1858 - Death of Rev. Thomas Keaveney, Parish Priest of Annaghdown

DEATH OF THE REV. T. KEAVENY, P.P. - We regret to have to record the premature death of the zealous and estimable parish priest of Annadown. He was siezed with scarlet fever in the discharge of his missionary duties, and was carried off in the prime of life, after an illness of four days. His remains were interred in the parish church of Annadown on Tuesday last, amid the prayerful tears and lamentations of a grateful devoted flock. Solemn High Mass de requiem was celebrated by the Rev Eugene Coyne, R C A, assisted by the Rev Patrick Corcoran, R C C, as deacon, and the Rev Patrick Corcoran, R C C, as deacon, and the Rev James Waldron, R C C, as sub deacon. Amongst the dignitaries and clergy present at the ceremonies were his Grace the Archbishop, the Right Rev Dr MacEvilly, Bishop of Galway; Rev G Cummins, P P; Rev John Loftus, P P; Rev John O'Grady, P.P.; Rev P Duggan, P P; Rev J McGough, P P; Rev J Cavanagh, P P; Rev T Curran, R C C; Rev James Flannelly, R C C; Rev P Heany, St Jarlath's; Rev J Charles, R C C; Rev James Francis, O S F; Rev J Bourke, O S F; Rev P McLoughlin, R C C; Rev T McDonagh, R C C; Rev P Kearny, R C C; Rev James Cummins, P P, &c. -May he rest in peace. -Tuam Herald.

DEATH OF THE REV. P. CURRAN, P.P. - We have also to chronicle with regret the death of the old and worthy pastor of Athenry. He breathed his last on Wednesday. His remains were interred in the churchyard of the beautiful new church lately erected in that parish. The solemn high mass de requiem was celebrated by the Rev J O'Grady, P P, assisted by the Rev P Duggan, P P, and Rev P Corcoran, R C C, as deacon and sub-deacon. The Very Rev P J O'Brien officiated as master of ceremonies. Amongst the clergy present were - The Rev. George Commons, P P; the Very Rev B J Roche, P P, V G; the Rev T Geraghty, R C C; Rev John Noone, P P; Rev G Burke, R C C; Rev J Waldron, R C C ; Rev T Cahalan, P P; Rev C Galvin, R C C; Very Rev W Gannon, O P; Rev A Blake, O P; Rev J Raftery, R C C; Rev M McCormick, the Rev P McLoughlin, R C A; Rev T Curran, R C C; Rev E King, P P; Rev H Cahill, &c. Resquicat in pace. -Ibid.

Catholic Telegraph, 30 January 1858.

1869 - Death of Francis Blake, Cregg Castle

With a regret, in which a very extensive circle, throughout this county sympathise most sincerely, we record the death after a brief illness, of Francis Blake, Esq., J.P., Cregg Castle, on Saturday morning, comforted and fortified by all the last sacraments of the Catholic Church, of which he was, during a lengthened life, an edifying and uncompromising member. The deceased was a type and a model of a Catholic gentleman, in the truest and highest sense of the term. -Genial and affable in his manner to all classes, he was unyielding and firm whenever the maintenance of principle - political or religious- required inflexibility of purpose and action. With the innate politeness and lofty bearing which bespeak the well-bred and polished man of the world, he combined a steadfast adherence to his own convictions, and a tolerance of the views and opinions of those even with whom he differed, which won for him the respect and esteem of all who were capable of appreciating integrity, honesty and worth of character. If evidence was required to show the position held by deceased, in the god will of the aristocracy and gentry of his native county, we could point, without hesitancy to the almost unprecedented array of equipages, occupied by their owners, that followed his remains to the grave.

But, we prefer to refer to his private life, which was characterized, in a singular degree, by munificent but unostentatious kindness to his numerous tenantry and to the suffering poor. His delight was to live amongst his tenantry, to listen to their tales of grief, and to alleviate, if he could not entirely remove their wants. As a magistrate, he tempered justice with mercy, and adjusted differences with due regard to the feelings of the peasantry without prejudice to the merits of their case. His private charities were expended on a most bountiful scale, giving largely without over-rigidly criticising or nicely scrutinising the claims of the recipients of his benevolence.

