1907, Evidence of Councillor Ned Roycroft, Mount Gabriel Schull to The Royal Commission On Congestion in Ireland.   American Mackerel Fishery. Mines Going Well 120 employed in Copper Mines.  Major Congestion Many Half Cottiers Half Fishermen.  Cessation of Coastal Shipping by Clyde Shipping Company after Withdrawal of £500 Subsidy for the  Service.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oFxY_yQmV2Vf2xp4Jh2TY67R4Ue-47uQyT3JtWmfGQE/edit

Ned Roycroft was married to Catherine McCarthy Sowney from Dereenalomane, Coolagh, Schull East. Catherine was the daughter of Thomas McCarthy Sowney & Ellen McCarthy Mόr. Catherine and Ned lived in Mount Gabriel. 

Catherine McCarthy Sowney’s brother, Daniel T McCarthy Sowney, married Susan Baker of Rossmore, Durrus West in the  Catholic oratory of Blairs Cove House on 16th February 1876.  At that time it was the Parish Priest’s house.

Daniel T McCarthy Sowney & Susan Baker of Rossmore, Durrus  were 2nd cousins. That relationship came through the Atteridges. Daniel’s paternal grandmother was Elizabeth Atteridge and Susan Baker’s mother was Margaret Atteridge. It would seem that Margaret Atteridge was Elizabeth Atteridge’s niece.

1907

https://www.dippam.ac.uk/eppi/documents/21222/pages/591551

The Roycrofts (various variations of the spelling) most likely came to the Bandon area post 1590 from the West Country of England.

Over time there are Catholic, Church of Ireland and Methodist branches.

Ned Roycroft’s granddaughter was probably the wife of Michael Pat Murphy, late Labour TD, for West Cork.

In Bantry in the mid to late 19th century the Dillon family influential in business and politics related to the Roycrofts of the North Side of the Muintervarta Peninsula. Of that branch also Charles Roycroft, businessman, landowner and Magistrate and like all highly political on the Nationalist side. It is not know if this branch is related to the Mount Gabriel Roycrofts.

The Schull Roycrofts Ian the 19th century very involved in the administration of the Schull Workhouse.

Some Roycroft (Recraft) Wills from 1676, Bandon and Marriages from 1775.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/35455

1851 Census Summary Family of Joseph and Heater Roycroft, Kilpatrick, Schull, West Cork.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/27861

1937 Dunbeacon, Parish of Schull,  Mary Joe Moynihan, School Folklore Project. Names: Collins, Connell, Croston, Driscoll,  Finn, Levis, Lucy, Maguire, McCarthy, Moynihan, O’Brien, Nugent, Pyburn, O’Sullivan, Roycroft, Scofield, Lucky Days for Marriage Thursday and Saturday, Flax Meitheals, Harvest of the Geese, Holy Wells, Penal Laws,Old Cures, Deaths at Dereenlomane Barytes Mines, Wreck of Memphis, Foghmar na nGeídhna, hard and quick days after Harvest.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/33537

1803, Methodist Minister Rev. John Rogers, Unpublished Memoir.   Preaching on Circuit in West Cork 1803.   He married Mary Croston, 1810, Crookhaven Church. Among those mentioned, Skibbereen, Atkins, William and Susan Atkins, John Evans, Ardrally, William Young, Letterscanlan, Cole, Dromore, Roger Young, Thomas Kingston, Caherincrin, Bantry, (where he preached to hundreds), James Vickery, Rooska, William Vickery, Dunbittern, John Skuse, Richard Allin (Allen), Ballyriggard, Richard Roycroft, Kilpatrick, Melvin, English, Schull, Swanton, Ballydehob, Mrs Moore, Newcourt, Mr. Wright, Glandore.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/32237

Copy of Will of Richard Roycroft (Obliterated in the Destruction of the Public Record Office, Dublin, 1922 but copied by William Henry Welply) of Clouney (Clonee, Bog Road), Parish of Durrus, agd 9th May 1801, Proved 1st August 1801, Son-in-law, George Swanton, Grandson Richard Lavers (Levis), granddaughter, Avis Notter, son Thomas Roycroft deceased, daughter Grace O’Sullivan. Executors George Swanton, Richard Lavers (Levis). Witnesses: Robert Lavers. Charles Dalton, John Vickery.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/21451

