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  • Customs Report 1821-2 (and Miscellaneous Petitions to Government 1820-5) and some Earlier Customs Data, including staffing, salaries, duties including, Cork, Kinsale, Youghal, Baltimore, with mention of Bantry, Crookhaven, Glandore, Berehaven, Castletownsend, Enniskeane, Passage, Crosshaven, Cove, Clonakilty, Cortmacsherry.
  • Eoghan O’Keeffe 1656-1723, Glenville, Co. Cork later Parish Priest, Doneralie 1723 Lament in old Irish
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  • Horsehair, animal blood an early 18th century Stone House in West Cork and Castles.
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  • Jack Dukelow, 1866-1953 Wit and Historian, Rossmore, Durrus, West Cork. Charlie Dennis, Batt The Fiddler.
  • Kilcoe Church, West Cork, built by Father Jimmy O’Sullivan, 1905 with glass by Sarah Purser, A. E. Childs (An Túr Gloine) and Harry Clarke Stained Glass Limited
  • Late 18th/Early 19th century house, Ahagouna (Áth Gamhna: Crossing Place of the Calves/Spriplings) Clashadoo, Durrus, West Cork, Ireland
  • Letter from Lord Carbery, 1826 re Destitution and Emigration in West Cork and Eddy Letters, Tradesmen going to the USA and Labourers to New Brunswick
  • Marriage early 1700s of Cormac McCarthy son of Florence McCarthy Mór, to Dela Welply (family originally from Wales) where he took the name Welply from whom many West Cork Welplys descend.
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  • Return of Yeomanry, Co. Cork, 1817
  • Richard Townsend, Durrus, 1829-1912, Ireland’s oldest Magistrate and Timothy O’Donovan, Catholic Magistrate from 1818 as were his two brothers Dr. Daniel and Richard, Rev Arminger Sealy, Bandon, Magistrate died Bandon aged 95, 1855
  • School Folklore Project 1937-8, Durrus, Co. Cork, Schools Church of Ireland, Catholic.
  • Sean Nós Tradition re emerges in Lidl and Aldi
  • Some Cork and Kerry families such as Galwey, Roches, Atkins, O’Connells, McCarthys, St. Ledgers, Orpen, Skiddy, in John Burkes 1833 Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland:
  • Statement of Ted (Ríoch) O’Sullivan (1899-1971), Barytes Miner at Derriganocht, Lough Bofinne with Ned Cotter, later Fianna Fáil T.D. Later Fianna Fáil TD and Senator, Gortycloona, Bantry, Co. Cork, to Bureau of Military History, Alleged Torture by Hammer and Rifle at Castletownbere by Free State Forces, Denied by William T Cosgrave who Alleged ‘He Tried to Escape’.
  • The Rabbit trade in the 1950s before Myxomatosis in the 1950s snaring, ferrets.

West Cork History

~ History of Durrus/Muintervara

West Cork History

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Earl of Grey Scheme 1848-1850.  Girls shipped to Australia aged 15 to 18 from Workhouses, Skibbereen 110, Kinsale 29, Bandon 20, Dunmanway 14.

02 Saturday May 2026

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Earl of Grey Scheme 1848-1850.  Girls shipped to Australia aged 15 to 18 from Workhouses, Skibbereen 110, Kinsale 29, Bandon 20, Dunmanway 14.

Courtesy Sile Murphy, Dunmanway Historical Society 2010.

Research into the records of Melbourne Maternity Hospital suggest that approximately 1 in 15 women had difficulty in childbirth due to famine induced contracted  or  deformed pelvis.

Irish Times:

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/the-story-of-the-irish-famine-orphan-girls-shipped-to-australia-1.4075722#:~:text=Between%201849%20and%201851%2C%20the,help%20populate%20the%20new%20colony.

The Great Hunger had decimated the population of Ireland, resulting in more than one million deaths and two million emigrants forced to flee starvation.

Between 1849 and 1851, the Earl Grey scheme took girls aged from 14 to 19 from workhouses across Ireland to work in Australia as servants, and to help populate the new colony.

After the horror of starvation and loss of family and home in the Irish Famine, surviving the destitution of the infamous workhouses and enduring an arduous sea voyage, the orphans reached a strange and intimidating new land. But they must also have had feelings of hope and optimism.

An excerpt from The Argus, which was Melbourne’s main newspaper of the day, on April 4th, 1850 said: “Another ship-load of female immigrants from Ireland has reached our shores, and yet, though everybody is crying out against the monstrous infliction, and the palpable waste of the immigration fund, furnished by the colonists in bringing out these worthless characters …”.

Another excerpt from The Argus on April 24th, 1850 of a citizen echoed society’s clamour:

“The whole country cries out against the further admission into our colony, of such degraded beings as the majority of the female orphans have been found.

