Name: A history of the city and county of Cork
Author: Mary Francis Cusack (1829–1899)

Eighty-eight Irishmen drowned from Bandon Bridge

Bandon · town · Cork · 1641

In 1641 the garrison of Bandon Bridge tied eighty-eight Irishmen of the town back to back and threw them off the bridge into the river, drowning them all.

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were all inhumanly murdered, and the hearts of some of them pulled out and put into their mouths; and mnny other massacres were committed the same time there upon women and children. At Lislee twenty- four men in protection were murdered by Colonel Mynn's soldiers. At Bellanere eight poor labourers were killed by Captain Bridge's men whilst in protection, and engaged in saving the harvest of the English. In 1642, at Clogheiulty, about 238 persons were murdered, of which number seventeen children were taken by the legs by the soldiers, who knocked out their brains against the walls. This was done by Forbes's men and the garrison of Bandon Bridge. At Garanne, near Ross, Conner Kennedy, who had protection for himself and his tenants to save their harvest, were murdered by the gamson of Ross as they were reaping their corn. In 1 64 1 the garrison of Bandon Bridge tied eighty-eight Irishmen of that town back to back, and threw them oflF the bridge into the river, where they were all drowned. Patrick Hackett, master of a ship in Wat^rford, when the Duchess of Ormond was desirous to be conveyed to Dublin, left her safe with her family and goods there, and received from the lords justices and Ormond a pass for his safe return, but being, driven by a storm into Dungarvan, * e and liis men were hanged by direction of the commander-in chief there, notwithstanding that he produced the said pass.
"The English party of this county burned O'Sullivan Beare's h*.,use in Bantry, and all the rest of that county, killing man, woman, and child, and turning many into their houses, then on fire, to be burned therein, and among otliers Thomas de Bucke, a cooper, about eighty years old, and his wife who was almost as aged.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 153

Mass drowning of prisoners at Cappoquin

Cappoquin · town · Waterford · 1641

During the Decies country massacres, one hundred labourer-prisoners were led to Cappoquin, tied in couples, and cast into the river where soldiers made sport of watching them drown, all before any rebellion had begun in Munster.

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" 1641. In Decies country, the neighbouring English garrison of the county of Cork, after burning and pillaging all that county, murdered above three thousand persons, men, women and children, and led one hundred labourers prisoners to Caperquine (Cappoquin), where, being tied by couples, they were cast into the river, and made sport of to see them drowned. This was before any rebellion began in Munster.'*

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 153

Battle of Clontarf: Good Friday slaughter, 1014

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

The great and decisive battle between Brian Boru's forces and the Danish-led alliance took place at Clontarf on Good Friday, 23rd April 1014, ending in a triumphant Irish victory that broke Danish power in Ireland. Munster men, including Cork contingents, fought prominently in the conflict.

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The glorious battle of Clontarf, with its triumphant victory, took place on Good Friday, 23rd April, 10 14. How it was fought and how it was won must be read elsewhere, as the details would occupy too much space in the present work. But it must be said that the Munster men had their full shai-c in the conflict, and the honour of the victory.
"The conflict was wrestling, wounding, noisy, bloody

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 44

Bishop O'Melan's brutal execution at Youghal

Youghal · town · Cork

Daniel O'Melan, a priest of the diocese of Cloyne, was seized and taken to Youghal where he was flung from the summit of Trinity Tower. Surviving the fall, he was taken to a mill and tied to a water wheel until he died.

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One of the most eminent of these martyrs was Daniel O'Melan, a priest of the diocese of Cloyne. His execution was one of peculiar cruelty. He was seized and conducted by military guards to Youghal, where he was flung from the summit of Trinity Tower ; but as this bai'barous deed did not terminate his life, he was taken to a mill and tied to a water wheel, from whence in a few moments he went to his eternal reward.
Brother Dominick Collins was also martyred in YoughaJ.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

Execution by Fire of Father Richard Barry at Rock of Cashel

near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary · 1647

A Cork Dominican friar, Father Richard Barry, refused to abandon his religious habit to save his life and was condemned to be burned alive on the summit of the Rock of Cashel. He suffered in the flames for two hours before being transfixed through the side with a sword.

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refused to accept liis life on condition of stripping himself of his religious habit and assuming a secular dress, was condemned to be burned alive on the summit of the Rock of Cashel, and having heroically suffered in the flames for the space of two hours, was transfixed through the side with a sword.
In 1648 Dominic de Burgo, a young professed member of the Order of Preachers, and near relative of the Earl of Claniicarde, Wiis made prisoner on board of the ship in which he had taken his passage to Spain to pursue his studies. He was tlurown into prison at Eansale, whence he made his escape by jumping from the top of the gaol wall down on the sea shore. For two days he lay concealed in a neighbouring wood, all covered with mud, ^vithout clothing, food, or drink. At length he found shelter under the hospitable roof of the Roches in that neighbourhood, probably of Garrettstown. He was at a later period of hfe the celebrated Bishop of Elphin, for whose head or capture the government offered a lai^ reward, and to whom OUver Plunket, the martyred Archbishop of Armagh, wrote from his dungeon warning him of the attempts of the Privy Council agains this life. He died in exile.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 209

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about the Rock of Cashel, in 1647, a Cork Dominican friar, Father Richard Barry, was condemned to die by fire. He had been offered his life on one condition: that he strip off his religious habit and put on secular dress. He refused. He was burned alive on the summit of the rock. He suffered in the flames for the space of two hours before he was transfixed through the side with a sword.

O'Sullivan Beare's house burned at Bantry with people inside

Bantry · town · Cork · 1641

The English party burned O'Sullivan Beare's house at Bantry and the surrounding county, killing men, women and children and burning many alive inside their houses, including an elderly cooper and his aged wife.

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"The English party of this county burned O'Sullivan Beare's h*.,use in Bantry, and all the rest of that county, killing man, woman, and child, and turning many into their houses, then on fire, to be burned therein, and among otliers Thomas de Bucke, a cooper, about eighty years old, and his wife who was almost as aged.
" 1641. In Decies country, the neighbouring English garrison of the county of Cork, after burning and pillaging all that county, murdered above three thousand persons, men, women and children, and led one hundred labourers prisoners to Caperquine (Cappoquin), where, being tied by couples, they were cast into the river, and made sport of to see them drowned. This was before any rebellion began in Munster.'*

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 153

As the companion tells it

Coming through Bantry now, in Cork. In 1641 the English party burned O'Sullivan Beare's house here, and burned the surrounding county besides. They killed men, women and children, and turned many people back into their own burning houses to perish there. Among the dead were Thomas de Bucke, a cooper about 80 years old, and his wife, who was almost as aged. The same garrison then burned and pillaged all that county and murdered above 3,000 persons, men, women and children, before any rebellion had begun in Munster.

Martyrdom of Brother Dominick Collins at Youghal

Youghal · town · Cork · 1602

Brother Dominick Collins, a Jesuit lay brother who had served in French and Spanish armies, was taken from Cork to Youghal for execution on 3rd October 1602. He was dragged at a horse's tail to the place of execution and, while hanging from the gibbet, soldiers transfixed his breast with their weapons.

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were offered to him should he embrace the tenets of Anglicanism. On his rejecting these things with disdain, he was dragged at a horse's tail to the place of execution, and whilst he was still hanging from the gibbet, the eojdiers transfixed his breast with their weapons/'
The events which occuned immediately after the death of Elizabeth are the best evidence how entirely Catholic were the hearts of the people. There was universal joy, not merely because an oppressor had been removed, but because it was hoped that the nation might once more have freedom to worship God. This was specially manifested in the south, which had been especiafly oppressed. Waterford, of which Dr. Lyons had complained more than once, was first in its demonstration of joy. The churches were opened ; the services of the church were once more openly celebrated ; Dr. Miagh re-dedicated the Cathedrals of Cork and Cloyne, and the mass, as sui^ and said by Finbar and Colman, was sung and said once more.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

Burning and sacking of Cork after surrender

Cork · city · Cork · 1690

After the siege, Governor Mac Gillicuddy burned Cork despite having been paid to spare it; the city, once among the most thriving in Europe, was pillaged and hundreds of Protestants reduced to beggary, while captured soldiers were stripped and left on marshy ground for five days, forced to eat dead horses.

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It is probable that the inhabitants would have suffered quite iis much from the sacking of the town as from the burning, for Dean Davis admits that it was pillaged, " especially of property." The Catholics were disarmed, r-nd shut up in various places used as substitutes for prisons, and the soldiers were stript and marched to a mai-shy wet ground, where they were kept for five days, and reduced to such straights as to be obliged to eat dead horses.
Seven Irish regiments laid down their arms — T3rrone*8, Mac Carthy's, O'Donovan's, Mac Gillicudd/s, Clancarty's, O'SuUivan s, and Barrett's. The principal officers and some of the men were sent to England as prisoners, and about 4,5CX5 of the defenders of Limerick embarked at Cork for France, under the command of General Sarsfield [Lord Lucan]. On the 12 th of October, 1691, the Breada man-ofwar, which lay in Cork harbour, was blown up, and nearly all

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Cork, a city once among the most thriving in Europe. In 1690, after the siege, Governor Mac Gillicuddy burned it despite having been paid to spare it. Property was pillaged and hundreds of Protestants were reduced to beggary, Catholics were disarmed and shut up in places used as prisons, and soldiers were stripped and marched to marshy wet ground where they were kept for five days, reduced to eating dead horses. Seven Irish regiments laid down their arms, and principal officers and some men were sent to England as prisoners. About 4,500 of the defenders of Limerick embarked here for France under General Sarsfield, and on the 12th of October 1691, the Breada man-of-war in the harbour was blown up.

Massacre at Castle Lyons: prisoners disfigured and hanged

Castlelyons · town · Cork · 1641

In 1641, around fifty-six prisoners were brought to Castle Lyons and put in a stable, where their beards and hair were burned so badly that their own friends could not recognise them the next day when they were found hanging.

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"In Condon's country (1641) above 300 labourers, women, and children were murdered by some of the now Earl of Orrery's soldiers. Fixty-six persons or thereabouts were subsequently brought prisoners to Castle Lyons and put into a stable ; there their beards were burned as well as the hair of their heads, which so disfigured them that their nearest friends could not know them next day when they were hanging.
"In 1642, in the same county, 355 persons were murdered with clubs and stones. Being in protection, Mr. Henly, an English gentleman, dwelling in Roche's country, but a Roman Catholic, had his wife and children barbarously stripped, and most of his tenants inhumanly murdered by adjacent English garrisons, and such cruelties were used that they stabbed young infants and left them so, half dead on their mothers' dead carcases. In this said Henlystown and the adjacent villages, at that time, there were murdered about 900 labourers, women, and children.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 153

O'Driscoll seized at his castle by the Mayor of Waterford

Baltimore · townland · Cork · 1413

On Christmas night 1413, the Mayor of Waterford and armed men landed near Baltimore, tricked their way into O'Driscoll's castle, forced the household to dance while they were seized, and abducted O'Driscoll and his kin to Waterford.

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" Symon Wicken, maior of the citie of Waterford ; Roger Walsh, and Thomas Saulter, bayliflFs, in the first year of his maioralty, with a hand of men in anno', in a ship of the foresaid citie, went on Christmas Eve towards Ballmtimore, and in nyght on Christmas Day, at supper time, landed his men, and in good order came to the gate of O'h-Idriskoll's greate house or castell, within the said haven, and called to the porter, and willing him to tell his loT that the maior of Waterford was come into the haven with a shipp of wyne, and that he would gladly come in to see his lo. Upon notice thereof given by the porter to O'h-IdriskoU, the gate was set open, and the porter presently taken by the maior and put aside, and so the maior walked into the great hall, where O'h-ldriskoU and his kinsman and friends sitting at boordes, made ready to supp, commanded O'h-ldriskoll and his compiiny not to move or feare, for he would not, nor meant not, to draw no man s blood of the same house, more than to dance and drinke, and so to depart, with that the said maior tokc up to dance. O'h-Idriskoli and his sonne, the prior of the firiary, O'h-IdriskoUs three brethren, his uncle and his wife, and leavinof them in their dance, the maior commanded every one of his men to hold fast the said powers. And so after singing a Carroll, came away, bringing with them aboorde th(i said shipp the said O'h- Idriskoll and his company, saying unto them they should go with him to Waterford to syng their can-oil and make merry that Christmas ; and they l»eiiig all aboorde made sayle presently, and anived at Watoiford St. Steven's Day, at night, where with greate joy received they . were with liglits."
Reprisals were made, however, on another o(*casion, for we hear of ** an overthrow given by tlie maior and cittizens of Waterford upon O'h-Idriskoll at Ballymacdare, in the countie of Waterford, the third day of June, a.d. 146 i."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 214

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Baltimore, on Christmas night in 1413, Symon Wicken, the mayor of Waterford, sailed into the haven with a ship and a band of armed men. His bailiffs, Roger Walsh and Thomas Saulter, were with him. They landed at supper time and came in good order to the gate of O'Driscoll's great castle. Wicken called to the porter and told him to say the mayor of Waterford had arrived with a ship of wine and wished to see his lord. The porter gave the message, the gate was opened, and the porter was seized and put aside. Wicken walked into the great hall where O'Driscoll and his kinsmen and friends sat at their boards, ready to sup. He told them not to move or fear, that he would draw no man's blood, only dance and drink and depart. With that he took up to dance O'Driscoll and his son, the prior of the friary, O'Driscoll's three brothers, his uncle and his wife. Leaving them in their dance, Wicken commanded each of his men to hold fast the said persons. After singing a carol, they came away, bringing O'Driscoll and his company aboard the ship. Wicken told them they would go to Waterford to sing their carol and make merry that Christmas. They set sail and arrived at Waterford on St. Steven's Day at night, where they were received with great joy and lights.

