Coldwood or Floorkill

Fuarchoill, Coldwood or Floorkill

Coldwood is situated 4 miles West of Athenry, bounded on the North by Derrydonnelmore, West by Moyveela and Stradbally Parish, South by Killeeneen Parish, East by Caherfinisker and Greethill.

The Down Survey Map has no records available for this townland.

O’Donovan’s field name books 1838 provides various spellings for this townland Coldwood or Foorkill, Fuar Choill, Coleswood or Foorkyle. This source also states that it was the property of Mr. Browne containing 601 ½ statute acres, ¾ ths. of which was under cultivation, the remainder rocky. The townland is intersected by the road from Dublin to Galway a portion of its Southwest extremity is subject to winter floods. On its South and West extremities there are 2 small lakes called Poulnakirka and Poulawartin respectively. There are two Trigl. Stations, one called Coldwood E. upon the Northeast extremity of the townland and the other called Coldwood No. 2 in its southern centre, 71 and 76 feet above the sea respectively. The townland contains 2 villages of houses.

Griffith’s Valuation 1855

Andrew Browne leased a total of 601 acres 2 roods 19 perches of house, offices and land to the following tenants: John Kelly, William Curley, Patrick Ford, Thomas Moran, Nichs Shaughnessy, Anne Cahill, William Cloonan, Edmund O’Dea, Thomas Commons, Mark Burke, Michael Kelly, William Rooney, Honoria Kane and John Cahill. John Kelly paid £12-0-0. William Curley paid £9-10-0. Patrick Ford paid £8-15-0. Thomas Moran paid £5-0-0. Nichs Shaughnessy paid £21-5-0. Anne Cahill paid £3-10-0. William Cloonan paid £11-5-0. Edmund O’Dea paid £13-15-0. Thomas Commons paid £26-5-0. Mark Burke paid £17-5-0. Michael Kelly paid £19-10-0. William Rooney paid £8-15-0. Honoria Kane paid £21-10-0. John Cahill paid £7-15-0.

Honoria Kane had a vacant lot of house and offices worth £1-10-0. William Rooney leased 0 acres 1 rood 25 perches of house and gardens to John Griffin worth £0-10-0. Thomas Commons had a vacant house worth £0-15-0. He also had another vacant house worth £0-5-0. Mark Burke had a vacant house and office worth £1-0-0. Edmund O’Dea had a vacant house and office worth £0-15-0. Michael Kelly leased a house worth £0-5-0 to Patrick Morris. Thomas Commons leased a house and small garden to Honoria Crosby worth £0-5-0. He also leased a house to Patrick Shaughnessy worth £0-7-0. Nicholas Shaughnessy leased a house worth £0-5-0 to Michael Fahy.

1901 Census

There were 16 households in Coldwood in 1901. There was a total population of 84 people.  All occupants were Roman Catholic and born in Co. Galway. The census was collected the night of the 4^th of April. Each dwelling was a private dwelling. The wall of each dwelling was made from stone, brick, or concrete. The roof of each dwelling was made from thatch, wood, or some other perishable material. The heads of households were as follows: John Kelly, Thomas Shaughnessy, Bridget Shaughnessy, Patrick Carley, James Harte, Nicholas Moran, Richard Jennings, John Cahill, Kate Cloonan, James Cummins, John Bane, John Kean, Cornelious Hynes, Michael Flaherty, Michael Kelly and Thomas Rooney.

John Kelly (42) was a farmer married to Mary (48). They lived with their 4 children Matilda (12), John (10), James (8) and Nora (5). All of the children were scholars. They also lived with John’s 2 brothers James (50) and Michael (48). They were both agricultural labourers. All occupants could read and write, apart from Mary, James (50) and Michael who could read only. All members of the household could speak Irish and English except for John, James and Nora. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John Kelly owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, and 1 barn.

Thomas Shaughnessy (68) was a farmer married to Mary (60). They lived with their 6 children Thomas (26), Nora (24), Sebina (22), Rodger (20), Margaret (18) and Ellen (16). Ellen was a scholar, and the rest of the children were farmers. They also lived with Thomas’ 2 brothers Rodger (73) and Nicholas (65). They were both farmers. All occupants could read and write apart from Nicholas. Each member of the household could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Thomas owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 barn, 1 shed and 1 store.

