of very lovely old Brussels point lace belonging to the bridegroom's mother; she wore a wreath of orange blossoms and white heather, fastened with a diamond spray necklace - one of the bridegroom's gifts - and an old pearl necklace with diamond barrel clasp, an heirloom in the Beresford family for generations. The four bridesmaids were each presented with a diamond and sapphire ring by the bridegroom. The bridal bouquet consisted of a cascade posy, composed of white roses, lilies, and heather. The service which was fully choral was then proceeded with. At the conclusion of the ceremony the hymn " O perfect love all human thought transcending" was nicely rendered by the choir, and Stainer's sevenfold "Amen" having been sung the bride and groom accompanied by their wedding guests, left the church and returned to Bangor Castle for the wedding breakfast. After the wedding breakfast , the couple left for Glendore where the father of the bride kindly placed the Fishing Lodge at their disposal for the honeymoon, which over they proceeded to Fenagh House Carlow their future residence. Amongst the distinguished company invited to the marriage ceremony were Mr. W. Browne-Clayton (uncle of the bridegroom) and Mrs Browne-Clayton of Browneshill House, Carlow. The arrival of the happy couple at Fenagh House after the honeymoon, was an event marked with the greatest enthusiasm. The happy pair travelled by the 1oc train from Dublin and arrived in Bagenalstown about 4oc. On their way from Bagenalstown to Fenagh groups of people were assembled to wish them welcome. At Ballywilliam Cross they were greeted by the Misses Stewart and a number of people who expressed their feelings by the waving of handkerchiefs. At the outskirts of the Home Farm a large body of people were assembled, including the tenantry, employees, and other residents of the surrounding neighbourhood. As the carriages approached the crowd formed a barrier through which the horses could not pass. The horses were immediately unyoked , and vociferous cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Pack-Beresford. The carriage was drawn by some of the crowd for over a mile and as it passed beneath the numerous flags, banners, and floral decorations cheers were repeatedly given, while bonfires and tar barrels blazed along the way. A wreath of evergreens and a motto were displayed at Mrs Thomas Jenkinson's gate and further down was another opposite Mr George Parker's residence bearing in large coloured letters " cead-mille-failthe". Opposite Mr Finn's gate was a wreath of laurels. The wreath in the farm yard was extremely pretty and bore the motto "Welcome" was creditable to the gardener Mr. Murphy. The arrival at the house was the occasion of general cheering, when Mr Beresford very appropriately thanked all for the enthusiastic reception accorded to his bride and himself. Immediately after nightfall a grand display of fireworks were set off on the grounds by the steward, Mr Henderson, followed by the bonfire which also lasted till midnight, when the tar barrels also succumbed. the We must not omit mentioning that dancing was kept up with great spirit as long as the tar barrel and bonfire afforded light to the merry makers. Mr and Mrs Beresford entertained their employees to a sumptuous dinner, at which over fifty sat down. When the cloth was removed the health of Mr and Mrs Beresford was proposed by the steward, followed by the health of Queen ,Victoria, and the young ladies and gentlemen of the Beresford family, all of which were drank with enthusiasm. After dinner, which was supplied by Mr McDonald, Bagenalstown, all proceeded to the pleasure grounds in front of the house where a variety of sports were held causing great amusement. When the sports were over and prizes distributed by Mrs Pack-Beresford, the company adjourned to the spacious barn in the farm yard, where the servants ball was held. Mr Denis and Mrs Beresford ( dressed in a white silk hand-painted dress ) graced the proceedings by opening the dance, gaily dancing the Kitchen-Lancers, they were joined by the members of the Beresford family, the general audience then joined in and the dancing was kept up almost till dawn. The intervals of rest were enlivened by humorous recitations and songs contributed by the audience. The barn was nicely decorated with evergreens and the walls covered