Sir William McMahon visits his Kilfenora tenants, 1873

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Sduddy
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Sir William McMahon visits his Kilfenora tenants, 1873

Post by Sduddy » Thu Mar 25, 2021 11:19 am

Clare Freeman, Sat 30 Aug 1873:
Sir William S McMahon, Bart., accompanied by his brother, Robert McMahon, Esq., and Joseph Gubbins, Esq., Kilrush, arrived at the residence of his agent, T. Greene, Esq., Bindon-street, on Tuesday last, and on Wednesday, in company with him, proceeded to Kilfenora, to visit his estates in that neighbourhood. On approaching Kilfenora they were met by his numerous and respectable tenantry who greeted Sir William on his first visit to them since the death of his lamented father. After going over the estate, and paying complimentary visits to several of his tenants, who kindly welcomed and entertained them, he and his friends proceeded to the house of the respected parish priest, Rev. Mr. Newell, who received them with that genuine good nature peculiar to the Irish Priest. After an interchange of good wishes, the Rev. Mr. Newell, in the presence of the tenantry, read an address from them to Sir William, expressive of the love and affection they entertained for his family, and that they were sure from Sir William’s great urbanity shown that day, that he would pursue the same kind course towards them. The rev. gentleman said that the address was only got up at the moment, as his visit was almost unexpected. Sir William delivered a very graceful and appropriate reply, during which the hearty good feeling of his tenantry was repeatedly and warmly manifested. He referred, in feeling terms, to his grandfather and father, and said it was his desire to follow their example. He had no doubt but with the aid of his agent, whom he was glad to see was respected and beloved by them, that they could continue prosperous, and the estates would be well managed. When Sir William had concluded, the tenants made repeated calls on Mr Greene, who addressed them, and referred to the auspicious coming among them of Sir William, and the joy it afforded himself at witnessing the warm-hearted reception thus given, at a moment’s notice, which must prove to their young and chivalrous landlord that the enthusiastic reception he received from a grateful and contented tenantry was the spontaneous outburst of their kind feelings. After being hospitably entertained by Father Newell, Sir William and party left for Bindon-st., amid the hearty cheers of an industrious and respectable tenantry who that day showed themselves the true type of the old Irish character, which is not yet extinct in Corcomroe.
McMahon (Kilfenora): http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/Lande ... sp?id=1805

Sheila

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