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Notes: Nolans of Cappawater, Ballaghmore, Kilmaglish and Roslee

By October 24, 2025October 26th, 2025No Comments

Cappawater

John & Margaret Nolan
John Nolan (1830?-1882) married Margaret Nolan (1835-1917) in Myshall, 7 November 1872. Margaret dau. of Edward Nolan and Hannah Kearney. John son of Mathew Nolan. John died 26 June 1882 at Cappawater.

Children: Catherine (1873), Johanna (1874-1944), Michael (1876), John (1877), Edward (1879), Mattie (1881).

Margaret Nolan of Cappwater mentioned in will of Simon Kearney, 1893. Simon was a brother of Hannah Kearney, her aunt. Ages for Margaret inconsisent – 50 in 1901 census, then 65 in 1911, then 70 at death in 1917. 1835 may be correct.

Did John come from Ballaghmore originally? Marriage record states father is Matthew Nolan of Cappawater. Family history/tree states his father was Michael Nolan of Ballaghmore, m. Fenlon, and had sibling Winifred Nolan x Ed Gorman [doubtful data]



Mathew Nolan & Bridgid Murphy
Mathew (Mattie) Nolan (1881-1956) married Bridgid Murphy 3 March 1919. Mattie son of John & Margaret Nolan. Children: John, Tom, Matt, Josie, Peg, Bridie, Joseph, Katie, Eddie.

Margaret bought 97 acres in Cappawater from John Campion, 29 Sep 1904.

Source: >

Ballaghmore

Edward Nolan of Ballaghmore, challenge to a duel.
>
Manuscript: Challenge to a Duel, addressed to Edward Nowlan, Balaghmoon, Carlow June 30th 1810, take notice that you must meet me at Carlow in the Barrack yard tomorrow morning at the hour of ten o’clock in the fore noon of said day to finish the dispute between you and me. John Tracy [of Lisgarvan]. With statement made by Edwardian Nowlan, Lisgarian? before Robert Cornwall, magistrate, and signed by both men, as a m/ss, w.a.f. (1). Sold for €140, Mealy’s Rare Book Sale Dublin 10 December 2013.

Court evidence regarding duel, 1810 County of Carlow to wit

The examination of Edward Nowlan of Ballaghmore in said County Farmer who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and examined saith that for some time past John Tracy of Lisgarvin in said County Labourer hath made frequent threats that he would ill use Examt. [Examinant] & frequently challanged him to fight and on the 24th day of June last the said John Tracy challanged Examt. [Examinant] to meet and fight him on the Friday following at Ballaghmore aforesd. [aforesaid] to which Examinant paid no attention and saith that yesterday the first Inst. [Instant] Percy Nowlan of Cappah Servant, came up to Examt. [Examinant] on the public road on the lands of Ballaghmore and delivered Examt. [Examinant] the paper writing hereunto annexed & which is in the words following – “June 30th 1810. Take notice that you must meet me at Carlow in the Barrick yard tomorrow morning at the Hour of Ten O Clock in the four noon of said day to decide the dispute between you & me. John Tracy Lisgarvin. Edward Nowlan Ballaghmore” and saith from the frequent threats of John Tracy Examt. [Examinant] is in dread & fear of his life & that he will do him some bodily harm.

Edw. X Nowlan, his mark, Sworn before me this 2d July 1810, truly read, Robt. Cornwall.https://www.flickr.com/photos/delanyarchive/12794930683

Edwrd Nolan Census search 1841 > – lists various Nolan families in Ballaghmore.

Transcribe Lismaconly grave >

Check this Nolan/Clowry list: >
– “Feb 20 1837 Mat Nolan (Brother of Mike who emigrated to Chicago) John Nolan & Biddy Clowry sp: John & Mary Nolan Ballaghmore” etc.

