Discovering my Great-grandmother - Anne (neé McCann) Cullen

My maternal great-grandmother was Anne Cullen - her maiden name was McCann. The photo below of her and my Mum (Phil) was part of the treasure trove of photos recently given to my Mum by her brother in Canada. As you can see she was a very elegant lady, I'm guessing that this photo was taken around 1940 when my Mum would have been 6 years old. Anne was born in 1874 and died on the 5th of March 1952. 

According to my Mum, Anne was a beautiful singer and was also involved in rural drama groups. The late actor Donal McCann was a close relative, Mum recalls him visiting their house when he was very young. The house below still exists, it is No 5 Ashford Cottages near the Phoenix Park in Dublin - I'm not sure if it is located in the Stoneybatter or Arbour Hill areas.

It feels strange to finally see a photo of my great-grandmother after all these years, and there aren't too many of my Mum as a little girl either. Before this she was just a name as she was dead 7 years before I was born.

Dr William Francis Norman O'Loughlin #Titanic

On a visit to Belfast last week I stopped by the Titanic Memorial at the side of City Hall where there is a full list of all those that died when the Titanic sank on 15th April 1912. Naturally I looked to see if there were any O'Loughlins listed and to my surprise I found that Dr William Francis Norman O'Loughlin was one of those who perished. There was never a mention of him in our family circles and if we are related in any way I'm sure it is a distant connection.

Dr William O'Loughlin.
Image Source:
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

According to the Encyclopedia Titanica, the 62-year old William O'Loughlin was the ship's surgeon on board the Titanic. He was born in Ireland in 1849 in Tralee, but was orphaned and then raised by his maternal uncle Benjamin Matthews. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. After graduation he decided on a life at sea where he spent 40 years. When not at sea, he lived in Southampton. In the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Heritage Centre Blog it is noted that many "survivors state that after the ship had hit the iceberg Dr O'Loughlin calmly directed passengers towards the life boats and did his best to calm the panic". It appears that he was very aware of the seriousness of the situation after the Titanic struck the iceberg. A tribute to him in the American Medicine Journal reads:

"Dr O'Loughlin knew no fear, for he paid no attention to his own danger but went from one group to another, soothing the frightened, encouraging the week and striving in every way to prevent panic and hysteria. As the last life-boat left the vessel, although he must have known that the end was near, he was seen standing in a companionway with the same smile on his face that had endeared him to countless travellers who knew and loved him".

It is strange to think that 101 years later another O'Loughlin would be looking at his name on a memorial wondering who he was and how he came to be on the Titanic. There is also a Miss Mary Delia Burns from Ballysadare, Co Sligo, who was one of the 123 passengers who boarded the ship in Queenstown (Cobh). Though Byrne is my Mum's surname, it previously was Burns up until the 1920s. Mary Delia was 18 years old and did not survive the disaster. She too may also have been a distant relative?

Launch of Haven Pharmacy in Monkstown

Last Friday Monkstown Pharmacy re-branded to become Haven Pharmacy Monkstown. The pharmacy is now part of the new Haven group and has been run for the past 22 years by the wonderful Roma, serving the community in Monkstown Farm. RTÉ personality Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh performed the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Image Source: Haven Pharmacy Monkstown on Facebook.

Becoming part of a group is part of a major trend in Irish pharmacies, with several groups coming into existence over the past few years. Up to 45 pharmacies are part of this new group, and I wish this new group well.

You can find Haven Pharmacy Monkstown on Facebook.

Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, "Vatican Pimpernel" - 50th Anniversary

October 30th last was the 50th anniversary of the death of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, who was known as the Vatican Pimpernel during World War II. Hugh is my third cousin (once removed). My Great-Great Grandfather was Daniel Murphy, his brother James, is Grandfather to Hugh. I was four years old when he died, though never did meet him. My Dad often mentioned that we were related to him and a few years ago I was able to figure out the connection through the Murphy family in North Cork.

Image source: www.hughoflaherty.com

Monsignor O'Flaherty helped Jews and Allied soldiers escape captivity and almost certain death in Rome which was occupied by the Germans. He used the diplomatic immunity of the Vatican to run his operation and was decorated after the war with a CBE (Commander of the British Empire), and the US Medal of Freedom. The following extract from www.hughoflaherty.com gives a short summary of what he did:

In the autumn of 1942, the Germans and Italians began to crack down on prominent Italian Jews and aristocratic anti-fascists. Having socialised with these people before the war, the Monsignor now hid them in monasteries and convents, in his old college and in his own residence. In the spring of 1943, his operation broadened to include escaped British prisoners-of-war and shot-down allied airmen. He developed a network of safe apartments in Rome in which they could hide.

