Name: The diocese of Limerick, ancient and medieval
Author: John Begley

Stone houses of Rodi de Kilkenny in Kilmallock

Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1280–1300

Among the properties listed in John Young's grant is a tenement of Henry Totomy in the Main Street situated between the stone houses (domos lapides) of Rodi de Kilkenny, suggesting the presence of notable stone-built structures in medieval Kilmallock.

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The tenement of Henry Totomy in the Main Street, between the stone houses ( domos lapides) of Rodi de Kilkenny . . . . . . . . o
3 acres of land belonging John Neyl .. . . o

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick

Brian and Mahon wage guerrilla war in Thomond woods

Thomond · street · Dublin

Brian Borumha and his brother Mahon commenced a guerrilla warfare against the Danish oppressors in the woods of Thomond, giving no quarter on either side. Mahon eventually made a truce with the enemy, but Brian refused to recognize it and continued alone until his force was reduced to fifteen men.

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Brian Borumha and his brother Mahon commenced a; guerilla warfare against the oppressors of their countrymen in the woods of Thomond. No quarter was given on either side.
At length, growing weary of this kind of warfare Mahon made a truce with the enemy, but Brian refused to recognize it, and continued single-handed an unequal contest until his force was reduced to fifteen men. Mahon hearing the sad plight of his brother had an interview with him ; the result of which was that Mahon assembled the tribe, and having stated the whole case, put it to them whether they would have peace or war. The unanimous voice was for war. The two brothers immediately commenced an active and determined opposition to the foreigners which aroused the Limerick Danes.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 62

As the companion tells it

Along here in Thomond, Brian Borumha and his brother Mahon began a guerrilla war against the oppressors of their countrymen in these woods. No quarter was given on either side. At length, growing weary of this kind of warfare, Mahon made a truce with the enemy. Brian refused to recognize it, and continued single-handed an unequal contest until his force was reduced to fifteen men. Mahon, hearing the sad plight of his brother, had an interview with him. The result was that Mahon assembled the tribe, and having stated the whole case, put it to them whether they would have peace or war. The unanimous voice was for war. The two brothers immediately commenced an active and determined opposition to the foreigners, which aroused the Limerick Danes.

Geoffrey Galway's burial and bequests to Limerick Cathedral

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1445

Geoffrey Galway, a wealthy Limerick citizen who died in 1445, directed his body to be buried in the chapel of St. James in the cathedral of Limerick. His will provided bequests for the cathedral canons, vicars, chapel repairs, and a chaplain to pray for his soul, as well as for the repair of the chancel of the church of Kilmallock.

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Geoffrey died in 1445, and an inventory of his goods was taken at Limerick, viz. : — Forty quarters of salt, worth £13 6s. 8d. ; five lasts and a half in the hands of Edmund Galway ; a coat of mail, worth £4 os. 0 d. ; a helmet, worth 4*. ; a pipe of honey, £3 6s. 8d. ; and eight bales of linen cloth worth £4 os. o d. In his will, after leaving his soul to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the angels and saints, and directing his body to be buried in the chapel of St. James in the cathedral of Limerick, he leaves to the Canons of the church 6s. 8 d. ; for the repairing of the chapel, iooj. ; for the chaplain to pray for his soul, £20 ; to each of the vicars of the cathedral, 6s. 8 d. ; also 6s. 8d. to each of the following : William White, William Applyard, John Joy, Friars Minors, churches of St. Munchin, St. Nicholas, St. John, and 5-y. to St. Michael’s ; also 6j. 8 d. for the repair of the chancel of the church of Kilmallock, together with bequests of a similar kind to different churches in Cork, Kinsale and Youghal.
He left to his children, viz., Patrick, “ my scarlet gown edged with martin, my black hood and a large pot to Edmund “ my blue gown edged with greyn ; ” to Walter a blue gown ; to Edmund Fitzhenry a green gown ; to my daughter Margaret for her marriage portion, £6 13 s. 4 d., etc.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 301

Gregory le Flemyng's holding in Ballygorman

Ballygorman · townland · Donegal

Gregory le Flemyng was a free tenant assigned to Walter and Elizabeth, holding two carucates of land in Ballygorman. Alexander Cadigan and other tenants were also assigned lands in nearby settlements.

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Free Tenants. — There is also assigned to Walter and Elizabeth these free tenants, Gregory le Flemyng who held 2 carucates in Ballygorman ; Alexander Cadigan with his tenants who holds 1 carucate in Durontestown and half a carucate in Dunmowny, Thomas Dullard who holds carucates in Scalystown ; Nicholas le Rede, 1 carucate in Ballyfyn ; William Bagod and Ysmay la Wytte (White) half carucate in Corbaly-daly and 1 quarter in Vuolfagestown.
Peter Alayn, 6 acres in Dunmowny.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 151

Legend of Earl of Desmond at Lough Gur

near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1398

Gerald Fitzmaurice, Earl of Desmond, lived on in the legends of the people, who believed he revisited his castle at Lough Gur once every seven years after his death in 1398.

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He lived long in the legends of the people, according to which he once in the seven years revisited his castle at Lough Gur. He left two sons by his marriage with the Earl of Ormonde’s daughter, John and James, who succeeded in turn to the earldom. 1 1
1:399. John became earl immediately after his father’s death, but was drowned the next year in the Suir at Ardfinnan, South Tipperary, and with him ends the family history of this century.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 181

Limerick Cathedral dedicated on Feast of the Assumption

Limerick · city · Limerick

Dr. O'Dwyer remarks on the striking devotion of the people to the Mother of God, noting that Limerick Cathedral was dedicated under her intercession on the Feast of her Assumption. He uses this as evidence of continuity between medieval and modern Catholic life in the diocese.

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by the Black Book . It is like a series of contemporary pictures. We get the whole life — religious, and civil, and political — of the people set before us, unconsciously, by the original author, who did not know what a service he was rendering to future ages. We see the great religious spirit of the whole people showing through all the perpetual feuds and turmoil of an age of violence — great outbreaks of lawlessness on the part of individuals, coupled with great faith, and followed by notable penance ; the close and living authority which Rome all through exercised in the Church, and to which bishop and chief were ever amenable ; the striking devotion of the people to the Mother of God, under whose intercession our Cathedral was dedicated on the Feast of her Assumption ; in fact, so complete and perfect an identity between our Catholic life and theirs, that one can hardly imagine that it has undergone so few and unimportant changes in form, during all the ages that have since elapsed.
What the author has done for this period of our history, which hitherto was little explored, we trust that he will be able to complete in another volume on the history of our Diocese since the changes in religion were begun by Henry VIII and Elizabeth. The Rolls Series will serve him in good stead, and give him command of much information^which waslwanting to earlier writers.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, there is a story that ties this city's cathedral to a much older world. Dr. O'Dwyer, writing about the ancient and medieval diocese, found in the Black Book a kind of series of contemporary pictures. The book sets before us the whole life of the people, religious and civil and political, unconsciously rendered by its original author, who did not know what a service he was rendering to future ages. What shows through all the perpetual feuds and turmoil of an age of violence is a great religious spirit. There were great outbreaks of lawlessness on the part of individuals, coupled with great faith, and followed by notable penance. Rome exercised close and living authority in the Church, and bishop and chief were ever amenable to it. And there was the striking devotion of the people to the Mother of God, under whose intercession the Cathedral was dedicated on the Feast of her Assumption. O'Dwyer saw in all this so complete and perfect an identity between Catholic life in his own day and theirs that, as he put it, one can hardly imagine that it has undergone so few and unimportant changes in form during all the ages that have since elapsed. He hoped the same author would complete another volume on the diocese since the changes in religion were begun by Henry the Eighth and Elizabeth, drawing on the Rolls Series for information that had been wanting to earlier writers.

MacNamara forced to submit and restore church goods

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1369–1370

Sir William de Winsor marched to relieve Limerick and forced John MacNamara, leader of the sept, to submit and give hostages. The covenants required MacNamara to keep the peace, not annoy Limerick city or castle, and restore books, ornaments, and chalices taken from the church of Limerick.

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Sir William de Winsor, justiciary, immediately marched to the relief of the city. He vigorously pursued the MacNamaras with the result that he succeeded in forcing John, the leader of the sept, to submit and give hostages for the fulfilment of the following covenants : (1) To keep the peace, especially towards the Bishops of Limerick and Killaloe. (2) Not to annoy the city or castle of Limerick, nor hinder that city in their fishing, or in cutting their woods in Thomond to build or repair their houses. (3) That he should restore the books, ornaments, and chalices he had taken from the church of Limerick.
In 1382, 1 * Thomas Brightrich received the constableship of the castle, and asked the citizens to give him 20 marks, the value of the weirs, for the up-keep of that building, provided he gave the king a tun of salmon and a pipe of Lampreys every year.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Limerick, this city was under threat in 1369. Sir William de Winsor, the justiciary, marched to relieve it. He pursued the MacNamaras hard enough that John MacNamara, the leader of the sept, had to submit and give hostages. The covenants he accepted were specific. He was to keep the peace, especially towards the Bishops of Limerick and Killaloe. He was not to annoy the city or castle of Limerick, nor hinder the citizens in their fishing, or in cutting their woods in Thomond to build or repair their houses. And he had to restore the books, ornaments, and chalices he had taken from the church of Limerick.

Nicholas Cahan, hereditary coarb of termon of Senan

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1604

The Inquisition of 1604 recorded Nicholas Cahan and his ancestors as 'comibbues' (coarbs) of the termon of Senan, comprising sixteen quarters of ecclesiastical land in the diocese of Killaloe. The coarb office was hereditary in the Cahan family and came down from remote times.

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In the Inquisition of 1604, Nicholas Cahan and his ancestors were called “ comibbues ” of the termon of Senan or of the sixteen quarters of land in the diocese of Killaloe, and which was ecclesiastical property. The coarb resided on these lands, and when the change of religion came about Cahan had to rent his portion of the Termon from the Protestant bishop, who became the landlord under the new regime. The office of the coarb came down from remote tiipes and seemed to be hereditary in the family of the Cahans.
The Portionary Clergy .

