Andrew O'Sullivan's life remembered by The Anglo-Celt

ANGLO-CELT ‘BOY’ DEAD

THE LATE MR. A. O’SULLIVAN

OF MALLOW

The death of Mr. Andrew O’Sullivan on Friday, after a 40 days’ hunger-strike in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, is announced on page 2 of this issue, but we write of him to-day as an Anglo-Celt, Scholarship Boy. Our first acquaintance with the deceased was when, as honorary secretary of Denn, County Cavan, Branch of the United Irish League, he forwarded resolutions for insertion in this paper. At that period of twenty years ago, there was a good deal of annoyance in that parish in connection with the action of a person who had given a considerable amount of unnecessary trouble to the farmers of the district, and bearing on this man’s doings, the resolutions from the local branch of the U. I. L. came in regularly with the name of Andrew O’Sullivan attached.

After the insertions of these resolutions for some months we met Mr. O’Sullivan when he came personally to deliver a further missive on the subject, and we then discovered that the secretary of this branch was a youngster of about eighteen years of age. His diction and calligraphy were so excellent that the young man impressed us, and we inquired if he intended doing anything in the immediate future beyond helping on his father’s small farm in Denbawn, and acting as secretary of the Denn Branch of the United Irish League. He said that he had no plans thought out, and that his present concern was to have the trouble mentioned in the various resolutions brought to an end.

We suggested that no more resolutions should be sent to this paper, that an entirely different course of action should be adopted, that there was not to be an angry word, or any word said, that there was not to be the smallest violence, that there was to be no insult or harm, but that a week’s picketing by silent people should be tried, and that at the termination of a fortnight we would ask for a verbal report. At the end of ten days he called at our office and intimated that the principal grievance has ended.

We then advised young O’Sullivan, to attend one of the evening classes which the National Teachers were holding in the rural districts, and for which the Anglo-Celt had offered several prizes open to Cavan and surrounding counties for (1) the best pupil attending each, (2) for the youngest pupil, (3) for the oldest pupil, (4) and for the best essay on a subject to be named. Young O’Sullivan said that although he had “gone as far as he could” at school, he would attend the night classes, the result being that he was an easy winner of the first prize for the essay.

At that period, in addition to having the iron ore from Redhill and Smeare, together with the brick clay near Cavan, exhibit at the Cork Exhibition and the Imperial Institution in London, and samples of the former sent to Germany, the editor of the Anglo-Celt had just established a Free Scholarship in Monaghan Agricultural College for the sons of small farmers or labourers who had been regularly kept to the National schools, in the hope of giving them such an education in Agriculture as would enable them to work up to the position of Agricultural Instructors. The Monaghan establishment, which had been called into being through the wonderful exertions of Rev. Brother Higgins, of the Christian Brothers’ Order, was doing splendid work, and this was the place we selected for “our boys.” We had made a rare find the previous year in the first selection for the Anglo-Celt Scholarship – which included the payment of all fees in the institution, maintenance in lodgings in the town of Monaghan, rail fare there and back, and pocket money during the period.

For the second year’s Scholarship, young O’Sullivan was one of the 26 to appear for the examination which we held in the Male National School, Cavan, through the courtesy of the late Mr. Edward Morgan, the then Principal. The question paper was arranged by Rev. Brother Higgins, copies printed here, and distribution to the youths when the examination opened, to be afterwards forwarded to Brother Higgins for his decision. When his report came to us it was accompanied by a letter which stated that the winner, Andrew O’Sullivan, was evidently a remarkably clever boy, his answering being far ahead of anything he (Brother Higgins) had expected. As an indication of what Brother Higgins meant, it may be said that one of the many questions asked was “to give a description of the Gulf Stream,” and instead of answering with a few lines, young O’Sullivan produced a reply which would more than fill half a column of the Anglo-Celt, and all most interesting matter.

