Carlow County - Ireland Genealogical Projects (IGP ^TM)

County Carlow

St Patricks graveyard, Rathvilly

Whilst reading a stockpile of  papers I found an Article on the Hedge Schools, a topic close to my  heart.

In the Rathvilly St Patricks graveyard there is a well worn stone with the following inscription:

Erected by William D'Arcy
in memory of his father
Thomas D'arcy~Knocklishen
Died Janr 1882 aged 82.
And his mother
Catherine D'Arcy
died 5th March 1896
Seven Children Including a
Vincentian Priest and three
Presentation Nuns mourn
the loss of the above
their beloved parents
"He was a true and faithful friend
in life and died a happy death
May the Lord Have Mercy On Their Souls"
 

Edward D'arcy ( Darcy) was the teacher at the Knocklishen Hedge School, he was then succeeded by his son Michael- and Knockishen was to become the last Hedge School in Rathvilly Parish as later it became a National School. Thomas and Catherine D'Arcy nee ? continued at the National School as teachers, along with the main subjects, the gave tuition in Music - they had a family of 7 children  their eldest son was William Edward born? died?  who in 1878 was organist at the Carlow Cathedral, and in the same year aided by his sister Helen he organised a concert which was held at the Rathvilly Boys School, Helen went on to be a presentation Nun. Of the 7 children three were girls and all entered the Presentaion Order in Lucan.

Elizabeth born 1850 entered the Order in 1868 going on to become Mother Stanislaus D'Arcy Foundress of the Presentation Order in Lismore Australia. Unfortunatley all the records of Elizabeth background had been destroyed in Australia  so help was asked for and received from the Rev Mothers' in Lucan and Lismore Cameto Rathvilly.

After this long intro I am now wondering if the above Lucan and Lismore departments still exist today?

I have also learnt that a son Michael also emigrated to Australia. What became of Him?

I am interested in any Irish person that came to Australia, and its Island Tasmania

Source: Cara

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