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. Bishop O'Dea's crozier described as silver with figures of saints, dated 1418

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1418

   The crozier of Bishop Cornelius O'Dea is of silver, about seven and a half feet high and ten pounds in weight, ornamented with enamelled figures of saints and the Blessed Trinity. An inscription records it was made in 1418, the eighteenth year of his consecration as Bishop of Limerick.

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   figure of the Blessed Virgin, seated with a dove suspended with a wire over her head, the figure of the Angel Gabriel in a kneeling attitude, and between them the figure of a lily growing out of a ewer.1 The curve is supported by a pelican with outstretched wings feeding her young. Below the curve are the enamelled figures of SS. Brigid, Barbara, Catherine, Margaret, and two others who bear no distinctive emblems, all under canopies. Below these are the figures of the Blessed Trinity, SS. Peter and Paul, St. Patrick, an unknown bishop, and the Blessed Virgin, under rich canopies. Round the base is a wreath of enamelling containing the name and title of the bishop : “ Me fieri fecit Comeli, O’Deaygh Epus Limiricens, Anno Dom MCCCCXVIII consecracionis sue anno XVIII.” 2

   “ Cornelius O’Dea, Bishop of Limerick, caused me to be made a.d. 1418, and in the eighteenth year of his consecration.”

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 190

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, this city keeps a silver crozier made in 1418 for Bishop Cornelius O'Dea. It stands about seven and a half feet high and weighs ten pounds, covered in enamelled figures of saints. At the top, the Blessed Virgin sits with a dove suspended on a wire above her head, the Angel Gabriel kneels, and between them a lily grows out of a ewer. The curve is held by a pelican with outstretched wings feeding her young. Below the curve are the enamelled figures of Saints Brigid, Barbara, Catherine, Margaret, and two others with no distinctive emblems, all under canopies. Below those are the Blessed Trinity, Saints Peter and Paul, Saint Patrick, an unknown bishop, and the Blessed Virgin, under rich canopies. Round the base, a wreath of enamelling reads: Cornelius O'Dea, Bishop of Limerick, caused me to be made, in the year of Our Lord 1418, and in the eighteenth year of his consecration.

2. Bishop Donoch O'Brien completed chancel and transepts

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1200–1207

   Bishop Donoch O'Brien (1200–1207) completed the chancel and transepts of St. Mary's Cathedral, 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, with the name 'Dongh' or 'Donoh' in Gothic lettering.

   Read the passage

   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.

   Bishop Hubert de Burgo (1222-1250) was a great benefactor of the cathedral.1

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 298

3. Boen, father of St. Pulcherius, finds refuge in Corcoide

   Killeedy · parish · Limerick

   Boen, father of St. Pulcherius, was expelled from Connaught and obtained a home in the tuath of Corcoide through the influence of St. Ita, at whose monastery he worked in the fine arts. The district of Corcoic lay in the country of Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra.

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   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.

   (Boen) “ Venit ad regionem Momoniae et habitavit in terra Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra cum suis, in plebe quae dicitur Corcobhaiscinn." — Colgan’s Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae, p. 389.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 6

4. De Burgo buried at Athassel monastery, Tipperary

   Relickmurry and Athassel · parish · Tipperary · 1204

   William de Burgo died towards the end of 1204 and was interred in an Augustinian monastery he founded under the invocation of St. Edmond at Athassel, on the west bank of the Suir in the barony of Clanwilliam, County Tipperary.

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   1204. After a short trip to Normandy with his royal master he returned to Ireland, and was reinstated in all his property. He died towards the end of the same year, and was interred in a monastery founded by himself, under the invocation of St. Edmond, king and martyr, for Augustinian Canons at Athiseal (low ford), in the county of Tipperary, on the west bank of the Suir, in the barony of Clanwilliam.

   The grants of land that are mentioned in the State Papers as having been made at the close of this century in Limerick, are here set down : —

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 82

5. Dominican friary site near King John's Castle, Limerick

   near King John's Castle · castle · Louth · 1227–1310

   The Dominicans settled near King John's Castle in Limerick, in the place now occupied by the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, where a portion of the old monastery still remains. Provincial Chapters were held there in 1279, 1294, and 1310.

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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

6. Fitzthomas slain at Callan near Kenmare

   Callan · street · Tipperary · 1261

   John Fitzthomas was slain in an engagement with the MacCarthys at Callan, near Kenmare. His son Maurice Fitzjohn also fell in the same battle, leaving an infant heir, Thomas Fitzmaurice.

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   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.

   1 See S.C.D.I. , where most of the information relating to this family is found, unless otherwise mentioned.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 127

7. Grant for repairing Limerick's bridges and walls

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1400

   In 1400, the citizens of Limerick received a grant of 20 marcs yearly for ten years from the issue of the lax weir, to be expended on repairs of the bridges and walls of the city under the supervision of John Arthur and Thomas Spicer. They also received a new charter from Henry IV confirming old privileges enjoyed under Edward I.

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   Accordingly they received a grant with the assent of the council of 20 marcs yearly, for ten years, from the issue of the lax weir, to be expended on the repairs of the bridges and walls of the city under the supervision of John Arthur and Thomas Spicer. In the same year they were favoured with a new charter by Henry IV, which confirmed all the old privileges they enjoyed under that of Edward I. Whatever prosperity these royal gifts may have conferred on the city, was short-lived, as all the buildings, both wood and stone, were burned by a woman in the year 1413. 1 This

   calamity gave the citizens new energy to rebuild their city, and to encourage them, Henry V gave them a new charter.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 249

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Limerick now. In 1400 the citizens here received a grant of 20 marcs yearly for ten years, drawn from the issue of the lax weir, to repair the bridges and walls of the city. John Arthur and Thomas Spicer were to oversee the work. That same year Henry IV gave them a new charter confirming all the old privileges they had enjoyed under Edward I. Whatever prosperity these royal gifts brought was short-lived. In 1413 all the buildings in the city, both wood and stone, were burned by a woman. The calamity gave the citizens new energy to rebuild, and Henry V gave them a new charter to encourage them.

8. King Bole leads Corco Baiscinn fleet to St. Patrick at Donaghmore

   Donaghmore · parish · Limerick

   The Corco Baiscinn, with their King Bole son of Derc, came in a great sea fleet across the Shannon to Donaghmore of Cinel Dine where St. Patrick was preaching to the Hy Fidhgente. They besought Patrick to preach and baptize them at once, and all were baptized in the river nearby.

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   Now the chief prophet and the chief apostle whom God sent to preach to Ireland, even St. Patrick, prophesied Senan's birth. For when Patrick was preaching to the Hy Fidhgente, and baptizing them at Donaghmore of Cinel Dine, the Corco Baiscinn came with their King Bole, son of Derc, in a great sea fleet over Luimnech from the north, and they besought Patrick to preach to them that day, and baptize them at once. ... St. Patrick repeats the order of baptism on the river which was near them, and all the hosts were baptized therein. Patrick said to the Corco Baiscinn : “Is

   1 I have here changed the order of the Tripartite by placing the “ Baptism of Cairthen ** before 44 the visit of the men of North Munster,1 ’ as it appears to be the natural sequence of events.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick

9. King of England's verdict on Limerick campaign

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1177

   Upon hearing of the attack, relief, and evacuation of Limerick, the King of England reportedly declared the attack bold, the relief greater, and the evacuation an act of pure wisdom.

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   When the King of England was informed of the results of this enterprise he is reported to have said, “ the attack of Limerick was a bold adventure, its relief a greater, but its evacuation an act of pure wisdom.”

   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.

   Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 78

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Limerick. In 1177, the King of England heard how this city had been attacked, relieved, and then abandoned. His reported verdict was that "the attack of Limerick was a bold adventure, its relief a greater, but its evacuation an act of pure wisdom." Donald, 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. In this expedition he routed the Donovans of Cairbre beyond the mountain of Mangerton, to the westward part of County Cork, in 1178. There they settled in new homes, and some of their descendants, after the vicissitudes of centuries, are found in opulence. By this inroad the martial spirit of Ui Fidhgente was quenched, and the name dropped out of use. The Annals do mention that O'Colean of Cleanglass plundered the country near Lough Gur this very year, but it may have been before Donald's attack.

