Ciaran’s Peculier [sic] Blog

Readers of my scribbles will see how my latest contribution to the bonfire of my vanity in the Echo concerns those remarkably generous and indulgent people, the Poor Law Guardians of the 19th century. I didn’t have an opportunity to mention a most curious incident which occurred at a meeting of the Bailieborough guardians in July 1876 and recorded in the Cavan Weekly News of July 7th. The meeting, chaired by Thomas Chambers of Bailieborough (for many years sir John Young’s principal agent) recorded the receipt of a letter from William Leslie, a justice of the peace who was associated with the Provincial Bank in Cootehill. The letter, dated July 1st, enclosed an envelope which had been handed in to the Bank that morning accompanied by a £5 note. The envelope’s contents merely stated: “Sir – Place to the credit of Bailieboro Union £5. ” Mr Leslie informed the guardians in his letter of his resolution to hold onto the £5 until he received a reply from the guardians giving “any information or explanation respecting the transaction.” He added “It looks something like a troubled conscience seeking to make restitution.” The Guardians were dumb-founded by the letter, but while being unaware of the source of the “mysterious donation” they nevertheless received it with thanks.

Readers of my little column in the Echo are also no doubt aware of my interest in the sad lives experienced by the inmates of the industrial school in the Poor Clares’ convent, as well as my disgust at the parsimony of the “well-healed” pillars of local society in those days. In the Weekly News’ report of the Cavan Petty Sessions in the issue of July 14th 1876 brief mention is made of how a poor girl named Bridget Connolly was summoned by one J.F. O’Hanlon for begging and having no visible means of support. For her horrendous crimes she was sent to the Industrial School. J.F. O’Hanlon’s attempts to have another girl, Sarah Magovern, punished for begging were not successful.  What tremendous acts of charity!

The Weekly News occasionally eschewed its hrill and vulgar anti=popery to carry intersting snippets. In the edition of July 6th referred to above some rather oddly worded epitaphs seen on tombstones in a town near Dublin were reproduced. The first read:

“Here lies the body of John MOUND-
Lost at sea and never found.”

while another announced:

“Maria BROWN, wife of Timothy Brown, aged eighty years. She lived with her husband fifty years, and died in the confidant hope of a better life.”