Catholic bishop of Ross seized at Macroom and hanged at Carrigadrohid

Carrigadrohid · townland · Cork · 1650

The Catholic bishop of Ross, leading an army to relieve Clonmel, was intercepted and captured by Broghill at Macroom; offered pardon if he persuaded the garrison of Carrigadrohid Castle to surrender, he instead urged them to hold out and was hanged instantly before the walls.

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He oflfered a pardon to the bishop if he would induce the garrison of Carrigdrohid Castle to yield. But when the bishop was brought before the walls he exhorted the people to hold out to the last, and was hanged instantly.
On the 29th of May, 1650, Cromwell sailed for England fix)m Youghal, bearing with him the bitter curse of every Irish Catholic and loyalist

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 152

Cork Catholics defy Cromwellian oath at Christ Church

Cork · city · Cork

Between five and six thousand Catholics were summoned to Cork to take a new oath under pain of confiscation; a young man publicly rejected it, and the crowd took up the cry to reject the impious oath until magistrates, struck with terror, ordered everyone to disperse from the city within an hour.

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** An aged husbandman that stood by his side* filled with admiration, cried out aloud ' Brave fellows, reject the oath.' The words were caught up from rank to rank till the church antl the street without rang with the echo * reject the oath : the impious oath.' For half an hour these words, and the exclaimation, ' Oh, God look down upon us !' ' Oh, Mary, mother of God, assist us !' could alone be heard. The magistrates, as though a thunder clap had rent the heavens, were struck mute with terror p then rising from their >eats, they commanded the assembled multitude to desperse.and every one of them under pain of death to depart from the city within an hour. * Thus,* concludes the contemporary narrative, • the glorious confessors of Christ went forth with joy, praising God for the mercy he had shown to them.'"
Dr. Moran had the advantage of being able to consult original and coutemporjuy documents which are preserved in the Vatican library.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you are in a city where thousands of Catholics once defied a Cromwellian oath. Between five and six thousand were summoned here to take a new oath under pain of confiscation. A young man publicly rejected it, and an aged husbandman beside him cried out aloud, 'Brave fellows, reject the oath.' The words spread from rank to rank until the church and the street rang with the echo: 'reject the oath, the impious oath.' For half an hour those words and the cries 'Oh, God look down upon us' and 'Oh, Mary, mother of God, assist us' were all that could be heard. The magistrates, as though a thunderclap had rent the heavens, were struck mute with terror. Then they rose and commanded the multitude to disperse, ordering every one of them under pain of death to depart from the city within an hour. The contemporary narrative records that these confessors went forth with joy, praising God for the mercy he had shown them.

The Putrid Death of Dermod Mac Murrough at Ferns

Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1171

Dermod Mac Murrough, who brought the Saxons into Ireland and burned many churches, died at Ferns of an insufferable and unknown disease, becoming putrid while still living, without will, penance, the body of Christ, or unction.

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I. Dermod Mac Morough died at Ferns on the 4tli of May, 1171. His miserable end was naturally considered a judgment for his evil life. His obituary is thus ^recorded : " Diarmaid Mac Murchadha, King of Leinster, by whom a trembling soil was made of all Ireland, after having brought over the Saxons, after having done extensive injuries to the Irish, after plundering and burning many churches, as Ceanannus, Cluan-Iraired, &c., died before the end of a year [after this plundering], of an insufferable and unknown disease ; for he became putrid while living, through the miracle of God, Colum-cille, and Finnen, and the other saints of Ireland, whose churches he had profaned and burned some time before ; and he died at Feamamor, without [making] a will, without penance, without the body of Christ, without unction, as his evil deeds deserved." The AnnaJs of Clonmacnois give a similar account ; but in a paper MS. in Trinity College, Dublin, it is said that he died "after the victory of penance and unction." The old account is probably the more reliable, as it is the more consonant with his previous career.
HENRYS CHARACTER. 10$

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 57

Treacherous Murder of King Mahoun near Bruree

Bruree · town · Limerick · 974–976

Donovan invited Mahoun, King of Munster, to a banquet at his own house at Bruree, having conspired with Ivor of Limerick and Molloy to betray him despite the Bishop of Cork's guarantee of safety. The plot led to Mahoun being lured to his death in violation of ecclesiastical protection.

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These two men therefore formed a conspiracy with Ivor/ who ruled over the Danes in Limerick, which had for its object to undermine the power of Mahoun, the eldest son of Kennedy, king of Munster. A plot was necessary, to get the unfortunate prince into their power. At the suggestion of Ivor, Donovan invited Mahoun to a banquet at his own house, at Bruree. The invitation was accepted, but either Mahoun had his suspicions, or the temper of the times made caution necessary, for he took care to have the security of the Bishop of Cork' for his safety. But the traitors had predetermined to violate all conditions ; and Donovan arranged to get Mahoun into the hands of Ivor and Molloy, who were
6. From our own MS. copy of the Annals of InnisfalUn,

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

Dermod Mac Murrough's Abduction and Massacre at Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare

Dermod Mac Murrough began his career of treachery by abducting the Abbess of Kildare from her cloister and killing 170 people of Kildare who tried to prevent this sacrilegious outrage.

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Yet it must not be forgotten that an Irish traitor, Dermod Mac Murrough, was the direct cause of the subjection of Ireland to English rule. Dermod commenced his career of perfidy by carrying off" the Abbess of Kildare from her cloister, killing 1 70 of the people of Kildare, who interfered to prevent this wanton and sacrilegious outrage. In 1141 he endeavoured to crush the opposers of his atrocious t}T:anny by a barbarous onslaught, in which he killed two nobles, put out the eyes of anothor, and blinded^ seventeen chieftains of inferior rank. A. fitting commencement of his career of treachery towards his unfortunate country 1 In 1 1 48 a temporary peace was made by the Primate of Armagh between the northern princes, who had carried on a deadly feud ; but its duration, as usual, was brief. Turlough O'Brien was df p )3ed l)y Teigue in 1 1 5 1 . He was assisted by Turlough O'Connor and the infamous Dermod . The united armies plundered as far as Moin M6r,^ where they encountered the Dalcassian forces returning from the plunder of Desmond. A sanguinaxy combat ensued, and the men of ittilih Mimster sufiered a dreadful slaughter, leaving 7,000 dead upon the field of battle. This terrible sacrifice of life is attributed to the mistaken valour of the Dal-Cais, who would neither fly nor ask quarter.
7. In 1 165, Henry II. gratified his irritation against the Welsh by laying hands upon the hostages of their noblest families, and comman ling that the eyes of the males should be rooted out, and the ears and noses of the females cut off ; and yet Henry is said to have been liberal to the poor, and though passionately devoted to the chase, he did not inflict either death or mutilation on the intruders in the royal forests,

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 54

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Kildare town. This is where Dermod Mac Murrough began his career of perfidy, the career that would make him the direct cause of the subjection of Ireland to English rule. He carried off the Abbess of Kildare from her cloister. One hundred and seventy of the people of Kildare interfered to prevent this wanton and sacrilegious outrage, and he killed them. In 1141 he endeavoured to crush the opposers of his atrocious tyranny by a barbarous onslaught. He killed two nobles, put out the eyes of another, and blinded seventeen chieftains of inferior rank. A fitting commencement, the source says, of his career of treachery towards his unfortunate country. A temporary peace was made by the Primate of Armagh between the northern princes who had carried on a deadly feud, but its duration was brief. Turlough O'Brien was deposed by Teigue, assisted by Turlough O'Connor and the infamous Dermod. The united armies plundered as far as Moin Mór, where they encountered the Dalcassian forces returning from the plunder of Desmond. A sanguinary combat ensued, and the men of Munster suffered a dreadful slaughter, leaving 7,000 dead upon the field of battle. This terrible sacrifice of life is attributed to the mistaken valour of the Dal-Cais, who would neither fly nor ask quarter.

Naval battle in Bantry Bay

near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1689

Admiral Herbert's fleet engaged the French fleet at anchor in Bantry Bay, resulting in a fierce cannon battle in which Captain George Aylmer and 94 seamen were killed and about 240 wounded.

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Major-General Mac Carthy with as many Irish. The fleet were then attending the queen at Spain, whicli made the undertaking very easy to the French. 1689, April 14th, Admiral Herbert appeared with his fleet ofi" the harbour of Kinsale. Mac EUigot, the governor, apprehending they were the French fleet then expected, was preparing to withdraw all his forces from the town, that the French may take possession of the place and forts, but upon his discovery of the mistake, he put all things in readiness to oppose them. These proceedings countenanced a report that King James had agreed to j^ut Ireland into the French king's hands, for assisting him to recover his dominions. The 29th of April, Admiral Herbert being on the south coast of Ireland, by his scouts discovered the French fleet, and next day had intelligence that they were gone into Baltimore, being forty-four sail, but on pursuing them the scouts had sight of them to the west of Cape Clear ; and upon steering after tjiem found they were got into Bantry Bay. The admii-al lay ofi* the bay aU night, and the next morning stood in, where he found the enemy at anchor, but soon got under sail, bearing down upon him, in a line composed of twenty-eight men of war and five fire ships. When they came within musket shot of the Defiance, which led the van the French admiral put out the signal of battle, which was begun by firing their great and small shot at the Defiance and the rest as they came into the line. The English made several boards to gain the wind, or at least to engage them closer. Finding that way of working very disadvantageous, Admiral Herbert stood ofi" to sea as well to have got his ships into a line, as to have gained the wind of the enemy, but found them so cautious in bearing down that he could not get an opportunity to do it ; so continued battering upon a stretch till five in the afternoon, when the French admiral stood into the bay. The admiral's ship and some others being disabled in their rigging, they could not follow them, but continued for some time after before the bay, and the admiral gave them a gun at parting. In this action Captain George Aylmer, of the Portland, with one lieutenant and 94 seamen.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 156

Ambush and murder of Earl James near Fermoy

Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1535

James, the thirteenth Earl of Desmond, landed at Youghal in August 1535 but was ambushed and murdered as he passed through the territory of Lord Roche, Viscount of Fermoy, by his treacherous kinsman Maurice, known thereafter as 'Maurice the Murderer' or 'Maurice Dubh'.

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James had been educated in England, whither he had been sent as a hostage. On hearing that he was heir to the Desmond title and property, he requested permission of the "King's Majesty" to take possession of the "lands and territorys, and quietly to settle his aflfayres." How little he could have anticipated his fate when he set forth on his journey with a troop of friends and soldiers. He landed at Youghal, August 7, 1535, but as he passed " through the Lord Roch, Viscoimt of Fermoy, his country," an ambush was laid for him by his treacherous kinsman, Maurice — known, from this and other crimes, aa Maurice the Murderer, or " Maurice Dubh " (the black). There can be no doubt that the object of this ambush was solely to murder the young earl. As soon as the bloody deed had been effected, all his followers were allowed to escape unhurt.'
Maurice was succeeded by his grand-uncle John, of whom Burgh gives the following account : —

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 71

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Fermoy, in 1535, James, the thirteenth Earl of Desmond, was ambushed and murdered. He had been educated in England, sent there as a hostage, and when he learned he was heir to the Desmond title and property, he asked the King's Majesty for permission to take possession of his lands and settle his affairs. He landed at Youghal on August 7, 1535, with a troop of friends and soldiers, but as he passed through the country of Lord Roche, Viscount of Fermoy, his treacherous kinsman Maurice laid an ambush for him. The sole object was to murder the young earl, and once the bloody deed was done, all his followers were allowed to escape unhurt. Maurice was known from this and other crimes as Maurice the Murderer, or Maurice Dubh, the black.

Cromwell melts Cork church bells into cannon

Cork · city · Cork · 1650

While in Cork, Cromwell, needing ordnance, had the bells of the city's churches melted down and used to make cannons, justifying the sacrilege with a grim joke about gunpowder's priestly inventor.

