Walter Furlong

Walter was the first and surviving son of “Babe” and James FURLONG, and the oldest surviving grandson of Timothy O’CALLAGHAN.

Walter was born 17^th September 1893 at 101 Friar St. Ballyphehane, Cork.

Walter’s family had moved across to Shandon by 1897, and Walter grew up in the Shandon/Blackpool area on Cork’s north side.

In the 1911 Census Walter was recorded as 17 years old, and a Tailors’ Cutter. We can assume he went to work with his grandfather, Timothy, as he later took over the business.

Marriage

Walter married Helena NOBLE on 20 September 1916. Walter was a tailor’s cutter at that time. Helena, a seamstress was born April 20^th, 1892.  Both Walter and Helena were active in the republican movement and it is likely that the witness, Christopher GORMAN, was the same Christopher GORMAN who was then the Captain of D. Company, Cork City Battalion of the IRA.

Children

Walter and Helena had eleven children, nine of whom survived into adulthood.

Please note, I have not listed the names of those still alive. Underlined middle names are the names by which they were known:

Occupation: Tailor

As an adult Walter worked and resided at 88 South Main Street, the location of his grandfather Timothy’s tailoring business.  In the 1925 and 1930 Cork Directories a P. FURLONG was listed at 88 South Main St. and W. FURLONG listed as a tailor and outfitter at 88 South Main St.  In 1934 and 1935 Walter FURLONG was listed at that address as a tailor and in 1945 a tailor and outfitter. 

Like his grandfather before him Walter was not immune to business challenges and litigation, as can be seen in this article in the Irish Examiner, Thurs Oct 15, 1931:

Coming next, Walter Furlong revolutionary and politician….

[1] A Walter Terence FURLONG, b. @ 1920, died on 23^rd Dec 2014 aged 94 in Atherstone, England.  There is no Ancestry record of a marriage.

[2] Only Ancestry marriage record for a William K Furlong is to a Miriam Martin, 07/1945 Birmingham Warwickshire.

[3] Daughter still alive in Cork. Photograph of wedding was published on page 3 of the Cork Examiner.

[4] Source: grandson of Walter.

[5] Was known to be in New Zealand from the 1950s.  Worked as a carpenter, as a builder in Mercer and around Tokoroa, and moved to Whakatane. (Source: my brother’s phone calls early 2000s to NZ Furlongs, one of whom knew Kieran).

[6] Source: grandson of Walter.

[7] A butcher of Barrack St.