Collections relating to the dioceses of Kildare and Leighlin (vol. 1)

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

1. Murder of Father O'Hegarty near Millford

   Millford · town · Donegal · 1734

   After Bishop Gallagher escaped, soldiers led by magistrate Buchanan from Millford seized Father O'Hegarty instead and marched him toward Millford gaol with hands bound. When local people tried to rescue him with stones, Buchanan shot the priest dead to prevent his escape.

   Read the passage

   time came, the Bishop retired to rest, but could not sleep. Wearied with lying awake, he arose at midnight and intimated to his host that he would set out for the scene of the next day’s labours ; but at the urgent solicitation of the priest, be returned to bed. Still, sleep would not come, and still, the thought was strong upon him to depart. Finally, he made up his mind to leave ; arising, he quietly left the house without informing his host, and having, himself, saddled his horse, he set out, long before day, for Rathmullen. The Bishop was but a short time gone when, from an opposite direction, a troop of soldiers rushed down the hill and quickly surrounded the house of the priest. A magistrate from Millford named Buchanan was in command of the soldiery; he had received information that the Bishop was in the house and had come to seize him. Father O’Hagerty, aroused by their clamorous summons to have the Bishop delivered up to them, appeared and, having visited the apartment lately occupied by the Bishop, informed them that he was not in the house. After a search which showed them that their intended prey had really escaped, and, enraged at their failure, they determined that they would not go without a prisoner ; they accordingly seized the priest, and having tied his hands behind his back, led him forward towards Millford gaol. The intelligence having meantime spread abroad amongst his people that their Pastor was in the hands of his enemies, they quickly assembled in large numbers, intent on rescuing him. They pursued the soldiers, harassing them with stones, their only weapons, and with which the women kept them supplied.* Buchanan, fearing that his prisoner would escape, levelled his horse-pistol at the priest’s head and shot him dead. The people horrified, gathered around the shattered remains of their Pastor with loud outcries of grief, and under cover of this diversion, Buchanan and his myrmidons made good their escape.f Dr. Gallagher, thus providentially saved, found a safe retreat in one of the islands of Loch Erne, where he remained concealed for a year. Here it was that he composed the Volume of Sermons written in Irish, of which many editions have appeared. In the Preface to the original edition, his Lordship explains his object in publishing these Sermons: — “I have composed the following discourses for the sake of my fellow-labourers principally ; and in the second place for such as please to make use of

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 76

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming up on Millford, a town in Donegal. In 1734, a violent episode unfolded here. Bishop Gallagher had been staying at a priest's house, but he could not sleep that night. He rose before day, saddled his horse himself, and set out for Rathmullen, long before anyone else was stirring. He had barely gone when soldiers rushed down the hill and surrounded the house. A magistrate from Millford named Buchanan led them. He had heard the Bishop was inside and had come to seize him. Father O'Hegarty answered their clamorous summons, checked the room where the Bishop had slept, and told them the Bishop was not there. They searched and found their prey had truly escaped. Enraged at the failure, they decided they would not leave without a prisoner. They seized the priest, tied his hands behind his back, and marched him toward Millford gaol. Word spread among his people that their pastor was in enemy hands. They gathered in large numbers, determined to rescue him. They pursued the soldiers, harassing them with stones, their only weapons, and the women kept the people supplied. Buchanan, fearing his prisoner would escape, levelled his horse-pistol at the priest's head and shot him dead. The people, horrified, gathered around the shattered remains of their pastor with loud outcries of grief. Under cover of that diversion, Buchanan and his men made good their escape. Dr. Gallagher, thus providentially saved, found a safe retreat on one of the islands of Loch Erne, where he stayed concealed for a year. There he composed his Volume of Sermons, written in Irish, of which many editions have since appeared.

2. Perpetrators of Bishop Doran's murder flayed alive by order of Earl of Kildare

   Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow · 1525

   According to the Annals of the Four Masters, those apprehended for murdering the Bishop of Leighlin were, by order of the Earl of Kildare, brought to the spot of the crime and condemned to be flayed alive and have their entrails burned before them.

   Read the passage

   a.d. 1524. Maurice Doran, or O’Deoran, was appointed Bishop of Leighlin, on the 28th of January. “28° Januarii, 1524, Card. Campegio referente, providit ecclesiae Leghlinen. in Anglia, (sic) vacanti per obitum Thomae, episcopi, extra Romanam Curiam defuncti, de persona Mauritii Durand (sic) Ordinis fratrum praedicatorum professoris, ad supplicationem Regis, et ipsi Mauritio, ob tenuitatem ecclesiae, facta est gratia de annata.” (Barberini Archives apud Brady .) This Prelate was a native of Leix, and, as we learn from the above and also from Thady Dowling, was a distinguished member of the Dominican Order, a Professor in Theology, a most erudite controversialist and eloquent preacher, and of unsullied life. He governed the See but one year and eight months, at the end of which time he was barbarously murdered by Maurice Kavanagh, his Archdeacon, and others on the high high-road, between Killenane and Cloaghruish, near Glenreynold, in the neighbourhood of Leighlin, because, in the discharge of his duty as Bishop, he had reproved Kavanagh for misconduct, and had threatened him with further correction should it prove necessary. In the Annals of the Four Masters this bloody and sacrilegious deed is thus referred to : — “ a.d. 1525. A foul and abominable deed was committed in this year, namely, the Bishop of Leighlin was treacherously murdered by Mac-an-Abbaidh Mac Murrough (aided by others) who was in his (the Bishop’s) company with the (appearance of) love and charity. As many of the perpetrators of this crime as were apprehended by the Earl of Kildare were, by his orders, brought to the spot where they had murdered the Bishop, and condemned to be first flayed alive, and then to have their bowels and entrails taken out and burned before them/’ Dowling, in his Annals, gives the following account of this crime and its punishment : — “ Maurtius, Episcopus Leighlen., cognominatus Deoran, in Lexia jam vocata Queen’s County, in

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   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 56

3. The convict wagon in Cork that changed Father Therry's life

   Cork · city · Cork · 1817–1820

   Walking one day in the streets of Cork, Father Therry encountered a wagon of hand-cuffed countrymen being escorted by soldiers to a hulk bound for Botany Bay. He immediately bought prayer-books and threw them to the convicts, resolving there and then to follow them to Australia to save their souls.

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   “ John Therry of Cork,” appears on the Roll of Students in 1812. The Very Rev. John Joseph Therry, the Venerable Archpriest and Apostle of Australia, was born at Cork in the year 1791. He had the inestimable advantage of being born of enlightened and exemplary Christian parents who trained him to virtue and piety from his childhood. In 1812, he entered Carlow College to prepare himself for the priesthood, where he made his course of ecclesiastical studies, having for his Professor of Theology, Dr. Doyle, afterwards the illustrious Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. During his collegiate career he secured the affectionate regards of his superiors and formed many friendships which lasted for life. He was a class-fellow of the present Patriarchal Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, the Rev. Thomas Nolan, who describes Father Therry as smart and intelligent, but of retiring habits. Even at this early period his mind was strongly directed to that species of labour to which he afterwards devoted his life. He organized, we are told, an Association of young ecclesiastics to engage to recite certain prayers, daily, for the spread of the light of the Gospel amongst those who were seated in darkness. Those young men also offered their lives to God for His service in foreign countries if it should please Him, by any special sign, to manifest an acceptance of that oblation. Father Therry was ordained priest in April, 1815, by the Most Rev. Dr. Troy, Archbishop of Dublin. His first mission was in Cork, the city of his birth. He was attached to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, where he remained two years. He was then transferred to the Cathedral, where he ministered for three years. During this time he resided with the Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Murphy, to whom he was strongly attached, and who loved him with a paternal affection. But in the midst of this happy and useful life in his native city, his mind still retained its early bent ; he awaited only the call to a more extended and arduous field of missionary labour. A circumstance occurred at this time that directed his attention to Australia. "Walking one day in the streets of Cork, a waggon passed him containing a number of his countrymen hand-cuffed, and guarded by a military escort. On inquiry, he found that they were convicts being conveyed to the hulk, about to sail for Botany Bay. He at once went into an adjoining book-seller’s

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, you're in the city where Father John Therry's life changed direction. Therry was born here in 1791, the son of devout parents who raised him in virtue. He studied at Carlow College under Dr. Doyle, who later became Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, and was ordained in April 1815 by Archbishop Troy of Dublin. His first mission was back in his native city, at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul for two years, then at the Cathedral for three more, living with Bishop Murphy. But his mind was always bent toward missionary work abroad. Even as a young seminarian he had organized a group of ecclesiastics who recited daily prayers for the spread of the Gospel among those, as the record says, who were seated in darkness, and who offered their lives for service in foreign lands. The moment came here in Cork. Walking one day in the streets, a wagon passed him carrying a number of his countrymen, handcuffed and guarded by a military escort. On inquiry he found they were convicts being conveyed to a hulk about to sail for Botany Bay. He went at once into an adjoining bookseller's shop, bought prayer-books, and threw them to the prisoners. He resolved then and there to follow them to Australia, to minister to their souls. It was this single encounter in Cork that set the course for the rest of his life, earning him the title Apostle of Australia.

4. Death of Bishop James Doyle (J.K.L.)

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1834

   Bishop James Doyle of Kildare and Leighlin died at nine o'clock on Sunday morning, 15 June 1834, in the forty-eighth year of his life. His kinsman, the present Bishop, stood by his bedside the whole of his last night, and he received the sacraments from Dr. Nolan.

   Read the passage

   The touching and edifying details of the last illness and the holy death of the great Prelate of Kildare and Leighlin are related by Dr. Fitzpatrick in the last chapter of his Work. “ Never in my life,” says Bishop Kinsella, “ was I so edified as by the death of that Prelate. The firmness of his faith, — the ardour of his hope, —the fire of his charity, — gave the fullest manifestation of his being about to take possession of a better life. Like St. Paul, he was burning with anxiety ‘to be dissolved and be with Christ/ but he was contented still to linger in pain, that he might be more like his dying Saviour. He died, and he went to receive ‘ an imperishable crown ’ from the Master whom he had so long and so faithfully served.” The present revered Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, the kinsman of Dr. Doyle, stood by his bedside the whole of his last night in this world. To the last his mind was perfectly clear and collected. Having detailed several directions which he wished to have carried out, he gave his thoughts entirely up to God, and made use of many ejaculatory prayers. “ He made his confession to Dr. Nolan,” continues Dr. Walshe, “ and received the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. The fervent piety, the touching sentiments of lively faith, hope, and charity with which the dying Prelate received these last rites can never be forgotten by those who witnessed the striking and edifying spectacle. May my last end belike to his !” {Life, Vol. 4, p. 506.) Dr. Doyle expired at nine o’clock on the morning of Sunday, the 15th of June, 1834, in the forty-eighth year of his life and the fifteenth of his Episcopacy. On Thursday, the 19th, the solemn Obsequies took place in his Cathedral Church. His Grace, the Most Rev. Daniel Murray, Archbishop of Dublin, presided ; there were also present the Most Rev. Michael Slattery, Archbishop of Cashel, the Right Rev. John Murphy, Bishop of Cork, the Right Rev. D. Keatinge, Bishop of Ferns, and the Right Rev. William Kinsella, Bishop of Ossory. The select choir was composed of the Rev. Messrs. Dwyer, Tierney, Brennan, Nolan, Muldowny, and Keating ; the Antiphonarians were the Rev. Dr. Cahill and Rev. P. Brennan, P.P. of Kildare. There were in attendance about 150 priests ; and the number of the laity who took part in the

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 107

5. Williams acquitted at Green Street courthouse

   Green Street · street · Dublin · 1848

   Duffy's account describes how Count Dalton assured Williams of acquittal before his trial, claiming the Crown Solicitor Kemmis was a friend who would ensure the incriminating manuscript could not be identified; the trial at Green Street ended in acquittal.

   Read the passage

   the Tribune , and that the only evidence against you is the MS. of one of the articles in your handwriting. But this shan’t harm you, he will pin the paper between two others, so that no witness will be able to see it. Kemmis is determined you shall escape, and you may be assured it will happen as he wishes/ . . . The trial of Williams immediately followed, and ended as he had foreseen. His domestic servant proved that he was detained at home by illness during the fortnight before his arrest, and persons connected with his printing office gave corroborative evidence. A clergyman and a doctor described his religious and benevolent character. The indictment did not charge that any of the articles were in his handwriting, and no witness was called upon to identify his manuscript. Mr. Ferguson, who was his leading counsel, made a persuasive and sympathetic speech, but the Crown Solicitor had rendered his task easy. The jury wished to return a verdict of publishing, but not with the intent imputed in the indictment, but the Court would not receive it, and after a slight delay they declared him not guilty.”— Chapter on “ Trials at Clonmel and Green Street”

   After this, Williams attended the medical schools of Edinburgh, where he took his diploma, and, returning to Dublin, practised his profession for a short time. In the Summer of 1851 he bade “ Adieu to Inisfail” and left for A.merica. A short time afterwards we find him filling the position of Professor of Belles Lettres in Spring College, Mobile, Alabama.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 206

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Green Street once stood the courthouse where Williams was tried in 1848. Before the trial, Count Dalton assured him of acquittal, saying the Crown Solicitor Kemmis was a friend who would see that the incriminating manuscript could not be identified. The trial followed and ended as Dalton had foreseen. Williams' domestic servant testified he had been confined at home by illness for the fortnight before his arrest, and people from his printing office corroborated this. A clergyman and a doctor spoke of his religious and benevolent character. The indictment never charged that any articles were in his handwriting, and no witness was asked to identify his manuscript. His leading counsel, Mr. Ferguson, gave a persuasive speech, but the Crown Solicitor had already made the task easy. The jury wanted to return a verdict of publishing, but not with the intent the indictment claimed. The court refused to accept that, and after a brief delay they found him not guilty. Afterwards Williams went to Edinburgh, took a medical diploma, practised briefly in Dublin, then in the summer of 1851 left for America, where he became Professor of Belles Lettres at Spring College in Mobile, Alabama.

6. Solemn Obsequies of Dr. Doyle in Carlow Cathedral

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1834

   On Thursday 19 June 1834 the solemn obsequies of Bishop Doyle took place in his Cathedral Church, presided over by Archbishop Daniel Murray of Dublin along with other bishops. About 150 priests attended and an estimated 20,000 laity took part in the funeral procession.

   Read the passage

   The touching and edifying details of the last illness and the holy death of the great Prelate of Kildare and Leighlin are related by Dr. Fitzpatrick in the last chapter of his Work. “ Never in my life,” says Bishop Kinsella, “ was I so edified as by the death of that Prelate. The firmness of his faith, — the ardour of his hope, —the fire of his charity, — gave the fullest manifestation of his being about to take possession of a better life. Like St. Paul, he was burning with anxiety ‘to be dissolved and be with Christ/ but he was contented still to linger in pain, that he might be more like his dying Saviour. He died, and he went to receive ‘ an imperishable crown ’ from the Master whom he had so long and so faithfully served.” The present revered Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, the kinsman of Dr. Doyle, stood by his bedside the whole of his last night in this world. To the last his mind was perfectly clear and collected. Having detailed several directions which he wished to have carried out, he gave his thoughts entirely up to God, and made use of many ejaculatory prayers. “ He made his confession to Dr. Nolan,” continues Dr. Walshe, “ and received the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. The fervent piety, the touching sentiments of lively faith, hope, and charity with which the dying Prelate received these last rites can never be forgotten by those who witnessed the striking and edifying spectacle. May my last end belike to his !” {Life, Vol. 4, p. 506.) Dr. Doyle expired at nine o’clock on the morning of Sunday, the 15th of June, 1834, in the forty-eighth year of his life and the fifteenth of his Episcopacy. On Thursday, the 19th, the solemn Obsequies took place in his Cathedral Church. His Grace, the Most Rev. Daniel Murray, Archbishop of Dublin, presided ; there were also present the Most Rev. Michael Slattery, Archbishop of Cashel, the Right Rev. John Murphy, Bishop of Cork, the Right Rev. D. Keatinge, Bishop of Ferns, and the Right Rev. William Kinsella, Bishop of Ossory. The select choir was composed of the Rev. Messrs. Dwyer, Tierney, Brennan, Nolan, Muldowny, and Keating ; the Antiphonarians were the Rev. Dr. Cahill and Rev. P. Brennan, P.P. of Kildare. There were in attendance about 150 priests ; and the number of the laity who took part in the

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

7. Williams tried for treason-felony over the Irish Tribune

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1848

   Early in 1848 Williams co-founded the Irish Tribune with Kevin Izod O'Doherty; after six weeks it was suppressed and Williams was arrested and tried for treason-felony, defended by Samuel Ferguson among others.

