Linnane ENNISTYMON

Ennistymon (Clare)

LINNANE (paired with Blake's next-door) was built as a is a semi-detached house in Ennistymon "Old Town" circa 1830. Its original Liscannor-slated roof dates back to that time. The Linnane shopfront (still intact) was introduced later in the mid-1880s. The picturesque facades of Blake and Linnane have featured worldwide on postcards, calendars and brochures and are protected structures.

In 1901 and 1911, Michael Linnane (1856-1935) and family are recorded here on the Ennistymon Census for "Old Town Road". In 1887, Mick Linnane was a "shopkeeper" when Minnie was born, and by 1903 he also appears on record as "farmer". His father, Michael Linnane Sr. was a farmer. Michael Linnane Jr (1856-1935) was a building contractor and timber merchant by trade. His wife, Bridget Shannon (1866–1929), ran the shop.

In February 1886, Michael Linnane Jr., age 30 (father deceased) was already a well-established tradesman when he married Bridget Shannon (dau. of Michael Shannon, tradesman).  Of their 13 children, only 9 had survived by 1911:  

Mary 'Minnie' Linnane (1886–) , Margaret Linnane (1888–), Brigid 'Delia' Linnane (1889-), Francis Bernard Linnane (1891–), James Linnane (1893–95 age 2),  Florence* 'Florrie' Linnane (1894-), Austin 'Gus' Linnane (1896-1956), Joseph Linnane (1897-),  Patrick Joseph Linnane (1899–1920)  Michael Linnane (1900–), Jane Linnane (1901–1902 age 10 mths), Helena Linnane (1903-03 age 4 days), Gerrard (1906–07 age 4 mths).  *Florence's birth record was mistakenly registered as "Clarence" Linnane and recorded as male!

 

LINNANE + GRIFFIN CONNECTION

In 1910,  Minnie Linnane (1886–)  married Matthew Griffin (1881–), the son of a neighbouring merchant, James Griffin (whose pub still stands near Linnanes today).  In 1911, they were residing at River View Terrace, Ennistymon. Minnie gave birth to their first child within weeks of this census being taken.  Mary Griffin (b. 1911); Bridget Griffin b.1912; Margaret Griffin b.1914; and Francis Griffin b.1916 were all born at Ennistymon. Their son, Jimmy Griffin and wife Lily were next to run the iconic bar known as JAMES GRIFFIN today. 

 

LINNANE MURDER

In 1920, Patrick Joseph Linnane, age 21, was murdered by British Forces at Ennistymon. In reprisal for the Rineen Ambush, the RIC and military randomly set fire to houses and businesses in Ennistymon.  With Devitt’s drapery ablaze, young P.J. Linnane rushed to help prevent the adjoining buildings from catching fire. He was shot down for fetching water. His memorial in Ennistymon cemetery, is a significant one. 

Erected by Michael Linnane, Builder's, Ennistymon, In fond memory of his son, Patrick
Joseph Linnane, who was murdered by the British Forces at Ennistymon, on 23rd Sept. 1920
aged, 21 years, his wife, Bridget Linnane, died, 16th March, 1929 aged 62 years, and the
above Michael Linnane, who died, 26th September 1935, Austin Linnane, died 5th Jan. 1956
aged 59, and his wife, Kathleen, died, 13th Nov. 1987 aged 76.

Devitt's house is no longer extant.​​

Gus Linnane (1896–1956) and his wife Kathleen McNulty (1911-1987) next ran the shop. They ran a hardware, grocery and meal business here, and were funeral undertakers as well. Linnane's shop and house was still owned by the family circa 1996. 

 

PROTECTED BUILDING

Derelict for many years, this pair of buildings at "Blake's Corner" has been threatened with demolition (to allow for a roundabout to regulate summertime tourist traffic).

Following appeals from the Save Ennistymon’s Heritage campaign, Clare County Council's plans to demolish Blake and Linnane's have recently been scrapped.

[Reverse Genealogy by Rua Mac Diarmada]

~ Ancestors related to this building? Post your connection below ~

 

Type of Building: