Banagher

Civil Parish of Liskeevy

Pauline Connolly

Banagher Townland Stone
Milltown Heritage Group
A Winter's Tale
Nick Skehan
Banagher Road
Milltown Heritage Group

Banagher

Beannchar, pointed hills or rocks

Banagher is situated in the civil parish of Liskeevy, barony of Dunmore, County Galway. It is bounded on the north and east by the parishes of Addergoole and Dunmore, on the south by the townland of Clashaganney and on the west by the townland of Kilgevrin.

The Down Survey Map 1641 (pre Cromwell) states the owner was Provost of Tuam, a protestant. The Down Survey Map 1670 (post Cromwell) shows that the owner remained the same. 30 acres of profitable land are specified.

O’Donovan field name books 1838 gives various spellings of the townland: ‘Bannaher’, ‘Bannagher’ and ‘Beanagher’. The Irish spelling documented in O’Donovan field names is ‘Beanachair’. At this time, Banagher was owned by John Bodkin of Quarrymount. It contained 398¾ acres, including almost 40 acres. There were 2 ancient forts situated in this townland. There was a Roman Catholic Chapel located in the north end of Banagher and a triangulation station called Bannaher Fort.

Census 1841 – 1851

The townland of Banagher consisted of an area of 399 acres 1 rood 24 perches. In 1841, there was a total of 40 people, 21 were male and 19 were female who inhabited 7 houses. In 1851, the population increased to 53 people, 23 were male and 29 were female. During 1851, there were 7 inhabited houses and 2 uninhabited houses. The Poor Law Valuation paid in 1851 was £177-15-0.

Griffith’s Valuation 1855

According to Griffith’s Valuation, 1855, Edward Kelly leased 6 acres, 2 roods and 33 perches consisting of house, offices and land to John O’Donnell at a total valuation rate of £7 0s 0d. Edward Kelly also leased 7 acres 0 roods and 12 perches to John Meahan at a total valuation of £3 10s 0d. John Bodkin leased 27 acres, 1 rood and 18 perches (houses, offices and land) to John Grady at a total annual valuation rate of £18 5s d. John Grady paid £2 10s 0d half annual rent. John Grady was also mentioned as immediate lessor to Petty Sessions Court House. The Petty Sessions Court House was exempt from paying a total annual valuation rate of £1 0s 0d. Edward Kelly leased house and land consisting of 3 acres 3 roods and 20 perches to Michael Greaney at a total annual valuation of £3 5s 0d. Edward Kelly leased 1 acres 0 roods and 20 perches (house, office and land) to Patrick Daly and 1 acre 2 roods and 30 perches (land) at a total annual valuation of £2 2s 0d. Reps John Bodkin leased 310 acres 2 roods and 11 perches of herd’s houses, offices and land to Edward Kelly. A Roman Catholic chapel and yard comprising of 1 acre 3 roods 0 perches, with immediate lessor Reverend Hugh O’Connell and a total annual valuation rate of £13 0s 0d was exempt from paying this charge.

Census 1901

The census forms that were collected on the 1st April 1901 showed that there were 11 households listed in Banagher. All individuals residing in Banagher in 1901 were Roman Catholic. The head of the households were: William Meehan, Michael Murray, Michael J Quinn, Mary Anne Mullarkey, Thomas O’Donnell, John Daly, Delia Duddy, James Greary, William Cunningham, Thomas Maloney and Thomas Greene. 6 of the houses were built as private dwellings. There were 4 public houses. The RIC barracks was situated in the north end of Banagher. Overall, there were 26 farm steadings in Banagher – 7 stables, 1 coach house, 8 cow houses, 5 piggeries and 5 barns.

