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. Bible Society Debate in Naas, 1824

   Naas · town · Kildare · 1824

   A public debate on the Bible Society's activities took place in Naas, chaired by Colonel Rochfort, with Catholic clergy including Rev. E. Nolan opposing Protestant clergy. The proceedings were later published as a pamphlet in 1824.

   Read the passage

   “ Now, Mr. Chairman,” said the Rev. Gentleman, “ will you allow me to state the reason why the Catholic Clergy think they ought to be heard in opposition to the proceedings of the Bible Society 1 I think we ought to be heard because this is a public meeting, publicly convened, and to which the public are invited. Tickets of admission have not only been given to all who applied for them, but they have been specially sent to the Catholic Clergy who sought them not. Every person invited here has a right to speak. I grant this is a meeting of the Bible Society, but the proceedings of that Society are deeply interesting to the public — and no less to the Catholic public, than to the Protestant. If the object of the Bible Societies was to distribute Bibles without note or comment, amongst the Protestants alone, we (the Catholic Clergy), would never think of interfering with their proceedings. But they openly avow that their object is to distribute Bibles without note or comment, generally , among Catholics, as well as Protestants. Here, Sir, we consider it our duty to oppose them, because they attempt to interfere with the duty of the Catholic Clergy, and with the religious principles of the Catholic people. It is our duty, Mr. Chairman, to instruct the people committed to our care, and the Bible Societies have never been able to prove that the Catholic Clergy neglect that duty. What right then have they to interfere with us 1 I will not now enter particularly into the question of the origin and authority of their mission. This is a question which I know will be considered rather as an unpleasant one, by some, at least, of the Members of the Society. I may, perhaps, have another opportunity of discussing it. Again, we are opposed to them, because they interfere with the religious principles of the Catholic people ; and in a manner which is calculated to defeat all the objects of religious instruction, and subvert the principles of the Catholic faith. They attempt to distribute copies of the Bible, which we know are mutilated and in many passages adulterated — and they distribute them on the principle that the private judgment, the caprice, or the fanaticism of every man, woman, or child, is to be the sole rule of interpreting the Scriptures, and learning the important truths which they contain . If the Bible Society, Mr. Chairman, came to distribute copies of the Bible, even of that version which the Catholic Church approves of, on this principle we should still consider it our duty to oppose them. This principle is abusive of the Scriptures, hostile to the Catholic faith, and prejudicial to the peace and order of society. On these grounds, Mr. Chairman, we are opposed to the principles of the Society, and we claim to be heard in opposition to the business for which this meeting has been called ; even if our own versions were given out we should still oppose them. Our object, Sir, is not controversy — we do not seek it — neither do we decline it. Our object is one of practical utility — to oppose proceedings, which we are convinced are prejudicial to the Catholic religion and the good order of

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 120

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Naas in Kildare, you are on the ground where a public debate about the Bible Society unfolded in 1824. Colonel Rochfort chaired the meeting. Catholic clergy, including the Reverend E. Nolan, rose to oppose the Protestant clergy who supported the Society's work. The proceedings were published as a pamphlet that same year. The Catholic clergy argued they had a right to be heard. The meeting was publicly convened, and tickets of admission had not only been given to all who applied for them, but had been specially sent to Catholic clergy who had not sought them. The Reverend Nolan told the Chairman that if the Bible Society's object had been to distribute Bibles without note or comment among Protestants alone, the Catholic clergy would never have thought of interfering. But the Society openly avowed that its object was to distribute Bibles generally among Catholics as well as Protestants. The Catholic clergy considered it their duty to oppose this, because the Society attempted to interfere with the duty of the Catholic clergy and the religious principles of the Catholic people. Nolan said it was the clergy's duty to instruct the people committed to their care, and that the Bible Societies had never been able to prove the Catholic clergy neglected that duty. He called the Bibles being distributed mutilated and in many passages adulterated. He said they were distributed on the principle that the private judgment, the caprice, or the fanaticism of every man, woman, or child, was to be the sole rule of interpreting the Scriptures. Even if the Society distributed the version the Catholic Church approved of, he said, they would still consider it their duty to oppose them. He said their object was not controversy. "We do not seek it," he said, "neither do we decline it." Their object was practical utility, to oppose proceedings they were convinced were prejudicial to the Catholic religion.

2. Biblical discussion at Carlow, 1824

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1824

   Father William Clowry was one of the chief disputants in the memorable Biblical discussion which took place at Carlow in 1824, a notable public religious controversy of the period.

   Read the passage

   Father Clowry appears as one of the Superiors at Carlow College, in 1818. He was principally distinguished, and his services much sought after, as a preacher. He was one of the chief disputants in the memorable Biblical discussion which took place at Carlow in 1824. He became Administrator of the Mensal Parish of Tullow where he died in 1829. Dr. Doyle wrote the inscription which appears there on his tomb ; the Bishop refers to him as one “ whose talents and virtues came forth with him from his mother’s womb, and were cultivated by him with the most assiduous care. His zeal, his eloquence, and polemic writings placed his name, when he had only arrived at manhood, among the most distinguished in the Church of Ireland.” He died at the early age of 35.

   Rev. James McDonnell.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 188

3. Bishop Gallagher's Perilous Visit to Ballygarvan

   Ballygarvan · town · Cork · 1734

   In 1734, Bishop James Gallagher of Raphoe visited the parish of Ballygarvan to stay with Father O'Hegarty, but was warned not to accept hospitality from a local landed proprietor named Potter for fear of danger. The Bishop later fled the house at midnight, narrowly escaping capture.

