The Kenmare (Brown) estate in Bantry extended from around the present Bantry Tyre property around Bantry Bay over into Kenmare. In the early to mid 19th century it was managed by Christopher Galwey of Kilarney. The Galweys were one extensive and opulent land owners and merchants in Bantry.

Newtown:

Michael Murphy, died in Australia

Michael Murphy, Newtown and Donemark.
Pigot lists 1824 at Newtown. Gave evidence to 1845 Commission Law and practice in respect to the occupation of land in Ireland (Devon Commission), Protestant. Farmer formerly on Lord Kenmare’s estate family held for 200 years, and hugely improved with tenants having hundreds of pounds worth of trees unregistered due to confidence in earlier Lords Kenmare now possessed without compensation.   County Freeman of Cork City voting in Cork City Election 1837.  Holds mills and purchases corn.  Extensive ruins of mills still there at Donemark Bridge towards sea.  His vote sought by Christopher Galwey Lord Kenmare agent for liberal candidates Roche and Barry Cork election 1859, declined due to imposition of Corn Laws.  Died in Australia.

1837, Christopher Galwey, Lord Kenmare’s Agent writing to him at Newtown, ‘I am pleased to report by your messenger’s report that the flour from your Donemark Mill is in such good demand that you re kept at full work 

1829 Michael Murphy with Lord Bantry funds from Dublin Castle. Murphy may have later difficulties as he may have had a personal liability for this advance. Michael Murphy was a workhouse Guardian up to October 1847 when the Board of Guardians was dissolved by the Poor Law Commissioners. Then he was a Guardian again beginning in November 1849. He married Jane Besnard and they had four daughters. One of them (Charlotte Murphy) married Rev. Pratt of Enniskeane.  After the famine she died and Pratt became rector in Durrus. Jane Murphy wrote some letters to Charlotte during the 1840s that have survived.

Michael Murphy’s brother John Murphy was rector of Bantry from about 1842 and during the famine. He was dutiful but his curate Alexander Hallowell was much more active in working for the poor. Michael Murphy was a prominent figure in Bantry. He traveled to England to try to get food for Bantry district and was also on various Cork boards and committees. He had been very active in the Donemark mills but had to move from Donemark House to Newtown house because of the row with Lord Kenmare.  The mill was inactive by 1847 according to Griffiths valuation. In 1850 Michael Murphy volunteered its use for housing workhouse boys.

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He sold the Donemark mill which was operating as a mill and brewery to William Tisdall.  He ground flour and corn there and he had an accident there in 1872 and had to have his hand amputated.