Maurice de Prendergast
12th Century
Maurice de Prendergast is believed to be the
earliest progenitor of the Prendergast family in Ireland.
Maurice arrived in Ireland in 1169, one of the
first settlers in the train of the Earl of Strongbow. He had sailed with 200 soldiers from his family home in Pembroke,
Wales, where his family had settled after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Maurice and his son Philip and grandson
Gerald acquired extensive lands in Wexford, Cork, Limerick and Mayo, most of which duly passed via Geralds
daughters to other men. On most of these lands, early branches of the family settled, who must have been relatives of the
above mentioned lords. These were the ancestors of the later Prendergasts of Mayo and Wexford, while those of West Limerick
exchanged their lands there for others in South Tipperary, and were the ancestors of the Prendergasts of that county.
For a complete breakdown of the life story of Maurice de Prendergast and his
Norman ancestors, visit Maurie Prendergast's Prendergast Origins page.
However, there is a bit of a gap between Maurice's sons and Calum's and Jamie's
earliest, more recent Prendergast ancestor!
Thomas Prendergast
1??? - 18??
Thomas Prendergast was Calum's and Jamie's great great great great
grandfather.
All that is known of Thomas is that in Griffith's Valuation of Ireland in 1851, he
is listed as a farmer at Killonerry in County Tipperary, just outside of Carrick-on-Suir. The annual valuation of the
land was £23 and 10 shillings, whilst the buildings were rented annually at £3 and 6d. The owner of the land was Robert Walsh,
Esq.
From Doreen Powers, a distant cousin of Calum's grandmother
Mary Pauline Prendergast, it has since been discovered that Thomas married a lady by the name of Brigid
O' Donnell, daughter of farmer Michael O' Donnell, and his wife, Mrs Mangan, who resided in nearby Whitechurch, County Kilkenny.
The next available record that we can learn about the Prendergasts in this small
hamlet is the 1901 census, where there are two branches of the family, headed by Thomas and Patrick
Prendergast, who are known to have been cousins. As such, the 1851 Thomas Prendergast is almost certainly
their common ancestor, and with the fifty year gap, that would make him their grandfather.
CHILDREN of THOMAS PRENDERGAST and BRIGID O' DONNELL:
Patrick Prendergast
b: 18?? d: 18??
Calum's and Jamie's great great
great grandfather - SEE BELOW.
(Unknown) Prendergast
b: 18?? d: 18??
This member of the Prendergast family remained at
Killonerry. Nothing is known of his life except that he had at least one son, Patrick.
SON of UNKNOWN PRENDERGAST and (UNKNOWN):
Patrick Prendergast
b: 18?? d: after 1911
Patrick is listed in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses
as living at Killonerry. He married a lady called Annie Hogan, and had at least five children -
Thomas, Bridget, Michael, Ellen and Patrick.
Patrick's wife Annie is not listed in the 1911 census,
having died shortly after the 1901 census. So far, only an index to these census entries has been seen, the actual entry has
yet to be checked, and this will eventually provide further information on ages etc.
Patrick remarried, giving the stepmother control of his children
and of Killonerry House. According to Patrick's granddaughter Ann Vreeland (nee Prendergast), her father
Michael never had much to say about his stepmother, who was apparently not the warmest of people.
CHILDREN of PATRICK PRENDERGAST and ANNIE HOGAN:
Thomas Prendergast
b: 18??
Born at the family farm at Killonerry, in the parish of Whitechurch, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Thomas later joined the Third Tipperary Brigade of the Irish Republican Army and fought during the War of Independence (see
below).
Bridget Prendergast
b: 18??
Born at the family farm at Killonerry, in the parish of Whitechurch, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Michael Francis Prendergast
b: 26/10/1898
Michael was born on October 26th 1898 at the family farm at Killonerry, in the parish of Whitechurch,
County Kilkenny, Ireland. On his birth certificate, his father, the informant to the registrar in Carrick-on-Suir on November
4th, was noted as a farmer (1898/CARRICK-ON-SUIR/Q4//4/455).
Michael is noted as living at the farm in Killonerry in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses, and
would no doubt have spent his youth preoccupied with school studies and day to day farm work.