William Meehan worked as a butcher at the age of 50. He was married to Bridget who was 45 years old. Bridget worked as a housekeeper. Both William and Bridget could read. They had 5 children: Patrick was 20 years old, James was 18 years old, Bridget was 13 years old, Norah was 10 years old and Mary was 7 years old. Patrick and James worked as labourers. Bridget, Norah and Mary were scholars. All of the children could read and write. The occupants of the household were born in County Galway and could speak Irish & English. The Meehan family lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. The house walls were made of stone, concrete or brick while the house roof was made of perishable material. William Meehan owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Michael Murray worked as a shepherd at the age of 37. He was married to Bridget who was 36 years old. They had 6 children: John was 9 years old, Peter was 7 years old, Mary was 6 years old, Thomas was 4 years old, Ellen was 2 years old and Kate was 1 month old. Michael’s mother Ellen Murray, aged 65 years lived in the house too. Although Ellen could not read, she spoke Irish and English. All of the Murray family were born in County Galway. They lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. The house roof was made of perishable material while the house walls were made of brick, concrete or stone. Michael Murray owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Michael J Quinn was 29 years old. He worked as a publican. He lived with his 24 year old brother Willie who worked as a farmer. They lived with their sister Kathleen who was 19 years old. Kathleen worked as a publican. Michael J Quinn’s cousin Cecilia Donlon who was 19 years old was present in the house on the night the census was taken. Thos J Cathcart, a visitor was 29 years old. All occupants could read, write and spoke Irish and English. All individuals were unmarried and were born in County Galway. They lived in a 1st class public house with 8 front windows. The household members occupied 10 rooms. The walls and roof of the public house were made of permanent material. Mary Anne Mullarkey owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable.

Mary Anne Mullarkey was a married 50 year old farmer who could speak Irish and English. She lived with her 6 children: Willce S [sic] was 18 years old, Mary A B [sic] was 16 years old, Reid M [sic] was 15 years old, Henry M [sic] was 13 years old, Andrew A [sic] was 12 years old and Edward V [sic] was 10 years old. Everyone in the Mullarkey household could read and write. Willce S listed his occupation as farmer’s son. Mary A B listed her occupation as farmer’s daughter. Mary Anne, Willce S and Mary A B could speak Irish and English. All of the Mullarkey household could read and write. The family were born in County Galway. They lived in a 1st class house with 6 front windows and the house had 8 rooms. The house walls and roof were made of permanent material. Mary Anne Mullarkey owned the land on which her house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 barn.

Thomas O’Donnell, a shopkeeper was 63 years old. He was married to Catherine, a housekeeper who was 62 years old. They lived with their 5 children: Thomas was 32 years old, Bridget was 25 years old, Maria was 22 years old and Michael was 20 years old. Thomas was unmarried and he worked as a farmer. Bridget was employed as a shop assistant. Maria worked as a house keeper assistant. Michael was employed as a bank clerk. Honor Byrne, a school girl, aged 12 years old was a visitor in the house on the night the census was taken. All occupants could read and write. They also spoke Irish and English. The household members were born in County Galway. They lived in a 1st class public house with 7 front windows and the household occupied had 6 rooms. The public house roof and walls were made of permanent material. Thomas O’Donnell owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 barn.

John Daly, a farmer was 50 years old. He was married to Bridget who was 40 years old and she recorded her occupation as a farmer’s wife. They had 4 children: John was 23 years old, Michael was 20 years old, Julia was 17 years old and Ellen was 15 years old. All of the children were unmarried. The Daly family could read and write. They were born in County Galway. The family lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. The house roof was made of perishable material while the house walls were made of permanent material. John Daly owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 cow house.

Delia Duddy, a publican was 15 years old. She could speak Irish and English as well as read and write. Delia was born in County Galway. She lived with Maria Tucker, a boarder who worked as a school teacher. Maria, aged 25 years old could read and write. Maria who was born in County Mayo spoke English only. Kattie Furry, a servant who was 23 years old was recorded on the census form. Kattie spoke Irish and English. She could read and was born in County Galway. All occupants were unmarried. They lived in a 2nd class public house with 4 front windows and the household occupied 6 rooms. The roof of the public house and the walls were made of permanent material. J.J McDonagh owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 cow house.

James Greary, a widower was 60 years old. He worked as a farmer. James could not read, however he could speak Irish and English. He lived with his son Michael who was 32 years old, his daughter in law Honor who was 31 years old, his daughter Bridget who was also 31 years old, his grandson James who was 6 years old and his granddaughter Delia who was 3 years old. Michael’s occupation is listed as a farmer. Michael spoke Irish and English. He could also read. Honor who listed her occupation as a farmer’s wife and Bridget who listed her occupation as a farmer’s daughter could read and write. Both Honor and Bridget could speak Irish and English. All members of the household were born in County Galway. They lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. The house house roof was made of perishable material while the house walls were made of stone, concrete or brick. James Greary owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house and 1 barn.

