The diocese of Limerick, ancient and medieval

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Galway and Bultingfort heraldic slabs in Limerick Cathedral

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1350–1445

   Heraldic arms of the Galway and Bultingfort families are cut into stone slabs in Limerick Cathedral, including those of Richard Bultingfort, Geoffrey Galway, Edmund Galway, and John Galway. The arms of John Galway bear a turretted bridge commemorating an ancestor's gallant defence of Ball's Bridge against the O'Briens around the mid-fourteenth century.

   Read the passage

   (Scutum Richardi Bultingfort), a little to the left are the arms of Geoffrey Galway, viz., a cross with a bend, differencing these arms from those of De Burgo, empaling a double-headed eagle for Stritch, over them are the letters S. G. G. (Scutum Galfridi Galway) ; a short distance to the right are the arms of Edmund Galway empaling a chevron between three clarions for Arthur. Over these are the arms of John Galway, quarterly first and fourth for Galway ; on the fourth is a bridge turretted a grant of arms made to John de Burgo, an ancestor of the Galways, for his gallant defence of Ball’s Bridge against the O’Briens about the middle of the fourteenth century. Second quarter for Bultingfort, third for Stritch, surmounted by a cat-a-mountain, and underneath the inscription : —

   Lumina quae Rector Tua cemunt hisce Johanni Muris sculpta sacris Quadrant insignia Galway.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 302

2. Portionary clergy as community of Culdees

   Scattery Island · townland · Clare

   The portionary clergy were bound to residence in the collegiate church on the island and were maintained by contributions from pious pilgrims and revenues from the Termon of Senan. They may be styled a community of Culdees, similar to bodies at Clonmacnoise and Armagh that survived until the Reformation.

   Read the passage

   The portionary were bound to actual residence in the collegiate church on the island, and as such were in the diocese of Limerick and subject to the bishop, and no one knew their position better than Cornelius O’Dea, who had been Archdeacon of Killaloe, before becoming Bishop of Limerick. As the Inquisition of 1604 states, they had to devote their time to religious duties, and were maintained no doubt by contributions of pious pilgrims visiting the island, also from some revenues derived from the Termon of Senan and the diocese of Limerick. The reference in 1427 to the “ certain portion ” in the church of Iniscathay and the perpetual vicarage of Dunmoylan looks like the maintenance of one of the chaplains. These good Fathers may be styled a community of Culdees, as similar bodies that resided at Clonmacnoise and Armagh were called and who maintained their existence to the Reformation.

   In the Inquisition of 1576 it is stated that the island was in the county of Limerick, and was granted to the Corporation of Limerick by Elizabeth. During the

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 317

3. St. Maidoc and the rath of Cluainclaidheach

   Killeedy · parish · Limerick

   St. Maidoc of Ferns visited Hy Conaill to seek the release of imprisoned countrymen, was refused entry to the chieftain's rath, and after a manifestation of divine power the chief relented and bestowed the rath on Maidoc to found a monastery. The place is identified as Cluainclaidheach, near Killeedy, about three miles distant.

   Read the passage

   Maidoc, having heard that some of his countrymen were imprisoned in Hy Conaill, went to visit the chief of the district where they were confined to obtain their release. When he arrived at the rath of the chieftain, he was not permitted to enter the enclosure nor allowed to see the chief. The saint remained near the rath for some days in prayer. After a striking manifestation of God’s power through the in* strumentality of Maidoc this chief relented, and made an humble apology to the saint for his harsh treatment of him. As a proof of the sincerity of his repentance he bestowed the rath on Maidoc to found a monastery.

   The place where this remarkable event took place is called in Colgan’s life of the Saint, Cluainclaidheach^ which cannot be identified with Cloncagh, as that

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 91

4. St. Patrick's traces at Donaghmore

   Donaghmore · parish · Limerick

   St. Patrick's missionary travels brought him westward through the diocese of Emly, and Donaghmore is the first place where traces of him are found, the name itself being a standing memorial of his presence. Kilteely is the last place mentioned in connection with him before entering the territory of Hy Fidhgente.

   Read the passage

   St. Patrick during his missionary travels visited the south of Ireland. After baptizing Aengus at Cashel, he went westward through the present diocese of Emly, and Kilteely 1 2 is the last place mentioned in connection with him before entering the territory of Hy Fidhgente* Taking, then, that part of the district lying near Kilteely as a starting-point, and tradition as a guide, the first traces of him are to be found at Donaghmore,* the name itself being a standing memorial of his presence. At Singland, near the city, a holy well is pointed out as sacred to his name, beside it his rocky bed, and a little further on a graveyard where once stood a church dedicated to him, not a vestige of which now remains.

   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.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 27

5. Suppression of Monasteranenagh Abbey and grant to Echingham

   Monasteranenagh · parish · Limerick · 1540–1543

   At the suppression in 1540, Monasteranenagh Abbey held extensive lands including plough-lands, the parish of Nenay, mills, and weirs on the Commogue. All possessions were granted by Henry VIII in 1543 to Sir Osborne Echingham, though monks appear to have remained until 1579.

   Read the passage

   In 1540, it shared the same fate as all the monastic houses in England and Ireland. At the suppression it held five plough-lands — the Abbey plough-land, Ballymacstradan, and Grange, the two Barmeans, Ballybrood, and Cloughnanamagh. The parish of Nenay, including Granshelath, Canras, Garranamanagh, Knockagrawley, Caherduff, Cloughmenagh, Kilkereby, Bowherany and Lackagrenagh, a mill seat, watercourse, and weirs for eels and pike on the Commogue, and rents of £1 os. 8d. and 6s. from Grottensillagh. All these possessions were granted by Henry VIII, in 1543, to Sir Osborne Echingham, and it would seem that the monks were left undisturbed until 1579.

   Monasteranenagh, like all the Cistercian houses, was exempt from the authority of the bishop, but kept up a connection with Citeaux, the mother house of the Order, to which it annually contributed 10s.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 267

6. 1201 inquisition into Limerick diocese church property

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1201

   In 1201, Myler Fitzhenry ordered an inquisition into the ecclesiastical property of the diocese of Limerick, with William de Burgh presiding over a jury of twelve Irish, twelve English, and twelve Danes. The equal representation of Danes proves a strong Danish settlement existed in the city and county.

   Read the passage

   In the year 1201, 1 Myler Fitzhenry ordered an inquisition to be held regarding the ecclesiastical property of the diocese. William de Burgh presided over the inquiry, with a jury composed of twelve Irish, twelve English, and twelve Danes. The three races that formed the population of the city and county were equally represented. It proves what a strong settlement of Danes must have been in the city and county when they were entitled to such a representation. This is a very valuable document, as it throws great light in the early history of the Church in Limerick. At the end of the list of churches there will be given a more detailed comment on this document, which is taken from the Black Book.

   I mlechdroinggi .

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 84

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a record from 1201. Myler Fitzhenry ordered an inquisition into the ecclesiastical property of the diocese. William de Burgh presided over the inquiry, and the jury was made of twelve Irish, twelve English, and twelve Danes. The three races that formed the population of the city and county were equally represented. It proves what a strong settlement of Danes must have been in the city and county when they were entitled to such a representation. The document is taken from the Black Book, and it throws great light on the early history of the Church in Limerick.

7. 1290 lawsuit between Scattery Island guardian and Rathkeale prior

   Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1290

   In 1290 a lawsuit was carried on between Thomas le Chapeleyn, Guardian of the house of St. Senan of Iniscatha (Scattery Island), and Benedict, Prior of St. Mary's house at Rathkeale, linking two medieval religious foundations in a legal dispute.

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   astery from Elinor Purcell of the tenth loaf of every baking, the tenth flagon of every brewing, the tenth pork, the tenth mutton, and a considerable portion of every ox killed in the manor of Mayer (evidently Mayncroo alias Croagh), to the due performance of which she bound herself and her heir. In 1290 a lawsuit was carried on between Thomas le Chapeleyn, Guardian of the house of St. Senan of Iniscatha (Scattery Island), and Benedict, Prior of St. Mary’s house, Rathkeale.

   1307. Hugh, son of Elinor Purcell, was sued by the Prior of this house for not fulfilling the grant made to the monastery by his mother. Hugh pleaded that his mother made the grant after settling the manor on the heir. The Prior rejoined that after Elinor’s death John the Prior was put into possession of the charity by Hugh who ratified his mother’s deed.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 287

8. Adare Abbey ruins: church, effigy, and cloister

   Adare · townland · Limerick

   The ruins of Adare Franciscan friary include a church 118.5 feet long by 23 feet wide with a remaining altar, a carved stone effigy of an ecclesiastic holding a crozier, and a cloister of beautiful arches forming a quadrangle 51.5 feet square. A statue of St. Francis in a recess shows its face worn away by pilgrims' kisses.

   Read the passage

   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

   * See B.B.L., p. 144,

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 278

9. Adare burned and destroyed by Irish enemy in 1376

   Adare · townland · Limerick · 1376

   In 1376, the town of Adare was burned down and totally wasted by the Irish enemy, probably in one of the O'Brien raids. Edward III subsequently granted the provost and commonalty relief from subsidies and talliages to help rebuild the town.

   Read the passage

   The King to the sheriffs of Limerick, keeper of our peace there, our bailiffs, servants, and collectors of our subsidies and other talliages, which now are, or at one time were, in said county greeting. Whereas we considering after what manner the town of Adare was burned, destroyed, and laid waste by our Irish enemies, that said town may be better and more quickly rebuilt and repaired hence, granted to the provost and commonalty of said town, that they should be acquitted from all subsidies, talliages, and other service,

   1 Memorials of Adare , p. 10 1.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 181

10. All Monasteranenagh possessions granted to Sir Osborne Echingham

    Monasteranenagh · parish · Limerick · 1543–1579

    Henry VIII granted all the monastery's possessions to Sir Osborne Echingham in 1543, and the monks seem to have been left undisturbed until 1579. Monasteranenagh, as a Cistercian house, was exempt from episcopal authority and annually contributed 10s. to Citeaux.

