Person Page - 21

Richard Fitzpatrick, son of Arthur Fitzpatrick and Eliza Hall, was born in Ashford on 16 July 1857.^4,2 Richard Fitzpatrick may have come from the Waterford area or from the Dublin direction.¹ He married Ellen Giffney, daughter of Michael Giffney and Ellen Nugent, and was said to have had 9 children.^1,2 Richard Fitzpatrick died at Ashford on 27 March 1940 at age 82.^4,2

Richard was the Chief Steward on the Inchinappa Upper Estate.¹

Arthur Fitzpatrick was born in 1892 at Ashford.^4,2 Arthur Fitzpatrick was usually known as Art.³

Arthur Fitzpatrick was the first person to be imprisoned in Wicklow Gaol. He was arrested circa 1921 for carrying papers he shouldn't have had. He was given a notice setting out the reason for his imprisonment which he later had framed and which his daughter had in 2003. She also had two autograph books which belonged to Art. They contain many signatures of famous Irishmen some of whom were executed at Kilmainham. One of them was Arthur Griffiths.⁵

Art married Kathleen Kennedy, daughter of James Kennedy and Elizabeth Kehoe, on 23 November 1921 at St Patrick's, Wicklow, The witnesses were Richard Fitzpatrick and Mary Kennedy.^3,6,2 Arthur Fitzpatrick was a Motor Driver at the time.^7,8 They lived in Wicklow on 6 November 1925.^9,7 They lived at The Mall, Wicklow, on 23 July 1929 although this could have been the same place.⁸

He was appointed executor in the the will of Patrick Joseph Mooney on 29 September 1955; With his son Jack dead and Maureen caring for him, Paddy now changed his will leaving everything to her. He appointed Art Fitzpatrick, a nephew by marriage, as his executor and residual legatee. The witnesses were James P Coghlan, his solicitor, and James Nolan a good friend of 63 South Street, New Ross. In discussing the will with his solicitor he again referred to his son Paddy: I don't want Paddy or his wife to have anything to do with anything I have. By this time the estate did not include any cash; there was only the South Street premises and the Irishtown houses. A copy of the will was sent to the executor.^10,11 In the letter to Art telling him that he had been appointed as executer, James Coghlan, Solicitor, said ... holds you in the highest esteem and affection on 29 September 1955.¹² Arthur replied saying he wasn't happy about being the residual legatee. He said: What about his son Patrick and his wife and, I understand he has two sons, brothers of Maureen. I certainly would relinquish all claim to any part of the estate if any of them were alive as in all fairness, apparently my Uncle has forgotten about them - and I would legally relinquish my claim in their favour.^13,12 In a further letter to Coghlans on 14 September 1956,Arthur Art said that he had been told that Maureen Mooney's death was mentioned in a newspaper and that he was sorry not to have attended the funeral. He repeated his earlier sentiment that the son and family should inherit.¹² Maureen went to see Art in Wicklow about it on the Sunday 7 October 1956 and he talked her out of keeping the premises. She agreed to go ahead with the sale and he gave her a letter to take to Coghlans outlining what they had agreed. Maureen also had a telegram from Dad telling her to sell. She recalls that she stayed with the Fitzpatrick's when she visited Art and said she formed the impression that they were well-off.^12,14

He died at home suddenly on 19 May 1964 aged 72 years.^3,15,16,2

A memorial card read: In loving memory of Arthur Fitzpatrick who died on 19th May 1964 R.I.P.¹⁶ His obituary appeared in the Wicklow People:

DEATH OF WICKLOW BUSINESSMAN
Mr Art Fitzpatrick, Bridge Street
(extracted from a newspaper cutting)

The unexpected death of Mr. Art Fitzpatrick, Bridge Street, Wicklow, which occurred on Tuesday evening, caused deep regret in the town and district. He was one of the town's leading businessmen and he held the esteem of his many associates in the business world as well as of a very large number of friends.

Mr. Fitzpatrick had been in his usual good health on Tuesday, and attended the weekly livestock sale at Ashford, as 'was his' custom. After tea he complained of feeling unwell, and he died quite unexpectedly at his residence shortly afterwards. He was aged 72 years.