   Read the passage

   “The Famine came,” writes Mr. T. D Sullivan, “ and the Continental revolutions, and John Mitchell’s United Irishman, and under the combined iufluence of these the Irish national party were taken somewhat off their feet.” Early in 1848, Williams, in conjunction with Kevin Izod O’Doherty, established the Irish Tribune which, after a short career of six weeks, was suppressed, and Williams was arrested. On the 2nd of November he was tried on a charge of treason-felony. He was defended by Mr. Samuel Ferguson, Sir Colman O’Loughlin, and Mr. John O’ Hagan. In the course of his speech Mr. Ferguson said : — “ Gentlemen, I am not a member of that ancient and venerable Church within whose pale my client seeks for salvation, and has found tranquillity and contentment in affliction. But I would be unworthy of the noble and generous Protestant faith which I profess, if I could withhold my admiration from the services which, I am instructed, he has rendered to the cause of religion andof charity, not only by his personal exertions in distributing the beneficence of one of the best and most useful charitable institutions existing in our city, but also by his pen in embodying the purest aspirations of religion in sublime and beautiful poetry. When I speak of the services he has rendered to religion by his poetry, allow me also to say that he has also rendered services to the cause of patriotism and of humanity by it ; and permit me to use the privilege of a long apprenticeship in those pursuits by saying that, in my humble judgment, after our Poet Moore, the first living poet of Ireland is the gentleman who now stands arraigned at the bar.”

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 205

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, this is where Williams stood trial in 1848. The Famine had come, and the Continental revolutions, and John Mitchell's United Irishman. Under their combined influence, as T. D. Sullivan wrote, the Irish national party were taken somewhat off their feet. Early in that year, Williams, with Kevin Izod O'Doherty, established the Irish Tribune. After six weeks it was suppressed, and Williams was arrested. On the 2nd of November he was tried on a charge of treason-felony. He was defended by Samuel Ferguson, Sir Colman O'Loughlin, and John O'Hagan. Ferguson told the court he was not a member of that ancient and venerable Church within whose pale his client sought salvation and found tranquillity and contentment in affliction. But he said he would be unworthy of the noble and generous Protestant faith he professed if he could withhold his admiration for the services Williams had rendered to religion and charity, not only by distributing the beneficence of one of the best charitable institutions in the city, but by his pen, embodying the purest aspirations of religion in sublime and beautiful poetry. Ferguson said Williams had also served the cause of patriotism and humanity by his poetry, and claimed, as he put it, the privilege of a long apprenticeship in those pursuits by saying that after Thomas Moore, the first living poet of Ireland was the gentleman who stood arraigned at the bar.

8. Forstall's hovel in the marshy wood and near-death illness

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 1680

   During the persecution, Bishop Forstall built himself a rudely constructed thatched hut in a marshy wood as a hiding place, where he was attacked by agonizing pains and nearly died, before fleeing despite his sickness.

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   Forstall, O.S.F., preserved in the Archives of Propaganda, the Bishop of Kildare gives a sadly interesting account of his own sufferings and of some of the other Irish Prelates. It is dated the 5 th of June 1680. “We are here,” he writes, “in a worse plight than we have been hitherto, there is scarcely anywhere in which we can abide, even amongst friends who are terrified by our presence more than they need be. In consequence of this I built myself a hovel or thatched hut rudely constructed, in a marshy wood, to which I betook myself, but I was there attacked by agonizing pains so as to be brought almost to the point of death.* I have therefore left the place, sick though I was, for I could no longer endure my sufferings there. If Master Pruisson assent to it I would go to you until the storm of persecution shall have somewhat spent itself. I think it can hardly tend to the interests of religion to remain any longer here ; by remaining we only provoke the greater hostility, and it will prove detrimental to the Church if we be arrested, for in that case we would not be allowed to leave the country without having given substantial bail that we would not again return. This consideration surely out-weighs all those that would be in favour of our remaining. However, the will of God and of our Superiors be done, it is not for me to decide the question of leaving or remaining. The Bishop of Corkf has been captured, the Bishop of KillaloeJ is hotly pursued ; his Lordship of Clogher§ sought concealment under the ragged covering of an old dying mendicant, but was discovered and recognised ; his captor, however, took pity on him and let him go. The Archbishop of Dublin || is so very ill that he seemed on last Friday to be drawing nigh to his end ; the Primate, breaking from his keepers, succeeded in gaining access to the dying Prelate, to give him consolation and a last absolution. The Primate himselflT lies in the same prison (Dublin Castle), uncertain as to his fate. He is now kept in stricter durance on account of the wretched scoundrels and (Oh, shame !) clerical informers** who to gratify their thirst for revenge, falsely charge him with crimes. Those not yet captured appear to be in a worse state from fear, ‘ nam pejor est bello timor ipse belli.’ Whilst writing this a messenger has come, sent by Lady Clancarty, the most Catholic sister of the Duke, she no doubt having previously broached the subject

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 42

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare town, you're travelling through country where Bishop Forstall hid during the persecution. On the 5th of June 1680, he wrote that there was scarcely anywhere he could abide, even amongst friends, who were terrified by his presence. He built himself a thatched hut, rudely constructed, in a marshy wood, and betook himself there. But he was attacked by agonizing pains so as to be brought almost to the point of death. He left the place, sick though he was, for he could no longer endure his sufferings there. His letter goes on to describe the plight of other Irish prelates. The Bishop of Cork had been captured. The Bishop of Killaloe was hotly pursued. The Bishop of Clogher sought concealment under the ragged covering of an old dying mendicant, but was discovered and recognised, though his captor took pity and let him go. The Archbishop of Dublin was so ill he seemed to be drawing near to his end, and the Primate broke from his keepers to reach him and give consolation and a last absolution. The Primate himself lay in Dublin Castle, kept in stricter durance because of clerical informers who falsely charged him with crimes. Forstall wrote that those not yet captured appeared to be in a worse state from fear than those who were taken.

9. John England's father's persecution and imprisonment in Cork

   Cork · city · Cork

   Bishop England recounted his father's imprisonment for over four years in Cork for teaching mathematics as a Catholic during the penal laws, during which his wife died and the family was dispossessed of their land and furniture.

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   On the 1st of September, 1803, John England entered Carlow College as an ecclesiastical student. He wras born in the city of Cork, on the 23rd of September, 1786. The Bishop gives the following account of his parentage : — “ More than 45 years have passed away since a man, then about 60 years of age, led me into a prison and showed me the room in which he had been confined during upwards of four years, in consequence of the injustice to which the Catholics of Ireland were subjected in those days of persecution. On the day he was immured, his wife was seized with fever, the result of terror. Whilst she lay on her bed of sickness, she and her family were dispossessed of the last remnant of their land and furniture ; she was removed to the house of a neighbour to breathe her last under a stranger’s roof. Her eldest son had completed his seventeenth year a few days before he closed her grave. Two younger brothers and two younger sisters looked to him as their ouly support. He endeavoured to turn his education to account. It was discovered that he was a Papist, and that he was guilty of teaching mathematics to a few scholars, that he might be able to aid his father and support his family. Informations were lodged against him for this violation of the law, which rendered him liable to transportation. Compassion was taken on his youth and misfortunes, and, instead of proceeding immediately to the prosecution, an opportunity was given him of swearing before a Protestant Bishop that he disbelieved in the Doctrine of Transubstantation, etc., and the certificate of the bishop would raise a bar to his prosecution. He managed to effect his escape and fled to the mountains, where he remained more than a year, subsisting on the charity of those whose children he had been teaching, but in most painful anxiety about his father, brothers, and sisters. The Declaration of American Independence having led to a relaxation in the penal laws, the fugitive returned by stealth to the city and was enabled to undertake the duties of a land-surveyor, to have his parent liberated, his family settled,

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 168

   As the companion tells it

   Cork is the city where John England was born in 1786. Years later, as Bishop, he recalled being led into a prison here by a man of about sixty, who showed him the room where he had been confined for more than four years under the penal laws against Catholics. On the day that man was imprisoned, his wife was seized with fever from terror. While she lay sick, she and her family were stripped of the last of their land and furniture, and she was carried to a neighbour's house to die under a stranger's roof. Her eldest son, just past seventeen, tried to support the family by teaching mathematics to a few scholars. He was found out as a Catholic, and informations were lodged against him that left him liable to transportation. Out of compassion for his youth he was offered a way out: swear before a Protestant bishop that he disbelieved in the Doctrine of Transubstantiation. He refused, escaped to the mountains, and stayed there more than a year, living on the charity of those whose children he had taught. When the Declaration of American Independence brought some relaxation of the penal laws, he came back by stealth, worked as a land-surveyor, and got his father out of prison.

10. Killing of Bishop Entigern at the altar of St. Brigid, Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 755–762

    In 755 (or 762 per Tighernach) Bishop Entigern was killed by a priest at the altar of St. Brigid at Kildare, between the crocaingel and the altar, an event which led to the custom that a priest does not celebrate Mass in the presence of a Bishop at Kildare.

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    A.D. 755. Entigern, a Bishop, was killed by a priest at the altar of St. Brigid at Kildare, between the crocaingel and the altar, (i.e. at the latticed partition between the laity and the clergy — O’Donovan) ; from whence it arose that, ever since, a priest does not celebrated Mass in the presence of a Bishop at Kildare. (Four Masters .) In the Annals of Clonmacnoise, this event is set down at the year 756, and in the Annals of Ulster, at 761 ; the true date, according to O’Donovan, is 762, as marked by Tighernach. “ Occisio Echtighern, Episcopi, a sacerdote, in dertaig (oratorio) Cill-daro.”]

    “A.D. 782 (rede 787, O’Donovan) Lomtuile, Bishop of Cilldara, died.” And again, under same date ; “ Snedhbran, Bishop of Cill-dara, died. (Four Masters.) Colgan, Tr. Thaum. p. 629, refers to the former as “ called by some, Bishop of Kildare.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you are near the place where, around 755, Bishop Entigern was killed by a priest at the altar of St. Brigid. The killing happened between the crocaingel and the altar, at the latticed partition between the laity and the clergy. Different annals give different years for it. The Annals of Clonmacnoise say 756, the Annals of Ulster say 761, and Tighernach gives 762, which is thought to be the true date. From that event came a lasting custom at Kildare, that a priest does not celebrate Mass in the presence of a Bishop.

11. Matthew Roche arrested and reportedly executed at Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1644

    Matthew Roche, Vicar-Apostolic of Leighlin, was accused of long-standing scandalous conduct, was seized by order of the Archbishop of Dublin, taken by force to Waterford, tried before 18 archbishops and bishops, convicted, degraded, and handed to the secular authority for execution in 1644.

    Read the passage

    interdicted their collecting the alms of the faithful. ( Dr . Morans Archbps. Dub. p. 371.) At the Provincial Synod held at Tyrcogir, on July 29th 1640, the Diocese of Leighlin, alone, was unrepresented. In a curious work entitled “ Anatomicum examen Euchiridii apologetici,” by Cornelius O’Mollony, published at Prague in 1671, it is asserted as a well-known fact, that Matthew Roche had fallen under the censures of the church, and that in consequence of his persistence in the courses for which he was censured, he was arrested in 1644, tried at Waterford, condemned and degraded, and then handed over to the secular authority, by whom he was executed. There would appear to have existed a long-standing and bitter feud between Koche and some of the Religious Orders, especially the Franciscans. The writer of the Anatomicum Examen was evidently a violent partisan, whose statements, therefore, should be received with very great caution ; still, writing as he did only 27 years subsequent to the stated execution of Roche, it is hard to think that, if untrue, it would have been let pass unchallenged. The following passages relating to Matthew Roche are found in the work referred to : — “Mattheus Roch, rebellis Lechlinensis Vicarius Apostolicus, vir sceleratus et excommunicatus, qui per 35 annos, assistentia haeretici saecularis brachii, illusit Sedis Apostolicae mandata et sui Dublinensis Archiepiscopi jussa, et censuras in ilium toties fulminatas sprevit.” ( p . 223.) And again: — “Matthaei Rochi (vulgo Roche) scelera ita publice nota sunt, ut non credam ullum fuisse a 40 annis in toto Hibae. Regno virum literatum qui de illius facinoribus non audiverit; ob quae, anno 1644, praevalentibus in Hibernia Catholicis, authoritate Illustrissimi Dni. Thomae Flemingi, nati Baronis de Slana, Dublinensis Archiepiscopi, captus fuit, et Waterfordiam vi ductus ; ut in praesentia 18 Archi-Episcoporum et Episcoporum ; tot Procerum ac Praelatorum Regni accusatus, juridice convictus, ac tandem Canonico ritu degradatus, et ad condignas patibuli paenas tollerandas, saecularis judicis brachio traditus erat.” (Id. p. 224.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 63

12. O'Connell's Clare Election Candidacy and Dr. Doyle's Support

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1828

    Ahead of the pivotal 1828 Clare by-election, which proved the turning point for Catholic Emancipation, Dr. Doyle wrote to O'Connell offering encouragement and support for his contest with Mr. Vesey FitzGerald.

    Read the passage

    Letters on various subjects of public import appeared from Dr. Doyle in the years 1828-29. On the 19th of June, 1828, he addressed a letter to the Duke of Wellington “On the Catholic Claims” — which contributed in no small degree to influence his Grace and Sir R. Peel — both previously strenuous opponents of the measure, — to bring forward the proposal of Catholic Emancipation. The result of the Clare election proved the turning-point of the Catholic question. On the 27th of June, 1828, Dr. Doyle wrote thus to O’Connell: — “My Dear Sir, — It is when difficulties press on us that we should increase our exertions, and exhibit in our conduct that decision which is the harbinger of success. I am unable and unwilling to calculate the consequences which must result from your contest with Mr. Vesey FitzGerald, but I am satisfied these consequences will be useful, as they must be important, if the lovers of civil and religious liberty in Clare do their duty to the sacred cause to which you have devoted anew your time, your talents, your fortune, and your life.

    “ Farewell, my dear friend : may the God of truth and justice protect and prosper you.”* (Life, 2., 75.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 104

13. Bishop Forstall arrested in Ireland, 1681

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1681

    A letter from the Internunzio dated April 1681 announced that the Bishop of Kildare, Dr. Forstall, had been arrested on 25th February without any accusation beyond exercising Papal jurisdiction, expecting transportation and confiscation of goods.

