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

Banks of human bones and skulls at Kilcrea friary

Kilcrea · townland · Cork

At Kilcrea, from the gateway to the high road, high banks are entirely formed of human bones and skulls cemented together with moss, with thousands more piled up in the arches and windows of the ruined friary.

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side to the high road, are high banks, entirely formed of human bones and skulls, which are cemented together with moss ; besides these, and a great number strewn about, there are several thousands piled up in the arches, windows, etc. The ri\Ber Bride runs near this ruin. The lands were granted to Lord Muskerry, but after the wars of 1 64 1 , Oliver Comwell gave them to Lord Broghill.
Kins ALE. — {Keannsaile) — ^The head of the brine. Archidall says : —

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 218

Beheading of Maurice Dubh in Muskerry

near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1565

In 1565, Maurice Duv, on a predatory excursion into Muskerry, was overtaken by the sons of Tiege Mac Carthy, Dermot and Cormac, who beheaded him, an act the Four Masters note was less profitable than sparing him would have been.

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" Maurice Duv, the son of John, son of the Rarl of Desmond, went upon a predatory excursion into Muskery. The sons of Tiege, son of Connor Oge, son of Tiege Mac Carihy, namely, Dennot and Cormac, overtook him, and beheaded bim, tliough the profit of sparing him would have bopn better tlian the victory gained by his death. He who was then slain was the firm steel of the Geraldines in the field of danger, the plunderer of his enemies, and the destroyer of his opponents."
The famous battle of Affixnc was fought in 1564, in which the Earl of Ormond was victorious, and Desmond, when taunted as he was caiTied ofi" the field, wounded and a prisoner, made his historically famous speech. "Where," cried the soldiers who bore him, ** where is now the great lord of Desmond T With grim humour he replied, " In his proper place — on the necks of the Butlers." The veracity of this speech as been questioned apparently only because of its extreme cleverness. It does not require very much knowledge of the world, or very brilliant powers of observation, to know that more witty and pointed speeches are made every day in common conversation than are ever recorded in books. It was just such a speech as the haughty Earl of Desmond would have been likely to utter, and we, at least, see no reason to doubt that he did use these very w6rds.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 102

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Muskerry, in 1565, a man called Maurice Duv met his end. He was the son of John, son of the Earl of Desmond, and he came here on a predatory excursion into Muskerry. The sons of Tiege, son of Connor Oge, son of Tiege MacCarthy, namely Dermot and Cormac, overtook him and beheaded him. The Four Masters noted that the profit of sparing him would have been better than the victory gained by his death. The man they killed was, in their words, the firm steel of the Geraldines in the field of danger, the plunderer of his enemies, and the destroyer of his opponents. A year before this, in 1564, the famous battle of Affane was fought, in which the Earl of Ormond was victorious. Desmond was carried off the field, wounded and a prisoner. The soldiers bearing him taunted him, crying, where is now the great lord of Desmond? With grim humour he replied, in his proper place, on the necks of the Butlers. The veracity of this speech has been questioned, apparently only because of its extreme cleverness. But it was just such a speech as the haughty Earl of Desmond would have been likely to utter.

Bishop of Ross intercepted at Macroom

Macroom · town · Cork · 1650

The bishop of Ross, marching with 4,000 foot and 300 horse to relieve the siege of Clonmel, was intercepted and seized by Lord Broghill's forces at Macroom.

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Cromwell now marched northwards, but Lord Broghill continned the work of extermination in the soutL The Catholic bishop of Ross headed an army of 4,000 foot and 300 horse, and marched to the relief of Clonmel, which Cromwell was besieging, but he was intercepted and seized by Broghill at Macroom.
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.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 152

Danes settle in Cork and impose the 'nose tax'

Cork · city · Cork · 915–919

Around 915-919, after landing at Waterford and killing Domhnall heir of Cashel, the Danes divided into three parties, one-third settling in Corcach (Cork), and ravaged all Munster, exacting hostages and the oppressive 'nose tax' where loss of the nose was reportedly the penalty for non-payment.

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" And Domhnall, son of Donnchadh, heir apparent of Caisel, was killed by them : and they plundered Muscraigho and Ui Caerpe ; and they afterwards separated into three parties ; one-third settled in Corcach, and one-third in Inisnahednighi,' and one-third in Glas-Linn ; and the whole of Munstcr was ravaged by them, so that there was not a house or a hearth £pom Lui' southwards.
"This was the year before the death of Flann, son of Maelsechlainn. It was also by that fleet that Gebennach, son of Aedh, King of M'C!onaill, was killed, and they carried away his head after killing him. Wherefore the poet said : —

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Coming through Cork now. Around 915 the Danes landed at Waterford, killed Domhnall, heir of Cashel, then split into three parties. One-third settled in Corcach, the old name for this city. They ravaged all Munster so that no house or hearth was left from Lui southwards, and exacted hostages and a tax so cruel they called it the nose tax — the penalty for non-payment was losing your nose.

Excommunication of a Murderer at Mellifont Abbey

near Mellifont Abbey · monument · Louth · 1157

A synod was held at the Abbey of Mellifont in 1157, attended by the Legate of the Holy See, the Primate, and seventeen bishops, whose principal object was the excommunication of Donough O'Melaghlin for the murder of a neighbouring chief despite solemn pledges.

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In 1 157 a synod was held in the Abbey of Mellifont, attended by the Bishop of Lismore, Legate of the Holy See, the Primate, and seventeen other bishops. Murtough O'Loughlin, the Monarch of Ireland, and several other kings, were also present The principal object of this meeting was the consecration of the abbey church and the excommunication of Donough O'Melaghlin, who had become the common pest of the country. He was, as might be expected, the particular &iend and ally of Dermod Mac Murrough. His last exploit was the murder of a neighbouring chief, despite the most solemn pledges. In an old translation of the Annals of Ulster, he is termed, with more force than elegance, " a cursed atheist/' After his excommunication, his brother Dermod was made King of Meath, in his place.
When Dermod Mac Murrough was driven in disgrace from Ireland, he fled to Bristol. There he learned that Henry was still in Aquitaine ; and thither, with a perseverance worthy of a better cause, he followed the English king. Henry was only too happy to listen to his complaints, and forward his views ; but he was too much occupied with his personal affairs to attempt the conquest of a kingdom. Letters patent were incomparably more convenient than men-at-arms, and with letters patent the renegade was fain to be content Dermod only asked help to recover the kingdom from which he had been expelled for his ciimes ; Henry pretended no more than to give the assistance asked, and for all reward only wished that Dermod should pay a vassal s homage to the English king. Henry may have known that his clieDt was a viUian or he may not Henry may have intended to annex Ireland

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 55

Execution of the bearer of Dunboy's surrender offer

near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

During the siege of Dunboy Castle, a man sent to offer surrender was hanged by the English, an act described as contrary to all the laws of civilized warfare.

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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 1602, the English were besieging the castle. O'Sullivan Bear had left Mac Geogehan in charge. The town was battered down, and men who tried to escape by water were slain by English soldiers placed in boats for that purpose. A man was sent to offer surrender, and the English hanged him — a passage from the history calls it an act done, contrary to all the laws of civilized warfare. Mac Geogehan then tried to blow up the castle while soldiers were capturing him. All the defenders of Dunboy were hanged, except a few reserved for torture. O'Sullivan Bear escaped by being absent, and was obliged to flee to the mountains with his followers.

King James lands at Kinsale and hears Mass in Cork

Kinsale · town · Cork · 1689

King James II landed at Kinsale in March 1689 and came to Cork, where he heard Mass in a new chapel near the Franciscan Friary, supported through the streets by friars.

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" On Wednesday, the 1 2th of March, King James landed in Kinsale, who soon after came to Cork, where, on the next Sunday, he heard mass in a new chapel, lately erected near the Franciscan Friary. Through the streets he was supported by two friars of that order, and attended by many others in their habits. He was received and entertained by Donough, earl of Clancarty, on his landing, at which time the king made him one of the lords of his bedchamber, and his regiment a royal rugiment of guards. He was also made clerk of the crown and peace througliout this province, by letters patent. On the 1 4th, 5,000 French landed at Kinsale, under Count Lauzun and the Marcjuise de Lang. In their room King James sent back
374 FRENCH FLEET IX BANTRY BAY.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Kinsale. On 12 March 1689 King James landed here, and soon after came to Cork, where on the following Sunday he heard Mass in a new chapel built near the Franciscan Friary. Through the streets he was supported by two friars of that order, attended by many others in their habits. On his landing he was received and entertained by Donough, earl of Clancarty, whom the king made one of the lords of his bedchamber, and whose regiment became a royal regiment of guards. On the 14th, 5,000 French landed at Kinsale under Count Lauzun and the Marquise de Lang.

Landing of Earl James at Youghal before his murder

Youghal · town · Cork · 1535

James, thirteenth Earl of Desmond, educated in England as a hostage, landed at Youghal on 7 August 1535 with a troop of friends and soldiers before being ambushed and murdered shortly afterward.

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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

Lightning Strikes the Round Tower of Cloyne

Cloyne · town · Cork · 1749

On the night of 10th January 1749, a violent storm of lightning and thunder struck the round tower of Cloyne after killing cattle in a field south of Cork. The strike tore off the vaulted stone roof, threw down the great bell, and blasted the heavy iron-locked door sixty yards away, scorching to death pigeons roosting on the steeple.

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The Round Tower is thus described by Dr. Moran : — " Nearly opposite to the west of the Cathedral, at a distance of thirty yards, stands the beautiful round tower of Cloyne. Its present height is a little more thnn a hundred feet. Its diameter at the doorway is nine feet two inches, with a thickness of a wall of three feet eight inches. At the upper floor the diameter of the tower is seven feet two inches, with a thickness of a \Aall of two feet nine inches. The tower is divided interuiilly into storeys by seven offsets, taken from the thickness of the wall, so that dra^vm in section the internal line of wall would show a zig-zag outline. The tower was originally crowned by the usual conical stone roof, which is stated to have been destroyed by lightning on the night of the loth of January, 1749. Bennett gives the following description of this storm : — * A storm of lightning, ^dth thunder, on the night of January 10th, 1 749, passed tlirough the country from west to east, after killing some cows in a field south cf.
COUNTY COftlL 519

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 211

Miraculous image of the Madonna washed ashore at Youghal

Youghal · town · Cork · 1450

A piece of wood bearing a miraculous image of the Virgin was carried by the tide to the sands opposite Youghal; fishermen could not move it even with ten horses until it drifted near the Dominican convent, where two monks placed it in the courtyard after the prior had a vision.

