Genealogy research by Mark Humphrys.
Genealogy research by Mark Humphrys.
Michael Heffernan, T.D. (see here),
Not at home in 1901 census. Probably at school.
When young he was a
fine sportsman.
Competed in national athletics (sprinting) under the name Richard Heffernan.
He played rugby for Cork Constitution rugby club.
(Though he was from Co.Tipperary not Cork.)
Played rugby for
Munster
and Ireland.
Played 4 times for Ireland.
[Kickham family tree]
says after an Ireland-England rugby match
one English press report said:
"Heffernan was about
the best forward on the Irish team, but what a coarse Christian that
Cork man is".
He studied Agriculture at Glasnevin.
He is probably "Michael Heffernan"
listed
in 1911 census
as a lodger in Skibbereen, Co.Cork.
This person is
"bank official", age 25, born Co.Tipperary.
Cannot find anyone else who looks like him in 1911 census.
He
emigrated to Canada shortly before 1914 to take up an offer in banking.
When WWI broke
out in 1914, he joined the Canadian Army.
He was posted to Europe.
He didn't see much service because of illness.
He
was
invalided out.
Returned to Ireland.
He mar 28 June 1927 [him age 42]
to Stastia Morrissey [Anastasia, dau of Edward Morrissey, farmer].
No issue.
At mar she is living 1 Herbert Ave, Merrion, Co.Dublin.
They mar at Booterstown RC church, Co.Dublin.
See mar cert
from here.
At some point he settled at
Kilmurry Lodge, Ballyneale, Co.Tipperary.
He was said to have purchased Kilmurry from the estate of
Laurence Kickham (died 1917).
But Michael is still listed at Cuckoo Hill at marriage in 1927.
He was re-elected a TD again in
Sept 1927 election.
After this election, the
Farmers' Party joined
Cumann na nGaedhael
in a coalition government.
Junior Minister, 1930-1932:
From 3 Apr 1930 to 29 Jan 1932
he was
Parliamentary Secretary
(junior minister)
to
Ernest Blythe,
the
Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
He was still leader of the Farmers' Party at the
1932 election,
but lost his seat.
The Farmers' Party re-formed with others as the
National Centre Party.
Michael retired from politics.
He played no further role in Irish politics,
but remained a regular
contributor to the letters page of the Irish Times.
He
became the first manager of Arklow Pottery,
He farmed at
Kilmurry Lodge
for many years.
Eventually sold Kilmurry and moved to Blackrock, Co.Dublin.
He organised the plaque
to honour his relative
Charles Kickham
at the house where he died, Montpelier Place, Dun Laoghaire.
He died 21 Nov 1970, age 85 yrs, NOT 1973.
See oireachtas.ie
and electionsireland.org.
Please donate to support this site.
I have spent a great deal of time and money on this research.
Research involves travel and many expenses.
Some research "things to do"
are not done for years, because I do not have the money to do them.
Please Donate Here
to support the ongoing research and
to keep this website free.