1793. Letting of 18 Gneeves at Kealties, Durrus, West Cork from Stephen Derinau to Young Roycroft, Gent, Clonee.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/21429

Bantry, West Cork, Quarter Sessions, February 1842, Chaired by Mr. Moody, Assistant Barrister, East Riding, Magistrates, Mr. Little Resident Magistrate, Dr. Gillman, Richard White (Lord Bantry family), Michael Warren, Alexander O’Driscoll (Middle Man, Caheragh, married to Miss Evans Lissangle). Juries: William Lannin (Possibly later Master Workhouse may be from Dromreague), Elias Roycroft (Rooska), William Roycroft, Robert Warren, Samuel Daly, George Vickery, Edward Barry, Michael Sullivan (Possibly Tedagh), John Warner, Cornelius O’Leary, Alexander O’Donovan Possibly Clerk Petty Sessions), Robert Vickery, Daniel Sullivan, George O’Connor (Landowner Bantry/Skibbereen), Thomas Dukelow (Durrus possibly Clashadoo), Michael Sullivan, Thomas Kingston, Michael Foley, Jeremiah Sullivan, T Williamson (Durrus), James Sullivan, Thomas Vickery. 

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/13039

Photograph of Directors and Managers of Schull and Skibbereen Light Railway 1910-20, including Ned Roycroft, Mount Gabriel, Chairman Cork County Council, Jasper Travers Wolfe Solicitor (former Crown Prosecutor West Cork and later TD) and his father Eddie

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/8620

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JPq4u-NiGlT2vZoWriPbjNNOfybC0g_to59qxfwvvG8/edit

Post 1659 “Henry Trenwith. who, according to the Census of Ireland 1659 was in possession of the lands of Gurteen, Bantry (126a. lr. 17p).” Family later in Beara area

1681 Will Thomas Walker Overseers and executors, Rev. Thomas Holmes, Richard Hutchins, Blackrock (Hutchinson?), Witnesses William Waters, Junior, William Trenwith, William Coppinger, William Byrne?, John Lavers (Levis), Robert Trix, Teig Meskill, Welply’s wills https://plus.google.com/photos/100968344231272482288/album/6016019881220541265/6016021353821184530

1831.  Former Bantry Postmaster Robert Clarke, Sureties Young Lavers (Levis), William Trenwith.

The Levis family are Huguenot in origin.The Trenwith are in Gurteen 1650 according to Down Survey later throughout Beara.  Early 19th century family of 23 daughters among families married into Wards of Durrus.

1831. Former Bantry Postmaster Robert Clarke, Sureties Young Lavers (Levis), William Trenwith.

One account of one of the Trenwith families in the early 19th century has 23 daughters and 1 son

CC 18/3/1833) – TO CAPTAIN JONES, LATE IN COMMAND OF A DETACHMENT OF THE 69^TH REGT., STATIONED AT BANTRY – WE, THE UNDERSIGNED INHABITANTS OF BANTRY AND ITS VICINITY, avail ourselves of the removal of the Detachment of the 69^th Regiment, under your command, to express to you our high estimation of their discipline and good conduct during their continuance in Bantry, and our regret at their departure. – We request that you will be so kind as to convey to Captain Stewart, the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, these sentiments which so generally prevail along us on this occasion, and beg to assure you, both individually and collectively, that to whatever scene of action your duties may require your removal, you will carry along with you our best and sincerest wishes. – Bantry, 14^th Feb., 1833 ….. [ replied to from Charles Fort, Kinsale, Feb. 26, names, below, arranged alphabetically]

>

Barry, Thomas, PPBird, J. S.Bird, JohnBird, Robert J.Bird, Robert R.Burke, Thomas, MDClerke, RichardComyn, J.Cooke, J. M.Dealy, WM. J., Lieut., RN

Dowe, JosephDowning, RogerEgar, A., C. C.P.Evanson, Alleyn, JPEvanson, CharlesJenkins, ThomasKingston, J. P., & SonsKirby, DavidM’Carthy, Wm.Murphy, Michael

O Connell, JohnO Connor, J.O Donovan, M.O Donovan, Timothy, JPO Driscoll, A., JPO Sullivan, DanielO Sullivan, JeremiahPatterson, ThomasPearson, Wm.Ratcliffe, Wm.