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— *In the Dominican Convent (at Y^oughal) there was an image of the Virgin, formerly held in tlie greatest reverence in Ireland, which arrived there in a miraculous manner. The tide brought a piece of wood on to the sands opposite to the town, which several fishermen tried to ,cany off, the wood being rare in this coimtry ; but they could not move it ; they harnessed ten horses to it without effect, and the reflux of the tide brought it near the Dominican convent. Two monks raised it on their shoulders, and put it into the court-yard of the convent, and the prior had in the night a vision that the image of our Lady was in the piece of wood, which was found there. So say the citizens, who have still a great devotion towards it : but the Dominicans having been persecuted by the English settlers, carried it elsewhere.'
** 1493. — ^This friary was reformed by Bartholomew Comatius, (Bononiensis), 23rd master of the order, as appears from the register of Joachim Turrianus, 35th grand master, where are contained these words : — * Approved : the reformation of the monastery of Joachia, {i.e.^ Joclia, or Youghall), made by Master Bartholomew.'

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 225

Murder of Maurice Dubh by his son-in-law

Kerrycurrihy · barony · Cork

Maurice Dubh, who ruled the territory of Kerrycurrihy, was eventually slain by his own son-in-law Teige MacCarthy following what began as a cattle raid. Taken prisoner, he was left guarded by four men while MacCarthy pursued the fleeing Desmond troops, and was murdered in cold blood during that time.

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afford 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 MacCarthy. The occasion 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 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 expression, though evidently of the same way of thinking, says that the guard " only meted out to him the same treatment which he gave to all those whom the 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 him a son, known as Thomas Ruagh (the Red). When his accession to the earldom became known he divorced thi^i lady, and set aside his lawful heir. His reason for this arbitrary act of injustice is not known. It certainly tended not a little

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 101

O'Sullivan Bear hangs English captain near the Durseys

near Dursey Island · townland · Cork · 1331

Dermot O'Sullivan Bear captured an English and a Spanish vessel off his coast near the Dursey islands and settled the dispute by hanging the English captain, whom he considered the aggressor.

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In 1 33 1 Dermot O'Sullivan (Bear) took the liberty of capturing an English and a Spanish vessel which lay oflF his coast. The Spanish vessel was sailing near the Durseys, and was seized by the English captain. O'Sullivan (Bear) settled the dispute by hanging the English captain, whom he manifestly considered the aggressor.
Smith's English proclivities made him resent this outrage, but probably if O'Sullivan had not hanged the Englishman, the Englishman would have hanged him.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 77

O'Sullivan's wife and child hidden at the Eagle's Nest, Glengarriff

Glengarriff · townland · Cork · 1602–1603

While O'Sullivan Bear made his desperate eight-month march to the north, his wife and youngest child remained concealed for safety in a place known as the 'Eagle's Nest' in the Glengarriff mountains, protected by his foster-brother Mac Sweeny.

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O'Sullivan escaped into Kerry with Captain TireU, and here for long and weary months he and his followers encamped in the mountains of Glengarriff, waiting for help frcnn Spain, which never came. When news did come, it was fatal to his hopes ; and he at once took the brave determination to fight his way step by step to the north with the women and children, the sick and infirm of his camp. What he 'dared and did, and what this forlorn company suffered, may not be toM-here. In eight months O'Sullivan returned once more to bis desolate country, where he had left his wife and his youngest child in the safe and faithful company of his foster-brother, Mac Sweeny. During his absetice they remained concealed in a place known as the " Eagle's nest," in the Glengariff mountains.
A piece of very sharp practice was effected about this time, by which the lord president contrived to ggt Blarney castle into his possession. He*had lotfg'Viewed it watb covetous eyes, but between O'SuUivan Beares and Mac Carthy Mores his

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the Glengarriff mountains, O'Sullivan Bear left his wife and his youngest child concealed in a place known as the Eagle's Nest, in the safe and faithful company of his foster-brother Mac Sweeny. He had escaped into Kerry with Captain TireU, and for long and weary months he and his followers encamped in these mountains, waiting for help from Spain that never came. When news did come, it was fatal to his hopes. He took the brave determination to fight his way step by step to the north, bringing the women and children, the sick and infirm of his camp with him. What he dared and did, and what this forlorn company suffered, is a long story. In eight months O'Sullivan returned once more to his desolate country, where his wife and child had remained concealed during his absence, protected by Mac Sweeny in the Eagle's Nest here in the Glengarriff mountains.

Siege bombardment from Elizabeth Fort and cathedral steeple

near Elizabeth Fort · street · Cork · 1690

During the siege of Cork, cannon fire was directed against Elizabeth Fort from the Cat and Friar's Garden, while soldiers used the cathedral steeple to fire muskets down upon the fort's defenders.

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" Having got possession of the Cat we began to cast bombs into the city, and to play with our cannon against the fort,' from thence and the Friar s garden, and another battery above the fort, near the Mitre. This morning I gave Seravenmore an account of the usefulness of the steeple of the cathedral, that if boards were laid on the beams thereof, our men might gall the enemy in the fort from that place with their muskets ; whereupon Lieutenant Townsend was sent with men thither, and accordingly did very good execution." And writes thus : —
" I also took care to have the course of Droope s miUstream turned, which ran through the north of the city, and drove a grist mill there. In the morning our heavy cannon were landed near the Red Cow, by Red Abbey, and there a battery was raised of thirty-six poimders, which playing against the city wall soon made it tumble ; whereon the enemy let the bishop come out to us, whom they made prisoner in the city, w^ith all the clergy, and about one thousand three himdred of

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Elizabeth Fort, Cork, in 1690, during the siege of the city, attackers who had seized the Cat began casting bombs into the city and playing cannon against the fort from there, from the Friar's garden, and from a battery near the Mitre. The cathedral steeple was pressed into service too. Boards were laid across its beams so musketeers could fire down on the defenders inside the fort. Lieutenant Townsend led men up there and, in the words of the source, "did very good execution." Heavy cannon were landed near the Red Cow, by Red Abbey, and a battery of thirty-six pounders was raised against the city wall, which soon tumbled. After that, the garrison sent out the bishop, a prisoner in the city along with all the clergy and about 1,300 more.

Siege of Cork after murder of de Cogan and Fitz Stephen

Cork · city · Cork · 1185

Following the murder of de Cogan and Fitz Stephen, the Irish under Mac Carty besieged Cork, hoping to expel the English; Fitz Stephen sent for Raymond le Gros, whose relief force routed the Irish besiegers.

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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

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Cork, the city the road passes through. In 1185 this city became the focus of a siege after a treacherous act at Lismore. Milo de Cogan and young Fitz Stephen had gone there to treat with the people of Waterford. They were invited by one Mac Tirid, who murdered them and five of their servants. The Irish then took up arms under Mac Carty, who still held the title of king. They besieged Cork, expecting to expel all the English. Robert Fitz Stephen was shut up inside the city. He sent a message to Raymond le Gros, then at Wexford, asking for help. Raymond set sail with archers and knights, coasting the country, and arrived in the river of Cork with great speed. With this reinforcement, Fitz Stephen made a sally and routed the Irish at the first onset. After several skirmishes, putting some of their chiefs to death and banishing others, they brought the country back under obedience. The annals of Kilronan, Clonmacnoise, and Ulster recorded the death of Milo de Cogan, calling him, in their words, the destroyer of all Ireland, both of church and state. Those annals add that Milo was killed by Mac Tire, prince of Ui Mac Caille, now the barony of Imokilly in county Cork. The writer of the source notes the standard of the age: it was always called treachery when an Irish prince killed an Englishman who had taken his property, and the highest virtue when an Englishman killed a Celt he had expelled from house and home.

Vicar-Apostolic reports priest hanged in Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1606

A letter to Cardinal Baronius from the Vicar-Apostolic of Waterford and Lismore reports that of three captured priests, one was detained in Dublin prison, another in Cork, and a third was hanged on the spot after admitting he was a priest.

Read the passage

they have only succeeded in seizing three : one is detained in Dublin prison, another in Cork, and a third, in my opinion, is the happiest of all, triumphing in heaven Nvith Christ our Lord ; for in the excess of the fury of the soldiery, without any further trial or accusation, having expressed himself to be a priest, he was hanged upon the spot."
He then narrates the sufferings of the Catholic laity, many of whom, he says, are reduced to "extreme poverty and miseiy ;" '* if they have any property, they are doubly persecuted by the avaricious courtiers." But so many have given a glorious testimony of their faith, he thinks their enemies and persecutors have gained but little. Thus, while one party was rejoicing in their temporal gain, the other was rejoicing in temporal loss ; and while the former were preaching liberty of conscience as their creed, the latter were martyrs to it.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through this city, a story comes from 1606. The Vicar-Apostolic of Waterford and Lismore wrote to Cardinal Baronius that soldiers had seized three priests. One was held in Dublin prison, another here. The third, he said, was the happiest of all, triumphing in heaven with Christ our Lord. In the excess of the fury of the soldiery, without any further trial or accusation, having expressed himself to be a priest, he was hanged upon the spot. He described the sufferings of the Catholic laity, many reduced to extreme poverty and misery. If they had any property, they were doubly persecuted by the avaricious courtiers. Yet so many had given a glorious testimony of their faith that their enemies had gained but little. One party rejoiced in temporal gain, the other in temporal loss. The former preached liberty of conscience as their creed, the latter were martyrs to it.

Waterford galleys pursue Perkin Warbeck after his Cork embarkation

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1497

When Perkin Warbeck sailed from Cork with soldiers raised there, the loyal citizens of Waterford fitted out four galleys and pursued him, though they failed to capture him before he reached Cornwall.