The funeral took place on Thursday. To say it was almost the largest we have witnessed in our day, would only give a very inadequate idea of the reality. Every day during the interval from Saturday, Masses were celebrated in the private chapel of the house; and on Thursday morning at 8 o'clock, the Holy Sacrifice was offered up by the Most Rev Dr. McEvilly - the Lord Bishop of Galway, and by a large number of clergymen who attended from distant parts to pay their tribute of respect to the deceased. About 11 o'clock, the remains were borne to the parish church, where all was prepared for the solemn High Mass, de requiem. First in order in the procession, nearly 500 of his tenants, moved by the great door of the Castle, in line of three deep, wearing, each a linen scarf and hatband, evidencing by their sorrowful air and deportment, their deep sense of the loss they had sustained in the death of a kind friend and landlord. With difficulty were they restrained from manifesting irritated temper because they were not allowed to bear his remains on their shoulders to the church as the last mark of their grief and respect. This unusually large number, did not represent the immense population on his property, as the heads of families only, arrayed in white, formed this part of the funeral.

After the wreck caused by the great famine and emigration, and the desolation which marks other parts of the country, now turned into sheep walks, here was evidence, conclusive of the fostering and kind care, with which the lamented deceased, cherished and upheld the poor upon his estates. Next, came the long long line of priests, chanting the "Miserere" and suitable psalms. Then came the hearse with the remains, and mourning carriages, occupied by the immediate members and relatives of the family. After followed, the carriages and vehicles of all descriptions. The whole procesion, including a vast crowd from all the adjacent country, which thronged and lined the road, covered the entire way, from the Castle to the public church - a space of nearly two miles in length. At the church door the remains were ushered in by His Grace the Archbishop of Tuam, with his attendant chaplain and clergy. The solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. James Magee, C.A., Tuam, assisted by the Rev. Richard MacHale, Professor, St. Jarlath's, and the Rev Timothy Keville, do. The Very Rev Ulick J. Bourke, President of St Jarlath's, officicated as master of ceremonies.

In the choir were - His Grace the Archbishop of Tuam; the Most Rev. the Lord Bishop of Galway; Rev Peter Waldron, P.P., Annadown; Very Rev. George Commins, P.P, V.G, Galway; Very Rev John O'Grady, P.P., Athenry; Rev. John J. Noone, P.P., Menla; Rev Peter Conway, P.P., Headford; Very Rev Thomas Folan, O.P., Galway; Rev. T. Taylor, O.P; Rev T Slattery, O.P.; Very Rev. Edward Jennings, O.S.A., Galway; Rev Martin Murphy, Carmelite Convent, Loughrea; Rev. James Commins, P.P, Castlegar; Rev. Patrick Duggan, P.P., Cummer; Rev Edward Thomas, C.C., Tuam; Rev. James Stephens, C.C., do; Rev. John McGough, P.P., Lackagh; Rev. P. MacNamara, P.P., Donaghpatrick; Rev. William Joyce, C.C., Belclare; Rev. John Dooley, R.C.A., Galway; Rev. P. Fitzgerald, C.C., Abbeyknockmoy; Rev. John Geraghty, P.P., Oranmore; Rev. Thomas Haddigan, P.P., Abbeyknockmoy; Rev. Peter Dooley, C.A., Galway; Rev. Redmond McDonagh, C.C., do; Rev John Burke, O.S.F., Galway; Rev Daniel Goode, C.C., Rev John Charles, C.C., Rev James Henry, C.C, Rev Michael Joyce, C.C., Rev Patrick Walsh, C.C., Rev. James Henelly, C.C., Headford.

After Mass the obsequial ceremonies were performed by His Grace, assisted by the clergy, in the order prescribed by the ritual of the church. In asking the prayers of the vast congregation for the repose of the soul of the deceased, His Grace, after a few appropriate words in English, addressed the people, at considerable length, in the vernacular tongue, in explanation of the solemn rites they attended on the occasion, during which he paid a just tribute to the virtues of the deceased. The coffin was then borne to the family vault adjacent to the church, where the final prayers were recited by His Grace and the clergy. We have rarely witnessed a scene more solemn and imposing. It was a tribute paid by the Church, and by society in its every grade, from far and near, to worth, which all appreciated, and the sterling qualities which marked the long and honoured career of a truly respectable Catholic gentleman. -May he rest in peace.
Tuam Herald, Saturday March 13, 1869

1910 - Death of Rev. Laurence Ansbro

Death of Rev. Laurence Ansbro, P.P., Annaghdown.