Nor has their cry been raised without reason, for we venture to say, every vessel that brings an increase of this kind to our female population, brings a melancholy increase to the vice and lewdness that is now to seem rampant in every part of our town. From this class we have received no good servants for the wealthier classes in the towns, no efficient farm servants for the rural population, no virtuous, and industrious young women, fit wives for the labouring part of the community; and by the introduction of whom a strong barrier would be erected against the floods of iniquity that are now sweeping every trace of morality from the most public thoroughfares of our city.”

Nonetheless, most orphans flourished – they married and raised families in the harsh conditions of the new colony. Great numbers would live to see the dawn of the new 20th century in their new land.

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1894 William Martin Murphy’s son Denis died in Davos, Switzerland, skiing accident he had been assisting his father on building of the Skibbereen to Baltimore Railway. 

30 Thursday Apr 2026

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1894 William Martin Murphy’s son Denis died in Davos, Switzerland, skiing accident he had been assisting his father on building of the Skibbereen to Baltimore Railway. 

Cutting now road entrance to Skibbereen from Baltimore

The Skibbereen to Baltimore Railway was an 13 km. extension of the Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway (CB&SCR) in West Cork, opened on May 2, 1893. It served as a vital, albeit temporary, rail link for the port of Baltimore, closing along with the rest of the West Cork lines in March 1961. 

William Martin Murphy (1845-1919), MP, 1884, The Square, Bantry, and Dartry Hall, Rathmines, Dublin, b Castletownbere, child of Denis Murphy, building contractor, and Ann Marie Martin. Ed. Belvedere College, Dublin. 1869 built Barryroe Church, Clonakilty. Moved to Dublin 1875, railways, tramways, newspapers, Clerys Department Store, M.P. 1885, M Mary Julia Lombard d James F. Electrified Dublin Trams 1896. 1890 Skibbereen Quarter Sessions sitting with Circuit Court Judge Ferguson on Schull licensing appeal cases.  Magistrates, John Edward  Barrett, William Murphy, M.P., George Robinson, Somers. H. Payne, W. S. Payne, Henry R Marmion, Samuel Jagoe, O’Donovan, John R. H. Becher, William Norwood, Carew O’Grady.  Donor £40 second largest after Lord Ardilaun £500 in 5 instalments on behalf of the Bantry Estate  1894 son Denis died in Davos, Switzerland skiing accident he had been assisting his father on building of the Skibbereen to Baltimore Railway.  1895 to the Bantry Foreshore Reclamation Fund.  Closely associated with Tim Healy.  1918 largest donor Gearhies Fishing Disaster. 1916 meets Lloyd George to oppose partition.  listed 1913. Buried Glasnevin Cemetery.  Features in James Joyce, ‘Ulysses’, ‘How’s that for Martin Murphy, the Bantry jobber?’ (12.237)

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1890, Will of Denis Murphy, Builder, Bantry, Builder of Bantry Pier, Father of William Martin Murphy. 1919, William Martin Murphy, Derrymihan, Beara and Dublin, businessman. Estate £250,000. He left a range of businesses with a substantial asset value, including Dublin’s tramway system, hotels in Dublin and Glengariff, Cleary’s Department store, a range of railway shares and various properties including a builders yard in Bantry (which is still in business). He had also invested heavily in the Dublin newspaper industry.

Bantry Gang: Healy Brothers, Thomas, Solicitor, M.P., Timothy, M.P. , Queen’s Counsel, Governor General Irish Free State, Tim, Sullivan Brothers, Alexander Martin, Owner ‘The Nation’, Founder Irish Parliamentary Party, M.P. Queen’s Counsel, Timothy Daniel, M.P. Composer ‘God Save Ireland”, Donal, Secretary Irish Parliamentary Party, M.P, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Harrington Brothers, Tim, Teacher, Journalist, Author of The Plan of Campaign, M.P., Barrister, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ned, Organiser, M.P., William Martin Murphy, International Businessman, Railway Contractor, owner Irish Independent, Dublin United Tramways, M.P., James Gilhooley, Fenian, M.P.

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=39087&action=edit

1909 Bantry Feis.   Patrons include Canon (Church of Ireland) O’Grady, James Gilhooley, M.P., Tim Healy King’s Counsel,M.P., Maurice Healy, M.P., The Earl of Kenmare, Magistrates, Dr. O’Mahony, Benjamin O’Connor, M. O’Driscoll, William Martin Murphy, Alexander Martin Sullivan, King’s Counsel, Dr.  M. J. McCarthy, Patrick (Rocky Mountain) O’Brien, Dromore.  Prizewinners, Industrial Section.