By the end of the war he had helped over 6,500 Jews, American and British Soldiers escape from the Germans and his activities earned him the nickname “Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican” as he became the master of disguises, evading capture from the Germans when he had to leave the security of the Vatican to go on his rescue missions.

In 1983, his story was made into a film called "The Scarlet and the Black", starring Gregory Peck as O'Flaherty, John Gielgud as Pope Pius XII (after whom I am named), and Christopher Plummer as Col. Herbert Kappler. Here's an extract of the movie from YouTube:

Rest in Peace Cousin.

Three Pints for Dad, Joe, and Me #moments

Today I had the pleasure of a pint of stout with my Dad (Joe) and my brother (Joe) in O'Neill's Bar in Tramore, Co Waterford. Many friends and family have been asking about Dad, and as you can see he is in great form, and getting ready to enjoy a pint of plain. Three pints and three O'Loughlins - went down well!

My Mum and Dad - 55 Years Married Today!

On 22nd October 1958 Phil Byrne from Gorey and Joe O'Loughlin from Carnew, were wed in Ballybrack Church in South Dublin by Joe's uncle Monsignor Charles Hurley. Today is their 55th (Emerald) wedding anniversary - an increasingly rare achievement you'll agree. Below are scans of some photos (click to enlarge) from the day - sadly most in the group photo are no longer with us. Congratulations to my Mum and Dad - roll on the 60th anniversary!

Using Audioboo to keep audio memories

Since I first started blogging I have used various tools to add audio files to my blog, but the tools to embed/display audio files never seem to last very long. I have used Audioboo for a while now to store audio files which can be embedded into a blog post. Below are some samples which I have previously published, but the links in these old posts were broken/no longer valid. These are precious files to me and I'd like to be able to ensure that they are kept on-line forever.

Wedding message for my Mum and Dad from Paddy and Kathleen Byrne (Mum's parents) which was recorded on a 78rpm vinyl record and sent to my parents in 1958:

listen to ‘Canada Calling 22nd October, 1958’ on Audioboo

Wedding request on the Val Joyce Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on the 13th September, 1986 for my own wedding to Roma Bourke:

listen to ‘Radio Request for Eugene and Roma's Wedding’ on Audioboo

My Dad Joe singing "If I can Help Somebody":

listen to ‘My Dad Joe Singing "If I Can Help Somebody"’ on Audioboo

My Dad singing "Fr O'Flynn":

listen to ‘My Dad Singing "Fr O'Flynn"’ on Audioboo

My Dad singing "The Mountains of Mourne" on RTÉ's "The Derek Mooney Show":

listen to ‘My Dad singing "The Mountains of Mourne" on The Derek Mooney Show’ on Audioboo

There's my Dad Joe in the paper!

The Enniscorthy Guardian published an article on Carnew throws open windows to past during Heritage Week featuring a photo of my Dad with organizer Noelle Keogh. Dad is 82, still going strong, and has lived all his life in the parish of Carnew. We attended the "Carnew, A Town of History and Heritage" exhibition together (I previously wrote about that in this post). We were both fascinated by all the memories and he especially liked the references to his own father PJ. Carnew is indeed a town full of history and heritage, and my Dad has memories of the town and surrounding areas going back to the mid 1930s!

Joe O'Loughlin Snr with Exhibition organizer Noelle Keogh.
Image source: The Enniscorthy Guardian.

Careful with that saw, Eugene

There's nothing better than getting out into the fresh country side for the afternoon. Today I went to the family farm in Ballingate near Carnew, Co Wicklow to help with cutting logs for the winter. I felt a bit like a "hunter-gatherer" as my Dad, brother Joe, and myself sawed up four small trees for firewood for the coming winter. This is quite heavy work if you're not used to it, and I'm already beginning to ache!

Careful with that saw, Eugene!

Careful with that saw, Dad!

Careful with that saw, Joe!

Enniscorthy Castle Museum, and a Surprise #FCA #Dad

A couple of weeks ago I visited the Castle Museum in Enniscorthy which has been renovated over the past few years. We used to go there quite a bit when I was a youngster and I have to say that there seems to be a lot less material on display from what I remember in the past. I do recall the dampness and I'm sure that the renovation works will make the building last another few hundred years. While I was there, some of the rooms were closed due to floors being re-polished. Even the 1916 room seemed to have very little on display, and overall I was very disappointed with my visit - there is not really a lot on view though the dungeon and its medieval graffiti, was fascinating.