Tuam, Thursday.

With deep regret we announce the death of the Rev. Laurence Ansbro, the venerable pastor of Annaghdown parish, which occurred on Tuesday last at the parochial residence, Annaghdown. The sad news will be deeply deplored by a large circle of friends, to whom Father Ansbro endeared himself during his exercise of the duties of the ministry, extending over a period of fifty years. By his demise the Archdiocese of Tuam is deprived of one of its most devoted and gentle priests. To his parishioners are best known their late pastor's sterling qualities, and by none were they more appreciated. As a true and genial friend, Father Ansbro was unequalled. Whilst he did not actively engage in the political sphere, his aspirations were on the popular side. Amongst his brother clergy he was held in high esteem. Although in delicate health for some time past, his labours for his parishioners had not lessened, and many were the expressions of grief on the sad announcement of his demise. His work for the educational advancement of his flock is to be seen in the excellent National Schools built by him at Annaghdown and Kilgill. The beautiful chapel which overlooks the Corrib waters is a fitting monument to his unfailing zeal and anxiety for the provision of a more suitable place of worship than the schoolhouse, in which formerly the Sacrifice of the Mass was offered.

Father Ansbro was born in Crossboyne, County Mayo, in the year 1831. His early collegiate studies were at St. Jarlath's Tuam and subsequently at Maynooth. He was ordained by the late Archbishop MacHale, in October, 1858. His first labours as curate were in the parish of Killererin, where he remained for twelve months. He was then appointed to Kilmaine, and afterwards to Ross, where for seven years he ministered solely by himself. The parishes of Roundstone and Kiltulla had him as curate for the next nine years. In March, 1877, he was transferred to the important parish of Annaghdown, where the remaining thirty-three years of his life were spent. Over two years have now elapsed since the celebration of his golden jubilee as a priest was celebrated, to the joy of his faithful flock in Annaghdown. Latterly, there was a complete breakdown in his heretofore robust condition, and Dr. Golding, of Headford, his medical adviser, has been constant in his attention to him. He bore his illness with becoming fortitude and besides the religious consolations and ministrations of his beloved priests, he had the care of his nearest lay friends. Death came peacefully on Tuesday morning, after a holy and virtuous career of 79 years.
High Mass and Office for the repose of his soul were chanted on Wednesday morning at Annaghdown Church. His Grace Archbishop Healy presided. The celebrant of the High Mass was the Rev. T. Heaney, C.C., Annaghdown; deacon, Rev. Martin MacEvilly, C C., Headford; sub-deacon, Rev. Alexander Eaton, Profesor, St. Jarlath's College, Tuam. The Very Rev. Michael Canon HIgins, D.D., President, St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, officiated as master of ceremonies.
The following clergy were also present: -
The Very Rev. J. Canon Canton, P.P., Athenry; Very Rev. Canon Macken, Adm., Tuam; Rev. Redmond McHugh, P.P., Claregalway; Rev. James Curran, P.P., Abbey; Rev. Michael Heaney, P.P., Caherlistrane; Rev. J. Burke, P.P., Menlough; Rev. Willie McHugh, P.P., Cummer; Rev. Father Newell, P.P., Castlegar; Rev. Martin Healy, C.C., Kilmaine; Rev. Father D'Alton, C.C., Athenry; Rev. O. Hannon, C.C., Tuam; Rev. M. O'Donnell, C.C., Spiddal; Rev. J. Heaney, C.C., Caherlistrane; Rev. M. Hannon, C.C., Ballinrobe; Rev. P. Faulkiner, C.C., Belclare; Rev. T. O'Connor, Ballinasloe; Rev. J. Heaney, C.C., Headford; Rev. J. Heneghan, C.C., Annaghdown; Rev. C. Cunningham, Professor, St. Jarlath's Colege, Rev. Malachy Eaton, do.
Chief mourners - Miss Carroll (niece), Mr. J. Gill and Mrs. J. Gill, Ballyglass, and Mr. L. Gibbons and Mrs Gibbons (nephews and nieces).
The Freeman's Journal, 26 March 1910.