Born at Ashford and educated in the local national school, Mr. Fitzpatrick spent his early years working in the locality where his father was steward on the Inchinappa Estate. He later entered the employment of Messrs Haskins, Wicklow, and subsequently went into partnership with his brother, the late Mr. Jack Fitzpatrick, The Mall, in the licensed carrier trade. In the following years the carrier trade was taken over by C.l.E., and the two brothers ventured into the victualling and bakery business at Fitzwilliam Square and Bridge St. respectively. The partnership proved very successful and the business was extended in 1945 to include a licensed vintners' premises at Abbey Street. On the death of Mr. Jack Fitzpatrick, Mr. Art Fitzpatrick managed the entire business which then included a farm at Newrath, Ashford. Last year the licensed premises of White's, at Rathnew, was acquired and placed under the name of Fitzpatrick Brothers.

Mr. Fitzpatrick possessed an extensive knowledge of the various concerns under his control, and, in particular, was a lead Ins authority in the victualling business, and where stock was concerned in general. Up to recent years he managed an extensive farm at Newrath, and his cattle won many prizes at the Ashford Livestock Show. He was a shrewd judge of all kinds of stock. and his opinion was often sought in that respect.

IN STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

Probably Mr. Fitzpatrick will be best remembered for his exploits during the War of Independence when he held the position of Officer-in-Charge of the Wicklow Company of the East Wicklow Brigade, Old I.R.A. He played a leading role throughout the campaign for independence, and on many occasions he endangered his life in the cause of freedom. His home was frequently raided by the Black and Tans. and on one occasion be was found to be in possession of documents which were alleged to be of an incriminating kind. He was actively associated with many other important events in the area and he displayed great courage in all his undertakings. On the outbreak of the Civil War he remained neutral.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was associated with many local organisations and he lent his support to all movements established for the good of the town or district. He was a member of the Wicklow and District Chamber of Commerce, the Wicklow Traders Association, and also assisted the Wicklow Regatta Committee in organising the regatta and carnival week in the town. He was a keen supporter of the local G.A.A. Club and followed its fortunes with enthusiasm and much interest over the years One of his sons Jimmy, won a number of county championship medals with the club, and two nephews Jack and Joe Fitzpatrick, have represented the senior football. The latter has also done duty for Leinster.

Of a most obliging and unassuming nature, Mr: Fitzpatrick made friends with all, and in doing so won the respect of associates and colleagues in the business world. His death is keenly felt, and the sympathy of those who knew him is tendered to his widow, family and relatives.

He is survived by his wife. and by two sons Richard (Dick) and James, Wicklow three daughters, Mrs. S 0'Rourke and Miss B. Fitzpatrick, Wicklow, and Mrs. H Briscoe, England. He has two brothers, Mr Richard Fitzpatrick, P.C., Ballinalea, Ashford, and Mr. Patrick Fitzpatrick Rathgar, Dublin.

THE OBSEQUIES

There was a very large attendance at the removal of the remains to St Patrick's Church, Wicklow, on Wednesday evening. The coffin was draped in the Tricolour, and members of the Old I.R.A. and former comrades in arms acted as a guard of honour under the supervision of Commdt. M. J, Kavanagh, ex-O.C. East Wicklow Brigade. The remains were received at the church by Rev. S. Quigley C.C.

Requiem Mass was Celebrated by Very Rev. T. Power, P.P., V. F., on Thursday morning, and interment took place in Rathnew Cemetery in the afternoon. The attendance was again very large.

As the remains left the Church for the cemetery a guard of honour of members of the East Wicklow Brigade. Old I.R.A., lined up at each side of the hearse and accompanied the remains. The same guard of honour, under Commdt., M. I. Kavanagh, acted at the graveside.

Full military honours were rendered at the graveside by members of the 2nd Battalion F.C.A. from Cathal Brugha Barracks, and a firing party under Sergt. J. Scully discharged three volleys. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Cpl. O Walsh.

Prayers at the graveside were recited by Very Rev. T. Power, P.P., V.F., Wicklow and he was assisted by Rev. W. Dunlea, C.C., Rathnew. and Rev. V, Breen, C.C., Barndarrig.