However, I was in for a surprise when I stopped by to check out the room in the round tower dedicated to 1916 commemorations!

On the 14th September 1958 there was an unveiling of a statue to Seámus Rafter, one of the leaders of the 1916 uprising in Enniscorthy. Part of the ceremony was a parade by the local North Wexford FCA (reserve defence forces), and there are a few photographs of the event in the Castle Museum. In one photo, I noticed a long line of marching FCA men, and decided for the hell of it to see if my Dad, who I knew was in the FCA at that time, was in the photo. Much to my surprise, I spotted someone who looked like him, can you see him in the photo below (click to enlarge)?

Photo taken with my iPhone in the Enniscorthy Castle Museum.
Copyright of Ger Carty. 

My Dad has confirmed that the guy under the "O" in the Joseph Doyle shop sign is him! What a surprise for us both! He had not seen this photo before, though guessed that it might have been in The Wexford Echo newspaper at the time. In another photo, my Uncle Pat is featured, and in another my grandfather PJ O'Loughlin may also be present. I have ordered copies from Ger Carty Photographers of Enniscorthy who own the copyright and I'm guessing whose ancestors were also responsible for taking the original photos.

A dull visit ended up to be quite exciting!

A Day Out in Kilmore Quay

Roma and I headed to South Wexford for much of Sunday and decided on lunch at Kilmore Quay. In glorious subshine we walked around the harbour which was packed with holiday-makers. There was a very clear view over to the Saltee Islands, and we also explored the Memorial Garden to those lost at sea. So many names.

 

We had lunch at the Silver Fox restaurant - pricey, but delicious seafood. We stopped at Our Lady's Island on the way home. This is a place of pilgrimmage in the Diocese of Ferns that I always remember being mentioned at Mass growing up in Carnew. We also took a short spin down to the end of Rosslare Strand - not terribly exciting, but there are some smashing looking holiday homes down there.



With Roma at Kilmore Quay, with Saltee Islands in background.

A new T-shirt, and a tribute to Pink Floyd

Last October I re-named this blog from the rather boring title of "Eugene's Blog" to the much cooler "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" after the song of the same title by Pink Floyd. Eight months later I love using this title - so far, Pink Floyd's lawyers have not been in contact with me! 

When I came across the really cool Redbubble website, I spotted that they had a CWTAE t-shirt by the artist  ssan, so I couldn't resist ordering it. While I feel a little egotistic doing this, I still like the t-shirt. I forced my daughter Vicki to take a photo of me with my trusty axe.

I haven't got the dreaded letter from customs yet to tell me I owe someone money for buying from America - it will be interesting to see what they charge for a t-shirt that cost $21. Redbubble don't like this either, and even  ask for a picture of the paid receipt to send to them. Not sure what they will do with it, but I might join in when I get the payment demand from Customs.

Father's Day

Thanks to Kate and Vicki.
baking goddesses!

Today is Father's Day and my daughter's treated me to a brilliant breakfast of French toast, bacon, and delicious real Canadian maple syrup. Best of all though is the fantastic cake that they baked last evening (when I was barred from the kitchen) which features The Beatles, who always were and always will be my favourite band. It will be a pity to cut this cake up, or to decide which Beatle to eat first, but afternoon tea today will have a distinct Fab Four flavour (I'm listening to Abbey Road as I write this post). 

My Dad Joe in the mid 1950s,
before he became a dad.

I called my own Dad (Joe) this morning to wish him a Happy Father's Day. At 82 years of age he is in great form and looking forward to visiting his niece for Sunday lunch. I noticed people on Twitter fondly remembering their own Dads who have passed away. When I see this I always thank the good Lord that I still have my own Dad to talk to. Long life and health to you Dad!

I also remember today the other "Fathers" in my life: my Grandfathers PJ O'Loughlin and Paddy Byrne. Both died when I was young and though I have a few fond memories of each, I hardly knew them. I also remember my Father-in-Law Billy Bourke, a kind man who I did know well for all too short a time.

To Father's everywhere - enjoy the day!

What would you give up to be 18 again?

Last week my youngest daughter Vicki had her Graduation from Loreto College Foxrock, along with about 90 of her 18-year old classmates. We were invited to the ceremony which was a Mass followed by speeches and a Reception. The girls sang beautifully and the two Head Girls spoke very eloquently and entertainingly. The school hall was full of very proud parents, including Roma and me.

