Sir George Oliver Colthurst
Compiled by Brian Gabriel
The Cork Examiner Friday 25th August 1882
Colthurst: On the 24th Inst. At Inchers, County Cork, the wife of Sir George St. John Colthurst, Bart. Of Blarney Castle, County Cork, of a son.
The Cork Examiner Tuesday 1st September 1903: Coming of Age of Master George Oliver Colthurst. Rejoicing at Blarney
On Monday, 24th, ult, rejoicings of a warm and spontaneous character were carried out in the Blarney and Ardrum districts on the coming of age of Master George Oliver Colthurst, son of Sir George Colthurst, Bart. Blarney Castle. In the early part of the day, the tenants on the Blarney Estate assembled at the Castle and made a valuable presentation of plate accompanied with a beautifully illuminated address. All present were hospitably entertained in the Castle. On the same day, a presentation and address were also made on behalf of the employees by Messrs. Harrington and Forde. Mr Colthurst returned his sincerest thanks for their kindness and for the warm sentiments expressed in the addresses. At seven o’clock in the evening, the Blarney Band, accompanied by a large crowd, marched to the Castle, and having assembled on the beautiful grounds in front, discoursed a fine selection of music. Sir George, on behalf of himself, Lady Colthurst, and his son, expressed his deep thanks for so kind an expression of good feeling from the people of Blarney. Later on, the Kerry Pike Fife and Drum Band, accompanied by a large crowd, bearing a lighted tar barrel, assembled, and played some enlivening music. At night, the village was ablaze, the houses being illuminated. Bonfires blazed from the highest points of the old castle and from the surrounding hills. The celebrations were continued on Tuesday, Ardrum being the rendezvous. The tenants of that estate, assembled, and made a presentation of a magnificent piece of plate and an illuminated address. The young heir, in a happy speech, acknowledged the presentation in grateful terms. The employees on the Ardrum Estate, also made a presentation, which was acknowledged. There were present – Sir George and Lady Colthurst and family, Dowager Lady Colthurst, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Singleton, Mrs Pym, Miss Colthurst and Mr. R. U. Townsend. A splendid dinner was served up to all, and tea and other refreshments were supplied during the evening on the grounds. The most generous hospitality was meted out to all. Dancing was kept up until night, and the Irish jig, reel and good hornpipe were indulged in to an extent which would gladden the heart of the most ardent lover of the revival of Irish dancing. Such cordial relations between Sir George and his tenantry, as these events show are, indeed, matters for congratulation. On Saturday, the school-children on the Blarney and Ardrum Estates were entertained to tea, cake, fruit, bon-bons, etc., in the Castle in honour of the occasion. Thus happily ended an eventful week in the history of Blarney Castle. The heir was the recipient of numerous gifts from his relatives and friends.
The Cork Examiner Thursday March 1st 1951
On February 28th 1951 at his residence, Blarney Castle, Sir George Oliver Colthurst, Bart. Rest in Peace. Funeral Service at Blarney Parish Church on tomorrow, Friday at 3 o’clock.
The Cork Examiner Thursday March 1st 1951: Sir George Colthurst
The death took place yesterday (Wednesday) at his residence, Blarney Castle, Co. Cork of Sir George O. Colthurst, Bart. He was aged sixty-nine years and had been in failing health for some months.
A man of outstanding social qualities, he was also prominent in many sporting circles. In his early years, he was one of the leading figures in Irish cricket. He played for the Gentlemen of Ireland and the Irish touring side, Na Shulers, and in later years, he was a member of the Selection Committee of the Irish Cricket Union.
He was generally regarded as being the ‘father’ of the Cork County Club, and in promoting the game at the Mardyke, he was responsible for arranging many attractive cross-channel matches. It was typical of his hospitality that visiting teams were always entertained at Blarney Castle.
After his retirement from active participation in the game, his interest never waned and up to the time of his death, he was President of the Cork County Club.
He was an ardent follower of the hunt, being at one time, for several years, Master and Joint Master of the Muskerry Foxhounds. He was also a splendid shot.
A man of unobtrusive but marked charity, he interested himself in many worthy projects in Cork City and County, and was on the Board of the South Infirmary, the Victoria Hospital, the Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and various charitable institutions.
An extensive land owner, he was an acknowledged authority on farming methods and afforestation. As a prominent member of the Munster Agricultural Society, his advice was often sought and he contributed in many ways to the various successes of the Cork Summer Show.
It will be recalled that when, some years ago, an American Syndicate endeavoured to purchase the famous Blarney Stone, Sir George refused the offer, intimating that, as its custodian under no circumstances would he permit the historic Stone to leave the country. It is learned that these views are fully shared by the new baronet.
Born at Ardrum, Inniscarra, Co. Cork, Sir George succeeded in 1925 as seventh bearer of the Baronetcy which had been created in 1744. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge. He later joined the British Army and served as Captain in the Special Cavalry. He served with distinction in the 1914-18 war and was awarded the Croix de Guerre.
Sir George’s brother. Capt. Richard St. John Jefferyes Colthurst succeeded to the baronetcy. He is aged sixty-four and has resided in Cork in recent years.
The Cork Examiner 3rd March 1951: Sir George Colthurst: Funeral of Co. Cork Baronet. Borne on a draped farm-cart, followed by a similarly draped wreath-laden cart, the remains of the late Sir George O. Colthurst were yesterday laid to rest in the family vault in Blarney Parish Church. In accordance with the family tradition which has been observed for generations, the funeral procession wended its way from the house where Sir. George died on Wednesday, through the estate past historic Blarney Castle. Immediately following the cart which bore the coffin, walked the chief mourners, followed by friends of the family and workers on the estate. The Church Service was conducted by Right Rev. Dr. R.T. Hearn, Protestant Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and Rev. Canon T.H. Royce, Garrycloyne. Internment took place immediately afterwards. The chief mourners were: Capt. Sir Richard St. John Jefferyes Colthurst (brother) and Lady Colthurst; Richard and Oliver (nephews) Mrs. M.P. Hamilton (niece). Another niece. Mrs. Shournagh Combe, London, was prevented by illness from being present. A very large number of wreaths were presented for the funeral. These came from members of the Aristocracy, Generals and senior officers of the armed forces, local dignitaries and clergy, senior business people, staff of the Blarney Castle and Ardrum Estates and many local businesses. Many sporting organizations, including the Muskerry Hunt and Cork County Cricket Club also presented wreaths. The attendance included representatives from all the above individuals and businesses and sporting bodies plus a great many more from across a wide spectrum from near and far, many travelling great distances to be there. At a specially convened meeting of the Blarney Athletic and Cycling Club, Me. E.F. Forrest presiding, a sincere vote of sympathy was passed to the family and relatives of the late Sir George Colthurst, Bart., Blarney Castle. The Chairman remarked that the deceased gentleman was a keen sportsman and supporter of athletics, and was always only too willing to grant the use of the Castle grounds for the local fixture.
