Ballycolgan (Baile Uí Cholgan)

The name Ballycolgan comes from the Irish Baile Uí Cholgan, meaning the townland of O’ Colgan. It is situated in the civil parish of Kilkilvery, Barony of Clare. It is located in the southwest of the parish and is bounded on the west by Liss, on the south by Ballybaun and Skeaghbeg on the north by Crossursa. Ballycolgan also contains the subtownlands of Ballycolgan Upper and Ballycolgan Lower. (Source: Galway Libray)

Irish name: Baile Uí Cholgan

English name: Ballycolgan 

Meaning: The townland of O’ Colgan

Area: 192 Acres, 0 roods, 30 perches

Field names:

Civil Parish: Kilkilvery

Barony: Clare

 

O’Donovan’s Field Name Books

As part of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, from 1830 to 1842, John O’Donovan helped to collect and record the Irish form of townland names throughout the country.  Information for each townland was collected and written into the Name Book along with information relating to land quality, crops and housing.  (Source: Timeline Genealogy)

Other names: Ballycolgan, Baile Ui Colgain, Ballycolgan (By. Surveyors Sketch), Ballycolgan (County Cess Collector), Ballycolgan (County Map), Ballycolgay (Inq. Temp. Eliz.), Ballycolgan (Inq. Temp. Jac. I), Ballycoulgin (Inq. Temp. Jac. I), Ballycolligan (Local), Ballycolgan (Mearsman), Ballycollgan (Rental), Ballycolgan (Rev. John Molloy) and Ballicolligan (Tithe Ledger).

Description: Proprietor R. Jas. Manser St. George, Esq., Headford. Agent John O’Hara, Esq., Galway. Rent 23 shillings per acre and part at 18 shillings. Farms from 10 to 20 acres. No leases. Soil part light and some middling. Produces middling crops of wheat, potatoes and some oats. Antiquities 2 forts, one of called Caherduff and the other called Caher. Co. Cess 14s.and paid per acre half yearly.

Information from the Ordnance Survey Letters:

The Ordnance Survey Letters are letters between John O’Donovan and his supervisor, Thomas Larcom, regarding the work of compiling the Field Books. These letters provide further discussion on many of the places listed in the Field Books.

References to this place can be found in the following letter.

“Some say that the O’Lees are the chiefs of the Hy-Briuin Dia with their branches, viz the O’Fechins, O’Balvans, O’Duffs, O’Madudans, Mac Gilligannans of Moyleaslaind, the Taoisigh-Scuir of O’Flaherty, the O’Colgans of Ballycolgan,^(h) O’Flaherty’s standard bearers, the Mac Kinnans, Coarbs of Cill Cuanna,⁽ⁱ⁾ the O’Maelampuills of Domhnach-Patraig,^(j) the Brehons of O’Flaherty, the O’Clercans of Rath-Buidhbh^(k) with their bally, the O’Laebucain, the O’Maoilins, herenachs of Kill-Kilbili”.

Other placenames in this townland:

Ballycolgan Upper and Lower Two villages in the townland.

Caher Fort A nearly defaced fort siuated in the townland of Ballycolgan a little east of the north village of Ballycolgan. 

Caherduff Fort This is a large fort the wall of which was 10 feet broad, the foundations of it just touches Lis boundary. Situated in the townland of Ballycolgan, a little west of the south cluster of houses on Ballycolgan townland. Translates to ‘The Black Stone Fort’ and is also known as Cathair Dubh in Irish and Caherduff Fort Local.

 

The Down Survey

The first national-scale survey of its kind in the world, the Down Survey, taken in the years 1656 -1658, sought to acurately map the land in Ireland in order to facilitate its transfer from Irish Catholics to English Protestants after the Cromwellian conquest. (Source: Trinity College Dublin)

1641 (pre-Cromwell) states that the owner(s) of the townland of Ballycolgan (Referred to as Balliculligan in the Down Survey of Ireland, in the Parish of Killkillurey in the county of Galway, Barony of Clare) was Sir Richard Blake (Catholic). The Down Survey map of 1670 (post-Cromwell) shows that the owner(s) was Sir Oliver St. George (Catholic).

3 plantation acres was deemed unprofitable land.