    Read the passage

    On the 16th of July, 1680, the request of the Bishop of Kildare for liberty to leave Ireland was considered; if the permission was granted it was not acted upon. A letter of the Internunzio addressed to Cardinal Cybo, Prefect of the S. Congregation de Propaganda Fide, dated Brussels, the 19th of April, 1681, announces the arrest of Dr. Forstall : “ I enclose to your Eminence a letter lately received from the Bishop of Kildare, in which he informs me of his having been arrested on the 25th of February, without, however, any accusation being as yet brought against him save his having exercised Papal jurisdiction in the Kingdom. He therefore expects, that after a prolonged imprisonment, he will be conducted to one of the ports and transported hither after the confiscation of all his goods. He therefore prays that on his arrival in Flanders some succour or place of refuge may be provided for him ; he also hopes to be recommended to the clemency of the Emperor at whose solicitation in Borne he was promoted to the Episcopacy ; and he appears also to be desirous to remain in the Irish College of Antwerp, where, without doubt, he will be received if some slight assistance be provided for him. I have deemed it my duty to notify so much to your Eminence, that you may be good enough, should you think fit, to lay the matter before the Sacred Congregation.” {Life of 0. Plunket, p. 281.) By a letter submitted to the S. Congregation on the 16th of March, 1682, we find the Bishop still a prisoner in Ireland, unable to pay his debts, over a thousand scudi, contracted during his incarceration. {Dr Brady) Even after his liberation the violence of persecution compelled Dr. Forstall to seek for safety in the woods and mountains, till, on the 7th of February, 1683, he closed his earthly career, an exile, in the Diocese of Cashel. {Life of 0. Plunkett , p. 170.) Of the Parish Priests registered in 1704, we find thirteen stated to have been ordained by Dr. Forstall, two at Dublin, in 1677, and three others at the same place in 1681 ; four at Ballyna, viz. : — one in 1678, one in 1679, and two in 1680 ; these ordinations, no doubt, took place at the residence of the O’More of the day ; and three at Dunadea^

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Kildare town. In 1681 this was the diocese of Dr. Forstall, the Bishop of Kildare. On the 25th of February that year he was arrested, and the only charge against him was that he had exercised Papal jurisdiction in the kingdom. The Internunzio in Brussels wrote to Cardinal Cybo, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide, on the 19th of April 1681, enclosing a letter from the Bishop himself. Forstall expected that after a long imprisonment he would be taken to one of the ports and transported to Flanders, with all his goods confiscated. He asked for some succour or place of refuge when he arrived, and hoped to be recommended to the clemency of the Emperor, at whose solicitation in Rome he had been promoted to the Episcopacy. He also wished to remain at the Irish College of Antwerp, where he would be received if some slight assistance were provided. A year later, by a letter submitted to the Sacred Congregation on the 16th of March 1682, the Bishop was still a prisoner in Ireland, unable to pay debts of over a thousand scudi contracted during his incarceration. Even after his release, persecution drove him to shelter in woods and mountains. He died on the 7th of February 1683, an exile, in the Diocese of Cashel. Of the parish priests registered in 1704, thirteen had been ordained by him, two at Dublin in 1677, three at Dublin in 1681, four at Ballyna between 1678 and 1680, and three at Dunadea.

14. Bishop Leverous teaches school in exile at Adare

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1560–1570

    Deprived of his temporalities, Dr. Leverous fled to Adare where he supported himself teaching school, assisted by Richard Creagh, later Archbishop of Armagh.

    Read the passage

    execution. Dr. Leverous was deprived of all the temporalities of his See, and compelled to fly to concealment. He abode for some time at Adare, where he supported himself by teaching school, and where he had, as an assistant, Richard Creagh, afterwards Archbishop of Armagh. He subsequently returned to his Diocese, where he continued to exercise the duties of his sacred office, constantly exposed to the extreme penalties which detection would have brought on him. At length, broken down in health by unceasing labours and privation, he breathed his last in a poor hut at Naas, at the age of 80, about the year 1577, and was buried at the parish church of St. David. Father John Holing, S.J., in an interesting document on the “ Irish Martyrs during the reign of Elizabeth,” preserved in the Irish College of Salamanca, pronounces a high eulogium on Dr. Leverous, and states on the authority of trustworthy persons, that the holy Bishop’s grave was glorified by many miracles. Sad to relate, the hallowed spot where this saintly Prelate’s relics are laid is unmarked and even unknown ! The following is the passage in Father Holing above referred to; it is taken from “ Perbreve Compendium, in quo continentur nonnulli eorum qui , in Hibernia, regnante impia Regina Elizabeth, vincula, exilium et martyrium perpessi sunt ; compositum a P. Joanne Hollingo, Hiberno, Societatis Jesu. “ Thomas Louros, Kildarensis Epus., vir pietate et doctrina praeditus, sub Edwardi Sexti Regis imperio, omnibus, non solum dignitatibus, verum et bonis (quod Regem Ecclesiae caput esse negaverit) spoliatus fuit. Mortuo Edwardo, regnavit Maria Regina christianissima, a qua praedictus Episcopus in pristinam dignitatem magno cum honore et populi consolatione, restitutus est. At, post sex annos, succedente impia Elizabetha, et inhumaniter in Catholicos saeviente, in priorem incidit calamitatem adeo ut rebus omnibus amissis, modo hie modo alibi, cum magno vitae discrimine, vitam degere coactus fuit, saepeque ad vitam tuendam pueros et rudes gramaticam, tanquam pauper pedogogus, docere. Sacramenta praeterea, et alia ut Epum. decet, magno cum zelo et fervore quasi per totum regnum ministrabat. Yitia et publice et privatim reprehendebat, monita salutis, consilia omnibus dabat. Hisce tandem, et smilibus laboribus per multos annos fortis hie Jesu Christi miles, in orthodoxa fide constantissime perseverans, senio, infirmitateque (nam octogenarius erat) confectus, in oppido quod Naze in Lagenia Provincia dicitur, e vita discessit circa annum 1577, cujus corpus in dicto oppido sepultum jacet, multaque (ut fidedigni testantur) edidit miracula.” — Spic. Ossor. Vol. 1 ,p. 82.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 29

15. James Maher's family hides in sandpit during 1798 outrages

    Kilrush · townland · Kildare · 1798

    After the family moved to Kilrush, Co. Kildare, young James Maher had a strong recollection of spending nights with his family in a sandpit on the farm to avoid outrages by yeomanry and soldiery during the Martial Law of 1798.

    Read the passage

    “ He was born at Donore, County Carlow, on the 24th of May, 1793. His parents, shortly after his birth, removed to Kilrusb, County Kildare. Young though he was, the unusual occurrences of the year 1798 left a strong impression on his memory ; he had a distinct recollection of having spent night after night, with his parents and the other members of his family, in a sandpit situated upon the farm, being obliged to have recourse to this measure in order to avoid the outrages to which even the most peaceable inhabitants were constantly subjected by the brutal yeomanry and soldiery whom the proclamation of Martial Law had practically rendered irresponsible for their conduct. Having received his rudimentary education at a Quaker’s School at Bally tore, James Maher entered Carlow College in 1808, where he continued for eight years. Then, after remaining a year at home, he, in June, 1817, set out for the Eternal City, where in the Vincentian House of Retreat at Monte Citorio, he pursued his Theological studies. On the 9th of September, 1821, he received the Order of Priesthood and, some weeks later, set out on his return to Ireland. His first appointment was to the curacy of Kildare, but, after a few months, he was transferred to Carlow. In 1827, Father Maher was appointed Parish Priest of Leighlin Bridge. Towards the close of 1830, he was translated to the united parishes of Goresbridge and Paulstown. In 1833, the Bishop, Doctor Doyle, finding his illness on the increase expressed a wish to Father Maher that he should return to Carlow and take up his abode with him at Braganza. This wish was readily complied with ; Father Maher at once resigned his parish and it became his privilege to assist that great Prelate, whom he loved with true filial devotedness, during the last

    178

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 173

16. Baron FitzGerald killed at the Battle of Aughrim

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    Baron FitzGerald, ancestor of Rev. Andrew FitzGerald, was killed at the Battle of Aughrim; after he fell, his horse galloped home still carrying his master's sword attached to the saddle, a sword later preserved in the Kilkenny Archaeological Association Museum.

    Read the passage

    Dr. FitzGerald was the son of James FitzGerald and Mary FitzGerald nee Knaresborough, and was born in High Street, Kilkenny, in November, 1763. He was lineally descended from the FitzGeralds, Barons of Cluain and Brownsford, of County Kilkenny, a branch of the Desmonds who forfeited title and property on account of their adherence to King James II. Baron FitzGerald, ancestor to the priest, was killed at the battle of Aughrim ; after he fell, his horse galloped home, having his master’s sword attached to the saddle. This sword is now in the Museum of the Kilkenny Arch. Association. Andrew Fitz- Gerald received his classical education in the College of Kilkenny. In his sixteenth year he became an alumnus of the University of Louvain. It was whilst there that he joined the Order of St. Dominic. After a philosophical and theological course of seven years at Louvain, he proceeded to Lisbon where he passed from the rank of student to that of Professor, being engaged for six years teaching Philosophy. A Document bearing the signature of the Master-General of the Dominican Order at Rome testifies that Father FitzGerald was promoted to the Degree of Master of Arts, on the 4th of September, 1788. He returned to Ireland in 1792 and, shortly after, was placed, with Rev. Patrick McGrath, in charge of St. Canice’s Academy, Kilkenny, where he continued, until the 1st of March, 1800, when he became Professor at Carlow College ; he there taught successively, the Classics, Philosophy, Theology, and Sacred Scripture.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 166

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through or near the parish of Aughrim in Galway, you are travelling ground where the Battle of Aughrim was fought in 1691. A Baron FitzGerald was killed in that battle. He was one of the FitzGeralds, Barons of Cluain and Brownsford, County Kilkenny, a branch of the Desmonds who forfeited their title and property because they adhered to King James the Second. This Baron FitzGerald was an ancestor of a later priest, the Reverend Andrew FitzGerald, who was born in High Street, Kilkenny, in November 1763. What happened after the Baron fell at Aughrim is what stayed in the family memory. His horse galloped home, still carrying his master's sword attached to the saddle. That sword was later preserved, and the record says it was in the Museum of the Kilkenny Archaeological Association. The Baron's descendant Andrew went on to a scholarly life. He studied at the College of Kilkenny, then at the University of Louvain, where he joined the Order of Saint Dominic. After seven years of philosophical and theological study at Louvain, he went to Lisbon and taught philosophy there for six years. A document signed by the Master-General of the Dominican Order at Rome records that he was promoted to the degree of Master of Arts on the 4th of September 1788. He returned to Ireland in 1792.

17. Bishop Edmund Lane assists at Lambert Simnel's coronation

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1487–1488

    Edmund Lane was induced by the Earl of Kildare to assist at the coronation of Lambert Simnel, and was afterwards pardoned for this in 1488, doing his homage before Sir Richard Edgecomb.

    Read the passage

    Edmund Lane succeeded, in 1482, on the resignation of Dr. Barrett. He was a great benefactor to his Cathedral Church. He founded a College at Kildare in which the Dean and Chapter might live after a collegiate manner. This Prelate was induced by the Earl of Kildare, to assist at the coronation of Lambert Simnel; he was, afterwards, pardoned for this in 1488 {MS. Marsh's Library , No. 35), and did his homage and fealty before Sir Richard Edgecomb, whom the King had commissioned for that purpose, on the 24th of July in that year. In 1494, he assisted at a Provincial Synod, held in Christ’s Church, Dublin

    20

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Kildare town. In 1482 Edmund Lane became bishop here, and he founded a college where the Dean and Chapter could live in collegiate fashion. A few years later, the Earl of Kildare induced him to assist at the coronation of Lambert Simnel, the pretender to the throne. He was pardoned for it in 1488, and on the 24th of July that year he did his homage and fealty before Sir Richard Edgecomb, whom the King had commissioned for that purpose.

18. Bishop Gallagher's Midnight Escape to Rathmullen

    Rathmullen · population centre · Sligo · 1734

    Unable to sleep, Bishop Gallagher rose at midnight and secretly departed the priest's house, saddling his own horse and riding for Rathmullen just before soldiers arrived to seize him.

    Read the passage

    time came, the Bishop retired to rest, but could not sleep. Wearied with lying awake, he arose at midnight and intimated to his host that he would set out for the scene of the next day’s labours ; but at the urgent solicitation of the priest, be returned to bed. Still, sleep would not come, and still, the thought was strong upon him to depart. Finally, he made up his mind to leave ; arising, he quietly left the house without informing his host, and having, himself, saddled his horse, he set out, long before day, for Rathmullen. The Bishop was but a short time gone when, from an opposite direction, a troop of soldiers rushed down the hill and quickly surrounded the house of the priest. A magistrate from Millford named Buchanan was in command of the soldiery; he had received information that the Bishop was in the house and had come to seize him. Father O’Hagerty, aroused by their clamorous summons to have the Bishop delivered up to them, appeared and, having visited the apartment lately occupied by the Bishop, informed them that he was not in the house. After a search which showed them that their intended prey had really escaped, and, enraged at their failure, they determined that they would not go without a prisoner ; they accordingly seized the priest, and having tied his hands behind his back, led him forward towards Millford gaol. The intelligence having meantime spread abroad amongst his people that their Pastor was in the hands of his enemies, they quickly assembled in large numbers, intent on rescuing him. They pursued the soldiers, harassing them with stones, their only weapons, and with which the women kept them supplied.* Buchanan, fearing that his prisoner would escape, levelled his horse-pistol at the priest’s head and shot him dead. The people horrified, gathered around the shattered remains of their Pastor with loud outcries of grief, and under cover of this diversion, Buchanan and his myrmidons made good their escape.f Dr. Gallagher, thus providentially saved, found a safe retreat in one of the islands of Loch Erne, where he remained concealed for a year. Here it was that he composed the Volume of Sermons written in Irish, of which many editions have appeared. In the Preface to the original edition, his Lordship explains his object in publishing these Sermons: — “I have composed the following discourses for the sake of my fellow-labourers principally ; and in the second place for such as please to make use of

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rathmullen, the village Bishop Gallagher was riding for on a night in 1734 when soldiers came to seize him. He had been staying at a priest's house and could not sleep. Wearied with lying awake, he rose at midnight and quietly left without telling his host, saddled his own horse and setting out long before day for this place. He was barely gone when a troop of soldiers rushed down the hill and surrounded the house. A magistrate from Millford named Buchanan led them, acting on information that the Bishop was inside. Father O'Hagerty, the priest of the house, came out and told them the Bishop had gone. They searched and found it true. Enraged at losing their man, they seized the priest instead, tied his hands behind his back, and set off for Millford gaol. Word spread among the people, who gathered in large numbers to rescue their pastor. They pursued the soldiers, harassing them with stones, the women keeping the supply coming. Buchanan, fearing his prisoner would be freed, levelled his horse-pistol and shot the priest dead. The people gathered around the shattered remains with loud outcries of grief, and Buchanan and his men escaped in the confusion. Gallagher found a safe retreat on one of the islands of Loch Erne, where he stayed concealed for a year and composed his volume of sermons written in Irish.

19. Bishop Haly's charitable exertions during the Famine

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1845–1852

    During the season of famine, Bishop Haly exhausted his available funds and incurred heavy debts that pressed upon him for years, striving to enlarge the wretched allowance of food that merely prolonged dying rather than sustaining life.

    Read the passage

    unaccustomed, pressed heavily ; and when those seasons would come which would remind the bereaved widow of the loss she had sustained, and the fatherless and afflicted of the home wThich remained for them no more, his kind and generous heart laboured to anticipate their wants — to enliven the loneliness of their condition, and console them under the loss which they endured. With untiring patience and ready cheerfulness, he cordially gave his aid to all who sought to improve their temporal condition ; but the poor were the special objects of his care. His munificent charity towards them knew no other limit than his means. I speak in the presence of thousands who know the truth of what I assert. When his private resources were exhausted, he condescended to that which his nature abhorred — he borrowed— nay, he begged, for the poor. That generous soul which knew so well that ‘ it is more blessed to give than to receive— who never, I believe, was known to ask a favour for himself — descended to beg for the humble supplicants that beset his path in our streets. Those who understood not the depth and universality of his charity, were astonished to behold even the dissolute and corrupt included within its range ; they thought the good Bishop must be ignorant of the character of those whose distresses he relieved, and they ventured to represent to him that some of the worst characters in the community were the recipients of his bounty. The gentle and humble Prelate received the protest with benignant humility ; but he could not deny to the miserable outcast a portion of that charity which, in a faint way, imitated God's mercy. His observation to one whom he honoured •with his confidence was — ‘ If a Bishop be not merciful to those unfortunates, to whom, under God, can they look for mercy V But though he would not exclude the indolent or the depraved from the sphere of his charity, his first care was for the honest housekeeper — the struggling tradesman — the afflicted parent who, shrinking within the recesses of his poverty, from the publicity of open complaint, pined in secret over the miseries of a starving family. For such persons the bowels of his compassion were moved — his heart as he was wont to say, bled for his poor people. His house and his purse were emptied for them, and, when every other resource failed, his hand was extended to beg for them. During the season of famine he not only exhausted his available funds, but incurred heavy debts which pressed upon him for years. Many a soul whose sins have been atoned for by the fearful privations of that dread period, could plead, and doubtless did plead, before the Throne of Mercy, in favour of that venerable Prelate, who laboured like the humblest amongst us — always cheering the afflicted with his word of consolation — always endeavouring to enlarge that wretched allowance of food which prolonged the period of dying rather than sustained life. During his whole life, the poor looked upon his convenience, his time, and his purse as their property. To such an extent was this feeling carried, that if he gave everything he possessed, the recipient was barely thankful ; if he had nothing more to give, the disappointed expectant considered that he had been unjustly refused that which belonged to him. Had his charities consisted of isolated acts, they might have been remembered with more gratitude, but because his whole life was unceasing charity, men looked upon his benevolent deeds as a thing of course. Hence, had he been a little less charitable, his charity would have appeared greater in the eyes of men. With the reflecting observer, however, the familiarity of the poor with their venerable Prelate — the claim which they conceived they had acquired upon every thing which he possessed — the freedom with which they forced from him his last

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 144

20. Bishop Maurice Doran assassinated by his own Archdeacon

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow

    Maurice Doran, Bishop of Leighlin, was assassinated by Maurice Kavanagh, his own Archdeacon, an event recorded by both the Four Masters and Thady Dowling.