in flags. Nothing was left undone to to make the evening an enjoyable one, and all seemed to take advantage of the cordial welcome extended. The wedding presents were costly and far too numerous to give a complete list of, and included some splendid gifts from the families and friends on both sides. Amongst the presents were the following from ; Mrs J. Lyle, lapislazuli seal ring; Mr Lyle, silver -backed brushes; Mrs Pack-Beresford, pearl and diamond ring; Mrs Ward, opera glasses; Colonel Thomas, magnifying glass; Mr John Watson, carriage watch; Mr and Mrs W.E. Grogan, silver cigar lamp; Major Alexander, lemon squeezer; Miss Burroughs and Miss A. Fludder, copper breakfast heater; Right Honourable Ion T. Hamilton, photo frame; Lady Victoria Hamilton, mirror; Mrs B. Watson, hunting crop; Browne cousins at Browneshill, silver mustard pot; house servants at Fenagh, silver handled paper knife; Mr T. Peevers, silver mounted hunting crop; Mr Hall-Dare, six silver vases; Miss Watson, silver mounted pocket book; Mrs Robert Watson, silver handled paper knife; Mr Hardy John Eustace, silver tray; Mrs Gray, toby mug; Lady Anson, silver mounted inkbottle; Major-General Sir Archibald Anson, Japanese tray; Mrs Watts, lace handkerchief; Mrs Brownrigg, Bible; Misses Toppy and Nellie Persse, silver comb; Mr A. McClintock,silver mounted pocket book; Fenagh House Cricket Club , clock; Sir C. and Lady Burton, travelling clock; Mr and Mrs J McClintock Bunbury , turquoise and diamond pin; Miss Evelyn Hall-Dare, one dozen coffee cups and saucers; Mr and Mrs Browne-Clayton, silver tea tray; Mr and Mrs Thorp, case of silver sugar bowl and tongs, cream jug and six spoons ; Lord and Lady Rathdonnell, two silver mounted liqueur decanters; Captain Torrens , Scots Grays, pearl and diamond bangle; Mrs Hall, lace handkerchief; Sir John Dickson, antique clock; Lady Pilkington, silver mounted inkbottle; Canon Finlay, Beleek jardinere; Mr and Mrs Bruen, tea table; Mr and Mrs Lecky, beer jug and two tumblers; Mr and Mrs Farrer, screen; Miss C. Vessy , pocket-book; Mr and Mrs Ponsonby, silver-mounted blotter; Mr T.T.P. Purves, cheque; Honourable Mr Bingham, guitar brooch; Honourable Ina Bingham, photographs; etc. etc. etc. The bridegroom's presents were also very numerous. No mention of a present from Mrs Anne Watters !!.

At this stage a short extract from "The Carlow Gentry" may give readers a little background to the Beresford history. From pages 24--27. "The Carlow Gentry" by Jimmy O' Toole 1993. (I.S.B.N. 0 9522544 0 9) "The image of Beresford as an absentee landlord was tough and uncompromising, a policy carried out with ruthless effect during the time of agent Charles Doyne. Doyne, whose family had a large estate in Tullow, was also land agent for the Kavanagh's of Borris, and with such a large block of tenant farmer votes under his control, he wielded enormous power during the political turmoil of the 1830's............................. There were few estates in the county during that period to equal the level of evictions experienced by tenants of Beresford. In 1836 , the Liberal politician Nicholas Alward Vigors , in a petition to Parliament, said 86 families had been evicted in the parish of Bagenalstown during the previous few years. Fifteen families were issued with notices to quit in Slyguff, and at one point , Beresford was accused of having evicted 103 families. In March 1835 , Doyne was quoted as having told a meeting of tenants --"that Lord Beresford was determined to provide a class of tenants for his estate over whom the priests would have no influence". In that policy , Doyne seems to have succeeded because Fr. Andrew Phelan , a curate in Dunleckney, accused Beresford of "persecuting Catholics because of their religion". Seventeen families were evicted from Kilcloney, and of the 120 acres involved, 100 acres were given to two Protestant families, and the remainder to two Catholic tenants. Evictions were a much used political propaganda weapon capitalised on by the opponents of landlords at election time ; and frequently , notices to quit -- sometimes not acted upon -- were added to the statistics of actual evictions. Landlords were sensitive in such propaganda wars, and in 1841, Beresford successfully sued The Morning Chronicle for its inaccurate and libellous description of evictions on his estate near Tinryland.