Bridget Shaughnessy (58) was a widowed farmer. She lived with her son Patrick (18) who was a labourer and a lodger Bridget Burke (62) who was a barrack servant (Co R.I. Constabulary).  Only Patrick could read and write. All occupants could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 3^rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 windows in the front. Bridget owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 piggery.

Patrick Carley (16) was a farmer. He lived with his 4 siblings Julia (15), Norah (11), Willie (8) and Thomas (7). Julia was a housekeeper whilst the 3 youngest children were scholars. Only Patrick and Julia could speak Irish as well as English. All occupants could read and write apart from Thomas who could read only. They lived in a 3^rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 windows in the front. Patrick owned the land upon which the house was built.

James Harte (45) was an agricultural labourer married to Sarah (34). They could both speak Irish and English. James could not read but Sarah could read and write. They lived in a 3^rd class house with 1 room and 2 windows in the front. James owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 piggery.

Nicholas Moran (30) was an agricultural labourer. He lived with his mother Mary (75). They could both speak Irish and English. Nicholas could read and write, but Mary could not read. They lived in a 3^rd class house with 2 rooms and 0 windows in the front. Nicholas owned the land upon which the house was built.

Richard Jennings (60) was a farmer married to Mary (40). They lived with their 5 children John (16), Patrick (11), Bridget (9), Thomas (6) and Winifred (1). John was a farmer’s son, Patrick and Bridget were scholars. The four eldest members of the house spoke Irish as well as English. Richard, Thomas, and Winifred could not read, Bridget could read but not write and the rest of the household could all read and write. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Richard owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable and 1 barn.

John Cahill (29) was a farmer. He lived with his brother Patrick (26) and Mary (20). They were also farmers. All occupants could speak Irish and English and could also read and write. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 barn and 1 shed.

Kate Cloonan (61) was a farmer. She lived with her 3 children Thomas (35), Mary (30) and Kate (24). All of the children were farmers and could read and write. Kate could not read. All occupants could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Kate owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 barn and 1 shed.

James Cummins (40) was a farmer married to Mary A (35). They lived with their 8 children Thomas (15), Sabina (13), Patrick (11), Michael (10), William (9), Peter (5), Bridget (3) and (3 months). The 5 eldest children were scholars. The 7 eldest members of the household could read and write. Only the 4 eldest members could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. James owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 barn.

John Bane (29) was a farmer. He lived with his mother Mary Hynes (60). John could read but Mary could not. They both spoke Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable and 1 piggery.

John Kean (65) was a farmer married to Maria (60). They lived with their 2 children John (25) and Mary (17). The children were both farmers and could read and write. John (65) could not read but Maria could read. All occupants could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 barn and 1 shed.

Cornelious [sic] Hynes (33) was a farmer. He could speak Irish and English and could also read and write. He lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Cornelious owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 shed.

Michael Flaherty (74) was a farmer married to Mary (66). They lived with their son John (27) and lodger Thomas Brady (70).  John was a farmer’s son. Mary and John could read and write, Michael and Thomas could not read. Michael and Thomas spoke Irish only, the rest of the household spoke Irish and English. He lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Michael owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 barn and 1 shed.

Michael Kelly (48) was a farmer married to Bridget (49). They lived with their 9 children Patrick (24), Thomas (22), Mary (20), Margaret (18), Ellen (15), Monica (11), James (14), Michael (8) and Willie (6). The 5 youngest children were scholars. The 4 eldest children were farmers. All occupants could read and write and speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Michael owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 barn and 1 shed.

Thomas Rooney (62) was a farmer married to Julia (60). They could not read and write. They lived with their 2 sons Thomas (22) and Martin (18). They were both farmers and could read and write. All occupants could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. There was no information about the out offices or farm steadings of this household.

1911 Census

There were 17 dwellings in Coldwood in 1911. Only 12 of the dwellings were inhabited. There was a population of 61 people. All occupants were Roman Catholic and born in Co. Galway. Each dwelling was a private dwelling. The wall of each dwelling was made from stone, brick, or concrete. The roof of each dwelling was made from thatch, wood, or some other perishable material. The heads of households were as follows: John Keane, Michael Kelly, James O’Toole, James Cummins, Michael Flaherty, John Kelly, Ritchard Jennings, John Bane, Thomas Rooney, Con Hynes, John Cahill and James Harte.