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Cromwell was fond of grim jokes. They were some times more than grim — they were about what might be expected from a thoroughly bratalized nature, with the added characteristic of pretended piety. He was anxious to get possession of the Protestant bishop Bramhall, who happily escaped him. Being in want of ordnance, he had the bells of the churches in Cork used for the purpose^ and when he was remonstrated with for the sacrilege, he said that as gunpowder was invented by a priest, he thought it not amiss to promote the bells into cannons. *
While in Cork, Eichard Magee, of Mallow, went to pay his respects, probably from fear rather than aflFection. Cromwell got a hint that he might prove a troublesome enemy, and, after receiving him with the greatest show of kindness, gave him a letter to Colonel Phair. The contents were simple. The letter only contained the words — execute the bearer.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 152

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you're in a city where Cromwell left his mark in 1650. He needed cannon and found raw material in the bells of the city's churches. When someone objected to the sacrilege, Cromwell answered that since gunpowder was invented by a priest, he thought it not amiss to promote the bells into cannons. He had already tried to seize Protestant Bishop Bramhall, who escaped him. There's a darker tale from his time here. Richard Magee of Mallow came to pay his respects, likely from fear. Cromwell received him with great show of kindness, then handed him a letter for Colonel Phair. The letter contained just two words: execute the bearer.

Hanging of Aged Friars in Cork Over Hidden Cathedral Treasure

Cork · city · Cork · 1583

According to local tradition, when Bishop Lyon returned from paying homage to the Queen, his clergy hid the cathedral and monastery's silver plate, bells and chalices worth £7,000. The commissioners subsequently hanged all the aged friars who remained, on the pretence that they knew where the treasure was hidden, though it was never recovered.

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6. Local tradition says that on Lyon's return from England, where he went to do homage to the queen as his ecclesiastical superior, he was deserted by his clergy, who secreted all the plate connected with the cathedral and monastery, as also the bells and chalices, all solid silver, which were then valued at /7.000. The commissioners subsequently hanged all the aged friars that remained, on the pretence that they knew where the above-named property was concealed, and to this day it has never been found. Tradition says it was all buried in the strand, which contains two or three hundred acres of waste, covered by every tide, having three feet of sand in most places, and underneath a considerable depth of turf mould.
THE RENOWNED OWEN M*EGAN. 1 99

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

Cork has a dark story from 1583. Local tradition says that when Bishop Lyon came back from England, where he had gone to pay homage to the queen, his clergy deserted him. They secretly hid all the silver plate belonging to the cathedral and monastery, along with the bells and chalices, valued at 7,000 pounds. The commissioners then hanged all the aged friars who remained, on the pretence that they knew where the treasure was concealed. It was never recovered. Tradition says it was all buried in the strand, two or three hundred acres of waste ground covered by every tide, with three feet of sand in most places and turf mould underneath.

John Langley's will orders drunken wake to kill Irishmen

Bandon · town · Cork

John Langley of Bandon, one of Cromwell's soldiers, left a will ordering his body kept above ground for six days, with fifty Irishmen invited to his wake and supplied with beer so that when drunk they might kill each other and lessen 'the damned breed.'

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from the Roman Catholic subjects several sums for christening, purification, burying, and book money, and sue them in their spiritual courts, and commit them to prison, so dispeopling the country, etc, that therefore your lordship would favourably present the same to the government, or otherwise make such order that may hinder these in conveniences, and the rather because the like duties are not demanded in any other Christian country by the clergy, nor from any others but the Roman Catholics. " The bittor hatred between Catholics and Protestants was terribly intensified by all this. As an example we may notice the will of John Langley, of Bandon, who ordered his body to be kept above ground for six days and nights, and to have fifty Irishmen invited to the wake, and well supplied with beer, " so that when they get drunk they may kill each other, and in this way do something towards lessening the damned breed." See Bennetts History of Bandon^ where the genuineness of the document is vouched for ; it is still in existence. It is simply horrible to think of any man going before his Maker in such dispositions. Langley was one of Cromwell's soldiers.
5. Remarks on the religions, trade, government, police, customs, manners, and maladies of the city of Cork, by Alexander the Coppersmith, 1737.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

Summary Killings at Baltimore Fair-Green

Baltimore · townland · Cork · 1798

During the 1798 period, three men were dragged from their houses and shot without trial on the fair-green of Baltimore. Their bodies were left exposed all day, then at night the military tied them to a car and dumped them in the house of the parish priest.

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reluctance I euter on so painful a task, to supply, in a small degree, this omission, by recalling to the recollection of the house a few of the many enormities which your lordships must have known to be committed. In the county of Westmeath alone — and from the suflFerings of this ill-fated county noble lords may, without fear of being mistaken, infer those of the other counties of Ireland exposed to military execution — in this county alone, it is an incontrovertible fact, that several villages were destroyed by fire, without legal inquiry, trial, or ceremony of any kind. Three men were dragged from their houses, and shot on the fair-green of Baltimore, equally without any form of trial whatever, and time being scarcely allowed them to make their peace with heaven by saying a few prayers. After the bodies of the unfortunate victims had been exposed all the day, no friend or relative daring to approach them, the military had them tied on a car, and brought at a late hour of the night to the house of the parish priest, whom they forced to get up, and threw the dead bodies into the house, as if the murder of the dead were too little, without adding to it such an outrage on the feelings of the living.
" Look now, my lords, to another frequent and favourite mode of summary execution. Is it not notorious that several hundreds of his Majesty's subjects have been transported without any show of trial, or legal proofs of any kind ? And are not these grievances ? And will you, my lords, by your vote this night, countenance such cruelties, and become, by such coimtenance, accessories after the fact ? If you do, consider how you are to answer it to God, your king, and your country.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 172

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Baltimore, in 1798, three men were dragged from their houses and shot on the fair-green, without any form of trial. Time was scarcely allowed them to make their peace with heaven by saying a few prayers. After the bodies had been exposed all day, no friend or relative dared to approach them. The military had them tied on a car and brought at a late hour of the night to the house of the parish priest. They forced the priest to get up and threw the dead bodies into the house, as if the murder of the dead were too little, without adding to it such an outrage on the feelings of the living. These events were recalled in a speech addressed to noble lords, who were asked to look at what had been done in Ireland under military execution. In the county of Westmeath alone, several villages had been destroyed by fire, without legal inquiry, trial, or ceremony of any kind. The speaker said the sufferings of that county might stand for those of the other counties exposed to such measures. He pointed to another frequent mode of summary execution: several hundreds of his Majesty's subjects transported without any show of trial or legal proofs of any kind. He asked the lords whether these were not grievances, and whether they would by their vote countenance such cruelties and become accessories after the fact. If they did, he said, consider how you are to answer it to God, your king, and your country.

The thief of Clonmacnoise jewels haunted at Cork harbour by St. Ciaran

Cork · city · Cork · 1130

A Dane of Limerick who stole jewels from the church of Clonmacnoise tried to escape by sea from Lismore, Waterford, and Cork, but at each port his ship alone could not catch wind, which he attributed to a supernatural vision of St. Ciaran with his crozier turning back his ship. He confessed this at his execution.

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" This was no wonder indeed, for Ciaran used to stop every ship in which he att^npted to escape; and he said in his confession, at his death, that he used to see Ciaran with his crozier, stopping every ship into which he went. The name of God and Ciaran was magnified by this."^^
8. The annals of Clonmacnoise enter it thus : — A.D., 1130, the jewels that were stoler from out of the church of Clonvicknose were found with one Gillecowgan, a Dane of Limbrick. The said GiUecowgan was apprehended by Connor O'Brien, and by hiro delivered over to the family of Clonvicknose, who, at the time of his arraignment confessed openly that he was at Cork, Lismore, and Waterford, expecting for wind to got over seas with the sakl jewels. All the other passengers and ships passed with good gale5 of wynde out of the said towns, save only Gillecowgan, who said as soon as he would enter a shxpp-board, any shipp, he saw St Keyran with his staff, or bachall, return the ship back again, until he was so taken. This much he confessed at the time of the putting of him to death by the said family.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, there is a story from 1130 tied to this harbour. A Dane of Limerick named Gillecowgan stole jewels from the church of Clonmacnoise and tried to flee overseas with them. He came here to Cork, and before that to Lismore and Waterford, waiting for wind to sail. Every other ship left with a good gale, but the ship he boarded alone would not move. At his arraignment he confessed openly that as soon as he set foot on any ship, he saw St. Ciaran with his staff turning the ship back again. Connor O'Brien had apprehended him and handed him over to the family of Clonmacnoise, who put him to death. In his final confession he said he used to see Ciaran with his crozier stopping every ship into which he went, and the name of God and Ciaran was magnified by this.

Treacherous execution of Thomas, Earl of Desmond, at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1467

Thomas, Earl of Desmond, went to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and was treacherously beheaded there without any crime on his part, causing widespread grief among the Irish. His body was afterwards conveyed to Tralee for burial with his ancestors.

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8. The Four Masters record his execution thus : —Thomas, Earl of Desmond, the son of James, son of Garrell, who had been I-^rd Justice of Ireland, the most illustrious of his tribe in Ireland in his time, for his com-liness and statue, for his hospitality and chivalry, his charity and humanity to the poor and the indigent of the Lord, his boanteousness in bestowing jewels and riches on the laity, the clergy, and the poets, and his suppression of theft and immorality, went to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and the other English of Meath. These acted treacherously by him, and without any crime [on his part] they beheaded him ; the greater number of men of Ireland were grieved at the news of it. His body was afterwards conveyed to Traigh-Li (Tralee), and interred in the bmial place of his predecessors and ancestors with great honour and .•cneration."
The Annals of Ross gives the dates of Desmoiur-* execution as 14th July, 1467, and say it took place the second hour after noon. According 10 D«»wling fAttnals Irish Arch, Soc.^ 1849), the carl's father was alive at the time of his execution. lie says that Earl Thomas, ** usurping; upon his father, and i^ouig to Tredalv (Drogheda), he gave hijii his curse, and said he shall have an ill end." From an unpi.hlihed statute of 1464 we find that James Dohcny, a nierchnni of l)ioghela, went to Enjjland and accuseil the earl ol extorting coigne and livery, and of being **of counsel and support to several rebels and traitors."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is the town where Thomas, Earl of Desmond, was treacherously executed on the 14th of July, 1467, in the second hour after noon. The Four Masters record that he was the son of James, son of Garrell, and had himself been Lord Justice of Ireland. They describe him as the most illustrious of his tribe in his time, noted for his comeliness and stature, his hospitality and chivalry, his charity to the poor, his bounty to the laity, clergy, and poets, and his suppression of theft and immorality. He came to Drogheda to meet the English Lord Justice and the English of Meath, and they acted treacherously by him, beheading him without any crime on his part. The greater number of men of Ireland were grieved at the news. His body was afterwards conveyed to Tralee and interred with his predecessors and ancestors with great honour and veneration. According to Dowling, the earl's father was alive at the time and cursed him, saying he shall have an ill end. A statute of 1464 records that James Doheny, a merchant of Drogheda, went to England and accused the earl of extorting coigne and livery and of being of counsel and support to several rebels and traitors.

Twenty-four men murdered at Lislee despite protection

near Lislee · parish · Cork

Twenty-four men who held official protection were murdered by Colonel Mynn's soldiers at Lislee during the conflict.

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were all inhumanly murdered, and the hearts of some of them pulled out and put into their mouths; and mnny other massacres were committed the same time there upon women and children. At Lislee twenty- four men in protection were murdered by Colonel Mynn's soldiers. At Bellanere eight poor labourers were killed by Captain Bridge's men whilst in protection, and engaged in saving the harvest of the English. In 1642, at Clogheiulty, about 238 persons were murdered, of which number seventeen children were taken by the legs by the soldiers, who knocked out their brains against the walls. This was done by Forbes's men and the garrison of Bandon Bridge. At Garanne, near Ross, Conner Kennedy, who had protection for himself and his tenants to save their harvest, were murdered by the gamson of Ross as they were reaping their corn. In 1 64 1 the garrison of Bandon Bridge tied eighty-eight Irishmen of that town back to back, and threw them oflF the bridge into the river, where they were all drowned. Patrick Hackett, master of a ship in Wat^rford, when the Duchess of Ormond was desirous to be conveyed to Dublin, left her safe with her family and goods there, and received from the lords justices and Ormond a pass for his safe return, but being, driven by a storm into Dungarvan, * e and liis men were hanged by direction of the commander-in chief there, notwithstanding that he produced the said pass.
"The English party of this county burned O'Sullivan Beare's h*.,use in Bantry, and all the rest of that county, killing man, woman, and child, and turning many into their houses, then on fire, to be burned therein, and among otliers Thomas de Bucke, a cooper, about eighty years old, and his wife who was almost as aged.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 153

Cromwell's death-warrant plot against Richard Magee of Mallow

Mallow · townland · Cork · 1650

Cromwell secretly ordered the execution of Richard Magee of Mallow via a letter to Colonel Phair reading only 'execute the bearer'; Magee, suspicious, had a rival governor deliver it instead, who was saved only because Phair checked with Cromwell first.