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 317

St. Patrick's resting place near Cloncagh church

Cloncagh · townland · Limerick

A small enclosure on the southern slope of the hill between Knockaderry and Ballingarry, near Cloncagh church, is traditionally identified as the spot where St. Patrick rested for a night during his travels through the region.

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memories of the people. Turning to the east, there is a small enclosure in the southern slope of the hill running between Knockaderry and Ballingarry, near Cloncagh church, where it is said he rested for a night. Near Castletown Conyers and in Howardstown, near Bruree, there are wells sacred to his name. In the townland of Ardpatrick his name is wedded to the nomenclature of the county. Scarcely any of these names are to be ound in the Tripartite Life of the Saint, but some of them are substitutes for the old names mentioned therein.
We now take the Tripartite as our guide over the same region. When St. Patrick entered the territory of Hy Fidhgente, he was welcomed by the ruling chieftain, Lonan, and entertained at a banquet on the hill of Knockea, ‘ over against Carn Feradhaigh on the south.’ While the feast was preparing a band of strollers came to the Saint, and asked him for some food. He immediately sent them to Lonan and Deacon Mantan, who were looking after the preparation of the repast. Patrick feared, if they were refused, they might spread unfavourable reports among the people concerning him, which might interfere with the success of his mission. Lonan and Mantan refused to supply the suppliants with food.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 28

St. Senan drives monster from Scattery Island

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

Senan selected Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) as his permanent home. A fierce monster kept possession of the island preventing man or beast from living in it. Senan landed and after a brisk encounter succeeded in driving the ferocious beast from the island.

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A fierce monster kept possession of the island preventing man or beast from living in it. Nothing daunted, Senan landed, and after a brisk encounter succeeded in driving this ferocious beast from the island.
When Mactail, the ruler of the Hy Fidhgente, who was still a pagan and a cruel tyrant as his actions show, heard that the monster was destroyed, he immediately claimed the island as part of his territory, and ordered the Saint to leave at once. Senan refused to obey such a peremptory command. Mactail, to punish the Saint, ordered some of his soldiers, together with two of Senan’s brothers, to proceed to the island and, eject him by

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 38

Sullivan's return to Scattery finds continued defiance

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1802

Rev. Michael Sullivan revisited Scattery Island on 24 May 1802 and found the inhabitants had been confessing to Rev. Mr. Fitzpatrick of Kilrush, who told them the island's jurisdiction remained undecided. The people pleaded practical necessity, fearing they might die without sacraments if their Kilrush priest were withdrawn.

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received no account from them for a considerable time after though I sent them different messages to :that effect. Astonished at their conduct I then wrote to Patrick Kearney and entreated him to let me know when I should go to administer sacraments there ; no answer to either. At last on the 24th of May, I went to Scattery and enquired of them, in as mild a manner as I could, why were they so unhappy as to have neglected to approach the fountains of grace for so long a time. Patrick Kearney in the name of the others assured me they confessed twice since Mr, McDonnell and I were with them to Mr. Fitzpatrick of Kilrush, who told them after his return from a meeting of his clergy that the jurisdiction of Scattery was not yet decided, I enquired if Mr. Considen told them so, they answered they did not ask him. I then described to them in as feeling a manner as I was able of the impropriety of their conduct, the evident danger they were of bringing down upon themselves the severe anger of their worthy bishop who had the salvation of their souls so much at heart. The-only apology they could make for their disobedience to your Lordship's mandate, was that Mr. Fitzpatrick declared to them that unless the jurisdiction of Scattery was totally given up to him, the parish priest, he would not come to them on any emergency, that is to say in case there may be a dying person, at a moment when they might have not time or could not possibly come to Ballylongford, and this they told me did and may frequently happen, and therefore they hoped your Lordship would leave them in the same position they were in, as it was impossible for them to change pastors without running the risk of having some of them die without the benefit of sacraments, so I quitted them, but shall not let you quit attempting to read this miserable and tedious scribble without assuring your Lordship how much I am
Your Lordship's ever obliged and devoted servant,

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 322

Suppression of St. Saviour's Dominican convent, Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1541

When St. Saviour's was suppressed in 1541, Father Edmond the superior possessed a church, steeple, dormitory, chambers, cemetery, and closes. The convent also held St. Thomas's Island, the salmon weir fishery, Monabrahir, and Courtbrack. Reliquaries, crystal stones, wax, and iron were seized.

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When it was suppressed in 1541 Father Edmond, the superior, was found in possession of a church, steeple* dormitory, three chambers, a cemetery, and sundry closes, containing one acre and a half. It had also in its possession St. Thomas’s Island, the fishery of the salmon weir, Monabrahir (now the low-lying land between the Long Pavement and Parteen) and Courtbrack. There was taken from the convent by the Government officials, three reliquaries weighing 10 ounces, with several stones the value of which the Commissioners were unable to tell, four stones of crystal bound with silver weighing 10 ounces, four-score pound weight of wax, being in said church, and iron to the sum of twenty stone and above.
In 1543 the most part of the possessions of the monastery, together with the house itself, was granted to James, Earl of Desmond.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 270

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where St. Saviour's Dominican convent stood. It was suppressed in 1541. Father Edmond, the superior, was found in possession of a church, a steeple, a dormitory, three chambers, a cemetery, and sundry closes covering one acre and a half. The convent also held St. Thomas's Island, the salmon weir fishery, Monabrahir, and Courtbrack. Government officials seized three reliquaries weighing 10 ounces, and several stones whose value the Commissioners could not determine. They took four crystal stones bound with silver, also weighing 10 ounces, four-score pounds of wax from the church, and iron weighing better than twenty stone. Two years later, in 1543, the greater part of the convent's possessions, along with the house itself, was granted to James, Earl of Desmond.

Thomas de Clare obtains custody of Limerick, 1274

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1274

On his arrival in Ireland in 1274, Thomas de Clare obtained the custody of the castle and county of Limerick. He married Juliana, daughter of Maurice Fitzgerald, which brought him large estates in County Limerick and high social standing among English colonists.

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1274. On his arrival in Ireland he obtained the custody of the castle and county of Limerick. Shortly after he married Juliana the daughter of Maurice Fitzgerald, third baron of Offaly. This marriage brought him large estates in County Limerick, and gave him a high social standing among the English colonists. He succeeded in getting a grant of Bunratty, in Clare, which was formerly granted to Muscegross, who surrendered his claim to it on receiving a valuable consideration from De Clare.
Just at this time the O’Briens quarrelled among themselves, and according to the old cuszom, the weaker side sought the aid of the enemy who generally succeeded in seizing the inheritance of both. Brien Roe, the then King of Thomond, having been expelled from his kingdom by his nephew, came to De Clare, Governor of Limerick, to aid him in regaining his territory. De Clare immediately consented, and one night mustered the English and Irish retainers under the Fitzgeralds, Butlers, himself, and O’Brien at the Thomond gate

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this is the city Thomas de Clare took charge of in 1274. On his arrival in Ireland that year, he obtained the custody of the castle and county of Limerick. Shortly after, he married Juliana, the daughter of Maurice Fitzgerald, third baron of Offaly. That marriage brought him large estates in County Limerick and gave him high social standing among the English colonists. He also got a grant of Bunratty, in Clare, which had formerly been granted to Muscegross, who surrendered his claim on receiving a valuable consideration from de Clare. Just at this time the O'Briens quarrelled among themselves. Brien Roe, the then King of Thomond, had been expelled from his kingdom by his nephew. He came to de Clare, Governor of Limerick, seeking aid to regain his territory. De Clare immediately consented, and one night mustered the English and Irish retainers under the Fitzgeralds, Butlers, himself, and O'Brien at the Thomond gate.

Donald O'Brien burns Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1177

After Raymond appointed Donald governor of Limerick and departed for Dublin, Donald broke the bridge behind the English and set fire to the city in four places, declaring Limerick should no longer be a nest for foreigners.

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buildings and stored with all manner of provisions collected from all quarters, given to the flames, fire being set to it in four places by Donald, who declared that Limerick should be no longer a nest for foreigners.
When the King of England was informed of the results of this enterprise he is reported to have said, “ the attack of Limerick was a bold adventure, its relief a greater, but its evacuation an act of pure wisdom.”

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 78

As the companion tells it

The road runs through Limerick. In 1177 Raymond appointed Donald O'Brien governor and left for Dublin. Donald broke the bridge behind the English and set fire to the city in four places. Buildings and provisions were given to flames. He declared "Limerick should be no longer a nest for foreigners." When the King of England heard, he said, "the attack of Limerick was a bold adventure, its relief a greater, but its evacuation an act of pure wisdom."

Mahon, King of Munster, killed at Red Gap

Slievereagh · townland · Cork · 976

In 976 Mahon, son of Kennedy and King of Munster, was treacherously delivered up by Donovan, son of Cathal, and put to death at Beama-dhearg, identified as the Red Gap or Red Chair, a chasm in the mountain of Sliabh Reagh on the borders of Ui-Figeinte and Fermoy. The coarb of St. Finnbhar, or Bishop of Cork, denounced all involved in the conspiracy.

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XXIV. Donovan, the progenitor after whom the family name O'Donovan has been called. This Donovan made his name celebrated throughout Ireland for his opposition to the more powerful family of Dal-Cais of Thomond, which nearly caused the total destruction of his own sept. In the year 976, as we are informed by the Annalist Tighemach, Mahon, the son of Kennedy, King of Munster, was put to death by Maelmuaidh, the son of Bran, King of Ui-Eathach, to whom he had been treacherously delivered up by Donovan, the son of Cathal, King of Ui-Figeinte. The Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen add, that Mahon was killed at Beama-dhearg [now the Red Gap or Red Chair, a chasm in the mountain of Sliabh Reagh, on the borders of Ui-Figeinte and Fermoy], and that the coarb of St. Finnbhar, or Bishop of Cork, denounced all those who were concerned in conspiring his death.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 329

Yew tree wonder at Caherass near Croom

Caherass · townland · Limerick

A remarkable yew tree at Eas Maigue, whose shadow was seen below in the water but not on land, was supposed to be visible at Caherass near Croom. This sight ranked as one of the wonders of Ireland.

