Sir, - Flann O'Riain, in his always interesting feature "Where's That?" referred (December 7th) to the Garretts of Fennagh (sic), Co. Carlow and questioned whether Kilgarron, Mountpleasant and Janeville were, in fact the same place. The short answer is yes, but some details may be of interest.
James Garrett was one of five English brothers who served under Cromwell and he aftewards settled in the townland of Kilgarron, near Fenagh. His grandson, Thomas, renamed the house - after his wife - Janeville, and his son James subsequently changed the name to Mountpleasant. This information is recorded on their respective tombstones in Fenagh churchyard. The name Janeville was not uncommon, occurring in several other locations including Ferrycarrig, Strangford and Youghal.
The granddaughter of the latter James Garrett married Thomas Watson of Lumclone (whose family laid claim to the killing of the last wolf in Ireland, near Myshall) and I understand that he was a great-grandfather of Mrs Corona North who has restored the lovely gardens at Altamont which featured regularly in your "What's On" columns. - Yours, etc., Dermot James,
Nutgrove Park, Dublin 14.