The Clontarf Toolans [Gen-033]

William Francis Toolan (1885 - 1932) only surviving son of Martin Toolan and Bridget Codd married Margaret Mary ("Daisy") D'Arcy, daughter of Robert Patrick D'Arcy and Mary Connell, on 6th August, 1913 at Berkley St. Church, Dublin.

Their children were:

• Mary Josephine (Maureen) born 6th June, 1914, married Peter McGinn.
• William Martin Heuston (Liam Mairtín ó Tuathaláin) born 26th June, 1916, married Máire Brid ní Mheachair (Mary Bridget Maher).
• Patrick Vincent (Paurie) born 22nd June, 1918 married Mary Ellen ("Ellie") Mahady.
• Kevin Thomas born 3rd June, 1924, married Anne Bleakley.

All the children were born in Clontarf, Dublin 3.

From 1913 to 1932 the family lived at 3, Cecil Ave., Charlemont Road, Clontarf, and from 1932 onwards at 128, St. Lawrence Rd., Clontarf.

Margaret D'Arcy Toolan married, secondly, Peter McManus who died 13th January, 1961 in Dublin. They had no children. She died on 4th Nov.,1970.

William Francis Toolan

William Francis Toolan was born in Clara, Offaly and attended school in the Franciscan Monastery outside the town until the family moved to Dublin in 1892. In Dublin, he attended the Christian Brothers' School at St. Mary's Place and later transferred to O'Connell Schools, Nth. Richmond St., Dublin. During his last year at O'Connell Schools he was employed as a monitor (i.e. an assistant to a teacher) teaching Irish.

He left school for the service of the Dublin Corporation having been successful in the first open examination for posts as Library Assistant: his commencing salary was ten shillings a week. He spent all his working life in the service of the Dublin Corporation. At the time of his death he was Assistant Librarian in Charleville Mall Public Library, North
Strand, Dublin. Earlier he had worked in the Branch Library in Clontarf Town Hall. (The Town Hall was in later years converted into St. Anthony's Chapel of Ease: it is now the parochial hall for St. Anthony's Parish.)

At the time W.F. Toolan worked in the Town Hall (prior to the Rebellion of 1916) the building was used as a meeting place for the Supreme Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood occasionally. W.F. Toolan was not a member of the Irish Volunteers and took no part in the Rising, although he sometimes acted as unofficial courier for friends of his who were involved in the "Troubles" in later years.

William F. Toolan had a wonderful tenor voice and his singing teacher, Dr. Vincent O'Brien (who also taught Count John Mc Cormack) entered him for the Belfast Feis. In later years he competed at the Dublin Feis Ceoil and won a bronze medal in one of the tenor competitions. He became a member of the Palestrina Choir in the Pro-Cathedral, Dublin on its foundation and remained a member until his death in 1932. He travelled to Lourdes with the choir on the occasion of the First National Pilgrimage to the Shrine. He also sang with the Dublin Grand Opera Society. 

Editor's addition, 2025
Brian Toolan has uncovered additional supporting material regarding W.F. Toolan's Feis Ceoil participation.

In 1932 when the Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland he insisted on attending the ceremonies with the Palestrina Choir although he had only a few months to live at the time. (The film of the Congress includes a shot of the choir: it is possible that W.F. Toolan may be visible.)

William F. was '"one of nature's gentlemen" and he was tremendously popular. Although of a quiet disposition, he made friends effortlessly. In the course of his work in the Library Service he met many hundreds of people and many of these regarded him as a personal friend.

He was well aware in the last stages of his illness that his days were numbered but he was completely resigned to God's will. He sent a note in his own hand to the priest asking that the congregation at Mass be asked to pray for "the speedy recovery or happy death of W.F. Toolan"

He died at his residence, 128 St. Lawrence Road, at approx. 9.15 p.m. on 14th November, 1932. At the moment of his death a beautiful scent of roses pervaded the room where he lay although there were no flowers in the room.

His remains were taken to the Pro-Cathredral, Dublin. The Palestrina Choir sang at the ceremonies there and later at the graveside. The funeral was attended by many hundreds of people.