At the Monahgan Agricultural College he was one of the most studious, and in the course of time he went to the Model Farm at Glasnevin, and the, on a scholarship into the College of Science, Dublin, concluding his career there by being appointed Agricultural Instructor for Cork. From his first entry to that county he became most popular, discharging his duties as effectively as might be expected.

The decease possessed a most marvelous memory, and could, without the smallest difficulty, repeat almost verbatim, any speech he had heard delivered. An indication of his thoroughness may be gauged from the fact that on receiving a circular from the Department with a request that they would be pleased to know of the destination of certain animals then being sent out of Ireland, Mr. O’Sullivan travelled 153 miles in the same train with a man whom he observed entering a carriage at a railway station, and who, although possessing the information, was in no way communicative. But at the end of the journey young O’Sullivan had found out all he wanted to know.

His passing away is regarded by us as a personal lose, and his mother and other relatives will know that the condolence which we not tender is genuinely sincere.

Source: The Anglo-Celt, Saturday, December 1, 1923, Page 1, column 8

Andrew O'Sullivan/Sullivan is the great nephew of Patrick and Bridget (Corcoran) Sullivan and the son of Michael Sorahan (c1836-1909) and Mary Smith (c1856-?). Thanks to Mike Sullivan for sharing this article he found in the newspaper. For more information on Andrew Sullivan click here.

Carrickaboy Glebe New Cemetery

The new cemetery which serves the Roman Catholic parish of Drumavaddy is extremely well kept and has a wonderful view over the Cavan Countryside.  Three headstones were viewed which had the Sullivan name, all of which are noted as being from Denbawn.  These could possibly be relations, but at this time, no connection is known.

Since this gravestone was posted it has been learned that James Sullivan (d1969) is the son of Thomas (bc1831), grandson of Patrick (bc1794). Patrick is my great, great grandfather.

Great, great granddaughter of Patrick Sullivan/Sorahan (c1894-a1874), Eileen Sullivan, confirmed this stone is for the
great grandson of Patrick and Rose Corcoran Sullivan, Thomas Sullivan (c1920-1978) and his mother
Bridget Brady Sullivan (c1894-1990).

Photos: Elaine Beaudoin, 2011

Carrickaboy Glebe Old Graveyard

The closest cemetery to Dennbane/Denbawn and the land where the Sullivan/Soraghan's lived is a little over a mile away at Carrickaboy Glebe.  There are two cemeteries, one which looks like it is from the 1800s with a couple of new graves and the one across the street which is currently in use.  The cemetery is served by St. Matthew's Church Drumavaddy.

Here are a few photos of the old cemetery.   You can see the stones are all covered with lichen.

To the right in this photo, you can see a recent burial, but it was one of only a couple from the 20th century.

The gravestones were nearly impossible to read and no Soraghan/Sullivan names could be found.

Photos: Elaine Beaudoin, 2011

Soraghan/Sullivan, 1857 Griffith's Valuation

Richard Griffith undertook the Primary Valuation of Ireland in the mid-1800s.  This valuation, which is commonly referred to as Griffith's Valuation, is a unified, country-wide valuation of land and property taken as a result of the Tenement Valuation Act of 1846.  For each county, a "snapshot" was published at a specific point in time between 1848 and 1864, with the date for each county dependent upon the year in which that county was surveyed. (1)

The County Cavan survey was completed on June 25, 1857. (2)  The following is a reproduction of the page which shows the Townland of Dennbane, Barony of Upper Loughtee, Civil Parish of Denn, Poor Law Union (Registrar's District (RD)) of Cavan, Electoral Division (ED) of Denn.  Note the occupier of parcel 24a is Patrick Soraghan (Sullivan).  In addition, parcels 25 and 26 are occupied by Thomas and Andrew Soraghan, respectively.  And, parcel 24b, although occupied by James Galligan, the immediate lessors are Patrick, Andrew and Thomas Soraghan.