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between the two nations, Perkin was forced to quit Scotland, and embarking with his wife and family, he came once moro to Cork, where on the 26th of July, 1497, he enlisted 120 soldiers, and by the assistance of the Earl of Desmond procured ahips to transport them into Cornwall, to which place he was invited. The citizens of Waterford, being Ipyal to King Henry, fitted- out four galleys and pursued him ; but fortune did not crown their loyal endeavours with the success of taking him. Upon his landing'he assumed the title and name of Eichard IV., King of England, and, being joined by several thousands, besieged tiie city of Exeter in fcnan, but^Wiis soon obliged to raise the siege, the king s forces being at hand. Finding his army decreasing he privately withdrew to the sanctuary of Beaiilieu, in Hampshire, where he surrendered himself, and was sent prisonei' to the Tower, from whence he made his escape, but was retaken.
" In July, this year, Maurice, Earl of Desmond, and the Earl of Lincoln besieged Waterford with 2,400 men m favour of Perkin ; but the citizens defended themselves so vigorously that they were repulsed with loss, and on the 3rd of August were obliged to raise the siege. The same year, John Walters, citizen of Cork, was summoned to appear before the parliament

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 78

Execution of John Annyas at Dunboy

near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

John Annyas, the Tower prisoner turned government agent sent to poison Florence Mac Carthy, was ultimately executed at Dunboy, writing a self-serving letter to the Baron of Lixnaw the night before his death.

Read the passage

Annyas was imprisoned, but he was not hanged. Perhaps he declined making the much desired confession. He turns up next at Dunboy, where his career terminates, and the night before his execution he wrote to the Baron of Lixnaw as if he had been the " virtuost " man in all the world, and the truest friend.
Wingfield, he said, had betrayed him. His " death satisfies former suspicions," and he writes '' to immortalize his name on earth." He did not know that State Papers would be

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 125

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Dunboy, John Annyas met his end in 1602. He had been a government agent, sent to poison Florence Mac Carthy, but he was imprisoned before reaching Dunboy. The night before his execution he wrote to the Baron of Lixnaw, presenting himself as the truest friend and the most virtuous man in all the world. He claimed Wingfield had betrayed him, and said his death satisfied former suspicions. He wrote to immortalize his name on earth, not knowing that State Papers would preserve it instead.

Kanturk castle construction halted by royal command

Kanturk · town · Cork

The ruins of Kanturk castle, a large parallelogram flanked with four towers, remain unfinished because Queen Elizabeth ordered the building stopped, fearing it would become a place of great strength and importance.

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Kanturk, Cean tuirc^ Jihe hill of the boar. — The ruins of Kanturk castle are remarkable ; they consisted of a paralellogram 1 20 feet long by 80 feet wide, flanked with four towers. The building was never finished, for the erection was stopped by the command of Queen Elizabeth, as it promised to be a place of great strength and impoitance. The O'Keeffes had a fine castle in this neighbourhood, now in ruin.
KiLLBEREHERD. — The whole district, says Mr. Brash, abounds with Crumleies, stone circles, pillar stones, raths, and

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 218

Siege of Cork under William of Orange with burning of suburbs

Cork · city · Cork · 1690

During the siege of Cork, the Irish governor burned the suburbs even though he had been paid to spare them; Dean Davies gave a graphic contemporary account of the siege and reported that William's soldiers plundered property.

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against Protestants — The term "high treason" of very varying meaning in Ireland — Clarendon is presented with the freedom of the city of Cork — The arrival of Williom of Orange — ^The Irish Catholics are again loyal, to their own great disadvantage — The siege of Bandon — The rise of the Southwell family — The English of Bandon take the rebel side and join Williatt) of Orange — Account given by Joseph Pike, a member of the Society of Friends — Presentments of the Cork Grand Jury — ^William of Orange tries to keep his troops from pilfering and preying on the people — Dean Davies' account of his army far from favourable — The siege of Cork — Dean Davies* graphic account — The Irish governor burns the suburbs, though he has been paid to spare them — Dean Davies said William's soldiers plundered property — How the Friends took care of their temporal affairs — Sir Michael Cox describes how the Irish were treated who took the loyal side — Marlborough's siege of Cork — His difficulties for want of shoes, which he cannot get even had he the money to buy them — The freemen of Cork petition the House of Commons — Smith's last entry, and a curious entry from Tuckey.
CHAP. XVIL— ^/f^/awM Century , ,., 385

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city was the site of a siege in 1690, when William of Orange brought his army here. The Irish governor of the city burned the suburbs, even though he had been paid to spare them. Dean Davies wrote a graphic account of the siege, and what he said about William's army was far from favourable. He reported that William's soldiers plundered property. William of Orange tried to keep his troops from pilfering and preying on the people, but by Dean Davies' account, he did not entirely succeed. The chapter that records all this in the history of Cork also notes that Marlborough later besieged the city as well, and faced his own difficulties, wanting for shoes he could not get even had he the money to buy them. The freemen of Cork later petitioned the House of Commons.

Slaying of the Fitzgeralds at Callan by the Mac Cartys

Callan · town · Kilkenny · 1267

The Mac Cartys took up arms, surprised John FitzGerald, and slew him with his son Maurice at Callan, along with several knights and gentlemen of that family, so oppressing the Fitzgeralds that they could not plough their land for twelve years.

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" Sir Richard de Rupella, or Roch, as Clyn calls him, was made Lord Justice of Ireland, who, being called into England, Sir David de Barry was instituted in his place in 1267. He did excellent service in composing some diflFerences, between the Burkes and Geraldines, who were too strong for the "former governors. The Mac Cartys took up arms, surprised John FitzGerald, and slew him, with his son Maurice, at;Gsdlan,*^in ©esmond, with several knights, and? other gentlemen "of ^'that" family ; and so oppressed them, that the Fitz- Greralds^diHst notiput a plough in the^ground^for^twelve years. Sbon after some dissensions i arose between the Irish of the territories of Carbery and Muskery, headed by the Mac C!arthyB,*Donovaiis, Driscolls, Mahony8,.and-^Swineys, so that they>, weakened and destroyed each other ; whereupon the Mtz'Geralds ^beganyagain to.recover their power and authority.
Edwaid I., "M&;urice FitzMaurice FitzGerald was made Lord A.D. 1272. Justice. of Ireland, June 23rd.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 62

The Caves of Cloyne as Refuge from the Danes

Cloyne · town · Cork

Deep caves beside the old Cathedral of Cloyne are the subject of popular tradition holding that clergy and people found safe retreat there when the country was attacked by the Danes. Bishop Bennett described the extensive underground passages as 'sanctified by a thousand wild traditions.'

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Cloyne was situated in the territoiy of Ui-Lethain, and in that sub-division which was called Ui-]\Iocaille, a name that is still retained in the barony of Imokilly. It is distant nineteen miles from Cork, and " is seated in the heart of a rich and highly cultivated country, being embosomed in gently rising hills. It does credit to the choice of the ancient fathers who here took up their abode in very remote times." — Brash. y ournal of Kilkenny y Arclt. Society. (New Series, iL 253.) To distinguish this See from other churches of the same name — of which there were several scattered throughout Ireland — it was sometimes called by the name Cluain-mor, «>., " The Great Cloyne," but more generally Cluain-uamha, that is " Cloyne of the Caves." There are some very deep and interesting caves close by the old Cathedral. It is probable St Colman or some of his religious lived in them in olden times ; and it is the popular tradition that many of the clergy and people found a safe retreat there when the country was engaged by the Danes. The Protestimt Bishop Bennett thus writes of the caves in 18 1 3 : — ** The tower of Cloyne is situated on a small limestone eminence, gently rising in the midst of the valley, through which I suppose Cork harbour to have once communicated with the sea, and this eminence, therefore, was once an island surrounded with water. On this spot St. Colman, before the year 600, is supposed to have founded his
5l8 TOPOGRAPHICAL OTJIDfi

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 211

Bandon assault repulsed with slaughter and executions

Bandon · town · Cork · 1642

Irish forces under Mac Carthy Reagh attacked Bandon on 18 July 1642 but were repulsed with great slaughter, and the captured prisoners were executed with the customary brutality of the conflict.

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The Lord Justice had taken the rebel side also, and no quarter was the word, even before Cromwell came. The Irish attacked Bandon, under Mac Carthy Reagh, on the 1 8th July, 1642, and were repulsed with great slaughter, and the prisoners executed with the usual barbarity. About the same time Sir Charles Vavasor arrived in Youghal with a thousand men, and Cork was invaded by Lord Muskery. His camp was at Rochfordstown, but his troops were soon repulsed with great loss.
The Parliamentary army were in such need of money, that they seized jC^^ooo, which Sir Robert Tynte was prudently despatching to England. He was, however, well recompensed afterwards. Lord Cork complained, pathetically, that whereas his income once had been fifty pounds a day, he had not now fifty pence a week.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 150

Burning of St Dominick's Image at Cork's High Cross

Cork · city · Cork · 1590–1603

The Dominican Abbey of St Mary's of the Isle in Cork was suppressed by the authorities, and as part of this suppression the image of St Dominick was publicly burned at the high cross of the city. Despite this, popular feeling remained strong and the Friars Preachers continued to occupy their old home for nearly a century afterwards.

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Mortimer, Earl of March. The abbey, however, had recently been ' suppressed/ and the image of St. Dominick burned at the high cross of Cork. But popular feeling was too strong for arbitrary power. At the date of which I speak (the close of Mizabeth's reign), the Friar's Preachers were still in their old home ; and they held it for nearly a century afterwards. Near this was * the fort of Cork,' lately built * to overawe the citizen/ of which I shall have more to tell bye-and-bye. Farther east in the southern suburb stood the Augustinian Abbey — the * Red Abbey' — of which I spoke just now, whose tower still stands in Cumberland street. It is still called the * Red Abbey.' Still farther east, where now runs George'squay, then called the ' Red Abbey Marsh,' were the Church and Abbey of the Knigtita of St. John of Jerusalem.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, the city holds a story from the close of Elizabeth's reign. The Dominican Abbey of St Mary's of the Isle had recently been suppressed, and the image of St Dominick was burned at the high cross of the city. But popular feeling was too strong for arbitrary power. The Friars Preachers were still in their old home, and they held it for nearly a century afterwards. The authorities had built a fort of Cork to overawe the citizens, but it did not drive the friars out.