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=40015&action=edit

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=36675&action=edit

Updated. 1918 Gearhies, Bantry Bay Fishing Disaster, Subscription Lists. Largest donor William Martin Murphy £25

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=40040&action=edit

1899, Bantry, Funeral of Miss O’Connor, Wreaths From William Martin Murphy and Family, Buyer of Cleary and Co, Dublin, Attendance, Magistrates, John Daly, Barry O’Leary, John Cullinane, James Gilhooley Member of Westminster Parliament, James Manders (Butter Merchant), Doctor Thomas Popham, William Warner (Merchant), Thomas R. Hurst (Publican).

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=22453&action=edit

Anglicisation of Irish Christian Names Finín/Finghin. 1841. O’Donovans

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O’Donovans

The Egg Girls of Kilcrohane, c 1830s. Evidence of Father John Kelleher, Noted Statistician.

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At the turn of the 19th century butter was the main cash crop. The story is told of women from Kilcrohane walking barefoot to Cork, with a pannier of butter wrapped in cabbage leaves.  10 miles before Cork they stopped at a particular rock and put on boots.  Father Kelleher’s evidence to the Poor Law Commission tells of girls making 12 journeys a year to Cork with large baskets of eggs making around £3 a year. 

Father Kelleher:


Rev. John Kelleher, C.C. Trained in Rome. 28 Jan 1830, anti tithe agitation.  Noted statistician. Later c 1840 Parish Priest of Kilurray, at British Association meeting gave detailed paper on condition in Kilmurray parish later published by British Association.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Zd1e3qFvD2-lzpNWupF_gBwCkJQbvey1yFAXuCxmys/edit?tab=t.0

1894. Shrove Tuesday, Skibbereen

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1892 Faction Fight Dromdeega Near Dunmanway

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Instructing Solicitor

Francis Fitzmaurice Solicitor Subscriber Dr. Daniel Donovan ‘History of Carbery, 1876. Attending funeral 1898, Thomas Fuller, Dunmanway, Chairman Dunmanway Board of Guardians

Counsel

1859-, Patrick D. Fleming K.C., 1906, King’s Counsel, Revising Barister sitting probte Court Dublin 1894 Magistrate, Co. Cork, 7 Hatch St., Dublin, listed 1913. In 1890s appearsin numerous West Cork cases

Prosecuting solicitor

1859, 1863, 1879, 1882, 1884, 1914, 1917 George Kingston Sherlock Solicitor 1859, Crown Solicitor West Riding, Commissioner for taking Affadavits South Main St. “7 Castle St. Supporting Colonel 1863, The Honourable Henry Boyle Bernard in Bandon by-election.
1882 donor to the new Catholic Church, Barryroe. 1877 donor Newcestown Church Spire.

1884 donor Presentation Convent School, Bandon.
” “Prosecutor 1889 Coercion Court, Rosscarbery, pubs closed huge throngs of people in the town, 90 police drafted in, Dr. William Kearny sentenced to Four Months Hard Labour.Guy 1914. 1881 subscriber to testimonial for Fr.. William Murphy, Kilbrittain
” “Brinny Sherlock Annie 08/06/1901 67 In loving memory of Annie Sherlock the beloved wife of George K. Sherlock solicitor died at Round Hill House Bandon on June 8 1901 aged 67 year Sherlock George K. Sherlock 01/10/1922 died 1st October 1922
Sherlock Emily Emily Sherlock their daughter died 24th December 1933 and their son Robert Webb Sherlock died 10th May 1937 ” “
“

Judge

(1847-, 1895 William Seymour Bird, M.A., K.C. Chairman Quarter Sessions (County Court Judge), Cork Wes Riding 38 Lower Leeson St., Dublin. Born Co. Offaly. 1900 attending RIC Sports, Mardyke..Electoral revision Macroom. Telegram of condolonces at funeral 1915 of P.J.Collins, Skibbereen. 1900 donor Eagle Santa Children’s Fund. “Meany, a defendant in a civil claim at Macroom Quarter Sessions, admitted that he
had been previously examined in English but claimed that he had forgotten the
English language. The judge told him that if he did not speak English he would not
be examined, so Meany stepped down. The plaintiff, Baldwin, said he had always
done business with Meany in English. Mr Sheehan, solicitor for the defence, said his
client ‘could tell his story better in Irish’ but County Court Judge Bird Q.C. ‘said he
could tell it as well in English’. Sheehan then pointed out that there was an
interpreter attached to the court but the judge replied ‘For those who speak Irish,
but this man can speak English’ (Southern Star, 13 June 1896, 8).” Judge Bird was the County Court Judge for the West Riding of Cork in Ireland around 1900. He is noted for presiding over an equity civil bill case in 1900 regarding a mortgage foreclosure in Sheehy v Sheehy, where he dismissed the case due to the composition of the debt.