Carlow college list > PDF >

Erected by Michael Nolan of Ballaghmore to the memory of his son Stephen Nolan who departed this life on the 3rd day of April 1823 aged 25 years. Here also is deposited the remains of the above mentioned Michael Nolan aged 100 years. Here also lie the remains of Mrs. Michael Nolan who departed this life the 7th of June 1852 aged 90 years >

My father, Matthew Nolan or Matt as he was better known, was born in 1910, the eldest son of Michael Nolan, Ballaghmore (three miles from Myshall) Co. Carlow … Mary Nolan Fitzsimmons, 2006, Nolan Clan newsletter. >. [-> Michael Nolan b. c. 1880 Ballaghmore].

Matthew Nolan of Ballaghmore, d. 1852, m. Catherine Curran, buried in Myshall chapel yard (from Nolan Cappawater FT). See here >.

The Will of James Nolan late of. Ballaghmore or Balloughmore County Carlow Farmer who died 23 October 1888 at same place was proved at the Principal Registry by … Exec Mary Anne Clowery, spinster.

Church of the Holy Cross, Myshall – burials: > Plot: B/O/18
Matthew Nolan, Age 88 years, Date of Death 14 Nov 1852
Catherine Curran, Age 67 years, Date of Death 25 Jun 1845
Wineford (sic) Nolan (nee Gorman), Age 38 years Date of Death 11 May 1858
– All buried in same plot, suggests Winnie Nolan was dau. of Matthew and Catherine.
– Winifred Nolan born 1820, m. Gorman ca. 1840.
– Mathew Nolan b. 1764, Catherine Curran b. 1778
– Marriage of Mathew & Catherine likely c. 1810
– Again points to Mathew Nolan being the father of all, iso. Michael

So if “Michael” is not the father of Winifred, John, or Matthew Nolan, and Matthew Nolan is the documented father of all three … then perhaps it is Matthew Nolan & Catherine Curran who are the parents of all three. Should be some baptism records to confirm, c. 1820, Myshall, noting Ballaghmore.

Researching at > NLI. Wonderfully ancient looking page for the first one. Looking for Mathew Nolan and Catherine Curran, probably styled at Mat Nowlan and Kate Curran.
R>> Continue here >

– Bridget Nolan bapt 22 March 1828, Ballaghmore, parents missing (page damaged) >
– Anne Nowlan, 23 Jan 1830, Ballaghmore, of (George?) Nolan & Anne (Drumgold?)
– Bridget Clowry, 5 Jan 1833, Ballaghmore, of Wm and Madlin? Dunn, Witn: Michael & Winifred Nowlan
Mat Nolan, 20 Feb 1837, Ballaghmore, of John Nolan and Biddy Clowry, Witn: John & Mary Nolan
– Patt Nolan, 4 Jun 1837, Ballaghmore, of Edward Nolan and Eliza McDonald, Witn: John & Judy Nolan
– Mostly Fenlon’s mentioned in Capawater


Mary Nolan Fitzsimons, m. Eamonn Fitzsimons. Blessington, Co. Wicklow. [From Nolan Clan newsletter ->] “The origins of the book began back in the early 1900’s when Fr. John Nolan, from the North but whose roots lay in Carlow decided to write a book on the history of the O’Nolans. During his quest he visited Carlow quite frequently where he had cousins in BaIlinrush, Myshall. The suitcase was given to a professor in Newbrldge College – Matthew Nolan and upon his death In 1977, his daughter, Mary FItzsimmons and cousin of hers, Br. P.J. Kavanagh read Art Kavanagh’s book. ‘In the shadow of Mount Leinster’ and felt he would be the person to bring the book to its fruition.” Also: Mary Fitzsimons: Growing up in Newbridge in the 1940s and 1950s. >. Also: “My father, Matthew Nolan or Matt as
he was better known, was born in 1910, the eldest son of Michael Nolan, Ballaghmore (three miles from
Myshall) Co. Carlow. His chosen career was secondary teaching and as a result we spent three
wonderfully happy months of every sum mer holiday during the 1940’s and early 1950’s in Ballaghmore. Matt was a historian and I’d like to share some of the stories he told me as a child”
– Matthew Nolan b. 1910 in Ballaghmore x Lucy Vize >. Son of Michael Nolan and Mary C. Murphy. Michael son of Matthew Nolan and Nanny Clowry.