68 plantation acres was deemed profitable land

68 plantation acres was fortified land

 

Tithe Applotment Book 1826

The Tithe Applotment Books were compiled between 1823 and 1837 in order to determine the amount which occupiers of agricultural holdings over one acre should pay in tithes to the Church of Ireland. The land was measured in Irish acres, or plantation acres at the time. This equated to 1.698 English acres.

There were no records found for Ballycolgan.

 

1851 Old Age Pension Census Search Forms

There were no records found for Ballycolgan.

 

Valuation Office Books 1824-1856: House & Field Books

The valuation of Ireland was a cadastral survey made for the purpose of levying tax on property.  A valuation price was put on every piece of property in the country and this became the basis on which local tax was charged, at a rate per pound of valuation.  (Source: National Archives)

The 1845 Field Books show the following as occupier in Ballycolgan as John Loftus, Michl Curran and William Molloy (21 June 1845) and Michl Coyne, Danl Hallaran and Richard Hallaran (28 June 1845). (Source: National Archives)

The 1853 House Books show the following as house occupier in Ballycolgan as Peter Curran, John Loftus, Michael Curran, Richard Halloran, Daniel Halloran, Michael Kyne and Patrick Burke, (26 September 1853). (Source: National Archives)

Peter Curran occupied a house and office with a valuation of £1 and 16 shillings.

Rev. John Loftus occupied a house and office with a valuation of £5 and 6 shillings.

Michael Curran occupied a house and office with a valuation of £3 and 1 shilling.

Richard Halloran occupied a house and office with an initial valuation of £2 and 12 shillings and 9 pence, a deduction of one eight, or 6 shillings and 9 pence, was applied leaving a final valuation of £2 and 6 shillings.

Daniel Halloran occupied a house and office with an initial valuation of £2 and 18 shillings and 11 pence, a deduction of one eight, or 7 shillings and 11 pence, was applied leaving a final valuation of £2.

Michael Kyne occupied a house and office with an initial valuation of £2 and 15 shillings and 2 pence, a deduction of one eight, or 6 shillings and 11 pence, was applied leaving a final valuation of £2 and 8 shillings and 3 pence.

Patrick Burke occupied a house with a valuation of £1 and 1 shilling.

1855 Griffith’s Valuation

Between 1847 and 1864, Richard Griffith was responsible for carrying out the Primary Valuation of Tenements (generally referred to as Griffith’s Valuation because of his role in the project). The aim of the valuation was to produce a uniform guide to the relative value of land throughout the whole of Ireland in order to decide liability to pay the Poor rate (for support of the poor and destitute within each Poor Law Union). The project required Griffith and a team of valuers to determine the value of every piece of land and property in the country enabling every occupiers’ tax due to be assessed. The information they collated covering all 32 counties was compiled into over 300 volumes and published over a period of 17 years. (Source: Find My Past)

Griffith’s Valuation records the following occupiers in Ballycolgan as Patrick Burke, Michael Curran, Peter Curran, Daniel Halloran, Richard Halloran, Michael Kyne and Rev. John Loftus. (Source:

Peter Curran occupied a house and office with land totalling 19 acres, 3 roods and 14 perches which had a valuation of £8 and 10 shillings, the buildings had a valuation of £1 and 5 shillings.

Rev. John Loftus occupied a house and office with land totalling 2 acres, 2 roods and 14 perches which had a valuation of £1 and 15 shillings, the buildings had a valuation of £2 and 5 shillings.

Michael Curran occupied a house and office with land totalling 68 acres and 26 perches which had a valuation of £30 and 10 shillings, the buildings had a valuation of £1 and 10 shillings.

Michael Kyne occupied a parcel of land totalling 28 acres, 3 roods and 38 perches which had a valuation of £10. In addition, Michael Kyne occupied a house which had a valuation of 15 shillings.

Richard Halloran occupied a house and office with land totalling 26 acres, 1 rood and 30 perches which had a valuation of £9 and 10 shillings, the buildings had a valuation of 15 shillings.

Daniel Halloran occupied a house and office with land totalling 24 acres, 2 roods and 6 perches which had a valuation of £9 and 15 shillings, the buildings had a valuation of 10 shillings.