10. Limerick citizens burn their city on Norman approach

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1179

    When Philip de Braosa's Norman army approached Limerick, the inhabitants set fire to the city rather than submit. Braosa did not press the attack, as his followers were mainly plunderers drawn from South Wales.

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    1179. Henry watched closely the career of his Norman subjects in Ireland, and fearing they might shake off their allegiance he appointed his son John, Lord of the country^ John parcelled out Leinster and Munster amongst some of his most powerful nobles. The lands lying between Cork and Lismore were given to De Cogan and FitzStephen. The kingdom of Limerick1 was granted to Herbert Fitzherbert, who resigned it in favour of Philip de Braosa (Bruce), who is thought to be the same as Philip of Worcester. Cogan and FitzStephen having secured their new possessions, marched with a large army to establish Philip in his new kingdom. When the Limerick people saw the army approaching they at once set fire to the city. Braosa perceiving the determination of the enemy did not risk the chance of defeat* especially as his followers were for the most part drawn from the scum of South Wales, who came for plunder rather than fight.

    The English became again masters of the city soon after Donald’s death, as we find that John Strafford, a man of that nation, was appointed Provost in the year 1195- History does not relate how this change came about.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 80

11. Limerick pays tribute to Conor O'Brien, 1461

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1461

    In 1461, the citizens of Limerick were so hard pressed that they had to purchase the goodwill of Conor O'Brien by paying an annual tribute of 60 marcs. They also sought dispensation from provisions of the Statute of Kilkenny regarding dealings with the Irish enemy and English rebels.

    Read the passage

    of Kilkenny relative to their dealings with the “ Irish enemy and English rebels.” They were so hard pressed in 1461 that they were compelled to purchase the good will of Conor O’Brien by an annual tribute of 60 marcs. To enkindle a martial spirit in the citizens, it was enacted that they should erect booths for shooting on every holiday. In 1470 it was further enacted that every merchant who imported goods into Limerick should also import bows to the value of 100 shillings, and in 1495, every subject having goods to the value of £2 was commanded to have a jack, sallet, an English bow* and sheaf of arrows, and every free-holder a horse, also to assist the king.

    During this century a great number of new families settled down in the city, as there are thirty-six new names on the municipal list. They may, however, have been old residents who did not take much interest in municipal affairs until this century. The city seems tohave had an extensive trade with foreign countries, and judging from the few meagre mementos of some of the citizens, it must have enjoyed a fair share of prosperity. Fortunately there is preserved a sketch of one of its citizens in the Arthur MSS.1 who maybe taken as a fair representative of the leading merchants of his day.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 252

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, this is a city that in 1461 was under such pressure that its citizens had to buy the goodwill of Conor O'Brien with an annual tribute of 60 marcs. They also sought dispensation from the Statute of Kilkenny, which restricted dealings with what the source calls the Irish enemy and English rebels. To kindle a martial spirit among the citizens, it was enacted that they should erect booths for shooting on every holiday. In 1470 it was further enacted that every merchant who imported goods into Limerick should also import bows to the value of 100 shillings. In 1495, every subject having goods to the value of 2 pounds was commanded to have a jack, a sallet, an English bow and a sheaf of arrows, and every freeholder a horse, also to assist the king. During this century a great number of new families settled in the city, as there are 36 new names on the municipal list. The city had an extensive trade with foreign countries, and judging from a few meagre mementos of some of the citizens, it enjoyed a fair share of prosperity. A sketch of one citizen is preserved in the Arthur MSS, who may be taken as a fair representative of the leading merchants of his day.

12. Luchra Mountains range in west Limerick

    Dromcolliher · town · Limerick

    The range of hills rising from the plain at Drumcollogher and running round the west of the county to the Shannon were known as the Luchra Mountains down to the time of Elizabeth. Every district had its own particular name, but was described as being in the Luchra mountain.

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

    The other great range of hills in the county were called the Slieve Riach, and are south of the hill of

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 25

13. MacNamara defends Limerick liegemen against O'Brien incursions

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1374

    Around 1374, O'Brien became aggressive and made incursions into County Limerick. MacNamara was employed to raise troops and defend the liegemen of Limerick, making successful sallies against O'Brien and killing many of his men, for which he received 80 marks as a reward.

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    About this period O’Brien became aggressive, and was accustomed to make occasional incursions into the county of Limerick. The government being pressed on all sides by the “ Irish enemy,” had to secure the services of another Clare man, MacNamara, who raised a body of troops, and spent the early part of the year i374 defending the liegemen of Limerick, and making very successful sallies against O’Brien, and killing many of his men, for which he received 80 marks as a reward.

    1388. As years went by Gerald became more wedded

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, this city carries a story from 1374. O'Brien had grown aggressive, making repeated incursions into County Limerick, and the government, pressed on all sides by what the record calls the Irish enemy, turned to MacNamara, another Clare man. He raised a body of troops and spent the early part of 1374 defending the liegemen of Limerick. He made very successful sallies against O'Brien and killed many of his men. For that work he received 80 marks as a reward.

14. Mahon slaughters Danes at Shanagolden settlement

    Shanagolden · town · Limerick

    Mahon went west of the county and made a slaughter of the Danes at Shanagolden, where they appear to have had a strong settlement.

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    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

15. Malefactors invaded Limerick city and burned suburbs

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    During the early fourteenth century, malefactors, robbers, and disturbers of the king's peace frequently invaded Limerick city, assassinating and robbing citizens and burning the suburbs. Citizens were permitted to seize the chattels of offenders as a remedy.

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    It would appear2 that during these years malefactors, robbers, and disturbers of the king’s peace frequently invaded the city, assassinated, wounded, and robbed the citizens of their property within the liberty* and burned the suburbs. As a remedy against this evil, they were allowed to seize the chatties of these maler factors, whether English or Irish, as well within as without the liberties, and to retain the goods so seized until full satisfaction was made by the offenders for

    1 Calendar of Close Rolls (English State Paper Series).

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    In the early 1300s, Limerick city was a place the road passes through now, but then malefactors, robbers, and disturbers of the king's peace frequently invaded it. They assassinated, wounded, and robbed the citizens within the liberty, and burned the suburbs. As a remedy, citizens were allowed to seize the chattels of these offenders, whether English or Irish, within or without the liberties, and keep the goods until full satisfaction was made.

16. Robertstown church founded by Robert Goer, patronage dispute 1306

    Robertstown · townland · Limerick · 1306

    The church of Robertstown, a late building measuring thirty-seven by nineteen and a half feet, takes its name from Robert Goer who settled there in the early thirteenth century. The prioress of St. Catherine's held the right to present the vicar but failed to present Norman Fitzrichard in 1306.

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    (The church of Robert Goer, rectory and vicarage.) This church is now known as Robertstown, and gives its name to a parish. The old ruin is a late building, thirty-seven feet by nineteen and a-half, has a pointed door, defaced windows, and the side walls are about fourteen feet high. It takes its name from Robert Goer, who settled down there early in the thirteenth century. The prioress of St. Catherine’s had the presentation of the vicar to this church, but failed to present Norman Fitzrichard in 1306.

    Ec. Seanguala Prebenda Precentoris presentat Vicarium.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 218

17. St. Brendan settles at Clonfert

    Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway

    After his voyage and travels abroad, St. Brendan settled at Clonfert on the western bank of the River Shannon. He was soon surrounded by a multitude of disciples at this location.

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    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.

    St. Pulcherius.1

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 47

18. St. Mary's Cathedral roof from Cratloe woods

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The roof of St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick was originally oak from the Cratloe woods. Some years before the book's writing, extensive repairs were carried out and the old roof was taken down and found to be still sound and firm. The church was oriented due east and west with the chancel at the east end.

    Read the passage

    exposure to the elements. The roof was originally oak from the Cratloe woods, and some years ago when extensive repairs were carried on the old roof was taken down and it was found to be still sound and firm. It was like all our ancient churches, when the site permitted it, due east and west, the chancel or altar being at the east end.

