Tuesday 16 July 2013

Cork Gowens and the IRA

Source
Following the war of independence against the British, the Irish Civil War (1922-23) pitted the new Irish Free State government against the IRA, who refused to accept the independence deal with the British (apologies if I'm simplifying  too much here).

Family tradition has it that a couple of the 'Ballyhindon' and 'Youghal' Gowens were involved on the side of the IRA in both struggles.

Monday 15 July 2013

Ellen Gowen of Ballyhooly and the Griffiths Valuation

Ballyhooly Main St. - Late 1880s
Source

The Primary Valuation was the first full-scale valuation of property in Ireland. It was overseen by Richard Griffith and published between 1847 and 1864.

A search of this document reveals one enterprising lady - Ellen Gowen of Ballyhooly.