Ballygar

Civil Parish of Killeroran

Emma Ruane - Heritage Office, Galway County Council

Ballygar

Béal Átha Ghártha, opening of the ford,

Ballygar is situated in the civil parish of Killeroran, Barony of Killian, County Galway. Located in the North of Killeroran parish, Ballygar is bounded by the townlands of Tullyroe, Killeroran, Cartron and Hermitage.

The Down Survey Map indicates the 1641 (Pre-Cromwell) owner of Ballygar was Edmund McDonagh O’Kelly (Catholic). In 1670 the owner was Sir Edward Ormesby (Protestant). The Down Survey name was Ballgad. There were 103 plantation acres of unprofitable land and 111 plantation acres of profitable land. 111 plantation acres were forfeited.

O’Donovan’s Field Name Books states that D. Kelly Esqr. Holds the townland of Ballygar under deed forever. According to O’Donovan’s Field Name Books, Ballygar consists of 193 acres, 1 rood and 4 perches. Most of the land is under good cultivation, except a portion of bog of approximately 20 acres in the North. The roads and houses are described as being in good repair.

Census 1841-1851

According to the 1851 census, Ballygar consists of 293 acres, 1 rood and 14 perches. The total 1841 population was 38 people, 15 of whom were male and 23 were female. There were 6 houses, and all were occupied. By 1851, the population had decreased to 25 people, 15 were male and 10 were female. The 4 houses in Ballygar in 1851 were all occupied. The poor law valuation rate paid in 1851 was £119-10-0.

Griffith’s Valuation 1847-1864

According to Griffith’s Valuation, Denis H. Kelly was the immediate lessor of the land. He kept two portions of land in fee on Holding 1. The first measured 48 acres, 0 roods and 18 perches and the second was 3 acres, 3 roods and 15 perches worth £5-10-0. On the same holding, Martin Smith rented land measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 30 perches for £0-4-0. There were two vacant houses, the first was worth £1-10-0 and the second was worth £1-5-0. Andrew Killalea, Patrick Derrig, Terrance Kelly and Peter Sommers each rented a house worth £1-10-0. Patrick Clogher rented a house for £0-12-0. Cristopher Lohan rented a house worth £0-10-0. Matthew Nolan rented a house for £0-5-0.

On Holding 2, Thomas Fitzmaurice paid £2-0-0 for land measuring 4 acres, 0 roods and 10 perches. Also, on Holding 2, Martin Duffy rented a house from Samuel Thompson for £0-5-0.

On Holding 3, Samuel Thompson rented land measuring 11 acres, 3 roods and 22 perches from Denis H. Kelly for £5-10-0.

James Clarke paid £7-0-0 for land measuring 3 acres, 0 roods and 0 perches and another portion of land measuring 8 acres, 1 rood and 20 perches.

Peter Barns rented 6 acres, 0 roods and 18 perches of land for £2-10-0.

John Kelly paid £1-0-0 for land measuring 1 acre, 1 rood and 20 perches.

Thomas Dooly rented land measuring 1 acre, 0 roods and 0 perches for £0-15-0.

On Holding 8, Peter Dignan rented three portions of land for £28-10-0. The first lot measured 4 acres, 0 roods and 16 perches, the second was 25 acres, 3 roods and 33 perches the third measured 6 acres, 2 roods and 6 perches and the final lot measured 5 acres, 1 rood and 36 perches.

Bartholomew Feeny, Bridget Nolan and Bernard Cummins jointly rented land on Holding 9 which measured 3 acres, 0 roods and 20 perches. Bartholomew paid £0-14-0, while Bridget and Bernard each paid £0-13-0.

John Wall rented land measuring 1 acre, 3 roods and 10 perches for £1-5-0.

Rev. Edward Wallace paid £17-0-0 for house, offices and land measuring 21 acres, 3 roods and 21 perches.

John Gilmore paid a total of £13-0-0 for house, offices and land measuring 18 acres, 2 roods and 0 perches and a house.

Joseph Murphy rented 20 acres, 2 roods and 10 perches of land for £23-0-0.

On Holding 14, William Tracey rented land measuring 28 acres, 0 roods and 19 perches for £6-10-0. Also, on Holding 14, James Clarke rented a house from William Tracey for £0-8-0.

Joseph Lyons and Michael Carroll jointly rented land measuring 2 acres, 1 rood and 5 perches. They each paid £0-3-0.

Thomas Martin rented land measuring 14 acres, 0 roods and 0 perches for £3-10-0. On the same holding, John Hannon rented a house from Thomas Martin for £0-8-0.

William Lohan paid £5-0-0 for 12 acres, 3 roods and 16 perches of land.

Bernard Cummins, Allan French and Robert Connor each rented on Holding 18 which measured a total of 4 acres, 3 roods and 24 perches. Bernard Cummins paid £1-7-0 for land. Allan French paid £7-18-0 for house, offices and land. Robert Connor paid £4-15-0 for house, office and land.

Philip Tracey rented land measuring 7 acres, 2 roods and 36 perches for £7-0-0.

John Carter paid £14-15-0 for house, offices and land measuring 15 acres, 3 roods and 3 perches. There was a vacant house in John Carter’s name worth £5-10-0. On the same holding, Rev, John A. Hopkins rented 0 acres, 0 roods and 37 perches of house and garden for £6-0-0.

Town of Ballygar

Main Street

There was a church on Holding 1 worth £3-0-0.

The parochial house was leased by Rev. James Janns on Holding 2 for £3-0-0.

Charles G. Kirkwood rented house and office from Denis H. Kelly for £1-15-0.

Samuel Thompson paid £6-10-0 for house, offices and yard.

John rented house, offices and yard for £6-10-0.

On Holding 6, Thomas Fitzmaurice paid £5-0-0 for house, office and yard.

Timothy Gorman rented house and office from Michael Kenny on Holding 7 for £2-18-0.

There was a vacant house in the name of Matthew Donovan on Holding 8 worth £7-5-0.

Matthew Donovan rented 0 acres, 1 rood and 28 perches of house, offices, yard and garden from Denis H. Kelly for £8-10-0.

Michael Gorman paid £8-15-0 to John Wall for house, office, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 28 perches.

On Holding 11, Thomas Martin rented from Denis H. Kelly house, offices, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 14 perches for £9-2-0.

James Clarke paid £8-4-0 for house, offices, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 23 perches.

Sarah Mulvey paid £4-18-0 for 0 acres, 1 rood and 20 perches of house, office, yard and garden.

Bernard Gilmore rented house, office and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 15 perches from Philip Tracey for £4-17-0.

On Holding 15 there was a vacant lot of house, offices, yard and garden measuring 1 acre, 1 rood and 14 perches, in the name of Philip Tracey worth £7-12-0

John Kelly rented house, offices, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 18 perches from Denis H. Kelly for £12-3-0.

Bridget Nolan paid £4-13-0 for 0 acres, 1 rood and 18 perches of house, offices, yard and garden.