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| Michael (middle) with the IRA Third Tipperary Brigade |
Michael's daughter Ann Vreeland contacted us in October 2005 to provide further
details on her father, for which we are extremely grateful. During the War of Independence, also known as the Anglo-Irish
War, Michael joined the Third Tipperary Brigade of the rebel Irish Republican Army, fighting against the British State for
a free Ireland based on republican principles. By 1921, a treaty was proposed by the British that would divide the island
of Ireland into two states, the northern six Protestant majority counties of Antrim, Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry forming
Northern Ireland, and the 26 majority Catholic counties of the south becoming the Irish Free State. The Treaty vote split
the Irish Catholic voters into two camps, pro-Treaty and against the Treaty, with the pro-Treaty faction winning. The
British withdrew from the 26 southern counties, now the Irish Free State, a country that had Dominion Status within
the British Commonwealth. But the IRA, whose members had voted against partition, refused to accept the Treatyand saw
the new Free Staters as traitors to the Republican cause. The result was the declaration of civil war between the two opposing
Treaty parties, with the Free Staters finally winning the war.
Ann knows very little of Michael's activities as a member of the Third Tipperary Brigade,
mainly because her father was so secretive about his activities. It is believed that he may have been a member of an IRA flying
column known as the Galtee Mountain Boys, though this is as yet unconfirmed. At one stage Michael and other volunteers are
known to have buried some rifles in Tipperary, and to his dying day he refused to say where they were located. More significantly,
it is known that for an unspecified period of time, Michael was on the run in Ireland, and was eventually forced to flee the
country.
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| Michael's wedding to Ellen Whelan in 1944 |
Michael travelled to Canada, and from there to the United States of America, where he
settled in New York. On June 15th 1944, he married Ellen Margaret Whelan in the Church of St. Elizabeth,
New York City. Ellen was a native of Cahir in Tipperary, and had previously been taken to the States by her aunt, Nellie
Sullivan. The witnesses to the wedding were Denis Whelan and Marcella Kreson. The
couple settled and had a family of three children.
In 1978, thirty years after the Irish Free State had finally thrown off its dominion status
to become a republic, Michael and Ellen decided to retire back to their native land, settling back in Ellen's home
town of Cahir.
Michael finally passed away on January 26th 1987, and was buried in Cahir, outside the church
across from Cahir Castle. Ellen was also buried in the same churchyard.
CHILDREN of MICHAEL PRENDERGAST and ELLEN WHELAN:
Michael Prendergast
b: 19??
Michael was born in the United States. He joined the US
Navy, and when he left the navy decided not to return to the States. He worked around the world, and took his first visit
to Ireland in 1978, where after meeting many family members and falling in love with the country, decided to buy a piece
of property up a mountain road near Clonmel, where he built a house which he named Killonery House II. He still
lives in Clonmel today.
Dennis Prendergast
b: 19?? d: 1989
Dennis had a history of heart problems. After his death in the United States, his sister Ann
took his body to the Republic of Ireland and buried him alongside their parents in Cahir, County Tipperary.
Ann Prendergast
b: 19??
Ann was born in the United States, and still lives in Rutland, Vermont.
A huge thanks to Ann for providing so much information on her branch of the Prendergast
family. Ann can be contacted at the following e-mail address: prende@myway.com
Ellen Prendergast
b: 18??
Born at the family farm at Killonerry, in the parish of Whitechurch, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Patrick Prendergast
b: 1896 - birth date unconfirmed
Born at the family farm at Killonerry, in the parish of Whitechurch, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
This may be the Patrick Prendergast whose birth was registered in Carrick-on-Suir in the third quarter of 1896 (1896/CARRICK-ON-SUIR/Q3/4/472).
Patrick Prendergast
18?? - 18??
Patrick Prendergast was Calum's and Jamie's
great great great grandfather.
Little is known of Patrick except that he was born
and raised on his father's farm at Killonerry, Co. Kilkenny, near Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary, and that he had at
least one son.
CHILDREN of PATRICK
PRENDERGAST and (UNKNOWN):
Thomas Prendergast
b: 18?? d: after 1911
Calum's and Jamie's great great grandfather
- see below.
Thomas Prendergast
18?? - ????
Thomas Prendergast was Calum's and Jamie's great
great grandfather.
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| Killonerry farmhouse |
Again, little is yet known of Thomas. He married Mary O' Shea at some point in the late 19th Century, and the couple settled in the Prendergast family farm at Killonerry, Co.
Kilkenny, Ireland, where they raised their family.
In the 1901 census, the couple are recorded at Killonerry with their children,
Thomas, Daniel, Bridget, Paul, Alice
and Mary, as well as a lodger, called Bridget Houlahan. In
the 1911 census, the whole family are again located at Killonerry, but there is a different lodger residing at the farm
at this point, called Margaret Hearn.