Edward Nolan, Ballaghmore 1841
(1917) Nolan family, living at Mr. John Doolan, Bagnalstown, Co. Carlow requested name of mother and list of siblings. Father Edward Nolan, in 1841 living at Ballaghmore. Two Edward Nolans in Ballaghmore in 1841 were returned:
– Edward (Nedy) Nolan, 60, widower, married in 1817, head of family, with children: John 34, Richard 30, Bridget 21, Jean 8, Pat 6
– Edward & Elenor Nolen, married in 1832, children: Michael 8, Mary 6, Pat 4, Anne 1, Cathren 1. Also Mary (Nolan) 84, mother (died 1831).













Mathew Nolan & Anne Clowry

James Nolan bapt. 12 Feb 1881, son of Mathew Nolan & Anne Clowry, “Ballickmore”, Myshall register.

Source: >

Original family tree. Inconsistent, as suggests that John Nolan was son of Michael Nolan, but should be Matthew? Might be that John is in fact a son of Matthew Nolan & Catherine Curran.



Aclare

Winifred (Winnie) Nolan & Ed Gorman

Suggestion from tree: “Winifred Nolan, dau. of Michael Nolan of Ballaghmore, m. Ed Forman, Aclare, 1840’s, descendants: Gormans, Kearneys, etc.”

We need to confirm the father of Winifred Nolan(-1858) (Hyp.: Mathew Nolan (&Catherine Curran)).
– I think the insertion of Michael Nolan in the Cappawater family tree was a hypothesis, perhaps because the Mathew Nolan who died in 1852 was 88, and his wife was 28 years younger than him, making it seem perhaps that a generation in between was required. All three purported children of Michael – John, Mathew, and Winifred are documented (if we include the grave assumption for Winifred) to have a parent Mathew Nolan.
– 30-May-1847 Catherine Gorman, Aclare, dau. of Winifred Nolan and Edw Gorman
– 25-Feb-1849 Margaret Gorman, Aclare, dau. of Winifred Nolan and Edw Gorman
– 5-Feb-1851 Michael Gorman, Edwd Gorman & Winifred Nolan, Michael Loughlin Mary Nolan, Aclare >. Myshall Baptism.


Matthew Nolan, Age 88 years, Date of Death 14 Nov 1852
Catherine Curran, Age 67 years, Date of Death 25 Jun 1845
Wineford (sic) Nolan (nee Gorman), Age 38 years Date of Death 11 May 1858
– Almost certain that this would mean she is buried with her parents.

Myshall Old Graveyard: >
– Erected by Mrs. Johanna Nolan Aclare In Memory of her Beloved Husband John Nolan Died January 19th 1887 age 70 yrs RIP
– Erected to the memory of John Nolan late of Kilmaglush who dep’d this life April 25th 1821 aged 60 years. Also his Belived Wife Winefred Nolan who dep’d this life 9 August 1857(?) aged 84 years. [not the Winifred of Aclare]

Registry of Deeds

Land indexes (from FamilySearch): All refer to here. Deeds Vol 640 area > P15 = 1852 or so.

Land index: Cavan, Carlow, Clare 1850-1854
– Ballaghmore, Peter Fenlon to W. Prandy? 1852 > 26-228-688? Deed:>. Peter Fenlon and son Thomas Fenlon of Ballaghmore, with marriage to Margaret Prandy.
– Ballaghmore, Pat Clowry to Thomas Fenlon 1864 in index > 6-278-156. Deed >. 17 acres 24 perches, mortgage, estate.