Cork's churches and suburbs burned in decades of war

Cork · city · Cork · 1447–1462

A royal charter of Edward IV records that eleven parish churches in Cork city and its suburbs had been burned and laid waste for fifteen years due to wars between Irish enemies and English rebels. As a result the citizens could not pay the crown's fee-farm rent and sought a pardon.

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dated Apod, Castellum Snum, the 1st of December, tlie 2nd of his reign — vix., annc • 1462. This charter takes notice of eleven parish churches having been in the city rnd suburbs thereof for one mile round it, for which they paid 80 marks to the crown, as long as the said suburbs remained undestroyed ; and that now the aforesaid churches and suburbs by reason of the wars of Irish enemies and English rebels, were burned and laid waste for the space of fifteen years past, by reason thereof the citizens were become unable to pay his Majesty the said sum, and did seek a pardon for the same from his Majesty's noble father. Upon consideration of which he remits the aforesaid fee-form rent ; and the said king grants the custom called cocquet to the city for the rebuilding of their walls, to hold the same until they could travel a mile round their city in safety.
King Henry VII. confirmed all the former grants with the port of the city, from Rew Rone on the west to Denowdmm on the east ; and in regard to the poverty of the city and the ruin and spoil of the same, he grants a release for all rents due before the date of these letters patent, and in lieu thereof accepts of 2olbs. of wax, to be paid every Easter unto his exchequer in Dublin, during the king's pleasure. This charter also restores the city to the king's ftivour, it being disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck. (Tiste Rege apud Westmouart, 1°, Die Augusti, Au Regu, 150, a.d. 1500).

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 78

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, the city carries an older wound. A royal charter of Edward IV, dated 1462, records that eleven parish churches stood in Cork and its suburbs within one mile round it, and that the citizens paid 80 marks to the crown so long as those suburbs remained undestroyed. But for fifteen years past, the charter says, the churches and suburbs had been burned and laid waste by reason of the wars of Irish enemies and English rebels. The citizens had become unable to pay the 80 marks and sought a pardon from the king's noble father. Edward IV remitted the fee-farm rent and granted the city the custom called cocquet for the rebuilding of their walls, to hold until they could travel a mile round their city in safety. Later, Henry VII confirmed the grants and, noting the poverty and ruin of the city, accepted 20 pounds of wax every Easter at the exchequer in Dublin in place of rents due, restoring Cork to the king's favour after it had been disfranchised for aiding Perkin Warbeck.

Cromwell's capture of Cork and Lady Fanshawe's flight to Kinsale

Cork · city · Cork · 1649

Cromwell's forces captured Cork, an event described by Lady Fanshawe in her account, following which she fled to Kinsale amid the violence of the Cromwellian campaign.

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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

Cork stands ahead as the road carries you through. In 1649, Cromwell landed in Ireland and captured this city. He declared he meddled with no man's conscience, and yet he persecuted most cruelly. His intolerance was by no means confined to Catholics. He pursued all who did not agree with him, including the Quakers. Lady Fanshawe left an account of his capture of Cork. She fled to Kinsale amid the violence. Before Cromwell arrived, Charles the Second had been proclaimed in Cork, Kinsale, and Youghal immediately after the execution of Charles the First. Cromwell's policy was ruthless. He once sent an order for the execution of a gentleman he feared, and he sent the order by the gentleman himself. The intended victim escaped that base treachery. After Cromwell returned to England, Ireland was planted once more. The confiscations that followed were carried out in a barbarous and reckless manner, and the injustice was terrible. An oath was exacted from the Catholics by Cromwell as part of his persecutions.

Death of Milo de Cogan, 'destroyer of all Ireland'

Imokilly · barony · Cork · 1185

The Irish annals record the death of Milo de Cogan, describing him as 'the destroyer of all Ireland, both of church and state', killed by Mac Tire, prince of Ui Mac Caille, now the barony of Imokilly.

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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.
REVOLT OP THE KING OP CORK. lig

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 60

Executions at Kilcullen for rapacious plundering

Kilcullen · electoral division · Cork · 1690

During the siege campaign strict orders were given against plundering by William's soldiers, and several offenders, including a quarter-master and a wagon-master of the Dutch Dragoons, were executed at Kilcullen.

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7. William knew how to keep his troops in order. He could not put down swearing, though Dean IJavis did his best to preach it down, but he could and did put down robbery as far as possible, and it was not very easy with a set of * ' rapacious " adventurers. Davis says : — " Our men were very rapacious. Strict orders were given to seize offenders, and several were taken and executed at Kilcullen, and among them a quarter-master and a wagh- master of the Dutch Dragoons. July 13 being Sunday, our whole army halted, and by yesterday's pillage were full of beef and mutton. I preached in the field against swearing, on James v., 17, and while I was in the sermon seven prisoners were led along our line in order to their execution, and among them one of our regiment.
8. The fort, 1. ^., the Elizabeth fort, in Barrack street. This fort, which Lord Macaulay, says "lies in ruins," is in good preservation to the present day.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 158

Franciscans killed at Youghal convent, 1583

Youghal · town · Cork · 1583

The Franciscan convent of Youghal, built in 1224 and called mother house of the Irish Franciscan Province, was destroyed and depopulated in 1583 when some friars were taken and put to death by the English Protestants.

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YouGHAL. — **\Vard*sMS. History^ of the Irish Convents, "\rritten in 163 2, gives some further details regarding the house of that order in Youghal : — " The convent of Youghal, which was called the mother of the Irish Franciscan Province, was built in the year 1224. In the year 1583 it was destroyed and depopulated, some of the friars having been taken and put to
OOUNTY COfiK. ^47

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 224

Landing at Smerwick and fortification of Fort del Ore

Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1579

James Fitz Maurice's expedition reached Dingle and eventually landed at Smerwick Harbour, throwing themselves into the Fort del Ore, which they fortified as best they could. The Earl of Desmond stood aloof, fearing to be involved.

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squadron, and joined the expedition which Sebastian, the romantic king of Portugal, was preparing to send to Morocco. Fitz Maurice had ti-avelled through France to Spain, fix>m whence he proceeded to Irelanl, with a few troops. He had three small vessels besides his own, and on his way he captured two English ships. He was accompanied by Dr. Saunders, as legate, the Bishop of Killaloe, and Dr. Allen. They were entirely ignorant of Stukeley's desertion until their arrival in Ireland. The squadron reached Dingle on the 1 7th of July, 1579. Eventually they landed at Smerwick Harbour, and threw themselves into the Fort del Ore, which they fortified as best they could. If the Earl of Desmond had joined his 'brother at once, the expedition might have ended diflferently ; but he stood ^oof, fearing to involve himself in a struggle, the issue of which could scarcely be doubtful.
The fact was that the earl was not very earnest about the Catholic interest, while James was devoted to it heart and soul.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 107

Murder of James Fitz Thomas at Rathkeale

Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1480

James Fitz Thomas, Earl of Desmond, was murdered at Rathkeale in County Limerick by his own servants, reportedly at the instigation of his brother John, after only five years as earl.

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James Fitz Thomajs succeeded his father as Earl of Desmond, but only enjoyed his honours five years, as he was murdered at EathkeaJe, in the county Limerick, by his own servants, it is said, at the instigation of his brother John.
According to Russell, this happened in 1480. He was succeeded by his brother Maurice, the tenth earl, who is said to have been " a scourge to the disobedient Irish."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 70

Plunder and imprisonment of Colonel Boyle at Castlemartyr

Castlemartyr · townland · Cork · 1688–1689

Lieutenant-General Mac Carthy marched with field pieces to Castlemartyr, seat of Colonel Henry Boyle, and despite promises of safety, plundered the house and carried Boyle and many gentlemen prisoner to Cork.

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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

Siege of Castleisland and hanging of Desmond's knights

Castleisland · town · Kerry · 1345

D'Ufford marched with a powerful force to Castleisland, the earl's great stronghold, and after a fortnight's siege the castle was taken; the earl's knights Eustace le Poer and William le Grant were hanged along with his seneschal John Cotterel.

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Some of the earl's followers obeyed the Viceroy's writs, and refused to attend at Callan, whither D'Ufford marched with a powerful force to subdue the refractory noble. He marched through the country as far as Castleisland, which was the earls great stronghold. The earl's knights, Eustace le Poer and William le Grant, refused to obey the summons ; but after a fortnight's siege the castle was taken, and the knights were hanged, with the earl's seneschal, John Cotterel. Desmond, however, still remained at large, and the Viceroy bethought himself of the bond executed twelve years before, in which so many nobles had so imprudently proflfered their sureties for the Desmond. The "muinpemoms" were proceeded against, their lands forfeited, and many were completely ruined in consequence. In the meantime, another phase in the history of disorder was eflfected by the death of D'Uflford, on Palm Sunday, 1 346. He was generally disliked, and his proud widow left the country amidst the openly expressed contempt of the populace.
Sir John Moritz was now sent to rule the troublesome colony, and on his arrival in Dublin he liberated the Earl of KUdaxe; and soon after the Eaxl of Desmond sailed for England from Youghal with his wife and two sons, and surrendered himself to the king on honourable terms, obtaining an allowance from the treasury of twenty shillings per diem. During his detention he obtained favourable terms for himself, and

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 68

St Cannera's grave and burial by the shore at Inis Cathaigh

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

The virgin saint Cannera, refused residence on the island during her life by St Senan, was granted a place of burial on the strand; she died there and was buried, her grave marked by a stone said to protect seafarers who pray at it from drowning.