The Toolan-McManus Grave in St. Fintan's Cemetery, Sutton, (1954 Extension) is No. P 111. The ó Tuathaláin grave is P 37 and P 38.
[Editor, 2025: As stated previously, W.F. Toolan is buried in Grave Ui 143 St. Patrick's in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.]

Maureen Toolan McGinn's Family

Mary Josephine Toolan (Maureen), only daughter of William F. Toolan and Margaret M. D'Arcy, married Peter McGinn of Newtown Park House, Blackrock, on 16th September, 1933 in St. Anthony's R.C. Church, Clontarf Rd., Dublin 3. (Address (1984): 2, St. Lawrence Road, Clontarf.)

Their only child - Declan - was born [deleted to preserve privacy] 1943 in Dublin.

Declan McGinn married Pauline Moran, daughter of Frederick Moran and Maureen Herlihy of "Woodside", Castle Avenue, Clontarf [deleted to preserve privacy] 1967 in St. Gabriel's Church, Dollymount, Dublin. Their children are:

• David, born [deleted to preserve privacy] 1968.
• Susanne, born [deleted to preserve privacy] 1969
• Sharon, born [deleted to preserve privacy] 1971
• Sonya, born [deleted to preserve privacy] 1973
• Gareth, born [deleted to preserve privacy] 1978.

All born in Dublin. Address (1984): 52, Thormanby Lawn, Howth, Co. Dublin.

Liam ó Tuathaláin's Family

Liam M. ó Tuathaláin married Máire Bríd ní Mheachair (Mary Bridget Maher), youngest daughter of Thomas Francis Maher and Cecilia ("Linnie") Power of Duagh, Waterford on the 14th May, 1947 in the Church of the Holy Name, Ranelagh, Dublin.

Their children are:

• Dónal Proinsias, born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1948.
• Úna Máire, born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1949.
• Brian Seosamh, born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1950.
• Gearóid Mairtín [Gary], born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1953.
• Colm Pádraig, born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1956.

All were born in Sth. Dublin. All, except Colm, were baptised in the R.C. Church of St. Andrew, Westland Row, Dublin. Colm was baptised in Haddington Road R.C. Church.

Addresses: 1947 (6 months, approx.): 2, Lakelands Park, Terenure, Dublin. 1947 - 1953:  9, Victoria Villas, Charlemont Rd., Clontarf. 1953 - [2002]: 72, Howth Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3.

Dónal Proinsias ó Tuathaláin (otherwise Donal Toolan) married Anna Glascott, only daughter of Michael and Breda Glascott, Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary in the R.C. Church of St. Patrick's, Faugheen, Carrick-on-Suir [deleted to preserve privacy], 1974.

Their child Fergus was born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1978 in Waterford.

Addresses: 113, Sweetbriar Lawn, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Newtown Hill, Tramore. (1984).

Úna Máire ní Thuathaláin (otherwise Una Toolan) married Denis Noël Hatch, son of Leo and Catherine ("Kitty") Hatch of the Green, Malahide, Co. Dublin [deleted to preserve privacy], 1975 in the R.C. Church of the Holy Child, Larkhill, Swords Road, Dublin.

Their children are:

• Paula Marie born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1978, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
• Deirdre born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1979, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
• Brian born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1981, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

Addresses: 144, Ardilaun, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. 20, Seafield Road, Blackrock, Co. Louth. 31, Fairways Park, Bettystown, Co. Meath. (1984) (Temporary: 6, Dhaliapad, Burovillage Compound, P.0. Box 691, Dhahran Airport, Saudi Arabia (1984 - 1985)

Brian Seosamh ó Tuathaláin (otherwise Brian Toolan) married Clare  Gibson, daughter of Thomas R. and Clare Gibson of Naas, Co. Kildare, in St. Peter's Church, Two Mile House, Naas on [deleted to preserve privacy], 1973.

Their children are:

• Ciara Louise born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1974, Galway City.
• Conor Liam born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1975, Galway City.
• Stephen Joseph born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1979, Dublin.