A video of the property occupied by Patrick Soraghan/Sullivan can be view at the post on this blog: Soraghan (Sullivan) Farm. Dennbane, County Cavan.  A video of the adjacent property which was occupied by Thomas and Andrew Soraghan (Sullivan) in the 1850s can be view by clicking on Andrew and Thomas Soraghan (Sullivan) Farms, Dennbane, County Cavan.  To enlarge the above image, click on the image.


For a discussion of the Soraghan/Sullivan name, click here.

Note: By the time of the Griffith's Valuation of County Cavan in 1857, at least two of the Sullivan sons are already in America, i.e., James and Michael.

Sources:
(1) Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, "Tracking Irish generations in land valuation records," NGS News Magazine, July/August/September, 2005, pg. 55.
(2) James R. Reilly, Richard Griffith and His Valuation of Ireland, Baltimore: Clearfield, 2000, Appendix No. 8, page 78.
(3) Video of Thomas and Andrew Soraghan (Sullivan) property, July, 2011, Elaine M. Beaudoin

Patrick Soraghan (Sullivan) Farm, Dennbane, Co. Cavan

Patrick Soraghan (Sullivan) occupied farmland in Dennbane, Civil Parish of Denn, Co. Sligo as noted in the mid-1850s in Griffith's Valuation.

In July 2011 I was able to visit the land and take videos.  The first video is looking from the furtherest point back to where a new home has been built.  The home is now occupied by the Bradys.  The second video is taken looking the opposite way, starting at the "head" of the property viewing the new house and then down to where the road turns and the property ends.







Source: Videos filmed July 2011 by Elaine Beaudoin.

Rose Soraghan's Maiden Name

What is the maiden name of Rose Soraghan, wife of Patrick Soraghan?

Rose was first identified in the probate records of her son, Michael Sullivan, who died in Chicago on January 15, 1915.  In those records, it lists his mother as Rose, with no maiden name, and that she had predeceased him.  However, there are three other separate documents which provide clues to her maiden name, albeit, three different last names.

On her son Philip Sullivan's death certificate it lists his mother's maiden name as McCabe.  Philip died on May 26, 1915.

On her son Michael Sullivan's death certificate #17076 in 1915, it states that his mother's maiden name was Rose Corcoran, born in Ireland.

In Chicago Irish Families, 1875-1925, there is a quote from two newspapers relating a story on Michael Sullivan, real estate owner and at one time Alderman of the old 15th ward.  It states "he was born in Co. Cavan in 1829, one of thirteen children of Patrick and Rose Sullivan, nee Leddy."   May 28, 1904 Source: The New World and  The Chicago Citizen.

So, which one was her maiden name?

Fortunately, much of the 1821 Irish Census still exists for County Cavan.  Knowing Rose's husband Patrick Soraghan was from the Civil Parish of Denn and armed with three last names, I went through the entire census looking for a Rose, last name either McCabe, Leddy or Corcoran, of an appropriate age to marry Patrick c 1827-1828.  The estimate marriage date is based on the birth year of their oldest child.

There turned out to be very few Roses, and only one which met the age criteria: Rose Corcoran.  A Rose Corcoran was located in Drumbarry, Civil Parish of Denn, age 16 in 1921.  That would make her about 22 or 23 when she married in 1827-28.

1821 Irish Census, Drumbarry, Denn, County Cavan, page 33.

On the 1821 Irish Census, it lists the Corcorans living on parcel number 16 in the Townland of Drumbarry.  The household includes:
Michael Corcoran, age 60, farmer
Ann Corcoran, wife, age 50
Michael Corcoran, son, age 20, weaver
Rose Corcoran, daughter, age 16, flax spinner  (giving her a birth year of c 1804 or 1805)
Mary Corcoran, daughter, age 10
Anne Corcoran, daughter, age 7
Bridget Corcoran, daughter, age 2
John Corcoran, son, age 2


The Griffith's Valuation for County Cavan was completed in June 25, 1857.  The page for the townland of Drumbarry, Civil Parish of Denn lists a Thomas and a Michael Corcoran in parcel 15.  It is believed that Michael Corcoran is the same Michael as listed as the son, age 20 in the 1821 Irish Census, therefore, most likely the brother of Rose Corcoran Soraghan.