William Cunningham was recorded on the RIC barracks census form. He was married to Margaret Cunningham who was 40 years old. Margaret was born in County Kerry. She could read and write. She lived with her 5 children: Mary was 14 years old, Margaret was 10 years old, Maurice was 8 years old, Beatrice was 5 years old and William was 2 years old. Mary, Maurice and Beatrice were born in County Limerick. Margaret was born in County Clare. William was born in County Galway. Mary, Margaret, Maurice and Beatrice were scholars. Mary and Margaret could read and write. Maurice and Beatrice could read.

Return from Milltown R.I.C BarracksW C was 43 years old. He was born in County Galway. He could read and write. J N was 35 years old and single. He listed his occupation as a farmer’s son who could read and write. He was born in County Roscommon. M D was a 29 year old single man who listed his occupation as a farmer’s son. He could read and write. He also spoke Irish and English. He was born in County Cork. J R was 26 years old. He was a single man who listed his occupation as a farmer’s son. He could read and write. J R was born in County Kerry. J M was a 24 year old single man who listed his occupation as a farmer’s son. He could read and write. He was born in County Meath. The Barracks was a 1st class building with 6 front windows and 10 rooms. Its roof and walls were made of permanent material. Farrell McDonnell owned the land on which the barracks was situated along with 1 stable and 1 coach house.

Thomas Maloney, aged 40 worked as a farmer. He was married to Bridget who was 30 years old. They could both read and write. They also spoke Irish and English. 3 other people were documented on the census form. Thomas’s mother-in-law Catherine Ryan, was 65 years old. She was a widow who was born in County Galway. She could not read but she could speak Irish and English. Thomas’s Uncle-in-law, Peter Ryan, was 80 years old. He worked as a farmer. Although Peter could not read, he could speak Irish and English. Thomas’s nephew Thomas was 3 years old. Unsurprisingly at the age of three, he could not read. They lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. The house walls were made of permanent material while the house roof was made of perishable material. Thomas Maloney owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house and 1 barn.

Thomas Greene, aged 36 worked as a merchant. He spoke Irish and English. He could read and write. Thomas was born in County Roscommon. He was married to Maria, a house keeper who was 30 years old. Maria was born in County Galway. She could read, write and she could speak Irish and English. They lived with their son Patrick Joseph who was 3 months old, their niece Mary Kelly who was 22 years old, their nephew Bernard Grogan who was 17 years old and 2 servants Maggie Linegan who was 35 years old and John Kennady who was 23 years old. Mary Kelly and Bernard Grogan worked as shop assistants. They were born in County Roscommon. They were single, could speak English and could read and write. Maggie Linegan and John Kennady worked as servants and were born in County Galway. They were both single and could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 1st class public house with 6 front windows. The house walls and roof were made of permanent material. The household occupied 10 rooms. William Meehan owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 piggery and 1 barn.

Census 1911

The census forms were collected on the 15th April 1911 showed that all inhabitants were Roman Catholics. The head of households were: John Daly, James Greaney, Thomas Mulloney, Michael Murray, Thomas Greene, Bridget Meehan, Patrick Plower, Thomas O’Donnell, Thomas O’Donnell, Mary A Mullarkey, John Lyons, James Godfrey, Malachy Concannon, and John Mannion. 8 households were built as private dwellings. There were 4 public houses. There was a private dwelling house under construction on the land on which Michael Costello owned. Additionally, a private dwelling house was in the process of being built on the land on which John Breheny owned. The RIC barracks, the courthouse and the Roman Catholic chapel were located in Banagher. Mary A Mullarkey owned the land on which the courthouse was situated. Stephen J McDonagh owned the land on which the Roman Catholic chapel was situated. There were a total of 51 farm buildings in the area which comprised of 9 stables, 1 coach house, 9 cow houses, 8 piggeries, 8 fowl houses, 1 boiling house, 6 barns, 1 turf house, 2 sheds, 2 stores and 4 cart houses.

John Daly, a farmer was 71 years old. He was married to Bridget who was 69 years old. They were married for 50 years in 1911. They had 9 children, 3 of whom were still alive in 1911. They lived with their 2 sons: John who was 39 years old and Michael who was 27 years old listed their occupations as farmer’s sons. They were both single men. John Kennedy, a lodger was a 40 year old single man. He worked as a general labourer. All of the household could speak Irish and English. They were born in County Galway. The Daly family lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. John Daly owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 cart house.