Thomas is further recorded at Killonerry in the 1940 Electoral Register.
It is not yet known when Thomas died, or where he was buried, although it is
believed that he may have been interred in nearby Whitechurch Cemetery.
Spoken to in August 2004, Thomas' granddaughter Winnifred recalled
that Thomas was "a fine man with a bit of a temper"!
CHILDREN of THOMAS PRENDERGAST and MARY
O' SHEA:
Thomas Prendergast
b: before 1897 d: 19??
Thomas was Daniel's twin brother.
Daniel Prendergast
b: before 1897 d: 25/12/1972
Daniel was Thomas' twin brother, born at some stage in the 1890s at the family
farm of Killonerry.
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| Daniel's grave in Piltown |
Daniel married Ellen Angela Dwyer,
and the couple settled at the farm in Killonerry. In the 1940 Electoral register for the area, Daniel is recorded at
the farm with his wife, his father, and another Thomas Prendergast, either his twin brother or his only son. After the death
of his father, Daniel took over the running of the farm altogether.
Daniel's wife Ellen died on September 3rd 1966 at the farm in Killonerry,
and Daniel himself eventually passed away on December 25th 1972.
Both Daniel and Ellen were buried in Piltown Cemetery, and in subsequent
years were later joined by both Thomas and Aquin Josephine.
CHILDREN of DANIEL PRENDERGAST and ELLEN DWYER:
Thomas Prendergast
b: 19?? d: 14/4/1986
Thomas is buried in Piltown Cemetery, Piltown, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland.
It is believed that he had no children.
The following death notice for Tommy appeared in the Irish Independent (Tuesday,
21st April, 1986, p.21):
PRENDERGAST (Killonerry, Carrick-on-Suir) - April 14, 1986, at the County
and City Infirmary, Waterford, Thomas, son of the late dan and Ellen Prendergast, deeply regretted by his sorrowing sisters,
relatives and friends. R.I.P. Remains will be removed to Piltown Church this (Tuesday) evening leaving hospital at 7.30
o'c. Requiem Mass to-morrow (Wednesday) at 11 o'c. Interment in adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards.
Mary Prendergast
b: 19?? d: Nov 2004
Mary died in England just two days before her sister Ursula back in Ireland.
Acquin Josephine Prendergast
b: 19?? d: 20/7/1995
Acquin is buried in Piltown Cemetery, Piltown, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland.
It is believed that Acquin had no children.
The following burial notice appeared in the Irish Independent on the
following day (Friday, July 21st 1995, p.31):
PRENDERGAST (Killonerry, Carrick-on-Suir) - July 20, 1995, at her residence,
Acquin J. (Josephine), daughter of the late Daniel and Ellen, and sister of the late Tommy: deeply regretted by her loving
sisters Mary, Ursula, Winifred, and Angela, brother-in-law Michael Murphy, relatives and friends. R.I.P. Remains will be removed
from Walsh's Funeral Home, today (Friday) at 8.30 o'c, to Piltown Church. Requiem Mass tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 o'c.
Burial in adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards.
Ursula Prendergast
b: 19?? d: Nov 2004
Ursula was married to Michael Murphy. She died two days after
her sister, Mary, having suffered severe arthritis for many years. She is believed to have had no children.
Winnifred Prendergast
b: 19??
Winnifred, or 'Winnie' as she is more colloquially known, was born and raised
at Killonerry Farm, County Kilkenny, and is the second youngest of Daniel's children.
On August 16th 1960, Winnie attended the wedding of her cousin Mary Pauline
Prendergast and Paddy Giles, Calum's and Jamie's grandparents, at Piltown Church of Assumption, and also attended the subsequent wedding breakfast
at Clonmel.
In October 2004, Calum's and Jamie's father had a brief phone conversation with
Winnie at Killonerry farm, who was able to confirm the Prendergast family history stated here, as well as clear up the story
of when the original Prendergast farm was divided. Many thanks to Winnie for her help.
Angela Prendergast
b: 19??
Angela was the youngest of Daniel's children.
Bridget Prendergast
b: before 1897 d: after 1911
Bridget's niece, Mary Pauline Prendergast, recalls that her
aunt was known more colloquially as "Sis".
Bridget married a gentleman called Paddy Halley, but it is not
yet known if they had any children.