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her, and bade her welcome. It is for that I came, said Canncra, and blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord. Go, said Senan, to my mother and my sister, who abide on 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. Christ 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 heaven 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 shaU have a place of resurrection on the brink of the sea, said Senan, but I fear the tide wiU 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 in the water and her Troddau 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 in on 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 h^r 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 intercession with the Trinity for him : if he be going on sea, he will return by the grace of God, and he will not be drowned in any part of the world." — Life of St. Senan^ OXooneyMS., C.U.T., chap. 5, p.p. 30 31.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 217

Armed Gang Battles at Hammond's Field near Blarney

near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1764

Large numbers of armed men assembled weekly at Hammond's field near Blarney, dividing into two parties for running battles that lasted hours, often resulting in broken heads. These same fields had earlier been the assembly point for ruffians during a period of frequent street robberies and murders in Cork.

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"April 15, 1764. — A great number of fellows were at this time in the habit of assembling in Hammond's field, near Blarney, every Sunday evenipg, many of them armed with swords, etc., in open contempt of the magistracy, where they divide themselves into two parties in order of battle, jmd generally maintained a running fight for several hours, in which some of both parties seldom failed of getting broken heads; from thence some of their leaders, after their evening's diversion, used to remove the scene of action to the city, and continue rioting the remainder of the night. Before the beginning of the previous war, when knocking down, street robberies, and sometimes murders were so frequent here, that the inhabitants were afraid to stir outside their doors after niglitfall, it was in those same fields that the ruffians assembled.
396 RED ABBEY BRIDGE OPENED.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 165

Danish burning of Rossailithir and Kenmare, c.840

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 840

Around 840, Northern pirates killed the anchorite Cormac, son of Selbach, plundered Cork, and burned Rossailithir and Kenmare along with much of Munster, though the men of middle Munster later gave them battle at Ard-Feradagh.

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" A.D. 840, the * Wars of the Danes' mentions an irruption of the Northern Pirates about the year 840, when ' they killed Cormac, son of Selbach, the Anchorite. He it was whom the angel let loose three times, but each time he was bound again. Moreover, Cork was plundered by them, and they burned Rossailithir and Kenmare and the greater part of Munster. But the men of middle Munster gave them battle, and their slaughter was completed at Ard-Feradagh.'
" A.D. 850, Condach, Abbot of Rossailithir, died.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ross Carbery, you are near the old settlement of Rossailithir. Around 840, Northern pirates killed Cormac, son of Selbach, an anchorite whom the source says "the angel let loose three times, but each time he was bound again." They plundered Cork and burned Rossailithir and Kenmare and the greater part of Munster. The men of middle Munster gave them battle, and their slaughter was completed at Ard-Feradagh. In 850, Condach, Abbot of Rossailithir, died.

Deadly Assault on Haulbowline Fort

near Haulbowline Island · population centre · Cork · 1603

During the standoff between the Cork citizens and the royal commissioners over the proclamation of James I, the citizens sent boats under William Terry to seize the fort of Haulbowline or intercept its artillery. Several men were killed on both sides in this assault before the guns reached the commissioners' camp.

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The commissioners, finding no good was to be done by treaty, sent to Halbowlin for artillery ; but the citizens having notice of their design, manned some boats, under the command of William, Terry, to take that fort ; or, if possible, to intercept the artillery. And in this attempt on the fort there were several killed on both sides ; but the guns came safe to the commissioners' camp, which so terrified them that they
8. Smith says: — "Richard Gold, who was arrainged for attempting the fort of Halbowlin, proved that the late lord president's steward took from him twenty barrels of wheat for the Lady Carew, without paying for it ; and he going for his money, woujd give him bat 20s. of the new standard for every barrel, which he would not accept, but desired a bill to receive it in England of the lord president. The wheat, he says, cost him in France 19s. a barrel, in silver money, besides his charges, and to oblige the president, he offered to sell it for his own money again." — MSS. at Lismore,

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 145

Earl of Kildare garrisons Cork after citizens aid Perkin Warbeck

Cork · city · Cork · 1498

In October 1498 the Earl of Kildare marched to Cork and placed a strong garrison in the city as punishment for the citizens' disobedience in assisting the pretender Perkin Warbeck, later forcing the leading citizens to swear allegiance to King Henry.

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In October, 1498, the Earl of Kildare marched to Cork, and placed a strong garrison in the city, because of the disobedience of the citizens in affording assistance to Perkin Warbeck. The same month he caused the principal citizens, and the inhabitants of Kinsale, to take the oath of allegiance to King Henry, and obliged them to enter into bonds and pledges for their future loyalty.
In November, Perkin Warbeck and his friend, John 1499.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you are in a city that felt the hand of the Earl of Kildare in October 1498. He marched here and placed a strong garrison in the city, punishing the citizens for helping the pretender Perkin Warbeck. That same month he made the principal citizens, and the people of Kinsale, swear allegiance to King Henry and enter into bonds and pledges for their future loyalty.

Mayor Maunsell narrowly escapes hanging over brass money

Cork · city · Cork · 1689

After King James's proclamation for coining 'brass money' in June 1689, the Mayor of Cork, Richard Maunsell, narrowly escaped hanging for refusing to accept it.

Read the passage

King James issued his celebrated proclamation for the coining of "brass money" on the i8th of June, 1689, and the Mayor of Cork, Richard Maunsell, had a narrow escape of hansfing for refusing it,^ and becoming a very exalted example of the blessing of his Majesty's presence in the country.
After the king's arrival in Dublin he issued various proclamations, which were almost as valuable as the paper they were written on, and paid the Irish many compliments on their loyalty, which must have been exceedingly gratifying after his ignominious and disgraceful flight from the Boyne.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 157

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this is the city where Richard Maunsell served as mayor in 1689. That June, King James issued his proclamation for the coining of brass money, and Maunsell refused to accept it. He narrowly escaped hanging for that refusal. The source calls him a very exalted example of the blessing of his Majesty's presence in the country, said with some sarcasm. After the king arrived in Dublin he issued more proclamations, which the author notes were almost as valuable as the paper they were written on.

Persecution and killing of friars at Bantry Abbey

Bantry · town · Cork · 1508–1602

The Franciscan convent of Bantry was seized by the English in 1508, during which two friars were killed and the rest forced to flee. Later, in 1602, Daniel O'Sullivan partially destroyed the abbey himself to prevent it becoming an enemy stronghold.

Read the passage

Bantry, Beanntraighe^ derives the name from Bmun^ a son of Conor Mac Nesa, King of Ulster in the first century. According to the annals of the Four Masters, the monastery of Bantry was built by O'Sullivan, in the year a.d. 1320. The M.S. history of the Franciscan Order in Ireland adds : — " The building of the convent of Bantry, in the diocese of Ross, was begun about the year 1320, and it was reformed by Father David Harly in the year 1432. When persecution arose it was seized on by the English in the year 1 508, two of the friars being killed, and the rest obliged to fly for their lives. Subsequently Daniel O'Sullivan, Earl of Berehaven, having driven out the English in the year 1602, partially destroyed it lest it should again become a stronghold of the enemy, promising at the same time to rebuild it as soon as possible. This, however, he never was aMe to accomplish, lor l^e was obliged to fly into Spain^ and there met an early deata.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 197

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Bantry now. The name goes back to Bain, a son of Conor Mac Nesa, King of Ulster in the first century. The monastery here was built by O'Sullivan around 1320. The Franciscan history says the convent of Bantry, in the diocese of Ross, was begun about 1320 and reformed by Father David Harly in 1432. When persecution arose it was seized on by the English in 1508. Two of the friars were killed and the rest obliged to fly for their lives. Later, Daniel O'Sullivan, Earl of Berehaven, having driven out the English in 1602, partially destroyed the place himself, lest it should again become a stronghold of the enemy. He promised at the same time to rebuild it as soon as possible. This he was never able to accomplish. He was obliged to fly into Spain and there met an early death.

Priests hunted as outlaws under the penal laws in Cork county

Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1696–1702

County Cork Grand Jury Presentments at the close of the 17th century record priests such as John Mulcoroy being pursued as outlaws unable to be taken by warrant, with demands they be proclaimed rebels and traitors. Later presentments name Cornelius Crowley of Skibbereen and Owen Mac Owen Sullivan of Kilcaskin as Irish Papists teaching school illegally.

Read the passage

The County of Cork Grand Juiy Presentments at the close of the 1 7th century detail some facts of the deepest interest. In 1687 they present — " That the Protestant clergy, under colour of law, exact from the Koman Catholick subjects several sums of 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 represent the same to the government, or otherwise make such order that may hinder these inconveniences ; and the rather because the like duties are not demanded in any other Christian country by the clergy, nor from any other but the Roman Catholics." In 1694 they present — an address to the judge, complaining of the Popish clergy that come from beyond the sea, and praying for the suppression of Popish schools. In 1696 they state — " That John Mulcoroy, a Popish priest, and others, are out on their keeping, and cannot be taken by warrant. We, therefore, pray they may be ordered to surrender themselves by a certain day, or that they may be proclaimed rebels and traitors to the government." In the following year they complain — " That Cornelius Crowley, alias Maddery, of Skibbereen, and Owen Mac Owen Sidlivan, of Kilcaskin parish, and others, all Irish Papists, have taus;ht school and continue
2l8 THE PENAL LAWS.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

As you come through Skibbereen, you are in country that the penal laws touched closely. The County Cork Grand Jury Presentments at the close of the 17th century tell part of the story. In 1687 they set down that Protestant clergy, under colour of law, exacted from the Roman Catholick subjects sums of christening, purification, burying, and book money, sued them in spiritual courts, and committed them to prison, dispeopling the country. In 1694 they complained of Popish clergy that come from beyond the sea, and prayed for the suppression of Popish schools. In 1696 they stated that John Mulcoroy, a Popish priest, and others, are out on their keeping, and cannot be taken by warrant. They prayed they may be ordered to surrender themselves by a certain day, or that they may be proclaimed rebels and traitors to the government. The following year they complained that Cornelius Crowley, alias Maddery, of Skibbereen, and Owen Mac Owen Sullivan, of Kilcaskin parish, and others, all Irish Papists, have taught school and continue. So the record stands: priests and schoolmasters named, hunted, demanded to give themselves up or be called rebels.