Griffith's Valuation, Drumbarry, Denn Parish, Co. Cavan

In another post on this blog, Rose Soraghan's death registration is provided.  She is reported as being 70 years old at the time of death, giving her a birth year of c1804. This ties out with the Rose Corcoran in the 1821 Irish Census.  Also, on the death registration, it shows the person who reported her death in 1874 as Michael McEvoy.  It is curious that a James McEvoy and later a John McEvoy were the owners of the same parcel 15 in Drumbarry.  How the McEvoys are related, if at all, is not known.

Given the evidence, i.e., Michael Sullivan's death certificate, Rose Soraghan's death registration and the 1821 Irish Census of Drumbarry, it is very likely that Rose Soraghan's maiden name is Corcoran.

Matthew Soroghan, 1901 Irish Census

A Matthew Soroghan, age 60, is listed in the 1901 Irish Census living in Denbane [Dennbane] Townland, Loughtee Upper Barony, Denn Parish.  Denbane [Dennbane] is in the Constabulary District of Ballyjamesduff, subdivision of Crosskeys, in the County of Cavan.

In 1915, on Michael Sullivan's (son of Patrick and Rose Sullivan) certificate of mailing petition, it states his brother Matthew lives in Denbawn [Dennbane], County Cavan, Ireland.  At the time of Michael's death in 1915, Michael was approximately 85 years old. By 1915, Matthew would be approximately 74 years old using the 1901 Irish Census as a guide.

Per the 1901 Census, Matthew is listed as 60 years old, his wife, Catherine, 58 and three children,Catherine, 19, Mathew 18 and Bridget 16.  They were all born in County Cavan.

They are enumerated on Sheet 19.  The cover sheets for Dennbane show Matthew Soroghan has a private dwelling with 4 out-houses/farm steadings.  That the house is inhabited, has four rooms, with 3 windows in front.  It notes Mathew Soroghan is the landholder.  The census information was taken on the 11 September 1901.

Also in Dennbane, as reported in the 1901 Census, are other Soroghans including Peter, Thomas and Michael, all of whom are living with their respective families.  Since none of them are listed on Michael Sullivan's heirship report, it is believed they are not his brothers but possibly cousins or some other relationship.

Matthew Soroghan, 1911 Irish Census

Matthew Soroghan is also listed in the 1911 Irish Census living in Dennbane, Denn Parish, Upper Loughtee Barony, County Cavan.  Although his name is written "Sorohan" on page 7 of the census return, his name is spelled "Soroghan" on the cover sheets which includes the "House and Building Return."

Matthew is now recorded as being 70 years old.  His wife, Catherine, and children Katie and Matthew are still living with him.  His daughter Bridget, listed in the 1901 Irish Census, is no longer living in the household.  It assumed she probably has married by now.  The cover sheet says Matthew has 7 out-houses and farm-steadings.

On the 1911 Irish Census, it provides the length of marriage.  For Matthew and Catherine, it says 46 years, placing the marriage around 1865.  It also notes that Catherine gave birth to 8 children, but only 4 are still living.

History of Denn, Cavan

Denn's fortified history

Denn got its name from the Irish word "dionga" which means fortress. This may refer to the elevated area of the parish between Sliabh Glath and the Ardkill mountain which because of its height formed a natural defence for the early settlers from attack. Slieve Glath is 1054ft high while Ardkill is 878ft high. By Geraldine Lynch.

The word Denn occurs in the townlands of Denmore (the large fort) and Dennbane (the white fort). Parts of the parish of Denn belonged to three different baronies in older times. The Southern section belonged to the baronies of Castlerahan and Clonmahon, while the greater part of the parish was linked to the barony of Upper Loughtee. For a period in the 19th century five townlands on the Ballyjamesduff side belonged to the benefice of Ballyjamesduff, while some townlands such as Aughavuddy and Drumbarry now in Crosserlough, were part of the parish of Denn.