   Read the passage

   a.d. 1737. Dr. James Gallagher, Bishop of Raphoe, was translated to Kildare by Brief dated May the 18th. By letter of the Secretary of State, dated July 17th, the same year, Monsignor Gallagher, Bishop of Kildare, is declared Administrator also of Leighlin. {Brady) But little is known of this Prelate either prior or subsequent to his appointment to Kildare and Leighlin. Even the place of his birth has not been ascertained, but it is conjectured to have been in the neighbourhood of Lake Erne, and to have taken place not later than the year 1680.* He made his studies, first at the Irish College, Paris, and subsequently at the College of Propaganda, Rome. From the fact that his name is not included in the list of Priests registered in 1704, it is concluded that his return to Ireland did not take place till after that date. He was appointed Bishop of Raphoe in 1725, and was consecrated to that See, at Drogheda, on the 14th of November in that year, by the Archbishop of Armagh, assisted by the Venerable Bernard MacMahon, Dean and Vicar- Apostolic of Clogher, and the Venerable William Reilly, Archdeacon of Armagh. {Episc. Succn.) The Diocese of Raphoe, like many of the other Irish Sees at that time, afforded but slight means of support to its Bishop. The income in 1671, was stated to be only £15, and it is not likely that it had much improved at the time of Dr. Gallagher’s appointment. That his life was one of constant privation as well as of toilsome duty, may be readily inferred from the circumstances of the time in which his lot was cast. The following narrative of an event in the life of this Prelate will show the persecuting spirit of the period and the risk at which missionary duties were discharged : — In 1734, Dr. Gallagher, then Bishop of Raphoe, had occasion to visit officially the parish of Bally gar van, of which a Father O’Hegarty was Parish Priest, at whose house he purposed passing the night. In the course of the evening the Bishop received a note from an extensive landed proprietor in the neighbourhood named Potter, offering him hospitality. The bearer of the message was a Catholic, to whom the Bishop mentioned the purport of the note, asking if he would be safe in accepting the offer. The man told him, as he valued his life, not to go, and accordingly the invitation was declined. When bed-

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 75

4. Bishop Nolan contracts typhus fever while visiting the diocese

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1837

   While engaged in Visitation duties in a remote part of the diocese, Bishop Edward Nolan caught typhus fever around the beginning of October 1837. He hurried to Carlow, but his illness worsened due to the long journey, and he died there on 14 October 1837.

   Read the passage

   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

5. Doyle's episcopal consecration in Carlow

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1819

   On 14th November 1819, the Feast of the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin, Dr. Doyle received episcopal consecration in the Parish Church of Carlow, attended by the Metropolitan Dr. Troy and several other bishops.

   Read the passage

   Dr. Corcoran, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, died on the 22nd of February, 1819 ; on the 23rd of March following, the clergy of the Diocese met for the purpose of nominating a successor, when Dr. Doyle was chosen dignissimus, with the hearty concurrence of the Bishops of the Province. On the 8th of August the Holy Father confirmed his election by Propaganda Fide, and on the 14th of November, the Feast of the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin, Dr. Doyle received Episcopal Consecration in theParish Church of Carlow, the officiating Bishops being the Metropolitan, the Most Rev. Dr. Troy, his Grace’s Coadjutor, the Most Rev. Dr. Murray, and the Bishop of Ossory, Right Rev. Dr. Marum, the Archbishop of Cashel, Most Rev. Dr. Everard, and the Bishop of Ferns, Dr. Keating, were also present.

   “ Ardent piety, splendid talents and superior judgment, were soon manifested by Dr. Doyle in the government of his Diocese. To reform abuses, advance piety, dispel ignorance, destroy vice, secure confidence, forward education, promote a love of learning among his clergy, and to improve in every way the spiritual and temporal condition of his people, were his unceasing objects. The strict duties which he imposed upon his clergy, and the severity with which he visited any who, unmindful of the sanctity of their office, mixed themselves too much in secular affairs, soon procured for him the character of a disciplinarian. His ministry, however, was not a ministry of words. He well studied and practised the admonition of St. Paul to Timothy: ‘Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity ; attend unto reading, to exhortations, to doctrine. Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy with, imposition of hands of the priesthood. Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things, that thy profiting may be manifest to all.’ ” — 1 Tim. iv. 12 et seq. (Short Life , Chap. 3.)

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 92

6. Dr. Daniel William Cahill born at Ashfield, Queen's County

   Ashfield · townland · Laois · 1796

   Daniel William Cahill, later a famous preacher and lecturer, was born at Ashfield in the parish of Arless, Queen's County, on 28 November 1796, the third son of Daniel Cahill and Catherine Brett.