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derived from An Maig1 2 = river of the plain. It bore the several epithets of Maigreach* = salmon full ; Mall,3 sluggish ; and Na Mart,4 of the beeves. It rises in the borders of Cork and Limerick, flows through Bruree, Croom, Adare, and falls into the Shannon a few miles below Carrigogunnel Castle. “ The yew tree of the son of Aingcis, at Eas Maigue; its shadow is seen below in the water, and is not seen itself on the land.”4 This remarkable sight was supposed to be seen at Caherass, near Croom, and ranked as one of the wonders of Ireland*
Its tributaries are the Loobagh, flowing through Kilmallock; Samair (Morning Star) rises in the south-east of the county, and flows through Bruff ; the Comoge rises near Knocklong, and after a circuitous course joins the Maigue, near Croom.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 24

Abbey alienated property to discourage English among monks

Monasteranenagh · parish · Limerick · 1290–1302

In the late 1200s, English settlers joining the Monasteranenagh community introduced the English language, which was resented. The superiors alienated abbey property chiefly to maintain hatred of the English language and discourage English monks from remaining, leading to financial difficulties by 1302.

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1295. Adam de Dermogo was appointed abbot. It would appear that in the latter part of this century some of the English settlers joined the community and were introducing the English language among them, which was not at all relished. As a means of preventing such an innovation, the superiors alienated some of the Abbey property, chiefly to maintain a hatred of the English language lest the English monks should remain.
1302. This mode of procedure led to financial embarrassment, as the abbot had to petition Edward I to grant him terms for the payment of £209 6s. 8 d., due by the monastery to Gerard Gymbard and other members of the Richardi Company of Luca, which was exacted from the monastery because the chattels of this company were taken into the king’s hands.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 266

Cladh Dubh na Ratha earthen mound

Abbeyfeale · town · Limerick

A large earthen mound called the Cladh Dubh na Ratha, or the black mound of Rathgogan, runs from Abbeyfeale hill through the parishes of Killeedy and Drumcollogher to Charleville. Working men followed its course as a guide to Charleville when seeking harvest work, and tradition says it runs westward to Kerry Head.

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The range of hills that rise up from the plain at Drumcollogher, and run round the west of the county to the Shannon, were known as the Luchra Mountains down to the time of Elizabeth. This was a generic term, as every district was known by a particular name, but when the situation of such districts was described it .was said to be in the Luchra1 mountain. There is a large earthen mound running through this mountain from Abbeyfeale hill through the parishes of Killeedy and Drumcollogher to Charleville. It is called the Cladh Dubh na Ratha, or the black mound of Rathgogan, the old name of Charleville. This mound was well known by the above name to the working-men who followed its course as a guide to Charleville in. the last century when in search of harvest work. Tradition says it runs westward from Abbeyfeale hill to Kerry Head ; if so it must be identical with Clee Ruadg mentioned by Smith in his history of Kerry, and may have been some territorial boundary in ancient times.
The other great range of hills in the county were called the Slieve Riach, and are south of the hill of

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 25

De Burgo granted Ardpatrick

Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick · 1199

In 1199 William de Burgo received a grant of Ardpatrick with the residue of the cantred of Fontimel, as recorded in the Black Book of Limerick where he is listed as Sheriff of Munster.

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John granted De Burgo the custody of the city, a portion of the country round Castle Connell, and in 1199, he also received a grant of Ardpatrick, with the residue of the cantred of Fontimel. According to the Black Book of Limerick he was Sheriff of Munster. While at Limerick he won over to his side the sons of Donald O’Brien. With these new allies and the English of Munster he marched as far as Cork, where he spent a week plundering the Gaels and laying waste their lands
About this time the O’Connors of Connaught began to quarrel amongst themselves. Taking advantage of this dispute De Burgo enforced his claim to the lands granted to him by King John in that country. The usurper at once complied with the demand in order to secure the help of such a powerful ally. De Burgo 1 then marched into Connaught, and after some stiff fighting placed his friend on the throne.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 81

Elizabethan Inquisition surveys Iniscathay island (1576)

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1576

In 1576, an inquisition was taken before John Miagh and other officials of Queen Elizabeth to survey all her Majesty's possessions on the island of Iniscathay on the river Shannon. The jurors, including merchants and husbandmen of the island, deposed that the island contained twenty-four acres of arable land.

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Inquisition taken before John Miagh of Corke, gent., secondaire justice of the province of Mounstef, Willm Apsley, sherief of the countie of Limerike ; Thomas Arthor, recordor of Her Maty cittie of Limerike ; and David Harrold of the same cittie, citizen, by vertue of her Maty, comission directed unto them for inquiring and surveing of all her Highnes possessions messuages, lands, and tenenanty in the Island of Innesvattye, uppon the river of Limerike aforesaid, as by the said comission bearing date the xiiijth day of November in the xviijth yeare of the reigne of our Souaigne ladie Queene Elizabeth, Oueene of England, Ffrance and Ireland, defendor of the faith, etc., more at large appeereth and the yeare of our Lord God, 1576, by the solempne othe of
Myles Arthor of Inneskatty, merchante.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 311

Franciscan from Nenagh appointed Bishop of Iniscathay (c. 1358)

Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1358–1360

Around 1358, Thomas, a conventual Franciscan of the convent of Nenagh, was appointed Bishop of Cathy (Iniscathay) by Pope Innocent VI. The Pope wrote Thomas a letter in 1360 commanding him to proceed to his diocese, as he was evidently loitering about the Papal court.

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1358. About this year, one Thomas, a conventual Franciscan of the convent of Nenagh,2 was appointed Bishop of Cathy (Iniscathay) by Innocent VI, who wrote Thomas a letter dated 1360 commanding him to proceed to his diocese. Evidently he was loitering about the Papal court.*
1361. Thomas addressed a petition to Innocent VI stating that though he was canonically appointed to tfye See of Iniscathay, yet Thomas, Bishop of Killaloe ;

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 305

As the companion tells it

Coming through Nenagh now. Around 1358, a Franciscan friar from the convent here, a man named Thomas, was appointed Bishop of Iniscathay by Pope Innocent the Sixth. But Thomas did not set out for his diocese. He lingered at the Papal court, and in 1360 the Pope wrote him a letter commanding him to proceed to his see. He was, it seems, loitering about the Papal court.

Ivar and sons slain on Scattery Island by Brian

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

Ivar and his followers entrenched themselves on Scattery Island as headquarters, concealing their women on more remote islands. Brian and the O'Donnells of West Clare attacked and slew Ivar and his two sons there, finding a great spoil of gold and silver.

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The last state of th6, conspirators was worse than the first, as Brian succeeded to the throne, and “ he was not a wisp of hay in the place of a club,” but a hero whose valour was beyond that of his brother. He immediately commenced hostilities against them. Ivar with his followers entrenched themselves in Scattery Island, as their head-quarters, concealing their women in the other and more remote islands, awaiting aid from their countrymen. Here Brian and the O’Donnells of West Clare attacked and slew Ivar and his two sons, A great spoil of gold and silver was found in those islands, that were then inhabited by the Danes. Harold the third and surviving son was made king of the foreigners of Munster, and Donovan, knowing what he was to expect from Brian, invited Harold to his house.
Brian lost no time in turning his arms against Donovan. Having entered Hy Fidhgente he drove off his cattle (978), took the fortress of Cahair Cuan,1 and slew Donovan and his ally Harold, and made a great slaughter of the Danes. He then proceeded against Molloy, whom he encountered and slew at the very same pass where his brother Mahon was so cruelly murdered a short time before.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 64

King's highway of Emly in land assignment

Emly · town · Tipperary

Land including a field called the 'twenty acres' was assigned to Walter and Elizabeth on the south side of the king's highway of Ymlac (Emly). An acre near this field was noted as being waste land at the time.

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acres in the field called the Halffesollond near the king’s highway there, on the north side of said highway as appears by the metes ; 1 acre and 1 stang in the lower part of said field next Bothirhagard ; 16 acres in the field called Sanevalle near Distcoryn as appears by the metes; also 12 acres between the said Sanevalle and the king’s way, there called the Vode Vey, on the south side of said highway ; 3 acres of escheated land which belonged to Thomas Hamond in Hamondestown on the west side of said field there ; 3 acres of Vuolffagestown, on the south side of said field there ; 3 acres of Vuolffagestown and 1 acre of the demesnes of Anedes there, near the dyche and the sketch on the north side of the said mete of Wolff agest own as appears by the metes ; 8 acres and 1 stang in Cnokanglas near Rathynot, and the pasture of Knockanglowyn on the east side of said bog there, as appears by the metes ; 7 acres 3 stangs (quarters) in the field called the “ twenty acres ” on the west side of said field, and on the south side of the king’s highway of Ymlac (Emly) there, near an acre which is now waste ; 1 \ acres of meadow and several pasture in Marlyngadynganestoun and Mayowestown as appears by the medes ; 12 acres and 3 stangs in the field called the Gyhynys which commence from the great meadow there, and extend to Molanys and the Moche Choryde near the metes of Hamonstown.
There was also assigned to said Walter and Elizabeth, 4 acres of meadow in the great meadow in the south side thereof* near Hamoundestown.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 150

Late 13th-century street layout and rents of Kilmallock

Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1280–1300

The Black Book contains deeds conferring rents in Kilmallock on the bishop and chapter, likely from the closing years of the thirteenth century. These documents disclose the names of principal streets including Main Street, Blossom Street (Blapatstret), Fleming Street (Flemystret), and Water Street, as well as landmarks such as the Church of SS. Peter and Paul and Martyn's lake.