The “hilly” district has numerous features of historical significance. On Banaho (Banaher) Mountain there are remains of megalithic tombs and of a stone circle. A decorated stone still remains on the site of what appears to have been a passage tomb, like those on the nearby Sliabh na Caillighe. The message on the stone seems to be illegible. The carving dates back to 3,000BC and may be more ancient even that Brú na Bóinne. There are at least seven ring forts in the area, the most prominent of these are to be found in the townlands of Lislea, Aughavaddy, Kilnacor and Loonogs.

The Black Pigs Dyke which was known as the Hadrians Wall of Ulster, was a huge trench between Ulster and the rest of the country and ran from Newry through Monaghan, Cavan and Leitrim to the sea at Bundoran. A part of the Blacks Pig Dyke runs across Ardkill Mountain from Creamfield in the South to Drumavaddy in the north and follows on westward to separate the townlands of Banaher and Pullakeel. Ardkill Mountain is the location of a Mass Rock which dates back to penal era. 

In former times, the coach route from Dublin to Enniskillen passed through the village of Crosskeys. An inn in the village, where McCauls Pub is now situated was the stopping place for the coach. The village got its name from the sundial that was erected outside the inn to tell the time. The base of the sundial was made of slate, and there was an engraving of two crossed keys, hence the name of Crosskeys. The Irish name for Crosskeys and the townland in which it is situated, Carrickatubber (Carraig na Tobair) means the Rock of the Well. The old mill in the village was built by Anthony Reilly who was landlord for the area, to accommodate his tenants. The mill ground oats and corn into meal and flour. The stream that runs past the mill is the source of the River Erne, Ireland’s second longest river. There was an old RIC Barracks in Crosskeys village until the general headquarters ordered its destruction together with all RIC Barracks in the country during the Anglo-Irish War. The barracks was set on fire in April 1920. The creamery building was then built on the site of the barracks. When the creamery was closed during the early 1990’s it was purchased by Denn Development Association and tuned into three self catering apartments with a new Resource Centre built behind them.

At the beginning of the 19th century there were two Roman catholic churches in the parish of Denn, one in Drumavaddy and one in Crosskeys village. The church in Crosskeys was built on a site opposite the parish priests house on the other side of the road and was some distance in from the road. The present chapel in Crosskeys was built in 1839 by Rev. J Murray, P.P. The site of the chapel was changed to Carrickatubber to cater for people from areas in Lower Lavey parish. During the building of the chapel the roof was damaged by the big wind of 1839. The parish priests house was built in 1904 by Rev P Donohoe P.P and the curate’s house was constructed in 1900. The Church of Ireland church was rebuilt in 1816 with the aid of a loan of £600 from the Board of First Fruits.
 

Fairs were held in Crosskeys Village on the 6th January and the 17th March each year. When the buying and selling of the fairs finished, horse racing took place through a course around the village.
Hiring fairs were held annually on the 12th November and the 14th May. At these fairs children and men got hired to work for farmers for periods of six months for small amounts of money.

At the beginning of the 1900s there were seven schools in operation in the parish of Denn. Crosskeys Girls School - was built beside the present chapel and catered for girls and boys up to a certain age. Built by Rev J O’Connor P.P. in 1874, it closed in 1926.

Crosskeys School - built in 1850 by landlord Anthony O’Reilly, was a boys school until it was amalgamated with the girls school. The school was demolished in 1978 to make way for a playing area for a new school.

Lacken School - built in 1894 by Rev P Lynch P.P. This school underwent extensive repairs in 1957 and was made into a two room building but was sold in 1978.