   Read the passage

   Dr. Cahill, who was one of the most conspicuous and popular ecclesiastics of his time, was born at Ashfield, in the parish of Arless, Queen’s County, November 28th, 1796. He was the third son of Daniel Cahill, C.E., and Catherine Brett. He received his rudimentary education at Ferris’s Academy, Athy. In 1816, he was appointed to a place in Maynooth College by Bishop Corcoran, to whom he was related. On the completion of his studies, he received Ordination at the hands of the Bight Bev. Dr. Doyle, and was immediately appointed to the Curacy of Leighlin-Bridge. In 1825 Dr. Cahill came to Carlow College as Professor of Natural Philosophy, which position he continued to occupy until the close of the year 1834. In 1834 he established a school at Carlow ; in 1835 he opened a hoardingschool at Seapoint, Williamstown, County Dublin ; which, in 1840, he transferred to Prospect, Blackrock. About 1850 we find him at Esker, from which time he resided in the vicinity of Dublin until the year 1859 ; during this period he was constantly engaged, not only in various parts of this country, but also in the chief towns in England and Scotland, preaching charity sermons, and delivering lectures, especially on Astronomy and other philososphical subjects, — his presence in pulpit or on platform being ever sure to bring together an overflowing and enthusiastic audience. He was also, for a short time, Editor of The Advocate , a Journal that had but a brief career. In 1859, Dr. Cahill carried into effect a resolution he had formed long before, of visiting America. He visited many parts of the United States and British America, constantly engaged in preaching and lecturing, being received everywhere, especially by his own countrymen, with enthusiasm. Feeling his health failing in 1864, he determined to return to his native country, but Providence ordered it otherwise. After a protracted and painful illness, which he sanctified by the exercise of Christian patience and resignation to the Divine Will, he breathed his last in the city of Boston, on the 28th of October, 1864, in the 68th year of his age. Several of his Sermons, Lectures, etc., have been published in a collected form, making up two portly octavo volumes.* When intelligence of his demise reached Ireland, a Solemn Bequiem Office for the repose of his soul, took place in Carlow Cathedral, at which the Bishop, the Bight Bev. Dr. Walshe, and a very large number of the clergy of the

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 194

7. Father Serenus Cressy Installed Protestant Dean of Leighlin

   Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow · 1640–1646

   Hugh Cressy, later known as Brother Serenus after becoming a Benedictine monk, was appointed a Prebendary of Christ's Church and St. Patrick's Dublin and installed as Protestant Dean of Leighlin before his 1646 conversion to Catholicism at Rome.

   Read the passage

   Hugh Cressy, M.A., was born at Wakefield in Yorkshire, and educated at Oiord, of which he was elected a Fellow of Morton College. He came to Ireland with the Earl of Strafford, to whom he was chaplain, as also to Lord Falkland. He was appointed a Prebendary of Christ’s Church and of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, and wa3 installed Protestant Dean of Leighlin. In 1644, he travelled as Tutor, with Charles Berkley, afterwards Earl of Falmouth, and in 1646 he made a recantation of Protestantism, at Rome, from whence, returning to Paris, he published the motives that induced him to take that step. From the period of his conversion he was almost incessantly engaged in controversy. Amongst his antagonists were Bishop Stillingfleet, and Hyde, Earl of Clarendon. Some years before his death he became a Benedictine monk in the English College of that Order at Douay, and thenceforth was known as Brother Serenus. After a residence of seven years at Douay, he returned to England, and died on the 10th of August, 1674, “ respected by both Catholics and Protestants for his talents and the moderation of his sentiments.” — Cotton’s Fasti . Feel. Hib. The following is the list of his Works, as given in Harris’s Ware, Writers of Ireland , Booh II., p. 356:—

   Exomologesis : Or a faithful narration of the Occasion and Motives of his Conversion to the Catholic Unity. Paris, 1647, 1653. 8vo.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 305

8. Nuncio departs from Galway Bay amid persecution

   near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1649–1653

   Dr. Dempsy's letter recounts that the Nuncio set sail from Galway Bay on 23 February 1649, after which the Irish Church suffered savage persecution; Dempsy remained three years in the country hiding and ministering before fleeing to Spain.

   Read the passage

   Dr. Dempsy retired into exile in or before the year 1653. In an original letter, written from Portivieda, on the 12th of November, 1656, and preserved amongst the Blnuccini MSS., the exiled Prelate gives a saddening picture of the savage persecution to which the Irish Church was subjected immediately after the departure of the Nuncio, who set sail from Galway Bay on the 23rd of February, 1649. Dr. Dempsy continued in the country for three years after, ever hoping for the day of deliverance, and labouring unceasingly for the welfare of the flock committed to his pastoral care. He shared to the full in the persecutions, sufferings and privations of his Catholic fellowcountrymen. The words of the Apostle, describing the persecutions of the early Christians, are fully applicable to the condition of the Irish Catholics at the period referred to : — “ They had trials of mockeries and stripes, also of bonds and prisons, they were cut asunder . . . they were put to death by the sword, beingin want, distressed, afflicted . . . wandering in deserts, in mountains and in dens and in caves of the earth.” At length, despairing of any improvement in the times, and destitute of all human aid, Dr. Dempsy left the country and retired into Spain. Having remained some months at Madrid, he finally settled in Gallicia where he had already been two years and a half at the date of his letter. The King of Spain had assigned him a pension of 60 ducats a month, but of this he had received no more than 300 ducats in all, and, were it not for the munificence of Don Vincent Gonzaga, Viceroy of Gallicia, he and the two companions of his exile, Fathers Dominic O’Ferrall and Raymond O’Heslenan, would have been reduced to the direst straits. The object he had in writing this letter was to procure from the Holy

   GG

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 66

9. Poverty of the Kildare Diocese described by Primate Plunkett

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 1677

   Primate Oliver Plunkett wrote to Cardinal Colonna in August 1677 describing the Diocese of Kildare as amongst the poorest in the Kingdom, with only fifteen priests yielding a revenue of just £15 per annum, insufficient to support the Bishop.