James Greaney, a widower, aged 73 worked as a farmer. He could not read or write. James lived with his daughter Bridget who was 50 years old, his daughter-in-law Norah who was 59 years old, his grandson James who was 18 years old and his granddaughter Delia who was 14 years old. Bridget was a single woman who could read and write. Nora, a widow could read only. James and Delia could read and write. All of the Greaney family spoke Irish and English. They were born in County Galway. They lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. James Greaney owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 cart house.

Thomas Mulloney, a farmer was 54 years old. At the time of the 1911 census, he was married to 39 year old Bridget for 17 years and they had no children. Thomas and Bridget could read and write. They lived with Bridget’s mother Catherine Ryan. Catherine, a widow was 76 years old. She could read. Their 14 years old nephew Thomas, a scholar was recorded on the census form. All of the household could speak Irish and English. They were born in County Galway. They lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. Thomas Mulloney owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house and 1 barn.

Michael Murray was 52 years old. He was worked as a farmer and shepherd. At the time of the 1911 census, he was married to Bridget for 20 years. Bridget was 50 years old and worked as a farmer shepherd. Michael and Bridget had 8 children, 7 of whom were still living in 1911: John was 19 years old, Peter was 17 years old, Mary was 15 years old, Thomas was 14 years old, Ellen was 12 years old, Catherine was 10 years old and Michael was 8 years old. Mary, Thomas, Ellen, Catherine and Michael were scholars. All of the family could speak Irish and English. All of the Murray household could read and write. They occupants were born in County Galway. The Murray family lived in a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and the house had 3 rooms. Michael Murray owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 cart house.

Thomas Greene was born in County Roscommon. He was 50 years old and worked as a publican. At the time of the 1911 census, he was married to Maria for 12 years. Maria was 40 years old. They could both read and write. They also spoke Irish and English. They had 4 children, 4 of whom were still living in 1911: Patrick Joseph was 10 years old, Michael Vincent was 8 years old, Mary Winifred was 6 years old and Thomas Anthony was 1 year old. Patrick Joseph, Michael Vincent and Mary Winifred were scholars. Patrick Joseph and Michael Vincent could read and write. They also spoke Irish and English. Mary Kelly, Bernard Grogan and Margaret Keaveny were 3 people recorded on the census form. Mary Kelly, a niece was 30 years old. Mary was born in County Roscommon. She was single and could read and write. Bernard Grogan, a nephew was 25 years old. He worked as a shop assistant. He was born in County Roscommon. He was single. He could read and write. Margaret Keaveny was 19 years old. She was employed as a domestic servant. She was single, could read and write and was born in County Galway. They lived in a 1st class public house with 6 front windows and the household occupied 9 rooms. Bridget Meehan owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 boiling house, 1 shed and 1 store.

Bridget Meehan, a widow was 69 years old. She worked as a farmer. Bridget could not read. She could speak Irish and English. She lived with her son Patrick, her daughter Mary, her grandchild John and her daughter-in-law Ellen. Patrick was 31 years old. He worked as a butcher. He could speak Irish and English. Patrick could read and write. He was married to Ellen for 1 year and they had no children in 1911. Ellen was 26 years old. She could read and write. She could speak Irish and English. Mary was a 19 year old single woman who could read and write. John was 5 years old and was born in England. The rest of the household were born in County Galway. They lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and the house had 4 rooms. Bridget Meehan owned the land on which her house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 cart house.

Patrick Plower was married to Ellen Mary who was 34 years old. Patrick worked as a sergeant in the barracks. At the time of the 1911 census, Patrick and Ellen Mary were married for 10 years. They had 5 children, 5 of whom were still living in 1911: Kathleen Josephine J was 9 years old, Bridget Frances was 8 years old, John Joseph was 7 years old, Aileen May was 5 years old and Patrick Gerald was 1 year old. Kathleen Josephine J, Bridget Frances, John Joseph and Aileen May were scholars. All of the Plower family were born in County Galway except Ellen Mary; she was born in County Westmeath. The Barracks was a 2nd class building with 6 front windows and it had 4 rooms. Thomas O’Donnell Junior owned the land on which the barracks was situated along with 1 turf house.

Return from Milltown R.I.C Barracks: Patrick Plower, a sergeant was 42 years old who listed his occupation as a farmer’s son. He was married man and was born in County Galway. He spoke Irish and English. He could read and write. P D, a constable was 29 years old. He was born in America. He was single and could read and write. MJ G, a constable was 20 years old. He was RIC’s man’s son who was born in County Sligo. He was single who could read and write. B Mc, a constable was 28 years old. He listed his occupation as a farmer’s son. He was born in County Cavan. He was single and could read and write. P Mc, a constable was 26 years old and listed his occupation as a farmer’s son. He was single and was born in County Clare. He could read and write.