1915 West Cork Recruitment Campaign World War 1.

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The O’Donovan

Colonel Morgan William ‘The O’Donovan’ Oxon (1861-1940), CB, D.L., MA, 1888, ‘The O’Donovan’, Clann Cathal, Lis Árd, Skibbereen, son of Henry Winthrop ‘The O’Donovan’ MA, DL. and  Amelia d ‘The O’Grady’, Courcy O’Grady, Kilballyowen, Co. Limerick. Ed. Haileybury and Oxford, Lieutenant-Colonel Munster Fusiliers, Colonel South Cork Militia Boer War,.  In attendance at the 1888 The Freemasons Ball was held in Cork in aid of Freemason’s charities, over the platform  a large Union Jack Flag, together with the Prince of Wales plumes and motto. Funeral 1890 John Island Donovan, (of the Island Sept, Rosscarbery), M.D., North St. Skibbereen, Ullagóne (Keeners).  1890 Skibbereen Quarter Sessions sitting with Circuit Court Judge Ferguson on Schull licensing appeal cases.  Magistrates, John K?. Barrett, William Murphy, M.P., George Robinson, Somers. H. Payne, W .S. Payne, Henry R. Marmion, Samuel Jagoe, O’Donovan, John R. H. Becher, William Norwood, Carew O’Grady. 1892 two of his heifers at Lissard put down suffering from rabies.  Attending the 1894 funeral of George Robinson, Landlords and Magistrate.  Succeeded Colonel Aylmer C. Somerville 1899 as President Carbery Agricultural Society. Member Cork Defence Union 1885, one of whose aims was to ‘Resist the tyranny by a body calling themselves the Irish National League”.   Presented organ to Creagh Church to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. 1892 High Sheriff, Co.Cork ill, spent the summer on the Continent recovering.  1893 Member Cork Historical and Archaeological Society.  Member Royal Society of Antiquaries 1889.   Sent a carriage to the funeral of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Somerville D.L. (1824-1898), Clontaff, Drishane. 1902 member committee Baltimore Regatta. Subscriber West Carbery ploughing match 1904.  Signed Requisition   1905. Cork Junction Railway Bill.  Requisition to the Right Honourable The Earl of Bandon K.P., to Call a meeting for the purpose of Approving the Cork Junctions Railway Bill.  Addressing a recruitment meeting in Drimoleague In July 1915 he referred  to this ancient stronghold (Castle Donovan) of his family.  After they displaced the O’Driscolls they became the Chief People of the Carberies. Listed  family members as giving a present to 1907 Spaight wedding Union Hall.  Considered the preservation of ancient documents a matter of importance. M Mary Eleanor, (Madame) odo Rev. J Yarker Barton, Chaplain to British Forces, she chaired the Women’s Emergency Recruiting Committee WW1, Skibbereen, listed 1921.   Attending 10 Grand Jury presentments.  1915 fund to aid Polish soldiers WW1. Member Board Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Board. 1933 writing to Carbery Agricultural Society suggesting horticultural potential in West Cork.

Daniel McCarthy (1868-1934), 1912, Parkview, Cork Road, Skibbereen, listed 1913, Clerk of Poor Law Union, after Clerk Skibbereen UDC, brother of Charles in UDC, Chairman Skibbereen UDC 1917.  1915 fund to aid Polish soldiers WW1. 

1884, 1917 Jasper Travers Wolfe Solicitor, Crown Solicitor, TD “Norton, Skibbereen, 1st place Law Society Final Exam, Director Skibbereen Eagle member Governing Body, UCC. subscriber Zenith Marine Disaster, Baltimore, 1895. 1895 Funeral and wreath of Bantry Solicitor Daniel O’Donovan aged 26. 1897 attending the funeral of Father Michael Kearney, Parish Priest, Durrus in Kilcrohane.