   Read the passage

   veniencing you for myself and for my friends, amongst whom is Dr. Forstall, a grave and learned Prelate and here esteemed by all. He is Bishop of Kildare, which Diocese is amongst the poorest of this Kingdom, having only fifteen priests, and yielding no more than £15, that is, about 56 scudi of Roman money. It is certain that many of the Chaplains of the Madonna dei Monti” (i the Parochial Church of the Irish College at Rome) “ receive a great deal more, and this poverty of the Bishops renders them the servants of the laity and makes them ridiculous and contemptible. The manner of succouring this worthy Prelate is, either to destine an annual sum for him from the Sacred Congregation such as is granted to the Bishops of the East, or, if not, to grant to him the administration of the Diocese of Leighlin adjoining that of Kildare, which, although it has no more than fifteen or sixteen priests, and gives a revenue of only fifty or sixty scudi, neverthless will be a great relief to Dr. Forstall. This measure would be a great spiritual advantage to the Leighlin Diocese since the said Prelate could administer there the Sacraments of Confirmation and Orders, and consecrate chalices, altars, etc., and it is certain that it would be a source of greater profit and spiritual consolation to this Diocese to be administered by a Bishop (since it cannot support a Bishop for itself) than by a Vicar-General who, ut plurimum, is not a person of such learning and does not enjoy so great authority. I pray therefore your Eminence to propose to his Holiness and to the Sacred Congregation, either to assign an annual sum to Dr. Forstall, or, otherwise, to grant him the administration of Leighlin Diocese which is contiguous to and adjoining the Diocese of Kildare. This is a matter worthy of your charity and great zeal. — Oliver of Armagh.” (Dr. Moran’s Life of 0. Plunkett)

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 40

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, you're travelling through a town whose diocese was, in 1677, among the poorest in the kingdom. Primate Oliver Plunkett wrote to Cardinal Colonna in August of that year to plead for help for Dr. Forstall, the Bishop of Kildare, a man he calls a grave and learned prelate, esteemed by all. The diocese had only 15 priests and brought in no more than £15 a year, about 56 scudi in Roman money. Plunkett pointed out that chaplains of the Madonna dei Monti in Rome received a great deal more. This poverty, he said, rendered the bishops the servants of the laity and made them ridiculous and contemptible. He asked the Cardinal to propose either an annual sum from the Sacred Congregation, such as was granted to the Bishops of the East, or to grant Forstall the administration of the neighbouring Diocese of Leighlin. Leighlin had only 15 or 16 priests and a revenue of 50 or 60 scudi, but Plunkett said it would be a great relief nonetheless. He argued it would bring spiritual advantage too, since Forstall could administer Confirmation and Orders, consecrate chalices and altars, and serve the people better than a Vicar-General who, as he put it, "is not a person of such learning and does not enjoy so great authority." He signed the letter simply, Oliver of Armagh.

10. Clandestine Catholic assembly at Kiltennell spa

    Ballinvally and Kiltennell · townland · Carlow · 1730

    Several Catholic archbishops, bishops, and clergy secretly assembled for over a month near Kiltennell church under the pretence of drinking spa water, where they held ecclesiastical courts.

    Read the passage

    Kiltennell. Several archBishops, Bishops, and other Popish Clergy assembled daily last Summer for above a month together, at or near ye Church of Kiltennell, under pretence of drinking a spaw water, where they convened sevh Persons before ym and exercised ecclesiasticall jurisdiction.

    ClonJceen. One Mass-house, a boarded covering in ye fields. One schoolmaster. P. Priest, Willm Keating.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 255

11. Bishop Doyle at Ballinakill when Braughall sought his blessing

    Ballinakill · town · Laois · 1822

    Before leaving Ireland on pilgrimage, Braughall wished to see Bishop Doyle in Carlow to receive his blessing but found the bishop was on that day at Ballinakill instead, and did not wish to go there for fear his intentions would become known.

    Read the passage

    “ My Lord — I hope you will excuse me for not calling on you before I left Ireland, as duty required of me. In my long illness I made a solemn vow to Almighty God that, if in his goodness He would restore me to health, I would go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and after returning, take the habit of the Carthusians. With this view I left home without acquainting any person with my intention, but on my arrival here I got so ill, occasioned partly from the fatigues of the long walk, that I w~as confined to bed for five weeks, and was not expected to have recovered. I find it, consequently, totally impossible to continue my pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I am, therefore, determined to take the habit with the Carthusians, with your permission. It will be the greatest consolation to me to serve my God in that penitential institute, if my health permits. May I therefore, expect you will have the goodness to send letters giving your consent, and requesting of the Superior to admit me. I expected to have seen you in Carlow, to get your blessing, when leaving home, but you were on that day at Ballinakill. I did not wish to go to you there, as I was afraid lest my intentions should become known, and my friends might be endeavouring to prevent my retreat from the world. Moreover, I relied on your goodness, and the offer you made that you would allow me two or three years for the recovery of my health, during which time I might retire to whatsoever place I wished, and that you would allow me the thirds of the parish for my support. I judged it best to spend this time allowed me, to make trial if my health would allow me to make my solemn vows with the Carthusians. I brought no money with me from home but £5, which I received for an article of furniture, which I sold a few days before I left, as I intended to travel in the character of an humble pilgrim, and which I would have persevered in did my health permit. I had many difficulties to meet with here, confined to my bed, without money or friends, but Almighty God in His goodness assisted me in a wonderful manner. I had three doctors attending me during my illness ; they would not accept of anything for their attendance, nor had I it to give to them. One of these doctors, an English gentleman, and a Spanish lady, who is married to an English officer here, were my support since I arrived in Paris. May Almighty God bless them ! They took care of me in my illness, and supplied me with the necessaries of life. There is no monastery of the Carthusians in this