Newspapers - Deaths in the 19th & early 20th century

BLAKE

Died, on the 8th instant, suddenly, at Cregg Castle, where she had been on a visit, Anne, the beloved wife of Henry J. Blake, Esq., of Ardfry. Galway Mercury, and Connaught Weekly Advertiser, 13 November 1847.
BURKE
A few days ago, at Ower, near Headford, rather suddenly, John Burke, Esq., a gentleman very much regretted for his many virtues both as a husband, a landlord, and a friend, and was one of the oldest Magistrates of this county. Galway Mercury, and Connaught Weekly Advertiser, 6 October 1849.

CRAMPTON

Right Hon. Mr. Justice Crampton.- Mr. Justice Crampton, accompanied by the Rev. Mark Perrin, arrived in town last night by the mail train, and proceeded at once to Cahermorris, the residence of the late Mr. Crampton, a near relative to the Justice, whose death took place on yesterday. Galway Vindicator, and Connaught Advertiser, 1 January 1853.

Died. Suddenly, at Cahermorris, Mrs. Crampton, relict of the late J. Crampton, Esq. Galway Mercury, and Connaught Weekly Advertiser, 8 October 1853.

DONNELLAN

Dec. 23, at his residence, Winterfield, in this county, of fever, aged 41 years, Chas. Donelan, Esq., M.D., sincerely regretted. Tuam Herald, 1 January 1848

Deaths by Fever. -It is to-day our melancholy duty to record the deaths of four of our medical friends, who, within a few days, have been sacraficed to fever, with which they were afflicted during the discharge of their professional duties. On the 23d inst., Doctor George Seymour, Surgeon to the Kilconnell Dispensary. -On the 24th inst., Doctor Charles Donnellan, of Winterfield, Medical Attendant to the Annadown Dispensary. On the 25th inst., Francis Bodkin Esq., for many years Apothecary to the Clifden Poor-house. And on the 26th inst., Doctor Edward Lambert, of Oranmore, a gentleman much beloved, leaving a widow, with a young and interesting family, to deplore his loss. Independent of the above, we are sorry to add that serious apprehensions are entertained for the recovery of Dr. Mulville, of Gort, and Dr. Hynes, of Kinvarra. -Galway Vindicator.

Tuam Herald, 1 January 1848.

FFRENCH

In Galway, Robert French, of Ballinduff, in the County of Galway, Esq. one of the oldest Justices of the Peace for said County, and an Alderman of this Corporation. Faulkner's Dublin Journal, December 1765.

At the Market-street Nunnery, Galway, Miss Maria French, of Cork, aunt to Lord Wallscourt. Cork Constitution, 17 February 1831.

Died. On the 17th ult. at his residence, at Woodpark, county of Galway, John Ffrench, Esq., uncle to the Right Honourable Lord Wallscourt. Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier, 2 July 1840.

At Woodpark, county Galway, John Ffrench Esq., uncle to Lord Wallscourt. Freeman's Journal, 30 June 1840.

On the 17th inst. at his residence at Woodpark, in this county, after a very tedious illness, which he endured with the fortitude and resignation of a Christian, John Ffrench, Esq. uncle to the Right Hon. Lord Wallscourt. In his intercourse through life this worthy and respectable gentleman sustained a high and unsullied character and as a humane and kind landlord, his intelligent conduct towards his tenantry is worthy of imitation.- Possessing a cheerful and social disposition, at his hospitable board, he contributed much to the hilarity of society, by the conviviality of his manners, & the courtesy of his disposition. To those who had the pleasure of enjoying his acquaintance, and appreciating the anxiety of his friendship, he was revered and esteemed whilst living, by whom as well as his amiable and respected family, his memory will be long cherished, and his death deeply deplored. Mr. Ffrench's remains were accompanied to the grave by all the surrounding gentry, and were deposited in the family vault in the Parish of Annadown. Connaught Journal, 25 June 1840.

Lord and Lady Wallscourt have been placed in mourning by the death of his lordship's uncle, John Ffrench, Esq., at Woodpark, county Galway, on the 17th ult. Dublin Morning Register, 4 July 1840.

October 7, at Woodpark, county Galway, the lady of FitzJohn Ffrench, Esq. Statesman and Dublin Christian Record, 14 October 1845.