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held in Kilmallock to Robert of Emly, bishop of the diocese and his successors. In the Black Book there are a very important set of deeds conferring certain rents in the town of Kilmallock on the bishop and chapter. Unfortunately they are undated, but judging from the similarity of names in them, and in other documents in the same book, they may be referred to the closing years of the thirteenth century. They incidentally disclose the names of the principal streets, roads leading from them to the country, as well as the names of the citizens, giving a vivid glimpse of the old town in its primitive simplicity.
The first of these documents refer to a grant made by John Young of 5 marcs, 4s. 4 d., the rent of certain houses and lands which were situated inside and outside the town, viz. : —

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 146

Prior Hogan obtains papal confirmation, 1400

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1400

In 1400, John Hogan, prior, together with the chapter and perpetual chaplains of the collegiate church of Iniscathy in the diocese of Killaloe, obtained from Rome a confirmation of the endowments of the church. This was the first mention of a prior of Iniscathay.

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In the year 1400, for the first time we find mention of the prior of Iniscathay, when John Hogan, prior, together with the chapter and perpetual chaplains of the collegiate church of Iniscathy, in the diocese of Killaloe, got a confirmation of the endowments to this church from Rome. In another document of the year 1400 the collegiate church is referred to as being in the diocese of Killaloe.
In 1411 a serious charge was brought against Prior Hogan, and in the charge the office of prior was said to be the principal dignity in said church and had the cure, i.e., the care of souls. From this it may be inferred that Hogan’s title of prior was one that came down from olden times, and that he had the whole or part of the possessions that were attached to the title which were at the Clare side of the Shannon, and immediately under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Killaloe where the prior lived, although he had some property also on the island. It must be remembered that it was in the year 1400 the collegiate church of Iniscathay is mentioned as being in the Killaloe diocese, and in that same year Peter Curragh resigned the diocese of Limerick, and of necessity an interregnum must have intervened before Cornelius O’Dea was appointed which gave Prior Hogan an opportunity for representing the collegiate church as in the diocese of Killaloe without fear of contradiction.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 316

Serious charge against Prior Hogan, 1411

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1411

In 1411 a serious charge was brought against Prior Hogan, in which the office of prior was described as the principal dignity of the church, having the cure of souls. Hogan's title likely derived from olden times, with possessions on the Clare side of the Shannon under the Bishop of Killaloe.

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In 1411 a serious charge was brought against Prior Hogan, and in the charge the office of prior was said to be the principal dignity in said church and had the cure, i.e., the care of souls. From this it may be inferred that Hogan’s title of prior was one that came down from olden times, and that he had the whole or part of the possessions that were attached to the title which were at the Clare side of the Shannon, and immediately under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Killaloe where the prior lived, although he had some property also on the island. It must be remembered that it was in the year 1400 the collegiate church of Iniscathay is mentioned as being in the Killaloe diocese, and in that same year Peter Curragh resigned the diocese of Limerick, and of necessity an interregnum must have intervened before Cornelius O’Dea was appointed which gave Prior Hogan an opportunity for representing the collegiate church as in the diocese of Killaloe without fear of contradiction.
In the Inquisition of 1604 the position of the prior is pretty clearly defined, as the land he rented from the Protestant bishop was no doubt part of the lands he or his predecessor held by right of his title as prior of Iniscathay.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 316

Suppression of St. Catherine's convent, 1428

Shanagolden · town · Limerick · 1428

A tradition existed that the convent of St. Catherine de O'Conill was suppressed by the Holy See before the dissolution of the monasteries, owing to irregularities of a prioress who was a lady of the Fitzgeralds. This is confirmed by a 1428 entry in the return of first fruits, recording the vacancy of the parochial church of St. Catherine de O'Conill by suppression of the order of nuns.

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1428. (23rd November) Cornelius O’Longligh (Lynch), rector of the parochial church of Rayronayn (Rathronan), diocese of Limerick, as principal and private person, bound himself in the name of Alan O’Longsichh vel O’Longsidyh (? O’Lynch) for the first fruits of the first year of the parochial church of St. Ratherine de O’Conill, diocese of Limerick, value 20 marcs ; vacant by the suppression of the order or nuns of St. Catherine de O’Conill (per suppressionem Mon. See Catherine de O’Conill.)
We are not able to trace the fate of this convent further, as there seems to be no mention of it until the reign of Philip and Mary, when an inquisition was taken of its possessions. It is frequently mentioned in the latter half of the sixteenth century as its possessions passed through many hands.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 295

Thomas Arthur's patronage of Limerick Cathedral

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1421–1426

Thomas Arthur, Mayor of Limerick in 1421 and 1426, built at his own expense the eastern front and a costly wrought window of Limerick Cathedral, aided by his wife Johanna. He had his armorial bearings carved on the western door and his wife's family arms on the southern door, so that others might imitate their piety.

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During Bishop O’Dea’s episcopacy the work of beautifying and adorning the cathedral was carried on by pious citizens, notably Thomas Arthur, who was Mayor in 1421 and 1426. Aided by his wife Johanna, daughter of David Murigagh or Miagh, he built at his own expense the eastern front and a costly wrought window, also caused his armorial bearings, a chevron between three clarions, to be carved on the western door, and the southern with those of his wife’s family — three escallops ; “ not through a spirit of vain glory, but in order that others hereafter should imitate the memorials of their piety.” Their arms are still to be seen on the buttresses of the north and south sides of the chancel.
2 c

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 302

Thomas Brightrich receives constableship of Limerick Castle

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1382

In 1382, Thomas Brightrich received the constableship of Limerick Castle. He asked the citizens for 20 marks, the value of the weirs, for the upkeep of the castle, in exchange for providing the king with a tun of salmon and a pipe of lampreys annually.

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In 1382, 1 * Thomas Brightrich received the constableship of the castle, and asked the citizens to give him 20 marks, the value of the weirs, for the up-keep of that building, provided he gave the king a tun of salmon and a pipe of Lampreys every year.
1390.* The issues and profits of the fee farm, cocket, and the lax weir were granted to the citizens for eight years to repair the fortifications of the city, as it was situated on the frontiers of the king’s Irish enemies.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

Passing through Limerick now. In 1382 Thomas Brightrich received the constableship of the castle. He asked the citizens for 20 marks, the value of the weirs, for upkeep of that building, provided he gave the king a tun of salmon and a pipe of lampreys every year. In 1390, the issues and profits of the fee farm, cocket, and the lax weir were granted to the citizens for eight years to repair the fortifications of the city, as it was situated on the frontiers of the king's Irish enemies.

Captives gathered on hills of Singland after Danish defeat

Singland · townland · Limerick

After a victory over the Danes, captives were collected on the hills of Singland. Those fit for war were put to death, and those fit for slavery were enslaved.

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•streets and in the houses. They then took away their jewels and their saddles, beautiful and foreign ; their ;gold and their silver, their beautiful woven cloth, both scarlet and green.” The captives were collected on the hills of Singland, and everyone that was fit for war was put to death, and every one that was fit for a slave was enslaved.
Mahon to make his victory secure immediately entered the territories of the Danish allies, and took hostages from Donovan of Ui Fidhgente and Molloy, King of Desmond, the representatives of the Eugenian race. He went to the west of the county, and made a slaughter of the Danes at Shanagolden, where they seem to have had a strong settlement. During his absence the remnant of the Limerick Danes and their fellow-countrymen of Waterford united their forces and plundered Emly, where they remained encamped for two days. Here they were attacked by Mahon and again put to flight. He then burned Limerick, and banished Ivar over the sea, where he remained for a year. When he returned he settled down on the western part of the Shannon, whence he made many spoils and battles.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on the hills of Singland, captives were gathered after a victory over the Danes. The spoils had already been taken, jewels and saddles, gold and silver, beautiful woven cloth both scarlet and green, from the streets and the houses. Then the captives were collected on these hills. Everyone fit for war was put to death. Everyone fit for a slave was enslaved. Mahon moved to make his victory secure. He entered the territories of the Danish allies and took hostages from Donovan of Ui Fidhgente and Molloy, King of Desmond, the representatives of the Eugenian race. He went to the west of the county and made a slaughter of the Danes at Shanagolden, where they seem to have had a strong settlement. During his absence, the remnant of the Limerick Danes and their fellow-countrymen of Waterford united their forces and plundered Emly, where they remained encamped for two days. Mahon attacked them there and again put them to flight. He then burned Limerick and banished Ivar over the sea, where he remained for a year. When he returned, he settled on the western part of the Shannon, and from there made many spoils and battles.

Earl of Desmond benighted near Abbeyfeale and marries tenant's daughter

Abbeyfeale · town · Limerick · 1414–1418

Thomas, son and heir of the fifth Earl of Desmond, was benighted near Abbeyfeale while on a hunting expedition and spent the night in the house of his tenant MacCormick. There he met Catherine MacCormick, whom he subsequently married—a union considered unworthy of the head of the house of Desmond, causing his followers to desert him.

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Accordingly in 1411 he issued a precept to his treasurer to collect and levy several sums of money amounting to /700, being the profits of assizes held in his court of Kerry. He soon after passed into England, and returned in 1414, 1 bringing a great many Saxons to devastate Munster. He was very fond of hunting, and on one of these expeditions he was benighted near Abbeyfeale. He spent the night in the house of one of his tenants named MacCormick, and while there, became acquainted with his host’s daughter, Catherine, whom he subsequently married. This union was considered unworthy of the head of the noble house of Desmond, and his friends, followers, and subjects deserted him in disgust.
His uncle, James, taking advantage of this misunderstanding, made war on his nephew, and succeeded in expelling him three times from his estates after a feeble resistance. Ultimately he was forced to resign his estates at Callan in 1418, in the presence of the Earl of Ormonde, to his uncle, on the condition that his son

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 254

Earl of Desmond gives hostages at Newcastle West

Newcastle · town · Limerick · 1331

After being liberated from eight months' imprisonment through the supplication of clergy, magnates, and commons of Ireland, the Earl of Desmond gave in his hostages at Newcastle West as a condition of release.