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 275

12. Bishop Edmund Dempsy attends Synod of Waterford condemning 1646 peace treaty

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1646

    Edmund Dempsy, appointed Bishop of Leighlin in 1642 and a former Dominican Provincial, attended the Synod held at Waterford on 12 August 1646 under the Papal Nuncio, which condemned the peace treaty signed by the Marquis of Ormond with the Confederate Catholics.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Dempsy, or O’Dempsy, made his early studies at Douay and Louvain. He read his Theological course, with great distinction at Alcalk and, in 1624, entered on the Irish Mission, where he laboured incessantly with great success in promoting the salvation of souls. In 1635, he was unanimously chosen Provincial of the Dominican Order in Ireland, and, in that office, gave frequent proofs of consummate prudence, as well as of zeal for the glory of God. Dr. Dempsy was one of the most active Prelates amongst the Confederate Catholics. His name appears amongst those attached to the Decree of the Synod, held at Waterford, August the 12th, 1646, under the Presidency of the Nuncio. This Decree condemned in the strongest terms, the treaty of peace, which had been signed, a short time before, by the Marquis of Ormond, on the part of the King, and by Lord Muskerry, Sir Bobert Talbot and others, in the name of the Confederate Catholics. Beferring to the protracted debate on the

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 64

13. Bishop Keeffe Founds a Diocesan College, First at Tullow

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1782

    Following the relaxation of the Penal Laws in 1782, Bishop Luke Keeffe of Kildare and Leighlin decided to found a diocesan college for training priests, first choosing the town of Tullow, where he resided, as the site.

    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

14. Bishop William Kinsella born and educated in Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1797–1845

    William Kinsella, native of Carlow town, born 1797, entered Carlow College and was a distinguished member of Dr. Doyle's Rhetoric class, later becoming Professor and eventually Bishop of Ossory. He erected the Cathedral of Ossory and St. Kieran's Diocesan College.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Kinsella was a native of the town of Carlow, and was born in 1797. He entered the College at an early age, and was a distinguished member of Dr. Doyle’s famous Rhetoric class in 1813. On his Ordination in 1818, he received his appointment as one of the Professors. He continued at the College up to the time of his Consecration as Bishop of Ossory ; during that period he filled various positions, including the Chair of Theology, and was, at the same time, frequently engaged in controversy both in the pulpit and the public press. His controversial letters were afterwards published in a collected form, to which the writer added a valuable Appendix. Dr. Kinsella was also ever ready to wield his pen in defence of his friend, Dr. Doyle, — the most memorable occasion, perhaps, of his doing so was in reply to O’Connell, in 1825, on the subject of the Wings. On the death of Dr. Marum, Bishop of Ossory, in the last days of 1827, the Rev. Miles Murphy, afterwards Bishop of Ferns, was named as successor, but he declined the proposed dignity. Dr. Kinsella was then appointed chiefly, as it was understood, through the influence and on the recommendation of Dr. Doyle. He was consecrated at Kilkenny, on the 26th of July, 1829, at the early age of thirty-two. Amongst the Memorials of his Episcopate are the noble Cathedral of Ossory, and St. Kieran’s Diocesan College, both of which he erected. He acted as President of the College and resided there, for a short time. When the earthly career of Dr. Doyle — the friend to whom he was so

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15. Danes pillage Kildare after abbot's slaying

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 953

    The abbot Culean McCellach was slain in 953, and the town of Kildare was subsequently pillaged by Blacar, son of Godfred, leading the Danes of Dublin. This marks a significant Viking raid on the ecclesiastical settlement.

    Read the passage

    “ a.d. 953. Cuilan, son of Ceallach, abbot of Cill-dara, was slain.” (Four Masters.) “This year, the abbot Culean McCellach was slain, and the town of Kildare was pillaged by Blacar, the son of Godfred, at the head of the Danes of Dublin.” (Colgan, Tr. Thaum. p. 629).

    “ a.d. 965. Mured MacFoelan, abbot of Kildare, of the Royal Blood of Leinster, was slain, by Amlave, Prince of the Danes, and Kerbal MacLorcan.” (A A. SS. p. 107 ; Harris s Ware.) ]

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Kildare now. In 953 the abbot Culean McCellach was slain here, and the town was pillaged by Blacar, son of Godfred, leading the Danes of Dublin. A Viking raid on the ecclesiastical settlement, and a costly one for the abbacy. Twelve years later, in 965, another abbot of Kildare, Mured MacFoelan, of the royal blood of Leinster, was slain too, by Amlave, Prince of the Danes, and Kerbal MacLorcan.

16. Dr. Clancy's mission letter from Georgestown, Guiana

    Georgestown · townland · Waterford · 1839

    Writing from Georgestown, British Guiana, in December 1839, Dr. Clancy described the destitute state of Catholics there, contending against fifty-six Protestant ministers with more than fifty churches, and the arduous journey to an Indian mission in the forest.

    Read the passage

    “ Gentlemen, — It is now twelve months since, on the same day, our vessel came in sight of this port. The captain without our knowledge, raised on the mainmast, the standard of the cross, intending by this unusual exhibition to honour our ministry, and bring the attention of the city on us. The cross floated from the mast-head, and the cross, that is to say, persecution and sufferings awaited us on shore. We landed few in number — a Vicar- Apostolic, seven missionaries, and an ecclesiastic in minor orders, without a chapel, a school, or any human resources. Such was the feeble colony which was to be opposed, to the Methodists, for a long time previously, masters of the country, and which was to contend against fifty-six Protestant ministers, supported by the authorities, and in possession of more than fifty churches. British Guiana is bounded on the east by the river Corantin, on the west by that of Bargma, the Atlantic washes its northern shores, and to the south its boundaries are lost in the immense forests and savannas which separate it from Spanish Guiana — by its extent, which is more than 200,000 square miles, it might easily receive a population as considerable as that of France.