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While in Cork, Eichard Magee, of Mallow, went to pay his respects, probably from fear rather than aflFection. Cromwell got a hint that he might prove a troublesome enemy, and, after receiving him with the greatest show of kindness, gave him a letter to Colonel Phair. The contents were simple. The letter only contained the words — execute the bearer.
Mr. Magee had no idea of delivering a letter from a man of Cromwell's character without making himself aware of the subject. He must certainly have congratulated himself on his penetration when he perused its contents. Magee was a man of resources. He set oflF to Mallow and delivered the letter to the governor, against whom he had some ancient giTidge, and informed him that Cromwell had requested him to be the bearer of it. The unsuspecting officer set out on his mission, but ^vas happily saved from death by the prudence of

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 152

Massacre of the Dalcassians at Moin Mór (Mourneabbey)

Mourneabbey · townland · Cork · 1151

The united armies of Turlough O'Connor and Dermod Mac Murrough encountered the Dalcassian forces at Moin Mór, resulting in a sanguinary battle in which the men of North Munster suffered a dreadful slaughter, leaving 7,000 dead on the field.

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Yet it must not be forgotten that an Irish traitor, Dermod Mac Murrough, was the direct cause of the subjection of Ireland to English rule. Dermod commenced his career of perfidy by carrying off" the Abbess of Kildare from her cloister, killing 1 70 of the people of Kildare, who interfered to prevent this wanton and sacrilegious outrage. In 1141 he endeavoured to crush the opposers of his atrocious t}T:anny by a barbarous onslaught, in which he killed two nobles, put out the eyes of anothor, and blinded^ seventeen chieftains of inferior rank. A. fitting commencement of his career of treachery towards his unfortunate country 1 In 1 1 48 a temporary peace was made by the Primate of Armagh between the northern princes, who had carried on a deadly feud ; but its duration, as usual, was brief. Turlough O'Brien was df p )3ed l)y Teigue in 1 1 5 1 . He was assisted by Turlough O'Connor and the infamous Dermod . The united armies plundered as far as Moin M6r,^ where they encountered the Dalcassian forces returning from the plunder of Desmond. A sanguinaxy combat ensued, and the men of ittilih Mimster sufiered a dreadful slaughter, leaving 7,000 dead upon the field of battle. This terrible sacrifice of life is attributed to the mistaken valour of the Dal-Cais, who would neither fly nor ask quarter.
7. In 1 165, Henry II. gratified his irritation against the Welsh by laying hands upon the hostages of their noblest families, and comman ling that the eyes of the males should be rooted out, and the ears and noses of the females cut off ; and yet Henry is said to have been liberal to the poor, and though passionately devoted to the chase, he did not inflict either death or mutilation on the intruders in the royal forests,

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 54

Cromwellian Soldiers Kill Dominican Friar in Cork

near Cork City · barony · Cork · 1651

Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahill, an eloquent preacher and missionary in Cork, was recognised as a Dominican friar and was rushed upon by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers, who cut him to pieces with their sabres and scattered his limbs to be trampled underfoot.

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In 165 1 Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahill, an eloquent preacher and zealous missionary in Cork, being recognised as a friar of a Dominican community, was rushed upon by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers, cut to pieces with their sabres, and his limbs were scattered about to be trampled under foot.
The foUow^iuiX is taken from the Cork Herald for December 7th, £871. It cannot fiiil to be of interest, both at the present time, and to the merchants of the future : —

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 209

As the companion tells it

Cork City lies around you as you pass through, and in 1651 this was the scene of a killing. Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahill, a Dominican friar known as an eloquent preacher and zealous missionary in Cork, was recognised by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers. They rushed upon him, cut him to pieces with their sabres, and scattered his limbs to be trampled underfoot.

Deadly fates of the destroyers of the Dominican friary, Youghal, 1587

Youghal · town · Cork · 1587

An Englishman named Poer, while destroying the Dominican monastery in the northern part of Youghal, fell from the church roof and broke all his limbs. Three soldiers who cast the sacred cross into the fire all died within eight days—one of madness, one eaten by vermin, one slain by the Earl of Desmond's seneschal.

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sacred cross of that monastery, were dead within eight days from the pei-petration of their crime. The first died of madness. The second was eaten by vermin. The third was slain by the seneschal of the Earl of Desmond.*
" 1603. — ^7*^ December. By an inquisition taken this day at Youghal, respecting the estates which had been conveyed by Raleigh to Boyle, the jury made the following report about this friary ; —

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 225

Duke of Grafton mortally wounded storming Cork's walls

Cork · city · Cork · 1690

During the storming of the breach in Cork's city wall, forces crossed the river into the East Marsh under cannon and bomb fire, and the Duke of Grafton received a mortal wound in the shoulder in the approach.

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" 28th. The enemy not accepting of the conditions offered, our cannon and bombs began to play most fiercely, in so much that a breach in the city began to appear plainly, and when the enemy appeared on the wall near it they were raked off by our small ordnance from the Cat. Last night a captain and lieutenant and forty men were posted in the brick -yard near Gill Abbey, to hinder the enemy from making their escape that way through the Marsh ; and, accordingly, some attempting it about midnight, Captain Swiney and four more were killed, and Captain Mac Carthy taken, being desperately wounded, and the rest forced into the city again. About one of the clock, the tide being out, the Danes from the north, and the English from the south, passed the river into the East Marsh, in order to storm the breach that was made in the city wall, and immediately the van posted themselves under the bank of the Marsh, which seems to be a counter-scarp to the city wall, in which approach the noble Duke of Grafton received a mortal wound in the point of his shoulder. The Salamander^ also, and another vessel which came up by the morning tide, lay at the Marsh end, directly before the wall, and played their cannon at the breach, and shot bombs into the city, in the midst whereof the Earl of Tyrone and Lieutenant-Colonel Rycant came out and made articles for a surrender — the fort to be ours in an hour and the city next morning, all in arms to be prisoners of war. In the evening the fort was received by us, and the Protestants were set at Uberty, and all was full of joy."
Cox complains of the burning of Cork by the governor, Mac Gillicuddy, after he had been paid to spare it.^ He says the city " was one of the most thriving cities for bignes in

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, the city carries the marks of a siege in 1690. On the 28th, cannon and bombs played fiercely on the walls until a breach appeared plainly. The enemy on the wall near it were raked off by small ordnance from a position called the Cat. The night before, a captain and lieutenant and 40 men had been posted in a brick-yard near Gill Abbey to stop anyone escaping through the Marsh. Some tried about midnight, and Captain Swiney and four others were killed, Captain Mac Carthy taken desperately wounded, the rest forced back into the city. About one o'clock, with the tide out, the Danes from the north and the English from the south passed the river into the East Marsh to storm the breach. The van posted themselves under the bank of the Marsh, which served as a counter-scarp to the city wall, and in that approach the noble Duke of Grafton received a mortal wound in the point of his shoulder. The Salamander and another vessel, brought up by the morning tide, lay at the Marsh end directly before the wall, firing cannon at the breach and shooting bombs into the city. From the midst of it, the Earl of Tyrone and Lieutenant-Colonel Rycant came out and made articles for surrender: the fort to be theirs in an hour, the city next morning, all in arms to be prisoners of war. By evening the fort was received, the Protestants were set at liberty, and all was full of joy. The governor, Mac Gillicuddy, later burned the city after being paid to spare it, and Cox called it one of the most thriving cities for its size.

Murder of the young Earl of Desmond near Fermoy

Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1535

James, the young Earl of Desmond, landed at Youghal in 1535 and while passing through Lord Roche's country, Viscount of Fermoy, an ambush was laid for him by his treacherous kinsman Maurice, known thereafter as Maurice the Murderer or Maurice Dubh. The earl was murdered and his followers were allowed to escape unhurt, his body reputedly buried at Tralee.

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James had been educated in England, whither he had been sent as a hostage. On hearing that he was heir to the Desmond title and property, he requested permission of the "kings majesty" to take possession of the "lands and territory es, and quietly to settle his affayres." How little he could have anticipated his fate, when he set forth on his journey with a troop of Mends and soldiers. He landed at Youghal, August 7, 1535 ; but as he passed "through the Lord Eoch, Viscount of Fermoy, his country," an ambush was laid for him by his treacherous kinsman, Maurice — ^known, from this and other crimes, as Maurice the Murderer, or Maurice Dubk (the black). There can be no doubt that the object of this ambush was solely to murder the young earl. As soon as the bloody deed had been eflFected, all his followers
were allowed to escape unhurt. Smith says that James was killed at Youghal, but his name is given in the Hibemica Dominicana^ in the list of earls buried at Tralee, and the date 1535. This is, most probably, correct. Burgh is known to be generally accurate, and would be likely tx) be especially so in Kerry matters. Furthermore, Maurice was succeeded by his granduncle, John, of whom Burgh gives the following account : —

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 100

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Fermoy, in 1535, a young earl met his end. James, the young Earl of Desmond, had been educated in England, where he was sent as a hostage. When he learned he was heir to the Desmond title and property, he asked the king's permission to take possession of his lands and settle his affairs. He landed at Youghal on the 7th of August, 1535, with a troop of friends and soldiers. As he passed through Lord Roche's country, the Viscount of Fermoy, an ambush was laid by his treacherous kinsman Maurice, known from this and other crimes as Maurice the Murderer, or Maurice Dubh, the black. The object was solely to murder the young earl. Once the deed was done, all his followers were allowed to escape unhurt. One writer, Smith, says James was killed at Youghal, but his name appears in the Hibernica Dominicana among the earls buried at Tralee, dated 1535, and that is most likely correct. Maurice was afterwards succeeded by his granduncle John.

The Death and Grave of St. Cannera on Scattery Island

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

The pious virgin Cannera of Bantry, guided by a vision of a fiery tower, walked across the water to Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) to be received by St. Senan. He permitted her to be buried on the strand at the island's edge, where her grave and gravestone were said to protect sailors who prayed there from drowning.

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on the dry ground, and reached the shore at Innis Cathaigh at early dawn next morning. St. 8enan, knowing this, came to the shore to meet her, and bade her welcome It is for that I came, said Cannera, and blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord. Go, said Senan, to my mother and sister who abide in that island on the east, and you will be entertained by them there. That is not what I come for, said Cannera, but to be received by yourself into this island, and to remain here in communion of prayer with you. Women do not abide in this island, said Senan. What is your reason for that ? said Cannera : Christ did not come less to redeem women than to redeem men. Clirist was crucified not less for women than for men. Women were serving and attending Him and his Apostles, and women do not go less to heave'n than men. You are speaking in vain, said Senan to the holy virgin ; there is no distinction between their souls, but not so with their bodies, and so women shall not reside in this island as long as I live, said Senan. And will you give me a place of interment and resurrection in your island, and communion and sacrament from yourself ? You shall have a place of resurrection on the brink of tlie sea, said Senan, but I fear the tide will take away your remains. I fear not, said she, for my hope is in the Lord God, and I have confidence in your great sanctity that you will put a protection over my body. The holy virgin was standing on the water, and her Irosdan under her bosom, as if she had been on the dry land all this time while Senan was conversing with her, and at last Senan permitted her to come into the brink of the island, and Cannera scarcely reached the island alive. Senan then went into the church and brought communion and sacrament with him to Cannera, and she then died and was buried in the strand on the south side of the island, where her grave is. Any person in the state of grace who goes to the stone, which is over her grave, and who prays there with fervent piety, beseeching her intercessiou with tlie Trinity for him, if lie be gomg to sea, he will return by the grace of God, and he will not be drowned in any part of the world." s

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 52

Bishop O'Herlihy's Imprisonment and Suffering

Kilmacabea · townland · Cork · 1571–1575

After hiding in islands off the coast to escape persecution, the Bishop of Ross was discovered in the spring of 1571 and delivered to Sir John Perrott, who sent him to the Tower of London, where he endured chains, hunger, darkness and vermin for over three years before his release.

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'* Weighed down with chains, he was compelled to endure hunger and thirst, together with utter darkness in the fetid dimgeon ; vermin swarmed over his whole frame, and the emboldened mice gnawed away the very shoes oflf his feet. It was only after three years and spven months that some of the southern princes, whom the English government was anxious to reconciliate, purchased his release."
He died, according to Ware, in 1579, according to Saunders, in i«;8o.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 88

Bloody battle between Desmonds and Mac Carthys near Mourneabbey

Mourneabbey · townland · Cork · 1521

A pitched battle between the Earl of Desmond and Cormac Oge Mac Carthy took place in September 1521, resulting in over a thousand of Desmond's men killed and two of his uncles taken prisoner; the battle was fought near Mourneabbey between Cork and Mallow.

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" This year, 1 52 1 , James, Earl of Desmond, began to ravage and lay waste tlie barony of Muskery, belonging to Cormac Oge Mac Carthy, with fire and sword. The Archbishop of Dublin, William Rokesly, with other commissioners, went from Dublin to Waterford to appease him, but in vain ; for Dermod persisted to burn and destroy Mac Carthy's lands, who was not backward in his turn to revenge tlie injury, and confederating with Sir Thomas, the earFs uncle, (but implacable enemy), they came to a pitched battle with the earl in September, which proved a Ijloody engagement, wherein Desmonds soldiers forsaking him, he was obUged to save himself by flight, having lost above a thousand men, and had two of his uncles, John and Gerald, made prisoners. This battle was fought, according to some writers, between Cork and Mallow, near Mourneabbey. Mac Carty Reagh, with the Carbery forces, assisted his kinsman in this battle. The victor}^ according to the same authors, was chiefly owing to Sir Thomas, the earl's uncle, who charged at the head of the horse, and broke the earl's main body of galloglasses, and adds that the Irish continued to boast of this overthrow given by them to the Earl of Desmond to their time, * not remembering,' say they, *how very often they have been worsted by the Geraldines.'
y »>5

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 72

Cork men slain at the Battle of Clontarf

Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1014

The Cork contingent fought in the second battalion at Clontarf under Mothla and Magnus, King of Ui Liathain (Barrymore); Magnus was among the slain, along with Gabbennachy, King of Fermoy.