    Read the passage

    In 1540, it shared the same fate as all the monastic houses in England and Ireland. At the suppression it held five plough-lands — the Abbey plough-land, Ballymacstradan, and Grange, the two Barmeans, Ballybrood, and Cloughnanamagh. The parish of Nenay, including Granshelath, Canras, Garranamanagh, Knockagrawley, Caherduff, Cloughmenagh, Kilkereby, Bowherany and Lackagrenagh, a mill seat, watercourse, and weirs for eels and pike on the Commogue, and rents of £1 os. 8d. and 6s. from Grottensillagh. All these possessions were granted by Henry VIII, in 1543, to Sir Osborne Echingham, and it would seem that the monks were left undisturbed until 1579.

    Monasteranenagh, like all the Cistercian houses, was exempt from the authority of the bishop, but kept up a connection with Citeaux, the mother house of the Order, to which it annually contributed 10s.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 267

11. Altar stone with incised crosses in St. Mary's Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1186–1500

    An altar stone in one of the north chapels of St. Mary's Cathedral bears five incised crosses—one at each corner and one in the middle—conforming to Archbishop Comyn's 1186 law requiring stone altars. The stone may date from the cathedral's early period.

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    By a law made by Archbishop Comyn in 1186 altars should be of stone ; if one of sufficient size was not available, then “ a square entire, and polished one should be fixed in the middle of the altar where Christ’s body was to be consecrated, of a compass broad enough to hold five crosses and to bear the foot of the largest chalice.” On the altar stone in St. Mary’s are visible the crosses incised one at each corner and one in the middle. There is no record when the tower was erected, it is certain it formed no part of the original building, and equally certain it was erected before 1500 judging from the style of the windows.

    Round the cathedral stood the residences of the clergy who served the church. The Dean’s Close extended from the western door of the cathedral down to the site of the present County Court, his house stood near the site of the gaol in Crobsie’s Row. The college of Vicars-Choral was opposite the north transept on the other side of Bow lane, and its pointed doorway and perpendicular windows were in perfect preservation until they were removed Last year; and the site is now occupied by a row of newlybuilt cottages. An underground passage was discovered some years ago leading from it to the cathedral.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 298

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, St. Mary's Cathedral holds an altar stone in one of its north chapels that still bears five crosses, incised one at each corner and one in the middle. A law made by Archbishop Comyn in 1186 required that altars be of stone. If one of sufficient size was not available, then a square, entire, and polished stone should be fixed in the middle of the altar where Christ's body was to be consecrated, broad enough to hold five crosses and to bear the foot of the largest chalice. The altar stone in St. Mary's matches that requirement, and may date from the cathedral's early period. The cathedral's tower formed no part of the original building, but was erected before 1500, judging from the style of the windows. Round the cathedral stood the residences of the clergy who served the church. The Dean's Close extended from the western door of the cathedral down to the site of the present County Court, and his house stood near the site of the gaol in Crobsie's Row. The college of Vicars-Choral was opposite the north transept on the other side of Bow lane, with its pointed doorway and perpendicular windows in perfect preservation until they were removed last year. The site is now occupied by a row of newly built cottages. An underground passage was discovered some years ago leading from it to the cathedral.

12. Assault on the Archbishop of Cashel in the city

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Men acting on the orders of the Bishop of Limerick violently attacked the Archbishop of Cashel as he was riding through the middle of the city, tearing the reins from his horse. The Bishop of Limerick also repeatedly impeded the Archbishop in exercising his metropolitan jurisdiction and visitation.

    Read the passage

    eidem Archiepiscopo inferendam misit satellites ; qui quidem satellites ad mandatum dicti Episcopi, in ipsum Archiepiscopum per medium dictae civitatis equitantem, mantis injecerunt temere violentas, et fraenum de capite equi repuerunt. Ad hoc praefatus Episcopus Limiricen. cum praedictis suis complicibus dictum Archiepiscopum Cassellen. in exercitio suae jurisdictionis Metropoliticae, ac in officio visitationis exercendo impedise mutipliciter non expavit. Quare pro parte dicte Archiepiscopi nobis fuit humiliter supplicatum, ut omnes et singulas causas, tarn civiles, quam criminales, quas praefatus Archiepiscopus contra praefatum Episcopum Limiricen. ac ejus complices praedictos, de et super sacrilegiis, contemptibus, invasionibus, injuriis et aliis omnibus supradictis movere intendit, alicui committere de benignitate Apostolica dignaremur. Nos itaque, etc., inclinati, fratemitati tuae, per, etc., mandemus, quatenus si de hujusmodi manuum injectione in dictum Archiepiscopum tibi constiterit, praedictum Episcopum, et alios sacrilegos, tamdiu, appellatione remota, excommunicatos publice mm ties, et facias ab aliis nuntiari, et ab omnibus arctius evitari ; donee praefato Archiepiscopo congrue satisfuerint, et cum tuarum testimonio litterarum ad Sedem praefatam venerint absolvendi : super aliis vero, vocatis, qui fuerint evocandi, et auditis hinc inde propositis quod justum fuerit, appellatione remota decernas, faciens, quod decreveris auctoritate nostra firmiter observari. Caeterum si forsan Episcopi, et ejus complicum praedictorum praesentia pro citationibus de ipsis faciendis secure vel commode haberi nequiret, tibi citationes quaslibet per edicta publica in locis circumvicinis affigenda publicis, de quibus verisimilis sit conjectura, qudd ad notitiam citatorum hujusmodi pervenire valeat faciendi, plenam concedimus tenore praesentium potestatem ; et volumus quod perinde ipsos citatos arctent, ac si eis facto et insinuatae praesentealiter, et personaliter extitissent, non obstan. tarn fil. rec Bonifacii Papae VIII. praedecesoris nostri, in in quibus cavetur ne quis extra suam civitatem et dioecesim, nisi in certis exceptis casibus, et in illis ultra unam diaetam a fine suae dioecesis ad judicum evocetur : seu judices a Sede deputati praedicta, aliquos ultra unam diaetam a fine dioecesis eorum trahere praesumat ; ac de duabus diaetis in concilio generali, quam aliis quibus cunque constitutionibus, a praedecessoribus nostris Romanis Pontificibus, tarn de judicibus delegatis, quam personis ultra certum numerum ad judicium non trahendis ; aut aliis editis, quae tuae possent in hac parte jurisdictioni aut potestati, ejusque libero exercitio quomod olibet obviare : seu si ahquibus, etc., quod interdici, etc., de indulto hujusmodi mentionem. Datum Avinione, 13 Calend. Septembr. anno sexto.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 338

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city was the scene of a violent assault on the Archbishop of Cashel. The Bishop of Limerick sent his men to attack him. They struck as the Archbishop was riding through the middle of the city, laying violent hands on him and tearing the reins from his horse's head. The Bishop, with his accomplices, had also repeatedly blocked the Archbishop from exercising his metropolitan jurisdiction and from carrying out his visitation duties. The Archbishop petitioned the Pope about these sacrileges, contempts, invasions, and injuries. The Pope, writing from Avignon in the sixth year of his pontificate, commissioned a fellow bishop to handle the matter. If the laying of hands on the Archbishop was established, the Bishop of Limerick and his accomplices were to be publicly proclaimed excommunicated, and the sentence announced to others, so all would shun them until they made proper satisfaction to the Archbishop and came to the Apostolic See with letters testifying to that, to be absolved. The Pope noted that if the Bishop and his accomplices could not be safely or conveniently found for citation, public edicts could be posted in neighbouring places, and these would bind the accused as though they had been personally served. The Pope overrode certain constitutions of his predecessor Pope Boniface VIII, which concerned not summoning anyone beyond their own city and diocese, or more than one day's journey from the boundary of their diocese, so that the case could proceed.

13. Battle of Clidhna near Glandore harbour

    near Glandore · population centre · Cork · 379–400

    Fiacha Fidhgeinte was killed by his rival Aengus Tireach, great-grandson of Cormac Cas, in a battle fought at Clidhna near Glandore harbour. This event is recorded in a poem by Cormac Mac Cuilleanain quoted in the Book of Munster.

    Read the passage

    VII. Fiacha Fidhgeinte, the second son of Daire Cearba. After the death of Crimhthann More mac Fidhaigh, in a.d. 379, the race of Fiacha Fidhgeinte became the senior line of the Milesian race, and contended for the crown of Munster. Fiacha himself, however, never became King of Munster, for he was killed by his rival, Aengus Tireach, great-grandson of Cormac Cas, in a battle fought at Clidhna, near Glandore harbour, as appears from a poem by Cormac Mac Cuilleanain, quoted in the Book of Munster. While Crimhthann More mac Fidhaigh, the nephew of this Fiacha, was Monarch of Ireland, he made Conall Eachluath, the grandson of Aengus Tireach, King of Munster ; and after the poisoning of Crimhthann, Enna Airgtheach, the son of Conall Eachluath, became King of Leath Mhogha ; and none of the family of Crimhthann ever after attained to the sovereignty of all Munster.

    The Leabhar Muimhneach, or Munster Book, as preserved in the Book of Lecan , states that this Fiacha received tne cognomen of Fidhgheinte, because he constructed a wooden horse at the fair of Aenach Cholmain in Magh-Life : — “ Fid-geint nuncupalus cst qiua fecit ■equum ligneum in Circinio Colmain in Campo Liphi .”

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 327

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Glandore, the harbour village on the coast of Cork. A battle was fought at Clidhna, near this harbour, between two rivals for the crown of Munster. After the death of Crimhthann More mac Fidhaigh in 379, the race of Fiacha Fidhgeinte became the senior line of the Milesian race, and contended for the crown of Munster. Fiacha himself never became King of Munster. He was killed by his rival Aengus Tireach, great-grandson of Cormac Cas, in a battle fought at Clidhna, near Glandore harbour. This appears from a poem by Cormac Mac Cuilleanain, quoted in the Book of Munster. While Crimhthann More mac Fidhaigh, the nephew of this Fiacha, was Monarch of Ireland, he made Conall Eachluath, the grandson of Aengus Tireach, King of Munster. After the poisoning of Crimhthann, Enna Airgtheach, the son of Conall Eachluath, became King of Leath Mhogha. None of the family of Crimhthann ever after attained to the sovereignty of all Munster. The Munster Book, as preserved in the Book of Lecan, states that this Fiacha received the cognomen Fidhgheinte because he constructed a wooden horse at the fair of Aenach Cholmain in Magh-Life.