Patrick Brehenny paid £4-8-0 for house, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 18 perches.

On Holding 19, Martin Smyth rented house, office, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 14 perches from Peter Dignan for £7-12-0.

On Holding 20, Martin Smyth paid £20-2-0 for house, offices, yard and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 14 perches from Denis H. Kelly.

Robert Connor paid £3-5-0 for house, offices and yard.

Bartholomew Feeny rented house, office and yard for £5-15-0.

On Holding 23 the Guardians of the Poor of Mountbellew Union rented a dispensary for £4-5-0.

The Constabulary Force rented police bar., office and yard on Holding 24 from Philip Heavey for £10-0-0.

Philip Heavey rented house and yard from Denis H. Kelly for £5-0-0.

Thomas Gaffney paid £8-10-0 for house, offices and yard.

On Holdings 27 and 28 lodgers rented house and yard from John Shaughnessy and paid £3-5-0 on each holding.

Timothy Kennedy paid £2-5-0 for a house from Denis H. Kelly on Holding 29.

Owen Fitzmaurice rented a house for £4-10-0 for Holding 30.

Back Lane

Thomas Mee rented a house for £0-15-0 from Thomas Fitzmaurice.

Judith Grealy also rented a house from Thomas Fitzmaurice for £01-5-0 on Holding 2.

Anthony Grealy rented a house from Michael Kenny for £1-5-0.

On Holding 4, Patrick Mannion rented house, office and garden measuring 0 acres, 1 rood and 19 perches from James Clarke for £2-0-0.

James Milford rented house from Denis H. Kelly for £1-0-0.

Thomas Finneran paid £1-0-0 for a house from John Martin.

On Holding 7, Thomas Heany also rented a house from John Martin for £1-0-0.

John Clarke and Margt. Casey rented a house from James Clarke on Holding 8 for £1-5-0.

Peter Byrne rented office and garden measuring 0 acres, 0 roods and 29 perches from Denis H. Kelly for £1-0-0.

William Greany paid £1-0-0 for a house from Daniel Clarke.

Patrick Keogh rented house and office from John Shaughnessy for £1-0-0.

Market Square

Peter Byrne rented a house from Denis H. Kelly for £2-5-0.

On Holding 2, Messrs. Hood, Steele and Co. rented offices (corn store) for £4-0-0.

Daniel Clarke paid £2-5-0 for a house.

On Holding 4 there was a vacant lot of house and office in the name of Peter Dignan worth £6-10-0.

Michael Curley rented house from Martin Curley for £1-10-0.

Martin Curley rented a house from Denis H. Kelly for £2-10-0.

James Carney rented house and garden measuring 0 acres, 0 roods and 6 perches for £2-16-0.

Michael Dooly paid £2-15-0 for house and office.

Adam Cunningham rented house and office for £2-10-0.

Peter Dignan paid £14-0-0 for house, offices and yard.

On Holding 11, Philip Heany had an unfinished house.

The total annual valuation of rateable property was £455-14-0. Taking into account the exemptions given to the church, the parochial school house and yard, the dispensary and the police barrack, office and yard the total annual valuation was £435-9-0.

Census 1901

There were 4 houses in 1901, and each of these were occupied. The total population was 23 people, 16 of whom were male and 7 were female. The heads of the households were as follows: Martin Fahey, William Hession, John Noone and Thomas Connor. All inhabitants were born in County Galway, except William (48), John and William (18) Hession in House 2 who were each born in England. All residents were Roman Catholic.

Each house was listed as a private dwelling. There was a total of 14 far steadings, consisting of 2 stables, 2 coach houses, 3 cow houses, 3 piggeries, 1 barn, 1 turf house and 2 sheds. The census forms were collected on the 11th of April.

Martin Fahey (41) lived with his wife Bridget (35), their daughter Mary Kate (4), their 2 sons Martin (3) and John (1) and a farm servant John Fahey (14). Martin worked as a farmer. Martin (41), Bridget and John (14) could read and write, and they each spoke Irish and English. The children spoke English only. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 5 rooms. Both the walls and the roof of the house were constructed using permanent material. Martin owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 coach house, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 turf house and 1 shed.

William Hession (48) was a widower who lived with his 7 sons, John (20), William (18), Henry (15), James (10), Stephen (8), Robert (3) and George (6 months), his 2 daughters Emma (16) and Adeline (6) and domestic servant Mary Qualter (21). William (48) worked as a builder and contractor. John and William (18) both worked as slaters and plasterers. Emma was a housekeeper. Henry, James, Stephen, Adeline and Robert were scholars, while George was listed as an infant. All members of the family could read and write, except Adeline who could read only, and Robert and George who could not read or write. William (48), John, William (18) and Mary spoke Irish and English, while the others spoke English only. William (48), John and William were each born in England, while the rest of the family were born in County Galway. The house was a 1st class dwelling with 9 front windows and 8 rooms. Permanent material was used to construct the walls and the roof of the house. There was 1 stable, 1 coach house, 1 piggery and 1 shed. D.P. Ffrench was the landholder.

John Noone (58) was a widower. He lived with his 2 sons Rodger (27) and Thomas (17) and his daughter Kate (18). John, Rodger and Thomas each worked as farm labourers. Kate was a scholar. All members of the family could read and write, and they each spoke Irish and English. The Noone family occupied a 3rd class dwelling with 2 front windows and 2 rooms. Permanent material was used to construct the walls of the house, while the roof was made of perishable material. John owned the land on which his house was located along with 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Thomas Connor (43) was an unmarried stone mason. He lived with his unmarried sister Mary (62). Mary worked as a dressmaker. Thomas and Mary could read and write, and they each spoke Irish and English. The siblings lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 5 rooms. The walls and the roof of the house were constructed using permanent material. Thomas owned the land on which his house was located along with 1 cow house and 1 barn.

Census 1911

There were 5 houses in 1911, each of which were occupied. The total population was 17 people, 9 of whom were male and 8 were female. The heads of the households were as follows: Thomas Connor, Richard Moore, Thomas Naughton, Martin Fahy and Rodger Noone. All residents were born in County Galway, except Celia Connor in House 1 who was born in County Roscommon, Richard Moore in House 2 who was born in County Mayo and Sara Anne and Samuel Wm Jas Moore also in House 2 who were both born in County Leitrim. All inhabitants were Roman Catholic, except the Moore family in House 2 who were members of the Church of Ireland.

Each house was listed as a private dwelling. There was a total of 16 farm steadings, consisting of 2 stables, 3 cow houses, 2 calf houses, 2 piggeries, 2 fowl houses, 2 barns, 1 turf house and 2 sheds. The census forms were collected on the 17th of April.

Thomas Connor (59) was unmarried and he lived with his unmarried sister Celia (74). Thomas worked as a mason. Both Thomas and Celia could read and write. No language was recorded for either family member suggesting they spoke English only. Celia was born in County Roscommon and Thomas was born in County Galway. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. Permanent material was used to construct both the walls and the roof of the house. Thomas owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house.