    “ Our Catholics are numerous, but for a long time past, were left in a state of the most complete destitution as to their religious instruction. An aged Portuguese said lately, upon seeing one of my priests, ‘In truth there were no Christians in Guiana ; it is now twelve years since I could hear Mass.’ I, myself, when preaching, not far from the city, to a congregation of two hundred and four individuals, had the pain to learn, that out of that number, three, at most, had been to confession only once in their lives !

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

17. Edmund Burke Born in Maryborough Parish

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1753

    Edmund Burke, later Bishop of Nova Scotia, was born in the parish of Maryborough in 1753. He studied at Paris and returned to serve as a missionary priest and Vicar-General in his native diocese before emigrating to Quebec.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Burke was born in the parish of Maryborough, in the year 1753. Having made his ecclesiastical studies at Paris, he returned to his native Diocese, where he served as a missionary priest, and according to statements received from more than one source, was Parish Priest and Vicar-General. He was on terms of the closest friendship with Dr. Delany, Coadjutor, and subsequently Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. In a letter written to Dr. Troy, Archbishop of Dublin, from Quebec, in 1789, preserved in the Diocesan Archives of Halifax, N.S., Dr. Burke gives some details of his early life and the circumstances which influenced him to leave Ireland. Having taken a very active part in promoting the appointment of Dr. Delany to the Episcopate, he considered that his presence in the diocese might embarrass him in his administration ; in consequence of this, he resigned his parish, and proceeded to Quebec, where he arrived on the 16th of May, 1787. He remained at Quebec for four years, attached to the Seminary as Professor of Mathematics, Classics, and Hebrew. In 1791, he was appointed Pastor of St. Peter’s and St. Laurence’s, in the Island of Orleans ; in 1794, we find him Missionary and Vicar-General in Detroit; in 1795, he was at Monroe, Michigan State, from which time till 1799 he was engaged in missionary labours about Lake Superior, chiefly amongst the Indiau Tribes. In 1800, he was at Niagara, from whence, in the following year he was sent by Dr. Plessis, Archbishop of Quebec, to Halifax, as its first regular Pastor. In 1815, he visited Rome to lay before the Supreme Pontiff an account of the state of religion in the Province of Nova Scotia. In a short time after, he was nominated Bishop of Sion, in partibus injidelium, and first Vicar- Apostolic of Nova Scotia.

    278

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 264

18. Flooding from Quarries Delays Carlow Cathedral Foundations

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1828

    Early efforts on the Carlow cathedral were delayed and embarrassed when water from nearby quarries gushed with great violence into the newly opened foundations, nearly causing the builders to abandon the attempt.

    Read the passage

    Our first efforts were greatly delayed and embarrassed by the water from the quarries gushing in with great violence upon the newly opened foundations, so as to cause us to deliberate about relinquishing the attempt already made. We persevered, however, and succeeded through God’s assistance^ The plan of Mr. Joseph Lynch, on which we proceeded for the first year, appeared to us too contracted. We laid it aside, and obtained from the College and Convent space at either side to extend the Transepts. We then employed Mr. Thomas A. Cobden as architect, who, since then, has designed and directed all the

    works Our funds consisted of the weekly and

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 103

19. Hogan's Monument to Bishop Doyle in Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow

    The Cathedral in Carlow, built mainly through the exertions of Dr. Doyle, contains as its chief ornament a monument to the great Prelate, created by the sculptor Hogan and funded by public subscription at a cost of one thousand pounds.

    Read the passage

    The preacher’s anticipations have been fully justified; the gem and chief ornament of the stately Cathedral, — built mainly through the exertions of Dr. Doyle, — is the monument of that great Prelate, the chef d’ceuure of Ireland’s great sculptor, Hogan, raised by the willing subscriptions of the clergy and people of the Diocese and others, at a cost of one thousand pounds.

    Edward Nolan. — On the 21st of April, 1834, tbe parochial

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

20. Bishop Edmund Lane founds a College at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1482–1513

    Edmund Lane, Bishop of Kildare from 1482, was a great benefactor to his Cathedral Church and founded a College at Kildare where the Dean and Chapter could live in a collegiate manner.

    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

    As you pass through Kildare, you're travelling through a town where Bishop Edmund Lane, who took office in 1482, was a great benefactor to the Cathedral Church. He founded a College here in which the Dean and Chapter might live after a collegiate manner. Lane was drawn into trouble when the Earl of Kildare induced him to attend the coronation of Lambert Simnel, but he was pardoned for this in 1488 and did his homage and fealty before Sir Richard Edgecomb on the 24th of July that year. In 1494, he assisted at a Provincial Synod held in Christ's Church, Dublin.

21. Bishop Largis slain in battle with the Danes

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 885–888

    In 885 Bishop Largis (Largisius Mac Cronin) of Kildare was slain in a battle fought against the Danes of Dublin, alongside Aedh, King of Connacht.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 885. Largis, or Largisius Mac Cronin, Bishop of Kildare, was slain in battle by the Danes. “A battle was gained over Flann, by the forigners of Ath-Cliath (the Danes of Dublin), in which were slain Aedh, King of Connacht, and Lerghus, son of Cruinden, Bishop of Cill-dara.” (Four Masters.) The Annals of Inisfallen assign the year 888, as that of this Prelate’s death.