Paul Prendergast
b: 1897 d: 1947
Calum's and Jamie's great grandfather - see below.
Alice Prendergast
b: 1898 d: 3/6/1967
Alice was born in the third quarter of 1898 at the family farm at Killonerry,
with her birth subsequently registered in Carrick-on-Suir (1898/CARRICK-ON-SUIR/Q3/4/459).
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| Alice Prendergast's grave in Piltown |
At some stage prior to 1932, Alice married Martin Dee,
who was seven years older than her, and the son of Thomas and Mary Dee, of Tinvane,
Carrick-on-Suir. In 1932, Alice and Martin had a son, whom they named Thomas Dee. It is not yet known
if they had any further children.
In the 1940 Electoral Register for Carrick-on-Suir, both Alice and Martin are
recorded as still living at Tinvane.
Martin eventually died on July 2nd 1952, whilst Alice continued on until June
3rd 1967. Both were buried in Piltown Cemetery.
CHILDREN of ALICE PRENDERGAST and MARTIN DEE:
Thomas Dee
b: 1932 d: 16/10/2000
Thomas died on October 16th 2000 and was subsequently buried in Piltown Cemetery
alongside his mother and father. As well as the gravestone shown above, two further memorials were added to the grave top:
Tom
|
| Thomas Dee |
A smile for us all
A heart of gold
One of the best
This world could hold
From Billy, Jillian,
Darren and Wayne
In
Loving Memory of
Tom
Loving and kind in all of
his ways, upright and just to
the end of his days, sincere
and true in heart and mind
a beautiful memory
left behind
Mary Prendergast
b: before 1901 d: after 1911
Mary was known to her niece, Mary Pauline Prendergast,
as Aunt Molly. As a youngster, she apparently used to make butter at the farm.
In later years, Mary emigrated to the United States, where she married
a gentleman by the surname of English, and together they raised a family there.
It is known that Mary has at least one granddaughter called Patricia
MacLeod, but her whereabouts are as yet unknown.
MYSTERY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE:
The following newspaper article from the Munster Express (Friday,
July 22nd 1949, p.8) mentions another members of the Prendergast family from Killonerry, still to be placed, who very
nearly drowned in 1949:
Narrow Escape From Drowning
Whilst swimming in the River Suir at a place
locally known as the "Coal Yard", Tybroughney, a youth named P. Prendergast, Killonerry, had a narrow escape from downing
(sic) when he got into difficulties. The tide was fast ebbing at the time, and he was being carried away by a strong
under-current. Two companions, R. Dowley, son of Mr Louis Dowley, Tybroughney Castle, and Larry Walsh, Three Bridges, immediately
went to his assistance, and, with much difficulty, succeeded in bringing young Prendergast to the river bank, where he remained
for some time in a semi-conscious condition. Great credit is due to the rescuers for their prompt action, which saved the
life of the drowning man, who had gone down for the second time.
Paul Prendergast
1897 - 1947
Paul was Calum's and Jamie's great grandfather.
Paul was born in Killonerry in approximately 1897, although a birth record cannot be found for him in the index to
the registers, and so it would appear that his birth was not registered with the state.
Paul grew up on the Prendergast family farm at
Killonerry, County Tipperary, Ireland. In both the 1901 and 1911 censuses Paul is recorded as living there with his parents,
brothers and sisters.
When Paul was growing up, his best friend was his distant
cousin John O' Donnell, who lived in the adjoining farm in Killonerry.
With his older brother Daniel helping their father
to run the family farm, Paul took up work as a ploughman at Purcell's Farm, Killonerry, just up the road from his own home.
Paul married Mary Murray in 1931 in Owning Roman Catholic Church, County Kilkenny. At the time of his wedding, he was listed as
living in Killonerry. The witnesses to the wedding were John Moore and Bridget Duggan. The
registrar was Nuala Bolger.
There is no listing for Paul in the Carrick-on-Suir Electoral Register in 1940,
but he did live close to the town, possibly in Piltown in adjoining County Kilkenny.
In 1947, Paul finally died, the cause as yet unknown. When he died, he left his
most expensive personal item, his plough, to his only daughter, Pauline.
CHILD of PAUL PRENDERGAST and MARY MURRAY:
Mary Pauline Prendergast
b: 16/4/1932
Calum's and Jamie's grandmother - see below.