Richard Moore (37) lived with his wife Sara Anne (28) and their 2 children Samuel Wm Jas (7) and Maud Elizabeth (2). Richard and Sara Anne had been married for 9 years and had 2 children. Richard was a constable in the R.I.C. Samuel was a scholar. All members of the family could read and write, except Maud Elizabeth who was too young to read or write at time of the census. No language was recorded, suggesting each member of the family spoke English only. Richard was born in County Mayo, while both Sara Anne and Samuel were born in County Leitrim. Maud Elizabeth was born in County Galway. The family were members of the Church of Ireland. The family occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. Both the walls and the roof of the house were constructed using permanent material. There was 1 turf house. Nicholas Hughes was the landholder.

Thomas Naughton (44) lived with his wife of 7 years Mary (42) and their 3 children, Winifred (6), Micheal (5) and Mary Anne (3). Thomas worked as a tailor and farmer. Winifred was a scholar. Thomas, Mary, Winifred and Micheal could read and write, while Mary Anne was too young to read at the time of the census. Each family member spoke English only. The Naughton family lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and 3 rooms. The walls and the roof of the house were constructed using permanent material. Thomas owned the land on which his house was located along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 shed.

Martin Fahy (52) was a married farmer. He lived with his wife Bridget (49), their daughter Mary Kate (15) and their 2 sons Martin (13) and John (11). Martin and Bridget had been married for 16 years and had 3 children. Martin (52) worked as a farmer, while both Martin (13) and John were scholars. All members of the family could read and write. They each spoke Irish and English, except Bridget who spoke English only. The family occupied a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 5 rooms. Permanent material was used to construct the walls and the roof of the house. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 shed. Martin Fahy was the landholder.

Rodger Noone (34) was an unmarried farm labourer who lived alone Rodger could read and write, but he spoke English only. He lived in a 3rd class house with 2 front windows and 2 rooms. Perishable material was used to construct the walls and the roof of the house. Rodger Noone was the landholder.

 

Town of Ballygar

Census 1911

There were 65 buildings in Ballygar Town in 1911, 60 of which were occupied. The total population was 269 people, 129 of whom were male and 140 were female. The heads of the household were as follows: Mary Carey, Bridget Nolan, Edward J. Blake, Beatrice Gilmore, Edward Thompson, Michael Ward, Patrick Ward, Bridget Keane, Kate Doyle, Michael Wall, Michael McDonnell, John Bourns, James McDonnell, Bridget Martin, Anne Clarke, Sarah Nolan, Kate O’Keeffe, Patrick Carty, John Hughes, John M. Geraghty, Mary Fitzgerald, Kate Fitzgerald, Martin F. Smyth, Francis Cunningham, Thomas Kenny, John Treanor, Meredith J. O’Connor, Patrick Connelly, Arthur Price, John Lyons, John Kelly. Thomas Finneran, Martin Casey, Margaret Dignan, Sarah K. Dignan, Thomas O’Beirne, Thomas Hanley, Ellen Hannon, Peter Geraghty, Thomas Connolly, Michael Quinn, Timothy Kennedy, Catherine Carter, Patrick Hughes, Henry Keane, Michael Connolly, Patrick Fitzmaurice, John Forde, Joseph Forde, Sarah Gilmore, James Maughan, Ellen Nolan, James O’Dowd, Patrick Pettit, Michael Mee, Bridget Nolan, Bridget Kelly, Thomas Sweeney, John O’Donnell, Patrick Dillon and Bridget Enright. All inhabitants of Ballygar Town in 1911 were Roman Catholic, except Edward Thompson and Letitia Thompson in House 5 who were members of the Church of Ireland.

There was a total of 34 private dwellings. Each building used permanent material to construct the walls and the roof except, House 6 and House 55, which used permanent material to construct the walls, while perishable material was used to construct the roof. There was no landholder listed for any of the dwellings. There was a total of 144 farm steadings, consisting of 20 stables, 3 coach houses, 1 harness house, 21 cow houses, 9 calf houses, 17 piggeries, 21 fowl houses, 1 boiling room, 3 barns, 21 turf houses, 1 potato house, 4 workshops, 10 sheds, 11 stores and 1 forge. The census forms were collected on the 3rd of April from Houses 1 to 43 and on the 4th of April from Houses 44 to 60.

Mary Carey (84) was a widow who lived with domestic servant Rose Conley (60). Only Mary could read and write. No language was listed for either Mary or Rose, suggesting they spoke English only. They were both born in County Roscommon. Rose was a Roman Catholic. They lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 fowl house and 1 shed.

Bridget Nolan (80) was a widow. She lived with her stepson John (34). John worked as a farm servant. Bridget could write, while John could read and write. Bridget spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for John suggesting he spoke English only. They were both born in County Galway and were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 2 front windows and 2 rooms. There was 1 cow house and 1 barn.

Edward J. Blake was the head of this household and his details were returned on Form H. Nora Frances (25) was his wife of 5 years. Nora Frances could read and write. No language was recorded for Nora suggesting she spoke English only. She was born in County Mayo. Nora was a Roman Catholic. The house was a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 3 rooms. There was 1 fowl house and 1 turf house.

Beatrice Gilmore (35) was a widow who lived with her nephew James Nolan (14), and 2 boarders Hubert Dockery (22) and Peter Lyons (23). James was a scholar. Both Hubert and Peter were national school teachers. All members of the household could read and write. James, Hubert and Peter spoke Irish and English while no language was listed for Beatrice suggesting she spoke English only. Beatrice, James and Hubert were born in County Roscommon and Peter was born in County Galway. Each person in the house was Roman Catholic. The house was a 2nd class dwelling with 4 front windows and 3 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 fowl house and 1 turf house.

Edward Thompson (60) was an unmarried farmer who lived with his unmarried sister Letitia (35). Both Edward and Letitia could read and write. No language was recorded for either family member suggesting they spoke English only. They were both born in County Galway and were members of the Church of Ireland. The siblings lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 4 front windows and 5 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 fowl house.

Michael Ward (50) lived with his wife Bridget (49), their 4 sons, Charles (23), Michael (18), Bernard (2) and Lawrence (8 months) and their 3 daughters, Catherine (16), Norah (12) and Bridget (6). Michael and Bridget had been married for 29 years and had 15 children, 10 of whom were living in 1911. Michael (50) worked as a tinsmith, while Charles and Michael (18) were labourers. Norah, Bridget (6) and Bernard were scholars. Charles, Michael (18), Catherine, Norah and Bridget (6) could read and write, while Bridget (48) could read only. No language was recorded for any family member, suggesting they spoke English only. Michael (50) was born in County Roscommon, while the rest of this family were born in County Galway. The family were Roman Catholic. The Ward family lived in a 3rd class house with 1 front window and 2 rooms. There was 1 fowl house.