    The style of the original church was Irish Romanesque, and closely resembles the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, which was built about half a century later. Considerable traces of the original style remain, such as the capitals in the west doorway, the pillars along the nave, the corbels to support the beams of the inner aisles, the round-headed windows of the clerestory, and the doorway on the south side of the chancel now closed up. All these details give a pretty clear idea of the original church. By taking away the outer aisles on both sides with their chapels, the tower, the southern and western porch, with a part of the chancel, we have the church as it stood in Gillebert’s time. It will appear rather small, but when we consider that the Irish churches of the time were generally not more than 60 feet in length, it must be considered a great advance on the past. As we have already seen, Bishop Donat or Donoh O’Brien (1200-1207) was a special friend of King John, and eager to advance his cause in Ireland. He introduced the rite of Salisbury as ordered at the Synod of Cashel in 1172. In St. Mary’s and most of the old churches of the diocese we have distinct traces of the Salisbury or Sarum rite. There are still in various parts of the cathedral small niches cut in the wall not unlike holy water fonts. There are holy water fonts too at the south and west doorways. But, besides these, there is at the epistle side of each of the chapels what is called a sacrarium or piscina, which at present is erected only in our sacristies. According to the Sarum rite, the priest at the end of Mass did not

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 297

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, St. Mary's Cathedral stands in the city, its roof originally built of oak from the Cratloe woods. Some years ago, extensive repairs were carried out and the old roof was taken down. It was found to be still sound and firm. The church was oriented due east and west, the chancel or altar at the east end. The original style was Irish Romanesque, closely resembling the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, built about half a century later. Considerable traces remain: the capitals in the west doorway, the pillars along the nave, the corbels supporting the beams of the inner aisles, the round-headed windows of the clerestory, and the doorway on the south side of the chancel, now closed up. By taking away the outer aisles on both sides with their chapels, the tower, the southern and western porch, and a part of the chancel, we have the church as it stood in Gillebert's time. Irish churches of the time were generally not more than 60 feet in length, so this must be considered a great advance. Bishop Donat or Donoh O'Brien, from 1200 to 1207, introduced the rite of Salisbury as ordered at the Synod of Cashel in 1172. In St. Mary's and most of the old churches of the diocese, there are distinct traces of the Salisbury or Sarum rite. Small niches cut in the wall, not unlike holy water fonts, survive in various parts of the cathedral. Holy water fonts stand at the south and west doorways. At the epistle side of each chapel there is a sacrarium or piscina, which at present is erected only in sacristies. According to the Sarum rite, the priest at the end of Mass did not — and there the passage ends.

19. St. Michael's Church destroyed in Cromwell's time

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The parish church of St. Michael the Archangel in Limerick, near the walls outside the West Watergate, was entirely destroyed in the time of Cromwell. Its festival was celebrated on the 29th of September and it belonged to the archdeacon.

    Read the passage

    The parish church of St. Michael the Archangel, entirely destroyed in the time of Cromwell, near the walls, outside the West Watergate. His festival is celebrated on the 29th day of September. It belongs to the archdeacon. . . . . 09

    The parish church of St. Lawrence the Martyr, whose festival is celebrated on the 10th of August with an octave.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 358

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there was once a parish church of St. Michael the Archangel near the walls, outside the West Watergate. It was entirely destroyed in the time of Cromwell. Its festival was celebrated on the 29th of September, and it belonged to the archdeacon.

20. Tomb and epitaph of Donough O'Brien at Dominican friary

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1241

    Donough O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, built the church of the Dominican Friars and died on 8 March 1241. His statue and tomb were preserved in Ware's time but have since disappeared, though a copy of his epitaph survives.

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    There is one parcel of land belonging to this abbey called Courtbrack (now that part of the city extending from the church of the Redemptorists to the present race-course), which .was given to the monastery by the Earl of Desmond, and the said parcel is charged among the earl’s lands, which was always in the possession of the monastery and never severed from it. These were finally granted to the corporation. The monastery became a favourite burial-place for many distinguished families and individuals in bygone times. The statue and tomb of the founder Donough O’Brien, were preserved in Ware’s time, but have since totally disappeared. A copy of the epitaph is still in existence, viz : —

    Here lies Donogh Carbreagh O’Brien, a valiant leader in arms, Prince of Thomond, made a knight by the King of England, who built the church of the Friars of the Order of Preachers, who died the eighth day of March, 1241. On whose soul may the Lord have mercy. Amen. Let each one devoutly say a Pater and Ave.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 271

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Limerick, you are near ground where a Dominican friary once stood. The monastery became a favoured burial-place for many distinguished families and individuals in bygone times. Donough O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, built the church of the Friars of the Order of Preachers. He was made a knight by the King of England. His statue and tomb were preserved in Ware's time, but have since totally disappeared. A copy of his epitaph still survives. It reads: "Here lies Donogh Carbreagh O'Brien, a valiant leader in arms, Prince of Thomond, made a knight by the King of England, who built the church of the Friars of the Order of Preachers, who died the eighth day of March, 1241. On whose soul may the Lord have mercy. Amen. Let each one devoutly say a Pater and Ave."

21. Trinitarian Abbey at Adare and Geoffrey de Marisco's fair

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1226–1230

    The Trinitarian house at Adare, dedicated to St. James, was likely founded by Geoffrey de Marisco, who in 1226 obtained a grant to hold a fair at Adare during the octave of the feast of St. James, suggesting the monastery already existed. Alternative accounts attribute its foundation to Scotch Trinitarian fathers of Dunbar around 1230.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1198 the Trinitarian Order was founded in France, by John de Matha and Felix de Valois for the redemption of Christian captives from the Saracens, and spread rapidly through Europe. It is not exactly known when the Adare house was founded, but it may be inferred from the fact that Geoffrey de Marisco in the year 1226 obtaining a grant to hold a fair at Adare during the eight days following the feast of St. James — the patron saint of this house — that it was already in existence, and that the fair was held on the octave of the feast of this monastery and church.

    If this conjecture be correct the Trinitarians must have been introduced and endowed by Geoffrey. Bona venture Baron 1 says that it was founded in the year 1230 by the agency of Scotch Trinitarian fathers of Dunbar, the chief of whom was John Comyn, Minister, as the head of the house was styled, in the Trinitarian Order. Lopez, a Spanish Trinitarian, published a book called Noticias Historicas del Or den de la Santissima Trinidad redempcion de Cautivos en Inglaterra , Escocia, y Hibernia. Madrid, 1714 ; in which he gives a very full account of the foundation and early history of this house. This work was closely examined by competent critics, and found unreliable in most of its statements regarding Adare, which are given in detail in the Memorials of Adare.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 282

22. Augustinian friary at Adare founded by Earl of Kildare

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1315–1317

    John, Earl of Kildare, founded a house for Augustinian Hermits at Adare in 1315, with the charter of foundation dated 1317. The charter granted the brothers ground of two burgages and half a burgage in the manor of Adare for pure and perpetual charity.

    Read the passage

    John, Earl of Kildare, in the year 1315 founded a house for Augustinian Hermits at Adare. The charter of foundation is dated 1317, and is as follows : —

    A charter for the Brothers of St. Augustine. Be it known to you that by an act of our special grace and from motives of charity, we have granted to the brothers of the Order of St. Augustine of Adare, for the benefit of our own soul and the souls of our predecessors, which those brothers can retain for themselves and their successors, for pure and perpetual charity, one piece of ground of two burgages in the manor of Adare (which John the son of Thomas Earl of Kildare formerly granted to those brothers, and which Thomas the son of John present Earl of Kildare confirmed for them) and also one piece of half a burgage which belonged to Richard of Adare,. chaplain ; in the same tow n one piece of ground of half a

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 285

23. Ballinenagh preserves memory of ancient fair assembly

    Ballinenagh · townland · Tipperary

    The townland of Ballinenagh, also known as the Old Mill, in the parish of Newcastle West, preserves in its name the memory of an ancient Aenach or fair assembly, which originated in funeral games held near the grave of a quasi-historical personage.