14. Bishop Cornelius O'Dea buried in Limerick Cathedral under black marble monument

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1434–1621

    Bishop Cornelius O'Dea died on 27 July 1434 and was interred in Limerick Cathedral under a black marble monument adorned with his statue, near the tomb of the O'Briens. In 1621 the monument was moved to the bishops' burial place on the south side of the choir at the expense of Donat, Earl of Thomond.

    Read the passage

    bishopric and retired into private life, having thus an opportunity of devoting the close of his years exclusively to the service of God. He died on the 27th July, 1434, and was interred in the cathedral, under a monument of black marble adorned with his statue, near the tomb of the O’Briens, with whom he was connected by fosterage.

    In the year 1621, this monument was removed to a place set apart for the bishops on the south side of the choir, where this inscription may still be seen : —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 188

15. Bruce marches through Castle Connell to Limerick

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1315–1316

    In the spring following his landing, Edward Bruce marched south through Ireland with a powerful army, passing through Castle Connell and advancing as far as the walls of Limerick.

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    with six thousand troops. He was immediately joined by the northern Gael and some influential lords of the English colony. In the spring of the following year he marched through Ireland with a powerful army, coming south through Castle Connell as far as the walls of Limerick.

    Edward Butler, the justiciary,1 Richard de Clare, the Cantentons, and others assembled at Ledin or Lodyn (now Ludden) to watch the progress of the invading army, but carefully avoided an encounter. The assembled army remained here for some time after Bruce left the locality, and Richard de Clare sent his bailiff to seize eighty cows in his neighbouring manor of Ainy for the maintenance of the army.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 173

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Castleconnell now. In the spring after his landing, Edward Bruce marched south through Ireland with a powerful army, six thousand troops behind him, and came through this town of Castle Connell on his way as far as the walls of Limerick. He had been joined right away by the northern Gael and some influential lords of the English colony. Edward Butler, the justiciary, Richard de Clare, the Cantentons, and others assembled at Ledin, now Ludden, to watch the progress of the invading army, but carefully avoided an encounter. They stayed there for some time after Bruce left the locality, and Richard de Clare sent his bailiff to seize eighty cows in his neighbouring manor of Ainy for the maintenance of the army.

16. Castle ruins at Castlemahon, seat of the manor

    Castlemahon or Mahoonagh · village · Limerick

    About two miles south-east of Newcastle West, on the right bank of the Deel, stands the village of Mahoonagh, popularly known as Castlemahon. At the eastern end of the village street are the ruins of the castle which was the seat of the manor, still preserving its bold outline and stately grandeur.

    Read the passage

    At the eastern end of the village street are to be seen the ruins of the castle which was the seat of the manor. Though its halls no longer ring with the clash of arms or resound with the noise of feasting and revelry, still in the distance it preserves the stately grandeur and bold outline of bygone glory.

    At the time the present inquisition was taken the manor belonged to Thomas de Clare, who in his day was a remarkable figure in Irish history.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 136

17. Cathal O'Donovan fought at Clontarf alongside Brian Boru

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

    Cathal O'Donovan, an inveterate enemy of the Danes, fought at Clontarf on the side of Brian Boru against his own relatives the Danes. He was placed in the second division of Brian's forces under the command of Kian, son of Maelmuaidh.

    Read the passage

    inveterate enemy, Donovan, who, if we may rely on the Dublin copy of the Annals of I nnis fallen, fought at Clontarf, on the side of Brian against his relatives the Danes ; but it is more than probable that many of the Munster Danes (one of whom, according to Duald Mac Firbis’s account of the Danish families in Ireland, was married to Brian Borumha’s own daughter) fought also on the Irish side. He was placed in the second division of Brian’s forces, of which Kian, the son of Maelmuaidh, ancestor of the O’Mahonys, had the chief command, and this division contended with the forces of Leinster. It does not appear whether or not Cathal was killed in this battle. He was married to a Danish wife, as is quite manifest from the name of his son.

    XXVI. Amhlaoibh, Auliffe or Amlaff O’Donovan. He flourished a.d. 1041, and was evidently the O’Donovan who slew Donnchadh Ua Eachach, as mentioned in the Bodleian copy of the Annals of Innis fallen, under that year. He left a son —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 330

18. Cloncagh old church and serpent legend

    Cloncagh · townland · Limerick

    The old church at Cloncagh, formerly Clonki, is greatly dilapidated but of great antiquity, built within a large moat containing seven acres. A local legend tells of an enormous serpent that surrounded the moat and was killed by St. Patrick with a missal. A holy well dedicated to St. Patrick is nearby where rounds are performed.

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    Now Cloncagh (battle-field). The old church is in a state of great dilapidation, but judging from what remains it seems to be of great antiquity, but invested with a fictitious importance, since it was thought to be the church in connection with Maidoc’s monastery. It is built in a large moat containing seven acres of land. According to a local legend this moat was surrounded by an enormous serpent whose head reached to its tail when St. Patrick visited the locality. This serpent had a habit of putting his tail into his mouth and springing into the air in the evenings to the great terror and dismay of the natives. One evening when St. Patrick saw the monster taking his usual exercise, he struck him with a missal and killed him.

    There is a holy well near the church dedicated to St. Patrick where rounds are performed.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 93

19. Donovans routed beyond Mangerton

    Mangerton · townland · Kerry · 1178

    On an expedition in 1178, Donald O'Brien routed the Donovans of Cairbre beyond the mountain of Mangerton to the westward part of County Cork, where they settled in new homes and where some descendants remained.

    Read the passage

    Donald being now free from the Normans, turned his arms against the Eugenians, laying waste their country with fire and sword. He compelled them to seek shelter in the woods and fastnesses of West Cork, on the south side of the Lee. It was in this expedition he routed the Donovans of Cairbre, beyond the mountain of Mangerton, to the westward part of the County Cork (1178),^ where they settled down in new homes, and where some of their descendants, after the vicissitudes of centuries, are to be found in opulence. By this inroad the martial spirit of Ui Fidhgente was quenched, and the name even dropped out of use, although the Annals. mention that O’Colean1 2 of Cleanglass plundered the country near Lough Gur this very year, but it may have been before Donald’s attack.

    Donald was engaged in many conflicts which have no direct bearing on the history of Limerick. In most of them he was victorious, and succeeded in maintaining the independence of Limerick up to the time of his death, which took place in the year 1194. He was a brave and skilful adversary, but like most of his descendants thoroughly selfish. When he encountered the invaders on equal terms he was always victorious. If he maintained the same determined policy against the enemies of his country in the earlier years of his reign

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 78

20. Fiacha's wooden horse at Colman's fair on the Curragh of Kildare

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 300–399

    Colman's fair was anciently held on the Curragh of Kildare. Fiacha Fidhgente constructed a wooden horse at this fair in the fourth century, earning the cognomen 'Fidhgente' from which the Hy Fidhgente tribe took its name.

    Read the passage

    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

    Coming through the Curragh of Kildare. Colman's fair was anciently held on this ground, and it was here in the fourth century that Fiacha built a wooden horse. Fiacha was a descendant of Oilioll Olum, through Oilioll's eldest son Eoghan Mor, who fell in battle near Athenry in 250. Fiacha flourished in the fourth century, and for constructing that wooden horse at Colman's fair he received the cognomen Fidhgente. The Hy Fidhgente tribe took their name from him, and their territory was almost co-extensive with the present Diocese of Limerick. A tuath was a term of indefinite meaning. It originally meant a tribe of people, but in time came to signify the place where they dwelt. When it embraced a large tract of country, as Hy Fidhgente did, it was called a tuath mor. The Diocese of Limerick would fairly represent the one, and the parishes the other.

21. Fitzthomas invades Thomond, endangering Limerick city

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1258

    Secure in his Limerick estates by 1258, John Fitzthomas gathered his retainers and entered Thomond to annex O'Brien patrimony. The turmoil that followed endangered the independence of the city of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    In 1244 a grant was made to him and his heirs for ever of free chase and warren through his estates in Okonyl (Connelloe). No one had the right of entering on these privileges without his or his heirs’ permission, Being (1258) now well secured in his Limerick estates, he resolved to extend his possessions by annexing some of Thomond, then in the patrimony of the O’Briens. He gathered his retainers, and entered that country, where he effected a temporary settlement, but the turmoil and confusion that followed not only rendered his acquisition of little value, but endangered the independence of the city of Limerick.

    When Prince Edward obtained the Lordship of . Ireland from his father (1260), Fitzthomas crossed over to England, and succeeded in obtaining from that prince the lands of Decies and Desmond, together with the ■castle of Dungarvan. After a long and eventful career he was slain in an engagement with the MacCarthys, at Callan,* near Kenmare, and with him fell his son, Maurice Fitzjohn who, by Matilda de Barry, his wife, left one son, Thomas Fitzmaurice,3 a mere infant.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick lies ahead, a city whose independence was once threatened by a man who held estates nearby. In 1244 John Fitzthomas was granted free chase and warren through his estates in Connelloe, for him and his heirs for ever. No one could enter on those privileges without his or his heirs' permission. Being now, in 1258, well secured in his Limerick estates, he resolved to extend his possessions by annexing some of Thomond, then in the patrimony of the O'Briens. He gathered his retainers and entered that country, where he effected a temporary settlement. But the turmoil and confusion that followed not only rendered his acquisition of little value, it endangered the independence of the city of Limerick itself. The disorder Fitzthomas set in motion reached the walls of this place. When Prince Edward obtained the Lordship of Ireland from his father in 1260, Fitzthomas crossed over to England and obtained from that prince the lands of Decies and Desmond, together with the castle of Dungarvan. After a long and eventful career he was slain in an engagement with the MacCarthys at Callan, near Kenmare, and with him fell his son, Maurice Fitzjohn.

22. Founder's tombstone in Jebb Chapel

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A long narrow slab in the Jebb Chapel, carved with a Celtic cross between four fantastic lions, formerly lay just inside the western door of St. Mary's Cathedral. Tradition says it covered the grave of Donald O'Brien, King of Limerick, the founder of the cathedral.