Addresses: 4 Coen House, Salthill, Galway. 25, Crescent View, Riverside Estate, Tuam Rd., Galway City. 42, Chalfont Rd., Malahide, Co. Dublin (1984).

Gearóid Mairtín ó Tuathaláin (otherwise Gary M. Toolan) married Winifred ("Penny") Cannon, daughter of Michael and Irene Cannon of 42, St. Brendan's Drive, Coolock, Dublin 5 in the R.C. Church of St. Brendan, Coolock [deleted to preserve privacy], 1974.

Their children are:

• Emma, Jane born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1975, Dunfermline, Scotland.
• Alan born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1978, Plymouth, England.
• Sarah born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1981, Plymouth, England.

Addresses: 168, Pittencrieff St., Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. 49, Norfolk Road, Laira, Plymouth, Devon, England. 3, Wesley Close, Kelly Bray, Callington, Cornwall, England.
"Priston", Tavistock Road, Callington. 56, Carrick Court, Portmernock, Co. Dublin (1984)

Colm Pádraig ó Tuathaláin (otherwise Colm Toolan) married Susanna, \[sic, instead of Susanne] daughter of Julius and Edith Weniger, Rosenheimer Strasse 11, 2300 Kiel 14, West Germany in Kiel. [in 1983].

Their child Kevin Stefan was born on [deleted to preserve privacy], 1983 in Kiel.

Addresses: [Hamwood Lodge,] Dunboyne, Co. Meath. 7, Watermill Lawn, Raheny, Co. Dublin. 31, Fairways Park, Bettystown, Co. Meath. (1984).

Paurie Toolan's Family

Patrick Vincent Toolan, second son of William F. Toolan and Margaret M. D'Arcy, married Mary Ellen ("Ellie") Mahady in St. Brendan's R.C. Church, Coolock, Dublin 5 in August, 1948.

Their children are:

• Ann born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1951, Dublin, and
• Finbarr ("Barry") born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1956, Dublin.

Address: 10, Chanel Grove, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Ann Toolan married Robert M. Finnegan in St. Brendan's Church, Coolock [deleted to preserve privacy], 1970.

Their children are:

• Andrea born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1972, Dublin.
• Stephen born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1977, Dublin.
• Paul born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1979, Dublin.

Address: 642, Blackberry Lane, Portmarnock, Dublin. (1984)

Barry Toolan married Marie Smyth in St. Brigid's R.C. Church, Killester, Dublin [deleted to preserve privacy], 1980.

Their children are:

• David born
• Emma born

Address: 246 Bayside Boulevard North, Sutton, Dublin 13.

Kevin Toolan's Family

Kevin Thomas Toolan, youngest son of William F. Toolan and Margaret M., D'Arcy, married Ann Bleakley in the R.C.Church of the Holy Child, Larkhill, Dublin, on 26th December, 1946.

Their children are:

• Michael born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1949, Dublin.
• Margaret born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1953, Dublin.
• Liam born 4th September, 1951. Died 18th August, 1968.

Address: 7, Pinewood Crescent, Ballymun, Dublin 11. (1984)

Michael Toolan married Jo Ann Horvat (born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1944, in Joliet, Illinois, United States of America) in R.C. Church, Dungloe, Co. Donegal [deleted to preserve privacy], 1972.

Their children are:

• Jason born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1972, Dublin.
• Sinead born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1974, Dublin.
• Christian born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1976, Dublin.
• Rudy born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1978, Dublin.
• Colm born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1981, Dublin.

Address: 14, Armstrong Walk, Coolock, Dublin 5 (1984).

Margaret Toolan married Denis Dodd in the R.C. Church of Our Lady of Victories, Ballymun, Dublin [deleted to preserve privacy], 1975.

Their children are:

• Niamh born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1976.
• Úna born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1978.
• Ciara born [deleted to preserve privacy], 1981.

Addresses: 238, Killarney Park, Herbert Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. 81, Ardmore Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow. (1984).