At Woodpark, county Galway, the Lady of FitzJohn French, Esq. and daughter of the late Patrick Burke, Esq. of Danesfield. Tipperary Vindicator, 15 October 1845.

April 24, at Cassino Lodge, Bray, Susan Frances, eldest daughter of John Ffrench, Esq, late of Woodpark, county Galway, aged 16 years. Dublin Evening Post, 25 April 1866.

Ffrench - April 6, 1909, at 15 Sandycove avenue, East, Kingstown, Margaret Jane, widow of John Fitzjohn ffrench, Esq. Woodpark, Co Galway, and daughter of the late William Moore, Esq. Julienstown House, Co Meath, and granddaughter of the late Sir George Moore, Bart. of Ballamoor, Isle of Man. Funeral private. Tuam Herald, 17 April 1909.

GREALY

Fatal Occurrence at Turloughmore. - The inquest on Patrick Grealy, Cahermorris, whose death on Friday week, at the County Infirmary, from the effets of a gun-shot wound, received in the hip on the 1st instant at the fair of Turloughmore, we announced on Wednesday, was resumed on yesterday, and after the hearing of a few witnesses again postponed at the request of the jury for further evidence, until eleven o'clock, a.m. on Tuesday next. The unfortunate man is the second victim on whom an inquest has been instituted in Galway, in consequence of the tragic affair at Turloughmore. -Galway Vindicator. Dublin Evening Mail, 21 August 1843.

HARDIGAN

The Rev. Mr. Hardigan, Parish Priest, of Annadown, county of Galway. February 23, 1833.

HOLMES
HOLMES - May 4, Bessie Margaret, the beloved child of John Galway Holmes, Esq., of Summer-hill. The Weekly Telegraph, 21 May 1853.

KIRWAN
At Bath, Patrick Kirwan, Esq. of Cregg, County Galway, in the 61st year of his age. Tipperary Vindicator, 8 January 1848.

LONG

John Long was murdered a few days ago at Cahermorris, Co. Galway, by two men of the name of Burke. Limerick Evening Post, 24 January 1832.

McHALE
June 25, at Our Lady's Hospice, Haroldscross, Annie McHale, sister of Rev J McHale, C C, Annadown, Galway. Irish Examiner, 28 June 1889.

MURPHY
Coroner's Inquest. Wednesday last, an inquest was held by Andrew Hosty, Esq. Coroner, at Cahermorris, parish of Annadown, on the body of Owen Murphy. It appeared in evidence that the deceased was sitting on his cart; that the horse took fright; and that in endeavouring to get out or being thrown out, he received the wounds that caused his death - as the ribs of his right side were broken, and his elbow fractured. The jury returned the following verdict:- That the said Owen Murphy, came by his death by falling from a cart on the high road at Cahermorris, on Sunday last, the 13th instant.

REDINGTON

On Wednesday last an inquest was held at Headford by Andrew Hosty Esq., on the body of John Leary, Sub-constable of Police of the Loughgeorge station. Captain St. George and George Wright, Esq., Sub-inspector, were present. The enquiry excited a great deal of interest, it being generally supposed that the deceased came by his death at the hands of his comrades, they having a row that night and all of them having marks of violence on their persons. The suspicions were further increased in consequence of no report having been made or professional assistance looked for.
The Jury found that, on the night of the 20th instant, at Michael Flynn's public house in Headford, the deceased accidentally fell down stairs, which caused a mortal wound on the left side of his head, of which he died the following morning. 
The deceased was a native of Cavan, and one of the 24 policemen on duty in this town on the memorable night of the 8th of August, 1837.

Another inquest was held by the same Coroner at Oldbury, in the parish of Annaghdown, on the 19th instant, on the body of a young man named Patk. Redington. The jury found that deceased was drowned in about nine feet of water, while crossing a neck of Lough Corrib at Muckrush. Tuam Herald, 25 May 1844.

SEYMOUR
SEYMOUR - May 9, at Annaghdown-glebe, county Galway, Robert J. Seymour, Esq. The Weekly Telegraph, 21 May 1853.

WEMYS

Died. A few Days ago at Waterdill, Co. Galway, Mrs. Abigal Wemys. Freeman's Journal, 9 April 1771.