    Read the passage

    Donald O’Brien, King of Limerick, gave a grant of land to the cathedral already noticed in this work. There is a long narrow slab at present in the Jebb Chapel, having carved upon it a Celtic cross between four fantastic lions. It formerly lay just inside the western door, and tradition says that it covered the grave of the founder of the cathedral.

    Bishop Donoch O’Brien (1200-1207) completed the chancel and transepts, established canons, and richly endowed it. His arms — a chevron between three lions passant — are engraved on a mural slab fixed in the wall over the pulpit, on thp upper border of this slab is the name Dongh, or as others read it, Donoh, in Gothic lettering.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 298

23. Henry II lands at Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1171–1172

    In late 1171 Henry II arrived in Ireland with a large retinue of knights and men-at-arms, landing at Waterford. M'Carthy of Desmond was the first Irish king to welcome him, doing homage and swearing fealty.

    Read the passage

    1172. At the close of the year 1171 Henry came to Ireland, accompanied by a great retinue of knights and men-at-arms. He landed at Waterford. M‘Carthy of Desmond was the first Irish king to welcome him. He then did homage and swore fealty to Henry as his lord, and gave hostages as security for the regular payment of a yearly tribute.

    At Cashel Henry was met by O’Brien, who sued for peace, which was willingly granted. He also became tributary to the king, and swore fealty which he promised faithfully to observe. It is said Henry then appointed his own governors and officers in the cities of Limerick and Cork. The leading kings and chiefs, excepting those of Ulster, not long afterwards made a kind of submission to the English monarch.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 76

24. Holy well of St. Muirdebhair at Dysert (Borrigone)

    Dysert · townland · Limerick

    A famous holy well near the townland of Dysert, at the head of a narrow creek running inland from the Shannon, is associated with St. Muirdebhair the wise, whose feast falls on 3 November. The well is much frequented by local people; no trace of the old church remains, but it must have been near the well.

    Read the passage

    merogan, Murirogan, and Morgans, as it is now called. It takes its name from St. Muirdebhair the wise, whose feast falls on the 3rd of November, according to the old calendars. The Pelire of Aengus calls him a “ synod’s diadem.” The Martyrology of Donegal at the same date has the following notice of him : “ Muirdeabhair the wise of Disert Muirdebra in Ui Conaill Gabhra.” O’Donovan thought this was the same as Dysert near Adare, but in this list of churches they are clearly distinguished. There is a famous holy well near the townland of Dysert at the head of a narrow creek that runs inland from the Shannon called Borrigone, which is much frequented by the people of the surrounding country. This is the holy well of the saint, but in course of time the “ M ” was changed into “ B,” which is of frequent occurrence in place names of this part of the country. There is no trace now of the old church, which must have been near the well.

    Sengola,1

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 98

25. Kilrush parish priest bars Scattery inhabitants from chapel

    Kilrush · town · Clare

    Rev. Mr. Considen, P.P. of Kilrush, issued positive orders debarring the inhabitants of Scattery Island from attending divine service at the chapel of Kilrush. The petitioners referenced the skill of Shannon pilots to argue that crossing from Scattery to Kilrush by row boat was safer than the alternative route from Ballylongford.

    Read the passage

    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

26. Limerick Franciscan monastery founded by William De Burgo

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1260

    The Franciscan monastery in the city of Limerick is considered to have been founded in 1260, attributed to William De Burgo, who was married to Ania, daughter of Donald O'Brien, last King of Limerick. It became a favourite burial-place for Anglo-Norman families, notably the De Burgos and De Clares.

    Read the passage

    Cork erected in the General Chapter of Norbonne held that year. The foundation is generally attributed to William De Burgo, who was married to Ania daughter of Donald O’Brien, last King of Limerick. It became a favourite burial-place for some of the Anglo-Norman families, notably the De Burgos and the De Clares.

    In 1293 the friars of this house received a pension of 35 marcs from Edward I. There is no record relating to this monastery until 1376, when they were engaged in a dispute with Peter Creagh, Bishop of the Diocese, the history of which has been given already.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 276

27. Mahon burns Limerick and banishes Ivar

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Mahon burned Limerick and banished the Danish leader Ivar over the sea for a year. When Ivar returned he settled on the western part of the Shannon and made many spoils and battles.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Mahon now assumed the sovereignty of Cashel, and his enemies being no longer able to resist him on the field had recourse to treachery. In this act of Mahon’s the Eugenians saw* their hopes of attaining the sovereignty of Munster pass away for ever which they regarded as their birth-right after centuries of usurpation.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city Mahon burned after he had hunted down its Danish rulers. His victory took him into the territories of the Danish allies, where he took hostages from Donovan of Ui Fidhgente and Molloy, King of Desmond, the representatives of the Eugenian race. He went west into the county and slaughtered the Danes at Shanagolden, where they had a strong settlement. While he was away, the remnants of the Limerick Danes joined with their fellow-countrymen of Waterford, united their forces, and plundered Emly, where they camped for two days. Mahon attacked them there and put them to flight again. He then burned Limerick and banished Ivar over the sea. Ivar stayed away for a year. When he returned he settled on the western part of the Shannon, and from there made many spoils and battles. Mahon then assumed the sovereignty of Cashel. His enemies could no longer resist him on the field, so they turned to treachery. The Eugenians saw in this act their hopes of attaining the sovereignty of Munster pass away for ever, a right they regarded as their birthright after centuries of usurpation.

28. Prior John Hogan of Iniscathay accused of immorality (1411)

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1411

    In 1411, Robert Kelly received a mandate from Rome to summon John Hogan, prior of the secular and collegiate church of St. Senan at Inyskathagh, and if he found Hogan guilty of the alleged immorality, to deprive him and collate Cornelius Lynch, perpetual vicar of Kilrush, to the priorship.

    Read the passage

    1411. Robert Kelly received a mandate from Rome to summon John Hogan, prior of the secular and collegiate church of St. Senan Inyskathagh, and others concerned ; and if he find, as the Pope has heard, that John was guilty of the immorality which is alleged against him, to deprive him ; and collate Cornelius

    1 Bliss, Papal Letters , Roll Series.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 307

29. St. Ita's pilgrimage to Clonmacnoise in disguise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    St. Ita travelled in disguise to the monastery of Clonmacnoise to receive communion from a holy priest. After her visit became known, the priest set out with companions to visit her at Killeedy.

    Read the passage

    She went on one occasion in disguise to the monastery of Clonmacnoise, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, 1 from a very holy priest. When it became known that she had been there, the priest, who immolated the Host she had received, immediately set out with some companions to visit our Saint at Killeedy. While they were on the journey one of the party lost his sight, but on their arrival at the monastery it was instantly restored through the intercession of St. It a.

    She asked the same priest to sing Mass 2 in her presence, and when he had finished, she ordered the vestment he wore while immolating should be given to him as a

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 44

30. St. Patrick prophesies about Iniscathaigh and the monster Cathach

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare

    St. Patrick asked the Corco Baiscinn about Iniscathaigh, an island in the west at the mouth of the sea, and was told no one dwelt there because of a terrible monster named Cathach. Patrick had earlier prophesied the island would receive the lamp of the people of God.

    Read the passage

    44 Ye need me not to go with you into your country for ye have a child in a woman's womb, and into him your country hath been given by God. After him shall ye be, and him shall ye serve, and this race of the Ui Fidhgente, and the island there in the west in front of the sea that is Iniscathaigh, is there one dwelling in it?” 44 There is none,” say they, 44 for there is a terrible monster therein named Cathach who doth not allow it to be inhabited.”

    From both these narratives it may be inferred that the men of North Munster were natives of Corea Baiscinn, a territory in the south-west of the present county of Clare, and originally comprised the baronies of Clonderlaw Moyarta and Ibricen. They came southwards across the Luimnech, which was the ancient name of the Shannon from the city of Limerick to the sea, and must have landed somewhere in the vicinity of Foynes. They then proceeded to Donaghmore of Maghaine, or Cinel Dine. It would seem as if these descriptive epithets were added on, to distinguish this Donaghmore from another in the territory. It might have been in the district of Shanagolden and disappeared during the Danish wars. After preaching and baptizing them St. Patrick went to the hill of Finne or Fidhne, from which he saw their country and blessed it. From this hill he

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 31

31. The Black Book of Limerick preserved at Maynooth College library

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1194

    The Black Book of Limerick is a valuable manuscript of seventy-six leaves on vellum and parchment containing documents dating from 1194 to 1362, with additions by Bishop Cornelius O'Dea in 1418. It is currently held in the library of Maynooth College, though it remains the property of the Diocese of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    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

    1 The copy I have used is a copy I made from the copy presented t o Dr. Butler, and kindly lent to me by the Most Rev. Dr. O'Dwyer.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 191

32. Belach Leghta — the Melted Pass tradition

    Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick

    St. Patrick is said to have caused the mountain Cen-Abhrat, which intercepted the view of Lough Lunga in the barony of Fermoy, to dissolve, forming the pass called Belach Leghta or Melted Pass. Despite this miracle, the chieftain Derball refused to believe.

    Read the passage

    Knockpatrick, overlooking Foynes, is the only hill in the territory from which all these places so far distant from each other could be seen as St. Patrick saw them. In the metrical1 life of St. Senan, this event is said to have taken place while St. Patrick was in Hy Conaill. Foynes seems to be a modern form of the ancient Finne or Fidhne. In the Rental of Conaill it is written Foynd, and in Peyton’s Survey there is a wood called Kyllfoyne in the locality. Tradition points the route St. Patrick followed from Knockpatrick, namely, through Ardagh and Knockaderry, to the east of the county. Here, in the southern part of Desibeg, which apparently he visited for the first time, he laid the foundations of a church on a hill now known as Ardpatrick. While engaged in the blessed work he was opposed by the ruling chief, who after a little persuasion, consented to allow the Saint to finish the church, provided he would remove the mountain called Cen-Abhrat, that intercepted the view of Lough Lunga, in the barony of Fermoy. When St. Patrick caused the mountain to dissolve and formed the pass called Belach Legtha (or Melted Pass), Derball the chieftain became more obdurate, declaring that he would not believe, no matter what the Saint might accomplish.