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In 1331, Anthony de Lucy arrived in Ireland as viceroy. He seized the Earl of Desmond and other lords, and imprisoned them on the suspicion that they were secretly aiding the Irish who were annoying the colonists. After being kept in prison for eight months the earl was liberated at the supplication of the clergy, magnates and commons of Ireland. At a full parliament held in Dublin, the leading nobles of the colonists went bail for the earl’s good behaviour in future. The earl at the same time gave in his hostages at Newcastle West. After his liberation he was summoned to attend the king in Scotland, and later on to assist him in his French wars.
In 1336, a representation was made to the king that the estates of the wealthiest of the Anglo-Norman lords should be retaken into the king’s possession, as this action would have the effect of making them more amenable to authority, and that the country would be better governed by native Englishmen than by Irish or English having estates in Ireland. The king issued

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 176

Eoghan Mor falls in battle near Athenry, AD 250

Athenry · town · Galway · 250

Eoghan Mor, eldest son of Oilioll Olum, fell in battle near Athenry in AD 250. Through him the Hy Fidhgente tribe traced their descent, giving the Diocese of Limerick its ancient territorial name.

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The Diocese of Limerick 1 is almost co-extensive with the ancient territory of Hy Fidhgente. This tribe was so called from Fiacha Fidhgente,2 3 * a descendant of Oilioll Olum, through his eldest son Eoghan Mor, who fell in battle near Athenry in a.d. 250. Fiacha flourished in the fourth century, and received the cognomen of Fidhgente for having constructed a wooden horse at Colman’s fair, which was anciently held on the Curragh of Kildare.
Hy Fidhgente is called a tuath,8 a term of indefinite meaning. It originally meant a tribe of people, but after a time came to signify the place where they dwelt. When so used, it designated a district with a complete political and legal administration, and varied considerably in extent. When the tuath embraced a large tract of country such as Hy Fidhgente, it was called a tuath mor, and the sub-divisions simply tuaths. The present Diocese of Limerick would fairly represent the one and the parishes the other.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

As you come through Athenry, there is a battle recorded here from the year 250. Eoghan Mor, the eldest son of Oilioll Olum, fell in that fight. His line mattered beyond this place. Through him the Hy Fidhgente tribe traced their descent, and from that tribe the Diocese of Limerick took its ancient territorial name. A descendant of Eoghan Mor, Fiacha Fidhgente, flourished in the fourth century. He earned the name Fidhgente for constructing a wooden horse at Colman's fair, which was anciently held on the Curragh of Kildare. Hy Fidhgente was called a tuath, a term that originally meant a tribe of people but came to signify the place where they dwelt. When it meant the place, it designated a district with its own political and legal administration. A large tract like Hy Fidhgente was called a tuath mor, and its sub-divisions simply tuaths. The present Diocese of Limerick would represent the one, and the parishes the other.

Galway exacts illegal customs from Limerick merchants

Galway · city · Galway · 1337

In 1337, David Butler, a citizen of Limerick, complained to the Lord Justice that despite Limerick's charter guaranteeing freedom from customs, the Provost and bailiffs of Galway and Athenry exacted heavy customs from Limerick merchants selling their wares there.

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The town was favourably situated for commercial pursuits, though little availed of by the citizens in the beginning of this century, as we learn from the Custom returns. Later on they became more enterprising, and carried on a considerable trade with the neighbouring cities. The citizens of Galway became jealous of the growing trade of Limerick, and exacted illegal dues off the Limerick merchants that frequented Galway J to dispose of their wares, which ended in a serious quarreL
In the year 1337, David Butler, a citizen of Limerick, complained to the Lord Justice that although it was particularly provided in the Charter of Limerick, that the citizens and their successors for ever should be free of all customs for their goodsjand'merchandize in any place, either in England or Ireland, where they should bring them for sale ; yet the Provost and bailiffs of Galway and Athenry exacted heavy customs from

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is a city with a long commercial history. Back in the fourteenth century, Galway's citizens grew jealous of Limerick's growing trade. Limerick merchants came here to sell their wares, and the people of Galway exacted illegal dues off them, which ended in a serious quarrel. In 1337, David Butler, a citizen of Limerick, complained to the Lord Justice about it. He said the Charter of Limerick provided that the citizens and their successors for ever should be free of all customs for their goods and merchandise in any place, either in England or Ireland, where they should bring them for sale. Yet the Provost and bailiffs of Galway and Athenry went on exacting heavy customs from the Limerick merchants anyway. The charter was supposed to protect them everywhere, but here in Galway, it counted for nothing.

Murtagh O'Brien stones from Grennan of Ely placed on Limerick palace parapet

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1101

After Kincora was destroyed, Murtagh O'Brien likely removed his residence to Limerick. He marched into Ulster and demolished the Grennan of Ely in revenge, and his soldiers brought the stones to Limerick where they were inserted on the parapet of the palace.

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iioi. It is probable that Murtagh O'Brien, King of Munster, removed his residence to the city of Limerick after Kincora was destroyed. The first opportunity that offered he marched with a large army into Ulster, and demolished the Grennan of Ely in revenge for Kincora, and his soldiers brought the stones to Limerick where they were inserted on the parapet of the palace.
1105. Maelruanaidh Ua Bilraighe, Lord of Ui Cairbre and tutor of Turlogh O'Brien, died. The family of O'Bilraighe (O'Billery) were of the same race as the O' Donovans, but sunk into obscurity after this period.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that became Murtagh O'Brien's residence after Kincora was destroyed. He was King of Munster. In 1101 he marched with a large army into Ulster and demolished the Grennan of Ely in revenge for Kincora. His soldiers brought the stones from that place back to Limerick, where they were inserted on the parapet of the palace.

Scattery Island inhabitants petition Bishop Young for chapel access

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

The inhabitants of Scattery Island petitioned Dr. Young, Bishop of Limerick, complaining that orders from Rev. Mr. Considen, P.P. of Kilrush, prevented them from attending the chapel or clergy of Kilrush. They argued that a row boat could safely cross from Scattery to Kilrush, whereas no sailing boat could cross the channel from Ballylongford, and feared dying without Church rites.

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To the Right Rev. Dr. Young, Bishop of Limerick, the humble Petition of the undersigned inhabitants of Scattery island most humbly showeth that your Lordship’s petitioners feel themselves in the most distressing and dangerous condition with respect to their eternal salvation owing to your Lordship's orders preventing them from any recourse to the chapel or clergy of Kilrush to fulfil the Christian duties required of them by our holy Church, and by which they are debarred by the positive orders of Rev. Mr. Considen, P.P. of Kilrush. Your Lordship's petitioners, with humility and confidence, beg leave to remonstrate to your Lordship that it is more than probable that they would not have it in their power to attend divine service every eighteenth Sunday throughout the year if obliged to attend in Kerry, and that the petitioners dread and shudder at the painful thought and mortifying reflection that they or theirs may die without fhe benefits of rites of that Church they were born in and hope to die. Petitioners humbly beg leave to refer your Lordship to the most skilful pilots in the river Shannon, whose testimony before a magistrate (if required) Petitioners will obtain that it is their .belief to the best of their knowledge, when no sailing boat could cross the channel from Ballylongford. a row boat with ease and safety could row l*aok and forward from Scattery to Kilrush. Petitioners, from your Lordship's well known paternal care of our holy Church, submit their pitiful case to your humane and charitable consideration, and hope for relief at your Lordship's hands tor which they will as duty bound for ever pray.
Patrick Cartxey.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 323

Limerick petitions king for food supplies from France, 1450

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1450

In 1450, Limerick city suffered food scarcity and petitioned the king for permission to import supplies from France. The citizens complained they were surrounded by Irish enemies and English rebels, and relied on a Breton merchant, Maurice de la Noe, to victual the city with corn, wine, honey, and salt. The king granted Maurice permission to come with up to sixty persons for three years under royal protection.

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In 1450 1 the city was suffering from a scarcity of food, and had to petition the king for permission to allow them obtain supplies from France. In the petition they complain that the city was surrounded on every side by Irish enemies, as well as English rebels, so that the citizens and commons dwelling within the city cannot have competent provision as merchandize, by which the said citizens and commonality are to live, unless they have them out of foreign lands. One Maurice de la Noe, merchant, of St. Briola in Brettaigne, used to victual the said city with corn, wine, honey, salt, and divers other merchandizes, w'hich he dare not continue for fear of the letters of marque, reprisals, and other dangers, to come to the city if it be not remedied.
In answer to the petition it was granted that the said Maurice, or his deputies, attorneys, or servants, may come with sixty persons, and that they shall not exceed sixty, in his ship or ships, as often as he shall continue to come for three years next issuing, and were allowed to be under the protection of the king, going and coming, provided always that they carry themselves well and loyally towards the king and his liege people, in coming, going, and so residing.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 251

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1450. That year, the people here were starving. Food was scarce, and they had to petition the king for permission to bring in supplies from France. Their petition told a grim tale. They said the city was surrounded on every side by Irish enemies and English rebels, so the citizens and commons living within the walls could not get the provisions they needed to survive, unless they brought them from foreign lands. There was a merchant, Maurice de la Noe, from St. Briola in Brittany, who used to victual the city with corn, wine, honey, salt, and other goods. But he dared not continue, for fear of letters of marque, reprisals, and other dangers, unless something was done. The king answered. He granted that Maurice, or his deputies, attorneys, or servants, could come with sixty persons, and no more, in his ship or ships, as often as he wished to come for the next three years. They were to be under the king's protection, going and coming, provided they carried themselves well and loyally towards the king and his liege people, in coming, going, and residing.