Banaho School - The old school in Banaho was built in 1868 by Rev. P Gilroy P.P.. A new school built by Rev. E McGennis P.P. replaced the old one in 1955 but the school closed in 1977. Dennbawn School - the school was erected in 1875 by Rev. J O’Connor P.P. and was closed in 1955.
Drumavaddy School - The old school in Drumavaddy was built in 1870 on church grounds by Rev. P Gilroy P.P. The school was destroyed by fire on February 1st 1947 and pupils and teachers had to move to Dennbawn school and it remained the school for the area until 1955 when the new school in Drumavaddy was opened. The school closed in 1977 and the building was subsequently developed as a community centre. Denn Protestant School - this was the first purposely built school in the parish of Denn and existed throughout the 19th century and was attended by both Protestant and Catholic children. It is not known when the present unused school was built but it was renovated in 1938. The school closed in 1965.

Denn Parish Banner
The Denn Parish Banner had a green background with gold lettering and gold tassels, and had a picture of Daniel O’Connell in the centre and was carried on two mahogoney uprights with a crossbar on top. It was used during the Land League days and whenever parishioners from Denn joined in the marches.

Townlands in the Parish of Denn and their meaning
Denn - dionn - a fort or fortified hill
Aghalattafraul - Achadh Leachta Fearáil - field of the mound of Farrell
Aghateggal - Achadh An tSeagail - Ryefield
Ardloughter - Ard Luachra - height of the rushes
Ardvarney - Ard Bhearna - high gap
Banagher (Banaho) - Beannchar - a place abounding in peaks. There are two circles in the town-land slightly raised about two feet above the level of the ground. In the centre of the larger circle is a small eminence on which stands the remains of a druids altar.
Carn - Carn - a cairn or heap of stones
Carrickaboy - Carraigheach Bhuí - Yellow rocky place
Carrickatober - Carraig an Tobair - Rock of the Well
Corglass - Corrghlas - Green hill
Cronagrow - Corr na gGnó - Hill of the nuts
Cornamahon - Corr na Meathan - Hill of the Saplings
Cornaseer - Corr na Saor - Hill of the tradesmen
Corraweelis - Corr an Mhaoilis - Hill of the flat fort
Crumlin - Croimghlinn - Curved glen
Dennbane - Dionn Bán - White fort
Denmore - Dionn Mór - Large Fort
Drumavaddy - Droim na Mhada - Hill ridge of the dog
Drumcannon - Droim Ceannain - White topped hillridge
Drumcrow - Droim Cró - Hill/Hillridge of the nuts
Drumliff - Droim Luith - Hil ridge of the herbs
Farragh - Farrach - An old land measure
Gallon - Galún - A land measure
Killynanum - Coill an Anam - Wood of the soul or spirit
Killyteane - Coill an tSiain - Wood of the fairymound
Kilnacor - Coill na Coinne - The hill wood
Kilnacreevy - Coill na Craoibhe - Wood of the branch on tree
Lackanclare - Leacan Clár - Hillside of the plain
Lackenduff - Leacan Dubh- Black hillside
Lackenmore - Leacan Mhór - Great Hillside
Lishenry - Lios Enrí - Henry’s fort
Lislea - Lios Liath - Grey Fort
Lisnneen - Lios Mín - Smooth fort
Loonogs - Lannóg - a little building, a little church
Moher - Mothar - a clump of trees, a thicket
Pullafree - Polla Fraoigh - “poll” of the heather (poll - a land measure)
Pollakeel - Polla Caol - narrow “poll”
Pottle - Poitéal - a land measure
Pottlesoden - Poitéal Sodáin - Soden’s “pottle”
Ranrenagh - Ráthan Raonach - little rath or fort of the paths
Tullytreane - Tulaigh Triain - hill of the third (an old land measure)

Taken from Breffni Blue
April 2003
As presented on the internet at:  Irish Identity

Denn Parish Townland Map

Denn Parish, County Cavan, Townland Map

It is believed that Patrick (Soroghan) Sullivan is from Dennbane Townland located in Denn Parish, County Cavan.  Sometimes Dennbane is spelled Denbawn.

Source: GENUKI

To enlarge the map, click on image.