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The C(»rkmen fought in the second battalion, which was formed of Munster troops, imder the command of Mothla, son of Domhnall, son of Faelan, King of the Deise of the Comity Waterford, and Magnus, son of Anmchadh, King of Ui Liathain/ Magnus was amongst the slain, and also Gabbennachy son of Dub/iagan, King of Fera Muig/ie (Fermoy).
The Danish power was broken, but not altogether crushed, for we still find records of raids on Cork. In 1088 a great slaughter was made on the foreigners who attempted to plunder Cork.^ Under 1089 the Four Masters enter " Corcach, Imbeach, Ibhair, Ardfeada, and Cell-dura,"

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Gabbennachy, King of Fermoy, was among those who marched to Clontarf in 1014. The Cork men fought in the second battalion of Munster troops under Mothla, son of Domhnall, King of the Deise of Waterford, and Magnus, son of Anmchadh, King of Ui Liathain. Both Magnus and Gabbennachy, son of Dubhdagan, were among the slain. The Danish power was broken that day, though not altogether crushed — raids on Cork continued, and in 1088 a great slaughter was made on foreigners attempting to plunder the city.

Crypt of bones and skulls at Buttevant Abbey

Buttevant · townland · Cork · 1647

In the crypt of the Franciscan convent at Buttevant is an immense collection of bones and skulls, believed to be remains of those slain at the battle of Knockninoss in 1647, including the famous Mac Alistair Mac Donnell, called Colkitto. Some remains were said to have been brought from the nearby abbey of Ballybeg.

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corporate town, and to judge from its ruins it must have been of considerable importance. The Barrys ruled here with regal splendour, and almost with royal power. Smith says : — " This whole town seems formerly to have been an assejnblagc of churches and religious houses" (History of Corky vol. i, P- 315)1 and it merited from Burlase the eulogy that " it was an old nest of abbots and friars." Ward, in his MS. History, gives the following account of the Franciscan Convent of Buttevant : — ** It was built in 1 25 1, and was placed under the care of the Superior of Cork in 1260. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth the friars were several times driven away from it, and some of them were arrested and thrown into prison. All the buildings, with the exception of the church, were ruined, and that was preserved on account of the tombs of the nobility there buried, but all the images were broken. Still some of the friars continued to reside there — partly in the conventual buildings, or their ruins, and partly in the neighbourhood." Wadding also writes regarding this place, Buttefanie, or Buttevanie : — " The town was formerly large and frequented, now it is reduced and poor. Two illustrious families — the Barrys and the Lombards — ^had their residence there. Some say that the convent was erected by the Barrys, others by the Pendergasts, but I think it was by the Baixys, whose magnificent tomb was erected in the middle of the choir, and whose family always evinced their piety towards our order. In the church are many sepulchres of nobles. It is wonderful with what care the friars have repaired some of the ruins of this convent. In the crypt is an immense collection of bones and skulls, which are probably supposed to be the remains of those who fell in the sanguinary battle of Knockninoss, on the 1 3th of November, 1647. Among those who were slain on this occasion are the famous Mac Alistair Mac Donnell, surnamed Colkitto. It is said, however, that a gr at portion of these human bones were brought to this church from the ancient abbey of Ballybeg, about half a mile distant, by a farmer who got possession of the abbey-land and graveyard, and who was justly solicitous to deposit such remains in consecrated ground." In the south gable of the transept is a slab with the inscription : — " Pray for the soul of Maurice Fitzgerald, Esq., of Castleishen, of the house of Desmond, who died the i6tli day of September, in the year 1726 ; and Dame Helena Butler, his wife, of the house of Ormond, who died in the year 1721, whose bodies are deposited in this vault along

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 198

Dunboy defenders hanged after the siege

near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

After the town of Dunboy was battered down, escaping defenders were slain in the water by English soldiers placed in boats; the bearer of a surrender offer was hanged contrary to the laws of war, and all the brave defenders of Dunboy were hanged except a few reserved for torture.

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Rumours of a Spanish invasion — Report of CeciFs spy — The sovereign of Kinsale announces their arrival — The Pope's letter to O'Neill — Kinsale surrenders at discretion — Don Juan's proclamation — Arrival of O'Neill and O'Donnell from the North—The English between two fires — Diary of the siege in the English State Paper Office — Mr. Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork, goes to London in all haste to announce the victory of the English— Mr. Boyle sups with Cecil, and improves the opportunity— An Irish traitor, and the mischief done by usquebaugh — Don Juan's treachery — How his papers from Spain were intercepted — He has a " vehement suspicion " of Carew - How the Lord Deputy swears with a good conscience that Carew has not got them, because he has them himself — O'Sullivan Bear calls Don Juan "a brute"— O'SuUivan Bear's letter to Don Juan — The English capti\re Donnelong and Donneshed — The Fitzmaurices generally on the "rebel side" — O'SuUivan takes the field, and leaves Mac Geogehan in charge of Dunboy — The to*^ni is battered down, and some of the men who try to escape by water 'are slain by the English soldiers, who are placed in boats for the purpose — The bearer of an offer of surrender is hanged, contrary to all the laws of civilized warfare— Mac Geogehan tries to blow up the castle while the soldiers are capturing him — All the brave defenders of Dunboy are hanged, except a few reserved for torture— O'Sullivan Bear escapes by being absent — He is obliged to f5y to the mountains with his followers — His extraordinary march to the North — Don Juan returns to Spain, and is disgraced.
CHAP. XIV. — Elizabethian Era , ... 315

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Dunboy, in Cork, the siege ended in 1602. O'Sullivan Bear had taken the field and left Mac Geogehan in charge of Dunboy. The town was battered down. Some of the men who tried to escape by water were slain by English soldiers, placed in boats for the purpose. The bearer of an offer of surrender was hanged, contrary to all the laws of civilized warfare. Mac Geogehan tried to blow up the castle while the soldiers were capturing him. All the brave defenders of Dunboy were hanged, except a few reserved for torture. O'Sullivan Bear escaped by being absent. He was obliged to fly to the mountains with his followers, and began his extraordinary march to the North. This came after a wider struggle. Rumours of a Spanish invasion had spread. The sovereign of Kinsale announced their arrival. The Pope wrote a letter to O'Neill. Kinsale surrendered at discretion. Don Juan issued a proclamation. O'Neill and O'Donnell arrived from the North, and the English found themselves between two fires. Mr Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork, went to London in all haste to announce the English victory. He supped with Cecil and improved the opportunity. There was an Irish traitor, and mischief done by usquebaugh. Don Juan's papers from Spain were intercepted. He had a "vehement suspicion" of Carew. The Lord Deputy swore with a good conscience that Carew had not got them, because he had them himself. O'Sullivan Bear called Don Juan "a brute." The English captured Donnelong and Donneshed. The Fitzmaurices were generally on the rebel side. Don Juan returned to Spain and was disgraced.

Kilcoleman castle granted to Spenser despite his bitterness toward Ireland

Kilcolman · townland · Cork

Kilcoleman castle, formerly belonging to the Desmonds, was granted to the poet Spenser under Elizabeth, though he showed no compassion for Irish suffering despite the beauty of the land and kindness of its people.

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KiLCOLEMAN. — The name of Coleman occurs sixty times in (yCleary's Calender of the Irish Saints. There are seven parishes and twenty townlands in Ireland called Kilcoleman, The castle belonged to the Desmonds, but was granted to the poet Spenser in the reign of Elizabeth. His own misfortunes ought to have taught him some compassion for those of others, but neither the rare beauty of Irish scenery nor the kindness of Irish hearts had power to soften his bitterness acrainst the land where he found a home.
Knocknabohilly — the hill of the boys. — ^There is a place of the same name near Kinsale, and Knockauenabohilly in the parish of Kilcrumper. These names indicate the 'ioyous festival assemljly in the good old times.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 220

Massacre of ransom-seeking Irish prisoners at Kinsale

Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

During the siege of Kinsale, Irish prisoners who offered large ransoms for their lives were nonetheless hanged as soon as they were brought into the English camp. The Earl of Clanricarde forbade his men from sparing any Irish prisoners, ordering them killed instead.

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" The Earl of Clanricarde had many great escapes being shot through his garments, and no man did bloody his sword more than his lordship thkt tlay, and would not suffer any man to take away one of the Iri^h prisoners, but bid them kill the rebels. After the retreat was sounded, the lord deputy did give theorder of knighthood to the Earl of Clanricarde in the field in the midst of the daad bodies, and returning back to the camp, drew out the whole army, and gave God thanks for this victory with their prayers. * The enemy's army, as Alonso 0*Campo doth assure us, was 6,000 foot, and 500 horse. There were some of the Irishry taken prisoners that offered great ransoms, but presently upon their bringing to the camp they were hanged.*"
DON JUAN'S VEHEMENT SUSPICION. ^0$

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

As the companion tells it

Kinsale in Cork was the scene of a grim episode in 1601. After the battle, some Irish prisoners offered great ransoms for their lives, but as soon as they were brought into the English camp they were hanged. The Earl of Clanricarde would not let his men spare a single prisoner, ordering them instead to kill the rebels. He had narrowly escaped death himself, shot through his garments, and, as the source says, "no man did bloody his sword more than his lordship that day." When the retreat sounded, the lord deputy knighted Clanricarde in the field amid the dead bodies. The enemy army, by one account, had been 6,000 foot and 500 horse.

Massacre of the weak and helpless by marauding parties

Munster · province · 1580

Marauding parties sent out during the campaign against the Desmonds showed mercy neither to the strong nor the weak, killing blind and feeble men, women, boys, girls, sick persons, idiots, and old people.

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inluatlon, in which Kerry was not spared. The lord justice :fuu*ehed to Limerick, and a fleet was despatched thither also. The Earl of Ormond joined the hosting, and marauding parties were sent out, who " showed mercy neither to the strong nor to the weak." They killed blind and feeble men, women, boys, and girls, sick persons, idiots, and old people.
The lord justice then*passed into Kerry, which, though they had vast tracks of land elsewhere, might be almost called the country of the Geraldine^, from the fidility of the Kerrymen to the fortunes of the already falling house. He proceeded to Teamhair Luach^a^ a name now obsolete, but the site is known by the name of Beal-atha-an 1 eamhrach, and is a ford in the parish of Dysart, near the town of Castleisland. From thence he went to Tralee, the scene of so many a momentous event, and not being able to penetrate into the country further than Slieveinch, he resolved to lay siege to the Desmond stronghold at Carrigafoyle, which he took.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 112

Mass Famine Burial Pit at Shandon Churchyard

near Shandon · locality · Cork

During a period of severe poverty, numbers of the poor perished despite public feeding efforts. A large pit was dug at the back of the Green in Shandon churchyard where several hundred indigent persons were buried because they could not afford graves.

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and numbers of the poor perished, though several were daily fed at a public mess in this city. There was a large pit dug at the back of the Green in Shandon church-yard, where several hundred indigent persons were buried, for want of money to purchase graves for themselves.
" December 25, 1 761. — An act was passed this year, which, after reciting that there were then only two public avenues to Cork, and that same were narrow and inconvenient, provides for the building of a stone bridge, not exceeding in breadth twenty-six feet, from the quay opposite Princess Street to the northern or opposite part of Lavitt's island, and another from the southern pait of said island to the Red Abbey Marsh, of the same breadth, with a draw bridge in its centre. This act also provides for supplying said city with water.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 165

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Shandon, just outside Cork. During a time of severe poverty, the poor were dying even though many were fed each day at a public mess in the city. A large pit was dug at the back of the Green in Shandon churchyard, and several hundred indigent persons were buried there because they had no money to purchase graves for themselves.

Treacherous murder of Milo de Cogan and Fitz Stephen at Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1185

Milo de Cogan and young Fitz Stephen went to Lismore to treat with the people of Waterford, having been invited there by Mac Tirid, who treacherously murdered them along with five of their servants.