Patrick Ward (41) lived with his wife of 20 years Anne (39), their 4 daughters, Kate (19), Mary (12), Maggie (10) and Ellen (4) and their 4 sons, Patrick (18), Charles (16), Michael (13) and Martin (7). Patrick and Anne had 10 children, 8 of whom were living in 1911. Patrick (41) worked as a tinsmith, while Patrick (18) and Charles were labourers. Kate was a domestic servant. Michael, Mary, Maggie, Martin and Ellen were scholars. All members of the family could read and write, except Patrick (41) and Anne who could read only and Martin and Ellen who could not read or write. No language was recorded for any family members suggesting they each spoke English only. All members of the family were born in County Galway and each were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 2 front windows and 2 rooms. There was 1 fowl house.

Bridget Keane (25) was an unmarried dressmaker who lived alone. She could read and write. No language was listed for Bridget suggesting she spoke English only. Bridget did not record her place of birth. She was a Roman Catholic. She occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 2 front windows and 2 rooms. There were no farm steadings associated with this house.

Kate Doyle (38) was unmarried and lived with her unmarried sister Nellie (23). Kate was a sub postmistress and Nellie worked as a post office assistant. Both Kate and Nellie could read and write, and they each spoke English only. They did not record their place of birth. Kate and Nellie were Roman Catholic. The sisters lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. There were no farm steadings associated with this house.

Michael Wall (35) lived with his wife Ellen (31), their daughter Mary Clare (1), domestic servant Katie Owens (19) and baker William Brown (19). Michael and Ellen had been married for 3 years and had 2 children, sadly only 1 child was living in 1911. Michael worked as a shop keeper and a farmer. Michael, Ellen, Katie and William could read and write. No language was listed for any member of the household suggesting they each spoke English only. They were all born in County Galway, and all were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 1st class public house with 6 front windows and 8 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 turf house.

Michael McDonnell (60) was a married shop keeper and farmer. He lived with his wife Kate (55), their 3 sons, Mathew (30), Thomas (27) and Michael (7) and their 2 daughters Maria (18) and Kitie [sic] (15). Michael and Kate had been married for 34 years and had 12 children, sadly only 7 were living in 1911. Mathew was a farm labourer and Thomas was an artisan. Maria worked as a milliner and Michael (7) was a scholar. All members of the family could read and write, except Michael (7) who could read only. Michael (60) spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for the others suggesting they spoke English only. All members of the family were born in County Galway, and they were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class public house with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 workshop.

John Bourns (81) was a shop keeper. He lived with shop man Peter Collerin (28), shop man Rodger Kelly (19) and domestic servant Bridget Conway (19). John was listed as a being married, but there is no record of his wife here. All members of the household could read and write. No language was recorded for any person suggesting they spoke English only. John, Peter and Rodger were each born in County Mayo, while Bridget was born in Kings County. John was a member of the Church of Ireland, while the others were Roman Catholic. The building was a 1st class shop with 8 front windows and 13 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 shed and 2 stores.

James McDonnell (47) lived with his wife Bridget (37), their 2 daughters Mary (7) and Anne (1), shop assistant Patrick O’Brien (26) and domestic servant Margaret Price (16). James and Bridget had been married for 8 years and had 3 children, 2 of whom were living in 1911. James was a merchant and Mary was a scholar. All members of the family could read and write, except baby Anne who naturally was too young to read and write at the time of the census. No language was recorded for any member of the household suggesting each person spoke English only. Patrick was born in County Roscommon and Margaret was born in County Wexford, while each member of the McDonnell family was born in County Galway. Each person in the household was Roman Catholic. They lived in a 1st class public house with 6 front windows and 8 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 fowl house, 2 sheds and 1 store.

Bridget Martin (78) was a widow who lived with her married son Joseph (50), daughter-in-law Delia (27), her 2 grandchildren John Thomas (1) and Mary Kate (1 month), her unmarried son Thomas (33) and her 2 unmarried daughters Bridget (39) and Mary Kate (30). Joseph and Delia had been married for 2 years and had 2 children. Joseph worked as a farmer and Thomas was a farm labourer. Bridget (39) was listed as a farmer’s daughter and Mary Kate (30) was a shop assistant. All members of the family could read and write, except naturally John Thomas and Mary Kate (1 month). Each person spoke Irish and English, except John Thomas and Mary Kate (1 month). The family were all born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The Martin family lived in a 2nd class public house with 5 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 shed.

Anne Clarke (76) was a widowed shop keeper. She lived with her unmarried son John J. (36), her 3 grandchildren, Elizabeth Maher (15), Michael Maher (12) and Gerald Maher (5) and 2 shop assistants Michael Stanton (22) and Michael Lamb (21). John J. worked as a shop keeper, while Michael (12) and Gerald were scholars. All members of the household could read and write, except Gerald who could not read or write at the time of the census. Anne, John J. and Michael (12) spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for the others suggesting they spoke English only. Michael Lamb was born in County Tipperary, while the others were born in County Galway. Each person in the household was Roman Catholic. They lived in a 2nd class shop with 6 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 turf house, 1 shed and 2 stores.

Sarah Nolan (78) was a widow who lived wither her 2 unmarried sons Patrick (44) and Thomas (40) ad her unmarried daughter Kate (36). Both Patrick and Thomas worked as carpenters. Sarah could read only, but each of her children could read and write. No language was listed for any member of the family suggesting they spoke English only. Each person was born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 6 front windows and 6 rooms. There were no farm steadings associated with this house.

Kate O’Keeffe (30) was an unmarried shop keeper who lived alone. She could read and write. No language was listed for Kate, suggesting she spoke English only. Kate was born in County Galway and she was a Roman Catholic. Kate occupied a 2nd class public house with 5 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 piggery and 1 shed.

Patrick Carty (40) was an unmarried shop keeper who lived alone. Patrick could read and write. No language was recorded for Patrick, suggesting he spoke English only. He was born in County Roscommon and was a Roman Catholic. Patrick lived in a 2nd class public house with 6 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable and 1 turf house.

John Hughes (62) was a widower. He lived with his 3 sons, Nicholas (28), Patrick (18) and Mathew Frances (13), his 3 daughters, Mary Kate (26), Annie M. (22) and Maggie Josephine (11) and his nephew Thomas (27). John worked as a merchant and farmer, while Nicholas was a farmer. Thomas a cattle dealer. Mathew Frances and Maggie Josephine were scholars. All members of the family could read and write, and they each spoke Irish and English. Each family member was born in County Galway and each were Roman Catholic. John was listed as being deaf. The family lived 1st class public house with 9 front windows and 10 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 coach house, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery and 1 turf house.