Native Skibbereen:Returning officer west Cork constituency elcction agent James Gilhooley MP. 1906 consortium Richard Wheeler Doherty, Solicitor, Bandon, John Walsh, businessman, director Allmans Distillery, Bandon, Hugo Flinn, Fish buyer, Cork, Jasper Travers Woulfe, solicitor, Skibbereen, took over Skibbereen Eagle on death of previous owner. Funeral of 1897, Michael O’Driscoll, Castlehaven South buried Baltimore. Committee member 1902 member Baltimore regatta.
1909 attending the funeral of Dr. William Jennings, J.P. 1914 RDC electin nominated by Parish Priest Fr..Michael O’Callaghan.
1915, Miss Margaret O’Donovan, Rea, Caheragh
1920 donor Bantry Vincent de Paul. 1935 funeral of Dr.Edward Shipsey, Schull. 1937 attending Ned Roycroft, funeral. Roycroft had nominated him and supported him as TD,
” “M Minnie elder d of George George Levis Vickery 2 daughters, grandson wrote biography. 1904 funeral of Daniel O’Donovan, Solicitor and Land Owner, Skibbereen.
Funeral attending 1920 June 1920 the Black adn Tans/RIC murderd Connie Crowley a 2 year oldcripple and burned bususness premises, he went to Banatry to try an calm matters Edward Ederton Leigh White, died age 44 Bantry House. Fled to Enhland after IRAthreats April 1922 returned months later. Later received £3,00 from a calim of £7,670 for injuly to is business adn loss of income from the loss of his office for IGC. Letter to Eoin O’Mahony from Jasper Travers Wolfe, solicitor, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, regarding the Dail motion to remove Judge Edward McElligott from office, 1941 May 5. 1932, attending funeral of Michael Harrington, Merchant, Skibbereen
1939 funeeral of William Morris Leap Only One of 11 Children to Remain in Ancestral Home Place, 5 Brothers Doctors. Claim of Ancestry to General Wolfe of The Siege Quebec Probably Wrong. He is probably from the old Catholic Wolfe family of Limerick, one branch converted because of the Penal Laws. The West Cork Wolfes Originate in the West Country of England.
” “Jasper Travers Wolfe was born in 1872, the third of nine children of William John Wolfe, a Methodist shopkeeper and his wife Rachel Wood.
He was educated at the Bishop’s School, Skibbereen and passed the Law Society preliminary exam in 1888. Indentured in the practice of Thomas Downes, he obtained first place in his final exams, was awarded a gold medal and the Findlater Scholarship and admitted as a solicitor in 1893.
His father died in 1894 after a long illness and Jasper established J. Travers Wolfe & Co. shortly after, quickly establishing himself as an expert in land law. Attending the funeral of Dr. Timothy J. O’Meara 1938. 1943, funeral in Cork of Richard Arthur Galwey, Coosheen House, Schull.
1951 attending funeral of Michael O’Driscoll, SC, born, outside Baltimore then of Kilcrea House.

” 1893, attending funeral of Michael Sheehy, T. C., P.L.G., Skibbereen. 1899, attending funeral of R. H. Townshend, J.P., Myross Wood, Leap. 1915, attending funeral of Patrick J. Hurley, solicitor, Drimoleague. 1939 Funeral of Dr. John G. Cullinane, Clonakilty. 1935 funeral Bantry Charles Swaine, merchant director Biggs and Co. 1938, attending Funeral of Father John Sheehy, (1892-1938), Curate. Courtmacsherry, of the Prominent Skibbereen Family, his Father County Councillor, One Time TD, Mass Celebrated by 100 Priests, Telegrams, Mass Cards. 1940. Funeral of Mrs Nannie Burke, Skibbereen, She Belonged to old Native Stock of her Father Timothy O’Donovan of the Stuaci O’Donovans. Niece of Tim Hurley of famous Castleview Evictions. “1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1950, 1953, 1954 Michael V. Harrington Solicitor Attending the funeral of Dr. Timothy J. O’Meara 1938. 1938, attending Funeral of Father John Sheehy, (1892-1938), Curate. Courtmacsherry, of the Prominent Skibbereen Family, his Father County Councillor, One Time TD, Mass Celebrated by 100 Priests, Telegrams, Mass Cards. Synpathy funeral of 1941, Mrs. Ellen Hegarty, Castlehaven Attending funeral of Jasper Travers Wolfe , solicitor, Skibbereen, 1952. “” Law Directory. Attending funeral 1950 of brother in law Father William Holland, PP Ardfield. Father William Holland, Ardfield, Clonakilty, (1876-1950). 1949 History of West Cork. Included genealogies of Barrys, De Courceys, McCarthys, O’Crowleys, O’Driscolls, O’Heas, O’Hurleys, O’Mahonys, O’Sullivans. 1954 funeral in Skibbereen of Mrs. Minnie Wolfe nee Vickery widow of Solicitor and TD Jasper Wolfe Michael V. Harrington was my first master of a friend (he died halfway through my articles). He had been, in turn, apprenticed to Jasper Wolf “


Jeremiah (Jerry) Cotter, (1859-1915). Bantry born prominent Cork surgeon, Career 1915 Funeral in Clonakilty.