Carlow ,11th December , 1817. (newspaper cutting ). Mr GARBOIS, BEGS leave most respectfully to inform the Nobility, and Gentry of Carlow, and its Vicinity, that his ANNUAL BALL is fixed for FRIDAY, 19th Instant, at the Assembly-Rooms, UNDER the PATRONAGE of the Hon. Mrs BROWNE, Lady BUTLER, and Lady BURTON, when previous to the Country Dances, and Quadrills, will be presented a Ballet, by his Pupils, consisting of various Fancy Dances, particularly the Spanish Bolero, and Pas Seul, by Miss GARBOIS. Admittance, Ladies 3s 4d. Gentlemen 4s 2d. Supper, with bottled Porter 2s 2d; Wine, a separate charge. Tickets to be had of Mr Garbois, at Goodall's Inn. N.B. Those Ladies and Gentlemen who wish to Dance Quadrilles, will be so good as to send in their Names, when Mr Garbois will appoint a Morning for practice at the Rooms. Ballet Dance to commence at half-past eight o'Clock. >>>> It will be a Moonlight Night.<<<<

>From the scrapbook of Landlord Agent , Mr Charles Thorpe, in the PPP. August 1892. LANDLORDISM NEAR BORRIS. On Tuesday last ( 2nd August ) a widow, Mrs Anne Waters, at the age of 81 years with her family , were thrown out upon the roadside by her landlord, Mr Denis Pack-Beresford. Now deprived, not only of her home , but also of the resources of livelihood which she hoped to bequeath to her children. It will be remembered that so far back as August 1891 the tenant paid the entire amount due, viz., two years' rent including hanging-gale, and full legal costs, but as the period for redemption had expired a cheque for the amount is now held by Pack-Beresford's agent. So the poor tenant is now in the position of having parted with home and money. Mr Pack-Beresford so far has both, and it will be interesting to watch what he will do with poor Mrs Waters farm. The case is one eminently deserving of close public attention. The circumstances of the case reveal an arbitrariness that recall the by-gone days when the landlord could do what he liked. For the past six years Mrs Waters has been harassed by unreasonable rent exaction, and mulcted in law costs. The rent and heavy legal costs was long since paid to the agent, Mr Charles Thorpe who then wanted the tenant to enter an agreement containing unjust conditions. Last week, Mrs Waters , with her family , was thrown out upon the roadside and their house handed over to the tender mercies of the sheriff and the emergencymen, (crow-bar brigade ) at least one of whom wore a revolver, they have now barricaded the premises as if they feared an armed invasion to recapture it. Mr. Pack-Beresford will find that all Nationalists will combine , and that landlordism in its old form must not be revived in this country, and that respectable tenants , who are willing to pay their just obligations shall not be turned from their homes in order to satisfy a vindictive and despotic landlord. The employees of Mr Pack-Beresford have been engaged during the past week in carting over to Fenagh House the produce of Mrs Waters land, and some of the crops ( including a heap of coal ) have been stored at Pack-Beresford's farm. The greedy landlord's serfs with six horses and the necessary implements entered the Waters farm and without either care or consideration for the condition of the grain the whole corn crop was cut down and is left melting on the ground from that day to this. It is stated that portion of the work was personally superintended by Mr Denis Pack-Beresford. Other items removed by the emergencymen were ; farm carts, tools, two ricks of hay, implements, a donkey croydon, presses, furniture, utensils and sundry articles. The root and vegetable crops are likewise claimed by Mr Pack-Beresford and are specially guarded, the poor tenant today not knowing the luxury even of a potato from her own garden. ( Note added in 2010 by Michael Purcell. Over several hundred years thousands of evictions such as the one recorded here took place all over Ireland. Now some of you know why , down through the centuries, the Irish had to form and support such organisations as the Rightboys, the Whiteboys, the United Irishmen, the Defenders, Ribbonism, Fenianism, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the Invincibles, the Irish National Land League, the United Irish League, Sinn Fein, the Irish National Volunteers, Cumann na mBan, the Irish Citizen Army, the Irish Republican Army, etc. I am aware of the account of a group of Irish Republican Army activists planning to burn down Fenagh House in 1920, this morning after reading the above account of Beresford's machinations I can understand why they might have wanted to do so. but the group were ordered not to proceed with the planed attack because de Valera had issued a directive that attacks by the IRA on the "Big Houses" of the gentry were to cease. It is believed that this directive from de Valera was issued because of his close friendship with Erskine Childers who had intervened with him on behalf of the gentry of Ireland.