Liam Toolan

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

Star cyclist dies after crash
19-8-1968

ONE OF Ireiand’'s top young racing cyclists, 17-year-old Liam Toolan of Dublin’s Emerald Cycling Club, who represented Ireland in Germany only last month, has died after an accident during a race yesterday.

He was taking part, with 34 other riders, in a 51-mile race around the Phoenix Park circuit when he crashed. Another competitor and a man on a bicycle who was not connected with the race were involved in the pile-up.

Mr. Toolan was taken to the Mater Hospital but was later ‘transferred to St. Laurence’s Hospital where he died early today.

He had been regarded as one of the best cycling prospects Ireland has ever had.

He represented Ireland in the “Tour of Youth” in Germany last month and finished ninth out of 80 riders.

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

lrish youngster dies

LIAM TOOLAN, a member of the Emerald CC (Ireland), died on August 19 following a crash while racing in Phoenix Park, Dublin, the previous day.

Liam was one of Ireland’s brighter prospects, which he proved when he finished ninth overall in the Tour of Youth in West Germany earlier this year.

As a mark of respect two races in Phoenix Park were cancelled on
August 20 and 23.

Various Certificates and Records

Marriage Certificate 1879 Entry No. 74. Page 403. General Register Office, Dublin.

On 29th April, 1879, Martin Toolan (Tolan in the record) Merchant, of Clara, Offaly, aged 29 years, son of William Toolan, married Bridget Codd, spinster, milliner, aged 20 years, of Knottown, daughter of James Codd, in the R.C. Chapel of Castlebridge in the Registrar's District of Crossabeg in the Union of Wexford in the County of Wexford. Witnesses were Dominick Mulrey Gilhooly and Maggie Codd.

Birth Certificate 1885 Entry No. 138. Volume 3. Page 533. G.R.O., Dublin.

On 2nd October, 1885, William Francis Toolan, son of Martin Toolan, Shopkeeper, of Clara, Offaly, and Bridget Toolan (formerly Codd) was born in Clara.

Death Certificate 1906 2nd Quarter. Entry No. 58. G.R.O., Dublin.

Died 23rd April, 1906, Martin Toolan, 44 Charles Street, Dublin, married, book-keeper, aged 49 years. Death registered by Mary Toolan, daughter, of 44, Charles Street.

Death Certificate 1909 4th Quarter. Entry No. 424. G.R.O., Dublin.

Died 17th October, 1909, Bridget Toolan, widow, aged 43 years, of 16, Benedict's Gardens, Dublin. Death registered by William Francis Toolan, son, of 16, Benedict's Gardens.

Marriage Certificate 1913 Volume 2, Page 515, Entry No. 82. G.R.O., Dublin.

On 6th August, 1913, William F. Toolan, bachelor, clerk, of 16, Benedict's Gardens, son of Martin Toolan, clerk, married Margaret D'Arcy, spinster, of 4, Enniskerry Road, daughter of Robert D'Arcy, clerk, in the R.C. Church of Berkley St., Dublin. Witnesses were William Patrick D'Arcy and Mary C. Toolan.

William Francis Toolan died on 14th November, 1932 at 128, St. Lawrence Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3, and his widow, Margaret ("Daisy") who later married Peter McManus, died on 4th November, 1970, in the Mater Hospital, Dublin.

William Martin Heuston Toolan is cancelled

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

OIFIG AN ARD-CHLÁRAITHEORA,
TEACH AN CHUSTAIM,
(Custom House),
BAILE ÀTHA CLIATH, 1
(Dublin 1.).

GUTHÁN
TELEPHONE 42961

Seol aon fhreagra chun :-
Address any reply to :-
AN tARD CHLÁRAITHEOIR
fe´n uimhir seo :-
(quoting :-) 

B67/14/70                                                       30 Meitheamh 1970

S.R.D. Dublin
R.D. Clontarf & Howth 1.

A Chara,

I am directed by An tArd Chléraitheoir to refer to your letter of 14th instant and enclosures and to say that the function of this office in relation to certificates is to ensure that each certificate issued is a true extract or certified copy of the corresponding entry in the appropriate register. It does not supply translations of the entries nor indeed would it always be in a position to do so.