Prince Aenghus baptized by St Patrick at Cashel

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 450–500

St Patrick baptized Aenghus, son of Nadfreach, King of Munster, at Cashel. During the ceremony the saint unintentionally pierced the prince's foot with his crozier, drawing blood, but Aenghus remained unmoved believing it part of the rite.

Read the passage

-^ghus was baptized by St. Patrick at Cashel, and it is said that the saint pierced his foot unintentionally with his crozier. A stream of blood poured forth, but the prince remained unmoved, believing it to be a part of the ceremony. He received a special blessing for himself and his ofispring, who have undoubtedly multiplied to all the ends of the earth.
The Four Masters and the earlier annalists are reticent on southern aflfairs, in which they were naturally less interested ; but Keating' records a battle in the year 528 at Cuille, in the county Cork, wherein an immense number perished. He further adds that this disaster was the result of some insult oflfered to a devout woman, Suidhe Midhe, who had been in some way ill-treated by the people. This is the first, and, we believe, the last instance in which any complaint has been made, either in ancient or modem times, of the Cork people, whose charity is too well known to need commendation.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, St. Patrick baptized Aenghus, son of Nadfreach, king of Munster. This was sometime between 450 and 500. It is said that during the ceremony the saint pierced the prince's foot with his crozier, unintentionally, and a stream of blood poured forth. Aenghus remained unmoved, believing it to be a part of the ceremony. He received a special blessing for himself and his offspring, who, in the words of the record, "have undoubtedly multiplied to all the ends of the earth." The Four Masters and the earlier annalists are reticent on southern affairs, in which they were naturally less interested. But Keating records a battle in 528 at Cuille, in county Cork, where an immense number perished. He adds that this disaster resulted from some insult offered to a devout woman, Suidhe Midhe, who had been ill-treated by the people.

Sir Maurice of Desmond taken prisoner and slain by his own guard

near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1563

After Dermot Mac Carthy defeated the Geraldines under Sir Maurice of Desmond, Sir Maurice was taken prisoner and, while left in the keeping of four horsemen, was slain by his own guard.

Read the passage

In 1563 Dermot Mac Carthy, the seventh chieftain of Muskery, (" tiiis lord died in 1536, was buried at Kilcrea"), again defeated the Geraidines under the command of Sir Maurice of Desmond, his father-in-law ; the latter was taken prisoner, and he, whilst left in the keeping of four horsemen, was slain by his guard (but his preservation, say the Four Masters, would hav«e been more profitable than any victory gained by his death, and the man who was slain was the high tempered steel of ihe Geraidines in dangerous conflict, the plunderer of his enemies, and the slayer of his opponents. The eighth lord was Cormac Mac Teige, " the rarest man that was ever bom amonj the Irishry," according to Sir Henry Sydney. He was knighted by the Lord Justice of Ireland, and appointed sheriff of the county of Cork, in consequence of a victory obtained by him over Sir James, brother of the Earl of Desmond. The power of the Mac Carthys at this period was very considerable.
Cormac Oge, the ninth lord, died in 1 640. He was succeeded by his son, Donogh, a name distinguished in the history of his times. He took an early and decided part in the unfortunate civil war, which broke out in 1 64 1 , and was appointed one of the leaders of the confederate Catholics, in which situation Lord Castlehaven assures us, he did all he could to bring back the whole nation to their obedience to the king and laws, and in this he was aided by his whole party — the O'Callaghans and other men of note in Munster. In the beginning of 1642 he appeared in Carbery, in tke west of ti^e county, at the hea<l of a numerous host, led by his own feudatorees, Mac Carthy Reagh, O'Donovan, O'Sidilivan, etc., and with these pr^|)ared to lay siege to Cork.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 201

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Muskerry, in 1563, Dermot Mac Carthy, the seventh chieftain of Muskerry, again defeated the Geraldines under the command of Sir Maurice of Desmond. Sir Maurice was his father-in-law. After the battle, Sir Maurice was taken prisoner. He was left in the keeping of four horsemen, and while in their charge, he was slain by his own guard. The Four Masters say that his preservation would have been more profitable than any victory gained by his death. They describe the man who was slain as "the high tempered steel of the Geraldines in dangerous conflict, the plunderer of his enemies, and the slayer of his opponents." The power of the Mac Carthys at this period was very considerable. The eighth lord was Cormac Mac Teige, whom Sir Henry Sydney called "the rarest man that was ever born among the Irishry." He was knighted by the Lord Justice of Ireland and appointed sheriff of the county of Cork, in consequence of a victory obtained by him over Sir James, brother of the Earl of Desmond. After Cormac Mac Teige came Cormac Oge, the ninth lord. He was succeeded by his son Donogh, a name distinguished in the history of his times. Donogh took an early and decided part in the unfortunate civil war and was appointed one of the leaders of the confederate Catholics. Lord Castlehaven assures us he did all he could to bring back the whole nation to their obedience to the king and laws, and in this he was aided by his whole party, the O'Callaghans and other men of note in Munster. He appeared in Carbery, in the west of the county, at the head of a numerous host, led by his own feudatories, MacCarthy Reagh, O'Donovan, O'Sullivan, and with these prepared to lay siege to Cork.

Slaying of Dermot Mac Carty near Cork

Cork · city · Cork

Dermot Mac Carty, king of Desmond, was slain by Theobald Walter and a party of English while holding a conference with other Irish chiefs near Cork.

Read the passage

** This year Dermot Mac Carty, king of Desmond, was slain by Theobald Walter, with a party of the English, as he was holding a conference with other Irish chiefs near Cork.
Richard I, " Douald Mac Carty demolished the castle of Imo- A.D. 1 196. killy, and killed many of the English ; he also plundered the castle of Kilfeakle. Colgan says there was a church in Muskery called by this name, />., Ecclesia deuis, from a tooth of Saint Patrick kept there. This castle probably stood near it, but the place is not now known. Soon after the English assembled their forces, which made up a good army, but by the interposition of some mediators, a peace was concluded, and both armies dispersed.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Cork, the city is tied to the history of Desmond. Dermot Mac Carty, king of Desmond, demolished the castle of Imokilly, killed many of the English, and plundered the castle of Kilfeakle. The English assembled a good army, but by the interposition of mediators, peace was concluded, and both armies dispersed. Dermot Mac Carty was slain by Theobald Walter and a party of English while holding a conference with other Irish chiefs near this city.

Bishop of Cork's residence at Rahan near Fermoy during the plot

Rahan · townland · Cork · 974–976

Molloy remained with the bishop at Raithen mor, near Fermoy, either to allay suspicion or to avoid being present at the murder he had conspired to commit against Mahoun.

Read the passage

stationed near with a body of Danish and Irish troops, Mahoun was brought to Cnoc-an-redhrainn, in the mountains of Sliabh Cadn? but MoUoy remained with the bishops at Raithen mor^ either to allay any suspicions he mi^t have now formed, or because he did not wish to-be present at the commission of the crime, to which he was so ready to be accessory.
Some of lie Cork clergy went with Mahoun, in entire ignorance of the premeditated treachery. There is a diflference in the accounts as to the exact locality where the foul deed was d<Mie. But tliere is a gap or pass called Beama Dhearg^ in the mountain of SHabh Caem, where tradition says the murder was committed.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 41

Cathedral of Ross partly destroyed in the 1641 war

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1641

During the confederate war in 1641 the nave and tower of the cathedral of Ross were levelled to the ground, though the choir and two chapels remained intact, ending its era as a great pilgrim destination.

Read the passage

During the confederate war in 1641, as we learn from Lynch's M.S. " History of the Irish Sees," " the nave and tower of the cathedral were levelled to the ground, the choir and two chapels remaining intact. One of these chapels was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the other to St. Fachnan, and in former times, so great was the concourse of pilgrims to tliis church on the Feast of the Assumption and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, that traders used to come thither with their merchandize from all parts of the island, and in the fairs, which had their origin in this custom, no tax was for a long time imposed on any articles of merchandize."
Rivers. — There are two " silver" rivers in the county Cork — the Arglin (silvery) river a tributary of the Blackwater, into which it falls below Kilworth : and the Arigideen (little silver river), which empties itself into the bay of Courtmacsherry. The Avonmore river, now the Blackwater, falls into the sea at YoughaL Ptolmey calls this the Dabrona, the Black-flowing water, which no doubt is a translation of the ancient Celtic name. The Aubeg is the little river. The Awin Buy, the yellow-coloured river, in the barony of Kinalea, county Cork.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 223

As the companion tells it

Coming up along Ross Carbery in Cork. The cathedral here was partly destroyed in the confederate war of 1641. According to Lynch's manuscript history of the Irish sees, the nave and tower of the cathedral were levelled to the ground, while the choir and two chapels remained intact. One of those chapels was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the other to St. Fachnan. In former times, so great was the concourse of pilgrims to this church on the Feast of the Assumption and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, that traders used to come with their merchandise from all parts of the island. The fairs that had their origin in this custom ran for a long time with no tax imposed on any articles of merchandise. The war of 1641 brought that era to an end. What had been a great pilgrim destination was left with only its choir and two chapels standing.

Cork mayor's trial and jury fined for refusing to convict

Cork · city · Cork

When the Cork mayor and aldermen refused to issue a royal proclamation, a trial followed and the jury was fined heavily because they would not find for the Crown, reflecting the political tensions of the period in Cork.

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're in a city that once put its foot down against a new king. When Elizabeth died, Captain Morgan was sent to Cork to proclaim her successor. The mayor and aldermen refused to issue the proclamation. There were sharp words on both sides, and the matter went to trial. The jury would not find for the Crown, and for that they were fined heavily. It tells you something about where political feeling in Cork stood in those years. The people here had their own grievances. When the Lord Lieutenant later entered the city, the people laid plowshares in the street, to show the misery they had suffered in not being allowed to till their land. Cork burned in 1622, and the century that followed brought war, confiscation, and persecution under Cromwell, who declared he meddled with no man's conscience and yet persecuted most cruelly. Charles the Second was proclaimed in Cork, Kinsale, and Youghal immediately after the execution of Charles the First. Then Cromwell landed in Ireland, and Ireland, as the record puts it, was planted once more.