John M. Geraghty (38) lived with his wife Maria A. (35), their 3 sons, Patrick T. (5), Martin J. (4) and James W. (9 months), their daughter Anna Marie (2) and a relative Delia Walsh (11). John and Maria had been married for 6 years and had 4 children. John worked as a draper and cycle agent. Patrick T., Martin J. and Delia were scholars. Only John, Maria and Delia could read and write, while Patrick T. could read only. John, Maria and Delia spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for the others suggesting they spoke English only. Maria A. and Delia were born in County Mayo, while the rest of the family were born in County Galway. Each family member was Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class shop with 4 front windows and 5 rooms. There was 1 turf house.

Mary Fitzgerald (73) was a widow who lived with her 2 unmarried daughters Mary Anne (46) and Elizabeth Mary (25) and her daughter-in-law Amy (29). Amy had been married for 3 years, yet there is no record of her husband here. All members of the family could read and write. No language was recorded for any member of the family suggesting they each spoke English only. Mary was born in County Roscommon, Mary Anne was born in County Mayo and Elizabeth Mary was born in County Galway. Amy was from South Africa. Each member of the family was a Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable and 1 turf house.

Kate Fitzgerald (35) was a widowed teacher. She lived with her daughter Mary Teresa (9) and her son James (8). Mary Teresa and James were scholars. All members of the family could read and write. No language was listed for any family member suggesting they spoke English only. Kate was born in County Roscommon, while both of her children were born in County Galway. All members of the family were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 turf house.

Martin F. Smyth (55) was a shop keeper. He lived with his wife Mary (56), their daughter Mary K. (20), 2 shop assistants Jeremiah Clancy (16) and Patrick H. Walsh (20) and domestic servant Ellen Kelly (18). Martin and Mary had been married for 23 years and had 1 child. All members of the household could read and write. No language was recorded for any member of the household suggesting they spoke English only. Both Martin and Mary K. were born in County Galway, while Mary was born in County Leitrim. Jeremiah was from Limerick City, Patrick was born in County Down and Ellen was born in County Tipperary. The family lived in a 1st class public house with 9 front windows and 9 rooms. There were 2 stables, 1 coach house, 1 harness house, 1 cow house, 1 fowl house, 1 shed and 2 stores.

Francis Cunningham (35) lived with his wife of 2 years Bridget (30). Francis was a publican. Both Francis and Bridget could read and write. Francis spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for Bridget suggesting she spoke English only. Francis was born in County Sligo and Bridget was born in County Galway. They were both Roman Catholics. They lived in a 2nd class public house with 5 front windows and 8 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 piggery and 1 turf house.

Thomas Kenny (46) lived with his wife Margaret (38), their 2 sons Patrick (5) and Andrew (3), their daughter Mary (4) and domestic servant Margaret Ward (18). Thomas and Margaret had been married for 8 years and had 4 children, according to record each of their children were living in 1911. Thomas was a shop keeper and a farmer. Patrick, Mary and Andrew were scholars. Thomas, Margaret (38) and Margaret (18) could read and write, while Patrick could read only. Thomas and Margaret spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for the others suggesting they spoke English only. All members of the family were born in County Galway, and each were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 2nd class public house with 5 front windows and 7 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 turf house and 2 stores.

John Treanor (40) was the sergeant in the R.I.C. Barracks and his details were returned on Form H. His wife Margaret (33) lived with her 2 daughters Annie Helena (8) and Mary Josephine (7) and her 4 sons James Gerald (5), Patrick Arthur (4), John Joseph (2) and Noel O’Rourke (1). Margaret had been married for 9 years and had 6 children. The 4 eldest children were scholars. Margaret, Annie Helena and Mary Josephine could read and write, while James Gerald and Patrick Arthur could read only. No language was listed for any members of the family suggesting they spoke English only. Margaret was born in County Monaghan, Annie Helena was born in County Mayo, while Mary Josephine, James Gerald and Patrick Arthur were born in County Leitrim. John Joseph and Noel O’Rourke were both born in County Galway. All members of the family were Roman Catholic.

  1. T. (40) was a sergeant and was listed as a farmer’s son. E.J. B. was a constable listed as a farmer’s son. J.M ranked as a constable and was a shop keeper. W.H. M. was a constable and a farmer’s son. Each person could read and write. No language was recorded suggesting each person spoke English only. J.T. and E.J. B. were married. J. T. was born in County Monaghan. Both E.J. B. and J.M. were born in County Sligo. W.H. M. was born in County Armagh. Each person was Roman Catholic. The R.I.C. Barracks was a 2nd class building with 6 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 fowl house and 1 turf house.

Meredith J. O’Connor (45) lived with his wife Mary A. (36), their 5 sons, Patrick W. (13), Meredith J. (11), George R. (7), Valentine C (5) and Kevin P.J. (under 1 month), their 2 daughters Lillian M. (9) and Pauleen E. (2) and unmarried lodger Margaret Egan (83). Meredith and Mary A. had been married for 14 years and had 7 children. Meredith was a constable in the R.I.C. The 5 eldest children were scholars. Margaret was an old age pensioner. Meredith (45), Mary, Patrick, Meredith J. (11), Lillian and Margaret could read and write. No language was recorded for any member of the household suggesting they each spoke English only. Mary, Patrick and Meredith (11) were born in County Mayo, Margaret was born in County Roscommon, while the rest of the family were born in County Galway. Each person in the household was a Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 fowl house and 1 turf house.

Patrick Connelly (47) lived with his wife Norah (40), their son John (16) and their 3 daughters, Maria (18), Bridget (13) and Norah (10). Patrick and Norah had been married for 20 years and had 5 children, all of whom were living in 1911. Patrick worked as a farm labourer and John was also a labourer. Maria was a domestic servant. Both Bridget and Norah (10) were scholars. All members of the family could read and write. No language was recorded for any member of the family suggesting they each spoke English only. Each person was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. The family occupied a single roomed 3rd class dwelling with just 1 front window.

Arthur Price (55) lived with his wife of 20 years Margaret (38) and their 2 daughters Florence (13) and Annie (11). Arthur and Margaret had 4 children, sadly only 3 of their children were living in 1911. Arthur was listed as a general dealer, while Florence and Annie were scholars. All members of the family could read and write. No language was recorded for any family members suggesting they spoke English only. Arthur was born in England and Margaret was born in County Wexford. Both Florence and Annie were born in County Galway. All members of the family were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 3rd class dwelling with just 1 front window and 1 room. There was 1 shed.

John Lyons (39) was a widower who lived with his unmarried brother Thomas (36) and his unmarried sister Mary (35). Both John and Thomas worked as agricultural labourers. Mary was a domestic servant. All members of the family could read and write. No language was recorded for any family member suggesting they spoke English only. The siblings were all born in County Galway and were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 3rd class house with 1 front window and 2 rooms.

John Kelly (60) lived with his wife Nora (52), their 5 sons, Michael (22), John (20), James (16), Laurence (12) and Patrick (11), their daughter Annie (14) and servant John Fullerton (31). John and Nora had been married for 39 years and had 11 children, 9 of whom were living in 1911. John (60), John (20) and John (31) all worked as carpenters. Michael was listed as a farmer’s son. James, Annie. Laurence and Patrick were scholars. All members of the family could read and write. James, Annie, Laurence and Patrick spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for the others suggesting they spoke English only. John (31) was born in County Dublin, while each member of the Kelly family was born in County Galway. All members of the household were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and 5 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 work shop and 1 shed.