    Read the passage

    Maurice Doran, O.S.D., Bishop of Leighlin ; assassinated by Maurice Kavanagh his Archdeacon ; Four Masters and Thady Downing on

    same, 55

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 317

21. Danish destruction of Kildare in 836

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 836

    A Danish fleet of 30 ships arrived in the Liffey and plundered churches within the territories of Magh-Liffe, destroying Kildare by fire and sword and carrying away the shrines of St. Brigid and St. Conlaeth.

    Read the passage

    In the year 836, a Danish fleet of 30 ships arrived in the Liffey, as did another in the Boyne ; they not only plundered every church and abbey within the territories of Magh-Liffe and Magh-Breagh, not suffering an individual to escape, but also destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, and carried away the rich shrines of St. Brigid and St. Conlaeth. (M‘Geoghegan, and O' Halloran.)

    The succession to the See of Kildare, from the death of St. Conlaeth to the Episcopate of St. Aed, who died in 638, has been lost; but that it continued uninterrupted, we learn from Cogitosus, who speaks of the Church of Kildare, “which,” he says, “ the Archbishop of the Irish Bishops, and the Abbess whom all the Abbesses of the Scots pay a veneration to, do always rule over, in a happy, perpetual and rightful succession.” (Prolog, ad Vit. S. Brig.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is the town of Kildare. In 836 a Danish fleet of 30 ships arrived in the Liffey, and they plundered every church and abbey in the territories of Magh-Liffe, not suffering an individual to escape. They destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, and carried away the rich shrines of St. Brigid and St. Conlaeth. Before that destruction, the Church of Kildare held a special standing. A writer called Cogitosus described it as a place where, in his words, "the Archbishop of the Irish Bishops, and the Abbess whom all the Abbesses of the Scots pay a veneration to, do always rule over, in a happy, perpetual and rightful succession." So what the Danes burned that year was a church that had drawn bishops and abbesses from across Ireland for generations.

22. Doyle gives evidence before Parliament on state of Ireland

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1825

    In March 1825 the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin was summoned to London to give evidence before the Lords and Commons Committee on the State of Ireland, with his testimony making a powerful impression against prejudices toward Catholics.

    Read the passage

    In March, 1825, the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin was summoned, with some of the other Irish Prelates, to give evidence before the Lords and Commons, in Committee on the State of Ireland. The evidence of Dr. Doyle had a powerful effect in disabusing the English mind of preconceived erroneous opinions and deep-rooted prejudices about the Catholic religion and the condition of the Irish people. The tone and manner in which it was delivered excited astonishment. With a selfpossession, dignity of character, and clearness of judgment, rarely evinced, Dr. Doyle added such a love of truth and, withal, such a respect for the judgment of others, that he made an impression on the minds of even the highest intolerants which all their bigotry was not proof against. (Short Life , c. 14.) On his return to Ireland, in May 1825, meetings were held in various places to congratulate him on the support he had given to the cause of religion and liberty. The Clergy of his own Diocese assembled and presented him with the following address : —

    “There is in this town a Miss M F , a near relation of the late

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 98

23. Elderly Bishop Keeffe Moves to Carlow to Oversee College Construction

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1782–1793

    Unable to secure a suitable site at Tullow, Bishop Keeffe decided to erect the college at Carlow instead. Though nearly ninety and almost blind, he relinquished his home at Tullow and moved into a mean apartment in Carlow to personally supervise the building's construction.

    Read the passage

    By a relaxation in the Penal Laws, effected in 1782, Catholics were enabled to acquire freehold property, for lives, or of inheritance ; they were also enabled to establish schools and to educate their youth in literature and religion. (O’ Connell’s Memoir of Ireland?) The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Dr. Luke Keeffe, at once determined to avail himself of the facilities thus afforded for the establishment of a College in Ireland for the training and education of a domestic priesthood. He was the more urgently impelled to this by the course of political events in France, where the impending Revolution foreboded the ruin of those Colleges in that country in which the Irish clergy had, for the most part, been educated. “ To effect this object,” writes Dr. Doyle, “ he was possessed of no means, he had no money, no friends able to assist him, no protection from the law, no favour or support from the wise or wealthy. He had only to cast his heart with its concern on the Lord, and to gather from an impoverished clergy and people a portion of the means too small for their subsistence. But his faith was animated, his confidence in a protecting Providence unbounded. He believed that his design was agreeable to God, and under His favour he feared not to carry it into effect.” Dr. Keeffe at first selected the towrn ofTullow, where he resided, as the place for the Diocesan College ; unexpected obstacles, however, having interfered with his obtaining an eligible site there, he ultimately decided on erecting it at Carlow. Such was his anxiety for the success of the undertaking that — though closely approaching his ninetieth year, and nearly blind — he relinquished his home in Tullow and took up his abode in, what Dr. Doyle describes as a “ mean apartment” in the town of Carlow, that the rising building might be under his own personal supervision. In reply to certain Queries addressed by Government in 1800 to the Irish Bishops, Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin thus refers to this subject: — “No sooner had the repeal of the Penal Statutes taken place that before opposed an inseparable bar to the erection of Catholic schools in this Kingdom, than Dr. Keeffe, late R. C. Bishop, in conjunction with the actual

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 161

24. MacGeoghegan carried to Kilbeggan seeking famed physician

    Kilbeggan · town · Westmeath · 1640–1644

    In his paralysed state the Bishop was carried to Kilbeggan to obtain the services of Owen O'Sheil, a celebrated physician known as the Eagle of Irish Doctors, but he died before O'Sheil could attend him.

    Read the passage

    for the preservation of the faith. He was much persecuted by the heretics, being personally denounced, and those who should succour or shelter him threatened with severe penalties. He was forced to fly from place to place, concealing himself from his pursuers. Like St. Paul, this Prelate had also to endure persecution from false brethren. The author of the Aphorismical Discovery, Pt. 1 ., p. 276, thus apostrophizes Father Peter Walsh, O.S.F., the notorious author of the Remonstrance, and an unworthy child of the Diocese of Kildare. “ Your persecuting brave Prelates is innate in you, as from your cradle, when but a slip of a friar, you informed the Protestant State of Dublin, in a time of persecution, against an apostolic Prelate, a true child of Dominic’s Order, Roche MacGeoghegan, Bishop of Kildare, saying that he was not Kildare’s but Tyrone’s Bishop, to exasperate the State against the holy Prelate, which cost him many a night’s wail.” He had collected a fine library, but was obliged by the distress then prevalent, to pledge a great portion of it to relieve his flock. In the Irish Hierarchy in the 17th Century it is stated that Dr. MacGeoghegan was seized with paralysis while preaching the panegyric of St. Francis in the Church of Multifernan. In this helpless state he was carried to Kilbeggan in order to obtain the services of Owen O’Sheil, a celebrated physician, styled the Eagle of Irish Doctors, but he died before the latter had time to see him. This account of the circumstances of the Prelate’s death is scarcely consistent with the statements of other authorities, by whom he is represented as paralysed and helpless from other infirmities for a considerable time before his death. De Burgo fixes the date of his death at 1641, but Wadding, correctly, states that it took place in 1644. “Roccus MacGeoghegan, moritur anno 1644, ante mensem Junium,” ( fol . 243.) In a list of the Irish Bishops, presented to the S. Congregation in 1643, Dr. MacGeoghegan is described as “ still living but helpless from paralysis and other infirmities.” II vescovo Kildariense e fra Rocco Geoghegan , Dominicano , paralitico ed impotente. Invernizi, who was companion to the Nuncio Rinuccini, in a Relatio of the Irish Sees, sent to Pope Innocent, in 1645, describes the See of Kildare as vacant by the recent death of the Bishop ; “ Ecclesia Kildariensis nuper antistite orbata.” He bequeathed his vestments and books to the Diocese of Kildare, and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors in the Church of the Franciscans at Multifernan. ( Franciscan Monasteries.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kilbeggan now. This is the town where, in the early 1640s, a dying bishop was brought in a desperate search for help. Roche MacGeoghegan was Bishop of Kildare, a Dominican. He was much persecuted by the heretics, personally denounced, and those who should succour or shelter him were threatened with severe penalties. He was forced to fly from place to place, concealing himself from his pursuers. He had collected a fine library, but was obliged by the distress then prevalent to pledge a great portion of it to relieve his flock. He was seized with paralysis while preaching the panegyric of St. Francis in the Church of Multifernan. In this helpless state he was carried to Kilbeggan in order to obtain the services of Owen O'Sheil, a celebrated physician, styled the Eagle of Irish Doctors. But he died before O'Sheil had time to see him. Some accounts say he had been paralysed and helpless from other infirmities for a considerable time before his death. A list of Irish Bishops presented to the Holy Congregation in 1643 describes him as still living but helpless from paralysis and other infirmities. De Burgo fixes his death at 1641, but Wadding, correctly, states it took place in 1644, before the month of June. Invernizi, companion to the Nuncio Rinuccini, described the See of Kildare as vacant by the recent death of the bishop in a report sent to Pope Innocent in 1645. He bequeathed his vestments and books to the Diocese of Kildare, and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors in the Church of the Franciscans at Multifernan.

25. Mr Cullen tried for his life at Naas assizes

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    After being falsely accused by an ungrateful wounded yeoman of aiding rebels, Mr Cullen was conveyed to Naas, tried for his life at the assizes there, and was acquitted.

    Read the passage

    The future Cardinal entered Carlow College as a pupil on the 17th of February, 1817. He was the son of Hugh Cullen and Mary Maher, and was born on the 27th of April, 1803, at Prospect, County of Kildare. His parents had resided in the Parish of Leighlin until a few years previous to the . birth of their son, Paul. They had their full share in the sufferings of the troubled days of 1798. The Bishop of Ossory, ( Memoir of Rev. J. Maher), tells how on one occasion, Mr. Cullen was made a prisoner in his own house on a charge of affording shelter and assistance to the rebels when, a little time before, they were assembled at the adjoining Rath of Mullaghmast. What made this charge the more offensive was that it was brought by a wounded yeoman, whom Mr. Cullen, after a skirmish near the Rath, had found in a dying state and, bringing to his house, had nursed with the greatest care till he was restored to health. Mr. Cullen was at once conveyed to Naas where the assizes were being held, and tried for his life for the legal offence alleged against him by this ungrateful wretch, but was fortunately acquitted. Mr. Cullen’s brother, Paul, was not so fortunate. Whilst engaged, on a particular occasion, hiring farm-labourers in the neighbouring town of Leighlin-Bridge, one of the men jokingly said : — “ Mr. Paul you must be our Captain.” This thoughtless saying being reported to the authorities, he was arrested, tried by Court-martial, and shot!

    When not quite fourteen years of age Paul Cullen, as has been already stated, entered the College of Carlow where he

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Naas in County Kildare. Back in 1798, the assizes were being held here, and a man named Mr Cullen was brought to this town to stand trial for his life. He and his wife, Mary Maher, had lived in the Parish of Leighlin until a few years before the birth of their son, Paul, at Prospect in Kildare on the 27th of April, 1803. That son would later enter Carlow College as a pupil on the 17th of February, 1817, and go on to become a cardinal. But in the troubled days of 1798, the parents had their full share of suffering. Mr Cullen was seized in his own house and charged with sheltering and assisting rebels who had gathered at the adjoining Rath of Mullaghmast. What made the charge most bitter was the man who brought it. He was a wounded yeoman. Cullen had found him in a dying state after a skirmish near the Rath, brought him home, and nursed him with the greatest care until he recovered. That was the thanks he got. He was conveyed to Naas, tried for his life on the legal offence alleged by this ungrateful wretch, and fortunately acquitted. His brother, Paul, was not so fortunate. He was in Leighlin-Bridge hiring farm-labourers, when one of the men jokingly said,

26. Williams gives his coat to a poor sick woman in Dublin's purlieus

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    While visiting the sick as part of his charitable work, Williams once left his inner and outer coats for covering on the bed of a poor sick woman in one of the poorer districts of Dublin, walking home in his shirt sleeves on a winter night.

    Read the passage

    “ At the point we have reached,” writes the Rev. M. Russell, S. J.,* “ Williams became an editor ; yet to this stormy period of his life belong some incidents which might occur in the life of a Saint. ‘ He was more ready,’ says Mr. Sullivan, ‘ to visit the sick and dying, than to join the not unfrequent symposia of his literary and political friends. From one of the two or three companions, who had personal knowledge of the fact, we have heard of his having left for covering on the bed of a poor sick woman whom he was called on to visit in one of the purlieus of Dublin, the inner and outer coats which he had brought on him, and returning to his home, on a winter night, in his shirt sleeves. This act would surprise no one who knew him ; it was

    * Relics of Richard Dalton Williams; a Lecture delivered in 1876, by Father Russell, and published in the Irish Monthly for March, April, May, and J une, 1877. The present brief Memoir has been compiled chiefly from Father Russell’s interesting Lecture, and from the Preface to the Collected Poems of Williams, published at the Nation Office.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where a man called Williams once walked home on a winter night in his shirt sleeves. He was more ready to visit the sick and dying than to join the gatherings of his literary and political friends. Called to see a poor sick woman in one of the poorer districts, he left both his inner and outer coats to cover her bed, and walked home through the winter night with nothing over his shirt. "This act would surprise no one who knew him."

27. Birth of Cardinal Paul Cullen at Prospect

    Prospect · townland · Kildare · 1803

    The future Cardinal Paul Cullen was born on 27 April 1803 at Prospect, County Kildare, son of Hugh Cullen and Mary Maher.

    Read the passage

    The future Cardinal entered Carlow College as a pupil on the 17th of February, 1817. He was the son of Hugh Cullen and Mary Maher, and was born on the 27th of April, 1803, at Prospect, County of Kildare. His parents had resided in the Parish of Leighlin until a few years previous to the . birth of their son, Paul. They had their full share in the sufferings of the troubled days of 1798. The Bishop of Ossory, ( Memoir of Rev. J. Maher), tells how on one occasion, Mr. Cullen was made a prisoner in his own house on a charge of affording shelter and assistance to the rebels when, a little time before, they were assembled at the adjoining Rath of Mullaghmast. What made this charge the more offensive was that it was brought by a wounded yeoman, whom Mr. Cullen, after a skirmish near the Rath, had found in a dying state and, bringing to his house, had nursed with the greatest care till he was restored to health. Mr. Cullen was at once conveyed to Naas where the assizes were being held, and tried for his life for the legal offence alleged against him by this ungrateful wretch, but was fortunately acquitted. Mr. Cullen’s brother, Paul, was not so fortunate. Whilst engaged, on a particular occasion, hiring farm-labourers in the neighbouring town of Leighlin-Bridge, one of the men jokingly said : — “ Mr. Paul you must be our Captain.” This thoughtless saying being reported to the authorities, he was arrested, tried by Court-martial, and shot!