Riddell, J.Sadleir, Henry, Clk.Trenwith, B.White, Richard, JPWhite, Simon, JPYoung, JohnYoung, John, jun.Young, Samuel

Bird, J. S.Bird, JohnBird, Robert J.Bird, Robert R.Clerke, RichardCooke, J. M.Dealy, WM. J., Lieut., RN

Dowe, JosephEgar, A., C. C.P.Kingston, J. P., & SonsKirby, DavidMurphy, Michael

Patterson, ThomasPearson, Wm.Ratcliffe, Wm.

Piddell, J.Sadleir, Henry, Clk.Trenwith, B.White, Richard, JPWhite, Simon, JPYoung, JohnYoung, John, jun.Young, Samuel

Registry of Deeds Vol 706,  P 145  Memorial 483681

Cappaleigh, Keeldrumalive, Granure, Knuckavallig, Tedagh, 3rd August 1821, Marriage Settlement

Marriage of Richard Sullivan, Get Tedagh, son of Michael of Tedagh Gent to mary Ann Trenwith daughter of William Trenwith of Faha (Adrigole) James Vickery of Mullagh, gent  and Richard Trenwith of Leirum Gent to hold as trustees

\

\

Cess Payers.

1834. NAMES and PLACES of RESIDENCE of the CESS PAYERS nominated by the County Grand Jury at the last Assizes, to be associated with the Magistrates at Special Road Sessions to be holden in and for the several Baronies within the County, preparatory to the next Assizes, pursuant to Act 3 and 4 Wm. 4, ch. 78.

Barony of Bere	John O’Sullivan Cameatringane	David Kinnigan, Bawn	Edward Puxley, Oaklodge
James Downing, Castletown	Daniel  Sullivan, Dramguiven	Roger O’Sullivan, Seapoint	John Harrington, Killmacowen	Timothy O’Sullivan, Connahanavoe
Richard Martin, Clonee	John Harrington, Grenane	Timothy O’Sullivan, Castletown	William Murphy, Inchintaglin, Adrigole	William Trenwith, Droumdir
Timothy O’Sullivan, Castletown

 Faha East and Faha West are located about 2km to the east of Adrigole Catholic church. Droumdour ( Droumdir?) is part of Glengarriff  Wood about ‘2.5 km from the village. The townlands would about 8km apart. It may be of interest  that the thatched residence ( former lodge I think) to the left of the road leading to Barley Lake is in Droumdour.

Berehabae C of I records:

P.7 1795  Baptisms

April 12th Sarah daughter of William Trenwith and Phillis his wife.  Edward Trenwith Mary Crispe and Mary Crispe sponsors

Castletownbere, churchwardens:
Post 1786 Church Wardens Berehaven William Morgan, Richard Simpson, Joseph Patrickson (Rev?), Robert Higginbotham, Castlebernard, Hugh Lawton, Richard Broderick, John Burchill (Customs?), William Trenwith, Glenlough 1796 Sam Baylie (Customs?), 1795, Robert Trenwith, Knockaulane 1790,

Baptisms

 P.1 1778

 April 3rd Eleanor Mary Anne, daughter of Robert and Catherine Simpson Private

June 3rd Mary daughter of Samuel and Mary Blake Charles Blake William Trenwith

Mary and Mary Blake sponsors

Helens:

1781, Kilmocomoge (Bantry) Thomas Spencer, Parish clerk John Murphy (probably Newtown family), John Helen (family extensively involved in pawnbroking Cork and Bantry), churchwarderns Vicar John Kenny, lives in Durrus, 6 miles from Bantry. St. James, Durrus built shortly after probably had more parishioners than Bantry RCB Library, 1781, Bishop Mann Visitation of Church of Ireland Dioceses of Cork. Ref D121.1

Post 1786 Samuel Helen, Publican Henry Belcher, Cordwainer (shoe shop) Bantry Deed\

801. Avis Notter, spinster, Crookhaven, leases to Richard Lavers (Levis), Clonee, 8 Gneeves at West Clonee, Kealties, Esknabreena (North West Brahalish) and Oghtergliny? For 21 years. Witnesses John Warner, Gent, Bantry, Samuel Helen, Gent, Bantry.