Thomas O’Donnell was 43 years old. He worked as green grocer and farmer. He could read and write. He also spoke the Irish and English. At the time of the 1911 census, he was married to Maria for 8 years and they had 7 children, 7 of whom were still living in 1911. Maria was 37 years old, could read and write and spoke Irish and English. Thomas and Maria lived with their 5 children: Michael John was 8 years old, Mollie was 5 years old, Thomas was 3 years old, Julia was 3 years old and Francis was 2 years old. Michael John, Mollie and Thomas were scholars. Michael John could speak Irish and English. He could read and write. Mollie could read only. Naturally, Thomas, Julia and Francis could not read at this stage. They lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and the house had 6 rooms. Thomas O’Donnell owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 store.

Thomas O’Donnell was 74 years old. He worked as a publican. Thomas was born in County Galway. He spoke Irish and English. At the time of the 1911 census, he was married to Catherine who was 73 years old. Catherine was born in County Mayo and she spoke Irish and English. They were married for 48 years at the time of the 1911 census and they had 7 children, 5 of whom were still alive in 1911. They lived with their daughter Maria who was 34 years old and single. Maria was born in County Galway. James Costello, a general servant domestic was recorded on the census form. He was 19 years old, single and was born in County Galway. All of the household could read and write. They lived in a 2nd class public house with 5 front windows and the public house had 6 rooms. Thomas O’Donnell Junior owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 2 stables, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 fowl house.

Mary A Mullarkey, a widow was 65 years old. She spoke Irish and English. She could read and write. Her occupation was listed as a farmer. She lived with her 3 sons: Willie S was 30 years old, Richard N was 26 years old and Andrew A was 22 years old. All sons were single and listed their occupations as farmer’s sons. They could read and write. All of the Mullarkey household were born in County Galway. They lived in a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and the family occupied 8 rooms. Mary A Mullarkey owned the land on which the house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery, 1 fowl house, 1 barn and 1 shed.

John Lyons, a shop assistant was 22 years old. He was single who could read and write. He was born in County Mayo. John and Mary Walsh were recorded on the census form. John Walsh, a general servant domestic was 20 years old. Mary Walsh, a domestic servant was 21 years old. John and Mary Walsh spoke Irish and English. They could read and write. Both John and Mary Walsh were single and were born in County Galway. They lived in a 1st class house with 7 front windows and the public house had 5 rooms. Mary A Mullarkey owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 cow house.

Reverend James Godfrey, a clergyman was 51 years old. He could read and write. He could speak Irish and English. He was born in County Mayo. His niece Cissie O’Dowd was in the house on the night the census was taken. She was a 16 year old scholar who could read and write. She was born in County Galway. They lived in a 1st class house with 9 front windows and the house had 4 rooms. Stephen J McDonagh owned the land on which the house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 coach house.

Malachy Concannon, a clergyman was 26 years old. He could read and write. He was born in County Galway. He lived with his sister Norah who was 17 years old and single. She was born in County Galway. Malachy and Norah occupied 4 rooms.

John Mannion, a carpenter and publican was 38 years old. He could read and write. He was born in County Galway. At the time of the 1911 census, he was married to Lizzie for 6 years. They had 5 children, 5 of whom were still living in 1911. Lizzie was 32 years old. She could read and write. John and Lizzie Mannion lived with their 5 children: May was 5 years old, Michael was 4 years old, Patrick C was 2 years old, Bridget was 1 year old and Lizzie was 1 month old. May and Michael were scholars. All of the Mannion family were born in County Galway. Ellie Murphy, Fannie Keogh and John Clarke were 3 other people documented on the census form. Ellie Murphy, a niece was 18 years old. She was single and was born in County Clare. She could read and write. Fannie Keogh, a niece was 13 years old. She was a scholar. She could read and write. She was born in County Galway. John Clarke, a lodger was 70 years old. He was single and worked as a general labourer. Although he could not read or write, he could speak Irish and English. They lived in a 2nd class public house with 4 front windows and the household occupied 8 rooms. Stephen J McDonagh owned the land on which the public house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 cow house.

Monument

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This page was added on 29/09/2014.

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