    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

24. Bishop Donat establishes cathedral chapter at St Mary's Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Following the Synod of Cashel, Bishop Donat reorganized the diocese by establishing a secular chapter at St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick, assigning the church and its revenues for the support of a dean, archdeacon, cantor, treasurer, and six canons.

    Read the passage

    He assigned for their support the Church of St. Mary’s, Limerick, the sanctuary of the same church, together with all the fruits derived from wills, oblations, &c., reserving, however, half the oblations received when the bishop himself personally sung Mass in the church, and half the oblations on the procession at Pentecost, He also gave them half the tithes of all kinds of fishes, all the tithes of Cotheim (St. Lawrence) outside the city, the churches of St. Mary Magdalen (Killmurry), St* Martin, Dovenathmore (Donaghmore), and Killiadeii.

    He furthermore gave to P., the Dean, the church of St. Nicholas, with its appurtenances in Prebend.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 104

25. Bishop of Limerick prohibits attendance at Archbishop's sermon

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    When the Archbishop of Cashel came to preach in Limerick city, the Bishop of Limerick had it proclaimed throughout the city that no one should attend the sermon under pain of excommunication, threatening to excommunicate by name anyone who dared to go.

    Read the passage

    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 city, this is where a feud between two churchmen played out. The friars of an order here had been harassed by the Bishop of Limerick, Peter, contrary to privileges granted by the Holy See. The friars went to the Archbishop of Cashel as their conservator, and the Archbishop came personally to the Bishop, citing him to answer the complaints. The Bishop laid violent hands on the Archbishop, snatching the citation from his hands so that blood flowed. He spoke injurious words like a man out of his mind, telling the Archbishop to leave or it would go badly for him and all his people. The Archbishop, fearing the armed men assisting the Bishop, left at once. Later the Archbishop cited the Bishop again, but the Bishop refused to appear and continued to excommunicate everyone in his diocese who attended services in the friars' church or sought burial there. The Bishop himself had been excommunicated for debts owed to the Apostolic Camera, but knowingly continued to celebrate divine services publicly. When reproved, he did not care to acknowledge any superior. He had also fallen into heresy against the Catholic faith. The Archbishop came personally again to cite him in the diocese of Limerick. The Bishop fled with his accomplices and clergy, carrying his cross before him. After the Archbishop's departure, the Bishop, vested in pontificals, entered the city and, with candles extinguished, publicly excommunicated all who gave food or lodging to the Archbishop. On a solemn day the Archbishop came to preach in the city. The Bishop had it proclaimed throughout Limerick that no one should attend the sermon under pain of excommunication, and that anyone who dared to go, he would excommunicate by name.

26. Church of Killeely and St. Lelia, Clare

    Killeely · parish · Clare

    The parish church of Killilee, patron St. Lelia, Virgin and sister of St. Munchin, whose festival was the 11th of August, belonged to the prebend of Donoughmore. Associated townlands included Cratalagh More, Cratalagh Keyil, Cratalagh Moyil and Counagh.

    Read the passage

    The churches and chapels of this decanate in the county of Thomond (Clare), viz. : — the parish church of Killilee, whose patron is Lelia, Virgin, and sister of St. Munchin, as it is said, whose festival is celebrated on the nth August. It belongs to the prebend of Donoughmore. To this church of Killilee belong three Cratalaghs, viz. : — Cratalagh More, Cratalagh Keyil, and Cratalagh Moy^il and Counagh. The parish church of Keilfintenan. [To this church belong part of the church of Sixmile Bridge, the Oil Mills, Ballydane east and west, Breakhill, Moyhill, Ballymorris, Portvine, and Oarrine Curragh.] The place of this church is commonly called Crochane.

    s. d.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 357

27. Connor O'Connor Kerry slain en route to Iniscathay (1445)

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1445

    In 1445, Connor, son of O'Connor Kerry, was killed by his kinsman Mahon O'Connor while both were travelling by boat to the island of Iniscathay.

    Read the passage

    1445. Connor, son of O’Connor Kerry, was slain by his kinsman, Mahon O’Connor, as both were going in a boat to the island of Iniscathay.

    1505. Thatheus O’ Karla, cleric of the diocese, Ardfert, bound himself to the Apostolic Chamber for the first fruits of the guardianship of the church de Altoangelorum (Height of Angels), diocese of Limerick, value-

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 310

28. Danes plunder and encamp at Emly

    Emly · town · Tipperary

    The remnant of the Limerick Danes and their Waterford countrymen united forces and plundered Emly, where they remained encamped for two days before being attacked and put to flight by Mahon.

    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

29. De Burgo restored to Killefeacle and Askeaton castles

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick

    King John wrote to Myler Fitzhenry that De Burgo was to be restored to all his possessions, including the castles of Killefeacle and Askeaton, while still retaining hostages for good faith.

    Read the passage

    leaving was compelled to place hostages in the Viceroy’s keeping, as a guarantee of good faith. The king received his old friend graciously, and wrote to Myler that De Burgo was to be restored to all his possessions, including the castles of Killefeacle and Askeaton, but still to retain the hostages.

    1204. After a short trip to Normandy with his royal master he returned to Ireland, and was reinstated in all his property. He died towards the end of the same year, and was interred in a monastery founded by himself, under the invocation of St. Edmond, king and martyr, for Augustinian Canons at Athiseal (low ford), in the county of Tipperary, on the west bank of the Suir, in the barony of Clanwilliam.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 82

30. Election of Eustace de Aqua as bishop

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1311

    Following the death of Bishop Robert, the chapter of Limerick Cathedral elected Eustace the dean as the new bishop. The election was informal but was confirmed by the king, who pardoned the chapter for any illegality.

    Read the passage

    The weather being very stormy, the messengers were unduly detained. In the meantime, the chapter proceeded to elect Eustace the dean. Though the election was informal, the king confirmed it, and granted pardon to Eustace and the chapter, for any penalty they may have incurred for such an illegal proceeding.

    * See Patent Rolls (English State Paper Series )*

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    In 1311 in Limerick, after Bishop Robert died, the chapter elected Eustace, the dean, as bishop. The weather was stormy and the messengers were detained, so they went ahead without them. The election was informal, but the king confirmed it and pardoned Eustace and the chapter for any illegality.

31. Hugh Purcell granted free warren in manors of Croagh and Kenry, 1296

    Croagh · townland · Limerick · 1274–1296

    In 1296 Hugh Purcell received a crown grant of free warren in the manors of Croagh, Kenry, and Ballyculhane in the parish of Kildimo, as well as estates in Tipperary and Kilkenny. Hugh was sheriff of County Limerick in 1274 and held the castle in the city.

    Read the passage

    1296. Hugh Purcell got a grant from the crown of free warren in the above manors, and also in his estates, in County Tipperary and Kilkenny. When exactly the Purcell family obtained these manors in the County Limerick there is no record. But they seem to be settled there early in this century, as the name occurs in inquisitions. They always held a high and honourable position. In 1274 Hugh was sheriff of the county and held the castle in the city. For discharging the duties attached to this office he received £10 from the exchequer.

    1298. He passed into England on the king’s business,, and obtained power of attorney for his son, William,, during his absence.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 141

32. Monasteranenagh estate spanned Golden Vale to Loughgur

    Loughgur · townland · Limerick · 1201–1227

    The vast estate of Monasteranenagh extended from the monastery to Loughgur and southward by Knockainey as far as Darragh, embracing some of the fairest portions of the Golden Vale. Foreign adventurers soon threatened the monks' possession of these rich lands.

    Read the passage

    This vast estate extended from the monastery to Loughgur and southward by Knockainey, and as far as Darragh, embracing some of the fairest portions of the Golden Vale. The monks did not long enjpy peaceable possession of their grant, as the richness of the soil no doubt excited the cupidity of some of the foreign adventurers, who were ever ready with a plausable excuse to justify their actions.