    After spending a considerable time in the territory baptizing and teaching the people, he went to evangelize other districts, leaving behind him well-trained missionaries, as was his custom, to organize and minister to the spiritual wants of the newly-formed Christian community.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 32

33. Bishop O'Dea's mitre described as silver-gilt with precious stones and Latin inscriptions

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1418

    The mitre of Bishop Cornelius O'Dea is made of silver-gilt laminae adorned with precious stones and pearls, with Latin inscriptions including 'Me fieri fecit Cornelius O'Deaygh Epus' and the artist's name Thomas O'Caryd engraved upon it. It was originally made for the Bishop of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    The front and back of the mitre consists of silver gilt laminae, adorned with flowers composed of an almost infinite number of precious stones. The borders and ornamental panel, down the middle on both sides are of the same material but much thicker, being worked into mouldings and vine leaves enriched with a variety of pearls some of a large size. Near the top of the front panel, in the form of a cross and covered with crystal of the same shape, is the following inscription : “ Hoc signum crucis erit in coelo.” In similar setting on the back is the continuation : “ Cum Dominus ad judicandum venerit.” Round the lower edge a record of the date and name of the original owner are enamelled in black letters thus : “ Me ^ fieri ifc fecit & Cornelius O’Deaygh Epus . . . Anno Dom Milli.” The re-

    mainder is broken off above the band, the name of the artist is engraved Thomas O’ Carry d, artifex faciens. The infulse or pendants appear to have suffered much as they are devoid of most of the ornaments that once adorned them.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now, a city that holds a remarkable piece from 1418. Bishop Cornelius O'Dea had a mitre made here, and it still survives. The front and back are silver-gilt laminae, adorned with flowers made from a vast number of precious stones. The borders and the ornamental panel running down the middle are the same material but thicker, worked into mouldings and vine leaves enriched with pearls, some of them large. Near the top of the front panel, shaped as a cross and covered with crystal of the same shape, is the inscription: "Hoc signum crucis erit in coelo." On the back, the continuation reads: "Cum Dominus ad judican dum venerit." Round the lower edge, the date and the owner's name are enamelled in black letters: "Me fieri fecit Cornelius O'Deaygh Epus Anno Domini." Part of the inscription is broken off. The artist's name is engraved too: Thomas O'Carryd, artifex faciens. The pendants have suffered over the centuries and are devoid of most of the ornaments that once adorned them.

34. Earl of Desmond seized and executed at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1467

    The Earl of Desmond travelled to Drogheda to explain his policy toward the Irish but was seized on Tiptoft's orders and executed. He was interred in St. Peter's Church in Drogheda.

    Read the passage

    and Kerry, where whatever shred of English government remained was principally maintained through the influence of the Desmonds, as they were closely allied with the old Gaelic families. Desmond repaired to Drogheda to explain the line of policy he was accustomed to follow in his relation with the natives, but shortly after his arrival he was seized by order of Tiptoft and put to death, to the astonishment of the nobles of Erin. He was interred in St. Peter’s Church in that town.

    The justiciary is said to have been an interested partisan, as he had a claim to some lands in the Co. Cork, which were of little value to him or his family, owing to the influence of Desmond. When the news of his execution reached the south the five sons of the martyred Earl rose in rebellion, plunged into Leinster, and began to ravage the territories of the Pale. The Earl of Kildare adopted a more prudent course, by repairing in person to the king and explaining the injustice of the impeachment, with the result that Tiptoft was immediately recalled to England, where after a few years he met the death he had inflicted on the earl.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 260

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Drogheda, the town where, in 1467, the Earl of Desmond met his end. He had travelled there to explain the line of policy he was accustomed to follow in his dealings with the native Irish. He was closely allied with the old Gaelic families, and whatever shred of English government remained in Kerry was maintained largely through his influence. But shortly after his arrival in Drogheda he was seized on the orders of Tiptoft, the justiciary, and put to death, to the astonishment of the nobles of Erin. He was buried in St. Peter's Church in the town. Tiptoft was said to have been an interested partisan. He had a claim to some lands in Co. Cork, lands of little value to him owing to Desmond's influence. When the news of the execution reached the south, the five sons of the earl rose in rebellion, plunged into Leinster, and began to ravage the territories of the Pale. The Earl of Kildare took a more prudent course. He went in person to the king and explained the injustice of the impeachment. Tiptoft was immediately recalled to England, where after a few years he met the death he had inflicted on the earl.

35. Limerick Franciscan friary suppression and tannery use

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1539–1615

    At the 1539 suppression the friary was found to contain a church, dormitory, cloister, hall, kitchen, and gardens valued at 43s. 2d. yearly. In 1544 the tithes were granted to the Lord Baron of Castleconnell and the friary to Edmond Sexton. Father Mooney's 1615 inspection described unroofed walls used as a tannery, with the site south of the Dominican house and north of the Holy Cross.

    Read the passage

    In 1544 the tithes of this house were granted to Lord Baron of Castleconnell, and the Friary to Edmond Sexton for ever at 2s. 2 d. sterling. The monastery was situated outside the walls in that locality now known as the Abbey and near the river.

    Father Mooney, who made a tour of inspection of the Franciscan monasteries of Ireland in the year 1615 thus describes it : —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 276

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the Franciscan friary stood outside the walls, near the river, now called the Abbey. At the 1539 suppression it held a church, dormitory, cloister, hall, kitchen, and gardens, valued at 43 shillings 2 pence. In 1544 the tithes went to the Lord Baron of Castleconnell and the friary to Edmond Sexton. By 1615 Father Mooney found unroofed walls used as a tannery.

36. St. Patrick's holy well and rocky bed at Singland

    Singland · townland · Limerick

    At Singland near Limerick city, a holy well sacred to St. Patrick is pointed out, beside it his rocky bed, and further on a graveyard where a church dedicated to him once stood, of which no vestige now remains.

    Read the passage

    St. Patrick during his missionary travels visited the south of Ireland. After baptizing Aengus at Cashel, he went westward through the present diocese of Emly, and Kilteely 1 2 is the last place mentioned in connection with him before entering the territory of Hy Fidhgente* Taking, then, that part of the district lying near Kilteely as a starting-point, and tradition as a guide, the first traces of him are to be found at Donaghmore,* the name itself being a standing memorial of his presence. At Singland, near the city, a holy well is pointed out as sacred to his name, beside it his rocky bed, and a little further on a graveyard where once stood a church dedicated to him, not a vestige of which now remains.

    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.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Singland, near the city of Limerick, the traces of St. Patrick are still pointed out. He came through the south of Ireland on his missionary travels, after baptizing Aengus at Cashel, and went westward through what is now the diocese of Emly. Kilteely is the last place mentioned in connection with him before he entered the territory of Hy Fidhgente. Taking that part of the district near Kilteely as a starting point, and tradition as a guide, the first traces of him are found at Donaghmore, the name itself a standing memorial of his presence. Here at Singland, a holy well is pointed out as sacred to his name. Beside it is his rocky bed. A little further on is a graveyard where once stood a church dedicated to him. Not a vestige of that church now remains. The well and the bed and the graveyard are what tradition has kept, the last marks of his passing through this ground.

37. Aenach Clochair fair and legendary horse-racing

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Aenach Clochair, the fair of Clogher, was a celebrated gathering in old Irish legends. Horse-racing was a great attraction, and in one tale races were held in honour of a visit Finn and his companions paid to the King of Cashel, with the race-course extending from the Aenach to the rock over Lough Gur.

    Read the passage

    Amusements. — In Hy Fidhgente, as well as in other parts of the country, public meetings were held for various purposes. The Aenach (fair) was the most popular gathering at wThich all grades of society met for pleasure and enjoyment. It was generally held near the grave of a quasi-historical personage, and had its origin in funeral games. The memory of one of these assemblies is still preserved in the name Ballinenagh, better known as the Old Mill, a townland, in the parish of Newcastle West. In the east of the county there was Aenach Clochair, or the fair of Clogher, a place much celebrated in old Irish legends. Horse-racing was a great attraction at this fair. It is mentioned in an old tale that these races were held at one time in honour of a visit Finn and his companions paid to the King of Cashel. The race-course extended from the Aenach to to the rock, over Lough Gur. The king purchased the wiping horse, and presented him to Finn, who afterwards performed wonderful exploits with this steed in the kingdom of Kerry.

    Where exactly this fair was held is a matter of conjecture. The Abbey of Monasteranenagh (the monastery of the fair) is supposed by some of our antiquarians to be built on the old fair green of Clochair. But this abbey was an Irish foundation, filled with Irish monks, who had a veneration for the time-honoured customs of the

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 20

38. Ballingarry granted customs to build town wall in 1408

    Ballingarry · town · Limerick · 1408

    Henry IV in 1408 granted the Bailiffs and Commons of Ballingarry certain customs to build a wall around the town, much of which had been destroyed by the Irish foe and English rebels.

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    He died at Tralee in the year 1520, and was buried in the Dominican Convent of that town. With the death of Maurice we now close the secular portion of this history, having brought it down to the eve of the Reformation, the limit which we had marked out for ourselves. The country portions of the diocese in this, as in the preceding century, had very little respect for law and order. Most of the towns were fortified, and in that way enjoyed partial security from the incursions of hostile visitors. Towns such as Ballingarry, situated in remote parts of the country without walls, were at the mercy of hostile neighbours. And to safeguard their lives and property, Henry IV, in the year 1408, granted to the Bailiffs and Commons of Ballingarry, certain customs to enable them to build a wall round the town, the greater part of which had been destroyed by the Irish foe and English rebel.

    Towards the close of this century, Kilmallocki suffered much from the same class of enemies, and had to seek the protection of the Government. In the year 1482, the

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 261

39. Bishop of Emly accused of taking silver from Kilmallock friary

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1318

    In 1318 William, Bishop of Emly, was accused of taking a box of silver out of the church of the Friars Preachers at Kilmallock. This is one of the few recorded events concerning the Dominican house before the Reformation.

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    1318. William, Bishop of Emly, was accused of taking a box of silver out of the church of the Friars Preachers, Kilmallock.

    1340. A Provincial Chapter was held here. After the dissolution, this monastery was leased by the Crown to James Earl of Desmond, and in 1594 it was granted to John Miagh, Sovereign, the brethren and commonalty of Kilmallock for ever in free soccage at the annual rent of 35 shillings and 8 pence Irish money.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 274

40. Bishop of Limerick excommunicates citizens hosting Archbishop

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    After the Archbishop of Cashel withdrew, the Bishop of Limerick entered the city in pontifical vestments with his accomplices and publicly excommunicated all who provided food or lodging to the Archbishop or his retinue, with candles extinguished in the middle of the city.

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    et Fratres dict6 Ordinis Limiricen. per Vener. Fratrem nostrum Petrum Episcopum Limiricen. etiam contra privilegia eisdem a Sede praedicta concessa, multipliciter gravarentur, et persequarentur, ac damnificarentur ; dicti Guardian us et Fratres ad praelatum Cassellen. Archi episcopum , tanquam eorum Conservatorem accesserunt, lamentabiliter conquerentes de maximis grava minibus, et damnis per ipsum Episcopum lllatis, et que inferebantur tota die, ipsumque Archiepiscopum humiliter requisiverunt, ut supr& praemissis de opportuno eis remedio provideret ; dictusque Archiepiscopus volens omcium hujusmodi conservationis adimpleri, et nolens dictis conquerentibus in justitia deficere, ad praefatum Episcopum Limiricen. personalitor accessit, ipsumque ut compareret, querelis dictorum conquerentium responsurus, certis loco et tempore citavit, qui quidem Episcopus animo rebellionis assumpto, illico in dictum Archiepiscopum Cassellen. Conservatorem, etiam suum Metropolitanum, manus injicit temere violent as, ac citationem, quam idem Archiepiscopus in suis manibus tenebat ; violenter rapuit in tantum quod sanguis a manibus ipsius Archiepiscopi emanavit, verbaque injurisosa, tanquam homo extra mentem, m ipsum Archiepiscopum protulit ; dicendo inter alia, quod recederet de loco, alioquin sibi, et suis omnibus male esse deberet, dictusque Archiepiscopus timens multitudinem malorum, cum armis eidem Episcopo assistentium et considerans Episcopi furoram, statim de dicto loco recessit, ne ipse etfamiliares sui ibidem male tractarentur ; quodque postmodum eum dictus Archiepiscopus sedens pro tribunali, ipsum Episcopum certis loco et tempore coram es tanquam Conserva tore hujusmodi Fratrum dicti Ordinis citari fecisset dictus Episcopus comparere per se, vel per procuratorem recusavit ; et quod detenus eisdem Religiosis post hujusmodi citationem, quam plura gravamina intulit ; ac omnes de dioecesi sua Limiricen. in ecclesia dictorum, Fratrum, ad divina accedentes, aut se ibidem sepeliri facientes, ut dicebat, excommunicavit. Praeterea idem Episcopus dim per plura tempora propter debita Camera Apostolicae excommunicatus fuisset, huiusmodi excommunicationem scienter sustinuit, et ut prius divinis, in sepulturis nobilium publice celebrando, se immiscuit, irregularitatem incurrendo : ipseque Episcopus de praemissis reprehensus, non curavit aliquem habere superiorem, sed sibi sufficiebat, qudd inter suos nativos viveret in deliciis. Et insuper cum idem Episcopus contra fidem Catholicam, et determinationem Ecclesiae in haeresim notorie incidisset ; dictusque Archiepiscopus ex eo qhod est Metropolitanus, et idem Episcopus sibi de jure est subjectus, nolens etiam quod plures per hujusmodi hoeresim infecerentur, ad dictum Episcopum zelo fidei personaliter accessit ; ipsumque ut certa die, coram eo in praefata Limiricen. dioecesi compareret, ad certum locum citavit, super praemissis responsurus. Qui quidem Episcopus, quasi homo extra mentem indignatus, cum suis in hac parte complicibus, et praesertim cum Clericis suis, et cruce, quam ante se deferri faciebat, aufugisset, procul dubio verberasset. Insuper quoque idem Episcopus post ipsuis Archiepiscopi recessum, Pontificalibus indutus unacum suis complicibus civitatem Limiricen. intrans, omnes et singulos, dicto Archiepiscopo, et suis victualia, aut hospitium ministrantes, publice in medio civitatis, candelis extinctis excommunicavit. Cumque idem Archiepiscopus die quadam solemni, in praefata civitate Limiricen. prout alibi consueverat ad praedicandum verbum Dei ex devotione Sedem posiusset ; praefatus Episcopus haec praesciens, per dictam civitatem Limiricen. praeconizari fecit, ne aliquis sub poena excommunicationis ad sermonem dicti Archiepiscopi accederet ; et si qui ibidem accederent, illos noninatim excommunicaret ; ipsoque Archiepiscopo recedente, dictus Episcopus rebellis et tyrannus, suos ad publicam verecundiam

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 337

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city was the stage for a violent clash between two churchmen. The Archbishop of Cashel had come as conservator for the Friars of an order in Limerick, who complained that the Bishop of Limerick, Peter, was persecuting them contrary to privileges granted by the Holy See. The Archbishop went personally to the Bishop, citing him to answer the Friars' complaints. The Bishop seized the Archbishop violently, snatching the citation from his hands so that blood flowed, and told him to leave the place or things would go badly for him and all his people. The Archbishop, seeing the Bishop's fury and the armed men around him, withdrew at once. The Archbishop later cited the Bishop again from his tribunal, but the Bishop refused to appear. He excommunicated everyone in his diocese who attended services at the Friars' church or sought burial there. The Bishop had himself been excommunicated for debts to the Apostolic Camera, yet continued to celebrate divine services and bury nobles. When reproved, he cared nothing for having any superior and was content to live among his own people. He also fell into heresy. After the Archbishop withdrew from Limerick, the Bishop put on his pontifical vestments and entered the city with his accomplices. In the middle of the city, with candles extinguished, he publicly excommunicated everyone who gave food or lodging to the Archbishop or his retinue. When the Archbishop came to preach in Limerick, the Bishop had it proclaimed through the city that no one should attend the sermon under pain of excommunication.

41. Bishop Thomas Arthur of Limerick city

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1468–1469

    Thomas Arthur, a native of Limerick city and member of a distinguished family, was appointed bishop in 1468. Son of Nicholas Arthur and Catherine Skyddy, he had five brothers, four of whom became mayors of the city. He was also prior of the monastery of St. Mary and St. Edward king and martyr before his elevation, and was consecrated at Rome in 1469.

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    Thomas Arthur, a native of the city and member of a very distinguished family, was appointed bishop in 1468. He was son of Nicholas Arthur and Catherine Skyddy, and had five brothers, four of whom became mayors of the city, and the other was sheriff for a time. He was provided by the Holy See with the treasurership of the diocese which he held for eight years without paying the first fruits, but when elected bishop he entered into an agreement with the Apostolic Chamber to pay what was required by instalments, and faithfully^ fulfilled his promise. He was also prior of the monastery of St. Mary and St. Edward king and martyr, before his elevation to the mitre. He was consecrated at Rome in the church of St. Mary supra Minerva on the ioth of September, 1469, by the Bishop of Antivari, assisted by the Bishop of Elphin. He died in the year i486. The following appointments were made during hisepiscopacy.

    1470. William Ofathy (O’Fahy), priest of the Limerick diocese and canon of the Limerick church, as principal,, bound himself in the name of Richard Pourcell to the Apostolic Chamber for the first fruits of the precentorship of the diocese, value 50 marcs, vacant by devolution to the Curia.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 238

42. Bruree seized and restored as marriage portion

    Bruree · town · Limerick · 1242–1289

    In 1242 the lands of Bruree were seized from John de Marisco and his wife Mabel, granddaughter of Richard de Burgh, but were afterwards restored to her as they were found to be her marriage portion. In 1289 Bruree was held by Robert de Marisco under warrants of Maurice and Eva de Lacy.

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    The references to this historic spot are very few in Anglo-Norman documents. In 1242 it was seized from John de Marisco and his wife Mabel, grandchild of Richard de Burgh. Afterwards it was restored to her as it was found to be her marriage portion. In 1289 it was held under warrants of Maurice and Eva de Lesse {Lacy) by Robert de Marisco.

    1281. In Howardstown we find Esse (Lacy) and his wife paying Le Marks balance of rents. There is also mention of free tenants of the names of Fitzroger and Moyll residing there. A portion of this townland called Culbalisward, 1284 (now Cooleen) was granted by Alexander de Anno to John de Saunford, Archbishop of Dublin, and remained attached to that see after the Reformation.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 142

43. Churches of the Diocese of Limerick burned in war

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1306

    Between the 1302 and 1306 taxation returns, several churches in the Diocese of Limerick were burned down and left valueless due to an unrecorded war. This caused great changes in the value of ecclesiastical property in the diocese.

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    These lists give a graphic picture of the state of the diocese in the early years of the fourteenth century. In comparing them, one cannot fail to notice the great change that took place in the value of some of the churches, in the space of four years. Some that were rich and flourishing in the return of 1302, were burned down and valueless in 1306. The reason assigned for this sad change is, “ the war,” though it is unrecorded by any of our annalists.

    The disturbed state of society, and the havoc it wrought on the ecclesiastical property of the diocese, must have embittered the closing years of Robert’s episcopacy. He died in the year 1311, and was interred in the Cathedral.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling through a diocese that once saw its churches burn. Between the taxation returns of 1302 and 1306, churches that had been rich and flourishing were burned down and left valueless. The reason given in the records is simply "the war," though no annalist recorded it. This disturbed state of society wrought havoc on the ecclesiastical property of the diocese. It must have embittered the closing years of Bishop Robert's episcopacy. He died in 1311 and was buried in the Cathedral.

44. Contraband ship funds quay wall and battery at Bridge Street, 1500

    Bridge Street · street · Limerick · 1500

    In 1500, a ship arrived in Limerick from Bristol with contraband goods which were forfeited. The money from the sale of the freight was spent building a wall and vault on the south side of the quay, entered by steps from the end of Bridge Street and used as a six-gun battery. The top of the covered way was a favourite walk of citizens.