Chief mourners: Mrs Fitzpatrick (widow); Messrs. Dick and James Fitzpatrick Wicklow (sons); Mrs. S. O'Rourke, Wicklow; Mrs H. Briscoe, England and Miss B. Fitzpatrick, Wicklow, (daughters); Messrs Richard Fitzpatrick, Ashford, and Patrick Fitzpatrick, Dublin, (brothers); Mrs J. Fitzpatrick, Wicklow, (daughter-in-law); Messrs. H Briscoe, England and S. O'Rourke, Wicklow, (sons-in-law); Mrs. P Fitzpatrick, Dublin, Mrs R Fitzpatrick, Ashford, Mrs E. Fitzpatrick, Wicklow, and Mrs P Cafferty, England, (sisters in law); Mr. J Kennedy, Dublin, (brother in law); Messrs. Dick, Joe, Jack and Michael Fitzpatrick, Wicklow; Patrick and Peter Dublin; Dick Fitzpatrick, Limerick; Dick Fitzpatrick, Ashford; Paul Kennedy, Dublin; Anthony, Peter and Kevin Cafferty (nephews); Mrs D Griffin, Wicklow; Mrs Muller U.S.A; Mrs. U. Geraghty, Mrs. B. Ward, England; Misses Nora, Eileen, Madeline and Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Wicklow; Miss Elsie Fitzpatrick, Dublin; Miss Philomena Cafferty (nieces); Rev. M. Giffney, Westminster, and grandchildren, and other relatives.-R.I.P.¹⁷

He was a Prominent Businessman.¹⁷

Kathleen Kennedy, daughter of James Kennedy and Elizabeth Kehoe, was born on 24 January 1896⁴ and was baptised on 26 January 1896 at St Patrick's, Wicklow. The sponsors were Michael Morrissey and Anna Denison..⁴ Kathleen was always called Katherine or Katty.¹

Kathleen married Art Fitzpatrick, son of Richard Fitzpatrick and Ellen Giffney, on 23 November 1921 at St Patrick's, Wicklow, The witnesses were Richard Fitzpatrick and Mary Kennedy.^1,3,5 They lived in Wicklow on 6 November 1925^2,6 and were living at the The Mall, Wicklow, on 23 July 1929 although this could have been the same place.⁷

Kathleen Kennedy died on 25 October 1994 at age 98 at Wicklow.^1,5

This is a transcript of a story told by 'Aunt Katty' and taken down by her nephew.

Aunt Katty October 1993

Art first became involved in the Republican Army after 1916. As far as Aunt K. knows he was not involved before 1916.

At that time, he was working as a chauffeur for Dr Linden and had been doing so for several years.

Later, he was employed by the Haskins brothers - there were three brothers, Jack, David and ???. Apart from driving these around, he also acted as a sort of commercial traveller for Haskins, taking orders in the Wicklow area. He worked for Haskins for 21 years, so he must have been with them from before 1916.

He came into Wicklow in 1911 or 1912 to stay with Aunt Sarah Olohan (Aunt Sarah's husband was the uncle of Paddy Olohan). She was related to Granny Fitzpatrick. Aunt K. does not know Sarah's maiden name.

Art was arrested by the British in 1920 and released in 1921. He could have joined the Army with the rank of Captain at the time. Aunt K. hoped he would not join, but did not press him not to. Following his release he returned to his job at the Haskins Bros.

He and Katty had arranged to marry on 21st November 1920. Art was arrested on October 20th so the wedding had to be postponed. They subsequently married on 21st November 1921.

Art was put in Wicklow jail first of all, and then transferred to Mountjoy as Wicklow jail was full.

Katty was a member of Cumann na mBan and she and the other girls tried to feed the men in the jail. They brought sandwiches and tea to the jail every night.

The food was usually prepared in Katty's home. While Art was in Mountjoy, Katty got passes to visit him through Aunt Fanny Donovan (mother of Phil Donovan). Mr Donovan had a good job in the post office or sanet suit place and he and his wife disapproved of Art's activities. However, they used their influence to get passes for Aunt K.