Patrick Burke occupied a house and office which had a valuation of 10 shillings. In addition, Patrick Burke occupied a parcel of land totalling 21 acres, 2 roods and 22 perches which had a valuation of £9 pounds and 10 shillings. The immediate lessor for all the properties recorded in the Griffith’s Valuation for Ballycolgan was Richard J. M. St. George. (Source: Ask About Ireland)

 

Population Statistics

The following statistics are from the census return records from 1842 to 1891 and the National Archives census returns for 1901 and 1911. (Source: Histpop)

1841: 16 houses, 110 people (65 males and 45 females)

1851: 10 houses, 65 people (39 males and 26 females)

1861: 8 houses, 43 people (29 males and 14 females)

1871: 10 houses (incl. 1 unoccupied), 53 people (27 males and 26 females)

1881: 8 houses, 54 people (27 males and 27 females)

1891: 8 houses, 52 people (27 males and 25 females)

1901: 7 houses, 39 people (21 males and 18 females)

1911: 7 houses, 38 people (22 males and 16 females)

 

1901 Census

The 1901 Census of Ireland records the following 39 individuals living in 7 households in Ballycolgan. (Source: National Archives)

1. Patrick Heany (70) lived with his niece Mary Dermody (27), female servant Bridget Murphy (29) and male servant Patrick Bohan (35). Patrick Heany and Bridget Murphy were born in co Mayo, Mary Dermody and Patrick Bohan were born in Co Galway. All householders were Roman Catholic. Patrick Heany’s occupation was listed as a Parish Priest in the local Roman Catholic Church. Mary Dermody’s occupation was listed as a House Keeper. Bridget Murphy’s occupation was listed as a Cook Domestic. Patrick Bohan’s occupation was listed as a General Servant Domestic. All householders could read and write with the exception of Patrick Bohan. All householders could speak Irish and English.

2. Patrick J. Curran (31) lived with his sister Mary (30), brother Peter J. (28), brother-in-law Daniel Walsh (21), niece Bridget Walsh (4 months), and male servant Mathew Reily (13). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Patrick J’s occupation was listed as a Farmer. Peter J. and Daniel’s occupation was listed as an Agricultural Labourer. Mathew Reily’s occupation was listed as Farm Servant Domestic. No occupation was listed for Mary Curran and Bridget Walsh.  All householders could read and write with the exception of Bridget Walsh. Only Daniel and Mary Curran could speak Irish and English.

3. Honor Curran (45) lived with her sons Thomas (15), Matt (13) and Peter (11). Also present on the night of the census was visitor Mary Connell (56). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Honor’s occupation was listed as a Farmeress, Thomas, Matt and Peter were listed as scholars. No occupation was listed for Mary Connell. All householders could read and write. Only Honor Curran and Mary Connell could speak Irish and English.

4. Thomas Walsh (50) lived with his wife Honor (52), daughters Mary (25), Sarah (17) and Winnie (13), son Pat (9), and aunt Honor Donohoe (91). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Thomas’ occupation was listed as a Farmer, Mary and Sarah’s occupation was listed as a Farmer’s Daughter, Winnie and Pat were listed as scholars. No occupation was listed for Honor Walsh or Honor Donohoe. All householders could read and write with the exception of Honor Donohoe. All householders could speak Irish and English with the exception of Pat Walsh.

5. William Halloran (68) a widower, lived with his son Daniel (40) and daughter in law Ellen (23). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. William’s occupation was listed as a Farmer, Daniel’s occupation was listed as Farmer’s Son. No occupation was listed for Ellen. All householders could read and write. All householders could speak Irish and English.

6. James Coyne (64) lived with his wife Mary (51), sons Michael (27), Bartholmew (19) and Edward (17), and daughter Julia (23). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. James’ occupation was listed as a Farmer, Michael’s occupation was listed as Farmer’s Son, Julia’s occupation was listed as a Farmer’s Daughter, Bartholmew and Edward were listed as scholars. No occupation was listed for Mary. All householders could read and write. All householders could speak Irish and English.

7. Daniel Halloran (66) lived with his wife Mary Sr. (50), sons Richard (26), John (18) and Daniel Jr. (16), and daughters Mary Jr. (21), Delia (13) and Annie (9). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Daniel Sr’s occupation was listed as a Farmer. Richard’s occupation was listed as Farmer’s Son. Mary occupation was listed as a Farmer’s Daughter. John, Daniel Jr., Delia and Annie were listed as scholars. No occupation was listed for Mary Sr. All householders could read and write. All householders could speak Irish and English with the exception of Annie.

All seven dwellings were second class houses. All houses had either a roof of thatched, wood or other perishable material. All houses had walls constructed of either brick, stone or concrete. All houses had three front windows.

There was no information on out-offices and farm steadings.

 

1911 Census

There were 7 houses in Ballycolgan with a total of 38 individuals recorded in the 1911 Census of Ireland. (Source: National Archives)

1. Honor Curran (55) a widow, lived with her sins Matthew (23) and Peter (22). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Honor’s occupation was listed as a Farmer, Matthew and Peter’s occupation was listed as Farmer’s Son. All householders could read and write. All householders could speak Irish and English.

2. Patrick Curran (36) lived with his brother Peter (30), and male servants James Flaherty (17) and John Curran (15). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Patrick and Peter’s occupation was listed as a Farmer, James Flaherty and John Curran’s occupation was listed as a General Labourer. All householders could read and write. Only James Flaherty could speak Irish and English.

3. Michael Curran (40) lived with his wife of 2 years Nora (30), daughter Delia (1) and son Patrick (1 month). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Michael’s occupation was listed as a Farmer. No occupation was listed for the remaining householders. Only Michael and Nora could read and write and speak Irish and English. Michael and Nora had 2 children, both of whom were still living in 1911.

4. Daniel Halloran (45) lived with his wife of 11 years Ellen (33), daughters Katie (10), May (9) and Nora M. (2), and sons William J. (7) and Patrick J. (4). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Daniel’s occupation was listed as a Farmer, Katie, May and William J. were listed as scholars. No occupation was listed for Ellen, Patrick J. and Nora M. All householders could read and write with the exception of Patrick J. and Nora M. All householders could speak Irish and English with the exception of Patrick J. and Nora M. Daniel and Ellen had 5 children, all of whom were still living in 1911.

5. Michael Coyne (40) lived with his wife of 5 years Winifred (32), mother Mary (69), brother Bartholomew (28), sister Julia (35), sons John (4), James (2) and Michael Jr. (8 months), and boarder Annie Biggins (15). All householders were born in Co Galway with the exception of Annie Biggins who was born in Co Mayo. All were Roman Catholic. Michael Sr’s occupation was listed as a Farmer, Bartholomew’s occupation was listed as a General Labourer. Annie Biggins was listed as a scholar. No occupation was listed for the remaining householders.  Michael Sr., Winifred, Bartholomew, Julia and Annie Biggins could read and write, Mary could read only while John, James and Michael Jr. were unable to read or write. All householders could speak Irish and English with the exception of John, James and Michael Jr. Michael and Winifred had 3 children, all of whom were still living in 1911.

6. Daniel Holleran (78) lived with his wife of 40 years Mary Sr. (60), sons Richard (38) and Daniel Jr. (25), daughters Mary Jr. (30) and Annie (20), and grandson Patrick J. Mulkay (4). All householders were born in Co Galway and all were Roman Catholic. Daniel Sr’s occupation was listed as a Farmer. Richard and Daniel Jr’s occupation was listed as Farmer’s Son. Patrick J. Mulkay was listed as a Scholar. No occupation was listed for the remaining householders. All householders could read and write with the exception of Daniel Sr. and Mary Sr who could read only and Patrick J. Mulkay who did not read or write. All householders could speak Irish and English with the exception of Patrick J. Mulkay. Daniel Sr. and Mary Sr. had 9 children, all of whom were still living in 1911.

All seven dwellings were second class houses. All houses had either a roof of thatched, wood or other perishable material. All houses had walls constructed of either brick, stone or concrete. All houses had three front windows. There were 7 stables, 3 coach houses, 7 cow houses, 7 piggeries, 5 fowl houses, 7 barns and 5 sheds.

Note

A seventh house has not been transcribed. The census returns for house 4 has either been lost or the enumerator has not included house 4. The head of the family residing being Thomas Walsh. In 1901 Thomas Walsh (50) was the head of a household that included his wife Honor (52), daughters Mary (25), Sarah (17) and Winnie (13), son Pat (9), and aunt Honor Donohoe (91). In 1911 there were four people living in the house. There were two males (one of whom was Thomas) and two females. One can only speculate who from 1901 are residing with Thomas in 1911. Thomas Walsh’s name is present on the Enumerators House and Building Return Form B1 for 1911.