DURING the 1700s in south Carlow and Kilkenny there did roam a certain individual who is as close to an Irish version of Robin Hood as we are ever likely to find. Historians from the areas in which he lived and operated still speak of this man around whom there exists an exciting air of mystery and legend. He was known to some as the Gentleman Robber, the ‘Bold Captain’ to others, but Freney the Robber to most.
James Freney was a highwayman who subjected the area of Kilkenny and south Carlow to a reign of terror, robbery and hijacking in the 18th century and Thomastown native Michael Holden has brought him to brilliant and realistic life in the pages of his new book ‘Freney the Robber - The Noblest Highwayman in Ireland.’
For three years the retired farmer has laboured over the legend and stories of this most interesting and fascinating character from our local history. He has travelled the length and breadth of the area and heard a bountiful collection of stories about Freney, which he presents in an honest and straightforward manner for all to read and enjoy.
“This is my first effort at writing a book and it has been three years in the making,” said the Castlegarden native. “I’ve enjoyed it but sometimes I asked myself, what the hell I had got myself into? But I mustered on to see where it would take me, and you send it to your publisher and you wait and you sweat until you hear back that they have decided to go with it. I approached them myself and got the works together before that. I was always interested in the story from a young age, so when the time came for retirement I decided to give it a go,” added Michael.
The eye-catching book is available in all leading shops around the country and is sure to be a hit everywhere, but especially with anyone from the areas that Freney was associated with. The book tells a multitude of stories such as Freney’s early life, where he grew up in somewhat fortunate circumstances on the Ballyduff Estate near the village of Inistioge. His father worked as head steward on the estate, owned by the Robbins family, and the matriarch of the family, Mrs Robbins, delighted over the witty young rascal and he enjoyed comforts and benefits which many in his day wouldn’t even have dreamed of.
We come to know Freney as a man who lived life to the very full and was a hard-drinking gambler who could ride a horse better than most, and who was an excellent shot - skills that would serve him very well in the years that followed.
Through a period of five hectic years, from 1744 to 1749, we learn about Freney’s activities, escapades, near-escapes and noble actions in places like Thomastown, Ballylinch, Kilcullen, Coolnamuck, Castledermot, Friarshill, St Mullin’s and many, many more.
We read of his large number of hideouts all over the two counties and beyond, including one in St Mullins and one called The Devil’s Eyebrow in Graiguenamanagh, and of his treasures hidden all over the countryside that have never been found.
There are those who will say that the legendary Freney was a lout and a thief who terrorised innocent people and, there are others who will say that he was a loyal beacon of light to the oppressed whose attacks and daring raids on the ruling classes and their property brought hope to a desperate people.
Michael Holden treats the Bold Captain with neither fear nor favour, but presents the library of stories exactly as he was told them.
“I had a quarter of the stories told to me in my youth but the rest I searched for by visiting historians and local people who had the stories told to them. But even now after the book has been published I have heard of four or five more stories. He was a very popular character and there is a lot of mystery and myth attached to him. I’ve treated the stories as they were told to me. He probably is a Robin Hood figure because he had a code of conduct and he shared with the poor,” said Michael.
Green fingered students shoot to stardom
THE students of Scoil Naisiunta Binn an Choire in Old Leighlin have been putting their green-fingers to good use over the last few months by creating a kitchen garden in their school.
Their hard work came to fruition recently when they were announced as the Carlow regional winners of the 4HOME Superstores ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ competition for primary schools which is currently running across over 70 schools around the country.
The Old Leighlin school fought off significant competition from second-placed Bishop Foley Memorial School and the third-place winner, Holy Family BNS.
Scoil Naisiunta Binn an Choire will now go on to represent Carlow in the national 4HOME’s competition and the overall winner will be presented with their prize in early June by celebrity chef Rachel Allen.
“The children are ecstatic with their win. The competition has been great for them as they learned so much about nature and the benefits of hard work and team work. Gardening, particularly growing fruit and vegetables, really is a life-skill,” said a proud Pauline Barrett, who is a teacher at the school.
Heartbroken family mourns passing of Pauline Minchin
THE LATE Pauline Minchin will always be remembered as a woman who brought light into the lives of all who knew her. The Bagenalstown native passed away on 28 March in St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny leaving behind a heartbroken family, and a wide circle of friends who will cherish her very special memory.
Pauline was a woman of deep faith and was actively involved in parish life at many levels. She was a woman with a renowned voice whose talents were sought after at every wedding, funeral or party in the area.
The daughter of James and Joanna Curry from Main Street in Bagenalstown, Pauline was gifted with a musical talent that ran rich through her genes. The Curry family owned and operated a bakery and café which was started by Pauline’s grandfather. Her father Jimmy played the concertina and was one of the very first to make a record for the recording company HMV. Indeed, the Curry family harmonised in four parts and were very much in demand at social events.
Pauline trained as a hairdresser in Dublin and met her husband Peter when she was 16. They were married on 1 September 1954 and later Peter would join Keenan Brothers in Bagenalstown and the couple would set up their first home in Pairc Mhuire. A short time later they moved to Station Road where they reared five wonderful children.
A witty, sunny person, Pauline was also a dynamic community activist and was involved in the swimming club, the musical society and was a member of the Senior Citizens’ Club committee. The most capable lady was also involved with the Lourdes Invalid Fund and travelled as a pilgrim several times. When local priests Fr Tom Bambrick and his late brother Paddy were ministering in the Figi Islands the hardworking Pauline was an active fundraiser for their worthy cause.
Pauline made a special appearance on The Late Late Show with the Joe Linnane Talent Show; a memory that was precious to her. She sang with the Garda Band under the direction of Bagenalstown native Tommy Boyle in St Andrew’s Church in Bagenalstown where she was accompanied by the girls of the Presentation Primary School and also in the McGrath Hall.
Although Pauline had been suffering with her health for several years before her passing, the brave and selfless lady remained cheerful and positive. She adored her beautiful garden, which won an award over the years, and while she was ill she had her bed positioned so that she could look out every day and enjoy the view and watch the birds. Always keen to be involved, Pauline knew of every plant that was potted and planted in her garden and to celebrate the birth of each of her seven grandchildren she had a tree for each in the garden. The Arboretum in Leighlinbridge was a place where she adored spending time.
Her family remember a person whose life was very happy and very fulfilled. Pauline was the mother of five loving children, Helen, David, Leonie, Paula and Nicola and cherished wife of Peter. They wish to thank most sincerely Dr Coffey and all the staff in Bagenalstown Health Centre. They also express deep gratitude to Ann Nolan, Statia Murphy, Eileen Nolan and home carer Marianne Dowling for all the loving and excellent care given to their mother.
Pauline is deeply mourned by her son David (Bagenalstown), daughters Helen (Bagenalstown), Leonie and Paula (Kilkenny), and Nicola (Madrid). She will be sorely missed by her sons-in-law, sister Rene Byrne (Dublin), sisters-inlaw Eileen Curry (Main Street) and Joan Curry (Staffordshire). Also Kevin (Staffordshire), grandchildren Darren, Barry, Sarah, Simon, Jenny, Robert and Isabella, nieces, nephews, cousins, good neighbours and many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí.
Ava’s art catches judges’ eyes
BALLINKILLEN student Ava Murphy has been awarded a top prize in the 9 to 11 age category in the 55th Texaco Children’s Art competition. The Corrybeg native is a passionate artist and picked up the second prize in her age category at a special ceremony held in the City West Hotel in Dublin recently.
Ava painted the picture called Solitaire after reading a book about the Children of Lir and the fourth class student hopes to become an art teacher when she grows up.
“I love painting,” Ava told The Nationalist when her piece was selected. “I was reading a book about the Children of Lir and that’s where I got the idea from. I forgot to put a name on it so my teacher called it Solitaire. I would like to be an art teacher when I finish school,” said the ambitious ten-year-old.
Ava is the daughter of Bernadette and Aidan Murphy. She has two sisters, Lauren and Jill. Now in its 55th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest running event in the history of art sponsorship in Ireland.