November 1835 Emanuel Helen Bantry Cork at Bantry. Executor 1837 may be H. Helen John T Collins, newspaper extracts, Dr Casey 2130 Dr. Casey Vol 6

1845 “Cork, Nelson Place 13 Trenwith William H. Pawnbroker (Administrator of R. Helen) ” Both probably have Bantry connections Post Office Directory

1896 Rents Fixed by Irish Land Commission. Including Holdings At Aughaville, Colomane, Glenaphuca, Killowen.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19odJpxrtY4eU9hQsVv25jkLkO3uyeDjWg8C4B82ADZY/edit

From the Eppi Project:

https://www.dippam.ac.uk/eppi/documents/19389/pages/523116

Skibbereen Historical Society, Phipil O’Regan:

Remembering Dr David Hadden, Skibbereen

A work in progress more information sought from the Townsend family in Australia.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1clxZHpqFbHCtl1f7E68wAldlz03kxrXNDxkoxEFFJJg/edit#

https://wordpress.com/home/durrushistory.com

Dinnseanchas. The Naming of Houses After the Homeplace, Richard Wright, Clonakilty, ‘Carbery’, Glenageary, Methodist Rev. Earnest Donovan, Foronaught, Myross, Sandycove, Dublin, Richard Townsend ‘Dunbeacon’, Horton Australia. Also include Van Morrison on Belfast.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/38363

1844 Cork Assizes, Jagoe V Hungerford. Throwing light on Genealogy of Mizen Peninsula Genealogies of mid 18th Century Middlemen, Coughlan, Dowe, Driscoll/O’Driscoll

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/36240

1937 Dunbeacon, Parish of Schull,  Mary Joe Moynihan, School Folklore Project. Names: Collins, Connell, Croston, Driscoll,  Finn, Levis, Lucy, Maguire, McCarthy, Moynihan, O’Brien, Nugent, Pyburn, O’Sullivan, Roycroft, Scofield, Lucky Days for Marriage Thursday and Saturday, Flax Meitheals, Harvest of the Geese, Holy Wells, Penal Laws,Old Cures, Deaths at Dereenlomane Barytes Mines, Wreck of Memphis, Foghmar na nGeídhna, hard and quick days after Harvest.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/33537

Under the Radar: Roads are discovered to yield a more profitable crop than farming, 1809 Cork Grand Jury Presentments: John Arundel, William and John Swanton, Ballydehob, Alexander O’Driscoll, Skibbereen, John and William Warner, Bantry, Samuel Townsend, Henry Ryan, Skibbereen, Later, Birds and Tobins of Kilcrohane, Moss and Nicholas Families, Durrus, Shanahans of Dunbeacon, Vickeries of Ballycomane, Fitzgeralds of Baltimore.

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=34182&action=edit&calypsoify=1&block-editor=1&frame-nonce=aa0af4e285&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwordpress.com&environment-id=production&support_user&_support_token

Denis O’Driscoll, Dunbeacon, Harpist and WILLIAM HENRY O’DRISCOLL, Esq., of Stoke, near Plymouth. He was born on the 16th of June, 1803, and, though a fine specimen of the old Irish chieftain race, he is still unmarried. The senior line of the O’Driscolls is, therefore, likely to become extinct in the British Islands, and the genealogist of the next century will probably have to look for it in the United States of America: though, according to a wild tradition in the country, there are fishermen on Cape Clear and on other islands off the Coast of Carbery, who are lineally descended from the youngest son of Sir Finghin, (Finin) or Florence, of 1602. The Rev. James O’Driscoll, P.P. of Kilmichael in the County of Cork, is said to be the great-grandson of Denis O’Driscoll of Dunbeacon Castle, who is remembered by tradition for his skill in performing on the Irish harp, who was the son of Florence O’Driscoll, called the Captain Cam, who was killed at the siege of Dunboy in 1602. Sed cum de his nihil certi scio, nihil etiam assertive determino.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/28668

Irish in ordinary speech 1930s, by Seosamh Ó Drisceoil, (Joe O’Driscoll), (1923-2015), NT, Dunbeacon, Durrus, West Cork

https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=18580&action=edit&calypsoify=1&block-editor=1&frame-nonce=aa0af4e285&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwordpress.com&environment-id=production&support_user&_support_token

Discovery of Bronze Palstave, c 1.400 BC, Dunbeacon Bog, Durrus, West Cork.