Thank you so much, Michael for sharing these reports with the Irish-American list. Even with our recession, our lives are so much easier to live than how our ancestors and cousins lived as described in these accounts. Thanks for taking the time out of your life to type and send the posts to our list. >From the scrapbook of Landlord Agent , Mr Charles Thorpe, in the PPP. > August 1892. > > -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com

1818. From PPP. COVERED CARS, Between DUBLIN and TULLOW, every day, (Sundays excepted) START from No. 8, Mark's Alley, Francis-street at Eight o'Clock, and Arrive in Tullow before Six; - returning , they leave Tullow, at Seven and arrive in Dublin before Five. JOSEPH LEONARD, Proprietor, returns his unfeigned Thanks to the Inhabitants of Carlow and its Vicinity, for the Preference heretofore given to his Establishment ; and begs leave to inform them that he has fitted up above House as a HOTEL and LIVERY STABLES. He trusts from his unremitting Attention that those who may favour him with a Preference, will find such Accommodation as will merit a continuance of their Support > LEONARD will Let, or Sell the Interest in his House, ( known by the Sign of the Royal Oak ) , in Dublin-street, in the Town of Carlow, formerly occupied by Mr. J. Rochfort. The House is in thorough repair - a considerable sum having been expended in newly Roofing, Papering and Painting, fitting up the Out-offices, etc. Application to be made to Mr JOHN HOPE, Bridewell-lane, Carlow

>From Carlow Nationalist 1890. At Bagenalstown court Mr Denis Robert Pack-Beresford recently obtained a decree for the possession of Mrs Anne Watters farm at Kilcloney, Borris. For the past 6 years Mrs Watters, a poor widow and her family have been resisting the attempts of the landlord to extort a hanging-gale that has been due from time immemorial. The costs heaped on the tenant during this struggle have been enormous. Mrs Watters has offered to pay the rent due minus these costs, but the landlord shows no disposition to come to a reasonable settlement. >From the time that Mr Beresford became the landlord, six years ago, he has sought to continue the policy of Lord Beresford of evicting Catholics from the land. The rents being paid on time and up to date he had no weapon to make his power be felt and to chastise a tenant but to fall back upon the "hanging-gale" which course of action would mean utter ruin in 19 out of every 20 cases on his estate. William Ward J.P. of Bagnalstown , one of our great peacemakers, frequently sought justice for the tenant but Mr Beresford defied his reasoning. Should the landlord proceed to extremes , the tenant and her family will have the sympathy and support of every honest man in County Carlow. Following "hanging gale" Beresford's manoeuvres a Convention of the Irish National League was called and addressed by Father B. O' Neill. He stated that he knew the landlords of Carlow perhaps better than any other clergyman present, and he would say, : "For deeds that are dark, and for tricks that are mean, the landlords of Carlow are peculiar". He heard the name Beresford mentioned, ( hisses ) well he knew Beresford and through persecution by the Beresfords the parish over which he ruled was reduced in population from 10,000 Catholics to a little over 5,000. Where are all these men gone ? Who put them out ? Charley Doyne -( pitchcap ) that's who a most unmitigated scoundrel (groans) He was the man who done the dirty work for Kavanagh and Beresford (groans). The people of Carlow are the most obedient, self-sacrificing people in Ireland but they are been bruised and trampled upon, and if a worm were trodden upon it would turn, and turn the people will (loud cheering and applause ). Old Whitty , the parson, of Ballyoliver had told a Catholic asking for a Lease that he would not get it because he would vote against him. He ( Father O'Neill) knew what happened to Tom Cloven when he went in with a half-years rent, he could give no more because his cattle were dying ...Beresford put him out (hisses ). Bruen and Kavanagh misrepresented Carlow for 25 years, no doubt it was said that Carlow had a number of gentry of the bluest of blue blood ....Well we all know the origin of some of these blue-blood aristocrats (laughter). Father Ryan , Dwyer Gray, A.M. Sullivan and himself (Father O'Neill) were to speak from a platform on a Saturday night in Borris but the whole platform was blown up , and there was no dynamite anywhere in the neighbourhood except what was in Mr Kavanagh's demesne. Self preservation was the first law of nature and he now proposed that they form a defensive combination of the Irish tenants and approve the objects and aims of the Irish Tenants' Defence Association. (cheers). The meeting then concluded.