29 Sunday Mar 2026

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1859-1913, died 1915        Dr. Jerry Cotter MD MCH, QUI, FRCSI        8 Sydney Place, Governor UCC, Board North Infirmary        Dr Jerry of Sidney pl, Cork city is one of mine, a New Zealand relation, b 1859, Derryginah Bantry, died 1915 in Clonakilty (his McCarthy wife was from there). Him & a brother in London were the first doctors of the family & inspired others including here in NZ to follow suit, although one of his sons chose law instead. At the 1901 funeral Mrs Cotter is his mother Mary Gallagher 1826 of Summerhill, whose sister Mary 1840 married Patrick Burke.   I don’t know about the Scullys, but Jeremiah of Breenymore’s brother was William 1858, rate collector. He married Julia Creedon, g’daughter of James Cotter of Derryginah (uncle of Dr Jerry 1859). When Julia died, he married Mary Cassey.  From Bantry mother Scully          I see he was b. 18 Jan 1859, mother was Mary Scully. There was a tribe of the Scully family descended from Catherine Anne Gallwey who m. James Scully JP  but no issue m. to any Cotter that I can find despite several by the name of Mary.  1891 subscriber North Infirmary.  1901 funeral of Mrs. Cotter, Bantry sons Dr. P. J. Cotter, London, Dr. J. Cotter, Cork, nephew Dr. Patrick Burke, London                                            1886 Committee member of proposed Graduate Reform Association of Queens College   Son 1909, 1911        Francis McCarthy Cotter B.A.        Barrister        “8, Sydney Place, Cork.   1911 Member Cork Historical and Archaeological Society  1912 attending funeral of Rev. Charles Walsh, Rector, Farranferris.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Paddy O’Keeffe papers.  1913 car owner.  Probate 1915 to widow, Mary, Clonakilty, £10,253        

(SR 13/2/1817) – BREWERY – TO BE LET, AND IMMEDIATE POSSESSION GIVEN – THAT Remarkably well Circumstanced BREWERY; Situate at BANTRY, together with the UTENSILS, MALT-HOUSES and CONCERNS thereto Belonging – which have the Advantage of an Uninterrupted supply of Fresh Water, and being in a thickly Inhabited Corn Country, contiguous to the Sea, are worthy of Prompt Attention. – Proposals to be made to Simon White, Esq., Glengarriff, Bantry, or Richard Foott, Attorney, Cork, at whose Office a Plan of the whole may be seen. – Mr. James Cotter of Bantry, will shew the Concerns.

Click here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1hXQa7CIouiq7mET2W2tfjg7gEQeJGQyQPSuHDTJ4A/edit?tab=t.0

1862 St. Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork. West Cork Subscriptions.

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Richard Caulfield, Cork antiquarian who was intimately involved in clearing the graveyard for the new construction was a Gosnell on his mothers side. The family in West Cork around Kilmeen since probably early 17th century.

Caulfield, Richard (1823–87), antiquary and local historian, was born 23 April 1823 in Cork, one of five sons of a merchant, William Caulfield, and his wife Catherine, who was the daughter of Henry Gosnell, a Cork doctor and surgeon. Richard was educated at Bandon endowed school, entered TCD in October 1840, and graduated BA in 1845, LLB in 1864, and LLD in 1866. He abandoned early plans of entering the church to concentrate on antiquarian research, and in 1854 published Sigilla ecclesiae hibernicae illustrata, a book on ecclesiastical seals, in two volumes.

https://www.dib.ie/biography/caulfield-richard-a1568

1862 St. Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork. West Cork Subscriptions

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u2gWhS6d8NZn6ARbU7sEITtRUTo8Oi8S6_DxDjaQDro/edit?tab=t.0

1843-1908.   Richard (Dick) Adams. Banker,        Journalist, Barrister Inns 1873, Q.C., 1869. Judge County Court Limerick 1894, Down.    Born Castletownbere, eldest son Brian Port Surveyor, Customs and Excise, mother Frances (Fanny) O’Donovan sister of Doctor O’Donovan, Famine Doctor, Skibbereen.   First cousin of Skibbereen O’Donovan family, Doctor Daniel and his 2 Doctor sons, they are of ‘Island’ branch and once owned town of Ross. First Cousin Dr. Daniel Donovan, Junior Author of Sketches in Carbery.

11 Wednesday Mar 2026

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Barristers Cork

Ken Ferguson Vol 2, Barristers

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B 1843-1908        Richard (Dick) Adams        Journalist, Barrister Inns 1873, Q.C., 1869.Judge County Court Limerick 1894, Down        Born Castletownbere, eldest son Brian Port Surveyor, Customs and Excise mother Frances (Fanny) O’Donovan sister of Doctor O’Donovan, Skibbereen.   First cousin of Skibbereen O’Donovan family, Doctor Daniel and his 2 Doctor sons, they are of ‘Island’ branch and once owned town of Ross.  1880 Munster Bar, 20 Mountjoy Square, Dublin.  Born Castletownbere, eldest son Brian Port Surveyor, Customs and Excise mother Frances (Fanny) O’Donovan sister of Doctor O’Donovan, Skibbereen.   First cousin of Skibbereen O’Donovan family, Doctor Daniel Famine Doctor, his 2 Doctor sons, are of ‘Island’ branch and once owned town of Ross.  1880 Munster Bar, 20 Mountjoy Square, Dublin.  Prosecuted Parnell for conspiracy and became Crown prosecutor for Cork.        Journalist Cork and Freemans Journal, Defended James Fitzharris in Phoenix Park Murders, noted wit.   From James Joyce ‘Ulysses’, ‘Dick Adams (Castletownbere born), the besthearted bloody Corkman the Lord ever put the breath of life in’ Journalist, Barrister, Defender of Parnell, Later County Court Judge Limerick

Ulysses: 7.679-80″        Buried St. Marys, Kensal Rise, London.  Obit ILTSJ1908, 89        “Courtesy Ruth Cannon: from the Cork Examiner, 6 April 1908, this loving tribute to one of the Irish Bar’s most famous humorists, Limerick County Court Judge Richard Adams (b-l). Adams got much mileage out of his resemblance to King Edward VII (b-r), who he alleged once messaged him in the spa resort of Homburg requesting they dress differently to avoid confusion.