Cormac Mac Carthy killed by his own brother

Kilcrea · townland · Cork · 1495

Cormac, son of Teige, Lord of Muskery, was killed by his own brother Owen in 1495. Cormac was the founder of Kilcrea abbey.

Read the passage

" 1495. — Cormac, son of Teige, son of Cormae, Lord of Muskery, was killed by his owa brother Owen, the son of Teige." (He was the founder of Kilcrea.)
His successor Cormac. C^e Laidir had in the barony of Muskery ravaged and ljEii4 waste in 1 5 2 1 , by James, Earl of Desmond. Cormac, ai^ed by Mac Carthy Reagh and other chieftains, . overtook the eari near Mourne Abbey, between Cork and M^^w ; and there at length, says the histoiiau of the Greraldines, Father Bosasio O'Daiy, it happened, as if covered with a dark cloiid, tke splt^dsur of the Geraldiues was obfuscated, not more lirough the bravery of the enemy than their own rashness, for Thomas the Bald, uncle to the earl, to whom on tiiat day the commatpd of the horse was committed, whilst inconsiderately he rushed with too impetuous a violence on his adversaries, breaks the phalanx of his own

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 200

Danish raid and slaughter attempting to plunder Cork, 1088

Cork · city · Cork · 1088

In 1088 the foreigners attempted to plunder Cork but suffered a great slaughter at the hands of the O'Neachays of Munster, an event also recorded in the Annals of Ulster.

Read the passage

7. The annals of Ulster have the following record under the year 1088. Cathalan OTorrcy, chief in learning and prayer, 3 Non. Martii in Imlcch Ivair, Shrovetide Sunday, in pace quievit. An army by Donell Mac Lochlaim, King of Ailech, m Connaght, that Rory gave him the hostages of Connaght, and "(they) "went together into Mounster, and burnt Limerick and the Machaire to Dunached, and brought with them the head of Mac Cailig, and brake down Censora, kc. Tiemach O'Broyne, Airchinnech of Cloumie-Nois, in christo quievit. Great slaughier of the Galls of Dublin, of Wicklow" [rccte Wexford], ** and Waterford, by tlie O'Neachays of Mounster, the day thai ihey enterpriied to spoyle Corke."
7-2

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

Cork is ahead on the road. In 1088, the foreigners of Dublin, Wexford, and Waterford attempted to plunder Cork, but the O'Neachays of Munster inflicted a great slaughter upon them. The Annals of Ulster record the event, noting that these Galls were cut down the day they tried to spoil the city.

Earthquake Shock Felt at Cork and Kinsale

Kinsale · town · Cork · 1761

A shock of an earthquake was felt at Cork and Kinsale, especially between the gates of Cork, lasting about a minute. Six hours later the tide at Kinsale rose suddenly and ebbed with great force several times.

Read the passage

" A shock of an earthquake was felt at Cork and Kinsale, especially between the gates of the fonner town. It continued about a minute, undulating from east to west, and vice versa ; and in six hours after, near low water, the tide rose suddenly at Kinsale, about two feet higher than it was, and ebbed away in the space of four minutes, with great force, which was repeated several times, but the first time it rose highest.
"April 15, 1764. — A great number of fellows were at this time in the habit of assembling in Hammond's field, near Blarney, every Sunday evenipg, many of them armed with swords, etc., in open contempt of the magistracy, where they divide themselves into two parties in order of battle, jmd generally maintained a running fight for several hours, in which some of both parties seldom failed of getting broken heads; from thence some of their leaders, after their evening's diversion, used to remove the scene of action to the city, and continue rioting the remainder of the night. Before the beginning of the previous war, when knocking down, street robberies, and sometimes murders were so frequent here, that the inhabitants were afraid to stir outside their doors after niglitfall, it was in those same fields that the ruffians assembled.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 165

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Kinsale now, the town in Cork where the ground itself once moved. A shock of an earthquake was felt at Cork and Kinsale, especially between the gates of Cork. It lasted about a minute, undulating from east to west and back again. Six hours later, near low water, the tide at Kinsale rose suddenly, about 2 feet higher than it had been. It ebbed away in the space of 4 minutes, with great force. This happened several times, though the first time it rose highest. The book also records something else from these parts. On April 15, 1764, a great number of fellows were in the habit of assembling in Hammond's field, near Blarney, every Sunday evening. Many were armed with swords, in open contempt of the magistracy. They divided themselves into two parties in order of battle and generally maintained a running fight for several hours. Some of both parties seldom failed to get broken heads. After their evening's diversion, leaders would remove the scene of action to the city and continue rioting the rest of the night. Before the previous war, knocking down, street robberies, and sometimes murders were so frequent that the inhabitants were afraid to stir outside their doors after nightfall. It was in those same fields that the ruffians assembled.

Hanging of Desmond's followers after Callan revolt

Callan · town · Kilkenny · 1345

After the Earl of Desmond defied the Lord Justice and set up a rival assembly at Callan, his castles Inisbrysty and Island Castle were captured and several of his followers, Sir Eustace Poer, Sir William Grant, and Sir John Cotterel, were hanged.

Read the passage

We find Desmond refusing the Lord Justices command to attend Parliament in Dublin in 1345, and appointing another Assembly of his own at Callan, in the county Kilkenny. The result was a petty war, and the capture of two of the earl's castles — Inisbrysty and the Island C astle — and the hanging of certain of his followers : Sir Eustace Poer, Sir William
I. Smith was by no means partial 'to his native land or his race, and throughout his History identifies himself with the English. Yet he says that L'fford **\vas greedy of amassirg wealth," and proved an improper person.— ^////V//'j///*/(;ry (2^ CW/t, vol. I, p. 21.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 65

King Cathal cured of blindness, deafness and dumbness by St Mochuada

Spike Island · townland · Cork

Cathal, son of Aodh, king of Munster, was afflicted with disease that left him deaf, dumb and blind while in the land of Cuircore; St Mochuada made the sign of the cross over him and cured all his diseases and blemishes, after which the king granted him extensive lands including Spike Island.

Read the passage

prayed to God for him, and he put the sign of the cro6s on his eyes, and on his ears, and on his mouth, and he was cured of all diseases and blemishes. And Cathal gave extensive lands to God and to Mochuada for ever, namely, Cathal Island and Ross bay, and Rossmore, and Pick Island, now Spike Island. And Mochuada sent holy brothers to build a church in Rossbey bi honour of God. And Mochuada himself commenced building a monastery in Pick Island, and he remained a fuU year in it. Mochuada then placed three of his disciples, namely, the three sons of Naseann, u ^., Bishop Goban and Straphan, the priest; and Laisren, the saint, in these churches, and it was the holy Bishop of Ardomain that gave holy orders to those three persons in the presence of Mochuada, and it is he that was appointed to direct and to preserve them in the way of righteousness, and he left two score more of his brethem in the monastery of Pick Island in place of himself. And ]\Iochuada then returned to Rahan ; and that Isl^ind which we have mentianed, i.e. , Pick Island is a most holy place, and most pious people reside in it perpetually." — G Curry ^MS.^ C. U.I.
KiLCREA. five miles out of Cork, in the barony of Musker}'. ArchidaU says :

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 217

Sacred stone and holy well at Kinneigh round tower

Kinneigh · townland · Cork

At Kinneigh, a high round tower stood on the south-west corner of the churchyard, and a stone on the same corner of the church was counted very sacred, upon which the Irish solemnly swore. Tradition also held that a well of great medicinal virtue once existed in the churchyard until it was stopped up because the concourse of pilgrims proved too chargeable to inhabitants.

Read the passage

has obliged all the tenants not to admit Papists. In the piaish of Skull there are about four Protestant fdhuUes, and about four- hundred Papist lamilies; Daniel Carthy is Popish priest of the eastern part of this parish ; Tie has been here ever since before the late tjoubles. No glebe in this pai'ish, no registry -book, nor Bible, nor common prayer look. In Kilmoe there are the ruins of a chapel at the westrend of the town dedicated ito St. MuUagh. The cliiurch of Kilmoe fe dedicated to St. Briana, alias Bnmdou, whose festival is observed in this parish. There are about nine Protestant families, and 'two hundred Papists ; Teige Coghlen is Popish priest of Kilmoe, and of the western part, or Skull ; he has been^ here abcait eight years. A young Irishman, a Papist, teaches school about the middle of the parish. In all O'Sullivan s country . they obseiTe as a holiday ' St. Eooane's Day.' At Kinneigh a high round tower stands on the southwest corner of the churfh-yaid. 'Tis supposed this church was formerly a cathedral. A stone is on the south-west corner of the church of Kinneigh, counted very sacred, w^hich the Irish solemnly swear upon. The church is accounted by the Irish very sacred. There is a tradition that formerly, in this churchyard, there was a well that had great medicinal virtues, and that the concourse of people being very chargeable to the inhabitants they stopped it up. In MiuTagh, Daniel Hurly, a quiet man, is Popish priest of this and thrie or four contiguous parishes ; there are more Protestants tlian Papists ; there was a registry lately Bought, and a Bible, and two Common Prayer books. In Desertsurgis there are one hundred and fifty families of Protestants ; no Popish schoolmaster in this parish ; a Bible and Common Prayer book lately bought ; Denis Mahony is Popish priest of this parisL"
A Frenchman, M. de la BeuUaye, who travelled in Ireland

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 98

Siege of Smerwick Fort by the Earl of Ormond

Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

Ormond attacked the Italian-held fort at Smerwick with 1,500 men, skirmishing with the garrison and losing Captain Andrew Martyne. He described the fort's rampart and his eventual withdrawal for want of provisions and artillery.