    1 Evidently this is the Cahercuan where Brian Boru slew Donovan, King of Hy Fidhgente, and was near Bruff.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 264

33. O'Dea mitre and crozier exhibited at Dublin Exhibition of 1862

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1862

    The precious relics of Bishop O'Dea were exhibited at the Dublin Exhibition of 1862 and at the Congress of the Archaeological Society in England the same year. They were admired as splendid specimens of what Irish artists produced in the fifteenth century.

    Read the passage

    It is about seven and a half feet in height and about ten pounds in weight. These precious relics have been carefully preserved, and are greatly admired by lovers of the fine arts, as they are splendid specimens of what Irish artists were able to turn out in the fifteenth century. They have been exhibited at the Dublin Exhibition of 1862, and at the Congress of the Archselogical Society, England, the same year. They have been worn on solemn occasions by the late Dr. Butler, and by the present custodian, Dr. O’Dwyer.

    The Black Book . — This very valuable MS. consists of seventy-six leaves written on vellum and parchment. The table of contents and collection of documents occupying seventy leaves, are beautifully and plainly written in the same hand in the style of the end of the

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 190

34. St. Mary's Cathedral Irish Romanesque style

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The original style of St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick was Irish Romanesque, closely resembling the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, built about half a century later. Traces remain including capitals in the west doorway, pillars along the nave, corbels, round-headed clerestory windows, and a closed doorway on the south side of the chancel.

    Read the passage

    The style of the original church was Irish Romanesque, and closely resembles the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, which was built about half a century later. Considerable traces of the original style remain, such as the capitals in the west doorway, the pillars along the nave, the corbels to support the beams of the inner aisles, the round-headed windows of the clerestory, and the doorway on the south side of the chancel now closed up. All these details give a pretty clear idea of the original church. By taking away the outer aisles on both sides with their chapels, the tower, the southern and western porch, with a part of the chancel, we have the church as it stood in Gillebert’s time. It will appear rather small, but when we consider that the Irish churches of the time were generally not more than 60 feet in length, it must be considered a great advance on the past. As we have already seen, Bishop Donat or Donoh O’Brien (1200-1207) was a special friend of King John, and eager to advance his cause in Ireland. He introduced the rite of Salisbury as ordered at the Synod of Cashel in 1172. In St. Mary’s and most of the old churches of the diocese we have distinct traces of the Salisbury or Sarum rite. There are still in various parts of the cathedral small niches cut in the wall not unlike holy water fonts. There are holy water fonts too at the south and west doorways. But, besides these, there is at the epistle side of each of the chapels what is called a sacrarium or piscina, which at present is erected only in our sacristies. According to the Sarum rite, the priest at the end of Mass did not

    Digitized by CjOOQie

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 297

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick, St. Mary's Cathedral stands with its original church built in Irish Romanesque style. It closely resembles the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, which was built about half a century later. Considerable traces of that original style remain. The capitals in the west doorway, the pillars along the nave, the corbels that supported the beams of the inner aisles, the round-headed windows of the clerestory, and a doorway on the south side of the chancel now closed up. All these details give a pretty clear idea of the original church. Take away the outer aisles on both sides with their chapels, the tower, the southern and western porch, and a part of the chancel, and you have the church as it stood in Gillebert's time. It would appear rather small, but the Irish churches of the time were generally not more than 60 feet in length, so it must be considered a great advance on the past. Bishop Donat or Donoh O'Brien, who served from 1200 to 1207, was a special friend of King John and eager to advance his cause in Ireland. He introduced the rite of Salisbury as ordered at the Synod of Cashel in 1172. In the cathedral and most of the old churches of the diocese there are distinct traces of the Salisbury or Sarum rite. Small niches cut in the wall, not unlike holy water fonts, survive in various parts of the building. There are holy water fonts too at the south and west doorways. Besides these, at the epistle side of each of the chapels, there is what is called a sacrarium or piscina, which at present is erected only in sacristies. According to the Sarum rite, the priest at the end of Mass did not.

35. St. Nessan visits St. Ailbe of Emly

    Emly · town · Tipperary

    St. Nessan visited St. Ailbe of Emly to ask whether a monk should receive or reject the offerings of the faithful. Nessan waited through the night until Ailbe emerged from prayer and delivered a verse instructing him to accept gifts but neither boast of nor conceal them.

    Read the passage

    occasion he paid a visit to St. Ailbe of Emly,1 to know whether a monk should receive or reject the offerings of the faithful. When Nessan arrived at the monastery it was the hour of None, and the community were chanting the office in the church. Nessan declined to go into the guest-house until he should see Ailbe and put him the question. Ailbe, however, continued in prayer from the hour of None until Tierce the next day, and no one went into him except the guest-master. At length he gave an answer to Nessan. “ Go,” said he, “ and tell Nessan this verse : —

    Gifts of God are not to be refused

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 34

36. St. Patrick baptizes Cairthen and heals his son at Singland

    Singland · townland · Limerick

    Cairthen, son of Blod, from the Clare side of the Shannon, came to St. Patrick and was baptized at Singland. Patrick also performed a miracle there, curing Cairthen's son Echu Ballderg from his infirmities.

    Read the passage

    While in these parts Cairthen,1 son of Blod, the senior of the Clan Turlogh, whose territory was at the Clare side of the Shannon, came to St. Patrick, and, after making a profession of faith, was baptized by him at Singland. Here, too, he wrought a miracle in favour of Cairthen, by curing his son, Echu Ballderg, from some infirmities he was labouring under. The fame of this miracle no doubt spread from one tribe to another, and influenced the men of North Munster to the north of Luimnech, to come in fleets of boats southwards as far as Donaghmore of Maghaine — that is Dun Nocfene — and he baptized them at Terryglass, where he was when they arrived. He afterwards went to Finne, to the north-west of Donaghmore, a hill from which he could see the country to the north of the Luimnech, and blessed their land. Pointing to the green isle in the west in the mouth of the sea, he said that the lamp of the people of God should come into it, who would be the head of the council to this district.

    This event is also recorded in the Life of St. Senan,2 and is worth quoting here, as it helps to identify the locality whence the men of North Munster came, as well as the place where they met St. Patrick : —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Singland, St. Patrick baptized Cairthen, son of Blod, the senior of the Clan Turlogh, whose territory lay on the Clare side of the Shannon. Cairthen came to Patrick and, after making a profession of faith, was baptized here at Singland. Patrick also wrought a miracle here, curing Cairthen's son Echu Ballderg from the infirmities he was labouring under. The fame of this miracle spread from one tribe to another, and it influenced the men of North Munster, to the north of Luimnech, to come in fleets of boats southwards as far as Donaghmore of Maghaine, that is Dun Nocfene. Patrick baptized them at Terryglass, where he was when they arrived. Afterwards he went to Finne, to the north-west of Donaghmore, a hill from which he could see the country to the north of Luimnech, and he blessed their land. Pointing to the green isle in the west in the mouth of the sea, he said, "the lamp of the people of God should come into it, who would be the head of the council to this district." This event is also recorded in the Life of St. Senan.

37. Synod of Rathbresail (Mountrath) convened

    Mountrath · town · Laois · 1110–1118

    A general synod was held at Rathbresail, the modern name of which is Mountrath, presided over by Gillebert as Papal Legate. Keating dates it to 1110 but Lanigan places it as late as 1118. The synod was convened under Murtagh O'Brien's influence.

    Read the passage

    When Gillebert was made Papal Legate Murtagh had a wise guide, who was throughly conversant with the Continental form of Church government, and no doubt impressed on him the necessity of bringing the whole Irish Church into conformity with it, as the monastic system which flourished so long in the country was almost effaced owing to the confusion created by the Danish invasion. Thus a favourable opportunity presented itself for carrying out the much needed reform. Accordingly, a general synod was held at Rathbresail the modem name of which would be Mountrath ; according to O’Donovan, Keating states that it was held in a.d. iiio, but Lanigan places it as late as the year iii8*

    Digitized by CjOOQie

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 69

38. Synod of the province of Cashel held at Limerick, 1453

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1453

    In 1453, the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Cashel assembled at Limerick and held a synod at which 120 useful laws were made for the benefit of the Church. These decrees, still extant, furnish a quaint picture of the times and cover church furnishings, observance of feast days, and cemetery maintenance.