Dinnseanchas. The Naming of Houses After the Homeplace, Richard Wright, Clonakilty, ‘Carbery’, Glenageary, Methodist Rev. Earnest Donovan, Foronaught, Myross, Sandycove, Dublin, Richard Townsend ‘Dunbeacon’, Horton Australia. Also include Van Morrison on Belfast. Rooska Australia a Vickery house from Rooska, Bantry

A variation of dinnseanchas as in Van Morrison’s music

Durcan also utilizes the ancient Irish dinnseanchas tradition to heighten the dignity of … himself (who has also collaborated with singers like Van Morrison),

https://www.jstor.org/stable/30001549?seq=1

From The Middle Temple Admissions 1884

Rev. Patrick Ernest Donovan (1861-1953), Foronaught, Myross, Skibbereen, West Cork, Irish Speaking Methodist Missionary.

House in Dublin Myross, Sandycove, Dublin, 28 June 1953, interred

Rev. Patrick Ernest Donovan (1861-1953), Foronaught, Myross, Skibbereen, West Cork, Irish Speaking Methodist Missionary.

A branch of the Townsend family settled in Australi

http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~townsend/tree/record.php?ref=285

Jennings Family West Cork to New Zealand, Australia, USA 1800-1985.

https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/durrushistory.com/2927

There was significant emigration of Durrus Protestant to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick from the mid 1820s,thye brought any of the local townland names to the area of settlement.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pD0f_EX_72o_tKK8J0H8UJtHa9YJoK-s7cjISYoZ-BY/edit

Private Bankers/Moneylenders. Denis McCarthy (1816-1896), Donnacha Talún, Bantry, probably Letterlickey, Durrus. Phil Woulfe (1829-1881). William ‘Billy the Banker’ Perrott, (1809-1881), Courtmacsherry.

In Ireland the term moneylender is loaded. In looking at Denis McCarthy and Phil Woulfe of Bantry it is worth remembering that even relatively prosperous people were outside the mainstream banking system. Both lent to Landlords by way of equitable mortgage i.e. deposit of title deeds. There was no need for formal registration and in the event of default they went into possession. This probably explains how Woulfe ends up as a Landlord on the former estate of Richard O’Donovan of Fort Lodge Durrus.

 William ‘Billy the Banker’ Perrott, (1809-1881), Courtmacsherry.

He was more low key; the family background might be likened to Henry Ford’s people, small to middling Protestant farmers. There is a fascinating account of him collected by local children in the School Folklore Project in the 1930s. He would have been small scale in comparison to the other both of whom let very significant assets in their probate.

In the early 17th century equitable mortgage were frequently resorted in West Cork to by Richard Boyle, Great Earl of Cork and Sir Walter Coppinger.

https://durrushistory.com/category/sir-walter-coppinger/

It is thought that the O’Mahonys lost a great part of Mizen to Boyle in this way.

Boyle’s chicanery is often mentioned as a cause of the Great Rebellion of 1641.

Similarly the McCarthys tracts of lands at Caheragh and Durrus went to Coppinger on default. Maybe when the Land Commission records are finally made available it will explain as Land Registration in Ireland only commenced in 1708:

https://www.johngrenham.com/browse/retrieve_text.php?text_contentid=89

In the 18th century the Splaine family were major financiers in West Cork. Bandon attorney:

1786-1802 Philip Splaine Attorney Deed of 1798 also has Peter Splaine as witness. HIs apprentice 1793 Mayburry Duckett https://irishdeedsindex.net/mem.php?memorial=334665 1786 William Westropp Apprenticed to Philip Splaine 1802 James Vaughan writing clerk, probably of extended family.