Mary Pauline Prendergast
16/4/1932 -
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| Pauline and her granny, Ellen Murray (nee Gorman), late 1930s |
Pauline was born at home at Three Bridges, on
the outskirts of Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, on April 16th 1932.
As a child, Pauline remembers having to fetch
water from the river that flowed past the house. She even cycled to the river and returned to the house with a bucket filled
with water on each handlebar!
Pauline's mother was a cleaner and she remembers accompanying her as she went to work.
She also remembers that during the Second World War the family had to endure rationing, despite Ireland's neutrality during
the conflict. Her father died when she was fifteen and she was left a horse and plough in his will.
Pauline attended
the Presentation Convent School in Carrick-on-Suir, and from a young age took to the stage, where she became a regular performer
in Carrick for the next decade. The following story from the Munster Express names Pauline as one of the cast members in a
production that became the talk of the town:
The Munster Express Friday, May 6th 1949
"THE MESSAGE OF FATIMA"
Recent Performances at Presentation Convent, Carrick-on-Suir
The magnificent pageant of "The Message of Fatima",
originally billed for four performances, had to be continued for the remainder of the week, in order to satisfy the demands
of hundreds who were unable, through lack of space, to obtain even standing room on the first four nights. From every surrounding
district, and even from places as far away as Waterford and Wexford, people came in cars and on bicycles, literally in droves;
and each night the doors were besieged an hour before the curtain rose. Indeed, it was distressing to witness the disappointment
with which so many had to go away each night, unable to find a seat in the spacious hall - from which to view an unforgettable
representation of the miraculous appearance of Our Lady at the now world-famed Portuguese village. For this, in truth, was
no ordinary "stage show", no ephemeral tinsel and glitter performance. Rather was it something with an inspiration; something
imbued with a spiritual meaning and a sense of reverence which pervaded the auditorium from the opening hymn to the find vocal
number "The Church". And in the living and moving episodes which marked the narration of how Our Lady appeared to the three
priviliged children, the story of Fatima was brought home to the thronged audiences with such power and feeling
that many were openly and unashamedly in tears each night - tears of compassion, tears of deep emotion, at so moving a story.
Therein, far more than in the success of the performance
- great as that success undoubtedly was - lay the reward of the Sisters of the Presentation Order for their selfless
work in the training of the choral numbers, and for the exquisite taste displayed in the costuming of principals, speakers,
tableaux and choirs.
Possibly, the dominant feature of the entire production
was the manner in which the Apparition was presented. Clever lighting effects made Our Lady's appearance most realistic, seeming
to bring the Vision from a cloud-dimmed distance into full brilliance to finally fade out gradually, until nothing was visible
but the hills of the Cova. The same artistci conception was excellently maintained in the three beautifully presented tableaux;
and the realism of the various scenes added to the perfection of the acting of the little principal characters.
The part of Our Lady was taken impressively by Bernie
Cooney; that of the child Jesus in breath-taking realism by Mary Morrissey; and that of St. Joseph in restrained dignity by
Anna Connolly. The finely sustained, natural acting of Betty Carroll, Helen Sheehan and Maureen McGrath in the parts of the
three children: Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, respectively, could not be bettered. Breda Morrissey and Maureen Halloran shared
the honours in the part of the Angel of Peace - a striking and very beautfiul part. In the parts of the children's mothers,
Mary Lacey and Monica Garey were most effective; Joan McGrath gave a robust rendering of the part of the Sub-Prefect, as did
Pauline Prendergast as Don Almelda. Marie Doherty as a neighbour; and Ursula Driscoll, Honor Morrissey and Anne
Keeffe acted convincingly as the neighbours' children.
The choir, so beautifully trained by the
nuns, was skilfully handled by Mrs J. Jacques, the talented organist at The Friary, whose artistry
is so well-known that praise is hardly necessary; yet her rendering of the sacred music,
the effectiveness of her conducting, and the musical throughness of her organ accompaniments cannot be allowed to pass without
a sincere compliment. last, but by no means least, must be mentioned the speakers. It was as though a single voice spoke the
sentences with a purity of diction which was a pleasure to hear.
The lighting, which added so much to the very effective
representation, was in the capable hands of Messrs. T. Morrissey and Burke; the make-up was in the charge of Messrs. T. Tobin
and J. Walsh, whose skill and experience in this difficult art are so well-known. The scenery, which made the task of effective
representation of the Vision, a possibility, was excellently executed by Mr. Dick Casey, as were the stage settings by
Messrs. Nolan and sons.