Mathew Nolan & Anne Clowry

Church record: Mathew Nolan of Ballaghmore m. Anne Clowry, 21 Oct 1873 at Myshall >
Civil record: Mathew Nolan, bachelor, farmer, Ballaghmore, son of Mathew Nolan, Farmer, m. Nanny Clowry, dau. of Patrick Clowry. Witn: James Haydon & Mary Anne Clowry.

Source: Irish Civil records >

Ref. also Margaret Nolan (3 Jan 1835), dau. of Edward Nolan of Kilmaglish (1800-) (husband of Hannah Kearney, sister of Dennis Kearney) married John Nolan (son of Matthew Nolan) of Cappawater 7-Nov-1872 in Myshall.

Is John Nolan of Cappawater and Mathew Nolan of Ballaghmore, brothers and son of same Mathew Nolan of Ballaghmore?

Kilmaglish

Myshall Baptism register 1830-
– Baptism of John Nolan, Roslee, 1 Jan 1831, of James Nolan and Mary Dunne. Witn: Rev. P. C. (?) Nolan & Bridget Carney > [Ties in with John Nolan, of Rosslee, son of James, who married Mary Kearney in 1877 >]
– Nolans in the Church, from Nolan Families Archive >
Fr. Dan Nolan P.P Clonegar 1733.
Fr. Nowlan P.P Ballon 1798.
Fr. P.C. Nolan P.P Rathvilly.
Fr. Daniel Nolan P.P. Kill 1804-23.
Fr. P.F. Nolan ADM Tullow 1883
Fr. Thomas Nolan P.P. Abbeyleix 1880’s
Dr. Edward Nolan Bishop Kildare and Leighlin.
Rev. Frederick Nolan (1784-1864) Protestant theologian.
– See also >

continue here >

Father Patrick C. Nolan was educated at Carlow College (1818-1823) and was ordained in 1828 for the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin. He served as curate at Allen, Killeigh and Rathvilly. Parish priest, Rathvilly (1855-1885). Photograph held by the Delany Archive: www.delanyarchive.ie. Source: >

– [/Known/] Baptism of Alicia Kearney, 1 Jan 1854. Ballon parish, Killanne residence. Sponsors John Nolan and Bridget Kearney. [not known!]
– [/Known/]Baptism of Andrew Kearney, Jan 1833, son of Dennis Kearney and Mary Reddy. Witn. Simon & Johanna Kearney. > Kilmaglish.
– [/Known/] Baptism of Margaret Nowlan, 3 Jan 1835, dau. of Edward Nolan and Hannah Kearney. Witn. Laurence Nolan & Betty Kearney. > Kilmaglish.
– [/Known/] Baptism of Eliza Nolan, 25 Jul 1836, dau. of Edward Nolan and Hannah Kearney. Witn. Robt. Morris and betty Kearney. > Kilmaglish.
– Bapt. of Mary Murphy, 28 Dec 1836, dau. of James Murphy and Mary Nolan. Kilmaglish. >
– Bapt of Catherine Nolan, 30 Jan 1837, Roslee, dau. of James Nolan and Mary Dunn. >
– Bapt of Catherine Nolan, 21 Jan 1837, Roslee, dau. of Martin Nolan and Margt (mary?) Murphy >
– [/Known/] Bapt of Edward Kearney , 19 Sep 1837, of (D?en..) Kearney and Betty Reddy, Kilmaglish >, witn. Edwd Kinsella and Joanna Murphy.
– [/Known/] Bapt of Catherine Nolan, 24 Jun 1838, Kilmaglish, dau. of Edward Nolan & Hannah Kearney. Witn. Michael Nolan & Maria Kinsella. >

Kilmaglish in Myshall register:
3 Feb 1830, bapt. John Nolan of (Nolan) & Jane Butler. Witn: Richard Nolan & Susan (Caulfield?)
6 Aug 1831, bapt. Thomas Nowlan of (Nolan) & Mary Nowlan
27 Jan 1832, bapt. Daniel Fenlon of Capawater, parents page missing? Poss mother Margaret (Bench?). First mention of Capawater?