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" Milo de Cogan, and young Fitz Stephen, having occasion to treat with the people of Waterford, went to Lismore, to which place they were invited by one Mac Tirid,' who treacherously murdered them, and five of their Henry II, scrvauts, upou which the Irish took up arms, joining A.D. 1 185. jji ^i^gip forces under Mac Carty, who still retained the title of king. They besieged Cork, not doubting to expel all the English, and Robert Fitz Stephen, then shut up in that place. Upon this exigency he despatched a message to Raymond le G^r^^,then at Wexford, for assistance; who directly set sail with a icx> archers and knights, and coasting the country, arrived in the river of Cork with great expedition with this reinforcement. Fitz Stephen made a sally, routed the Irish at the first onset, and after several skirmishes with them, by putting some of their chiefs to death, and banishing others, they reduced the coimtry to their obedience. This year Philip de Barry, with Girald, commonly named Cambrensis, arrived in Ireland with a strong party, about the end of February, not only to assist Fitz Stephen, but also to recover his lands of Olethan, which Ralph, the son of Fitz Stephen, had unjustly detained ; but
5. The annals of Kilronan, Clonmacnoise, and Ulster entered the death of Milo de Cogan, ** the destroyer of all Ireland, both of church and state ;" of Raymond le Gros and of the two sons of Fitz Stephen. The annals of Kilrone and Clonmacnoise add that Milo was killed by Mac Tire, prince of Ui Mac Caille (now the barony of Imokilly, county of Cork), according to Cambrensis, who was the Froudc of the twefih century. Certainly it was always an act of treachery when an Irish prince or chief killed an Englishman who had taken possession of his property, and an act of the highest virtue when an Englishman killed a Celt, whom he had expelled from house and home.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 60

Beheading of Cormac Mac Carthy at his father's order

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1177

Cormac, son of King Dermod Mac Carthy, rebelled against his father and was seized by Raymond le Gros and delivered back to Dermod, who had him beheaded. As reward, Dermod granted Raymond territory in Kerry.

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Desmond's eldest son was in rebellion against his father, and according to the fatal custom of the times, the father called in foreign aid to suppress the domestic broil. He asked the assistance of Raymond le Gros, who was then besieging Limerick, and Raymond set out without a moment's hesitation, seized Cormac, and delivered him to his father, who had him beheaded. In gratitude for his assistance, Dermod bestowed a considerable portion of Kerry on Raymond. Raymond handed over the part to his eldest son, and so originated the family of Fitzmaurice, barons of Lixnau, now represented by the Marquis of Lansdowne.
It was a time of feuds, and the English barons were quite as willing to fight with and dispossess each other, as they were to fight with and dispossess the " common enemy.'

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling the ground where Raymond le Gros was besieging the city in 1177. King Dermod Mac Carthy's eldest son, Cormac, had risen in rebellion against his father, and Dermod followed what the record calls the fatal custom of the times, calling in foreign aid to suppress the domestic broil. Raymond answered the call without hesitation, seized Cormac, and delivered him to his father, who had him beheaded. In gratitude, Dermod bestowed a considerable portion of Kerry on Raymond, who handed it to his eldest son, and so began the family of Fitzmaurice, barons of Lixnau, later represented by the Marquis of Lansdowne. It was a time of feuds, and the English barons were as willing to dispossess each other as to dispossess the common enemy.

Countess of Desmond's ordeal in a ditch

Askeaton · townland · Limerick

The Countess of Desmond was aroused from her bed with the earl two days before Twelfth Night and obliged to pass the remainder of the night in a ditch up to her chin in water before finally surrendering to the lord general.

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Her child she had already given up to the Earl of Ormond, by whom he was sent to Dublin. Willing or unwilling, she followed her husband's fortunes a short time longer ; but when she was aroused from her bed, in company with the earl, *^two dales before Tw^elfth Night," and obliged to pass the remainder of the night in a ditch, up to her chin in water, she could not endure her .^privations any longer, and gave herself up to the lord general, only regretting that she could not persuade her lord to follow her example, " whom reason could never rule."
Of her future it must suffice to say that she survived the earl, and married for her second husband the O'Connor Sligo.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

Death of Vicar-Apostolic Owen M'Egan Attending Dying Soldiers

Cork · city · Cork · 1601–1603

Owen M'Egan, sent as Vicar-Apostolic to Ross by Pope Clement VIII in 1601, shared the privations of the Catholic camp during the war. He was mortally wounded while ministering to dying soldiers and died on 5th January 1602-3.

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Borne to Naples, an Irishman, whom the Pope created Bishop of Boss, in Ireland." ^ He is also mentioned by the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr. Cornelius O'Mulrian, in a letter addressed from Lisbon to Bome on the 29th October, 1584 : — ** Episcopus Limericansis et Episcopus Eossensis postquam venerant Bomam in curia Begis Hispaniarum digimt." (Ex. Archi. Vatic.) No further particulars connected with this Bishop of Boss have come down to us . He had for his successor the renowned Owen M^Egan; who, with the title and authority of Vicar- Apostolic of this See, was sent to this country by Pope Clement VIII. in 1 60 1 . A bull of the same Pontiff, granting some minor benefices to the same Owen M^Egan in 1595, is preserved in the Hibernxa Pacata^ pa^ge 670. In it he is described as a priest in the diocese of Cork, Bachelor in Theology, Master of Arts, and " most' commendable for his learning, moral conduct, and manifold virtues." Toward the close of the century he imdertook a journey to Spain to procure aid for Florence McCarthy and the other confederate princes of the south ; and he himself on arriving in Ireland as vicar-apostolic in 1601 shared all the privations and dangers of the Catholic camp. At length, as Wadding informs us, he was mortally wounded while attending the dying soldiers, and in the 5th January, 1602-3, passed to his eternal reward.
As early as the year 1326, Pope John XXII. gave his sanction to the contemplated imion of the Dioceses of Cork and Cloyne. The Pontifical letter containing this sanction bears date the 2nd of August, tenth year of his pontificate.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city holds the story of Owen M'Egan, who came here in 1601 as Vicar-Apostolic of the See of Ross, sent by Pope Clement the Eighth. A bull of the same Pope, granting him minor benefices in 1595, is preserved in the Hibernia Pacata. In it he is described as a priest in the diocese of Cork, Bachelor in Theology, Master of Arts, and most commendable for his learning, moral conduct, and manifold virtues. Toward the close of the century, before his appointment as Vicar-Apostolic, he undertook a journey to Spain to procure aid for Florence McCarthy and the other confederate princes of the south. When he arrived in Ireland as Vicar-Apostolic in 1601, he shared all the privations and dangers of the Catholic camp during the war. As Wadding informs us, he was mortally wounded while attending the dying soldiers, and on the 5th of January, 1602 to 1603, he passed to his eternal reward. He had for his predecessor a Bishop of Ross, an Irishman created Bishop by the Pope. No further particulars of this Bishop have come down to us, though the Bishop of Killaloe, Doctor Cornelius O'Mulrian, mentioned him in a letter addressed from Lisbon to Rome on the 29th of October, 1584.

Franciscan prince Cormac M'Carthaigh murdered by his brother, buried at Kilcrea

Kilcrea · townland · Cork · 1465–1494

Cormac M'Carthaigh, founder of Kilcrea friary in 1465, was murdered by his brother Owen and buried in the middle of the choir, his tomb bearing a Latin inscription naming him founder in 1494.

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"St. Cyra, or Chera, was abbess here, where her feast is celeljrated, October i6th. A Franciscan monastery was founded in this town under the invocation of St. Bridget, by Carmac M'Carthaigh, the Great Prince of Desmond, in the year 1465. He was murdered by Owen, his brother, and was buried here, in the middle of the cboii', with the following inscription on his tomb : —
" Hie facet Marmacus, fil Thades, fil Cormaei, fil Dormilis Magni M'Caithy, Duns de ]\Iusgraigh Flayn, ac istius conventus primus fundator, an. Dora., 1494."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 217

Siege and fall of Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1580

The lord justice besieged Carrigafoyle, commanded by the Italian engineer Julio with nineteen Spaniards and fifty Irish, placing five great guns to bombard the rock without mercy until the western side was broken and the warders crushed to death by its fall.

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" As for the lord justice, he ordered the great ordnance sent to him to be landed, and he placed five great guns opposite the rock, to play upon it without mercy. It was said that the least of these guns was a dimi-cannon.' He then began to storm the castle, and there was not a solitude, a wilderness, a declivity, or woody vale, from the Cain of Breas, tlie son of Ealathan, son of Neid, in the south west of the province of Clann Deirgthine to Cnoc-Meadha-Sinil, in Connacht, in which the sound and roar of these unknown and wonderful cannon were not heard. The western side of Carraic-an-phuil was at length broken from the top to the foundation, and the warders were crushed to death by its fall. The lord justice then took the castle, and remained in it five days after he had taken it, and at the end of that time he went to Askeaton."
This is, perhaps, as fine a piece of hyperbole as ever was written, but there can be no doubt that the roar of the cannon, and still more its effect, left a long and vivid impression in the wilds of Kerry.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Carrigafoyle, the lord justice laid siege to this castle in 1580. He landed his great ordnance and placed five great guns opposite the rock, the least of them a demi-cannon, and began to storm it without mercy. The castle was commanded by the Italian engineer Julio, with nineteen Spaniards and fifty Irish inside. The roar of the cannon was said to carry across every wilderness and woody vale from south-west Munster to Cnoc Meadha in Connacht. The western side of the rock was broken from top to foundation, and the warders were crushed to death by its fall. The lord justice took the castle and stayed five days before marching on to Askeaton. The writer calls the tale perhaps as fine a piece of hyperbole as ever was written, but says the roar of the cannon and its effect left a long and vivid impression in the wilds of Kerry.

Bandon garrison disarmed and town walls razed

Bandon · town · Cork · 1688–1689

The English inhabitants of Bandon rose up, disarmed the Irish garrison and killed some soldiers, but were forced to purchase pardon for £1,000 with the demolition of their walls, which were razed and never rebuilt.

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Bandonians hearing that the Earl of Clancarty was marching with six companies to reinforce the troop of horse and two companies of foot there, commanded by Captain Daniel O'Neill, disarmed the garrison, killed some soldiers, took possession of all their horses and arms, and would have done much more if they were assisted. They shut their gates, and generously refused giving up any of their leaders ; but at last purchased their pardon for ;^i,ooo, with the demolation of their walls, which were then razed to the ground, and never since rebuilt* About this time a large party of Irish horse and foot entered Cork, who, at midnight, disarmed all the Protestants of the town, and next day seized their horses, as they likewise did in all the neighbouring villages. They also broke into the houses of several principal citizens, from whence they took great sums of money. Lieutenant-General Mac Carthy having thus^ with the spoil of the English, increased his horse and mounted several more foot, marched with two field pieces towards Castle Martyr, the seat of Colonel Hmry Boyle, who had with him about 140 gentlemen and sca-vants to defend themselves agniust the violence of the Irish. He was persuaded by his friends not to make any resist^mce, upon the promise of the lieutenantgeneral that neither their peraons or estates should be molested, but, without any regard thereunto, he caused the house to be plundered, and Colonel Boyle, with many of the gentlemen, to be carried prisoners to Cork.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 156

Burning of the Image of St Dominic in Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1572–1582

Sheyn, the Elizabethan bishop of Cork, took delight in destroying objects of art long venerated by popular devotion, including the burning of the image of St Dominic in Cork. He was described as one of the most ruthless iconoclasts persecuting Munster's Catholics.

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" In that year died one Sheyn, or Sheehan, whom Queen Elizabeth made bishop of Cork in 1572. Little has been ascertained of this schismatic's antecedents, and for that little we are indebted to a poem, composed in 1577, by Eugene O'Duffy, a celebrated Franciscan, who was intimately acquainted with the flagitious lives of the so-styled bishops of Cashel, Cork, and Limerick. Sheyn, it would appear, was a low-bred, ruffianly fellow, lewd and ribald, whose obscene blasphemies had secured him the countenance of the Deputy, Sir W. Fitzwilliams. Invested with all the power the state could place at his disposal, Sheyn, during the ten years he held the important place of Queen's bishop, inflicted every manner of outrage on the Catholics of Cork, amercing them for absenting themselves from the novel liturgy ; and taking a barbarous delight in destroying objects of art, which, for centuries, had been endeared to popular devotion. One of his greatest feats was the burning of the image of St. Dominic in Cork ; and so far as iconoclasm was concerned, he proved himself the most ruthless member of that impious triumvirate which, in his day, persecuted the Catholics of Munster.
"Meanwhile, Lyon was not overlooked by his friend and patron. Lord Grey. The services of such a man could not be forgotten, and the year 1582 saw him installed Protestant bishop of Ross. In the following year he obtained the Sees of Cork and Cloyne from the Queen, who, in 1586, annexed the two Sees to that of Ross in his person. In 1595 he was named member of a commission appointed * to find out ways imd means to people Munster with English Inhabitants,' after the * Irish Papists' of that province had been almost exterminated by sword, fire, and famine."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 90

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Cork, this city holds a story from the 1570s. Queen Elizabeth made a man called Sheyn, or Sheehan, bishop of Cork in 1572, and he held that post for ten years. Little is known of his background. What survives comes from a poem written in 1577 by Eugene O'Duffy, a Franciscan who knew the lives of the so-called bishops of Cashel, Cork, and Limerick. By O'Duffy's account, Sheyn was a low-bred, ruffianly fellow, lewd and ribald, whose obscene blasphemies won him the favour of the Deputy, Sir W. Fitzwilliams. Given all the power the state could hand him, Sheyn inflicted every manner of outrage on the Catholics of Cork. He fined them for staying away from the new liturgy, and he took what the source calls a barbarous delight in destroying objects of art that for centuries had been endeared to popular devotion. One of his greatest feats was the burning of the image of St Dominic in Cork. In iconoclasm, he proved himself the most ruthless member of that triumvirate which persecuted the Catholics of Munster in his day. He died, and the year 1582 saw another man, Lyon, installed as Protestant bishop of Ross. The following year Lyon obtained the Sees of Cork and Cloyne from the Queen, who in 1586 annexed both to Ross in his person. In 1595 he was named to a commission to find ways to people Munster with English inhabitants, after the Irish Papists of that province had been almost exterminated by sword, fire, and famine.