    [“a.d. 900. Dubhan, Abbot of Cill-dara, died.” (Four

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are near where Bishop Largisius Mac Cronin fell. In 885 he was slain in battle by the Danes of Dublin. The Four Masters record that the foreigners of Ath-Cliath gained a battle over Flann, in which were slain Aedh, King of Connacht, and Lerghus, son of Cruinden, Bishop of Cill-dara. The Annals of Inisfallen give the year as 888.

22. Bishop Nolan dies of typhus after diocesan visitation

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1837

    Bishop Edward Nolan died after contracting typhus fever, aggravated by the exertions of visiting his populous and extensive diocese. His death was seen as a loss following that of his predecessor Dr. Doyle of Carlow only three years earlier.

    Read the passage

    o’clock on Saturday evening last, it pleased Almighty God to summon this excellent Prelate to the reward of his numerous and distinguished merits. In him religion honours another martyr to the boundless solicitude and heroic activity with which the Prelates of the Catholic Church in Ireland devote themselves to the various, painful, and wasting duties of their exalted function. He had but just finished the Visitation of his Diocese, when a typhus fever, brought on or aggravated by the toils of mind and body which he underwent, while progressing through his populous and extensive district, terminated, after a few days’ illness, in the catastrophe which it is our present distressing duty to announce. Little more than three years have elapsed since the Catholics of Carlow sustained, in the death of their illustrious Dr. Doyle, the loss of a Bishop high, confessedly, among the foremost Prelates and master-spirits of the nineteenth century ; and, now again, they are mourning over one of the meekest and most endeared ornaments of the Christian Hierarchy ! over one of whom it may be said truly that, in admiration of his modest but transcendent worth, they felt themselves compensated, as it were, for the towering genius and far spread celebrity of his great predecessor. It was no common merit, assuredly, that could attract admiration in contrast with the glories of the Irish Bossuet ; and yet, on the many occasions since his promotion to the Episcopacy, when the name of Doctor Nolan was mentioned in public, it was- remarkable how fondly his people loved to couple the names of those two Prelates, in illustration of the enthusiastic estimate which they had formed of the different, but siDgular excellence of both. Indeed, for many years previous to his demise, Dr. Doyle himself was amongst the warmest and most attached admirers of him whom Providence had designed as his future successor ; and, among the chief things that cheered his latter moments, was the knowledge that his noble efforts for the sanctification of his people were to be taken up by one in all respects so capable of perpetuating and extending their benefits. Nor has the event disappointed his expectations. In all the characteristics of a Christian Bishop, Dr. Nolan was worthy to be his successor. None, but they who have frequent opportunity of observing it, can form a notion of the profound veneration which the Catholic Clergy as well as the laity, cherished towards their Bishops, or estimate the ready deference with which all their opinions are regarded, and their wishes gratified ; but no change, however flattering to human frailty, could disturb his calm but deep-seated humility. His elevation brought out the more vigorous features of his character when occasion called for their exercise, but, for the

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 134

23. Dean Staunton's Free School and Presentation Convent in Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1810–1811

    Dean Staunton, while President of Carlow College, established a Free School for boys in Carlow and founded the Presentation Convent and Schools for poor female children of the town, celebrating the first Mass there in 1811.

    Read the passage

    Whilst he presided over the College with great solicitude for its success, Dean Staunton was not unmindful of the interests of the flock committed to his Pastoral care. His zeal for the promotion of education in Carlow, is shewn, by the Free School, for the education of boys, which he erected and established there and on which the following inscription may still be seen: — “I.H.S. This School was erected by the inhabitants of Carlow and its vicinity, under the patronage of the Rev. Dean Staunton and, still more, by the foundation of the Presentation Convent and Schools, for the education of the poor female children of the town. In 1810, the Rev. Andrew Fitzgerald, then Professor of Theology at Carlow College, suggested the need that existed of such an institute ; the holy pastor at once entered into his views with pious enthusiasm, and handed over to him a considerable sum for the accomplishment of the good work. The first Mass was celebrated in the new Convent by Dean Staunton on the festival of St. Francis de Sales, the 29 th of January, 1811. (Annals of P. Convent, Carlow.)

    The fine cut-stone arch, now at the Convent of Mercy, Carlow, was previously the entrance to the parish Church, and was erected by Dean Staunton, as his initials and the date : — “ H. S. a.d. 1792” — testify.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 164

24. Dr. McSweeny's role in the 1824 Carlow Biblical Discussion

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1824–1825

    Dr. P. McSweeny, appointed Professor of Theology at Carlow College in 1819, took a prominent part in the memorable Biblical Discussion at Carlow in 1824, and later resigned his professorship to challenge Evangelical missionaries to a public debate.

    Read the passage

    Dr. McSweeny was appointed Professor of Theology in October, 1819, in succession to Dr. Doyle, on his advancement to the See of Kildare and Leighlin. He took a prominent part in the memorable Biblical Discussion at Carlow in 1824. In the year following the Evangelical missionaries wished to renew the controversy. Dr. Doyle prohibited his priests from accepting their challenge. So offensive was the exultation of the Biblical champions at what they affected to regard as fear on the part of the priests to meet them in disputation, that Dr. McSweeny actually resigned his position as Professor at Carlow College, in order to be free to enter the lists, which he professed his readiness to do, single-handed, against the whole six who sent the challenge, or as many others as they might wish to add

    194

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 189

25. Father Clowry's tomb inscription at Tullow written by Dr. Doyle

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1818–1829

    William Clowry, a Superior at Carlow College distinguished as a preacher, became Administrator of the Mensal Parish of Tullow where he died in 1829 at the age of 35. Dr. Doyle wrote the inscription that appears on his tomb there.