Edward Nolan letter (from IGP Web)
Edward Nowlan of Kilmaglush

March 1823

To Michael Rourke.

TAKE NOTICE that I have this day Surrendered myself a prisoner to the Sheriff of the County of Carlow and am now in actual Custody in the Jail of Carlow to abide my tryal for any charge which may be brought against me before the next Assize to be held in Carlow on Monday 24th day of March 1823.

Dated this the 10th day of March 1823.(signed) Edward Nowlan of Kilniaglush.

Patrick Clowry of Ballybreen, Carlow, Farmer, aged upwards of thirty years maketh oath and saith that he served Michael Rourke with a notice signed by the Prisoner, Edward Nowlan, of which the above is a true copy by delivering the same to Michael Rourke’s son, aged upwards of twenty years at the said Michael Rourke’s house.

(signed) Patrick Clowry. Sworn before me this day 24th March 1823.
(signed) Norbury.
[Note added by Michael Purcell 2011.” Norbury” is Lord Norbury, who was known as the hanging judge. He acted as judge at the trial of Robert Emmet in 1803, during which he continually interrupted, sneered and abused Emmet throughout the trial before sentencing him to be hanged, drawn and quartered.]

Source: M. Purcell c2011&2012. Old newspapers in the PPP. & Source: Sue Clement


Roslee


James Nolan & Mary Dunn

– DNA connection via Fenlon
James Nolan [parents unknown, no details] x Mary Dunn [same]
Son John Nolan bapt. 1 Jan 1831 at Roslee, Myshall. Rev P. C. Nolan, witness at birth of John Nolan son of James Nolan. Father Patrick C. Nolan was educated at Carlow College (1818-1823) and was ordained in 1828 for the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin. He served as curate at Allen, Killeigh and Rathvilly. Parish priest, Rathvilly (1855-1885). [Assuming family connection of some kind, poss. a brother of James Nolan]
– James Nowlan and Mary Dunn, Ricketstown, Rathvily. 1835. bapt. of dau. Margaret Nowlan. > [due bapt 1831 at Roslee this seems unlikely to be same couple]
– Roslee register (Myshall) for more?
– Myshall register: Bapt of Catherine Nolan, 30 Jan 1837, Roslee, dau. of James Nolan and Mary Dunn. >

Rev P. F. Nolan

From his obit: Chief Mourners were (his nephew) Rev. P. F. Nolan >. First posting was Myshall. That means that he may well have simply been the parish priest, acting as a sponsor.


Cappawater connection

Margaret Nolan (3 Jan 1835), dau. of Edward Nolan of Kilmaglish (1800-) (husband of Hannah Kearney, sister of Dennis Kearney) married John Nolan (son of Matthew Nolan) of Cappawater 7-Nov-1872 in Myshall.










Earlier history

[From nolanfamilies.org >] Based upon the information found in the Nolan book, it would further appear that Murrough ‘ne dowre’ had two sons, Edmund and Donough, who were alive in the early to mid 1500s. Edmund, presumed to have succeeded his father as “The O’Nolan”, had three sons: Cahir of Ballykealey who had 10 sons all born during or before the mid 1500s: Gerald, Brian, Teig, Donough, Edmund, Muiris, James, Phelim, Shane Duff and Owen. William of Kilbride who had 7 sons: Fiach, Cahir, Lesagh, Maurce ne Dower, Thady, Murrough ne Dower and Dermot. Rosse of Kilknock who had one son: William Donough had at least one son Donal, who in turn appears to have had 2 sons: Morgan of Rosslee from whom are descended the Nolans of Ballaghmore, Cappawater and Rosslee, and Hugh of Shangarry from whom are descended the Nolans of Shangarry, Knockendrane, Ballinrush and Tinnaclash; he had four sons: Cahir, Donell, William and Hugh.




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