Stone circles at Lough Gur

near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

Remarkable stone circles stand at Lough Gur near the Limerick road, formerly thought to be Druid religious enclosures. Comparison with explored circles elsewhere containing human remains suggests the Lough Gur circles were erected to mark prehistoric graves.

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At Lough Gur, near the Limerick-road, there are very remarkable stone circles, which were formerly considered to be enclosures where the Druids performed their religious ceremonies. But similar circles that have been explored in other parts of the country were found to contain human remains, from which it may be inferred that the Lough Gur circles were erected for a similar purpose, namely, to mark the graves of the dead in prehistoric times.
Fulachta Fiann (cooking places of the Fianna2). — In different parts of the territory, especially in the mountain districts, there are frequently found heaps of burned stones under the surface of the soil, that are called by the above name by the farmers. The most distinguished captain of the Finian hosts was Finn MacCumhil, around whose name a cluster of fables has-

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 23

Adare tribute in the Clonmacnoise Registry

Adare · townland · Limerick

The Registry of Clonmacnoise records that Gerald paid four fat beeves from his share of Adare (Ach Dara) as part of his grant for burial rights at Clonmacnoise. This formed part of the medieval arrangement between the Geraldines and the monastery.

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also ye baptising ; and the said Gerald paid of his own part of Ach Dara (Adare) four fat beeves, and 48 daies in Killcluayn, whereof there are 4 daies in Bregoig, and 48 daies in Darire, and 48 daies in Killcynyl, and 48 daies in Kill Drochayle, and sixe daies in Croomaigh (Croom), and the baptising, together with the tithes of the town of Croomaigh, and Gerald gave this in Mortmaine to ye church called Teample Finyn in Cluain (Clonmacnoise).
When this grant was made it is not easy to determine . It would seem to be before the thirteenth century, as Doondonnell was in the possession of Keynsham before the year 1237. The castle was sometimes called Harold’s Castle, whence Cloghnarld, a name by which the church is known in some documents as we shall see later on.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 217

Bishop Young visits Scattery, 1801, finds two families

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1801

In 1801, Dr. Young visited the island of Iniscathy and found only two families residing there, whom he placed under the care of Rev. Michael Sullivan, P.P. of Ballylongford in the diocese of Kerry.

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Immediately after this entry Dr. Young inserted this note : — “ Anno 1801 epus Limericensis adivit insulam de Iniscathy in qua invenit duas familias commorantes, quas subjecit curae et jurisdiction! Revd. Michaelis Sullivan parochi de Ballylongford in diocesi Kyriensi,” i.e ., Dr. Young visited the island of Iniscathy in which he found two families whom he placed under the care of the Rev. Michael Sullivan, P.P., Ballylongford.
In November of 1801, Dr. Young received the following letter from Father Sullivan giving a detailed account of his missionary labours in Scattery 1 : —

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 318

Black Book passed to Protestant bishops after the Reformation

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1604–1642

After the Reformation the Black Book of Limerick passed into the hands of Protestant bishops, with documents inserted by Bishop Adams (1604-1625). It was said to be in the possession of Bishop Webb, who died a prisoner in the castle shortly after the outbreak of 1642.

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At the time of the Reformation it passed into the hands of the Protestant bishops, as there are some documents inserted in the end of it by Bishop Adams (1604-1625). It is said to have been in the possession of Bishop Webb, who died a prisoner in the castle shortly after the outbreak of 1642. Dr. Young mentions in a note in White’s Annals of the Diocese, when treating of Bishop Robert of Emly, that the Black Book was then (in the year 1795) in the possession of Captain Ouseley, and Dr. Cussen, P.P., Bruff, adds in another note that Dr. Young afterwards became the owner of the MS. Since then it has become an heirloom of the diocese.
This MS. is at present in the college library of Maynooth. It was lent by Dr. Ryan, Bishop of the Diocese, to Dr. Renehan, President of that College, and being among his books at the time of his death, it was placed in the library of the College, where it remains by the permission of Dr. O’Dwyer, as it is still the property of the diocese of Limerick. By the consent of the President of Maynooth, a copy was made for Trinity College library. Dr. Russell, President of Maynooth, presented Dr. Butler, late Bishop of the diocese, with a copy, and there is one also in the College library of Maynooth.1

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Limerick, this city holds the story of a manuscript called the Black Book. After the Reformation it passed into the hands of the Protestant bishops. Bishop Adams, who served from 1604 to 1625, inserted some documents at the end of it. It was said to have been in the possession of Bishop Webb, who died a prisoner in the castle shortly after the outbreak of 1642. In 1795, Dr. Young noted, in White's Annals of the Diocese, while writing about Bishop Robert of Emly, that the Black Book was then in the possession of Captain Ouseley. Dr. Cussen, parish priest of Bruff, added in another note that Dr. Young afterwards became the owner of the manuscript. Since then it has become an heirloom of the diocese. The manuscript is now in the college library of Maynooth. Dr. Ryan, Bishop of the Diocese, lent it to Dr. Renehan, President of that college. At the time of his death it was among his books and was placed in the library, where it remains by the permission of Dr. O'Dwyer, as it is still the property of the diocese of Limerick. A copy was made for Trinity College library. Dr. Russell, President of Maynooth, presented Dr. Butler, late Bishop of the diocese, with a copy, and there is one also in the college library of Maynooth.

Corcoide sept and lands of the Earl's rimers at Brosna

Brosna · town · Kerry · 1515–1574

The Corcoide sept, descended from Bard son of Owen Mor, was a free tribe renowned for harpers who served the King of Cashel and later the Earls of Desmond. Lands held by the Earl's rimers in the mountain of Slewlocra were named Brosenaghe, now Brosna near Mount Collins, and by the rimers of Templeglantine and Ballymorrough.

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4 “ Lands held by the rimers of the Earl in the mountain of Slewlocra are named Brosenaghe [now Brosna in Kerry, near Mount Collins], and by the rimers of Templay Egleantane [Templeglantine], and Ballywroho [Bally morrough].” The names within brackets are the modern ones.
" Rent6 and duties when the Earl doth cross the mountain or take his journey betwixt Kerry and Connelough, the foresaid rimers are wont to bear the charge for a day and a night, coming and going.*' — State Papers Series, Carew MSS., 15 15-1574.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 6

Dissolution of St. Mary's and its possessions

Saint John's Church · ecclesiastical site · Cork · 1536–1540

After the dissolution, the monastery of St. Mary's in Limerick and its possessions, including North and South Prior's land and St. John's church, passed to Edmond Sexton. The possessions later belonged to the Earl of Limerick.

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This monastery, as we have already seen, had as part of its possessions the lands now known as North and South Prior’s land, also St. John’s church in the city. After the dissolution this monastery, with all its possessions, passed to Edmond Sexton, which he “ craftily obtained despite the protest of the corporation.” There is now no trace of the original building, but the possessions belong to the Earl of Limerick as the descendant of Sexton.2
The dress of the friars was blue with a red cross. They

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 293

Dominican priory of Kilmallock founded 1291

Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1291

The Dominican priory of Kilmallock was founded in 1291 by friars who received a plot of land from a burgess of the town. The Bishop of the Diocese, as feudal lord, ordered their ejection for lack of permission, and they were forcibly removed by clerks and officials.

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The Dominican priory of Kilmallock was founded in 1291, by some friars of the Order, who received a plot of land from a burgess of that town.
The Bishop of the Diocese, being the feudal lord of Kilmallock, gave orders to have the friars ejected, as they did not obtain his permission. Being unwilling to leave, they were forcibly ejected by the clerks and

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 273

Inquisition describes Adare castle and demesne

Adare · townland · Limerick · 1330

An inquisition into the manor of Adare described a castle with a hall, a thatched stone chapel, a tower covered with planks, and a slate-roofed kitchen. The demesne contained over 270 acres of arable land, meadow, and pasture, mostly laid waste by war except for about 86 acres cultivated by four English tenants.

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The jury on their oath state that there was at Adare a castle in which there is a hall, a chapel with stone walls covered with thatch, a tower covered with planks, a kitchen covered with slates, a chamber, near the stone part, covered with thatch, the casement of which is not surveyed at any price, because no one is willing to hire them on account of the cost of keeping them up.
They say that there are in the demesne 13 score and 19 acres of arable land, meadow, and pasture in demesne which used be under the plough of the lord there, each acre of which used to be worth, in times recently past, 12 d. per year, but they are now waste and uncultivated, on account of the war, for want of tenants, except 86 acres and a-half and one shed which are now cultivated by four Englishmen, tenants there paying for each acre 4 d. at the feast of St. Michael next following, and the feast of St. Michael, to be levied from each acre of all the aforesaid lands at 4 d. per year in case of peace, but if war nothing.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 181

John Budstone's gift of four brass bells to St. Mary's

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1401

John Budstone, sheriff of Limerick in 1401, presented St. Mary's Cathedral with four brass bells, inspiring a well-known Limerick legend. A sedilia in the south transept of the cathedral bears his name engraved upon it. The Budstone name is now extinct in the city, though a family of the name Buston was found in Coolcappa parish.

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About this time also another wealthy citizen, John Budstone, who was sheriff of the city in 1401, presented the cathedral with four brass bells. Every Limerick man is acquainted with the beautiful legend of those bells.1 He was an ancestor of the Arthur family, and Dr. Arthur in his MSS. thus commemorates the gift : —
Without morality all faith is vain,

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 299

King grants Limerick customs for city fortifications, 1237

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1237

In 1237 the king granted the customs of Limerick city for six years to the 'good men of Limerick' to enable them to carry out projected fortification works. The city needed strengthening as a stronghold in the heart of a country whose Irish inhabitants were ever ready to shake off the yoke of the stranger.