    Read the passage

    The province of Munster seems to be in a peaceful state in 1453, as the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Cashel assembled at Limerick and held a synod, at which many useful laws were made for the benefit of the Church. Fortunately these laws, numbering 120, are extant, and furnish incidentally a quaint picture of the times they refer to.

    A synopsis of the most interesting of these decrees 2 is given here : —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 226

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city holds a quiet church gathering from 1453. The bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Cashel assembled here and held a synod. The province of Munster seems to have been at peace. They made 120 useful laws for the benefit of the Church, and those laws are still extant, giving a quaint picture of the times.

39. 1319 Trinitarian minister accused of seizing Augustinian goods

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1319–1359

    Peter, Minister of the Order of Holy Trinity at Adare, along with three monks, was accused of seizing the goods of the Augustinians in 1319. In 1329 Peter obtained licence to purchase three acres in Adare, and in 1359 the convent received a grant of £20 a year.

    Read the passage

    1319. Peter, Minister of the Order of Holy Trinity, Adare, with three monks, John Croyne, John Lees, and Gilbert de Clare, were accused of seizing the goods of the Augustinians.2

    1329. Peter got licence to purchase three acres in Adare.8

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 283

40. Church of Keilfintenan at Crochane, near Sixmilebridge

    Six-mile-bridge · town · Clare

    The parish church of Keilfintenan, commonly called Crochane, included part of Sixmile Bridge, the Oil Mills, Ballydane east and west, Breakhill, Moyhill, Ballymorris, Portvine, and Garrine Curragh among its dependencies.

    Read the passage

    The churches and chapels of this decanate in the county of Thomond (Clare), viz. : — the parish church of Killilee, whose patron is Lelia, Virgin, and sister of St. Munchin, as it is said, whose festival is celebrated on the nth August. It belongs to the prebend of Donoughmore. To this church of Killilee belong three Cratalaghs, viz. : — Cratalagh More, Cratalagh Keyil, and Cratalagh Moy^il and Counagh. The parish church of Keilfintenan. [To this church belong part of the church of Sixmile Bridge, the Oil Mills, Ballydane east and west, Breakhill, Moyhill, Ballymorris, Portvine, and Oarrine Curragh.] The place of this church is commonly called Crochane.

    s. d.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 357

41. Collegiate church of St. Senan, Iniscathay, confirmed (1400)

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1400

    In 1400, at the petition of Prior John Hogan and chapter, the immemorial foundation of the collegiate church of St. Senan at Iniskathis in the diocese of Killaloe was confirmed. The church had been erected by devout nobles into a collegiate church, endowed for a prior and twenty-four perpetual chaplains with lands, glebes, meadows, fisheries, and other goods.

    Read the passage

    1400. Confirmation at petition of Prior John Hogan and chapter, and perpetual chaplains of the secular and collegiate church major of St. Senan Iniskathis, in the diocese of Killaloe, of the immemorial form dation of the said church by certain devout nobles of those parts in honour of God, St. Mary the Virgin, and the said St. Senan, of its subsequent erection by them into a collegiate church, and its endowment for a prior and twenty-four perpetual chaplains, with lands, glebes, meadows, fisheries, and other goods.2

    1400. Relaxation of seven years and seven quadragena of enjoyed penance to the penitents, who on the principal feasts of the year, All Saints, and Octaves of certain of them, the six days of Whitsun Week, and one hundred days to those who visit and give alms for the conservation of the collegiate church called Major of St. Senan Iniskaithig in the diocese of Killaloe.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 307

42. Death and burial of St. Ita at Killeedy

    Killeedy · parish · Limerick · 570

    St. Ita died on 15 January AD 570 after blessing the clergy and people of Hy Conaill, who adopted her as their patroness. After a solemn requiem Mass she was laid to rest in her own church at Killeedy.

    Read the passage

    After a long life of self-denial and good works, one day Ita called her Sisters together, and told them that her end was approaching. Soon after she was seized with her last illness, <and on her death-bed invoked a blessing on the clergy and people of Hy Conaill, who adopted her as their Patroness. She died on the 15th of January, a.d. 570.

    A great multitude assembled round her remains, and many miracles took place on the occasion, giving testimony to the great sanctity for which she was remarkable

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 45

43. Donegans of Rathkeale burn Newcastle West

    Newcastle · town · Limerick · 1315–1316

    At the outbreak of the Bruce invasion, the Donegans of Rathkeale burned Newcastle West, which delayed young Maurice of the house of Desmond from joining the Government troops.

    Read the passage

    Young Maurice, of the house of Desmond, also distinguished himself in the service of the Crown during these eventful years, though at the commencement of the outbreak the Donegans of Rathkeale burned Newcastle (West) which detained him for a time from joining the Government troops.2 He kept a large army

    1 “ Normans in Thomond,” Jour . of R.S.A.I., vol. 1., 5th series, by T. J. Westropp.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 173

44. Eight bishops buried in Limerick Dominican friary

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1250–1391

    Eight bishops were interred in the Dominican friary at Limerick, including Hubert de Burgo (Bishop of Limerick, 1250) and bishops of Killaloe and Kilfenora. A Latin inscription formerly on their sepulchral vault commemorated six of them.

    Read the passage

    There were also eight bishops interred there, namely Hubert de Burgo, Bishop of Limerick ia 1250 ; Donald, O’Kennedy, Bishop of Killaloe in 1252 ; Christian, Bishop of Kilfenora in 1254 ; Matthew O’Hogan, Bishop of Killaloe in 1281 ; Simon O’Currin, Bishop of Kilfenora in 1303 ; Maurice O’Brien, Bishop of Kilfenora in 1321 ; Maurice O’Grady, Archbishop of Cashel in 1345 ; Matthew Magrath, Bishop of Kilfenora in 1391. Six of these prelates are commemorated in the following Latin verses which was formerly inscribed on their sepulchral vault : —

    Senos pontifices in se locus claudit iste Illis multiplices, Te posco, praemia Christe Omnes hi fuerant Fratrum Laris hujus amici ; Hubertus de Burgo, praesul quondam Limerici

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 271

    As the companion tells it

    In Limerick, the Dominican friary held the remains of eight bishops. Hubert de Burgo, Bishop of Limerick, was laid there in 1250. Donald O'Kennedy, Bishop of Killaloe, followed in 1252. Christian, Bishop of Kilfenora, in 1254. Matthew O'Hogan, Bishop of Killaloe, in 1281. Simon O'Currin, Bishop of Kilfenora, in 1303. Maurice O'Brien, Bishop of Kilfenora, in 1321. Maurice O'Grady, Archbishop of Cashel, in 1345. And Matthew Magrath, Bishop of Kilfenora, in 1391. Six of these prelates were commemorated by a Latin inscription formerly on their sepulchral vault. The verses called Christ to grant them manifold rewards, noting they had all been friends of the friars, and naming Hubert de Burgo, once bishop of Limerick.

45. Fear-na-Managh land exchange with Dysert prebend

    Dysert · townland · Limerick

    The monks of the monastery of Maigh (Maigue) gave Fearan-na-manach, near the White Stone Cross, to the bishop and chapter of Limerick in exchange for land called Ballioshoidir. The bishop then added Fear-na-Managh to the prebend of Dysert because Dysert was very meagre and poor.

    Read the passage

    To this church of Dysert belongs Fearan-na-manach, near the White Stone Cross, as I have myself read in the Black Book ; for the monks of the monastery of Maigh (Maigue), to whom Fear-na-Managh formerly belonged, gave that land to the bishop and chapter of Limerick for other land near them, called Ballioshoidir, which belonged to our Limerick chapter, and the bishop and chapter added that land, Fear-na-Managh, to the prebend of Dysert, because it is very meagre and poor. [Habetur p. 27 hujus libri. viz., White’s MSS. — Dr. Young.]

