Brenda Welsh Fayed, daughter of Constance (Mulligan) Welch and Joseph Welch, granddaughter of Kathleen (Riley) Mulligan and William F. Mulligan.
(See updated entry for Brenda April 18, 2020)
Born on this date
Elizabeth Theresa Riley, daughter of Patrick Riley (Ireland) and Rose Kiernan (Ireland), on this date in 1881 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She never married. In the 1940 US Federal Census, her occupation was listed as an “Inspector” in one of the local textile factories. Prior to her passing on October 2, 1951, Elizabeth resided with other family members at 181 South Bend Street, Pawtucket.
Born on this date
Michael J. Riley, son of Patrick Riley (Ireland) and Rose Kieran (Ireland) was born on this date in 1865 in New York City. He was the 1st in our Riley family to be born in the United States. Michael never married. According to his death certificate, Michael died on January 15, 1953, while in a nursing home located in Central Falls. Prior to his stay in the nursing home, he resided at 181 South Bend Street in Pawtucket.
Cynthia L. (Fleury) Massaro, daughter of Barbara H. Riley and Richard B. Fleury, granddaughter of Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985) and Margaret Cecelia McSally (1900-1938).
Born on this day
Maeve E. Mahony, daughter of Elizabeth (Beth) Daley and Tom Mahony. Beth is the daughter of Nick and Joan Riley Daley.
The Riley Name
O’REILLY – ANCIENT RULERS OF CO CAVAN
O’Reilly is the 11th most common surname in Ireland. The name means ‘extroverted one’ and is derived from the old Irish name O’Raghaillach, which means ‘descendent of Raghaillach’. There are several variations of the name some of which are: Riley, O’Reilly, O Raghailligh, Rily, Brily, Bailey
In the 15th century the O’Reillys produced their own coins. A ‘Reilly’ is still used as a name for a coin of significant value.
The motto on the O’Reilly coat of arms says ‘Foutitudine et prudentia’ which means ‘With fortitude and prudence’.
St Mary’s Abbey in County Cavan
The O’Reillys were a very religious family and even set up a Franciscan Friary in Cavan, St Mary’s Abbey. It was founded by Giolla Iosa O’Reilly in the early 12th century. It was burned down by the English in 1468 but soon rebuilt by the Irish. It was an active friary until 1826.
All that remains of the abbey today are the three story tower, the graveyard and a section of the wall. Myles “the slasher” O’Reilly, who was a hero in the Battle of the Bridge of Finea in 1644 is buried in the graveyard, as is 1640 Rebellion leader, Eoghan Roe O Neill.
Thirty nine abbots who worked at St Mary’s were O’Reillys. The family has also produced Archbishops in Co Armagh
Related to the O’Connors
The O’Reilly sept once ruled Breffny, which was an ancient Gaelic kingdom which covered the area that is now Co Cavan and parts of the surrounding counties, particularly Co Westmeath.
They have close links with the O’Connor kings of Connacht. Both families have a common ancestor in Maolmordha. Maolmordha was the great grandfather of Raghaillach, who was the forefather of the O’Reillys.
The first recorded spelling of the name O’Reilly was Cathal O’Reilly who was Prince of Breffny in 1237.
Military O’Reillys
John Boyle O’Reilly was born in Co Louth 1844. He became involved in Fenian military groups and was deported to Australia. He escaped and headed to America where he settled in Boston and became editor of the Pilot newspaper. Before long the Pilot became one of the most read publications in the entire country.
John Rielly was leader of the San Patricios, who were a group of Irish Americans who deserted the US Army during the 1846-48 Mexican war and went to fight for the Mexicans.
They were unhappy with the way Irish American Catholics were treated by the rest of the US Army and also disagreed with brutality towards Mexican citizens, priests and nuns. Today there is a sculpture of John Reilly as well as the flag of the San Patricios in his home town of Clifden, Co Galway. Click on this link to hear the song that honors the San Patricioshttps://youtu.be/rJiGXrfbq1A
Patrick Riley funeral – Sept 15, 1906
The following is a post funeral write–up from the late afternoon edition of the Pawtucket paper describing Irish immigrant Patrick Riley’s funeral.