    When not quite fourteen years of age Paul Cullen, as has been already stated, entered the College of Carlow where he

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 184

28. Bishop Gallagher's Hidden Mud Cabin near the Bog of Allen

    near Allen · population centre · Kildare · 1737–1751

    As Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Gallagher had no fixed residence but for years lived part of each year in a small mud-walled, straw-thatched hut near the Bog of Allen, to which he could flee when pursued. The ruined remains of this cabin, on the road from Allen to Robertstown, could still be seen in the early 19th century.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Gallagher was translated to the See of Kildare and Leighlin in May, 1737. The great Prelate of these Dioceses, Dr. Doyle, in a “Diocesan Book, arranged for the use of the Bishops of Kildare and Leighlin ,” preserved in MS. at the Episcopal residence, Braganza, Carlow, — and from which extracts now for the first time appear, — thus refers to Dr. Gallagher : — “ This Bishop was eminent, in the most perilous times, for his learning, piety and zeal. He was not a native of this Diocese or Province. He seldom had a residence, but went about, like his Divine Master, doing good, preaching the Gospel, encouraging the faithful, and consoling his afflicted people. For some years previous to his death, he resided, for part of each year, in a small hut, of mud walls, thatched with straw or rushes, near the bog of Allen, to which he might fly when sought after by the myrmidons of the ruling faction. The remains of his cabin still exist, on the road from Allen to Robertstown ; they form a sort of ill-shapen mound or mounds, on the right hand as you proceed, and are separated by a ditch from the highway as it passes over a small eminence which looks down upon the vast moor or bog, expanded just below.”*

    In a letter written by Dr. Doyle, dated from Allen, 6th of May, 1823, — which Dr. Fitzpatrick has given in his exhaustive Memoir of the great Prelate (Vol. 1, p. 239, New Edn.), the following passage occurs : — “ I am here placed in the centre of an immense bog, which takes its name from a small hill under whose declivity the chapel and house are built where I now write. What perhaps interests me most in the wide and vast expanse of the Bog of Allen is, that it afforded, for nearly two centuries,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 77

29. Bishop Haly's final Confirmation at Abbeyleix chapel

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois · 1855

    On the Sunday immediately preceding his death, Bishop Haly administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 450 children in the Chapel of Abbeyleix, before being struck the following day with the fatal illness that ended his life.

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    “ On the Sunday immediately preceding his demise, he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 450 children in the Chapel of Abbeyleix. On the following day he was seized with the fatal malady which closed his mortal career, and he hastened to Carlow to leave us, alas 1 but his last sighs. From the Wednesday of that week his medical attendants prepared us for the worst. Death hovered on gloomy wing round his couch and prepared his weapon for the fatal stroke. The clergy wrho loved him as a father — the venerable Pastors who, under his guidance, governed the faithful — hurried, some from the most remote limits of these extensive dioceses, to look once again in life upon the benignant features of him whom they were about to lose- You, too, my lord Archbishop, hastened from the duties of your Visitation to stand and pray beside the bed of your dying suffragan and friend, and you had the melancholy consolation of administering to him the Sacrament which was specially instituted for the comfort of the dying. This large town was like a family weeping beside the bed of a dying parent. Even those wTho were separated from him in faith, and who could have known him but imperfectly, exhibited their respect for humanity and benevolence by reverencing the last moments of one in whom through life these virtues had found a most distinguished patron. On Saturday morning he received the Holy Viaticum from the Rev. William Tracy of Kilcock — his friend in life and death — and on the following morning, Sunday, the 19th of August, immediately after the Holy Sacrifice had been offered for him in his own residence, and whilst the Priest was offering the same Holy Sacrifice in this Cathedral for his soul’s strength, that pure and holy spirit winged its flight from the turmoil of earth to the peace of God/’

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30. Bishop Leverous refuses oath of supremacy under Elizabeth

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1559

    On the accession of Elizabeth, Thomas Leverous, Bishop of Kildare, decisively refused to take the oath of supremacy, a refusal recorded in a fiat dated 4 February preserved in the Public Record Office, Dublin.

    Read the passage

    When, on the accession of Elizabeth, Dr. Leverous was summoned to take the oath of supremacy, he decisively refused. A fiat of Elizabeth, dated 4th February ii Elizab. at 10 a.m preserved in the Public Record Office, Dublin, 199 (6274) certifies that the oath of supremacy was refused by William Walsh, Bishop of Meath, and Thomas, Bishop of Kildare, they “ affirming their conscience to be their let.” The interview of Dr. Leverous with the Deputy is thus described in Mason’s Hist, of St. Patrick’s , “ The Lord Deputy asked him why he

    refused to take an oath which had been already taken by so many illustrious men. The Bishop made answer, that all ecclesiastical jurisdiction was derived from Christ, and since the Divine Founder of the Church did not deem it fit to confer ecclesiastical authority even on the most privileged of women, his own blessed Mother, how could it be believed that supremacy, and the primacy of ecclesiastical authority should, in future ages, be delegated to any one of that sex. He added, that according to the command of the Apostle, no woman should presume to speak authoritatively in the Church, much less should she preside and rule there ; and, to confirm this opinion, he adduced authorities from St. Chrysostom and Tertullian and other writers. The Deputy, abandoning this line of argument, then represented to him that if he refused to comply, he must be deprived of all his revenues ; to which the worthy Bishop replied in the words of the Sacred Text : “ What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, if he lose his own soul ?” The threat was soon put in

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is where the record of Bishop Leverous and his refusal sits. In 1559, on the accession of Elizabeth, Dr. Thomas Leverous, Bishop of Kildare, was summoned to take the oath of supremacy. He refused. A fiat of Elizabeth, dated the 4th of February, preserved in the Public Record Office here in Dublin, certifies that the oath was refused by William Walsh, Bishop of Meath, and Thomas, Bishop of Kildare. They are recorded as affirming their conscience to be their let. The interview of Dr. Leverous with the Lord Deputy is described in Mason's History of St. Patrick's. The Lord Deputy asked him why he refused to take an oath which had already been taken by so many illustrious men. The Bishop answered that all ecclesiastical jurisdiction was derived from Christ, and since the Divine Founder of the Church did not deem it fit to confer ecclesiastical authority even on the most privileged of women, his own blessed Mother, how could it be believed that supremacy and the primacy of ecclesiastical authority should in future ages be delegated to any one of that sex. He added that according to the command of the Apostle, no woman should presume to speak authoritatively in the Church, much less should she preside and rule there, and he adduced authorities from St. Chrysostom and Tertullian and other writers. The Deputy abandoned this line of argument and represented to him that if he refused to comply, he must be deprived of all his revenues. The Bishop replied in the words of the Sacred Text: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, if he lose his own soul?

31. Cogitosus's description of the Church of Kildare and its shrines

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 800–830

    Cogitosus, writing in the ninth century, described the Church of Kildare containing the bodies of Bishop Conlaeth and St. Brigid, deposited in monuments adorned with gold, silver and gems, within a church with three oratories divided by partitions.

    Read the passage

    lii serin oir ocus airgit” Father Shearman (Loca. Pair) states that the remains of St. Conlaeth were, on this occasion, taken from his grave in the Dionlatha of Cinel Lugair, which he supposes to have been the present Killeen Cormac, for the purpose of being enshrined. The following interesting description of the Church of Kildare and its shrines of St. Brigidand St. Conlaeth occurs in the Life of St. Brigid by Cogitosus (pp. 523-4.) This author, who wrote early in the ninth century, describes them as they existed in his time. “ Nor is the miracle that occurred in repairing the Church, to be passed over in silence, in which repose the bodies of both, that is, Bishop Conlaeth, and this holy virgin St. Brigid, on the right and left of the decorated altar, deposited in monuments adorned with various embellishments of gold and silver and gems and precious stones, with crowns of gold and silver depending from above. For the number of the faithful increasing, the Church, occupying a spacious area, and elevated to a menacing height, and adorned with painted pictures, having within three oratories large and separated by partitions of planks under one roof of the greater house, wherein one partition, — decorated and painted with figures, and covered with linen hangings, — extended along the breadth in the eastern part of the Church, from the one to the other partywall of the Church, which (partition) has at its extremities two doors, — and through the one door, placed in the right side, the Chief Prelate enters the Sanctuary accompanied by his regular school, and those who are deputed to the sacred ministry of offering Sacred and Dominical sacrifices ; through the other door, placed in the left part of the partition above-mentioned, and lying transversely, none enter but the abbess with her virgins and widows among the faithful, when going to participate in the banquet of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. But another partition dividing the pavement of the house into two equal parts, extends from the eastern (recte western) side to the transverse partition lying across the breadth. Moreover, the

    4

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kildare. In the ninth century, a writer called Cogitosus described the great church that stood here, and he described it exactly as it was in his time. Inside that church, he said, reposed the bodies of Bishop Conlaeth and St. Brigid. They lay on the right and left of the decorated altar, deposited in monuments adorned with gold and silver and gems and precious stones, with crowns of gold and silver depending from above. Cogitosus called the building spacious, elevated to what he called a menacing height, and adorned with painted pictures. Within it were three oratories, large, separated by partitions of planks under one roof of the greater house. One partition was decorated and painted with figures and covered with linen hangings. It extended along the breadth in the eastern part of the church, from one party wall to the other. It had two doors at its extremities. Through the door on the right, the Chief Prelate entered the sanctuary, accompanied by his regular school and those deputed to the sacred ministry of offering sacrifices. Through the other door, on the left, none entered but the abbess with her virgins and widows among the faithful, when going to participate in the banquet of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Another partition divided the pavement of the house into two equal parts, extending from the western side to the transverse partition lying across the breadth.

32. Death and burial of Bishop Leverous at Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1577

    Broken down by unceasing labours and privation, Bishop Leverous died in a poor hut at Naas around 1577 at the age of 80, and was buried at the parish church of St. David. His grave was said to have been glorified by many miracles.

    Read the passage

    execution. Dr. Leverous was deprived of all the temporalities of his See, and compelled to fly to concealment. He abode for some time at Adare, where he supported himself by teaching school, and where he had, as an assistant, Richard Creagh, afterwards Archbishop of Armagh. He subsequently returned to his Diocese, where he continued to exercise the duties of his sacred office, constantly exposed to the extreme penalties which detection would have brought on him. At length, broken down in health by unceasing labours and privation, he breathed his last in a poor hut at Naas, at the age of 80, about the year 1577, and was buried at the parish church of St. David. Father John Holing, S.J., in an interesting document on the “ Irish Martyrs during the reign of Elizabeth,” preserved in the Irish College of Salamanca, pronounces a high eulogium on Dr. Leverous, and states on the authority of trustworthy persons, that the holy Bishop’s grave was glorified by many miracles. Sad to relate, the hallowed spot where this saintly Prelate’s relics are laid is unmarked and even unknown ! The following is the passage in Father Holing above referred to; it is taken from “ Perbreve Compendium, in quo continentur nonnulli eorum qui , in Hibernia, regnante impia Regina Elizabeth, vincula, exilium et martyrium perpessi sunt ; compositum a P. Joanne Hollingo, Hiberno, Societatis Jesu. “ Thomas Louros, Kildarensis Epus., vir pietate et doctrina praeditus, sub Edwardi Sexti Regis imperio, omnibus, non solum dignitatibus, verum et bonis (quod Regem Ecclesiae caput esse negaverit) spoliatus fuit. Mortuo Edwardo, regnavit Maria Regina christianissima, a qua praedictus Episcopus in pristinam dignitatem magno cum honore et populi consolatione, restitutus est. At, post sex annos, succedente impia Elizabetha, et inhumaniter in Catholicos saeviente, in priorem incidit calamitatem adeo ut rebus omnibus amissis, modo hie modo alibi, cum magno vitae discrimine, vitam degere coactus fuit, saepeque ad vitam tuendam pueros et rudes gramaticam, tanquam pauper pedogogus, docere. Sacramenta praeterea, et alia ut Epum. decet, magno cum zelo et fervore quasi per totum regnum ministrabat. Yitia et publice et privatim reprehendebat, monita salutis, consilia omnibus dabat. Hisce tandem, et smilibus laboribus per multos annos fortis hie Jesu Christi miles, in orthodoxa fide constantissime perseverans, senio, infirmitateque (nam octogenarius erat) confectus, in oppido quod Naze in Lagenia Provincia dicitur, e vita discessit circa annum 1577, cujus corpus in dicto oppido sepultum jacet, multaque (ut fidedigni testantur) edidit miracula.” — Spic. Ossor. Vol. 1 ,p. 82.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are passing through the town where Bishop Leverous died. He had been deprived of all the temporalities of his See and forced into concealment, spending time at Adare where he supported himself by teaching school, with Richard Creagh, afterwards Archbishop of Armagh, as his assistant. He later returned to his diocese and continued to exercise his sacred office, constantly exposed to the extreme penalties that detection would have brought. Broken down in health by unceasing labours and privation, he breathed his last in a poor hut at Naas, at the age of 80, around the year 1577, and was buried at the parish church of St. David. Father John Holing of the Society of Jesus, in a document on the Irish martyrs during the reign of Elizabeth preserved in the Irish College of Salamanca, pronounced a high eulogium on him and stated on the authority of trustworthy persons that the holy bishop's grave was glorified by many miracles. The hallowed spot where his relics are laid is unmarked and even unknown.

33. Dr. Andrew FitzGerald imprisoned for refusing to pay tithes

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1832–1843

    In September 1832, Father Andrew FitzGerald, President of Carlow College, was thrown into prison for refusing to pay tithes, later declining offers of appointment at Maynooth College and remaining at Carlow until his death in 1843.

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    Oq the death of the President, Dean Staunton, in 1814, Father A. FitzGerald succeeded him in that office. He immediately arranged to have the College and its property vested in trustees. In September, 1882, he was thrown into prison for refusing to pay the tithes. Dr. Troy, Archbishop of Dublin, offered him an important appointment at Maynooth College, but Father Andrew declined the offer, as he did others of the like nature, and remained at Carlow College till his death, which took place on the 14th of September, 1843. His remains were interred in the Cemetery of the College. (See Paper on “ The Catholic Schools of Kilkenny,” by Rev. N. Murphy, in Transactions of the Ossory Archceological Society , Yol. 2, Part 2. Father Murphy acknowledges to have received his information regarding Dr. FitzGerald, from the late Right Rev. Dr. Kinsella, Bishop of Ossory, and Maurice Lenihan, Esq., J.P., M.R.I.A., both of whom were pupils at Carlow College during his Presidency.)

    On the application of Dr. FitzGerald, Carlow College was incorporated, by Royal Charter, with the University of London.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 167

34. Miraculous cure of Miss Maria Lalor announced by Doyle

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1823

    On 22nd June 1823 Dr. Doyle addressed a Pastoral to his diocese announcing a miraculous cure of Miss Maria Lalor, who had been unable to speak for six years and five months, attributed to the intercession of Prince Alexander Hohenloe.

