1901 Census: Monaghan Row

These ten homes on Monaghan Row are themselves recalled by many, including your editor. Indeed I remember that tiny shop at number 1, beside the old concrete watering-trough!

In addition, the second home of my aunt Elizabeth was at number 5, with the Rices, herein enumerated. She was mother (much later) to my cousin Larry Larkin and related by marriage to the Downeys of Friar Tucks. I hope including this short list will spark others to comment.

For example, is the Hugh McKenna related to Hugh, later of the Cork& Bottle, just one hundred metres distant? Was this Flanagan related to Brendan (of Beechmount Park) and his brother Sean (Warrenpoint) who hailed from Erskine Place? After all, it was just a generation later that Erskine Place (and shortly after Linenhall Square) were built to accommodate the displaced from Monaghan Row, Church St, High St etc. as already mentioned.

The other families here named, Quinn, McDonald, Maguire, McConville, Bell, Kavanagh, O’Brien and McConnell, are numerous and well-represented throughout the town.

Our contributor Dickie Rodgers remembers the Brays, who are listed here as then being resident in The Barracks.  The family head was the Caretaker or Warden, for The Barracks, even then, was no longer being used to house troops.

If you are embarking on a family history study, I recommend you start with this Census, and continue with the 1911 one, available at the National Archives, Dublin. It’s what I did – to find – amongst much more! – the information I have just reproduced.

Often the return is completed in the hand of the Head of Family, something to treasure in itself! You also learn

How many resided in each home

What their religion was

Occupation of head of family and spouse

Relationship to Head of Family

Place of birth

Whether each person could read/write

I find the study fascinating. You should try it!