Evening Times of Pawtucket – pg 8, September 15, 1906
“The funeral of Patrick Riley, which was attended by many of his relatives and friends, took place today. (Sept. 15, 1906) His remains were taken to St. Joseph’s Church from his late home of 181 South Bend Street and the funeral service was held at 9 o’clock. It consisted of a high mass of requiem with Rev. Fr. Kiernan of Norwich, Conn. officiating, and after the mass Miss Lucy Smith sang “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” The esteem and affection in which the deceased was held was attested by the large number of floral tributes. The funeral coriege included 100 carriages*. The bearers were Owen Keough, Bernard O’Toole, Patrick Fitzpatrick, and James K. Keough, life long friends of the deceased. Interment was in Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery.”
* One of the grandsons, Patrick J Riley, said that people were still getting into their carriages down by 181 South Bend Street (across from the now McCoy Stadium) as the body was being carried into the church.
Ship Passenger List
I may have found the day Pat Riley/Reilly set foot on United States soil!
Below is a copy of a page from the manifest of the ship, Neptune which arrived in the Port of New York on May 28, 1862. You can see that the first column on the left has number 4, listed as Pat Reilly and number 5 is listed as Rose Kiernan.
This document is from the National Archives and Record Administration.
This is a pleasant find, but it has raised a question or two. When the page came up on the screen it was different from all of the other index pages on the microfiche roll. It was the very last page on the roll. Its physical makeup, font and layout was not at all similar to the other twenty some pages which makes me a bit nervous.
Lookin’ good in uniform
Here is a photo of Francis “Frank” C. Riley (b. 1915 – d. 2004) in his U.S. Army uniform. This World War II picture appears to have been taken during training camp. Frank went on to be stationed in England for a time. Then he saw action on the European Continent.
Typical “Uncle Francis”, just look at the sharp crease in his uniform pants!
A Letter Home from the Front – William Riley (1912-1985)
Recently, I rediscovered an old letter sent to my father (‘PJ” – Patrick J. Riley) from “Uncle Bill.” It was sent during World War II when Bill was serving in the Army somewhere in France. Although there is no year posted in the letter, the day of its composition reads, “July 26 In France”. I am not going to post all three pages of the letter, because it would take up too much space, but I will type out some tidbits.
In the letter Bill wrote, “had me a birthday the other day, (July 24) my third in the khakis.” He thoughtfully inquired as to the well-being of various pals and fellows of his, and he let us know that his brother Francis and nephew Russell Mulligan, had both received Army promotions. Bill made mention of “Casey”, (Uncle Fred to us) who at that time had been in the South (Pacific) and had “been banging around down there for quite a while.”
There is a reference to some packages that “Ma” had sent him, and he also asked his brother “PJ” how Barbara, Joan and Bill and Jim were doing.
He signed off his letter with the following: “Well it seems strange to think of being here in France. I wish I could relate some of the things I’ve witnessed, it’s history in a hurry, but it will have to wait.”
Update from Florida
Spoke with Paula a few weeks ago and she is doing well, but told me John has had a rough few months. After some surgery and repairs, John is now rehabbing.
The best lookin’ noggins in Florida!
Earlier this year Paula has this photo sent along to 19 Pond Street. Guess which one is Kevin? Hint, Paula is wearing the earrings. The picture was taken outside Paula’s home in Florida after her final chemo treatment – looking good and doing fine.
One of the Riley girls got married.
What a gathering! The wedding of Walter Francis Xaiver Mulligan and Margaret Ernestine Riley on September 6, 1937 celebrated at 19 Pond Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The photo setting was in front of the garage in the back yard.
Some of the faces: (right to left) front row Kathleen Agnes Riley Mulligan is at the edge of the picture; Marion R Riley in the dark dress next the bride, Margaret E Riley Mulligan; just behind Marion’s left shoulder is Marguetta Greenhalgh Riley (mother of the bride); Gertrude C. Riley is between he bride. There are four men standing up against the garage door. Patrick J Riley is on the left and his brother, Francis C Riley is the man in the dark suit.
19 Pond Street 