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    On the 22nd of June, 1823, Dr. Doyle addressed a Pastoral to the faithful of his Diocese regarding a miraculous cure wrought, twelve days before, through the intercession of the Rev. Prince Alexander Hohenloe, Dean of Bamberg. “We announce to you, dearest brethren, with great joy,” the Bishop writes, “a splendid miracle which the Almighty God has wrought even in our own days, and at the present time, and in the midst of ourselves. We announce it to you with a heart filled with gratitude to heaven, that you may unite with us in thanksgiving to the ‘Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, who consoles us in every tribulation,’ and who has even consoled us by restoring miraculously Miss Maria Lalor to the perfect use of speech, of which, for six years and five months, she had been totally deprived ! Our gracious God ‘ who causeth death and giveth life, who leadeth to hell and bringeth back therefrom,’ has been graciously pleased to have regard to the prayers and the faith of his servants, and looking to the sacrifice of our altars, and to the merits of the Blood which speaketh from them, better than the blood of Abel, to loose by His own presence and His own power, a tongue whose functions had been so long suspended. But we hasten, dearly beloved, to impart to you, as it is the duty and privilege of our office to do ( Trid . Sess. 25, Decret. 2.), the particulars of this prodigious cure.” (The particulars of this miraculous cure are given in Life , Vol. 1, p. 245, et seq.)*

    * Archbishop Murray, on the 1st of August following, authenticated a like miraculous cure in favour of Mrs. Stuart of Ranelagh Convent. These and the many other miracles which it pleased Providence to perform during the preceding four years through the instrumentality of Prince Hohenloe, and usually through the tremendous Sacrifice of the Mass caused a great and widespread sensation at the time. The following is a copy of a letter from Daniel O’Connell to Dr. Doyle, seeking his lordship’s mediation in behalf of an invalid therein referred to : — “ Limerick, 1st August, 1823.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 97

35. Rev. Robert Lalor, Vicar-General, arrested, condemned and executed

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1594–1606

    Rev. Robert Lalor served as Vicar-General of Kildare from 1594 to 1606, after which he was arrested, condemned and executed for his religious role during a period of persecution.

    Read the passage

    Rev Robert Lalor, V.G., 1594, to 1606 ; arrested ; condemned and executed, . . .28

    Dr. James Talbot, V.G., assisted at Provincial Synod held at Kilkenny, in 1614, as representative of Kildare, . . 29

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are travelling the place where Rev. Robert Lalor served as Vicar-General from 1594 to 1606. He was arrested, condemned and executed for his religious role during a period of persecution.

36. Robert Holmes drowned in the Barrow saving a friend

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1803

    Master Robert Holmes, a Carlow College student from Dublin, drowned in the river Barrow in 1803 while trying to save the life of a fellow student. A tablet in the College Cemetery commemorates his self-sacrifice.

    Read the passage

    student of Carlow College, who departed this life the 8th of August, 1803, in the 22nd year of his age. This Monument has been erected by the Rev. Henry Staunton, President of said College.” Then follows a long inscription, lauding the virtues of the deceased. “ Happy,” it says of him, “ in the accomplishment of his dearest and oft-repeated wish in life, to die in the God-like exercise of Charity, after a generous but, alas ! fruitless effort to snatch from the devouring flood, and save his tender, his beloved companion in life, unmindful of his own.”

    The Very Rev. Nicholas O’Connor, V.F.

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37. Bishop Edmund Dempsy retires to Spain, dies at Finisterre with Epitaph

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow

    Edmund Dempsy, Bishop of Leighlin and son of Terence Viscount Clanmalyre, was one of the most active prelates among the Catholic confederates; he promoted the Protectorate of the Duke of Lorrain, retired to Spain, and died at Finisterre where his epitaph survives.

    Read the passage

    Edmund Dempsy, O.S.D., Bishop of Leighlin, son of Terence Viscount Clanmalyre ; distinguished career before being advanced to the Episcopate ; was one of the most active Prelates amongst Catholic confederates ; Bellings on Dr. Dempsy ; promotes Protectorate of Duke of Lorrain ; retired to Spain ; letter written at Portivieda ; died at Finisterre, Epitaph, . . .62

    Diocese of Leighlin from 1661 to 1678, under Vicars.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 317

38. Cathedral ornaments and Chapter Chest seized at Kildare during 1641 rebellion

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1641

    In December 1641, during the rebellion, the ornaments of the Cathedral of Kildare and books, together with the Chapter Chest containing all evidences and rescripts, were taken away by titular Bishop Rosse McGeoghegan, his Vicar-General Dempsy, priest William Borey, and the friars of the Gray Abbey there.

    Read the passage

    In March, 1642, Archdeacon Golborne and Mr. Lightborne deposed, that in the rebellion of 1641, “ the ornaments of the Cathedral of Kildare and the books belonging to the same, value ten pounds, also the Chapter Chest, containing all the evidences and rescripts of the Chapter, were, in December, 1641, taken away by Rosse McGeoghegan, titular Bishop of Kildare, Dempsy his Vicar-General, William Borey, priest, and the friars of the Gray Abbey there, etc., and the Church and tithes and rents belonging to the said Chapter were seized by the said Bishop, friars and priest, to the yearly loss of the said Dean and Chapter of more than £130 per annum.” (MS. T.C.D. , F. 2.6.)

    From the death of Dr. MacGeoghegan, in 1644, to the appointment of Dr. Forstall, in 1676, the Diocese of Kildare was administered by Vicars. James Dempsy, already mentioned as having been Vicar-General to Dr. MacGeoghegan, got charge of the Diocese immediately after that Bishop’s death. Rinuccini, writing to Cardinal Panfilio, from Kilkenny under date 7th of March, 1646, states : “ For the See of Kildare, besides the person recommended by the Council, the people and many Bishops of Leinster commend and greatly desire James Dempsy, Vicar- General of that Diocese for some years, whom they prefer to Fr. Everard, of whom an account was written before.” This account is contained in another letter from Rinuccini to Panfilio, dated

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, the town carries a story from December 1641, when the rebellion was under way. Archdeacon Golborne and Mr. Lightborne later deposed that the ornaments of the Cathedral of Kildare and its books, valued at ten pounds, were taken, along with the Chapter Chest, which held all the evidences and rescripts of the Chapter. Those responsible were Rosse McGeoghegan, titular Bishop of Kildare, his Vicar-General Dempsy, priest William Borey, and the friars of the Gray Abbey there. The same group also seized the Church itself and its tithes and rents, at a yearly loss to the Dean and Chapter of more than 130 pounds per annum. After McGeoghegan died in 1644, James Dempsy, the same Vicar-General named in the seizure, took charge of the diocese. Rinuccini, writing to Cardinal Panfilio from Kilkenny in March 1646, said the people and many bishops of Leinster greatly desired Dempsy for the See of Kildare, preferring him to Fr. Everard.

39. Death of Bishop Francis Haly in Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1855

    Bishop Haly died in Carlow on Sunday, 19th August 1855, having received the Holy Viaticum from Rev. William Tracy of Kilcock, his friend in life and death, immediately after Mass had been offered for him.

    Read the passage

    “ On the Sunday immediately preceding his demise, he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 450 children in the Chapel of Abbeyleix. On the following day he was seized with the fatal malady which closed his mortal career, and he hastened to Carlow to leave us, alas 1 but his last sighs. From the Wednesday of that week his medical attendants prepared us for the worst. Death hovered on gloomy wing round his couch and prepared his weapon for the fatal stroke. The clergy wrho loved him as a father — the venerable Pastors who, under his guidance, governed the faithful — hurried, some from the most remote limits of these extensive dioceses, to look once again in life upon the benignant features of him whom they were about to lose- You, too, my lord Archbishop, hastened from the duties of your Visitation to stand and pray beside the bed of your dying suffragan and friend, and you had the melancholy consolation of administering to him the Sacrament which was specially instituted for the comfort of the dying. This large town was like a family weeping beside the bed of a dying parent. Even those wTho were separated from him in faith, and who could have known him but imperfectly, exhibited their respect for humanity and benevolence by reverencing the last moments of one in whom through life these virtues had found a most distinguished patron. On Saturday morning he received the Holy Viaticum from the Rev. William Tracy of Kilcock — his friend in life and death — and on the following morning, Sunday, the 19th of August, immediately after the Holy Sacrifice had been offered for him in his own residence, and whilst the Priest was offering the same Holy Sacrifice in this Cathedral for his soul’s strength, that pure and holy spirit winged its flight from the turmoil of earth to the peace of God/’

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 145

40. Recusants of Fethard confront Bishop Ram and Sir Henry Wallop

    Fethard · town · Wexford · 1612

    Bishop Ram describes bringing recusants before him and enlisting their landlord Sir Henry Wallop to try to persuade them to conform to the Established Church, but they declared they were resolved to live and die in their Catholic religion, even at the cost of imprisonment.

    Read the passage

    brought before me, hoping then that my perswasion and reasons, together with their apparent and present danger, wold make them relent ; myself prevailing nothing wth them, I entreated ther landlord Sir Henry Wallop to try what he could doe wth them, but all in vaine : this done I singled them out one by one and offered them this favour to give them any reasonable time to bethink themselves, upon these Conditions, first that they wold repair to ther curates house twist or thrist a week, and heare our service privately in his chamber read unto them, next, that they wold putt me in good security for the delivering of ther bodies unto the Sheriff, at the end of the time to be granted, if they conformed not themselves ; but they jumped all in one answere as if they had known beforehand what offer I wold tender unto them and had been catechised by some priest, what answere to make, viz : — “ That they were resolved to live and dy in that Religion, and that they knew that they must be imprisoned at the length, and therefore (said they) as good now as hereafter.”

    2. I have contenually resided either in the Diocese of Femes or Leighlin, sometimes in the one sometimes in the other, And in wch soever myself have been I have exercised the ecclesiastical jurisdiction in person, when I was not, mine officiall supplied my roome.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 233

41. Richard Dalton Williams's childhood under the Devil's Bit Mountain

    Grenanstown · townland · Tipperary · 1824

    The poet Richard Dalton Williams, born in Dublin, moved as a child to Grenanstown, County Tipperary, where under the shadow of the Devil's Bit Mountain he fed his imagination on tales and fairy lore, and visited the Camailte Mountains.

    Read the passage

    The future poet was born at Dublin about the year 1824. When still a child, his home was changed to Grenanstown, County Tipperary. An article in the Nation newspaper, J uly 26th, 1851, — written, there is every reason to believe, by his school- fellow at Carlow College, and who was sub- editor of the Nation then, and until his death in 1853 — Maurice Richard Leyne — thus refers to him : — “ Williams, studious and fanciful even when a child, had, in the old country house where he was brought up, under the shadow of the Devil’s Bit Mountain, in Upper Ormond, fed his imagination by the eager perusal of all the tales of adventure, volumes of verse, repertories of fairy lore, and scanty chronicles of Irish history, which fell into his hands, and in many a visit to the solemn solitudes of the Camailte Mountains, he heard hymns in the winter storms, and peopled the wild fastnesses with beings of his own imagining.” He began his education at St. Stanislaus’ College, Tullabeg, and afterwards, about the year 1835, proceeded to Carlow Lay College, where he remained for several years. Writing from Spring College, Mobile, to a friend, December 11th, 1853, he says : — “ If you ever meet Dr. Taylor,” (Professor and afterwards President of Carlow College,) “ remember me affectionately to

    206

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Grenanstown, a poet's imagination was shaped. Richard Dalton Williams was born in Dublin around 1824, but while still a child his home was moved here, to Grenanstown in County Tipperary. He grew up in an old country house under the shadow of the Devil's Bit Mountain, in Upper Ormond. A schoolfellow of his at Carlow College, Maurice Richard Leyne, who became subeditor of the Nation newspaper, wrote about him in that paper on the 26th of July, 1851. He described Williams as studious and fanciful even as a child. In that old house he fed his imagination on every tale of adventure, volume of verse, repository of fairy lore, and scanty chronicle of Irish history that fell into his hands. He made many visits to the solemn solitudes of the Camailte Mountains, where, as Leyne wrote, "he heard hymns in the winter storms, and peopled the wild fastnesses with beings of his own imagining." He began his education at St. Stanislaus' College, Tullabeg, and around 1835 went on to Carlow Lay College, where he stayed for several years.

42. Bishop Nolan writes political letter from Braganza House, Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1835

    Bishop Edward Nolan wrote to his clergy from Braganza House, Carlow, in January 1835 urging active engagement in the general election due to the tithe crisis and threats to Catholic interests. He argued that clergy were bound to assist the people against Conservative oppression and the tithe system.

    Read the passage

    “ Braganza House, Carlow, January 7, 1835.

    “Dear Rev. Sir — Having been consulted by some of our Clergy, on the expediency of our taking a part in the present Elections, I deem it necessary to address my answer generally to the Priests of, at least, this part of the Diocese.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 130

43. Consecration of the Cathedral, Marlborough Street, Dublin

    Marlborough Street · street · Dublin · 1825

    The Cathedral on Marlborough Street, Dublin was consecrated on the Feast of St. Laurence O'Toole, 14 November 1825, with Dr. Doyle preaching on the occasion. His sermon survives in manuscript form and is preserved in an appendix.

    Read the passage

    The Cathedral, Marlborough Street, Dublin, was consecrated on the Feast of St. Laurence O’Toole, the 14th of November, 1825 ; Dr. Doyle preached on the occasion. His sermon has, fortunately, been preserved in MS., and will be found in the Appendix with some other selections from Sermons of this Prelate. The present revered Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin thus describes Dr. Doyle as a Preacher : — “ His eloquence was of the most nervous character ; it is impossible to convey an adequate notion of it. To comprehend it fully, he should be seen and heard. It illustrated whatever it touched, — it set truth in a bold and attractive relief, — its force was irresistible. We love to dwell upon the memory of our departed Prelate, who ‘ shone in his days as the morning star,’ and ‘ honoured the vesture of holiness’ in which he was robed.” {Life, 2, 472.) Dr. Doyle’s services were eagerly sought on occasions when the cause of charity was to be advocated ; and the promoters of those good works esteemed themselves, and with justice, as most fortunate when they had secured him as the Preacher.* * With few

    * Amongst the applicants to Dr. Doyle in this respect we find O’Connell, whose letter will he read with interest : —

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Marlborough Street in Dublin stands a cathedral that was consecrated on the 14th of November 1825, the Feast of St. Laurence O'Toole. Dr. Doyle preached that day, and his sermon survives in manuscript, preserved in an appendix. The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin described Doyle's eloquence as of the most nervous character, saying it illustrated whatever it touched and set truth in a bold and attractive relief. The Bishop quoted that Doyle "shone in his days as the morning star" and "honoured the vesture of holiness" in which he was robed. Doyle's services were eagerly sought when the cause of charity was to be advocated, and the promoters of those good works counted themselves fortunate to have secured him as the preacher.

44. Death and Funeral of Archbishop O'Reilly at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1818

    Archbishop Richard O'Reilly died on 31 January 1818, worn out by disease. The people of Drogheda refused to allow a hearse and carried his remains themselves to burial in the town's chapel with great solemnity.

    Read the passage

    O’Reilly. He could not, except in the number of servants, observe any difference in their style of living. At their tables, there was the same kind of rational and improving conversation, and the like sober, modest magnificence. Doctor O’Reilly was rendered agreeable to all, by the gentleness of his mind, the affability of his manners, the extent of his information, and the sweetness of his disposition. He was the delight of his flock, the honour and protection of the priesthood, and the light of pastors. Worn out by a combination of diseases, and full of merit, he gave up his precious spirit to God January 31st, 1818. The good people of Drogheda would not permit a hearse to carry his remains, they carried them themselves, and the emulation that existed between them, to get under, and support what they considered the sacred relicks, very much retarded the awfully solemn procession. He was interred in the chapel of Drogheda with every appropriate solemnity.”

    In a “Catalogue of Papers and Letters in the Archives of the Diocese of Meath,” given in Cogan’s Meath, Vol. 669, several Documents are named, which would probably throw considerable light on Dr. O’Reilly and his times. Unfortunately these papers are not now available.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 264

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Drogheda, where Archbishop Richard O'Reilly died on the 31st of January 1818. He was a man people remembered for the gentleness of his mind, the affability of his manners, and the sweetness of his disposition. At his table there was rational, improving conversation, and what the record calls a sober, modest magnificence. He differed from those around him only in the number of servants he kept. He was called the delight of his flock, the honour and protection of the priesthood, and the light of pastors. He was worn out by a combination of diseases, and full of merit, when he gave up his spirit to God. The people of Drogheda would not permit a hearse to carry his remains. They carried them themselves. There was an emulation among them to get under and support what they considered the sacred relics, and this very much retarded the awfully solemn procession. He was interred in the chapel of Drogheda with every appropriate solemnity. Papers that might have thrown light on O'Reilly and his times were later listed in Cogan's Meath, but they are no longer available.