To all who assisted, to Miss Hurley, who had charge
of the booking, and to the stewards and back-stage workers, all of whom gave their services so unstintingly, the community
desire to express sincere thanks; as also to Very Rev. N. Canon Dunphy, P.P., and to Rev. E. J. Ryan and Rev. J. Harty, who
all gave their eloquent testimony to their appreciation of what was a truly memorable and impressive representation.
After her studies at school, pauline went on to
the local technical school to continue her studies, sitting her exams in 1953. At the age of 22, Pauline was awarded
a medal the following year for the highest score in the whole of the Republic of Ireland for an economic geography exam. It
is also believed that she came second in the whole country for her Irish language exam. The following article within the Munster
Express explains her success and the reaction of the headmaster:
The Munster Express Friday, January 29th 1954
p.9
School Function at Carrick-on-Suir
HIGHLY CREDITABLE SUCCESS
A new and highly creditable innovation to school life
was initiated at the local technical Schools, Carrick-on-Suir, when Holy Mass was celebrated in the Institute on Thursday
of last week by Very Rev. Canon O'Byrne, P.P., V.F., Chairman of the local sub-committee of Vocational Education. The Mass
was attended by members of the local Sub-Committee, staff, and pupils.
At the subsequent distribution of certificates and prizes,
Very Rev. Canon O'Byrne paid tribute to the excellence of the instruction imparted by the teachers; he paid spcecial tribute
to the harmony and co-operation existing between teachers and pupils. The excellence of the results in themselves bore testimony
to that unity of purpose existing. He extended sincere congratulations to the many recipients of certificates in the various
grades. He was very pleased to observe the remarkable successes achieved in Home Building subjects, Woodwork, Cookery, Needlework,
and Domestic Science. He extended special congratulations to Pauline Prendergast for the signal
honour she had achieved in securing First Place in Eire and Department's Cash Prize in Economic Geography (Advanced Stage).
This was a unique distinction. Proficiency in these subjects of Home Craft, Woodwork, Commerce, Trades, and General Education
will give the opportunity to future parents of leisurely occupation and essential material benefits.
Mr. D. O' Suilliobhain, headmaster, formally proposed
the vote of thanks to Very Rev. Canon O' Brien, for his attendance and patronage. He expressed his personal satisfaction of
the general results achieved in 1953. The results in themselves indicate the keen progressive interest of the pupils in subjects
of technical education. These results were the results of hard work and intensive preparation. One hundred and twelve certificates
were awarded, bearing testimony to the keenness of study in the various departments of the curriculum. He made special reference
to the signal honour achieved for the school by Pauline Prendergast in securing first place in
Eire in Economic Geography (Advanced Stage). The general results were highly satisfactory, and many of our pupils are now
enjoying highly lucrative and promising appointments. He felt assured that, in virtue of the continued successes achieved
at our Technical Schools, our Institute will continue to maintain an honoured place in the schedule of the Department's records
of success.
Subsequent to the presentation of prizes, the following
films were shown through the courtesy of the American Embassy: "Apprentice Train", "Diesel - the Modern Power", Bridging the
Golden Gate", "Hurricane Circuits", "Sand and Flame", and "Tuberculosis".
Asfter doing a secretarial course, Pauline then worked as a secretary until 1960 at a place believed
to have been called Walsh's. A keen singer, Pauline also became a member of the operatic society in Carrick-on-Suir,
where she met the man who was to become her future husband, Patrick Joseph Giles, better known as Paddy.
Pauline appeared in many productions in the town's Ormonde Hall, including, and the following
articles outline the performances as reported in the Munster Express. The first is from 1958:
The Munster Express, Friday January
24th 1958, p.12
Pantomime
The local Operatic Society's pantomime,
"Sinbad the Sailor", concluded a six nights' runs at the Castle Cinema on Friday night last. It was a most successful production
and and attracted record attendances. The producer, Mr. J. Moran, and the musical director, Mrs J. Shelly, are to be
congratulated. The following filled principal parts with distinction: J. McGettigan (Alibad), Pat Power (Ali Worse), Anne
Gough (Jasmina), Mrs Peg Power (Sinbad), Joe Foley (Sinbad Catfish), Dick Meany (Captain Horatio Andy), Mrs Bridget Hannon
(Fortune-teller), Pauline Prendergast (Herald), Paddy Finucane (King Nabucko), Junior Nolan (Prince
Hassan), Mossy Casey (Chief Wolf Fang), Tom O' Keeffe (Headman), Pat Drohan (Witchdoctor), Christy Butler (Gorilla), Nicholas
Dalton (Black Abdulla), and Breda Shortiss (Princess Lotus Blossom).