“Those who knew the late Judge Adams well will find it hardest to believe that he is dead. “Those who knew the late Judge Adams well will find it hardest to believe that he is dead. For with his personality, they associate all that was brightest and most vivifying in life. 

“That said, the future judge does not appear to have greatly distinguished himself in his early days. His first professional calling was that of a bank clerk in the National Bank in Cork. He was entrusted with the duty of opening letters containing bank notes in separate halves, a favourite way of sending money in those days, and then gumming the two halves together. But his lack of acumen for bank business was such that he frequently gummed the wrong halves together – a terrible misadventure in any well-organized bank. 

Having regard to this, and a general unsuitability for bank life, Richard Adams decided that he had mistaken his vocation. Accordingly, he subsequently got called to the Bar in the Hilary term of 1873. In actions for breach of promise of marriage his services were particularly sought, and it was one of the treats of the Four Courts to hear a speech on that congenial topic from one who was a master of humorous exposition. His admission to the Inner Bar was soon followed by his elevation to the Bench as County Court Judge of Limerick.

While not a profound lawyer, he did not himself at all mind jesting on the subject of his legal knowledge, and would tell how once he came into one of the Dublin Courts after the luncheon interval and heard a well-known solicitor proclaiming from the solicitors’ table to a cluster of minor lights ‘Adams! Oh, he has a fine nisi prius prescendi, but he knows absolutely no law,’ whereupon Adams himself put his genial countenance over the side barrier and said, ‘Look here, that’s slander of me in my business trade and profession, and it is actionable without proof of special damage, so look out for a writ.’ This was of course said with glorious good humour.

Judge Adams loved to go to health resorts on the continent. These sojourns were rendered doubly enjoyable by reason of his resemblance to the present King. ‘When in Homburg,’ he said, ‘the King’s Equerry came up to me and said ‘Mr. Adams, the King commands me to ask you as a personal favour not to be going about in a tall hat and frock coat. It is very embarrassing for his Majesty to be so often whacked on the back, and to be shouted at by gentlemen in Dublin accents, ‘Hello Dick, old man, how are all the boys in Dublin…’’

More stories about Judge Adams here: 

https://lnkd.in/eM9aQ549″

His uncle

1808-, Edinburgh, died 1877        Dr. Daniel Donovan Senior MD        Ed. Mr. Armstrong Classic School Rosscarbery, Dublin, Edinburgh.  Doctor, Dispensary Officer Union Hall, Glandore 1830-1839, 1840. Magistrate, Donovan Daniel, sen, North street   Retired 1870 suceeded by son.        “Skibbereen 1847 distress meeting. Seeking equality of endowment in Catholic education 1859. Born at Ross of ‘island’ branch who formerly owned Ross town.  Son Henry Solicitor died 1873.  Probate to widow Henrietta £800 1877. 1859, Thomas Burke, M.D.,Skibbereen. Estate £1,500.  Named Daniel Donovan, M.D., David Hadden, M.D., Daniel McCartie, brewer.  1877.   Opening  Skibbereen Railway

Daniel Donovan

David Hadden

John Levis, Glenview

S. W.  Levis, Coroner

Dr. McCormack, Goleen

Dr. Popham, Bntry

Samuel Robinson

Dr. Swanton, Bantry

Dr. Sweetnam, Schull

”        “In 1835 Dr Dan married Henrietta Flynn and they had a family of six daughters and five sons. In 1839

he was appointed to the Skibbereen Dispensary and he was elected the first medical officer of the

new Skibbereen Workhouse.  Famine Diary of Doctor O’Donovan, Dispensary Doctor, Skibbereen,  1877 in poor circustances plea by British Medical Assocaio for inceased pension. 1854 attendig Patriotic Concert, Skibbeeen in aid of Crimean war widows and orphans. 1862 donor Skibbereen Relief Fund.   1846 attending famine relief meeting Bandon, Magistrates attending famine relief meeting Bandon, Cork Examiner 28th August 1846. The Earl of Bandon, Colonel Bernard, D. Conner, J.Wheeler, Masekelyne Alcock, R.H.H. Beecher, Rev., T. Tuckey, James Gillman, George Robinson, William J.Payne, Charles Evanson, James Swanston, Arthur Hutchinson, Lionel Fleming, Samuel Townsend, 