    The church of Athnid. It is a prebend, dedicated, . . 16

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 361

46. Friarstown Franciscan church and rebel holding

    Friarstown · townland · Limerick · 1586–1590

    A Franciscan monastery at Friarstown, between Limerick and Fedamore, has an unknown history. An inquisition (1586–1590) records that Gerald Baluff, son of Philip, a rebel, held the house of St. Francis de Ballynabrahrair in the parish of Caheravally. The monastic buildings have disappeared but the church survives measuring 81½ feet long and 19 feet wide with a projecting wing.

    Read the passage

    In Friarstown,1 between Limerick and Fedamore, there was a Franciscan monastery, the history of which is unknown. An undated Inquisition taken between 1586 and 1590 informs us that Gerald Baluff f. Philip, a rebel, held the house of St. Francis de BaUynabrahrair in Twoh-Oreyn in the parish of Caheravally. The monastic buildings have long since disappeared, but the church is in a fair state of preservation, measuring 8i£ feet in length and 19 feet wide to the south. There is a projecting wing 29 feet by 17 feet 4 inches

    Askeaton .

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 277

47. Hamo de Valoignes held Askeaton castle

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1199–1212

    Hamo de Valoignes received a grant of two cantreds in Hy Conaill, including the castle of Hinniskisty (Askeaton), confirming the estate lay in the neighbourhood of that castle. The estate was restored to his son in 1212.

    Read the passage

    1199.1 Hamo de Valoignes, an Anglo-Norman knight of Suffolk, was justiciary of the country from 1197 to 1199. During his term of office he got a grant of two cantreds of land in Hockenil (Hy Conaill) to hold of the king by the service of ten knights. In a letter written by the king in the year 1200 he refers to Hamo as being7 disabled by infirmity to execute his employments in England. The custody of his Irish property was granted to Hugh de Neville, and subsequently to William de Burgh. The castle of Hinniskisty (Askeaton) was part of the property, a fact which clearly shows that the two cantreds lay in the neighbourhood of that castle. The estate was restored to Hamo’s son and heir in the year 1212.

    1199.2 * Robert Sergantgot a grant of one knight’s fee

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 82

48. Hubert de Burgh, Prior of Athassel, elevated to see of Limerick

    Relickmurry and Athassel · parish · Tipperary · 1222–1223

    Hubert de Burgh was Prior of the Monastery of St. Edmund, king and martyr, at Athassel, Co. Tipperary, when he was elevated to the see of Limerick in 1223. During the vacancy before his appointment, the king ordered the temporalities of the see granted to the Prior of Athassel.

    Read the passage

    Hubert 2 was descended from a noble family, and at the time of his elevation to the see of Limerick, was Prior of the Monastery of St. Edmund, king and martyr, at Athassel, Co. Tipperary.

    ’ At the same time John St. John, treasurer of the church of Limerick, was nominated by the king for the see of Waterford, but not confirmed ; eventually he became Bishop of Ferns, and resigned his office in the -chapter of Limerick, and the prebend appertaining to it.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 107

49. Kilcolman inferior church and St. Colman's well rounds

    Kilcolman · townland · Limerick

    The old ruin of Kilcolman inferior church is now very dilapidated, with only parts of the side walls standing. St. Colman's well, at the north side of the hill and neatly walled in, is a site where rounds are paid. The feast is celebrated on 29 October.

    Read the passage

    (The church of Kilcolman inferior ; rector, the prior of Athissell, who presents the vicar.) This church, like Kilbradran, belonged to the monastery of Athissell, and was surrendered at the same time, and again regranted to the monastery. Both are mentioned as part of its possessions at the confiscation of monasteries in Ireland. The old ruin is now in a very dilapidated condition, only parts of the side walls are standing. St. Colman’s well is at the north side of the hill neatly walled in where rounds are paid. The feast is celebrated on the 29th of October.

    Ec. Downmoylin cujus Rector Moniales presentat Vicarium .

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 218

50. Manor of Killeedy and the O'Cuilens of Cleanglass

    Killeedy · parish · Limerick · 1266

    The manor of Killeedy embraces the old tuath of Cleanglass, the ancient home of the O'Cuilens, lords of Hy Connail, the last of whom perished in 1266. In the inquisition it forms part of the Geraldine estates.

    Read the passage

    This manor embraces the old tuath of Cleanglass, the ancient home of the O’Cuilens, lords of Hy Connail, the last of whom perished in 1266. In this inquisition it forms a part of the Geraldine estates.

    The Free Tenants. — John Thomond, half-quarter at Louath (locally known as Lougig, and lay in the eastern part of Killeedy parish), pays 20s., and does suit.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 134

51. Mint established in Limerick city, 1252

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1252

    In 1252 a mint was established in Limerick city for regularly coining money, which greatly facilitated commercial dealings and increased the prosperity of the citizens. The citizens of the period were described as a medley of many nations.

    Read the passage

    In 1252 a mint was established in the city for regularly coining money, which must have greatly facilitated commercial dealings, and greatly increased the prosperity of the citizens who, judging from the names of the period, were a medley of many nations.

    1274. 1 At the latter end of this4 century their prosperity would seem to be on the decline, as they were forced to petition the king to relieve them from certain grievances, viz. —

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city had a mint established in 1252, set up for regularly coining money. That must have greatly facilitated commercial dealings and greatly increased the prosperity of the citizens who, judging from the names of the period, were a medley of many nations. By the latter end of the century, that prosperity would seem to be on the decline, as they were forced to petition the king to relieve them from certain grievances.

52. O'Donovan driven from Croom by Maurice Fitzgerald

    Croom · town · Limerick · 1229

    According to Collins's pedigree, O'Donovan resided at Croom until driven from there by Maurice Fitzgerald, second Baron of Offaly, who was Lord Justice of Ireland in 1229. The claim has not been definitively proved.

    Read the passage

    XXVIII. Aneslis O’Donovan, a name which indicates a Danish connexion. In his time Desmond was thrown into a state of confusion in consequence of the feuds between the O'Briens and MacCarthys, during which the O’ Donovans were driven from the plains of Ui- Figeinte, and forced to fly beyond the Mangerton mountain. — See note m, under the year 1178, p. 45, supra. Whether they were ever after able to return has not been yet determined. Collins asserts, in his pedigree of the late General O’Donovan, of Bawnlahan, that O’Donovan resided at Croom, till he was driven thence by Maurice Fitzgerald, second Baron of Offaly, who was Lord Justice of Ireland in the year 1229 ; but this has not been proved. Murchadh had a son —

    XXIX. Raghnall, Ranulph, Randal, or Reginald O’Donovan. another name which bespeaks a Danish alliance. In the year 1201 the chief of the O’ Donovans, Amhlaoibh, Aulaf, or Auliff, was seated in the now county of Cork, where he was slain that year by the O’Briens and De Burgos, but how he stood related to this Raghnall has not been proved. — See note °, under the year 1200, p. 126; and note y, under the year 1418, pp. 832, 933, supra.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 330

53. Ruins of St. Catherine's convent described

    Shanagolden · town · Limerick

    The ruins of the convent of St. Catherine de O'Conill consist of a long narrow thirteenth-century church measuring 83 feet by 18.5 feet, with a handsome doorway, a cloister garth of 73 feet square, vaulted domicile, refectory, kitchen, pigeon house resembling that of Adare, fish pond, and outer enclosure gates.

    Read the passage

    Archdall says that it had certain rectories in the barony of Duhallow, Co. Cork, but these seem to belong to the convent of St. Catherine, Waterford. Some of our local authorities, following Archdall, identify this convent with a convent of a similar name near Lough Gur. The ruins of this house, as they exist at present, consist of a long narrow church of the thirteenth-century style, measuring 83 feet by i8£ feet, with a handsome doorway, a cloister garth measuring 73 feet square, to the west of which is a domicile containing three vaults. To the south of the cloister garth is the refectory, and south of that the kitchen. Some of the out-buildings remain, such as the pigeon house, which resembles that of Adare, the fish pond, outer enclosure gates, etc.1

    Monaster ne Callow Duffe or Black Abbey in Limerick .

