The Roche family were the last family to live in the castle, happily living there as a family from 1903 to 1951.  After protracted negotiations between Patrick J. Roche and The Earl of Portsmouth, his son, Henry J. and his wife Josephine (Shriver of the American Shriver fame) moved into Enniscorthy Castle, where six children were born to them.  The last member of the family to leave was Josephine (Dodo), who, unable to sustain the upkeep of the castle, sold it and its contents in 1953.

Members of the local malting family, they owned the large malt house (where Dunnes Stores is now) in Enniscorthy, as well as the family owning considerable property and business in New Ross.  Given their American connections, they often travelled to America to visit their relations, with on one occasion, them having a very lucky escape, when their son, Shriver, contracted chickenpox, which didn’t allow the family to make their journey, aboard HMS TITANIC.

Visit the Castle for more takes of this respected, and well-loved family.

The Roche family children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josephine Roche with “Buzz”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josephine with two of her Children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a trip to the Hook Lighthouse with an American relative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receipt for Payment of rent to the Early of Portsmouth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roche family sitting-room