December 1889 . Irish National League meetings discussing the Beresford vs Watters events. Ballon and Rathoe Branch; Monthly meeting. The secretary noted 54 men from Ballon and 3 from Rathoe in attendance. He recorded that "the inclemency of the weather accounted for the numerical inferiority of the deputation from Rathoe". A letter was read from the Borris Branch relative to the monstrous behaviour of Mr Pack-Beresford of hanging-gale notoriety, towards a tenant of his named Mrs Watters. The principal feature of the letter was a resolution which the Ballon / Rathoe branch was asked to adopt, to stop Mr Beresford from hunting with the Carlow hounds. One member pointed out that they could not stop him hunting as he is in the habit of riding on the roads. Mr Hanlon, said that he did not approve of this method of stopping hunting. After further conversation the meeting unanimously adopted the resolution and directed the secretary o communicate their intentions to Mr Robert Watson, the Master of the hounds. Carlow town , Tinryland and Bennekerry Branch. Meeting held in Town Hall. A resolution was read from Borris condemning the treatment which Mrs Waters had been subjected to by the landlord, Mr Beresford, and expressed the opinion that the farmers ought, in self-respect and to show their sympathy by preventing Beresford from hunting over their lands. The Chairman, Mr John Kelly, said that it was for the farmers to decide if they would permit this objectionable person to hunt over their lands. Bagenalstown Branch; Following a lengthened debate the following resolution was passed . We call upon Mr Beresford to reconsider his harsh treatment of Mr Michael Waters and his mother and ask him " to put Mr Waters on an equality with the other tenants on the estate, failing to do this we ask the tenant farmers to mark their disapproval of his treatment by preventing him from hunting over their lands".. Tullow Branch; The meeting was requested by the Borris branch to oppose the tyrannous treatment of Mr Michael Waters , who was one of their members. James Murphy said that the Beresfords are the sorest and bitterest landlords in the county Carlow. The Chairman, Mr Thomas Bolger, asked if anyone could enlighten them as to the merits of this case. He said that he was inclined to question anything that comes from Borris as the people of that place have been very unreliable in the past and he was reluctant to stop Mr Beresford from hunting over his lands. Mr Michael Murphy from Roscat told the meeting that the hounds of the hunt had chased a pony of his across a wire fence, causing such injuries to the animal as caused its death in a short time. He sought compensation from Mr Watson who directed him to Mr Hardy Eustace who told him that the huntsman was irresponsible for every and all damages whilst engaged in the chase. The Chairman stated that in his opinion the hunt was eminently calculated to develop both muscle and daring ; "and we know that some of the most daring officers the patriot armies of Ireland ever produced got their training in the hunting field, albeit the majority of modern foxhunters would sooner be considered West Britons". The secretary was directed to write to Borris to suggest a county convention on the subject. Newtown Branch; The meeting after lengthened consideration of a Resolution from Borris to stop Mr Beresford from hunting over the land in the area, and of which he is the main landlord, decided to allow the matter to stand over until the next meeting, the secretary , John D. McGrath, having reason to believe that the dispute is about to be settled.