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1237.1 The king accordingly granted the customs of the city for six years to the “ good men of Limerick,” to enable them to carry out the projected works, at the same time reminding them that they ought to contribute more liberally their own money to such a praiseworthy object. The list of the articles coming into Limerick that were taxed is interesting, as it gives us a far-away glimpse of the articles of commerce in those days, and are here set out, viz. : —
For every cramiock of wheat coming into the city on sale, id. ; every crannock of oats, id. ; every horse or cow, id. ; every four hogs, id. ; every six sheep, id. \

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 123

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city whose walls were built on a king's promise. In 1237 the king granted the customs of Limerick for six years to the good men of Limerick, to enable them to carry out the projected fortification works. He reminded them they ought to contribute more liberally their own money to such a praiseworthy object. What came into the city was taxed: every crannock of wheat, a penny; every crannock of oats, a penny; every horse or cow, a penny; every four hogs, a penny; every six sheep, a penny. The customs on those goods were meant to strengthen the city as a stronghold.

Mungret monastery: six churches and 1,500 monks

Mungret · town · Limerick

In early times the monastery at Mungret had six churches attached to it and 1,500 monks in its cloisters, divided into preachers, those celebrating the Divine Office, and those employed in schools or labouring for the community. A bell of rude workmanship, composed of mixed metal hammered and riveted together, was found beside the abbey.

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In early times there were six churches attached to this monastery and 1,500 monks in its cloisters ; of these onethird were preachers, one-third were constantly engaged in celebrating the Divine Office, and the remaining third were employed in the schools or labouring for the community.
According to tradition the learning of the Mungret women was proverbial, as we learn from the following story which has come down to us. A controversy arose between Mungret and a neighbouring school as to which of them were the most learned. It was agreed that the most scholarly of both parties should meet at Mungret on a given day, and hold a public disputation. As the time drew near the Mungret scholars, to make sure of victory, had recourse to stratagem.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 36

O'Donovans driven beyond Mangerton mountain

near Mangerton Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

During feuds between the O'Briens and MacCarthys, the O'Donovans were driven from the plains of Ui-Figeinte and forced to flee beyond Mangerton mountain. Whether they were ever able to return has not been determined.

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XXVIII. Aneslis O’Donovan, a name which indicates a Danish connexion. In his time Desmond was thrown into a state of confusion in consequence of the feuds between the O'Briens and MacCarthys, during which the O’ Donovans were driven from the plains of Ui- Figeinte, and forced to fly beyond the Mangerton mountain. — See note m, under the year 1178, p. 45, supra. Whether they were ever after able to return has not been yet determined. Collins asserts, in his pedigree of the late General O’Donovan, of Bawnlahan, that O’Donovan resided at Croom, till he was driven thence by Maurice Fitzgerald, second Baron of Offaly, who was Lord Justice of Ireland in the year 1229 ; but this has not been proved. Murchadh had a son —
XXIX. Raghnall, Ranulph, Randal, or Reginald O’Donovan. another name which bespeaks a Danish alliance. In the year 1201 the chief of the O’ Donovans, Amhlaoibh, Aulaf, or Auliff, was seated in the now county of Cork, where he was slain that year by the O’Briens and De Burgos, but how he stood related to this Raghnall has not been proved. — See note °, under the year 1200, p. 126; and note y, under the year 1418, pp. 832, 933, supra.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 330

Peyton's Survey records friars' holdings at Adare, 1586

Adare · townland · Limerick · 1586

Peyton's Survey of 1586 documented the friars' possessions at Adare, including a field called Clone numrare, a water mill called Mollin beg, and a fishing weir called Corra numar, as well as tithes of fish from the Earl of Desmond's weir near the bridge.

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According to Peyton's Survey in 1586 the friars held, with the convent buildings, a certain field north of the convent called Clone numrare, or the friars’ land, a water mill within the town called Mollin beg, near the Earl of Desmond’s mill ; Corra numar’, or the friars’ fishing weir ; they were also entitled to tithes of fish taken in the earl’s weir near the bridge, namely, of the fish taken therefrom 12 o’clock on Saturday to 6 o’clock on Monday. The ruins of the abbey consist of a church ii8£ feet long by 23 feet wide, which was lighted by a large window of four shafts. The altar still remains, but devoid of ornament. High up in the chancel wall at the gospel side there is the figure of an ecclesiastic carved in stone clad in vestments holding in his left hand a crozier with the crook turned out, the sign of jurisdiction, and the right hand raised in blessing. Judging from the round shaped mitre it looks like the effigy of a Pope. Further down at the same side there was a transept running north. At the epistle side, and near the altar on the chancel wall, there is an elaborate monument to the Stephenson family, now much injured, and about which we may have much to say at some future time, as its history is outside the scope of this work.
The cloister, which is composed of a beautiful series of arches, forms a quadrangle, ^measuring 51^ feet square, and is the most pleasing feature of the building. At the north-east end of the cloister there is a statue of St. Francis in a recess, 'the face of which is partly worn away by the kisses of devout pilgrims. The Chapter-room is

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 278

Privileges granted to Lismore at 1512 provincial council

Lismore · town · Waterford · 1512

A provincial council held in Limerick on 10 August granted special privileges to the city and church of Lismore, its territory, and manors. These prohibited the billeting of Scots, turf-cutters, and hunters—including those of the Earl of Desmond—in the city or the bishop's manors, under penalty of major excommunication and ecclesiastical interdict.

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Imprimis quod de retro et in perpetuum nulla fiat distributio Scotorum, et turbariorum, nec venatorum quorumeunque, etiam domini comitis Desmoniae in civitate, aut populo suo privato, neque in maneriis domini episcopi ab extra, sub poena majons excommunicationis, et interdicti ecclesiastici ipso facto contra violatores horum privilegiorum toties quoties.
Item, promittit concilium, quod justitiarius domini regis, et dominus comes Desmoniae, casu ibidem advenientes, de honesta tamen comitiva equitum et peditum juxta qualitatem tenenda, illuc recipiantur, hoc semper licentia episcopi petita et oblenta.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 356

St. Berechert's inscribed tombstone at Tullylease

Tullylease · townland · Cork

A plain sandstone flag, 3 feet long and 2 broad, leans against the east wall of the old church at Tullylease, bearing an inscription in rude Irish letter reading 'Qui cumque hunc titulo legerit orat pro Berechtune.' Local tradition asserts St. Berechert came to Tullylease from the parish of Cullen, where he lived and died.

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this church is St. Beretchert, locally called Benjamin. According to the Annals of the Four Masters his death took place in the year 839, “ Berichter of Tulach-leis, died 6th December.” He was brother of St. Gerald of Mayo, and son of a Saxon prince. They are represented as leaving England after the Synod of Whitby, and came over to Ireland with a great many followers. The name is a Saxon one, and variously written. Local tradition asserts * that he came to Tullylease from the parish of Cullen, where he lived and died, as his tombstone is yet to be seen leaning against the east wall of the old church.
It is a plain flag of sandstone, measuring 3 feet in length and 2 in breadth, elaborately finished, and the edges well defined. The upper corner of the right side has been broken off, and many careful searches have been made for it without success. Some fragments of stones were found having circular patterns of great age similar to those on the slab. There can be no doubt but the part broken off contained the letters “IHS Jesus,” as a counterpart to “X P S Christus,” which occupies the other angle. The inscription is written in a rude form of Irish letter, near the base of the old Celtic cross on the slab. It is as follows : —

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 89

St. Patrick's sacred mementos at Knockpatrick

Knockpatrick · townland · Limerick

At Knockpatrick, overlooking Foynes, there is an old church, a holy well, and St. Patrick's chair consisting of five rude stones, all treasured as sacred mementos of his visit. No tradition survives connecting him with localities between Patrick's Well and Knockpatrick.

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Turning to the south-west of the city traces of him are to be found at Patrick’s Well. There does not seem to be any tradition surviving to connect our Saint with any locality between this and Knockpatrick, overlooking Foynes. Here there is an old church, a holy well, and his chair, consisting of five rude stones, all treasured as sacred mementos of his visit.
Ardagh is the only place in the south-west of the county where the tradition of his visit lives in the

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 27

Sullivan's failed sacramental mission to Scattery

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1801

Rev. Michael Sullivan and Mr. Kearney landed on Scattery Island early in the morning to administer sacraments, but the inhabitants refused to cooperate. The people claimed they did not know who their pastor was, citing assurances from the Kilrush clergy that they would soon produce a bishop's letter confirming their jurisdiction over the island.

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and especially while on my late excursion in your city, on my return from whence (in consequence of the wish you zealously expressed of having the Scattery people properly attended to), I immediately dispatched a pious catechist I have here to instruct the young and old of that holy island and entreat them to prepare for sacraments against last Wednesday, on which day Mr. Kearney and I landed there very early, satisfied by the help of the Almighty, the good example of our precursor we may reap a good harvest in that little vineyard of the Lord. But to our grief they would not hear to us. Amazed at the extraordinary change, from being sohappy at being enlightened and instructed the last time we were with them, our poor pious man informed us the day he was sent, the Reverend Mr. Fitzpatrick of Kilrush was there, after baptising a child and churching the mother, and on his asking what necessity was there for sending for the coadjutor of Kilrush, the weather being so favourable, the child strong, and the parish priest willing to attend to them, their answer was, they did not know who was their pastor, and during the twenty days he remained there he would not be attended to, consequently on our arrival no one was prepared for confession. Still we remained until the following morning, thinking during that interval .(after exhorting them thereto) they may attempt to make some reparation and seriously reflect on their situations and our perse verence attempting to serve them. The result of their nocturnal deliberations was a candid acknowledgment that their only motive for acting in the manner they have was solely owing to the Revd. Messrs. Consiedin and Fitzpatrick of Kilrush, who have assured them they would in a few days produce a letter from their bishop, by which they would convince them they for certain were as usual to be their pastors.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 319

Thursday market at Manor of Corcomohide, 1283

Corcomohide · parish · Limerick · 1283

As early as 1283, Thomas de Clare obtained patent for a market to be held every Thursday at the manor of Corcomohide, which lay east of Mahoonagh. The manor became the subject of a prolonged lawsuit between Juliana de Clare and her sister Amabilia over inheritance rights.

