Mayo's George Moore and the story of his ashes

by Auld Stock

GEORGE Moore (February 24, 1852/January 21, 1937), Moorehall, Ballyglass, was one of the most illustrious novelists in the world in his time.

He was the author of best-selling novels such as Hail and Farewell, The Mummer’s Wife and Confessions of a Young Man.

When he died in London in 1937 his body was cremated in Golder’s Green.

A urn was manufactured in Dublin to convey his ashes to Ireland. However, customs officials at Holyhead refused to release the urn until a fee of £2 was paid.

The officials were severely criticised for their action which was described as ‘petty’.

The intention was to transport the urn to Dublin and from there to Balla railway station. From there the urn was to be brought to Lough Carra and interred on Castle Island where a burial plot was already prepared to receive the ashes of John Moore.

Eventually all turned out as originally planned.

It was Moore’s lifelong wish to be interred on Castle Island, for which he had a great love.

The people around Moorehall and Ballyglass made sure his wish would be fulfilled.

The story of the Moore family, who were so supportive of the people of Ballyglass and surrounding areas in times of much distress and suffering, deserves to be better known in Mayo.

I believe the history of the Moore family and other Mayo families, who served this country well in difficult times, should be remembered in our school curriculum.

It’s the least those good people deserve.