October 1889. (From a copybook / scrapbook in the PPP). Mr Denis R. Pack-Beresford -" hanging -gale Beresford"- a young man who seems bent on perpetuating the evil traditions of his family- has made himself most unpopular amongst the people of Carlow by his harsh treatment of the poor widow woman, Mrs Anne Watters of Kilcloney, Borris and now another notice from "hanging-gale Beresford" makes clear his intention to take further law proceedings against his tenant, Mrs Watters, for rent and has duly been served upon her in the last few days legal notice by Mr Thorp of Bagenalstown. Two months ago this tenant had to lay down , in one payment, the full amount of three half years rent and costs. We know for sure what is to follow now for Mrs Watters, who we should say had better look out again ! . Mrs Watters effects have been seized by the sheriff year after year. Those who are in favour of fox hunting would do well to take note of this , they will see that this rackrenter's greedy desire has done more than all the others to work out its total extinction. First and last "hanging-gale Beresford" has proved himself destitute of common decency or he would never have entered into a conflict with his tenant for a paltry "hanging-gale" that accrued in the days of some unknown landlord long before his great grandfather was born. One of the collectors for the Bagenalstown Races Fund having taken a subscription from "hanging-gale Beresford" has returned the subscription. Now " hanging-gale Beresford" has informed his lofty friends and sympathisers of his chagrin, and they are now asking that their subscriptions be also returned. Major Alexander, who had intended running a horse in a race, wrote to say "under no circumstances , would I give the Race Meeting my support". We congratulate the Bagenalstown Race Committee on having disassociated themselves from the rackrenters and evictors of the County Carlow.

October 1889. (From a copybook / scrapbook in the PPP). Mr Denis R. Pack-Beresford -" hanging -gale Beresford"- a young man who seems bent on perpetuating the evil traditions of his family- has made himself most unpopular amongst the people of Carlow by his harsh treatment of the poor widow woman, Mrs Anne Watters of Kilcloney, Borris and now another notice from "hanging-gale Beresford" makes clear his intention to take further law proceedings against his tenant, Mrs Watters, for rent and has duly been served upon her in the last few days legal notice by Mr Thorp of Bagenalstown. Two months ago this tenant had to lay down , in one payment, the full amount of three half years rent and costs. We know for sure what is to follow now for Mrs Watters, who we should say had better look out again ! . Mrs Watters effects have been seized by the sheriff year after year. Those who are in favour of fox hunting would do well to take note of this , they will see that this rackrenter's greedy desire has done more than all the others to work out its total extinction. First and last "hanging-gale Beresford" has proved himself destitute of common decency or he would never have entered into a conflict with his tenant for a paltry "hanging-gale" that accrued in the days of some unknown landlord long before his great grandfather was born. One of the collectors for the Bagenalstown Races Fund having taken a subscription from "hanging-gale Beresford" has returned the subscription. Now " hanging-gale Beresford" has informed his lofty friends and sympathisers of his chagrin, and they are now asking that their subscriptions be also returned. Major Alexander, who had intended running a horse in a race, wrote to say "under no circumstances , would I give the Race Meeting my support". We congratulate the Bagenalstown Race Committee on having disassociated themselves from the rackrenters and evictors of the County Carlow.

1886. Landlordism in Borris. ( surname now Watters ) On Monday last Mr Jameson, Sub-Sheriff of Carlow, accompanied by a force of twelve police under the command of Sub-Inspector Joy, proceeded to Borris to sell a horse the property of Mrs Anne Watters of Kilcloney, which had been previously seized. The seizure was made to realise a sum of 10 pounds which at the request of the landlord R.W. Pack-Beresford granted at the Courthouse, Carlow. The history of Mrs Watters' persecution by the landlord ever since she dared to go into the land court to have a fair rent fixed is extraordinary, and shows an insane desire by the landlord to ruin a respectable, industrious tenant. . In the year 1884 Mrs Watters had a fair rent fixed on her farm. In 1885 Mrs Watters offered the half year's rent due but it was refused by the agent Mr Fitzherbert of Abbeyleix and payment was demanded of the old hanging gale which had been running on the farm for upwards of 200 years. Mrs Watters and her son Michael refused to yield to this unjust demand, and in the month of April their cattle were seized and sold by the sheriff. In 1886 a year's rent was again demanded and the tenant refused to pay that amount on account of the hanging-gale which had been extorted. Legal proceedings were again taken and the interest in the farm was put up for sale in March of this present year. The farm was bought in for the tenant by another person and a years rent paid to the sheriff. The sheriff's costs amounted to 10 pounds to