Kearney, Herbert

Cadet Herbert Kearney

was born on 24th April 1892 at Knocknacarry, Ballycastle to William Kearney, Royal Irish Constabulary Sergeant and Isabella Jane Kearney nee Kearney. 

In 1901 Herbert (8) was living in house 82, Old Park Avenue, Clifton Ward, Belfast with his parents and 7 siblings; Elizabeth Margaret (18), Allen Gibson (6), John Dixon (11), Robert George (12), Thomas Edwin (15), Henry Ernest (22) and James Frederick (14).

Herbert applied for a job in the Belfast Banking Company and had to undertake an entrance examination held at Connell's Institute, The Strand, Londonderry.

The Derry Journal 18th March 1908

Herbert joined the Belfast Banking Company soon after his examination in 1908.   The Bankers Guarantee was signed by Eva Frances Kearney of Northern Bank, Downpatrick and annotated as 'his mother' in the bank's Bankers Guarantee Staff ledger. Henry Ernest Kearney was an elder brother of Herbert's.  His wife was Eva Frances Kearney. Henry was the Assistant Manager at Northern Bank, Downpatrick. Later signatories to the Bankers Guarantee are John Ennis and Elizabeth Margaret Ennis.  John & Elizabeth married on 5th August 1914.

Bankers Guarantee - Ledger sheet

By 1911 the family property is known as house 60, Oldpark Avenue, Clifton Ward, Belfast. Herbert is described as a Bank Clerk. There are 3 siblings living in the house, Robert George, Elizabeth Margaret and Allen Gibson. A cousin, Mary Emily Kearney is also present.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, Herbert signed the Ulster Covenant at the City Hall, Belfast giving his address as 128 Oldpark Avenue, Belfast.

Herbert volunteered and enlisted into the 19th Bn Royal Irish Rifles as a Private (Rifleman) with Service Number 19/20278. He later served as an Officer Cadet with an Officer Training Corps (OTC) although there is no evidence to show he was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is not detailed on his Medal Index Card. However the Prisoner of War record cards dated 23rd July 1918, 11th September 1918 and 20th September 1918 all mention St. Quentin, 21st March 1918 and the 12th Bn Royal Irish Rifles.

Medal Index Card - Herbert Kearney

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' records Kearney as being a 'Prisoner of War'. As mentioned above, the Prisoner of War record cards dated 23rd July 1918, 11th September 1918 and 20th September 1918 all mention St. Quentin, 21st March 1918 and the 12th Bn Royal Irish Rifles.

Prisoner of War Record Cards - 3 of combined -  Herbert Kearney

Herbert was awarded the British War medal and the British Victory Medal.

Medal Roll - Herbert Kearney

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Kearney returned to work eventually ending up in East End branch.

Belfast Bank, East End branch (Albertbridge Road, Belfast)

Herbert also worked in Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

On 3rd June 1921 Herbert married Miss de Rance Dowey at Sinclair Seaman's Church, Belfast.

Herbert was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club on 27th March 1945 paying 5 shillings subscription.

Retirement came in 1953.

Herbert Kearney died on 17th May 1970.