Cromwell's order for secret execution intercepted by intended victim

Cork · city · Cork · 1649–1650

Cromwell sent an order for the execution of a gentleman he feared, delivering it by the hand of the gentleman himself, unaware of its contents; the intended victim escaped this act of base treachery.

Read the passage

Elizabeth's Successor — Captain Morgan sent to Cork to proclaim the new monarch — The Cork mayor and aldermen refuses to issue the proclamation— Some sharp words on both sides — A trial, and the jury fined heavily because the will not find for the Crown — Entry of the Lord Lieutenant to Cork — The people place plowshares in the street, to call attention to the misery they have so long suffered in not being allowed to till their land — Sir Henry Becher made Lord President of Munster — Charters grated to Bandon and Cloghnakilty — In 1622 Cork is devastated by fire — Mr. Boyle comes to Ireland — Stafford falls a victim to the Puritan party — The Iri^h unite in support of their king and their religion — The Confederate Catholics — The Irish generally take the wrong side — ^The only liberty allowed by the Puritans was liberty to agree with themselves — The Catholic oath — How Lord Cork heard the \ news of the Catholic rising — General Barry in Cork — Lord Musker/s unruly camp — St. Leger dies of a broken heart — Charles II. proclaimed in Cork, Kinsale, and Youghal, immediately after the execution of Charles I. — Cromwell lands in Ireland — He declares he meddles with no man's conscience, and yet persecutes most cruelly — His intolerance by no means confined to Catholics — His bitter persecution of all who did not agree with him — His cruel persecution of the Quakers — Character given of him by the historian of the Society of Friends —Lady Fanshawe's account of his capture of Cork — Her flight to Kinsale — Cromwell's policy — He sends an order for the execution of a gentleman whom he fears, by the gentleman himself—r Escape of the intended victim of this base treachery — Cromwell returns to England — Ireland is "planted" once more — The terrible injustice inflicted by these confiscations, and the barbarous and reckless manner in which they were carried out — The oath exacted from the Catholics by Cromwell, and some account of his persecutions from contemporary sources.
CHAP. XVI. — William of Orange 370

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you are on ground that saw a strange act of treachery in the years 1649 to 1650. After the execution of Charles the First, Charles the Second was proclaimed in Cork, Kinsale, and Youghal. Then Cromwell landed in Ireland. He declared he meddled with no man's conscience, yet he persecuted most cruelly, and his intolerance was by no means confined to Catholics. Lady Fanshawe left an account of his capture of Cork, and of her own flight to Kinsale. Cromwell's policy in this period took a darker turn. He sent an order for the execution of a gentleman whom he feared, and he delivered it by the hand of that same gentleman, who was unaware of its contents. The intended victim discovered what the order held, and escaped what the source calls this base treachery. Cromwell then returned to England.

Danish Raiders Abduct the Solitary Edgall from Skellig Michael

near Skellig Rock Great · townland · Kerry · 822–823

A party of marauders plundered several sites including Cork, Cloyne, and the barren rock of Skellig Michael, the abode of a solitary named Edgall. Finding nothing else to take, the Danes carried Edgall off into captivity, and he died the following year.

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iTie following facts omitted by Archidall have been gleaned from our Ancient Annals and the " Wars of the Danes.' " A.D. 82 1. — Oucaech, abbot of Quain-uamha, died.' " A.D. 822. — A party of mam^dcrs plundered Cork, Inistemhni, Begery Island, in Wexford harbour, Clojme, and Rosmaclain. The barren rock called Scelig Michel, z.^., St. Michaers Rock, the abode of a solitary named Edgall, was also invaded by them, and as they found nothing else to take, they carried him off into captivity, in which he died in the following year. Keating saj's the invaders, on this occasion, were White-Lochiann, that is Norwegians."
A.D. 835. — Between the years 824 and 835 the greater part of the churches were the reputed repositories of wealth, as they were the centres of civilization throughout our island. They thus became the chief aim of the plunderers, and even at this early date the maxauders made their way to the ecclesiastical establishments in some of the most remote parts of the country. The long list of the places plundered by them on this occasion ends with the names " Cell-Uasaille, now Killossy, or Kilhishee, near Naas, county Kildare ; Glendalough, county Wicklow ; Cluain-Uumha, county Cork ; and Mungairet, now Mungret, county Limerick."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 211

Execution and quartering of James Sussex at Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1580

James Sussex was seized by Cormac MacCarthy, then sheriff of Cork, taken to Cork and imprisoned for a month during which he prepared daily for death. An order came from Dublin to put him to death and cut him in quarters and little pieces.

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James was taken to Cork, and after a month's imprisonment, during which time he daily prepared himself for death, "an order came from Dublin from the lord justice and the council, ordering the mayor to put that noble forth to death, and cut him in quarters and little pieces." This was accordingly done.
Preparations were made by the English immediately after Christmas for what they hoped would prove a war of exter-

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you're in the city where James Sussex was brought in 1580 after Cormac MacCarthy, then sheriff, seized him. He was held in prison for a month, preparing himself each day for death. An order came from Dublin from the lord justice and the council, ordering the mayor to put him to death and "cut him in quarters and little pieces." This was done.

John Langley's will encouraging deadly drink at wakes

Cork · city · Cork

John Langley left it in his will that the Irish attending his wake should be well supplied with drink so that they might kill each other, expressing a wish that "the accursed breed be lessened," reflecting virulent sectarian attitudes of the time in Cork.

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Cork at the close of the eighteenth century — ^The disturbed state of Ireland caused by the oppressive legislation of England — The Protestant bishop of Down speaks out boldly on this subject — Ireland was deprived deliberately and of set purpose of her manufactures — The evils of religious intolerance — Dive Downes* narrative — Catholics taxed by the Protestant minister for every domestic occurrence— A man's second best suit of clothes taken after his death for the Protestant minister, if his widow cannot pay a large fee — Presentments of the Cork Grand Jury — John Langley leaves it in his will that the Irish are to be well supplied with dnnk at his wake, so that they may kill each other, and the accursed breed be lessened — A curious pamphlet describing the state of Cork at this period — He divides the religion of Cork into Episcopacy, Presbytery, Quakerism, Anabaptism, Huguenotism, Hypocrisy, and Popery — His opinion of the butter merchants — He complains bitterly of the success of Papists in trade — Notes from Tuckey's Cork Remembrancer — Act concerning the harbour of Cork — 1 76 1 — A stone bridge ordered to be built — The same year a shock of earthquake was felt— 1764 — The Red Abbey bridge opened — 1765— The post-office removed — 1768 — No lamps — 1779 — The first fancy ball — The Catholics volunteer opposition to the sale of English woollen goods — Foundation of the new meat market — New building at Youghal — Curran's speech at a Cork trial — Arrival of the French fleet off Bantry — The Cork Catholics in rejecting the invasion join the Protestants.
CHAP. y.S\\\,—'' Nuiiy-Eighr 404

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

As the companion tells it

As the road passes through Cork, you are in a city that knew deep religious intolerance at the close of the eighteenth century. Ireland was under oppressive English legislation, deliberately stripped of her manufactures, and the evils of that intolerance ran through everyday life. Catholics were taxed by the Protestant minister for every domestic occurrence. When a man died, his second best suit of clothes could be taken for the Protestant minister if his widow could not pay a large fee. The Cork Grand Jury presentments record the workings of this system. Into this world came the will of John Langley. He left instructions that the Irish attending his wake were to be well supplied with drink, so that they might kill each other. His stated wish was that what he called the accursed breed be lessened. A pamphlet from this period described the religion of Cork as divided into Episcopacy, Presbytery, Quakerism, Anabaptism, Huguenotism, Hypocrisy, and Popery. Its author complained bitterly of the success of Papists in trade and gave his opinion of the butter merchants. Notes from Tuckey's Cork Remembrancer record other events of these years. A stone bridge was ordered to be built. A shock of earthquake was felt. The Red Abbey bridge was opened. The post-office was removed. There were no lamps. The first fancy ball was held. The Catholics volunteered opposition to the sale of English woollen goods. When the French fleet arrived off Bantry, the Cork Catholics joined the Protestants in rejecting the invasion.

King Cathal Cured of Blindness and Deafness at Spike Island

Spike Island · townland · Cork

Cathal Mac Aedan, a king of Munster, was afflicted with blindness, deafness and dumbness. Mochuda prayed over him and made the sign of the cross, curing all his afflictions, after which the king granted lands including Pick Island (Spike Island) to the church.

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" Mochuda came where the king was, and the king and his friends implored Mochuda to relieve his distress. Mochuda made prayers to Grod for him, and put the sign of the holy cross on his eyes, and ears, and mouth, and he was cured of all his diseases and troubles, and the king, Cathel, gave extensive lands to God, and to Mochuda for ever, namely, Cathel Island, and Ross Beg and Koss More, and Pick Island {now Spike Mand), and Mochuda sent holy brethren to build a church in Koss Beg in honour of God, aud Mochuda himself commenced building a monastery in Pick Island, and he remained there a full year."'
9.TlieLJfc says further; — " Mochuda tlien placed three of his disciple: ibove mentioned, nanrely, the three sons of Nsiscann, Lt., Bishop Caban, and Straphan, the priest, and Laisren, the sainl, in those churches. And it was the holy Bishop of Ardomain that gave holy orders to these three in Mochudn's presence : and it was he thai was appointed to preserve them in the path of righteousness ; and he left two score more" cf his brethren in his own stenci in the monastery of Pick Island. Pick Island is a most holy place, and most pioos people reside in it perpetually.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 51

Kinsale fisheries ruined amid famine suffering

Kinsale · town · Cork

The once-thriving fisheries of Kinsale suffered from government neglect, and during the great famine the trade was ruined with no one to help the starving people who would otherwise have caught fish from waters abounding around Ireland's coasts.

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misery which had been caused by the destruction of this branch of industry, so important for Ireland, has afforded a subject of amusement for an EngUsh statesman, but the unhappy victims can scarcely be expected to join in his hilarity. In the great calamity of the famine, for which certainly the Irish race were in no way responsible, the trade was ruined ; for when the dire calamity pressed there was no one to stretch out the hand of assistance to those who were utterly unable to help themselves, and who would have repaid help, had it been given with the gratitude which is a special characteristic of the nation. Those who have known much of the habits and wants of the poor, who have seen the English peasants who live on the seaboard of that country supplied with a cheap and abundant diet from the waves, and who knew how the coasts of Ireland abounds with equal or superior wealth, in sight of the half-starved people, cannot but feel strongly on the subject.
If those who consider the question a matter of indifference would put themselves on a diet of dry bread or badly cooked potatoes for several months, and at the end of that period try the effect of the addition of even the very poorest of fares from the ocean, they might, perhaps, learn some practical appreciation of the bitter sufferings of the poor, and of how great a luxury what might seem almost a necessary of life is to them. What government should do and will not, must be done by private benevolence, and it is pleasant to find that a truly generous English baroness is assisting in the efforts so nobly made to assist the Irish fishermen.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 218

As the companion tells it

Kinsale was once a thriving fishing town, and the waters around Ireland's coasts abounded with wealth equal to or greater than those off England. But the fisheries here suffered from government neglect, and during the great famine the trade was ruined entirely. When the calamity pressed, there was no one to stretch out a hand of assistance to those who were utterly unable to help themselves. The misery caused by the destruction of this branch of industry, so important for Ireland, even afforded a subject of amusement for an English statesman, though the unhappy victims could scarcely be expected to join in his hilarity. The half-starved people could see the abundance of the sea before them, yet had no means to reach it. The writer notes that what government should do and will not, must be done by private benevolence, and records that a truly generous English baroness was assisting in efforts to help the Irish fishermen. Those who considered the matter one of indifference might, the writer suggests, have learned some practical appreciation of the bitter sufferings of the poor by living on dry bread or badly cooked potatoes for months, then trying the addition of even the poorest fare from the ocean.

Lady Ellen's secret escape from Cork by night

Cork · city · Cork · 1589

Lady Ellen Mac Carthy escaped from confinement in the town of Cork one dark February evening, slipping unquestioned through the gates with a companion and a waiting peasant, remaining hidden for two years despite government efforts to find her.