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 296

54. Sarum rite traces in St. Mary's Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1200–1207

    Bishop Donat O'Brien (1200-1207) introduced the rite of Salisbury as ordered at the Synod of Cashel in 1172. In St. Mary's Cathedral and most old churches of the diocese there are distinct traces of the Sarum rite, including small niches in the walls, holy water fonts at doorways, and piscinae at the epistle side of each chapel.

    Read the passage

    The style of the original church was Irish Romanesque, and closely resembles the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, which was built about half a century later. Considerable traces of the original style remain, such as the capitals in the west doorway, the pillars along the nave, the corbels to support the beams of the inner aisles, the round-headed windows of the clerestory, and the doorway on the south side of the chancel now closed up. All these details give a pretty clear idea of the original church. By taking away the outer aisles on both sides with their chapels, the tower, the southern and western porch, with a part of the chancel, we have the church as it stood in Gillebert’s time. It will appear rather small, but when we consider that the Irish churches of the time were generally not more than 60 feet in length, it must be considered a great advance on the past. As we have already seen, Bishop Donat or Donoh O’Brien (1200-1207) was a special friend of King John, and eager to advance his cause in Ireland. He introduced the rite of Salisbury as ordered at the Synod of Cashel in 1172. In St. Mary’s and most of the old churches of the diocese we have distinct traces of the Salisbury or Sarum rite. There are still in various parts of the cathedral small niches cut in the wall not unlike holy water fonts. There are holy water fonts too at the south and west doorways. But, besides these, there is at the epistle side of each of the chapels what is called a sacrarium or piscina, which at present is erected only in our sacristies. According to the Sarum rite, the priest at the end of Mass did not

    Digitized by CjOOQie

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 297

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, St. Mary's Cathedral still carries marks of two overlapping worlds. The original church was Irish Romanesque, and closely resembles the Cistercian abbey of Monasteranenagh, built about half a century later. Traces of that first style remain in the capitals of the west doorway, the pillars along the nave, the corbels that supported the inner aisle beams, the round-headed clerestory windows, and a doorway on the south side of the chancel, now closed up. Strip away the outer aisles and their chapels, the tower, the southern and western porch, and part of the chancel, and you have the church as it stood in Gillebert's time. It would seem small, but Irish churches of that period were generally not more than 60 feet in length, so it was a considerable advance. Bishop Donat, or Donoh, O'Brien, who served from 1200 to 1207, was a special friend of King John and eager to advance his cause in Ireland. He introduced the rite of Salisbury, as the Synod of Cashel had ordered in 1172. In St. Mary's and most old churches of the diocese, the traces of that Sarum rite are still visible. Small niches cut into the walls, not unlike holy water fonts, survive in various parts of the cathedral. Holy water fonts stand at the south and west doorways. And at the epistle side of each chapel there is a sacrarium, or piscina, something now found only in sacristies. According to the Sarum rite, the priest at the end of Mass did not

55. Second Earl of Desmond dies suddenly at Castlemaine

    Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1368

    Maurice, the second Earl of Desmond, died suddenly at Castlemaine in 1368. He was buried at Tralee in the ancestral vault, leaving no issue by his wife Beatrice.

    Read the passage

    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.

    During the incapacity of Nicholas, he was virtually Earl of Desmond, discharging all the duties attached tothe title. When Nicholas died he became the Earl of Desmond, and as such was appointed justiciary in the year 1367, immediately after the famous Statute of Kilkenny had come into force among the colonists.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 178

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Castlemaine, this Kerry town is where Maurice, the second Earl of Desmond, died suddenly in 1368. He had held the title and estates until then. He was buried at Tralee in the ancestral vault, and left no issue by his wife Beatrice. The next brother, Nicholas, was an idiot. Back in 1360, Edward III had granted to Gerald, the younger brother, the custody of the family estates and licence to marry Emicia, daughter of the Earl of Ormonde. During Nicholas's incapacity, Gerald was virtually Earl of Desmond, discharging all the duties of the title. When Nicholas died, Gerald became Earl of Desmond, and was appointed justiciary in 1367, immediately after the Statute of Kilkenny had come into force among the colonists.

56. St. Ita settles at Cluain Credhuil (Killeedy) beneath Luachra mountains

    Killeedy · parish · Limerick

    After obtaining permission to become a nun, Ita was divinely directed to settle at Cluain Credhuil, now known as Killeedy, in the western part of Hy Conaill beneath the Luachra mountains. There she established her monastery and convent.

    Read the passage

    Next day the father consented to have her become a nun, and go where she pleased to serve God. Matters being now satisfactorily arranged, she retired to a neighbouring church where she consecrated her life to the service of her Creator. Having obtained the wish of her heart, she earnestly prayed that God might direct her to the place where she might best serve Him. In answer to her prayer, she was directed to settle down in Cluain Credhuil, now known as Killeedy, in the western part of Hy Conaill, beneath the shadow of theLuachra mountains.

    When the chieftain of the territory heard that such a great saint had come to live in the locality, he went with a multitude of his subjects to welcome the holy virgin. As a mark of esteem, he presented her with a large tract of land adjoining the monastery. Not wishing to be too much engrossed with worldly affairs, she refused to accept more than a few acres, which would serve as a garden to supply the wants of her community.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 42

57. St. Patrick founds a church at Ardpatrick

    Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick

    St. Patrick laid the foundations of a church on a hill now known as Ardpatrick, in the southern part of Desibeg. While engaged in this work he was opposed by the ruling chief, who after persuasion consented to allow the church to be finished on condition that Patrick remove the mountain Cen-Abhrat.

    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

58. St. Patrick's Church destroyed, tithes of Limerick mills

    Singland · townland · Limerick

    The parish church of St. Patrick in Limerick was entirely destroyed. It belonged to the treasurer, and the tithes of all the mills of Limerick and Singland belonged to it.

    Read the passage

    The parish church of St. Patrick, Bishop and Confessor, and Patron of all Ireland, whose festival is celebrated on the 17th day of March: the church is entirely destroyed. It belongs to the treasurer, and the tithes of all the mills of Limerick and Singland belong to it, . . . . . . 76

    The parish church of Kilmurry, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, 22nd day of July, . . . . . . . . 8 o

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 358

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, there was once a parish church of St. Patrick, bishop and confessor, patron of all Ireland, whose festival is celebrated on the 17th of March. The church is entirely destroyed. It belonged to the treasurer, and the tithes of all the mills of Limerick and Singland belonged to it.

59. Translation of Richard Fitzralph's remains to Dundalk

    Dundalk · town · Louth

    Bishop Stephen of Limerick translated the remains of Richard Fitzralph from Avignon, where he died, to Dundalk, Fitzralph's birthplace, and had them deposited in the parish church of that town.

    Read the passage

    While Bishop of Limerick, Stephen translated the remains of the great Richard Fitzralph, from Avignon, where he died, to Dundalk, his birthplace, and had them deposited in the parish church of that town.

    In 1367 he was transferred from the diocese of Limerick to Meath. Afterwards he became lord high treasurer .of Ireland, an office he held until the time of his death, which took place at Oxford in the year 1379, and in the forty-seventh year of his age, when most men are only beginning their public career. He was interred in the Dominican monastery of that town.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 162

60. Turlough O'Connor plunders Ui Conaill from fleet at Foynes Island

    Foynes Island · townland · Limerick · 1127–1128

    In 1127, Turlough O'Connor plundered Ui Conaill at Faing, identified as Foynes Island, from his fleet. He repeated the attack on two occasions in the following year.

    Read the passage

    1127. Turlough O'Connor plundered Ui Conaill at Faing (Foynes Island) from his fleet, and in the following year repeated the attack on two occasions.

    Hy Fidhgente must have been reduced to poverty and the spirit of its people broken after so many raids from outside. These, together with the domestic dissensions of its chieftains, were unconsciously preparing an easy conquest for the adventurers that were soon to appear on the horizon and blot out that name for ever more from the topography of the country.

    Internet Archive TheDioceseOfLimerick, Chapter 74