Thomas Finneran (60) was a widower who lived alone. Thomas worked as a shoe maker. He could read and write; however, no language was listed for Thomas suggesting he spoke English only. He was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. Thomas occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 2 front windows and 2 rooms.

Martin Casey (64) was a widower who lived with his daughter Mary (24). Martin was a pensioner of the W.S. Army. Martin could not read or write, but Mary could read and write. Martin spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for Mary suggesting she spoke English only. Martin was born in County Galway and Mary was born in America. Martin was listed as being blind. The family lived in a 3rd class dwelling with just 1 front window and 2 rooms.

Margaret Dignan (65) was not married. On the night of the census Lizzie Tanner (23) was a visitor. Lizzie worked as a milliner. Both Margaret and Lizzie could read and write. No language was listed for either Margaret or Lizzie, suggesting they spoke English only. Margaret was born in County Galway and Lizzie was born in County Roscommon. They were both Roman Catholics. They occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 4 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 turf house.

Sarah K. Dignan (61) was a widowed farmer. She lived with her son Thomas (33) and her daughter Mary (25). Thomas was listed as a farmer’s son and Mary was a farmer’s daughter. All members of the family could read and write. Sarah and Mary spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for Thomas suggesting he spoke English only. Each family member was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 coach house, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn, 1 turf house and 1 potato house.

Thomas O’Beirne (31) was a clergyman (Catholic curate) who lived with general domestic servant Anne McLoughlin (58). Thomas could read and write, while Anne could read only. Thomas spoke Irish and English, while no language was listed for Anne suggesting she spoke English only. Thomas was born in County Roscommon and Anne was born in County Leitrim. Both were Roman Catholic. They lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 7 rooms. There was 1 fowl house and 1 turf house.

Thomas Hanley (43) lived with his wife Elizabeth (43), their 4 sons, Michael F. (13), John P. (10), Thomas J. (9) and Frank (5) and their daughter Elizabeth (1). Thomas and Elizabeth had been married for 16 years and had 8 children, sadly only 5 of their children were living in 1911. Thomas (43) worked as a shop keeper. Michael F. was a scholar. All members of the family could read and write, except Frank and Elizabeth (1). Each member of the family spoke Irish and English, except baby Elizabeth. All members of the family were born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 3 rooms. There was 1 cow house and 1 store.

Ellen Hannon (63) was a widow who lived alone. Ellen did not have any children. She could read and write, and she spoke Irish and English. She was born in County Roscommon and was a Roman Catholic. Ellen lived in a single roomed 3rd class dwelling with just 1 front window.

Peter Geraghty (40) lived with his wife Kate (35), boarder Nora Crehan (28) and their niece Delia Connor (14). Peter and Kate had been married for under 1 year. Peter worked as a farmer. Both Kate and Nora were national school teachers. Delia was a scholar. All members of the household could read and write, and they all spoke Irish and English. Each person was born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. They lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 fowl house and 1 turf house.

Thomas Connolly (35) lived with his wife Margaret (33), their 6 daughters, Kate (16), Bridget (13), Mary (11), Julia (7), Ellen (3) and Margaret (3 months), their 2 sons Patrick (10) and John (8) and his widowed mother-in-law Bridget Feeney (76). Thomas and Margaret had been married for 17 years and had 11 children, sadly only 8 of their children were living in 1911. Thomas worked as a labourer. Kate was a domestic servant. Bridget (13), Mary, Patrick, John, Julia and Ellen were scholars. All members of the family could read and write, except Bridget (76) and Ellen and Margaret (3 months). No language was recorded for any member of the family suggesting they each spoke English only. They were each born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 2nd class house with 2 front windows and 3 rooms.

Michael Quinn (55) was an unmarried farm labourer who lived alone. Michael could read and write, and he spoke both Irish and English. Michael was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. He lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 3 front windows and 3 rooms.

Timothy Kennedy (69) lived with his daughter Mary (28) and lodger Joseph McManus (32). Timothy was listed as being married, but there is no record of his wife here. Timothy worked as a nailer. Joseph was a baker. All members of the household could read and write. No language was listed for any member of the household suggesting they each spoke English only. Both Timothy and Mary were born in County Galway and Joseph was born in County Leitrim. All members of the household were Roman Catholic. They occupied a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and 2 rooms.

Catherine Carter (68) was a widow who lived alone. She could read and write, but no language was recorded, suggesting Catherine spoke English only. She was born in County Roscommon and was a Roman Catholic. Catherine lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 2 front windows and 2 rooms.

Patrick Hughes (46) lived with his wife Kate (34), their 3 daughters, Bridget (2), Mary K. (1) and Lizzie (3 months), boarder Patrick Lyons (30) and servant Patrick Finneran (65). Patrick and Kate had been married for 4 years and had 3 children. Patrick (46) and Patrick (30) worked as tailors. Bridget and Mary K. were scholars and Lizzie was listed as an infant. Only Patrick (46), Kate and Patrick (65) could read and write. Patrick (65) spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for the others suggesting they spoke English only. Each member of the household was born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 4 rooms.

Henry Keane (35) lived with his wife of 4 years Margaret (32) and house carpenter Arthur Treacy (40). Henry worked as a shop keeper and a farmer. All members of the household could read and write. No language was recorded, suggesting they each spoke English only. Both Henry and Margaret were born in County Roscommon. Arthur was born in County Dublin. Each member of the household was Roman Catholic. They lived in a 2nd class public house with 6 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 calf house and 1 piggery.

Michael Connolly (40) lived with his wife Bridget (36), their 3 daughters, Mary (10), Anne (7) and Bridget (2) and their 3 sons, John (5), Michael (4) and Dick (3 months). Michael and Bridget had been married for 12 years and had 7 children, 6 of whom were living in 1911. Michel (40) worked as a general labourer. Mary, Anne and John were scholars. Michael (40), Bridget (36), Mary and Anne could read and write. No language was listed for any member of the family suggesting they each spoke English only. Each family member was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 4 front windows and 3 rooms. There was 1 piggery.

Patrick Fitzmaurice (57) lived with his wife Bridget (48), their 3 daughters, Mary Kate (18), Bridget (17) and Nellie (10) and their 3 sons, Michael (15), John J. (11) and James (4). Patrick and Bridget had been married for 20 years and had 6 children. Patrick worked as a blacksmith, while each of children were scholars. All members of the family could read and write, except James who was too young to read and write at the time of the census. Patrick spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for the rest of the family suggesting they spoke English only. All members of the family were born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 forge.