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In the meantime, the lady Ellen had been confided to the care of " certain servants of the earle,'' according to the lord deputy's account ; according to Sir Thomas NorreyB, she was in charge of " a merchant of the town " [Corke] ; and according to St. Leger, she was in the safe keepincf of the " gentleman porter." Moreover, it was said that Sir Valentine Browne had pleaded to be allowed the custody of the bride, possibly in the hope that the attractions of his son, Nicholas, and of his fair estate at Killamey, might prove, should she be compelled to wed again, a strong element in determining her choice. It certainly seems rather strange that there were so many different and conflicting statements as to the wardship of so important a charge. But whoever may have had the guardianship, the lady contrived to outwit them, and her husband had only been a few days confined in the Tower of London when she escaped from Cork, to the blank amazement and consternation of lord deputy, warders, and all. As the night fell one dark evening in February, two females passed quietly and unquestioned through the gates of Cork, and were joined by a peasant who was waiting on the road. Thus disappeared the lady Ellen Mac Carthy, and for two years the baffled govern ment in vain endeavoured to ascertain whither she had fled.
St. Leger wrote to Burleigh '^on the flight 0/ Florence's wife!' He declared that Florence must have been privy to it ; in fact, that he was the cause of it — which was probably correct. He liad sent her a ** messinger secretUe from Doblyn,

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 120

As the companion tells it

Cork is the city you're passing through now, and in February 1589 it was the scene of a remarkable escape. Lady Ellen Mac Carthy had been held here in confinement after her husband Florence was sent to the Tower of London. No one could agree on who exactly had charge of her — the lord deputy said certain servants of the earl, Sir Thomas Norreys said a merchant of the town, St. Leger said the gentleman porter, and Sir Valentine Browne had pleaded to keep her himself, perhaps hoping his son Nicholas and the fair estate at Killarney might win her hand. Whoever had the guardianship, the lady outwitted them all. As night fell one dark February evening, two women passed quietly and unquestioned through the gates of Cork and were joined by a peasant waiting on the road. That was the last anyone saw of Lady Ellen Mac Carthy. For two years the baffled government searched in vain for where she had gone. St. Leger wrote to Burleigh of the flight, declaring Florence must have been privy to it, that he was the cause of it, having sent her a messenger secretly from Dublin.

Murder of Maurice Dubh by his son-in-law Teige Mac Carthy

Kerrycurrihy · barony · Cork

Maurice Dubh, notorious for killing the thirteenth earl, ruled the territory of Kerricurrihy but was eventually taken prisoner in a cattle raid and murdered in cold blood by guards left by his own son-in-law, Teige Mac Carthy.

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All authorities confirm this statement, and agree in reprobating the conduct of Black Maurice. Russell declares that he was a man " without faith in his promise, and truth in his word, cruel, severe, mercylesse, and very bloody." He ruled the tract of country known as Kerricurrihy, which was given to him by his brother James to keep him at a distance, and to aflford occupation for his belligerent propensities by the continual guerilla warfare which the position required ; notwithstanding which he lived to an old age, and was at last slain by his own son-in-law, Teige Mac Carthy. The affair seems to have been little better than a cattle raid, in which Maurice was taken prisoner. His father-in-law left four of his men to guard him, while he pursued the flying Desmond's troops. Thus was Maurice murdered in cold blood. Russell preaches a homily thereupon, the substance of which is, in brief, that it served him right. O'Daly, with more regard for propriety of expre^ion, though evidently of the same way of thinking, says that the guard " only meted out to tiim the same treatment which he gave to all those whom fortune of war made his prisoners." Maurice left two sons and three daughters.
James Desmond succeeded his father, and proceeded to England to testify his loyalty and secure the inheritance. His first wife, Joan, a daughter of Lord Fermoy, had borne

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 71

O'Driscolls seize Castlehaven from the unsuspecting Spanish garrison

Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1602

While the Spanish commander and Harvey were engaged in conversation over wine at Castlehaven, the O'Driscolls quietly seized possession of the castle, before English ships arrived to frustrate the takeover.

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Captain Flowers and Harv^ey were ordered to take possesion of these castles if they could. Harvey got Castlehaven, but not without some risk. It was in charge of a Spaniard, and while he and the commander were in high conversation over their wine, the O'Driscolls were quietly getting possession of the castle. Two ships commanded by Harvey's brothers came into the harbour at the moment, and their attempts were thus frustrated. On the 26th of July, Donnelong and Donneshed were both delivered into the hands of the English, but Dunboy was to come. Flowers had shipped in " a hoy," or vessel of a hundred and twenty tons, with two companies of soldiers, but the weather was rough ; he could not eflfect a landing, CSullivan got into his own castle once more. He had indeed been allowed a run of the place, and appears to have been on pleasant terms with the Spanish commander even after they had ceased to be allies through Don Juan's treachery.
There were a few Irish, also, with the Spanish soldiers, and some of these men contrived a breach in the wall, and admitted eighty armed men at midnighjb, amongst them were Donnell Mac Carthy, Captain Farell, Burke, and Florence Fitzmaurice, the An^-Norman descendant of Rajmond le Gros, now lord of Lixnaw — ^for these same Fitzmaurices were generally on the "rebel" side in Ireland. There were, also. Father

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around Castlehaven, in 1602, Captain Flowers and Harvey had orders to take the castles if they could. Harvey got Castlehaven, but not without some risk. It was in charge of a Spaniard, and while he and the commander were in high conversation over their wine, the O'Driscolls were quietly getting possession of the castle. Two ships commanded by Harvey's brothers came into the harbour at the moment, and their attempts were thus frustrated. On the 26th of July, Donnelong and Donneshed were both delivered into the hands of the English, but Dunboy was to come. Flowers had shipped in a vessel of 120 tons, with two companies of soldiers, but the weather was rough and he could not effect a landing. CSullivan got into his own castle once more. He had been allowed a run of the place, and was on pleasant terms with the Spanish commander even after they had ceased to be allies through Don Juan's treachery. There were a few Irish with the Spanish soldiers, and some contrived a breach in the wall, admitting 80 armed men at midnight. Among them were Donnell Mac Carthy, Captain Farell, Burke, and Florence Fitzmaurice, lord of Lixnaw.

Rumours of the murder of Gerald, Earl of Desmond, near Kerry

Castlemaine Harbour · bay · Kerry

Gerald, the poet-earl of Desmond reputed to be a magician, died under mysterious circumstances near the island of Kerry; one account claims he was privately murdered near his camp and never heard of again, though other authorities say he died peacefully of old age.

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of romance ahout tlieii' last moments. Smith says that " he went out of bis camp near the ishmd of Kerry, and was privately murdered, having never been heard of more." But where he obtained his information we have not been able to ascertain. Russell,* a most important authority on all Geraldine questions, says simply, that "being very old, he paid nature its inevitable debt," which certainly does not even remotely suggest that he paid that debt in a compulsory fashion. The " Four Masters" record his demise thus : —
" Garrell, Earl of Desmond, a cheerful and courteous man, who excelled all the English, and many of the Irish, in the knowledge of the Irish language, poetry, and history, and of other learning, died after the victory of penance."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 69

As the companion tells it

As you pass Castlemaine Harbour, you are near the island of Kerry, where Gerald, the Earl of Desmond, met his end under uncertain circumstances. Smith wrote that he went out of his camp near the island and was privately murdered, never heard of again, though it is not known where Smith got his information. Russell, an important authority on Geraldine matters, says simply that being very old, he paid nature its inevitable debt. The Four Masters record him as a cheerful and courteous man who excelled all the English and many of the Irish in the knowledge of the Irish language, poetry, and history, and that he died after the victory of penance.

Skirmish Between Volunteers and Whiteboys near Inchigeelagh

Inchigeelagh · townland · Cork · 1786

A desperate skirmish took place near Inchigeelagh between thirty volunteers and upwards of six hundred Whiteboys. Three Whiteboys were killed, two drowned attempting to escape across the river, several wounded, and nine taken prisoner.

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July 29, 1 786. — A desperate skirmish took place between thirty of the volunteers and upwards of six hundred Whiteboys, near Inchigelagh, in this county, in which three of the latter were killed, two drowned in endeavouring to make their escape across the river, several wounded, and nine taken prisoners.
"July 25, 1788. — ^The foundation stone of St. Patrick's Bridge was laid ; Mr. Michael Shanahan was the architect and contractor,

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 167

St Berechert's fire ordeal at Tullylease kills a pagan priest

Tullylease · townland · Cork

At Tullylease, a pagan chief demanded that St Berechert or a disciple survive a burning house to prove the faith; the saint was found asleep unharmed while the pagan priest placed with him was burned to ashes, and the site remains a place of pilgrimage with holy wells and St Ben's Stone.

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This church is said to have been built by Saint Berechert (Benjamin), a disciple of Saiut Patrick's. It is said to have been built when the great Apostle was in this district. A pagan chief, said he, would believe in his teaching if himself or one of his disciples went into a house which Wiis then to l)e set on fii'e, and should he come forth scatheless. On this St Bcrecheit and a pagan priest were placed in a house, which was then set on fire. On their looking into the ruins the saint was found in a calm sleep, while his pagan associate was burned to ashes. Ever since Saint Benjamin's clay, in February, is observed as a holiday in the parish of Tullylease, and the country people for miles around come to *' pay rounds,*' and pray at two holy wells, " Saint Benn's Well " and ** Our Lady's Well," and before a large slab, called " St Ben's Stone," which is laid against the abbey's wall, on which a very remaikable cross is carved. The church, which is •

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 223

A history of the city and county of Cork

The stories, best first

Eighty-eight Irishmen drowned from Bandon Bridge

Mass drowning of prisoners at Cappoquin

Battle of Clontarf: Good Friday slaughter, 1014

Bishop O'Melan's brutal execution at Youghal

Execution by Fire of Father Richard Barry at Rock of Cashel

O'Sullivan Beare's house burned at Bantry with people inside

Martyrdom of Brother Dominick Collins at Youghal

Burning and sacking of Cork after surrender

Massacre at Castle Lyons: prisoners disfigured and hanged

O'Driscoll seized at his castle by the Mayor of Waterford

Catholic bishop of Ross seized at Macroom and hanged at Carrigadrohid

Cork Catholics defy Cromwellian oath at Christ Church

The Putrid Death of Dermod Mac Murrough at Ferns

Treacherous Murder of King Mahoun near Bruree

Dermod Mac Murrough's Abduction and Massacre at Kildare

Naval battle in Bantry Bay

Ambush and murder of Earl James near Fermoy

Cromwell melts Cork church bells into cannon

Hanging of Aged Friars in Cork Over Hidden Cathedral Treasure

John Langley's will orders drunken wake to kill Irishmen

Summary Killings at Baltimore Fair-Green

The thief of Clonmacnoise jewels haunted at Cork harbour by St. Ciaran

Treacherous execution of Thomas, Earl of Desmond, at Drogheda

Twenty-four men murdered at Lislee despite protection

Cromwell's death-warrant plot against Richard Magee of Mallow

Massacre of the Dalcassians at Moin Mór (Mourneabbey)

Cromwellian Soldiers Kill Dominican Friar in Cork

Deadly fates of the destroyers of the Dominican friary, Youghal, 1587

Duke of Grafton mortally wounded storming Cork's walls

Murder of the young Earl of Desmond near Fermoy

The Death and Grave of St. Cannera on Scattery Island

Bishop O'Herlihy's Imprisonment and Suffering

Bloody battle between Desmonds and Mac Carthys near Mourneabbey

Cork men slain at the Battle of Clontarf

Crypt of bones and skulls at Buttevant Abbey

Dunboy defenders hanged after the siege

Kilcoleman castle granted to Spenser despite his bitterness toward Ireland

Massacre of ransom-seeking Irish prisoners at Kinsale

Massacre of the weak and helpless by marauding parties

Mass Famine Burial Pit at Shandon Churchyard

Treacherous murder of Milo de Cogan and Fitz Stephen at Lismore

Beheading of Cormac Mac Carthy at his father's order

Countess of Desmond's ordeal in a ditch

Death of Vicar-Apostolic Owen M'Egan Attending Dying Soldiers

Franciscan prince Cormac M'Carthaigh murdered by his brother, buried at Kilcrea

Siege and fall of Carrigafoyle Castle

Bandon garrison disarmed and town walls razed

Burning of the Image of St Dominic in Cork

Cromwell's order for secret execution intercepted by intended victim

Danish Raiders Abduct the Solitary Edgall from Skellig Michael

Execution and quartering of James Sussex at Cork

John Langley's will encouraging deadly drink at wakes

King Cathal Cured of Blindness and Deafness at Spike Island

Kinsale fisheries ruined amid famine suffering

Lady Ellen's secret escape from Cork by night

Murder of Maurice Dubh by his son-in-law Teige Mac Carthy

O'Driscolls seize Castlehaven from the unsuspecting Spanish garrison

Rumours of the murder of Gerald, Earl of Desmond, near Kerry

Skirmish Between Volunteers and Whiteboys near Inchigeelagh

St Berechert's fire ordeal at Tullylease kills a pagan priest