John Keane (80) was a farmer married to Marie (70). In 1911 they have been married for 35 years and had 2 children, 1 of whom was still living. They lived with their widowed daughter in law Mary (36) and their 4 grandchildren Patrick Joseph (6), Anthony Brendon (5), Kate Anne (4) and Mary (2). Anthony Brendon and Kate Anne were scholars. John, Marie, Patrick Joseph, and Mary could not read. Mary (36) and Anthony Brendon could read and write. Kate Anne could read only. The 3 eldest occupants spoke Irish as well as English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John Keane owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 coach house, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

Michael Kelly (61) was a farmer married to Bridget (62). In 1911 they have been married for 35 years, had 10 children, 7 of whom were still living in 1911. They lived with their 4 children Michael (21), Ellen (23), Monica (22) and William (18). Michael and William were labourers. All occupants could read and write and speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Michael Kelly owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable,1 coach house, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

James O’Toole (36) was a farmer married to Kate (36). In 1911 they have been married for 5 years, had 2 children, which were all still living in 1911. They lived with their 2 children Thomas (4) and Bridget (1). Thomas was a scholar. They also lived with James’ mother-in-law Kate Cloonan (73) and sister-in-law Mary Cloonan (43). James, Kate (36) and Mary (43) could read and write. Thomas could read only, and Bridget and Kate (73) could not read. All members of the household could speak Irish and English apart from Thomas and Bridget. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. James O’Toole owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery and 1 barn.

James Cummins (59) was a farmer married to Mary Anne (50). In 1911 they had been married for 24 years, had 12 children, all of whom were still living. They lived with their 8 children Thomas (23), Michael (20), Patrick (21), William (19), James (6), Maria (16), Ellen (10) and Margaret (8). Thomas, Michael, Patrick, and William were labourers. Ellen and Margaret were scholars. All occupants could read and write. All members of the household could speak Irish and English apart from James (6), Ellen (10) and Margaret (8). They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. James Cummins owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery and 1 barn.

Michael Flaherty (86) was a widowed farmer. He lived with his son John (37) who was also a farmer. Michael could not read but John could read and write. They could both speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Michael Flaherty owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

John Kelly (55) was a farmer married to Mary (57). In 1911 they had been married for 26 years, had 6 children, 4 of whom were still living. They lived with their 4 children John (20), James (18), Norah (16) and Matilda (22). John and James were labourers. Norah was a scholar. They also lived with John’s brother James Kelly (61) who was a labourer. All occupants could read and write apart from Mary who could read only and James who could not read. All members of the household could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John Kelly owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Ritchard [sic] Jennings (72) was a farmer married to Mary (53). In 1911 they had been married for 35 years, had 9 children, 7 of whom were still living. They lived with 4 of their children John (28), Patrick (22), Bridget (18) and Winefred (11). John and Patrick were labourers. Winefred was a scholar. All occupants were able to read and write apart from Ritchard who could not read and Patrick who could read only. All members of the household could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Ritchard owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

John Bane (40) was a farmer married to Mary (39). In 1911 they had been married for 3 years, had 1 child, who was still living in 1911. They lived with John’s son Patrick (9) who was a scholar. They also lived with their daughter Norah (1). All members of the household could read and write and speak Irish and English apart from Norah. They lived in a 3^rd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John Bane owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable,1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

Thomas Rooney (75) was a farmer married to Julia (69). In 1911 they had been married for 49 years, had 8 children, 4 of whom were still living. The lived with their son Thomas (33) who was a labourer. They also lived with their daughter in law Bina (23) and grand daughter Catherine (3 months). Thomas (75) and Catherine could not read. Julia could read only. Thomas and Bina could read and write. All occupants could speak Irish and English apart from Catherine. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Thomas Rooney owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

Con Hynes (42) was a farmer. He could read and write and speak Irish and English. He lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. Cornalieous Hynes owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

John Cahill (40) was a farmer married to Margaret (43). In 1911 they had been married for 7 years. They lived with his son Patrick (8) who was a scholar. They also lived with a servant Martin Hardiman (20). There was also a visitor the night of the census Patrick Carley (27) who was a farmer. All members of the household could read and write and speak Irish and English apart from Martin. They lived in a 2^nd class house with 2 rooms and 3 windows in the front. John Cahill owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

James Harte (55) was a farmer married to Sarah (40). In 1911 they had been married for 10 years. James could not read but Sarah could read and write. They could both speak Irish and English. He lived in a 3^rd class house with 2 rooms and 2 windows in the front. James Harte owned the land upon which the house was built along with 1 piggery.