In 1960, Pauline went on to appear in an epic production of HMS Pinafore in the town,
with Paddy in tow! Her photograph also appeared in the paper, as did paddy's (see Giles page):
The Munster Express January 15th 1960
CARRICK PINAFORE CAPTIVATED
Delightful Production By Local Operatic Society
GUEST ARTISTS AND HOME TALENT EXCELLED
The people of Carrick-on-Suir may well feel proud of the prominent and
progressivepart which is being played in the cultural life of the township by the local Amateur Operatic Society. To the long
chain of previous successes, andother golden link was added this week, when, as their eighteenth production, they selected
Gilbert and Sullivan's ever-green and always welcome "H.M.S.Pinafore". And, in every phase of its delightful presentation,
it has captivated all who have derived such unalloyed pleasure from its staging in the Ormonde Hall, from its opening performance
last Sunday night. Nor have we any hesitation in prediciting that it will continue to do so until the curtain is made to ring
down on its final offering next Sunday night.
(There will be no production to-morrow (Saturday) night).
A departure from the pantomime, which was favoured for several years past,
the society made a particularly happy choice on this occasion, for they gave us a "Pianoforce" that was well-nigh perfect.
For the first time, too, they introduced two guest artistes, in the selection of which they exercised a soundness of discrenment
that paid handsome dividends in the intense warmth of the enthusiasm with which they were received each night by the packed
audience.
FINISHED ARTISTRY
One of these was Minica Condron, who has filled a number of leading roles
with the Dublin Grand Opera Society. As Josephine (the Captain's daughter), she was playing a part for which her vocal gifts
and histrionic attributes so well equip her. There was a finished artistry about her singing and her acting which left behind
memories that will linger long with those who heard, saw and applauded her with such spontaneous fervour and sustained approval.
RADIO FAVOURITE
The other guest principal, Michael Murphy, as Ralph Rackstraw (Able Seaman)
did not come quite as a stranger from his native Cobh. For quite some time past, he was featured on the Mitchelstown Creamery's
sponsored programmes from Radio Eireann, and in that respect, the reputation which he has won for himself as an excpetionally
fine tenor, had preceded him. But, how different it was now hearing him at much closer "range" and being regaled by him with
such a flawless and all-satisfying interpretation of the haunting arias which he sand with such consumate ease and impressive
abaility, thus adding a major contribution to the scintillating progress of this most acceptable Gilbert and Sullivan work.
Apart from these two, the remainder of the cast was recruited entirley
from local talent. And what an abundance of it there must be in Carrick! In the supporting roles, and in the choral work,
all these amateurs, without exception, rose to the big occasion in a manner that won the golden opinions of all.
THE LOCALS
As Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., Pat Power, in addition to infusing into his
part the essential ingredient of humour, spoke his lines with a clarity that was good to hear - and enjoy. The part of Captain
Corcoran was very ably sustained by "Junior" Nolan, always a favourite; while that ominous character,
Dick Deadeye, was very effectively portrayed by Eugene Nolan. Dick Meany and John Dalton proved themselves true sons
of the Navy; and who can forget the part of the part of the Midshipmite as undertaken so successfully by John Walsh as Tom
Tucker (and hornpipe specialist).
THE LADIES
And what of the ladies (God bless' em!). B. Hannon's Little Buttercup was
a delicious offering, as pleasing and fascinating as one could wish for. And then we had two other accomplished stage
personalities in Margaret O' Donoghue and B. O'Brien, who found themselves happily at home when they doubled in the role of
Hebe (Sir Joseph's Cousin).
THE CHORUS
Those who comprised the chorus covered themselves with glory throughout.
Indeed, in this department, Carrick can boast a collection of male and female voices which blends delightfully. This results
in a most appealing tonal quality and a harmonious ensemble of voices that is really good to hear. One got the impression
that behind the merit of their work, lay careful and competent training.
CONDUCTOR-PRODUCER
Under the baton of Mr. J. Moran - who was also responsible for the production
- the high standard set by the orchestra was in keeping with the all-round excellence of a memorable performance. As musical
director and pianiste, Mrs. J. Shelly filled her dual role with impeccable success.
