The Tribes and the Wardenship

By Samuel J. Maguire

Election of Warden in 1737

"We, the undersigned, finding upon the election of a Warden for this town on the first of August, 1737, a great many were inscribed in the polls who had no right to title to vote, namely the above named Gentlemen ... Its therefore to obviate any such abuses, for the future and to maintain the primitive institution and our birth rights, we both in our own names and in the names of the majority of the Patrons declare that the said Gentlemen had no right to vote in said election or any other of the kind and do protest any other such practice in the future.

Given under our hand the 18th day of November 1737 Xavr. Blake, Anthony Bodkin. J. Darcy. Walter Darcy. Walter Blake. Martin Kirwan. Anthony French. Rd. Kirwan."

Local Government in 1779

"At a meeting held in the parish chapel on the 17th August `79`, the following Resolution was passed unanimously:

1. That Gregory French shall be Mayor: John Kirwan-Anthony and Walter Joyce-Thomas, Sheriffs; James Morris-Patrick, Recorder, and John Lynch-Alexander, Town Clerk, until the first day of August next.
2. That an election shall be held at the parish chapel for officers on every succeeding 1st of August.
3. That as no more than twenty Gentlemen shall be admitted to the freedom of this Corporation; and the freedom shall not descend to their posterity.
4. That no person whatsoever shall be admitted to the freedom of this Corporation without the appearance of twenty-one of the Galway names, inclusive of the Officers of the Corporation.
5. That the election of freeman to be admitted into this corporation shall be by ballot and not by viva voce election; and that no person or persons shall be admitted to the freedom of this Corporation without a majority of two-thirds of the meeting.
6. That no person whatsoever shall be admitted to the freedom of this Corporation until he shall have first paid one guinea to the support of the Charity-School of this town or, if that Charity-School should cease, to such other charity as the Warden and Vicars for the time being, shall think proper.
7. That every candidate for the freedom of the Corporation shall be proposed and seconded by one of the Council-men of this Corporation and no other; and that no candidate shall be admitted or balloted for until the succeeding meeting.
8. That the Council shall meet the first Monday in every month forever. Gregory Anthony French, Mayor. (followed by 40 other signatures)."

Notice to Elect Warden in 1791

"The Merchants, Traders and Principal R.C. Inhabitants of the Town of Galway are requested to meet at the Augustinian Chapel on Sunday next, at 2 o' clock in the afternoon, to consider of a proper person to be chosen Titular Warden on Wednesday, the first of August, and on other material business. For the united citizens of Galway determined to promote liberality of sentiment, unity and peace, on real Christian principles, justice and equity.
August 1791:
John Burke Edmd., Sig."