1893, 1894, 1895, 1899, 1904, 1907 Easter Vestries, Church of Ireland, West Cork.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hvSt5K5S08MDUMiSDYei_8mMt7MwshhLd-fG4ruKs14/edit

Early Church Wardens, 1699, Bishop Mann Visitation of Church of Ireland Dioceses of Cork. Ref D121.1. 1827 Parliamentary Return of Vestries, 1851, 1861 Visitations, 9th January 2022

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FUf37RhSaONXYllElgpDOdwUA9nWaYACxQwxrz4QzEI/edit#gid=0

Some people may have difficulty opening the WordPress blogs, much of the content is here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kl3ZPQjOgxCdj1V23MUP1hp38w_Nx7e2PRy9BoPan7U/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hvSt5K5S08MDUMiSDYei_8mMt7MwshhLd-fG4ruKs14/edit

March 1798.  Rosscarbery, Drimoleague, Castletownbere, Select Vestries meeting to Levy a Rate to provide Four Men to Serve in  Militia and to Levy Seven  and a Half Pence Per Gneeve.  Further meeting August 1803 to levy £1-6-o per ploughland to raise 5 men for Militia and £5-13-9 on town of Rosscarbery. Cost of Levy for Cork City and County.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/33076

Late 18th early 19th Century Interplay of the Select Vestries of the Church of Ireland (State Church) in Local Administration, Barony of Carbery, Castlehaven, Drimoleague, Durrus, Cess Payer Representatives Named.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/33024

1827, Select Vestry Returns, Church of Ireland, Including Some Named Vestrymen and Churchwardens, Abbeystrewy (Skibbereen), Ballyvourney, Castlehaven, Creagh, Drinagh, Durrus, Fanlobus (Dunmanway), Innishannon, Kilbrogan, Macroom, Morogh, Tullagh (Baltimore)

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/32369

Meeting of Select Vestry, Skibbereen, West Cork, 10th May 1832, to appoint Officers of Health under Statute of the 59th year of His Late Majesty, King George 3

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/39744

Banking Collapse in Cork in the 1820s Roches and Leslies Bank and House of Commons, London, Select Committee Query re Collapse, only functioning Bank left Pikes.  First run 1820 Deputation including Messrs Crawford and Gerard Callaghan deputed to see Lord Lieutenant in Dublin to solicit loan o £100,000. 2nd failure of Leslies 1825.

The effects of the banking collapse were felt in all area and made a bad situation immeasurably worse. For example in Dunmanway the Church of Ireland Vestry return for 1827 state that the previous years collection was deposited with Leslie’s Bank in Cork and lost when the Bank collapsed even though that happened in 1820.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/3440

St. James, Durrus, Select Vestry, 1827.

https://wordpress.com/post/durrushistory.com/240

A Grandfather (Timothy O’Donovan, (1789-1874),  Landlord and Magistrate, Durrus) hopes for his grandson that he will go to the new Queens College in Cork. In his 1860 letter to Dr. John O’Donovan ‘Hopefully to the members of the Clan, he was educated at a French College but I mean to lead him to one of the Queen’s  Colleges which though denounced by our clergy I consider this the greatest benefit ever conferred on Ireland’

Spare me a line wishing you and yours most prosperity I remain your affectionate friend and Clansman

Timothy O’Donovan now forgotten a hugely influential figure in politics 1820 to 1870s, among his achievement was eradicating the hated tithe system in Muintervara as the first place in West Cork to do so.

Many of his extended network descend from Alexander Donovan, Squince, Skibbereen.

1785. Will of Alexander O’Donovan, Squince, Skibbereen, West Cork, Various Townlands, Farm at Myross, Fishery, Salt Store, Fishing Boat, Possible Grand Father-in-Law of Timothy O’Donovan, Justice of The Peace, and Grandfather of Rickard Donovan, First Catholic Clerk of the Peace for Co. Cork 1838 since the 17th Century.