Coincidentally I read an article on Linkedin by T. Boone Pickens entitled Class of 2013: Here's What I'd Give Up to be You. In the article Pickens recalls a speech he made at a graduation ceremony where he offered everything, including his "Gulfstream airplane" and his "68,000-acre ranch" just to be sitting where the graduates sat. But, there was a catch - he said "If you make the trade, you have to be 79 and I get to be 18 again". Of course he got no takers as all the students "decided that no amount of wealth could persuade them to change places with a man about to turn 80". This got me thinking what I would give up to be an 18 year old again. Of course I'd give up all material things (even my Harley-Davidson!), but not family - we can't turn the clock back.

It is a wonderful thought - being 18 again. In the video below dating from 1980, George Burns (then aged 84) sings "I Wish I Was 18 Again". Jeez - I'm turning into an old man nostalgic for my younger days!

Adults Only in Our House!

Today I feel just a little bit older, the youngest of my three daughters Vicki, is 18 years of age. It's adults only from now on. Tomorrow Vicki is off to get an Age Card from the Garda station - just think she can now vote, buy Lotto tickets, buy alcohol, and ignore her old Dad if she chooses!

It was 1977 when I reached 18 years of age, and the world was a far different place. I too was about to sit my Leaving Certificate at a time when a "good Leaving" could get you a job. Very few people could have predicted things like the arrival of the World Wide Web, mobile phones, satellite TV, crisps in chocolate bars, computers in the home, peace in Northern Ireland, the end of apartheid - today, 36 years later. 

I wonder what the world will be like in 36 years time - Jaysus, I'll be nearly 90!

Happy Birthday Vicki!

Happy 82nd Birthday Dad!

March 31st means only one thing in our family - my Dad's birthday. He was born on this day in 1931, and this year his birthday fell on Easter Sunday, so it was time for a family get-together to help him celebrate. We had a great day and sang "Happy Birthday" with gusto. Dad certainly enjoyed the occasion and looked great for 82 years young.

Happy Birthday Dad from all your family!

Republishing audio files with Audioboo.fm

I noticed recently that audio files that I have published on this blog in the past through ODEO are no longer available. Since I recently signed up to Audioboo.fm I have moved my audio files there and hope that they will be available for a bit longer. So here's a selection republished:

Wedding Message for my Mum and Dad from
Paddy and Kathleen Byrne, 22nd October, 1958.

Radio request for Roma and me from 

our wedding day, 13th September, 1986.

My Dad (Joe) singing "If I can Help Somebody".

 

Dad singing "Fr O'Flynn"

 

Dad on The Derek Mooney Show.

Christmas Eve

It's the 24th December and that means just one day until Christmas! I have been wrapping presents for most of the morning and still have some last minute shopping to do. I've done most of my own shopping on-line this year, but did also make a trip to the shops in Henry St too. I chatted briefly to our postman this morning and he told me that the amount of on-line shopping and parcel delivery through An Post was "phenomenal" this year. No doubt it will be more next year.

Like us, many families in Ireland will be without loved ones for Christmas. This year will be the first Christmas without Claire who is based in New York. In the photo below, taken in Sept/Oct 1988, Claire is just a few weeks old before her own first Christmas. While it won't be the same without her we know she is having a great time in NYC. I plan to hook up the computer to the TV and Skype her  into our kitchen.

Two sleepy heads!

Cinema Posters

Last evening I was out to dinner with my in-laws and we had a fascinating session looking over some old cinema posters. My late father-in-law, Billy Bourke, ran the County Cinema in Castlebar, Co Mayo for many years and he kept all the cinema posters from this time. There were dozens of posters featuring James Bond, Carry On, Clint Eastwood, Walt Disney, you name it - if it was shown in a cinema in the 1960s and 1970s, the poster for the movie was on view last evening. All the Bourke family were there, and they each had the opportunity to take home any poster they wished. We selected the following few, and had great fun doing so:

She's Leaving Home

As I write this post my eldest daughter Claire is on her way to America for a year - perhaps longer. We saw her off at the airport and had a few hugs, kisses, and tears before she headed off on the next chapter of her career in New York. Unfortunately it is nowadays a common sight where people of my generation see off the next generation who are leaving Ireland. Claire hopes to break into the film industry and I've no doubt that my tuxedo will get a few nights out in New York and Los Angeles in years to come!

The photo below was taken today shortly before she left. Look out America, there is an O'Loughlin coming!