recover this cost a horse was seized on the understanding that it would be sold at a sale in Borris. The horse, which is a fine animal, was ridden by a boy into Borris. Both horse and boy were profusely decorated with green ribbons. Immediately behind the horse was led a donkey bearing on his back a grotesque figure dressed in full hunting costume. The figure was designed to typify lardlordism but many said the the makers of the figure were too flattering to that group. The rider of the horse and his queer-looking companion were met outside the town by the Borris Brass Band and escorted up and down the street. Meanwhile news was received that the sheriff and auctioneer , Mr George Wilson, had decided to sell the horse at a sale to be held on the farm at Kilcloney . On hearing this Rev. W.P.Bourke and Michael Watters and a large crowd proceeded to Kilcloney to demand that the sale be held in Borris. The sale was then cancelled. The gathering was then addressed by Rev. W.P.Bourke who was received with cheers. He said that he had been out all morning although he was suffering from a severe cold. He said that Beresford was only hurting himself by making such an unjust demand for a hanging gale that was not called for for 40 or 50 years. before. All opposition must be directed against "Hanging-gale Beresford" he declared. Mr P. Murphy proposed thanks to Mrs Anne Watters and her son Michael for having so courageously, now for the third time , faced the greedy landlord "Hanging-gale Pack-Beresford". Mr J.C. Breen said the name Pack-Beresford sounded bad and if ever a name stunk in the nostrils of any right thinking Irishman it was the name of Pack-Beresford for he had attempted to sell out Mrs Watters farm and make her family quit the country. Michael Watters then addressed the meeting , he thanked all present for their support and the countrymen in America and Australia who were sending over large sums of money to the National League to support the downtrodden for victory. If there was one spot more than another in all Ireland where the people should be united for the overthrow of landlordism it should be in Carlow.There is not a place in Ireland that has suffered so much from landlords. It was here that the saddest scenes ever witnessed were made manifest. They could all recall the days of Charley Doyne who spread desolation over the entire country, he drove thousands of souls out without a home or shelter. From the hillsides of the White Mountains, to St. Mullins and Marley and through Slyguff and Kilcloney. Today we have another Charley --Mr Charley Thorpe to do the landlords dirty work.. The meeting then broke up but before doing so they dragged the "landlord effigy" from the donkey and after being deluged with paraffin oil was set fire to and reduced to ashes. Next installment " Watters vs Beresford - Round 3"

>From the PPP. April 1885. On Saturday last , April 11th, Mr Jameson, Sub-Sheriff for Carlow accompanied by his bailiffs and protected by a strong guard of police, visited the townland of Kilcloney, near Borris to seek possession from Mrs Anne Waters of her farm., in pursuance of a decree obtained by Mr Beresford the landlord for the recovery of a hanging gale. This hanging gale had been on the estate for more than a century and a half and was in existence long before the property came into the possession of the present landlord. Amongst those present were Joe Delany, a well known bailiff from Borris and an underling of Mr Beresfords named Burke who distinguished themselves throughout be their insolence and impertinence. The sub-sheriff arrived at noon and proceeded to take possession of the premises by having the furniture removed from the dwelling house. After part of the effects had been brought out , Mrs Waters, being advised by her friends that she had done all that was necessary as a protest, she satisfied the landlords claim by paying the money due. The proceedings were attended by a large crowd of local people with a contingent of horsemen present and the scene was also graced by the presence of a number of ladies. The Rev. W.P. Bourke, who was loudly cheered, then addressed the assembled crowd - - He stated that he did not think it well that they should separate without protesting formally against the outrageous treatment that Mrs Waters had been subjected to. Young Mr Beresford came of age a few weeks ago and his first introduction to his tenantry there was through the sheriff , who had come to eject Mrs Waters not because she was unable to meet all just demands on rent etc but because she had refused to pay the hanging gale which was due before Mr Beresford was born, or before Mr Beresford owned a piece of land in Kilcloney. The father of the present Mr Beresford was dead, and as they were told to say nothing of the dead except what was good, and as he had nothing good to say about the late Capt. Beresford he would extend to him the charity of silence. >From this day on , he said, the Beresford family will be known as "Hanging-gale Beresford". "I tell the people" he continued, "that they need not be particularly squeamish as to what means they would adopt to stop fox-hunting by the landlords on their land". Mr M. Waters thanked the people for coming out to support them. The gathering then dispersed cheering for Mrs Waters and the Irish National League.