As you know your birth was originally registered in the English language as William Martin Heuston Toolan born on Twenty sixth June 1916 at 3 Cecil Avenue, Clontarf, but was re-registered on 5th December 1941 in the names Liam Máirtín Úistineach ó Tuathaláin on the Authority of the Registrar General. The original entry was subsequently cancelled so that in effect the Irish entry is now the only valid entry of your birth and the short certificate returned herewith is a true extract from it. The certificate from the original entry of your birth in English is no longer a copy of a valid entry and has been withdrawn. The other certificates submitted by you are true certified copies and are also enclosed herewith.

If you have difficulty in having the certificates accepted as they stand it can only be suggested that you endeavour to obtain certified translations from some independent qualified person or that you have an affidavit drawn up from your own information setting out the facts required.

Mise, le meas,

Liam ó Tuathaláin, Uas.
"Grianán",
72 Howth Rd.
Clontarf, Dublin 3,

A Toolan visits Santa Claus

One of the more adventurous members of the family visited the North Pole on this submarine. Unfortunately Santa Claus was not at home: no doubt he was taking a pre-Christmas break!

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

No news yet of Polar sub
Evening Press 26-10-1976

News is still awaited from a British naval nuclear submarine with 121 people on board which was due to make a weekend attempt to surface through the ice cap of the North Pole.

Portsmouth submarine command said bad atmospheric conditions had probably blanketed radio transmissions from the hunter-killer HMS Soverign [sic]. 

The two year old Soverign [sic] had been due to transmit pictures of the polar ice cap on Saturday. A spokesman said: “There is no reason to assume that Soverign [sic] failed to make a scheduled call. The fact that it not. received was not unexpected.

“We expect to hear from the Soverign [sic] some time in the next week" he added.

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

Sub still silent
Irish Times 27-10-1976

The British Navy said yesterday that it had ‘‘every confidence” that the 3,500-ton nuclear submarine Sovereign was continuing her patrol beneath the North Pole icecap. Adverse ionospheric conditions were thought to be the most likely reason why a picture was not transmitted of the sub’s attempt to surface through the ice. —(PA)

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

N sub in contact
Irish Independent 28-10-1976

The nuclear submarine Sovereign, which was due to make a weekend attempt to surface through the North Pole Ice Cap, has now made contact, the British Ministry of Defence said.
Until last night’'s message no news had been heard from the 3,500-ton submarine since its attempt began last weekend.

Editor's addition, 2025 
The transcribed text of the original is provided here to make it better findable in an internet search.

BREAKTHROUGH!
Irish Times 6-11-1976
By Jim Dalrymple

‘IT WAS the most incredible moment I have ever known, really. It was totally black. Totally silent. An alien world where nothing lived and nothing moved. It felt very strange indeed.” 

These are the words used by Commander Michael Harris, captain of the Royal Navy nuclear submarine Sovereign, for the heart-stopping
moment when he stood on top of the world.

The picture shows what it was like. The sail, or conning tower as it used to be called, is pushed 30 feet through the ice at the exact point which .
instruments said was the North Pole.

Commander Harris, from Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth, looks down on a million square miles of freezing hell. 

Within minutes all that changed. Practically the entire crew of the Devonport-based submarine went out onto the ice, whooping and
laughing after weeks cramped in their 3,500 ton craft. 

‘They played football,’ said Commander Harris. ‘We had round the world races. We generally larked around. We broke the rule about no drinking aboard and I issued every man with a tot of whisky.

‘It was that kind of atmosphere, and our time at the North Pole is something that no member of the ship’s company will ever forget.

The Sovereign crew then broke out the Union Jack on the very day the pound took its most dramatic plunge on the foreign exchange market
place.

The temperature was minus 35 centigrade so nobody stayed outside too long. And there was a head count of each man who went in and out. In that kind of darkness a man could be lost in seconds.

Then the big atom sub closed itself up, filled its tanks and dropped down, down below the ice.

Leaving the old Pole to itself and endless night.