Greatly admired by the audiences were the ingenuity of the prodcuer in
the manner in which he adapted the rather small stage to mee the demands of such a presentation; the brilliant lighting, which
helped to show up the attractive setting to best advantage, and the beautiful costumes and stage make-up, all of which absolutley
defied criticism.
On this latest triumph of the Carrick Amateur Operatic Society, heartiest
congratulations are extended. By every member of the Society, and particularly by the indefatigable President Rev. J. harty,
CC., whose great work in the cause of music is so well known, they were never more richly deserved.
THE CHORUS
Chorus of the First Lords, Sisters, Cousins and Aunts: Mmes. Hurly and
Murphy; Misses A. Power, E. Murphy, A. Doherty, M. Doherty and M. Fahey, B. O'Sullivan, P. Rainsford, P.
Prendergast, P. McGarry, M. Thompson, A. Hannon, A. Carroll, D. Carroll, P. Danagher, M. O'Halloran, I. Crowley, M.
O'Brien, F. Torpey, M. Coady.
Chorus of Seamen and Marines: T. Power, R. Meany, J.
Nolan, P. Drohan, B. Mulvaney, M. Nolan, D. Carroll, J. Dalton, B. Kavanagh, P. Giles, E. Nolan, T. O'Keefe, P. Finucane,
C. O'Driscoll, H. O'Driscoll, J. Drohan, J. Hurley, N. Treacey. J. Aylward.
THE ORCHESTRA
Conductor, Mr. J. Moran; First Violins, Mrs T. Parle and Mr. D. O' Callaghan;
cello, Messrs J. Power and V. Cleary; Trumpet, Mr. J. carroll; Clarinet, Mr. P. Coady; Horn, Mr. R. Lyons; Trombone, Mr. M.
Coady; Organ. Mr. M. Inglesby; Piano, Mrs J. Shelly.
|
| The ladies of HMS Pinafore (God Bless 'Em!) - Pauline is 2nd from the left |
On 16th
August 1960, Pauline married Paddy. The following article appeared in the Munster Express, describing
the wedding:
GILES-PRENDERGAST
The marriage took
place with Nuptial Mass and Papal Blessing at the Church of the Assumption, Piltown last week of Mr.Patrick Giles, William
Street, Carrick-on-Suir and Miss Pauline Prendergast, Three Bridges, Carrick-on-Suir. The ceremony was performed by Rev.Fr.Phelan,
C.C. Mr John OBrien, was best man and the bride was attended by Miss Ann Nolan (cousin of the groom) and Miss Nan Quinn.
A
reception took place at the Ormonde Hotel, Clonmel, where many friends and relatives of the newly married couple were entertained.
During the ceremony, the bride was attired in a white ballet length frock, with matching headdress, and carried a bouquet
of red carnations. The bridesmaids wore lavender brocade ballet length frocks.
Both the bride and groom are extremely
popular figures in Carrick-on-Suir. The honeymoon is being spent in Dublin.
After their honeymoon, in fact spent in both Dublin
and on the Isle of Man, the couple set up home in Three Bridges, along with Pauline's mother and grandmother. The first of
their eleven children, Rosella was born the following year. In 1969 the family moved to a council house in Hillcrest Avenue,
Piltown, which they bought seven years later.
Pauline's husband Paddy died on 19th April 2001, and is sorely missed.
Pauline continues to live in Piltown, keeping the village tidy and working at the Credit Union, where she has worked for years,
and being the best grandmother on this side of the Irish Sea!!!
CHILDREN of PAULINE PRENDERGAST
and PATRICK GILES:
Rosella Marie Giles
b: 18/5/1961
Patrick Gerard Giles
b: 20/5/1962
Anita Josephine Giles
b: 28/8/1963
Lucy Helen Giles
b: 9/10/1964
Cecelia Mary Giles
b: 7/1/1966
Majella Angela Giles
b: 12/10/1967
Paul Henry Giles
b: 13/1/1969
Gerard Martin Giles
b: 21/2/1971
Claire Patricia Giles
b: 29/2/1972
Claire is Calum's and Jamie's mother - see Giles page.
Desmond John Giles
b: 29/2/1972
Shane Thomas Patrick Giles
b: 26/2/1974
Connecting to Calum and Jamie
Mary Pauline Prendergast married Patrick Joseph
Giles in 1960.
Daughter, Claire Patricia Giles, married Christopher Mark Paton in 2000.
Sons, Calum Graham
Paton and Jamie Christopher Paton.
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