John Forde (86) lived with his wife Mary (75), their unmarried daughter Mary (34) and 2 lodgers Michael Healy (29) and John Nolan (75). John and Mary had been married for 54 years and had 10 children, sadly only 5 of their children were living in 1911. John (86) was a national school teacher. Both Michael and John (75) were labourers. All members of the household could read and write, except John (75) who could not read or write. Only John (75) spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for the others suggesting they spoke English only. Both John (86) and Mary (75) were born in County Roscommon, while the others were born in County Galway. All members of the household were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 cow house.

Joseph Forde (45) was an unmarried shoe maker who lived alone. He could read and write, but no language was listed for Joseph suggesting he spoke English only. He was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. Joseph occupied a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 work shop.

Sarah Gilmore (53) lived with her daughter Kathleen (20) and her 4 sons, Francis (18), Martin (18), Thomas (15) and John (12). Sarah had been married for 32 years and had 10 children, all of whom were living in 1911, however there is no record of her husband here. Both Sarah and Kathleen worked as dressmakers. Francis and Martin were carpenters, Thomas and John were scholars. All members of the family could read and write. Thomas and John spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for the others suggesting they spoke English only. All members of the family were born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 fowl house and 1 work shop.

James Maughan (32) lived with his wife of 3 years Agnes L. (28) and their 2 children Mary Angelina (1) and Michael (1 month). James was a constable in the R.I.C. James and Agnes could read and write. No language was listed, suggesting they spoke English only. Both James and Agnes were born in County Mayo, while their children were born in County Galway. The Maughan family occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 fowl house.

Ellen Nolan (75) was a widow who lived alone. She could read and write, but no language was recorded suggesting she spoke English only. Ellen was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. She lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 4 rooms. There was 1 fowl house.

James O’Dowd (39) lived with his wife Winifred M. (47), their 3 daughters, Mary F. (11), Anna T. (6) and Kathleen (4), their 2 sons James Joseph (9) and Michael A. (8) and 2 general domestic servants Kate Scarry (16) and Sarah Martin (22). James and Winifred had been married for 12 year and had 5 children. James was a retired national school teacher, while Winifred worked as a national school teacher. Each of their children were scholars. James, Winifred, Mary F., James Joseph and Michael A. could read and write, while Kate and Sarah could read only. No language was recorded for any member of the family suggesting they each spoke English only. James was born in County Sligo, while both Winifred and Sarah were born in County Roscommon, while the others were each born in County Galway. All members of the household were Roman Catholic. James was listed as being blind. The family occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 6 rooms. There was 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 boiling house and 1 turf house.

Patrick Pettit (36) lived with his wife Margaret (30), their 2 children Francis J. (1) and Mary C. (4 months), his unmarried brother Edward (40) and 2 milliners Margaret Keaveny (26) and Delia O’Sullivan (30). Patrick and Margaret had been married for 2 and a half years and had 2 children. Patrick worked as a draper merchant and Edward was a contractor. All members of the household could read and write, except Francis J. and Mary C. who naturally could not read or write at the time of the census. Patrick, Margaret (30) and Edward spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for the others suggesting they spoke English only. Delia was born in County Limerick while the others were each born in County Galway. All members of the household were Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 1st class dwelling with 7 front windows and 8 rooms. There was 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 turf house and 1 store.

Michael Mee (45) was an unmarried farm labourer who lived alone. Michael could not read or write, and no language was recorded suggesting he spoke English only. He was born in County Galway and was a Roman Catholic. Michael lived in a 3rd class house with 2 front windows and 2 rooms.

Bridget Nolan (55) was a widow who lived with her niece Margaret Fitzmaurice (14). Bridget worked as a victualler and Margaret was a scholar. Both Bridget and Margaret could read and write. Bridget spoke Irish and English, while no language was recorded for Margaret suggesting she spoke English only. Bridget and Margaret were born in County Galway and were Roman Catholic. They occupied a 2nd class dwelling with 2 front windows and 3 rooms. There was 1 stable and 1 turf house.

Bridget Kelly (95) was a widow who lived alone. She could not read or write, and no language was listed suggesting Bridget spoke English only. Bridget did not record her place of birth. She was a Roman Catholic. She lived in a single roomed 3rd class dwelling with 1 front window.

Thomas Sweeney (42) lived with his wife Mary (45) and their 5 daughters, Katie (15), Mary (13), Norah (8), Bridget (6) and Ellen (4). Thomas and Mary had been married for 15 years and had 5 children. Thomas worked as a labourer and each of his children were scholars. All members of the family could read and write, except Mary (45) and Ellen. No language was recorded for any family member suggesting they spoke English only. All members of the family were born in County Galway and all were Roman Catholic. The family occupied a 3rd class house with just 1 front window and 1 room.

John O’Donnell (50) lived with his wife of 8 years Kate (30). John worked as a farm labourer. Both John and Kate could read and write. No language was recorded, suggesting they each spoke English only. John was born in County Galway and Kate was born in England. They were Roman Catholics. The family lived in a 3rd class house with 1 front window and 1 room.

Patrick Dillon (68) was a married farmer. He lived with his wife Maria (65) and his widowed mother-in-law Anne Hession (90). Patrick and Maria had been married for 38 years and had 6 children, 4 of whom were living in 1911. Patrick and Maria could read and write. All members of the family spoke Irish and English. Anne was born in County Galway; however, it is not clear where Patrick and Maria were born. Each family member was a Roman Catholic. The family lived in a 2nd class dwelling with 5 front windows and 2 rooms. There was 1 turf house.

Bridget Enright (53) was a widowed nurse who lived alone. She had 1 child before being widowed, who was living in 1911. Bridget could read and write, and she spoke English only. She was born in Dublin City and was a Roman Catholic. Information on the class of Bridget’s house was not recorded.

This page was added on 08/02/2022.

Comments about this page

  • The name ‘Ballygar’
    To this point in time the origin of the name ‘Ballygar’ has bewildered scholars. Professor Ó Máille of UCG deemed the Irish form to be Béal Átha Ghártha, meaning “ the mouth of the ford of the garden”. He knew of no garden to which the name might refer.
    The ‘problem’ can be solved through recourse to local history and the topology of the landscape. In the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale (1601/2) the name Ballygar emerged as ‘Ballagar’ and was an alternative name for lands which were also known as “Corry and Rosbrien”.
    The lands called Corry in the Book of Survey and Distribution for Co. Galway (1641) are shown on Dr. Petty’s map as Coorey, lying north of today’s Killeroran. The Irish name is Cuar Rí or “The Kings’ Circle’, that being the great circular royal ENCLOSURE at Abbeygrey, known locally as “The Ring”.
    Rosbrien (alias Rosbryn, Rosbrin) is Ros Brain – a former name of Hermitage townland. It means Bran’s Wood, Bran being a character arising in ancient tales thought to have been composed for the entertainment of kings and princes.
    Following the defeat of gaelic chieftains (i.e. tribal kings) at Kinsale, steps were taken to suppress references to gaelic kingship in the local landscape. Both Coorey and Ros Brain were therefore suppressed.
    A listing of six castles in the Barony of Killian in 1574 includes the Castle of Beallagharee. This is Béal Átha Gharraí – meaning ‘the approach to the ford of the ENCLOSURE’. The name refers to a ford on the upper stretch of the Castlekelly river in Abbeygrey townland, a short distance from the ‘Kings’ Circle’. There was no other ford on that river, apart from a foot stick in Cloonruff.
    People wishing to access the Kings’ Circle, or to visit either of the two abbeys which were erected within that enclosure in medieval times, would have to approach them through Ballygar, Hermitage and Kilmore. Hence this ford was áth gharraí – the ford of the enclosure.
    The Irish words garraí and garrdha have the same meaning. The (castle) name Béal átha Gharraí and the name Béal átha Gharrdha have the same meaning and are interchangeable.
    In speech it would be difficult to distinguish between Béal átha Gharrdha and the present name Béal átha Ghártha. Writing in 1956 (in Irish) Professor Ó Máille stated “Béal Atha Ghártha, or perhaps Béal Áth Gartha is what the Irish speakers of the locality still say”.
    This ford on the Castlekelly river and the “Ring” in Abbeygrey can be taken as the landscape features which gave rise to the name ‘Ballygar’.