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    In 1500 a ship arrived in Limerck from Bristol, with a cargo of contraband goods which was forfeited, and the money realized from the sale of the freight was spent in building a wall and a vault on the south side of the quay. The vault was entered by a flight of steps from the end of Bridge Street, and was utilized as a sixgun battery. The top of the covered way was a favourite walk of the citizens. At this period the city seems to have enjoyed considerable prosperity, and the citizens being encouraged by the security that the strong fortifications afforded them against the Irish enemy and English rebel, began to improve their dwellings and beautify the city, so that Stanchurst, in the middle of the sixteenth century, describes the buildings as being sumptuous and substantial. The accompanying map of the city is supposed to have been made in Elizabeth’s reign, and gives a fair idea of the arrangement of the streets, the position of the public buildings, and the extent of the walls.

    Digitized by boogie

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Bridge Street, there's a piece of Limerick's old quay that began with a seized ship. In 1500 a vessel arrived from Bristol carrying contraband goods. The cargo was forfeited, and the money from its sale paid for a wall and a vault on the south side of the quay. You could enter the vault by a flight of steps from the end of Bridge Street. It served as a six-gun battery. The top of the covered way became a favourite walk of the citizens. At that time the city enjoyed considerable prosperity. Encouraged by the security the strong fortifications gave them against the Irish enemy and the English rebel, the citizens began to improve their dwellings and beautify the city. Stanchurst, writing in the middle of the sixteenth century, described the buildings as "sumptuous and substantial." A map of the city, thought to have been made in Elizabeth's reign, shows the arrangement of the streets, the public buildings, and the extent of the walls.

45. Death of Archbishop Celsus at Ardpatrick, 1129

    Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick · 1129

    In 1129, Celsus, Archbishop and successor of St. Patrick, resigned his spirit to heaven at Ardpatrick in Munster on the first day of April, in the fiftieth year of his age. His body was conveyed to Lismore Macuda according to his will and interred with honour on the Thursday following.

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    1129. Celsus, successor of St. Patrick, a son of purity and Archbishop of the West of Europe, the only head whom the foreigners and the Irish of Ireland, both clergy and laity, obeyed ; after having ordained bishops, priests, and persons of every degree, after having consecrated many churches and cemeteries, after bestowing jewels and wealth, after having established rules and good morals among all, both laity and clergy ; after having spent a life of fasting and prayer and Mass celebration, after unction and good penance, resigned his spirit to heaven at Ardpatrick in Munster, on the first day of April, on Monday precisely, in the fiftieth year of his age. His body was conveyed to Lismore Macuda in accordance with his own will. It was waked with psalms, hymns, and canticles, and interred with honour on the Thursday following.

    Kilcomgatn,1

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 87

46. Earl of Desmond buried in Dominican Church, Tralee

    Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1355

    The first Earl of Desmond died at Dublin Castle in 1355 and was interred in the Dominican Church at Tralee. He had been appointed viceroy and the country enjoyed tranquillity during his term of office.

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    the king, who gave him ample satisfaction.1 Not only was he himself restored to his estates, but those also who went security for him and whose lands were confiscated by Ufford. The earl was then appointed viceroy, and during his term of office the country enjoyed tranquillity. He died at Dublin Castle in the year 1355, and was interred in the Dominican Church, Tralee. He was married three times, first in 1312, to Margaret, fifth daughter of Richard, Earl of Ulster, and by her, who died in 1331, he had Maurice and John. His second wife was Margaret, daughter of Conor O’Brien, Prince of Thomond, by whom he had no male issue, and his third was Eleanor, daughter of Nicholas, Lord of Kerry, by whom he had two sons, Nicholas and Gerald. In other accounts of the family John is placed last, and did not succeed to the earldom.

    Maurice succeeded as second earl, and enjoyed "the title and estates until his death which took place suddenly at Castlemaine in the year 1368. He was buried at Tralee in the ancestral vault. He left no issue by his wife Beatrice. The next brother, Nicholas, being an idiot, Edward III, in the year 1360, granted to Gerald the younger brother the custody of the family estates, and also licence to marry Emicia, daughter of the Earl of Ormonde.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 178

47. Elinor Purcell's grant to Rathkeale monastery from Croagh manor

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1280

    Around 1280, John the Prior of Rathkeale received a grant from Elinor Purcell of tithes from the manor of Mayer (identified as Mayncroo alias Croagh), including the tenth loaf of every baking, the tenth flagon of every brewing, the tenth pork, the tenth mutton, and a considerable portion of every ox killed.

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    This religious house is said to have been founded by one Gilbert Harvey for Augustinian Canons of the Order of Aroasia, but the date is unknown. It must have been founded early in the thirteenth century, as John the Prior, in the year 1280, received a grant for this mon-

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    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick

48. Hailstones the size of apples from Mungret to Limerick

    Mungret · town · Limerick · 1134

    The Chronicon Scotorum records that in 1134 a shower of hailstones fell which destroyed everything from Mungret to Limerick, each stone being the size of an apple.

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    a.d. 1107. Mungret plundered by Murtagh O'Brien. a.d. 1134. The Chronicon Scotorum says a shower of hailstones fell which destroyed everything on which it fell from Mungret to Limerick ; each of them was the size of an apple. a.d. 1837. An old Irish bell was dug up at Loughmore

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    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 35

49. John Fitzthomas receives manor of Corcomohide

    Corcomohide · parish · Limerick · 1300–1301

    John Fitzthomas received the manor of Corcomohide from his cousin Amabilia Fitzgerald. He also received the manor of Shanid from the king for his valiant services in Scotland and Flanders.

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    He received from his cousin, Amabilia Fitzgerald, the manor of Corcomohide. For his valiant services in Scotland, and Flanders, he received from the king the manor of Shanid, at a low rent, during the minority of the house of Desmond. This manor was afterwards given to Matilda de Barry, the widow of Maurice Fitzjohn, as her dowery.

    At the close of the year 1301, he obtained a grant in fee of free warren in his demesne lands in the counties of Kildare and Carlow, and in the manors of Adare, Cromuth (Croom), Castle Robert, Athlacca, Wyrgedy, Greene, Est Grene, and Cork Moighid (Corcomohide) in the county of Limerick. After obtaining possession of the ancestoral inheritance, he seems to have taken up his residence on the Kildare estates, near the centre of government. He did not neglect, however, to look

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 166

50. John le White appointed constable of Limerick Castle

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1330

    In 1330, John le White was granted the constableship of Limerick Castle with a yearly fee of 10 marks. He was required to furnish security before the sheriff of Limerick for the castle's safekeeping, repair fifty feet of fallen wall, and maintain six men-at-arms as a garrison.

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    1327. 1 * * * William de Skelton was appointed custodian of the castle, and was to hold the position for life during the king’s pleasure for services rendered during the reign of Edward I. He did not retain the office long as a fresh grant was made in 1330, in favour of John le White, who was to be constable of the castle, with a yearly fee of 10 marks at the exchequer, provided that he furnished before the sheriff of Limerick sufficient security for the safe keeping of the castle for the king. <At the same time he bound himself to repair fifty feet of the wall now fallen into decay, and to find six men at arms as a guard for the castle.

    1331. 2 Maurice Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond, as we have seen, was captured by surprise in the city on Assumption day by Sir Anthony Lucy, and sent as a prisoner to Dublin Castle. In the following year some of his followers, who were confined in the castle of Limerick, killed the constable and took possession of the castle. Their triumph, however, was of short duration, as Banbury, the mayor, at the head of the citizens, attacked and captured the castle, putting to the sword the garrison without regard to rank or quality.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 185

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, the old castle here changed hands more than once in a few short years. In 1327, William de Skelton was appointed custodian of the castle, to hold the position for life during the king's pleasure, for services rendered during the reign of Edward I. He did not keep the office long. A fresh grant was made in 1330, in favour of John le White, who was to be constable of Limerick Castle, with a yearly fee of 10 marks at the exchequer. He had to furnish before the sheriff of Limerick sufficient security for the safe keeping of the castle for the king. He also bound himself to repair fifty feet of the wall now fallen into decay, and to find six men at arms as a guard for the castle. In 1331, Maurice Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond, was captured by surprise in the city on Assumption day by Sir Anthony Lucy, and sent as a prisoner to Dublin Castle. The following year, some of his followers, confined in the castle of Limerick, killed the constable and took possession. Their triumph was short. Banbury, the mayor, at the head of the citizens, attacked and captured the castle, putting the garrison to the sword without regard to rank or quality.

51. Maurice Fitzgibbon, first White Knight, buried at Kilmallock 1357

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1357

    Maurice Fitzgibbon was knighted by Edward III in Scotland in 1333 for his achievements against the Scots. He died in 1357 and was buried in Kilmallock, being recognized as the first White Knight.

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    Maurice was knighted by Edward III in Scotland for his achievements against the Scots in 1333. He died in 1357, and was buried in Kilmallock. He is set down as the first White Knight, and the genealogy of the family is traced down to the last and shameless bearer of that title, who sold his kith and kin for £1,000 to the enemy. This pedigree, though plausible, cannot stand the test of contemporary history, which unfolds another and more reliable account of the origin of the family.

    We have seen that Thomas de Clare held the manor of Mahoonagh, and that it passed to his son Gilbert, who was in possession of it at the time of his death in the year 1308. His wife, and doubtless his children, lived in the County Limerick, as she appears as plaintiff in a lawsuit against Robert de Wall on a plea of account for the time he was Gilbert’s bailiff, in the manors of Youghal, Inchecoyn (near Youghal), Candlestown, Any (Knockainey), Iniskyfty (Askeaton), Mountauenach (Mahoonagh), Bonrat (Bunratty), and Ardrayny. The history of the family, like that of most other southern families, became obscured by the sudden rise of the house of Desmond.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 171

52. Provincial Synod of Cashel held in Limerick, 1453

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1453

    A provincial synod of the diocese of Cashel was celebrated in Limerick on the Monday following the feast of St. Peter in Chains in 1453. The council enacted a series of statutes governing the administration of the sacraments, the upkeep of parish churches and cemeteries, and the conduct of both clergy and laity.

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    Ad honorem Dei Patris Omnipotentis, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, necnon pro ampliore conservatione libertatis ordinat Sancta Synodus in sacro provinciali concilio, Limerici celebrato die Lunae proximo post festum, quod dicitur Ad vincula. Anno Dominie, 1453.

    1. Quod ordinarii locorum singulis annis diligenter attendant, et inquiri faciant, qualiter in suis dioecesibus divina officia celebrantur, diesque Dominici, et aliae festivitates venerabiliter observantur.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 344

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where a provincial synod of the diocese of Cashel met in 1453, on the Monday after the feast of St Peter in Chains. The synod, for the honour of God and the preservation of liberty, ordered that ordinaries each year diligently inquire how divine offices are celebrated in their dioceses and how Sundays and feast days are observed.

53. Rathkeale Augustinian monastery founded by Gilbert Harvey

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1289

    The Monastery of the Canons of Arroasia of the Order of St. Augustine in Rathkeale was founded and endowed by Gilbert Harvey in 1289, and further endowed by his descendant Eleanor Purcell, who caused it to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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    The Parish Church of Rathkeale all belongs to the Chancellor. Dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. Here is extant the Monastery of the Canons of Arroasia, of the Order of St. Augustine [founded and endowed by Gilbert Harvey, in 1289, and further endowed by his descendant Eleanor Purcell, who caused it to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Note by M. L.]

    Church of Keilscannil. Belongs to the Chancellor. Dedicated,

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 362

54. Richard Bultingfort: merchant, mayor, and cathedral restorer

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1357–1406

    Richard Bultingfort (1357–1405) was a leading Limerick merchant who served as Mayor many times and carried on the work of cathedral restoration during the troubled episcopacies of Peter Curragh and Cornelius O'Dea. His will, proved before Bishop O'Dea in 1406, left his body to be buried in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Limerick, with legacies to the Dominicans and Franciscans for repairs of their churches.

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    of St. Peter, which is called ad vincula, 1406. It is preserved in the Patent Rolls, anno 1 Elizabeth, from which is taken the following extracts : “He leaves his soul to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints, and his body to be buried in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Limerick. He leaves the vicars of said church 20 s. for forgotten tithes.” He also left legacies to the Dominicans and Franciscans for the repairs of their churches ; then follow a list of legacies to his family, domestics, and friends.

    There is a slab let into the wall in the south transept close to the door leading to the vestry, with a partially defaced inscription in memory of Richard Bultingfort and Geoffry Galway, which reads as follows : —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick

55. Rimers' duties when Earl crosses between Kerry and Connelough

    Brosna · town · Kerry · 1515–1574

    The rimers of the Earl of Desmond were bound to bear the charge for a day and a night when the Earl crossed the mountain or journeyed between Kerry and Connelough. This custom is recorded in the State Papers (Carew MSS, 1515–1574).

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    " 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.

    6 “ Corcoic in the country of Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra.” O’ Hanlon quoting an old Irish life of St. Pulcherius, translated by Professor O’Looney. — See Lives of Irish Saints, vol. iii., pp. 339, 340.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 6

56. Scattery people submit at Kilrush meeting

    Kilrush · townland · Limerick · 1801

    Rev. McDonnell of Glin pursued Patrick Kearney and the principal Scattery inhabitant to Kilrush, where he confronted them in the presence of Rev. Mr. Considin. After initial resistance from Considin, the Scattery people submitted and accepted Rev. M. Sullivan as their pastor.

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    inhabitant had been in Kilrush accompanied by the other inhabitant, we pursued Kearney to Kilrush. On meeting him I acquainted them with the nature of your Lordship's commission, they then expressed a wish to answer me in the presence of the Rev. Mr. Considin, in consequence we called on Mr. Considin who first appeared a little warm on the occasion, but when I insisted on a decisive answer from the people he cooled and recommended them to submit which they did and accepted of Rev. M. Sullivan. In the interim he told them if his bishop should qualify him he would call them back ; though the holidays were not all over I did not delay the execution of your Lordship's commission, knowing you wished to know as soon as possible the success of the business. We had no delay, we were home the same night. Wishing your Lordship the compliments of the season and many happy years.

    I remain, with the greatest esteem,

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 321

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilrush, in 1801, a meeting took place that settled who would pastor the people of Scattery. Rev. McDonnell of Glin had pursued Patrick Kearney and the principal Scattery inhabitant to Kilrush. When he found them, he told them the nature of his Lordship's commission. They asked to answer him in the presence of the Rev. Mr. Considin, so they called on Considin. He appeared a little warm at first, but when McDonnell insisted on a decisive answer from the people, Considin cooled and recommended they submit. They did submit, and they accepted Rev. M. Sullivan as their pastor. Considin told them that if his bishop should qualify him, he would call them back. The holidays were not all over, but McDonnell did not delay, knowing his Lordship wished to know the success of the business as soon as possible. They had no delay and were home the same night.

57. Shanid: ancient home of the Geraldines

    Shanid · electoral division · Limerick

    Shanid is said to be the ancient home of the Geraldines in County Limerick, and from it they took their war cry 'Shanid aboo.' In Peyton's Survey the tuath was co-extensive with the parishes of Kilmoylan and Shanagolden.

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    At Shanid,2 in the year 834, the chieftain of Hy Conaill defeated the Danes. This is the first reference to the name that is to be found. It is mentioned early in the thirteenth 3 century as being a cantred, and in possession of Thomas FitzThomas. It is said to be the ancient home of the Geraldines in the county of Limerick, and from it they took their war cry, Shanid aboo.

    According to the Rental it would be co-extensive with the manor. In Peyton’s Survey the tuath is coextensive with the parishes of Kilmoylan and Shanagolden.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 13

58. St. Brendan ordained in Tralee

    Tralee · townland · Kerry

    St. Brendan returned to Tralee after visiting the great schools of Ireland. He was ordained a priest by his old master, Ere, before founding a religious community and embarking on his famous Atlantic voyage.

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    He travelled to Connaught, and spent some time under St. Jarlath. He next went to Roscommon, where it is said he wrote his rule at the dictation of an angel. Having visited the most renowned schools of Ireland, he returned to Tralee, and was ordained priest by his old master, Ere.

    Influenced by the spirit of the age, he built a cell, •and founded a* religious community. But the most remarkable event in connection with Brendan was his voyage in the Atlantic ocean. It is said that he wandered seven years in that great ocean, and that he reached America, a land of delight and wonders as it is depicted in his biographies. After his return the news of his voyage and discoveries made him famous. He again visited not only the great schools of Erin, but those of Wales and Brittany. Finally, he settled down at Clonfert, on the western bank of the .Shannon, where he was soon surrounded by a multitude of disciples. He died while on a visit to his sister’s convent at Annaghdown, on the shore of Lough Corrib, in the ninety-fourth year of his age.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, St. Brendan came back to after his years of travel and study. He had gone to Connaught and spent time under St. Jarlath. He went to Roscommon, where it is said he wrote his rule at the dictation of an angel. Having visited the most renowned schools of Ireland, he returned to Tralee, and was ordained priest by his old master, Ere. Influenced by the spirit of the age, he built a cell and founded a religious community. But the most remarkable event in connection with Brendan was his voyage in the Atlantic ocean. It is said that he wandered seven years in that great ocean, and that he reached America, a land of delight and wonders as it is depicted in his biographies. After his return the news of his voyage and discoveries made him famous. He again visited not only the great schools of Erin, but those of Wales and Brittany. Finally, he settled down at Clonfert, on the western bank of the Shannon, where he was soon surrounded by a multitude of disciples. He died while on a visit to his sister's convent at Annaghdown, on the shore of Lough Corrib, in the ninety-fourth year of his age.

59. St. Saviour's Dominican friary founded in Limerick by O'Brien

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1227

    Donough Cairbreagh O'Brien, son of Donald, last Irish king of Limerick, introduced the Dominican fathers into the city in 1227. They settled near King John's Castle, where a portion of the old monastery still remains, and the foundation was dedicated to St. Saviour.

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    The Dominican fathers were introduced into Limerick by Donough Cairbreagh O’Brien, son of Donald, last Irish king of the city, in the year 1227. They settled down near King John’s Castle, in the place now occupied by the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, where a portion of the old monastery still remains. The new foundation was dedicated to St. Saviour, and soon became an important house of the Order, as Provincial Chapters were held there in the years 1279, I294> and 1310.

    1285. 1 Soon after Edward I became king he granted to the Dominicans of Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Drogheda 25 marcs a year at the Exchequer, Dublin*

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 269

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are near the site of St. Saviour's, a Dominican friary founded here in 1227. Donough Cairbreagh O'Brien, son of Donald, the last Irish king of the city, brought the Dominican fathers into Limerick that year. They settled near King John's Castle, on ground now occupied by the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, where a portion of the old monastery still remains. The foundation was dedicated to St. Saviour and became an important house of the Order. Provincial Chapters were held there in 1279 and 1310. Some years later, Edward I granted the Dominicans of Limerick, along with those of Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Drogheda, 25 marcs a year from the Exchequer in Dublin.

60. Thomas Balbeyn's bequest: castle of Thomcor and St. James's Chapel

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1403

    Thomas Balbeyn, surnamed Cor, left the castle of Thomcor—situated in the Irishtown of Limerick—to the citizens of Limerick by his will, on condition they should pray for his soul. With permission of Bishop Stephen Wall, he built the chapel of St. James in the southern part of St. Mary's Cathedral and bequeathed it to Nicholas Stritch.

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    Thomas Balbeyn, sumamed Cor, left the castle of Thomcor by his will to the citizens of Limerick, which was situated in the Irishtown, on condition if they should pray for his soul, and provided his brother Henry of the city of Bristol should not live in Limerick. By permission of Richard ( recte Stephen) Wall, Bishop of Limerick, the Dean and Chapter, he built the chapel of St. James in the southern part of St. Mary’s, and bequeathed it to

    1 See his reign. * See Lenihan, p. 336.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 298