A Grey-Headed Swindler from Brandy Lane
Catholic Baptism from St. Finbar’s Cork, June, 1804
The full entry reads: “Catherine of Denis Kelly, Soldier, Ellen Ford. Sponsors Edward Kelly a grey-headed Swindler from Brandy Lane, Mary McMullen”.
Did Edward (Denis’s brother? cousin?) abscond with the money he was given to pay the priest? The cleric’s outrage is palpable, even two centuries later. And Edwards’ description and address make sure he’ll be spotted if he ever shows his face in St. Finbar’s again.