45. Death of Dr. Forstall in exile in Cashel diocese

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1683

    After his liberation, continued persecution forced Dr. Forstall to seek safety in woods and mountains until he died an exile in the Diocese of Cashel on 7th February 1683.

    Read the passage

    On the 16th of July, 1680, the request of the Bishop of Kildare for liberty to leave Ireland was considered; if the permission was granted it was not acted upon. A letter of the Internunzio addressed to Cardinal Cybo, Prefect of the S. Congregation de Propaganda Fide, dated Brussels, the 19th of April, 1681, announces the arrest of Dr. Forstall : “ I enclose to your Eminence a letter lately received from the Bishop of Kildare, in which he informs me of his having been arrested on the 25th of February, without, however, any accusation being as yet brought against him save his having exercised Papal jurisdiction in the Kingdom. He therefore expects, that after a prolonged imprisonment, he will be conducted to one of the ports and transported hither after the confiscation of all his goods. He therefore prays that on his arrival in Flanders some succour or place of refuge may be provided for him ; he also hopes to be recommended to the clemency of the Emperor at whose solicitation in Borne he was promoted to the Episcopacy ; and he appears also to be desirous to remain in the Irish College of Antwerp, where, without doubt, he will be received if some slight assistance be provided for him. I have deemed it my duty to notify so much to your Eminence, that you may be good enough, should you think fit, to lay the matter before the Sacred Congregation.” {Life of 0. Plunket, p. 281.) By a letter submitted to the S. Congregation on the 16th of March, 1682, we find the Bishop still a prisoner in Ireland, unable to pay his debts, over a thousand scudi, contracted during his incarceration. {Dr Brady) Even after his liberation the violence of persecution compelled Dr. Forstall to seek for safety in the woods and mountains, till, on the 7th of February, 1683, he closed his earthly career, an exile, in the Diocese of Cashel. {Life of 0. Plunkett , p. 170.) Of the Parish Priests registered in 1704, we find thirteen stated to have been ordained by Dr. Forstall, two at Dublin, in 1677, and three others at the same place in 1681 ; four at Ballyna, viz. : — one in 1678, one in 1679, and two in 1680 ; these ordinations, no doubt, took place at the residence of the O’More of the day ; and three at Dunadea^

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cashel, Dr. Forstall ended his life in exile on the 7th of February, 1683. He was the Bishop of Kildare. On the 16th of July, 1680, his request for liberty to leave Ireland was considered, but if permission was granted, he did not act upon it. He was arrested on the 25th of February, 1681. The Internunzio wrote to Cardinal Cybo, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide, from Brussels on the 19th of April, 1681, enclosing a letter from the Bishop himself. No accusation had been brought against him save his having exercised Papal jurisdiction in the Kingdom. He expected a prolonged imprisonment and then to be conducted to one of the ports and transported to Flanders after the confiscation of all his goods. He prayed that on his arrival in Flanders some succour or place of refuge might be provided, and he hoped to be recommended to the clemency of the Emperor, at whose solicitation in Rome he was promoted to the Episcopacy. He also wished to remain in the Irish College of Antwerp. By the 16th of March, 1682, he was still a prisoner in Ireland, unable to pay debts of over a thousand scudi contracted during his incarceration. Even after his liberation, the violence of persecution compelled him to seek safety in the woods and mountains, until he died here, an exile, in the Diocese of Cashel. Of the parish priests registered in 1704, thirteen were stated to have been ordained by him: two at Dublin in 1677, three at Dublin in 1681, four at Ballyna, one in 1678, one in 1679, and two in 1680, and three at Dunadea.

46. Dr. Doyle's 1823 Letter on the Bog of Allen and Persecution-era Refuges

    near Bog of Allen · bog · Kildare · 1823

    Writing from Allen in 1823, Bishop Doyle described the vast Bog of Allen as having provided refuge for nearly two centuries to persecuted clergy, and recorded local oral traditions of hidden retreats, confirmations, and ordinations performed secretly in the marshes.

    Read the passage

    a place of refuge to the apostolic men who have gone before me in preaching the faith and administering the Sacraments to a people in every respect worthy of such pastors. The haunts and retreats frequented by the Bishops of Kildare in the times of persecution are still pointed out by the aged inhabitants of these marshes with a sort of pride mingled with piety ; and they say — ‘ There he administered Confirmation ; here he held an assembly of the Clergy ; on that hill he ordained some young priests, whom he sent to France, to Spain, or to Italy ; and we remember, or we heard, how he lived in yonder old walls in common with the young priests whom he prepared for the mission. He sometimes left us with a staff in his hand and, being absent months, we feared he would never return ; but he always came back, until he closed his days amongst us. Oh ! if you saw him ; he was like St. Patrick himself!’ What think you, my dear friend, must be my reflections at hearing of the danger, and labours, and virtues of these good men, and what a reproach to my own sloth and sensuality and pride? They of whom the world was not worthy, and who went about in fens and morasses, in nakedness, and thirst, and hunger, and watching, and terror, will be witnesses against me for not using to the best advantage the blessing which their merits have obtained from God for their children. Their spirit indeed seems to dwell here, and in these remote and uncultivated districts there are found a purity and simplicity of morals truly surprising. From five to six o’clock this morning, the roads and fields were crowded with poor people, young and old, healthy and infirm, hurrying to see the Bishop and assist at his Mass, and hear his instructions. They thought he should be like those Saints whom they had seen or heard of to have gone before him.” Dr. Gallagher died in May, 1751 ; the place of his interment is not known, but it appears most likely to have been at Cross-Patrick, an ancient burial-place in the immediate vicinity.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

47. Father O'Neill's return and death near Mullingar

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1801–1809

    Father O'Neill, one of three Irish priests transported to Australia for complicity in the 1798 Rebellion, was discovered to have been wrongly transported. He was sent home and ended his days, it is said, in a monastery near Mullingar.

    Read the passage

    shop, bought some twenty or thirty prayer-books, threw them amongst the convicts, and, then and there, resolved to follow them to the other side of the earth to save their immortal souls from destruction. About this time, too, he made the acquaintance of Father O’Flinn who had been, just before, forcibly expelled from Australia. A few words about the previous history of Australia may be appropriately inserted here. The Colony was founded in 1792 ; the first batch of convicts and English officials took possession of the country in that year. There was not any Catholic Priest in the Colony till 1801. In December of that year there arrived three Irish Priests who had been sentenced to transportation for complicity in the Rebellion of 1798. Their names were Dixon, Harold, and O’Neill. About a year later, the authorities discovered that they had transported the wrong man in the person of Father O’Neill. He was accordingly sent home and ended his days, it is said, in a Monastery near Mullingar. The other two priests remained in the Colony as convicts, for seven or eight years. During this time they were allowed — it is believed through the intervention of Henry Grattan — to discharge some of their clerical duties, but under the most galling restrictions. Broken down in health and spirits, they left about 1809. The Colony was then without a priest till 1817. In that year there arrived in the Colony a very holy priest, Father O’Flinn. After labouring zealously and efficiently for two years, he was forcibly expelled the Colony by the bigoted Government officials, and sent back to Europe. Soon after his arrival in Cork, he was introduced to Father Therry to whom he gave an account of the state of affairs in Australia. Father Therry recognized this as the opportunity he had been looking for. After some difficulty, he succeeded in in obtaining the sanction of his Bishop, the holy See, and also of the English Government. He sailed from Cork early in January, 1820, but did not reach his destination till April. When he started for Australia the voyage was long and perilous; now it is performed in 45 days as a pleasure trip. Affairs in Australia at the time did not wear a cheering aspect. It is a curious fact that the first batch of convicts and officials were, more than once, during their first year there, in imminent danger of being starved to death. They had to depend altogether, for their supplies, on England. Now, they, not only support their own population, but, moreover, send large quantities of corn and meat to the mother country. Father Therry was accompanied by a colleague in the person of the Rev. P. Connolly, who does not appear to have lived many years, as Father Therry

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 176

48. Fitzstephen besieged at Carrig near Wexford, 1171

    Carrig · townland · Wexford · 1171

    Fitzstephen was besieged in 1171 at Carrig, near Wexford, by Donald, illegitimate son of Dermod Mac Morrough, and the Danes of Wexford. A false report that Dublin had fallen led to his surrender, a story the author considers a fabricated apology.

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    “ Malachias O’Birn, alias O’Brin, succeeded ; who is mentioned in the Life of St. Laurence, Archbishop of Dublin, published by Surius. He died on the 1st of January, 1176.” {Ware) The reference to this Prelate in the Life of St. Laurence is to the effect that the Saint, on a certain occasion, ordered him to undertake the cure of a lady who was mad, and possessed by an evil spirit, but that O’Brin declined the task, alleging that he was not of sufficient merit to expel devils. Harris pretends that he was right in making this excuse if what historians, as he pompously calls them, say of him be true. But these historians of Harris are only Giraldus, who is well known to have told and repeated a great number of falsehoods. The story is, that when Fitzstephen was, in the year 1171, besieged in Carrig, near Wexford, by Donald, an illegitimate son of Dermod Mac Morrough, and the Danes of Wexford, O’Brin, with O’Hethe,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 14

49. Foundation of Carlow Cathedral of the Assumption, 1828

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1828

    The first stone of the Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Carlow was laid on 18 March 1828, begun with very limited funds—several hundred cart-loads of stone and about sixty pounds sterling in cash.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Doyle bad long entertained an earnest desire to replace the old parish chapel of Carlow by an edifice worthy to serve as a Cathedral for the Diocese. At length, in March, 1828, he proceeded to carry this purpose into effect. In his “ Diocesan Book,” writing under date the 14th of December, 1831, he gives the following particulars regarding the building of the Cathedral : “ The Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was commenced and the first stone of the building laid on the 18th March, 1828. At the commencement our means were very limited. We had already established a weekly collection through the town, and had purchased several hundred cart-loads of stone which, with about sixty pounds sterling in. cash, com-

    BISHOPS OF KILDARE AND LEIGHLIN.

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50. Founding of St. Patrick's College, Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1786–1793

    Bishop Keeffe and Dean Staunton, with modest combined incomes, undertook the founding of Carlow College, raising funds through parish subscriptions and hat collections. The completed building was a large edifice nearly 120 feet long with 51 bedrooms across three stories.

    Read the passage

    incumbent ( i.e . Dean Staunton, P.P. of Carlow), availed themselves of the auspicious moment and, with eager zeal, vigorously set about at once commencing this foundation, — slender means as they could boast at the time, and untoward as the circumstances were in which they then stood for the accomplishment of so very arduous a measure — the united incomes of the two founders, both in capacity of Prelate and Parish Priest, not exceeding the sum of one hundred guineas a year at that period. Nevertheless, by degrees, and generously aided by the joint liberality of the clergy and Roman Catholic laity of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, they at length happily completed their design, and by means of subscriptions universally entered into everywhere through the district, of from a British sixpence and a shilling each up to a guinea and more individually in a few instances, in each parish, combined with hat collection for brass also in every chapel, did they finally execute the work, — a large handsome edifice nearly 120 feet long, 26 wide in the central part, 36 deep in each end or wing, consisting of four stories above the surface, besides underground apartments for servants, kitchen, cellarage, etc., etc., the three upper stories, 17 commodious bedrooms for Superior, Professors, and Students on each floor ; 51 in the ■whole.” (This description refers to the centre house which forms but a small portion of the present pile of buildings. — Editor.) “The building stands in a remarkably healthy and beautiful situation in the immediate vicinity of the town, with a piece of ground annexed of four acres and a quarter, the whole recently enclosed on every side by a well-built wall of lime and stone ten feet high. There is also a very elegant chapel lately built within a few paces of the Seminary, and a very neat Infirmary just erected at a more remote distance, but within the enclosure, the entire at an expense little short of £6,000.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 162

51. John England's catechetical instructions and military ministry in Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1803–1805

    While a student at Carlow College, John England delivered catechetical instructions in the parish church that drew large crowds and gave religious instruction to the Catholic Cork militia stationed in Carlow, surviving a court-martial inquiry instigated by bigoted opponents.

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    “ A modesty the most sensitive, a kindness of heart the most dev oted distinguished John England, even in boyhood, and endeared him to all within his sphere, long before the development of those great intellectual powers that have ranked him with the ablest and most eminent men of his time. It were, indeed, easy to furnish instances from his earliest age, of that fervour of devotion, that greatness of soul, that lofty spirit of selfsacrifice, that ennobled him living, and embalm his memory, dead. Having providentially recovered from a severe fever that attacked him in the seventh year of his age, accompanied by an ulcerous affection of the throat which rendered the removal of one of the tonsils necessary, he received all the advantages of education that the schools of his native city afforded. Dr. Hutch, ( Life of Nano Nngle,p. 36), states that young England pursued his early studies at a Protestant school, and, being the only Catholic pupil, he was subjected to many galling insults on account of his faith, not only by his companions, but even by his master, whose bigotry got the mastery over his charity and his sense of public duty. Having been withdrawn from this establisment, he had, as private tutor for two years, a barrister then resident in Cork, and it is not unnatural to infer that he was largely indebted to the training received under this gentleman for much of that accuracy of thought and keen logic which distinguished him as a controversialist in later years. Having made considerable progress in his studies, his father became desirous that he should turn his attention to some pursuit in which he could forward him in life, but, when on the eve of doing so, he was agreeably surprised by his son unexpectedly communicating to him his wish to embrace the ecclesiastical state — a wish which he stated to be the result of nearly two years of silent reflection, and on the fulfilment of which he declared his heart to be firmly and unalterably fixed. Mr. England’s parents gladly seconded his views. From this time to his entrance at College — a space of two years — he occupied himself in more assiduous application, having, at the desire of his Bishop, the Right Rev. Francis Moylan, placed himself under the particular guidance of the Very Rev. Robert McCarthy, Dean of the Diocese. . . On the 31st of August, 1803, Mr. England left Cork for the College of Carlow ; and in two years after his entrance he commenced delivering catechetical instructions in the parish Church which, not only the children, but the adults of the town and neighbourhood thronged to hear. He likewise devoted much of his leisure time to the religious instruction of the Catholic portion of the Cork militia, then stationed in Carlow under the command of Colonel Longfield. This officer was persuaded by some bigoted fanatics to bring to court-martial the men that attended these instructions, but, to the mortification of the persecutors, the enquiry ended in his sanction and approval of the young apostle’s proceedings, who frequently after expressed his delight that his mission, like that of the great Francis de Sales, had its commencement amongst the military.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 169

52. Bishop MacGeoghegan stricken with paralysis preaching at Multyfarnham

    Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1640–1644

    While preaching the panegyric of St. Francis in the Church of Multifernan, Bishop Roche MacGeoghegan was seized with paralysis, a helpless state from which he never fully recovered.

