The Clonmell Bank

Riall’s Bank in Clonmel was one of the best run banks of its time. Founded in 1715 as The Clonmell Bank by Phineas Riall and managed by him until 1724, the bank was known as Bagwell & Co between 1724 and 1754. In 1754, William Riall became senior partner and he traded successfully until 1820.

• Riall’s Bank was one of three banks that failed in 1820 due to fraud, albeit due to its close association with the failure of Newport’s Bank in Waterford.
• The premises in Clonmel was sold to the Provincial Bank soon after the collapse.

Promissory Note:

Two Guineas (Two Pounds, Five Shillings and Sixpence)

Clonmell Bank, Two Guineas (Two Pounds, Five Shillings and Sixpence), 4 October 1809, B 168, payable in Bank of Ireland Paper, for William Riall, Charles Riall and Arthur Riall,

• Signature of Arthur Riall.
• Endorsements on back, pinholes, small holes, tear and missing small piece at top right
  • Otherwise very good (VG)