Art stayed with Haskins they set up in business themselves. (K. cannot remember what got them started).

Art started Jack in the haulage business. When the Haskins Brother separated Jack Haskins suggested that the two brothers, Jack and Art, should go together because Haskins were giving Art all the work. So the two of them got into the haulage business.

Before going out on his own, Jack had been driving a lorry for Colebarn Hopkins (Colebarn Hopkins had a large garage business where the Allied Bank now stands).

In the 1930s, the Railway (C.I.E.) objected to private hauliers and the Government bought Art and Jack out. With the money they received for the haulage business, they bought the bakery.

Art and Katty were living under the Mall at the time, Jack stayed with them for 10 years before he got married. He used to go to Ashford at the weekend.

Mick worked on the lorries with Art & Jack. He had dinner two or three times a week with Art and Katty. Art was the only one of the brothers actively involved in the political activities of the time, though the others were sympathetic. Art was very keen. He was the leader of the Group in Wicklow. Tom Cullen was his superior. Cullen worked as a barman for 'Rajah' Kavanagh who owned the pub which is now Fitzpatricks, Abbey Street.

Tom and his brother lodged with Mrs Considine. She was the organist in the church, taught music also had a school. Katty attended the school. She also had a guesthouse.

Delia, her daughter, got great with Tom Cullen's brother. He was a butcher and was employed in the shop which subsequently became Fitzpatrick's father's shop in Fitzwilliam Square.

Delia dropped the brother and married Tom. Delia and Tom married very quietly at the height of the troubles. Katty and Josie knew about it, but told no-one - much to the annoyance of their companions when the news got out.

Only Josie was invited to the wedding. Michael Collins got in through a window to attend the reception. Only about 10 or 12 of Collins's ??? men were at the wedding.

Tom Cullen had become a captain at the time. Later, when we got our own Government, Tom and Delia lived in the Vice-Regal Lodge in Phoenix Park. Tom was aide-de camp to Collins. They were care-taking the V-R. Lodge.

When Katty got married, Delia sent a present and letter from the V-R. Lodge.

All the Fitzpatrick family was in the Ashford pipe band. The Tans raided the lodge and burned most of the pipe band uniforms - 1902-21 period.

Later, Katty was given two of the bandmens' skirts that escaped the fire. They were a beautiful tan colour. She made frocks from them for Eileen, Betty and Phil.

As far as Katty knew, Granny Fitz did not object to Art's revolutionary activities, but probably did not want it talked about they were living on Inchinappa estate. Katty often went to dances in Ashford, they were held in Cunniam's hall.

Mrs Considine used to run concerts in Wicklow. Katty and her friends were in the choir and performed at the concerts. The Wicklow choir also sang at concerts in Ashford.

Katty remembers a three-day fete being held in Ashford. There was a concert every night and after the concert they danced all night. This took place in Cunniam's hall. The fete was run to raise money for the new church in Ashford.

Katty thinks that John Clarke, Rosanna, was probably the head of the fund-raising effort.

There was always someone from Dublin for the concert - well known artiste(s) brought in for the occasion. Mrs Considine did likewise for the concerts she ran in Wicklow.

Mrs Considine formed a quartet - Hen Kennedy, May Byrne, Katty and Liley Furlong. The quartet performed in Ashford also.

Music for the dance after the concert - piano and accordion or melodeon. Waltzes, two steps, valettas, and square dances.

Suitable items for the quartet were chosen by Mrs Considine. These were more or less classical pieces rather than popular pieces. May Byrne sang 'Trees', she had a lovely voice. Hen was a good soprano. They took part in the quartet from about 1913 to 1917. Then Hen and Liley got married and the quartet broke up.

Jack Kennedy, Hen's husband, used to do comedy turns and play the violin. He was a very good comic. He performed at the concerts in Ashford too.

Grandfather Fitzpatrick's mother lived in the Lodge with him. When he married, granny Fitz. moved into the Lodge. Katty does not know if his mother was still alive at this time.

Grandfather's brother, Michael, joined the R.I.C. and went to Waterford. Nothing was heard of him for years.