    By G. Beggan (12/08/2024)
  • CORRECTION/SUBSTITUTION
    The origin of the name “Ballygar”.
    Two themes underpin the history of north-east Co. Galway:- (i) an ancient royal seat and (ii) the Mabinogi legends.
    A record of castles in the Barony of Killian in 1574 listed the Castle of Beallagharee. This decripts as Béal Átha Gharraí meaning “the approach to the ford of the ENCLOSURE.
    In 1641 a townland called “Ballagar” emerged as another name for land called “Corry and Rosbrien”. Corry, alias Coorey, is shown on Dr. Petty’s map to have been land which is today’s Ballygar townland.
    Following the defeat of Irish chiefs at the battle of Kinsale townland names alluding to gaelic kingship were replaced by new names. Both “Coorey” and “Rosbrien” made such allusions, directly or indirectly.
    Coorey decripts as Cuar Rí, meaning “the Kings’ Circle”. This was the great circular ENCLOSURE at Abbeygrey which was Ireland’s oldest prehistoric royal fortress.
    Rosbrien (alias Rosbrin, Rosbryn) was Ros Brain, nowadays called Hermitage. Bran was a character from a Mabinogi legend. These legends are deemed to have been composed for the entertainment of kings and princes. Evidently allusions to Bran’s association with entertainment of royals had to be suppressed also.
    The Castlekelly River rises in the foothills of Mount Mary and passes very close to the Royal ENCLOSURE which was the Kings’ Circle. It, and another river to the north of the Royal ENCLOSURE were quite formidable obstacles protecting the King’ Circle.
    A 26-inch O.S. map shows a FORD on the upper reaches of the Castlekelly River near the Royal ENCLOSURE. No other ford is shown on that river.
    To approach the Royal Enclosure by using this ford one had to travel through the land called “Corry and Rosbrien” in 1641, nowadays called Hermitage and Ballygar.
    The castle name “Beallagharee” yields Béal Átha Gharraí. The word Gárrdha has the exact same meaning as Garraí. They are interchangeable, readily yielding Béal átha Ghárrdha. This has been recorded as Béal átha Ghártha, probably because on the ear there is no perceptible difference in sound.
    The name Béal Átha Ghártha means “the approach to the ford of the enclosure”, the ford being on the Castlekelly River near the Royal Enclosure which was the circular fortress on Mount Mary at Abbeygrey.
    The landscape begrudgingly yielded up its secrets!

    By G. Beggan M.A., M.Sc, Ph.D. (09/08/2024)
  • The Irish name of this townland, Béal Átha Ghártha, has puzzled scholars. According to the late Professor O’Máille of UCG it was the name he heard from local Irish speakers in the 1940s, and he deemed it to mean ‘the approach to the ford of the garth’ – a garth being an enclosure. No local enclosure is known of, unless it be the great circular fortress at Abbeygrey, enclosed by a moat and ramparts. This was formerly the abode of a pre-historic king of Ireland and to reach it from Ballygar would have required fording the little river which flows through Castlekelly.

    Athleague Castle and Ballygar Castle were possessed by the Earl of Clanricarde in the 1640s because it enabled him to control Athleague ford and a ford on the Suck in Clonruff at Garroure (the Earl’s name for it) but also recorded as Garrowra and Garroe. In winter, and in times of flood, these two fords were the only places at which the long river Suck could be crossed by him and his soldiers.
    The ford at Garrowra in Clonruff is at an old fish-weir (Irish: geárr – a weir for catching fish). Garroure and Garrowra would seem to be phonetic renderings of Geárr órdha – the ‘golden/splendid weir’, whereas Garroe seems to be a phonetic rendering of Geárr ró – the ‘fish weir of abundance’.
    As Ballygar lies on the approach to this fishweir-cum-ford one would expect it to be called Béal Átha Geárra. It seems possible that a confusion of like-sounding words may have led to the present name format.
    The ford at Garrowra in Clonruff figures in a very ancient legend in which it is recorded as ‘the golden ford’. The legend is about a pig war in which Math and his war-band fought Pryderi and his war-band who were ‘men of the south’.
    Math, a magician, resided at a place where there were two umbos. St. Brendan’s has two umbos, one of them used as a children’s graveyard. Its name in Irish is Creagán a’ Ghruagaigh meaning ‘the rocky place of the magician’.
    Math knew that Pryderi’s war-band would have to cross the Suck at ‘the golden ford’ to do battle. After holding a war council he decided to lay in wait for Pryderi at the twin forts which gave Clondarah its name , i.e. Cluain Dá Rath – the ‘cloon of the two forts’. The exact sites of the forts are well known and are on record.
    There was slaughter when the two war-bands met on the Roscommon bank of the Suck. On crossing the Suck at Mount talbot one enters Roscommon at the townland of Cloningly. This is Cluain a’ Gliadh – the ‘cloon of war-tumult’.
    To end the pig war without still further slaughter Pryderi agreed to a dual with Math’s nephew, also a magician who was the man who caused the pig-war by stealing pigs from Pryderi. The pigs had been given to Pryderi by king Arawn. [Legend says that this king Arawn (Aedh rán – ‘Noble Aedh’) was the first person to introduce pigs to Ireland. His abode would have been at Abbeygrey fortress. His pigs may have given the townland Aghemuck – Acha Muc, ‘the pig-field’ − its name.]
    Pryderi was killed in the dual. The old legend, written in medieval Welsh [see my comment on Slievemurry], reveals that he was buried ‘above the golden ford’. True to the legend, on Mount Talbot Hill, overlooking the Suck and high above the ford at Garrowra there is, to this day, a prehistoric tumulus.

    By G. Beggan M.A., M.Sc, Ph.D. (22/09/2023)

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