1785 Will of Alexander O’Donovan, Squince, Skibbereen, West Cork, Various Townlands, Farm at Myross, Fishery, Salt Store, fishing Boat, Grand Father-in-Law of Timothy O’Donovan, Justice of The Peace, and Grandfather of Rickard Donovan, First Catholic Clerk of the Peace for Co. Cork 1838 since the 17th Century.

Richard, Junior, eldest or not or ill in 1850 or 1860 or William who died of liver failure in his early 30s leaving about £3,000 or he may the Richard Esq of O’Donovan’s Cove described a Flag Lieutenant at a Naval Dinner in Cobh in 1844.  Married Anne Fitzgerald daughter of Thomas Fitzgerald, Merchant, Cork by Catherine McCarthy daughter of McCarthy of Woodview and niece of Daniel O’Connell M.P., he had one son Timothy. This may be the son and heir born at maternal grandfather’s house Sydney Place Cork 26th August 1844 father then living at Drombroe Cottage (near Bantry).  He may be the son who wrongfully claimed the title ‘The O’Donovan’ at a public meeting in Cork he was challenged and abandoned the claim.  In correspondence with Dr. John O’Donovan, Timothy O’Donovan refers to his son’s extravagance and luckily the land is entailed, he is estranged and living in Germany.  His grandson is in school in France and his grandfather hopes he may go to the Queen’s College in Cork.  In his will his grandson is dead.

1871, William O’Donovan, aged  36 O’Donovans Cove.

..

..

Luckily a lot of the letters between Timothy O’Donovan and Dr. John O’Donovan, antiquarian and one of Irelands greatest scholars have survived

1841-. Dr. John O’Donovan correspondence with Timothy O’Donovan, Durrus, James O’Donovan, Gravesend, Kent.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16VJptRac8CKsG_ylR0Zm78DLE-rPwWHJ_q2n4HKpW5s/edit

To Dr. John O’Donovan, 24039/JOD/278(iv)

O’Donovan’s Cove

August 6th 1860

The recent illness of my eldest son in London has prevented me, from replying to your recent communication, and to thank you for sending the book containing the account of the funeral of my old friend Jerry na Duna, I am 

I have dictated this to be copied and laid by here with  other documents here, and with me….  then…  would cause confusion in the remainder.

In reply to your queries I  have to mention Timothy O’Donovan of Ardahill who was married to a grand niece of Daniel O’Connell died some years ago, leaving a numerous family he left a considerable fortune in land and money

The lands were sold some time ago by his sons to the late John O’Connell of Bantry and are now in the proprietorship of his brother Mr. James O’Connell of London formerly Bantry..

Richard Donovan of Lisheen is alive but has no male issue living.

Of the Squince family, the late? Captain Alexander Donovan, Captain of the Navy is the son of General Donovan who married a daughter of Colonel Hungerford of ‘The Island’ near Clonakilty was the eldest branch.  Alexander is married to a Miss Cox of County Clare by whom he got a considerable fortune, his family were all Protestants, his present   representative is a delicate little boy, who resides with his mother a Protestant in Kilrush, Co. Clare.  He is heir to an independent property situate in Dublin and Clare.

I deeply regret the disappointment of being debarred coming to this old place over the autumn.  I hope and trust  we will meet and have a ‘Confab’ together before I depart this life

I am glad to ear you have such a battalion of stalwart Milesians 

I shall be glad to introduce my little grandson now 15 years of age and the only heir to this place.

Hopefully to the members of the Clan, he was educated at a French College but I mean to lead him to one of the Queen’s  Colleges which though denounced by our clergy I consider this the greatest benefit ever conferred on Ireland

Spare me a line wishing you and yours most prosperity I remain your affectionate friend and Clansman

Timothy O’Donovan

As he points out a power struggle involving the Catholic Church and the British authorities over control of the Queens Colleges meant the a Fatwa was issued against Catholics attending. Nevertheless many attended as did many West Cork Protestants doing medicine and engineering who not have been wealthy enough to go to Trinity College in Dublin.

Significant representation of politicians, teachers, RIC men

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QH0YmhJ8OyWSSxteajmYsiqp2bg9PHLDLfRsq5gCiz0/edit

West Cork Funerals:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A8vkAzsRVEhpiP2EOryWiYcEryJw0ic4DmnKe6vZEqI/edit