Jack Barlow used to keep an ice-cream parlour down near the Murragh - Leitrim Place. Everyone who patronised the parlour was invited to sign the visitors' book.

One day Jack sent a message to Art that there was a London-Irish girl there who said that she had relations in Ashford. Art went over to Barlows to find that the girl was a daughter of his father's brother, Michael, who had gone to Waterford. She was a clerk in London and was on a hockey team which had come over to play in Ireland.

She later returned to Waterford from London and married a Kerryman named O'Sullivan. She became the mother of Des and of a daughter, Eileen.

Fr. Richard Fitzpatrick is a grandson of Michael. Fr. Richard's sister, Peggy, married a Paddy Crotty.

Rose Fitzpatrick was another granddaughter. She lived in Washington Street. Aunt K. thinks that Rose did not marry.The grandmother Fitzpatrick had cousins in Islandbridge, Dublin, where they had a shop. They were named Fitzpatrick also - Pat, the brother, and two sisters. None of them married. They would have been Granny Fitz's generation. They had a sister in America who was married and had a daughter named Rose - Rose O'Hara.

Aunt Katty had a photo of the O'Haras and of Rose and her husband when they visited Ashford. Aunt K. does not know where they lived in the U.S. Aunt K visited the Fitzpatricks in Islandbridge in 1921. One of the sisters, Anna, died in 1928. Aunt K. has her memorium card. She ???? her after the other two died.^8,9

Richard Laurence Fitzpatrick, son of Arthur Fitzpatrick and Kathleen Kennedy, was born on 6 November 1925 in Wicklow.^5,4 As of 1950, Richard Laurence Fitzpatrick was called Dick.^1,4 He was said to have had a bad leg and haemophilia.¹

Richard Laurence Fitzpatrick died on 18 February 1983 at age 57 in Wicklow aged 57 years.^6,4

Eileen Mary Fitzpatrick was born on 4 November 1922 at Wicklow.^2,3,4

Eileen Mary Fitzpatrick married Sean O'Rourke.^1,2

Eileen Mary Fitzpatrick died in 2015.⁵

John O'Rourke was born at Killeshin, Co Laois.¹ John O'Rourke He was generally known as Sean.²

Sean O'Rourke married Eileen Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of Arthur Fitzpatrick and Kathleen Kennedy.^2,1

Philomena Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of Arthur Fitzpatrick and Kathleen Kennedy, was born in 1927² and married Harry Briscoe, son of Wastel Henry Briscoe and Agnes Mary Foley.^1,2 Philomena Mary Briscoe died on 6 April 2007 from a heart attack.³

Ellen Giffney, daughter of Michael Giffney and Ellen Nugent, was born at Ballinahinch, Ashford. The sponsors at her baptism were Arthur Fitzpatrick and Eliza Fitzpatrick.^3,2 Ellen Giffney married Richard Fitzpatrick, son of Arthur Fitzpatrick and Eliza Hall, and was said to have had 9 children.^1,2 Ellen died on 21 March 1956 at Ashford.^4,2

Edward Fitzpatrick was born in 1916.² He died as a baby.¹

Michael Joseph Fitzpatrick, son of Richard Fitzpatrick and Ellen Giffney, was born in 1894 at Ashford.^1,3 Michael Joseph Fitzpatrick was generally known as Mick²and lived in Ashford, Co Wicklow.¹

Michael Joseph Fitzpatrick died on 7 December 1957 at Ashford.^1,3

John Fitzpatrick, son of Richard Fitzpatrick and Ellen Giffney, was born on 21 September 1902 in Dublin.^1,2 John Fitzpatrick was called Jack.^3,2

John Fitzpatrick married Eileen Kavanagh, daughter of Joseph Kavanagh and Maria Wall,² and died on 22 January 1957 at age 54 in Wicklow.²

Richard Fitzpatrick, son of Richard Fitzpatrick and Ellen Giffney, was born in 1897 in Ashford.^3,2 Richard Fitzpatrick married Alice Mary Donohoe, daughter of Joseph Donohoe and Mary Donohie,^4,2 and died on 6 December 1968 at Ashford.³