”        https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/164a5605c1527277?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1        “Dr Daniel Donovan – heroic figure of the Famine in Skibbereen

By Philip O’Regan, Skibbereen Heritage Centre.1877 Funeral Attendance of Dr. Daniel Donovan, Skibbereen, Procession Nearly a Mile and a half in Length.   Buried in Family Tomb at Rosscabery of The O’Donovans of The Islands.  Sons Dr.Daniel Junior, Dr.John Donovan, Ballincollig.”        “Cholera, Myross, Board of Health.   CSO/RP/1832/1813/2.  Chairman,  Richard Townsend, J.P., 

Names of persons interested in the Board:

Rev. Charles Bushe, Rector, Castlehaven

Rev. James Tuckey, curate

Rev. P. crowley, P.P

Rev. William Goulding, R.C. curate

Rev. ..Bert.., R.C. curate

Thomas Somerville, J.P

Thomas Townsend, Lieutenant, R.N.

Ralph Mansfield, J.P.

Daniel Donovan, M.D.”

1808-, 1822, 1840, 1859        Dr. Daniel Donovan Senior MD        Ed. Mr. Armstrong Classic School Rosscarbery, Dublin, Edinburgh.  Doctor, Dispensary Officer Union Hall, Glandore 1830-1839, 1840. Magistrate, Donovan Daniel, sen, North street         1847 seconded resolution at tenants rights meeting Skibbereen. Skibbereen 1847 distress meeting. Seeking equality of endowment in Catholic education 1859. Born at Ross of ‘island’ branch who formerly owned Ross town.  Son Henry Solicitor died 1873.  1810, 1831, 1840, 1846                “In 1835 Dr Dan married Henrietta Flynn and they had a family of six daughters and five sons. In 1839

he was appointed to the Skibbereen Dispensary and he was elected the first medical officer of the

new Skibbereen Workhouse.  Famine Diary of Doctor O’Donovan, Dispensary Doctor, Skibbereen, West Cork, Bodies Buried Coffinless in the Dead of Night in Dunmanus Weighed Down By Stones, to Prevent Starving Dogs From Getting At The Bodies, The Funeral Cry No Longer heard.

1837 sponsor for baptism of Micahel Galwey.  Skibbereen workhouse 1855.  Matron Honora Attridge, £30, Medical Officer Daniel Donovan £100, Apothecary, Jeremiah Crowley £35, Nurse Margaret Corcoran, £8, Julia Hurley £5,  https://virtualtreasury.ie/item/ParliamentUK-10-32-165-143

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/164a5605c1527277?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1″        1840 testimonial to Captain Lyttelton Lyster Esq. Union Hall, Rosscarbery, Subscriber Lewis Topographical   Praised on leaving Union Hall 1840 for managing dispensary Loan Funds established by the Countess of Kingston, and given plate  by Richard Townsend JP,  Point House, Major Allen, Stoneville, Richard Townsend Junior, Clontaff, JP, Philip Somerville, Union Hall, Rev. Edward P. Thompson, Henry Townsend JP, Castletownsend, Thomas Somerville JP,  Drishane,  Rev James E. Somerville,  DD, Union Hall, Richard Adams, Glandore Lodge, John Fitzhenry Townsend, J.R. Barry, JP, Glandore House, Lionel J Fleming, New Court, Father James Mulcahy, Myross, William Baldwin, Baltnathona        “Dr Daniel Donovan – heroic figure of the Famine in Skibbereen

By Philip O’Regan, Skibbereen Heritage Centre”

First Cousin

1866, 1875, died 1880        Dr. Daniel Donovan Junior MD        Doctor, Royal Navy, West Coast of Africa Daniel, jun, North street  1876        Public lecture 1867 on Madeira, Lisbon, Jamaica Skibbereen. Died typhus        Skibbereen & West Carbery Eagle; or, South Western Advertiser 13 April 1867.  Author Sketches in Carbery.  Died aged 37.  Son of Dr. Daniel O’Donovan.   1871 funeral Skibbereen, Timothy McCarthy Downing, solicitor, MP, landlord

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SbK24LpDBP8rFO_4XqjaRjYC37DyyResH_W_xMHtLuQ/edit?tab=t.0

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16th Regiment of Foot assisted female emigration australia ballyclough bantry bay caithness legion cavan regiment of militia cheshire fencibles coppinger's court inbhear na mbearc Irish words in use 1930s lord lansdowne's regiment mallow melbourne ned kelly new brunswick O'Dalys Bardic Family. o'regan Personal Memoirs rosscarbery schull sir redmond barry sir walter coppinger st. johns sydney Townlands treaty of limerick Uncategorized university of Melbourne victoria
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