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    for the preservation of the faith. He was much persecuted by the heretics, being personally denounced, and those who should succour or shelter him threatened with severe penalties. He was forced to fly from place to place, concealing himself from his pursuers. Like St. Paul, this Prelate had also to endure persecution from false brethren. The author of the Aphorismical Discovery, Pt. 1 ., p. 276, thus apostrophizes Father Peter Walsh, O.S.F., the notorious author of the Remonstrance, and an unworthy child of the Diocese of Kildare. “ Your persecuting brave Prelates is innate in you, as from your cradle, when but a slip of a friar, you informed the Protestant State of Dublin, in a time of persecution, against an apostolic Prelate, a true child of Dominic’s Order, Roche MacGeoghegan, Bishop of Kildare, saying that he was not Kildare’s but Tyrone’s Bishop, to exasperate the State against the holy Prelate, which cost him many a night’s wail.” He had collected a fine library, but was obliged by the distress then prevalent, to pledge a great portion of it to relieve his flock. In the Irish Hierarchy in the 17th Century it is stated that Dr. MacGeoghegan was seized with paralysis while preaching the panegyric of St. Francis in the Church of Multifernan. In this helpless state he was carried to Kilbeggan in order to obtain the services of Owen O’Sheil, a celebrated physician, styled the Eagle of Irish Doctors, but he died before the latter had time to see him. This account of the circumstances of the Prelate’s death is scarcely consistent with the statements of other authorities, by whom he is represented as paralysed and helpless from other infirmities for a considerable time before his death. De Burgo fixes the date of his death at 1641, but Wadding, correctly, states that it took place in 1644. “Roccus MacGeoghegan, moritur anno 1644, ante mensem Junium,” ( fol . 243.) In a list of the Irish Bishops, presented to the S. Congregation in 1643, Dr. MacGeoghegan is described as “ still living but helpless from paralysis and other infirmities.” II vescovo Kildariense e fra Rocco Geoghegan , Dominicano , paralitico ed impotente. Invernizi, who was companion to the Nuncio Rinuccini, in a Relatio of the Irish Sees, sent to Pope Innocent, in 1645, describes the See of Kildare as vacant by the recent death of the Bishop ; “ Ecclesia Kildariensis nuper antistite orbata.” He bequeathed his vestments and books to the Diocese of Kildare, and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors in the Church of the Franciscans at Multifernan. ( Franciscan Monasteries.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 34

53. Bishop of Leighlin's oratory at Confederation assembly

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642–1649

    Bellings, a contemporary member of the Confederation, described the Bishop of Leighlin as able to sway crowds by waving his hat and inciting shouts of aye or no from the assembly hall.

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    question of this Peace, Bellings, a contemporary and a member of the Confederation, relates, that “ the Bishop of Leighlin, who always sat upon an eminent bench at the upper end of the house, rould, with waving his hat, raise such a storm from the middle seats and towards the door, that nothing could be heard for a long time but the repeated thunder of I (aye) or No, or that name which he first dictated to them.” ( Desiderata Curiosa Hiberniae. Dublin , 1772.) The same adverse writer noticing an address made by the Bishop of Leighlin, says that “citing the text of Scripture where Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, Removete lapidem, wished them to observe that, when our Saviour came to perform that stupendous work, he gave his Disciples no other share in it than that of removing the stone ; so, said he, perform you that which is within your power, remove the stone, reject the Peace, proceed on vigorously, and God will do the rest.” (Idem?)

    Dr. Dempsy is found taking a most active part in the ecclesiastical and national affairs of the country up to the time when he was driven into exile. He was amongst the Prelates assembled at Clonmacnoise, in 1649, being present in the double capacity of Bishop of Leighlin and Procurator of Waterford. ( Spic . Ossor. l,p. 327.) From Clonmacnoise we find Dr. Dempsy writing, on the 12th of December, 1649, renewing a previous recommendation to have his kinsman, James Dempsy, Yicar- Apostolic of Kildare, appointed Bishop of that See. (Id. 1, p. 328.) A Commission from the Catholic Prelates, dated Cavan, 2nd of May, 1650, was addressed to Feagh O’Toole, Colonel of the Confederate Catholics, authorizing him to levy and take the command of a regiment of foot and a troop of horse, for the service of the country. This document bears the signatures of the Bishop of Leighlin and of the Yicar- Apostolic of Kildare, and is as follows : —

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 65

54. Cathedral of Ferns burnt by Feagh McHugh during rebellion

    Ferns · townland · Wexford

    Bishop Ram reports that the Cathedral of Ferns had been burnt by Feagh McHugh (Feagh McHugh O'Byrne) during a rebellion, and was so costly to rebuild that the Dean and Chapter could not afford the work, leaving Ferns as merely a poor country village.

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    8. All the churches wthin both my Diocess are builded accordinge the country fashion, or bonds taken for the building of those few that are unbuilded, except some few parishes, wherein there is yet little or no habitation, and except the Cathedral of Femes, which having been burnt by Feagh McHew in the time of Rebellion, is so chargeable to re-edify, that the Deane and Chapter are not able to compasse that work ; neither is it indeed fitt that the Cathedral Church shold be at Femes, being now but a poor country village, but either at Wexford or at New Rosse, being both incorporate townes, very populous of themselves, especially Wexford, and of much resort by strangers. Yet there is an ile of the Cathedral Church builded, wherein divine service is duely celebrated.

    9. There is in each of my dioces a free school, the one in the towne of Mariborough for the Diocess of Leighlin. The schoolmasters are maintained by myself and my clergy accordinge the statute. Neither have I ever licenced any schoolmaster to teach but such as have first

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 234

55. Catholic clergy of Carlow College challenge Bible Society meeting

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1824

    On the 18th of November, 1824, a meeting of the Bible Society was held at the Presbyterian Meeting-House in Carlow, at which some Catholic professors, including Rev. Nolan, unexpectedly presented themselves and claimed the right to be heard in opposition to the Society's principles, sparking a debate continued the next day.

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    On the occasions of the annual meetings of the Bible Society in Carlow, tickets of invitation to be present were issued to many Catholics of the neighbourhood, including the Rev. Professors of the College. On Thursday, the 18th of November, 1824, one of these meetings was held at the Presbyterian Meeting-House, at which some of the Rev. Gentlemen, so challenged — for the invitation to attend could be viewed in no other light, — unexpectedly presented themselves, and claimed the right to be heard, in opposition to the principles of the Society. At first a hearing was refused them, but eventually it was conceded. Colonel Rochfort occupied the chair, and the following speakers took part in the discussion that ensued, and which was continued on the following day : —

    Protestant Clergy .

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56. Dublin clergy and laity form Catholic education society against Kildare Place Society

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1821

    In 1821 Catholic prelates, clergy and laity met in Dublin to form a society for the education of the people after the Kildare Place Society was found to be combining with the Hibernian Bible Society to produce proselytes, with Dr. Doyle prominent among the bishops denouncing it.

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    Towards the end of 1819, Cardinal Fontana, Prefect of Propaganda, published a letter condemning the Bible Societies, which he addressed to the Bishops of Ireland. Some Catholics, particularly Lord Fingal and O’Connell, had been induced to become members of the Kildare Place Society at its foundation on the faith of distinct promises made that, whilst it instructed the poor on the best elementary principles, it would not interfere with the religious principles of the children. It was soon discovered that these promises were not observed, and that the Society had combined with the Hibernian Bible Society to produce proselytes. When O’Connell, at one of the public meetings, attempted to recall the original intention of the Society, he was hissed, after which, in a letter to the Catholic Prelates, he denounced the body as one that had broken its pledge, and with which the Catholic body should have no connexion. From that moment, such schools as had been in connexion, in which Catholic children were taught, commenced separating from the Kildare Place Society ; and the Bishops, amongst whom Dr. Doyle was prominent, denounced it as unworthy of Catholic sanction or Government support. The Catholic Prelates, clergy, and laity, met in Dublin, in 1821, and formed a Society for the education of the people. Dr. Doyle, individually, and in conjunction with the other Prelates, petitioned unceasingly for aid, but years rolled on before aid would be allowed. The Kildare Place Society having reported that several of the Schools in Dr. Doyle’s Diocese were then in connexion with the Society, he caused official and authentic Returns to be made by his Clergy, and by this means proved the falsehood of this charge (Short Life , c. 3.) These Returns, forming a great pile of MSS., are still in existence.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are in the city where, in 1821, Catholic prelates, clergy, and laity met to form a new society for the education of the people. The story began a couple of years earlier, when Cardinal Fontana, Prefect of Propaganda, published a letter condemning the Bible Societies and addressed it to the bishops of Ireland. Some Catholics, including Lord Fingal and O'Connell, had joined the Kildare Place Society on distinct promises that it would instruct the poor on sound elementary principles but would not interfere with the religious principles of the children. Those promises were not kept. The Society combined with the Hibernian Bible Society to produce proselytes. When O'Connell tried to recall the original intention at a public meeting, he was hissed, and afterwards he wrote to the Catholic prelates denouncing the body as one that had broken its pledge. Schools with Catholic children began separating from the Kildare Place Society. The bishops, among whom Dr. Doyle was prominent, denounced it as unworthy of Catholic sanction or Government support. In 1821, the meeting in Dublin formed the new society. Dr. Doyle, individually and with the other prelates, petitioned unceasingly for aid, but years passed before any aid was allowed. When the Kildare Place Society reported that several schools in Dr. Doyle's diocese were still in connexion with it, he had official returns made by his clergy proving the charge false. Those returns, a great pile of manuscripts, are still in existence.

57. Magdalen Asylum built and opened in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1808–1809

    Mr. England gathered six future inmates and supported them himself until the Magdalen Asylum, built at the expense of Mr. Therry, opened in June 1809. He placed them under the care of the woman who would become the institution's matron.

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    “ On his arrival from Carlo w,. the present Magdalen Asylum, built at the expense of Mr. Therry, was in progress of erection. To this he immediately turned his attention and, up to the time of its opening in June 1809, he assembled six of the unfortunate beings who were to be its future inmates, whom, with the assistance of his friends, he supported, till the house should be opened for their reception, placing them under the care of the person who was afterwards matron of that institution. Another of his labours at the time was the publication of a monthly periodical, The Religious Repertory , which he originated in May of the same year, with a view to diffuse a spirit of piety amongst the people, and to withdraw them from the perusal of books of a dangerous or immoral tendency. He likewise established a circulating Library in the parish of St. Mary’s, Shandon. He next turned his attention to the city jail, and, Government not then allowing a salary for the Roman Catholic Chaplain, gave his services gratuitously for no inconsiderable time. In 1812 he was appointed President of the Diocesan College of St. Mary, opened by Dr. Moylan for the education of Candidates for Holy Orders, and taught in it the Theological course.

    “In the commencement of 1814, Mr. England was providentially preserved under the following circumstances : — Having left Cork for Dublin on business of a spiritual nature, a heavy fall of snow, which came on during the night, prevented the Mail Coach, in which he travelled, from proceeding beyond Carlow. Mr. England’s business was urgent and, having no better mode of proceeding, he resolved, with some others, to walk the remaining part of the journey. The snow had fallen to such a depth as to cover altogether the huts on the roadside, and he at one time narrowly escaped fracturing his leg by thrusting it through the chimney of a cottage. After proceeding some distance, and feeling fatigued, he drank of the snow water to refresh himself. This produced

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    Cork is where the Magdalen Asylum was built and opened in June 1809. Mr. Therry paid for the building, and while it was going up, Mr. England gathered six of the women who were to be its first inmates and, with help from his friends, supported them himself until the doors opened. He placed them under the care of the woman who would become the institution's matron.

58. Sir Matthew Sausse buried at Killarney with memorial cross

    Killarney · townland · Kerry · 1867

    Sir Matthew Sausse, once a pupil at Carlow College, later became Chief Justice of Bombay. He died in 1867 at Killarney while visiting Lord Kenmare and was interred there, with his wife later erecting a memorial cross over his grave.

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    “ Master Matthew Sausse” appears as a pupil at the College in 1817 and succeeding years. This was Sir Matthew Sausse, afterwards Chief Justice of Bombay. He died in 1867 at Killarney, whilst on a visit to Lord Kenmare, and is there interred. His wife, Lady Charlotte Henrietta Fraser, daughter of Lord Lovat, has erected a Memorial Cross over his grave.

    The Right Rev. William Kinsella, D.D.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 187

59. Society of St Vincent de Paul established in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Williams was among the first young men who helped establish the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Dublin, not long after its founding in Paris by Frederic Ozanam.

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    quite in keeping with his character.’ This incident took place probably while Williams was discharging his self-imposed duties as a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was one of the first of the young men who aided in establishing it in Dublin, to which it found its way, not many years after it was first founded in Paris by that pious and gifted Frenchman, Frederic Ozanam.”

    “The Famine came,” writes Mr. T. D Sullivan, “ and the Continental revolutions, and John Mitchell’s United Irishman, and under the combined iufluence of these the Irish national party were taken somewhat off their feet.” Early in 1848, Williams, in conjunction with Kevin Izod O’Doherty, established the Irish Tribune which, after a short career of six weeks, was suppressed, and Williams was arrested. On the 2nd of November he was tried on a charge of treason-felony. He was defended by Mr. Samuel Ferguson, Sir Colman O’Loughlin, and Mr. John O’ Hagan. In the course of his speech Mr. Ferguson said : — “ Gentlemen, I am not a member of that ancient and venerable Church within whose pale my client seeks for salvation, and has found tranquillity and contentment in affliction. But I would be unworthy of the noble and generous Protestant faith which I profess, if I could withhold my admiration from the services which, I am instructed, he has rendered to the cause of religion andof charity, not only by his personal exertions in distributing the beneficence of one of the best and most useful charitable institutions existing in our city, but also by his pen in embodying the purest aspirations of religion in sublime and beautiful poetry. When I speak of the services he has rendered to religion by his poetry, allow me also to say that he has also rendered services to the cause of patriotism and of humanity by it ; and permit me to use the privilege of a long apprenticeship in those pursuits by saying that, in my humble judgment, after our Poet Moore, the first living poet of Ireland is the gentleman who now stands arraigned at the bar.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Dublin, you are passing through the city where the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was established in its early days. Williams was one of the first of the young men who aided in establishing it here. The Society had found its way to Dublin not many years after it was first founded in Paris by Frederic Ozanam, described in the record as a pious and gifted Frenchman. Williams discharged his self-imposed duties as a member of the Society, and the book notes that this was quite in keeping with his character. Then came the Famine and the Continental revolutions, and John Mitchell's United Irishman. Mr. T. D. Sullivan writes that under the combined influence of these, the Irish national party were taken somewhat off their feet. Early in 1848, Williams, together with Kevin Izod O'Doherty, established the Irish Tribune. After a short career of six weeks it was suppressed, and Williams was arrested. On the 2nd of November he was tried on a charge of treason-felony. He was defended by Mr. Samuel Ferguson, Sir Colman O'Loughlin, and Mr. John O'Hagan. In the course of his speech, Mr. Ferguson said that he was not a member of that ancient and venerable Church within whose pale his client sought for salvation, and had found tranquillity and contentment in affliction. But he said he would be unworthy of the noble and generous Protestant faith which he professed if he could withhold his admiration from the services which, he was instructed, Williams had rendered to the cause of religion and charity. Ferguson spoke of Williams distributing the beneficence of one of the best and most useful charitable institutions existing in the city, and also of his pen, embodying the purest aspirations of religion in sublime and beautiful poetry. He said that after Moore, the first living poet of Ireland was the gentleman who now stood arraigned at the bar.

60. Solemn funeral procession and burial of Bishop Nolan at Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1837

    Bishop Nolan's obsequies took place at the Cathedral in Carlow with several prelates and clergy present, followed by a procession through the town's principal streets with a vast sorrowing crowd. The Quarter Sessions were adjourned as a mark of respect, and he was buried beside his predecessor Dr. Doyle beneath a black marble monument.

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    The Episcopal career of Dr. Nolan was of short duration. Whilst engaged in the duty of Visitation, in a remote portion of the Diocese, he caught typhus fever, about the beginning of October, 1837. He at once hastened to Carlow, his illness being seriously aggravated by the long journey. An interval of deep anxiety succeeded, during which, fervent prayers were continuously offered for the prolongation of a life so precious. But God’s own good time had come. On Saturday, the 14th of October, 1837, at 7 o’clock in the evening, he breathed his last, his bed being surrounded by several of his priests, and by the Sisters of Mercy, who had attended on him throughout his illness. The Solemn Obsequies took place in the Cathedral, at which several Prelates assisted, the clergy of the Diocese as well as from the Dioceses adjoining, being also present in great numbers. At the termination of the religious Service, the body was borne through the principal streets of the town followed by a vast and sorrowing crowd, amongst whom were many who, though not of his flock, yet were anxious to attest by their presence their veneration for his virtues. The County Carlow Quarter Sessions were adjourned until the interment had taken place, as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Prelate. The procession then returned to the Cathedral, where all that was earthly of the gentle and holy Bishop was placed on the right hand of his illustrious predecessor and friend, Dr. Doyle. A black marble monument, has been placed over the grave, bearing a floreated Cross, with the following inscription : —

    “ Here lie the Remains of the Right Revd. Edward Nolan,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 132