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"The 1 2th of that month (October), I took a few of my ct)mpany with me to take a view of the forte, and drawing neare them, there issued from the forte one hundred and twelve Italians, and bestowed musket shot on me, at which time Andrew Martyne, Constable of Castel-Mayne, being with me, was slain. Whereupon, having with me 80 shotte, we skirmished with the Italians and drove them into the forte, after which they saluted us with their great shot.
256 COWAPiDICE OF SAN JOSE

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 115

Suppression of the Grey Friary of Shandon

near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1540–1600

The Franciscan monastery of St. Mary of Shandon in Cork, once called 'the mirror of all Ireland' for its strict observance and piety, was the first convent in all Ireland to be suppressed by the Reformation in 1540. It remained desolate for sixty years until a residence was re-established there in 1600.

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Father Wadding says that this monastery, on account o: its strict observance of regular life, and the piety of it inmates, was formerly called " the mirror of all Ireland." I wtis erected into a custodia in the year 1260, in the genera chapter of Narbonne. It passed to the Friars of the Reforinec Observance previous to the year 1 500, and remained in thei possession till the year 1540, when heresy and persecutioi bcijfan to ra^^^e, and it was the first convent in all Ireland tha was suppressed by the heretics. It remained desolate till tn year 1600, when, in the provincialate of F. Maurice Ultan, residence w^is erected in that city, and F. William Farris wa appointed guardian, and from that time to the present da; (1632) the friars laboured with great fruit for the salvation c the faithful and the conversion of the heretics. The fin founder of the convent was Dermod Mac Carthy More, calle Dondraynean, King of the people of Munster, and some pre vincial kings of his kindred were buried there in the habit < the friars' minors.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 208

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Shandon, you're near the site of a Franciscan monastery of St. Mary, once called "the mirror of all Ireland" for the strict observance and piety of its inmates. It was erected into a custodia in 1260 at the general chapter of Narbonne. In 1540 it became the first convent in all Ireland to be suppressed by the heretics, and it remained desolate for sixty years. In 1600, under the provincialate of F. Maurice Ultan, a residence was erected in the city and F. William Farris was appointed guardian. From that time to 1632 the friars laboured with great fruit for the salvation of the faithful and the conversion of the heretics. The founder of the convent was Dermod Mac Carthy More, called Dondraynean, King of the people of Munster, and some provincial kings of his kindred were buried there in the habit of the friars' minors.

The Great Plague (Bl\u00e9fed Chr\u00f3m Chonaill)

Glasnevin · townland · Dublin · 543

In the year 543 an extensively universal plague swept away a third of the human race, preceded by famine and followed by leprosy. Its first victims were St Berchan of Glasnevin and St Finnen of Clonard.

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In the year 543 " there was an extensively universal plague throughout the world, which swept away the noblest third part of the hmilan race." It was known as the Blefed 01 Cfom ChonailL It was preceded by famine and followed by leprosy, and its first victims were St. Berchan of Glasnevin, and St. Finnen of Clonard.
9. Keating; 0*Conor*s Translation, vol. 2, p. 31.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 543, the first victim of a great plague fell. It was called the Blefed of Crom Chonaill, and it swept away a third of the human race. Famine came before it, leprosy after. St Berchan of Glasnevin was among the first to die, along with St Finnen of Clonard.

Trial of Captain Teightly for Assassination Attempt in Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1789

At the trial of Captain Teightly in Cork, the jury found him guilty of co-operating with soldiers who were convicted of an attempt at assassination. Curran's fiery courtroom language against the defendant became a subject of controversy among lawyers and army officers.

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stuck to his back.' These words, the gentlemen of the bar contended, that Mr. Cunan was justified in using by the event (for the jury fovmd him guilty of co-operating with a party of soldiers, who were also convicted of an attempt at assassination), and that no lawyer could be safe for a moment if he was obliged to fight every culprit whom his exertions had brought to punishment, as soon as he suffered the sentence of the law. On the other hand, the gentlemen of the anny contended that the words were such as- no man of spirit, no man who honoured the king's commission could possibly submit to ; that no event could justify or palliate antecedent expressions, which, however true they might be after conviction, were evidenth at once premature and barbarous, and intended to bias the minds of the jury; and that they were satisfied that Mr. CJurran's influence and exertions did produce that effect, and that the verdict was clearly partial.
"Mr. Curran, however, refused to meet Captain Teightly, and considered the whole as a professional matter wherein the safety of every lawyer in the kingdom was involved, and deteiinined to punish him with the utmost extent of legal severity.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 167

As the companion tells it

Cork, the city you are passing through, was the scene of a notorious trial in 1789. A jury found Captain Teightly guilty of cooperating with soldiers who were convicted of an attempt at assassination. The lawyer Curran's language against the defendant in the courtroom became a subject of fierce controversy. The gentlemen of the bar argued that Curran was justified, that no lawyer could be safe if he had to fight every culprit his exertions had brought to punishment. The army officers contended that Curran's words were premature and barbarous, intended to bias the jury, and that the verdict was clearly partial. Curran refused to meet Teightly, considering the whole affair a professional matter wherein the safety of every lawyer in the kingdom was involved, and determined to punish him with the utmost extent of legal severity.

Danish devastation and looting of St. Finbar's shrine at Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1089

St. Finbar's remains, enshrined in silver and venerated at Cork, remained there until 1089 when Dermod O'Brien devastated Cork and carried the relics away.

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When St. Finbar found his end approaching he stole away secretly from Cork, so that he might die at Cloyne, and here he went to his reward. His remains were then carried to Cork, where they were eneased in a silver shrine, and where they were venerated by the faithful. Here they remained till 1089, when Dermod O'Brien devastated Cork and carried them away.
So many holy men wished to be buried in Cork, that St.

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 27

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you're in a city whose old shrine once held the remains of St. Finbar. He had slipped away to die at Cloyne, but his body was brought back here, enclosed in silver, and venerated by the faithful. Those relics stayed in Cork until 1089, when Dermod O'Brien devastated the city and carried them off.

Death of Lord Cork's son at the siege of Liscarroll

Liscarroll · town · Cork

The Confederate party suffered a heavy loss at the siege of Liscarroll, where one of Lord Cork's sons was killed in the fighting and carried bravely from the field by his younger brother.

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The Confederate party suflTered a considerable loss at the siege of Liscarroll, where Lord Cork's son was killed, and very bravely borne oflF the field by his young brother.
Lord Cork died himself soon after, having certainly provided well for his family, and having shown the utmost indifference to all sense of honour in his public career. Yet his sons were not quite so grateful as he expected, for he writes to one of them (Lord Dungarvan), and advises him " not to slight or neglect him, as he had done hitherto."

Internet Archive ahistorycityand00cusagoog, Chapter 150

Friars arrested and imprisoned at Buttevant under Elizabeth

Buttevant · townland · Cork · 1558–1603

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth the friars of Buttevant convent were repeatedly driven away, and some were arrested and thrown into prison. All the conventual buildings except the church were ruined, though the church was preserved because of the tombs of the nobility buried there.

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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

A history of the city and county of Cork

The stories, best first

Banks of human bones and skulls at Kilcrea friary

Beheading of Maurice Dubh in Muskerry

Bishop of Ross intercepted at Macroom

Danes settle in Cork and impose the 'nose tax'

Excommunication of a Murderer at Mellifont Abbey

Execution of the bearer of Dunboy's surrender offer

King James lands at Kinsale and hears Mass in Cork

Landing of Earl James at Youghal before his murder

Lightning Strikes the Round Tower of Cloyne

Miraculous image of the Madonna washed ashore at Youghal

Murder of Maurice Dubh by his son-in-law

O'Sullivan Bear hangs English captain near the Durseys

O'Sullivan's wife and child hidden at the Eagle's Nest, Glengarriff

Siege bombardment from Elizabeth Fort and cathedral steeple

Siege of Cork after murder of de Cogan and Fitz Stephen

Vicar-Apostolic reports priest hanged in Cork

Waterford galleys pursue Perkin Warbeck after his Cork embarkation

Execution of John Annyas at Dunboy

Kanturk castle construction halted by royal command

Siege of Cork under William of Orange with burning of suburbs

Slaying of the Fitzgeralds at Callan by the Mac Cartys

The Caves of Cloyne as Refuge from the Danes

Bandon assault repulsed with slaughter and executions

Burning of St Dominick's Image at Cork's High Cross

Cork's churches and suburbs burned in decades of war

Cromwell's capture of Cork and Lady Fanshawe's flight to Kinsale

Death of Milo de Cogan, 'destroyer of all Ireland'

Executions at Kilcullen for rapacious plundering

Franciscans killed at Youghal convent, 1583

Landing at Smerwick and fortification of Fort del Ore

Murder of James Fitz Thomas at Rathkeale

Plunder and imprisonment of Colonel Boyle at Castlemartyr

Siege of Castleisland and hanging of Desmond's knights

St Cannera's grave and burial by the shore at Inis Cathaigh

Armed Gang Battles at Hammond's Field near Blarney

Danish burning of Rossailithir and Kenmare, c.840

Deadly Assault on Haulbowline Fort

Earl of Kildare garrisons Cork after citizens aid Perkin Warbeck

Mayor Maunsell narrowly escapes hanging over brass money

Persecution and killing of friars at Bantry Abbey

Priests hunted as outlaws under the penal laws in Cork county

Prince Aenghus baptized by St Patrick at Cashel

Sir Maurice of Desmond taken prisoner and slain by his own guard

Slaying of Dermot Mac Carty near Cork

Bishop of Cork's residence at Rahan near Fermoy during the plot

Cathedral of Ross partly destroyed in the 1641 war

Cork mayor's trial and jury fined for refusing to convict

Cormac Mac Carthy killed by his own brother

Danish raid and slaughter attempting to plunder Cork, 1088

Earthquake Shock Felt at Cork and Kinsale

Hanging of Desmond's followers after Callan revolt

King Cathal cured of blindness, deafness and dumbness by St Mochuada

Sacred stone and holy well at Kinneigh round tower

Siege of Smerwick Fort by the Earl of Ormond

Suppression of the Grey Friary of Shandon

The Great Plague (Bl\u00e9fed Chr\u00f3m Chonaill)

Trial of Captain Teightly for Assassination Attempt in Cork

Danish devastation and looting of St. Finbar's shrine at Cork

Death of Lord Cork's son at the siege of Liscarroll

Friars arrested and imprisoned at Buttevant under Elizabeth