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This manor though belonging to De Clare is not given among his lands in this inquisition. It lay to the east of Mahoonagh, and as early as 1283, De Clare obtained patent for a market to be held there every Thursday.
Juliana, the wife of De Clare, objected to Walter de Haye, Escheator of Ireland, taking this manor into the king’s custody. She went before the justiciary, and stated that it was her marriage portion. There and then, an inquisition was taken in presence of the escheator, with the result that Juliana established her claim. Soon after Amabilia, sister of Juliana, came before the justices on circuit in County Limerick, and sued Juliana for half the manor as being her right in as much as the manor belonged to their father, Maurice, now deceased.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 139

1414 disputed succession to ministry of St. James, Adare

Adare · townland · Limerick · 1414

After the death of Walter Northyn, the office of Minister of the Trinitarian house of St. James at Adare was unlawfully detained by John Flemyng, who inhibited Thomas Butler from going to Rome to obtain the office. The Pope mandated Cornelius O'Dea, Bishop of the diocese, to investigate and collate Butler if Flemyng were found guilty.

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1414. A report was made to the Holy See that the office of Minister of the Trinitarian house of St. James, Adare, was void by the death of Walter Northyn. John Flemyng of the same house unlawfully detained it, and inhibited under pain of excommunication and otherwise Thomas Butler, priest and friar of the same house, from going to Rome for the purpose of obtaining the said office.
The Pope issued a mandate to Cornelius O’Dea, Bishop of the Diocese, the Abbot of St. Mary’s, Monasternanagh, and Edmond Fitzadam, Canon of the

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 283

Black Book of Limerick held by Captain Ouseley and later Dr. Young

Bruff · town · Limerick · 1795

Dr. Young noted in 1795 that the Black Book of Limerick was in the possession of Captain Ouseley, and Dr. Cussen of Bruff added that Dr. Young afterwards became the owner of the manuscript. It subsequently became an heirloom of the Diocese of Limerick.

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At the time of the Reformation it passed into the hands of the Protestant bishops, as there are some documents inserted in the end of it by Bishop Adams (1604-1625). It is said to have been in the possession of Bishop Webb, who died a prisoner in the castle shortly after the outbreak of 1642. Dr. Young mentions in a note in White’s Annals of the Diocese, when treating of Bishop Robert of Emly, that the Black Book was then (in the year 1795) in the possession of Captain Ouseley, and Dr. Cussen, P.P., Bruff, adds in another note that Dr. Young afterwards became the owner of the MS. Since then it has become an heirloom of the diocese.
This MS. is at present in the college library of Maynooth. It was lent by Dr. Ryan, Bishop of the Diocese, to Dr. Renehan, President of that College, and being among his books at the time of his death, it was placed in the library of the College, where it remains by the permission of Dr. O’Dwyer, as it is still the property of the diocese of Limerick. By the consent of the President of Maynooth, a copy was made for Trinity College library. Dr. Russell, President of Maynooth, presented Dr. Butler, late Bishop of the diocese, with a copy, and there is one also in the College library of Maynooth.1

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 191

Brian Boru defeats Eoghanacht forces at Bealach-Leachta

Macroom · town · Cork · 978

In 978 Brian Borumha marched a second time against the rival Eoghanacht race and engaged them at Bealach-Leachta in Muskerry, near Macroom in County Cork. He vanquished them and their Danish allies with dreadful havoc, after which the race of Eoghan gave up their rivalship for the government of Munster.

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XXV. Cathal mac Donovan. Brian Borumha did not satisfy his revenge by the slaughter of Donovan and his people of Ui-Figeinte, together with their allies, the Danes of Munster. In the year 978 he marched a second time against the rival race of Eoghan or Eoghanachts, and came to an engagement with them at Bealach-Leachta, in Muskerry, near Macroom, in the now county of Cork, where he vanquished them and their Danish allies with dreadful havoc. After this defeat the race of Eoghan were glad to give up their rivalship for the government of Munster, and to make peace with Brian on his own conditions. Accordingly we find these two great races of the blood of Oilioll Olum at peace with each other for a period of thirty-six years, that is, from the year 978 till 1014. Among the chieftains of the line of Eoghan who submitted to Brian on this occasion, was Cathal, the son of his.
Digitized by boogie

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 329

Croom tithes and baptising rights in Clonmacnoise Registry

Croom · town · Limerick

The Registry of Clonmacnoise records that Gerald granted six days, the baptising, and all tithes of the town of Croom to the church of Clonmacnoise (Temple Finyn) in mortmain. This was part of the arrangement securing Geraldine burial rights at the monastery.

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also ye baptising ; and the said Gerald paid of his own part of Ach Dara (Adare) four fat beeves, and 48 daies in Killcluayn, whereof there are 4 daies in Bregoig, and 48 daies in Darire, and 48 daies in Killcynyl, and 48 daies in Kill Drochayle, and sixe daies in Croomaigh (Croom), and the baptising, together with the tithes of the town of Croomaigh, and Gerald gave this in Mortmaine to ye church called Teample Finyn in Cluain (Clonmacnoise).
When this grant was made it is not easy to determine . It would seem to be before the thirteenth century, as Doondonnell was in the possession of Keynsham before the year 1237. The castle was sometimes called Harold’s Castle, whence Cloghnarld, a name by which the church is known in some documents as we shall see later on.

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 217

Fenian detachment stationed at Askeaton

Askeaton · townland · Limerick

When the Fenian companies were called together to prepare for battle, a detachment was stationed at Askeaton under the leadership of Garad. The Fenians' power was broken long before the introduction of Christianity, but their adventures remained a favourite theme of bards.

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The Fenians in time of peace were dispersed in companies through the country, and had to subsist on the fruits of the chase from May to November. The animals they killed in the morning were sent by their attendants to a place already selected, where they were to assemble in the evening to enjoy a well-earned meal. Here they lighted big fires and put into them large quantities of sandstones. Then they dug a trench where they placed the meat, tied in bundles, around which they heaped the hot stones, and kept piling them on until the meat was thoroughly cooked. On one occasion, when the different companies were called together to prepare for battle, a detachment was stationed at Askeaton, under the leadership of Garad. Though their power was broken and their office discontinued long before the, introduction of Christianity, still their romantic adventures became the favourite theme of the bards in after ages. In our own times many a fireside is enlivened during the long winter evenings by a spirited recital of some of their achievements.
Miscellanea .

Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 24

The diocese of Limerick, ancient and medieval

The stories, best first

Stone houses of Rodi de Kilkenny in Kilmallock

Brian and Mahon wage guerrilla war in Thomond woods

Geoffrey Galway's burial and bequests to Limerick Cathedral

Gregory le Flemyng's holding in Ballygorman

Legend of Earl of Desmond at Lough Gur

Limerick Cathedral dedicated on Feast of the Assumption

MacNamara forced to submit and restore church goods

Nicholas Cahan, hereditary coarb of termon of Senan

St. Patrick's resting place near Cloncagh church

St. Senan drives monster from Scattery Island

Sullivan's return to Scattery finds continued defiance

Suppression of St. Saviour's Dominican convent, Limerick

Thomas de Clare obtains custody of Limerick, 1274

Donald O'Brien burns Limerick

Mahon, King of Munster, killed at Red Gap

Yew tree wonder at Caherass near Croom

Abbey alienated property to discourage English among monks

Cladh Dubh na Ratha earthen mound

De Burgo granted Ardpatrick

Elizabethan Inquisition surveys Iniscathay island (1576)

Franciscan from Nenagh appointed Bishop of Iniscathay (c. 1358)

Ivar and sons slain on Scattery Island by Brian

King's highway of Emly in land assignment

Late 13th-century street layout and rents of Kilmallock

Prior Hogan obtains papal confirmation, 1400

Serious charge against Prior Hogan, 1411

Suppression of St. Catherine's convent, 1428

Thomas Arthur's patronage of Limerick Cathedral

Thomas Brightrich receives constableship of Limerick Castle

Captives gathered on hills of Singland after Danish defeat

Earl of Desmond benighted near Abbeyfeale and marries tenant's daughter

Earl of Desmond gives hostages at Newcastle West

Eoghan Mor falls in battle near Athenry, AD 250

Galway exacts illegal customs from Limerick merchants

Murtagh O'Brien stones from Grennan of Ely placed on Limerick palace parapet

Scattery Island inhabitants petition Bishop Young for chapel access

Limerick petitions king for food supplies from France, 1450

Stone circles at Lough Gur

Adare tribute in the Clonmacnoise Registry

Bishop Young visits Scattery, 1801, finds two families

Black Book passed to Protestant bishops after the Reformation

Corcoide sept and lands of the Earl's rimers at Brosna

Dissolution of St. Mary's and its possessions

Dominican priory of Kilmallock founded 1291

Inquisition describes Adare castle and demesne

John Budstone's gift of four brass bells to St. Mary's

King grants Limerick customs for city fortifications, 1237

Mungret monastery: six churches and 1,500 monks

O'Donovans driven beyond Mangerton mountain

Peyton's Survey records friars' holdings at Adare, 1586

Privileges granted to Lismore at 1512 provincial council

St. Berechert's inscribed tombstone at Tullylease

St. Patrick's sacred mementos at Knockpatrick

Sullivan's failed sacramental mission to Scattery

Thursday market at Manor of Corcomohide, 1283

1414 disputed succession to ministry of St. James, Adare

Black Book of Limerick held by Captain Ouseley and later Dr. Young

Brian Boru defeats Eoghanacht forces at Bealach-Leachta

Croom tithes and baptising rights in Clonmacnoise Registry

Fenian detachment stationed at Askeaton