    Read the passage

    Father Clowry appears as one of the Superiors at Carlow College, in 1818. He was principally distinguished, and his services much sought after, as a preacher. He was one of the chief disputants in the memorable Biblical discussion which took place at Carlow in 1824. He became Administrator of the Mensal Parish of Tullow where he died in 1829. Dr. Doyle wrote the inscription which appears there on his tomb ; the Bishop refers to him as one “ whose talents and virtues came forth with him from his mother’s womb, and were cultivated by him with the most assiduous care. His zeal, his eloquence, and polemic writings placed his name, when he had only arrived at manhood, among the most distinguished in the Church of Ireland.” He died at the early age of 35.

    Rev. James McDonnell.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 188

26. Father Therry sails from Cork for Australia in 1820

    Cork · city · Cork · 1820

    After obtaining the necessary sanctions from his Bishop, the Holy See, and the English Government, Father Therry sailed from Cork early in January 1820 on his long voyage to Australia, not reaching his destination until April.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    Cork is the city you are passing through, and it was from here, early in January 1820, that Father Therry set sail for Australia. He had been moved to go after buying some twenty or thirty prayer-books in a shop and throwing them among the convicts, resolving then and there to follow them to the other side of the earth. Around that time he met Father O'Flinn, who had just been forcibly expelled from the Australian colony after labouring there zealously for two years. O'Flinn told Therry what conditions were like, and Therry saw his opportunity. He obtained the sanction of his Bishop, the Holy See, and the English Government, and sailed from Cork with a colleague, the Reverend P. Connolly. The voyage was long and perilous, and he did not reach his destination until April. Australia had been without a priest before O'Flinn's arrival in 1817. The first Catholic priests to reach the colony were three Irishmen, Dixon, Harold, and O'Neill, transported in 1801 for complicity in the Rebellion of 1798. O'Neill turned out to be the wrong man and was sent home to end his days near Mullingar. The other two remained as convicts for seven or eight years, allowed some clerical duties, believed to be through the intervention of Henry Grattan, but under galling restrictions, until they left broken in health around 1809.

27. Naas Sessions of the Peace Present Papist Recusants, 1658

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1658

    At a sessions of the peace held in Naas on 12 October 1658, before Cromwellian justices including Sir Robert Meredith and Sir John Hay, numerous named persons throughout County Kildare were presented as Papists under the Act for Discovering, Convicting and Suppressing of Popish Recusants and ordered to appear and take the oath of abjuration.

    Read the passage

    Darby Heres of Oldtowne, and every of those the said persons soe respectively presented, are of the age of sixteen years and more, and are Papists and every of them is a Papist, upon whom the said ustiees of the Peace m the said open sessions, according to an Act f Parliament, Intituled an Act for Discovering, Convicting and Depressing of Popish Recusants, made att the Parliament begun att Westminster in England, the seventeenth day of September in the yeare of our Lord, 1656, Did make Proclamation by which it was commanded that every person soe presented as aforesaid, should personally appeare att the next generall sessions of the peace to be

    ZteVZth\C0^ aforesaid’ and there to take and subscribe the oath ot abjuration mentioned in the said Act of Parliament

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this is where Cromwellian justices held a sessions of the peace on 12 October 1658. Sir Robert Meredith and Sir John Hay presided. People across County Kildare were presented as Papists under an Act for discovering, convicting and suppressing of popish recusants, passed at Westminster on 17 September 1656. Among them was Darby Heres of Oldtowne. Each was declared to be aged sixteen years or more, and each was ordered to appear at the next general sessions and there take and subscribe the oath of abjuration mentioned in that Act.

28. Nicholas Maguire's cattle grazed freely on Brandon Hill and surrounding lands

    near Brandon Hill · mountain or mountain range · Kilkenny · 1490–1512

    Bishop Nicholas Maguire was renowned for his hospitality and for the great number of cattle he grazed without loss on the woods and mountains of Knockbrannan (Brandon Hill), Cumnabally, Aghcarew, Ballycarew, and Moilglass.

    Read the passage

    prevented his finishing any except his Chronicle. Dowling acknowledges the large amount of information he received from that work when compiling his Annals. Unfortunately it no longer exists. This Prelate also wrote the Life of his Predecessor Milo Roche. His own Biography was written by Thomas Brown, his Chaplain. The following quaint reference to this Bishop is found in Dowlings Annals : — Nicholaus Magwyr episcopus Leighlen, vulgariter numcupatur McSyr Moris, in Odrona Lageniae in Hibernia natus apud Tulmaguinam. Thadeus Dowlinge comendes him for hospitalitie and the number of cowes that he grazed without losse (so well was he beloved) upon the woodes and mountaines of Knockbrannan (Brandon Hill), Cumnabally, Aghcarew, Ballycarew, and Moilglass, but Thomas Brown, his Chaplen, who also wrote his life, reporteth that he studied in Oxford, although it was but ii yeres and 3 months, yet he profitted so much in logik, philosophic, the seven liberall sciences, and divinitie, that in his latter days he seemed to excell ; he was made prebendarie of Hillard, where he preached and delivered great learninge with no less reverence, being in favour with the King and nobilities of Leinster, who, together with the Deane and Chapter, elected him b(ishop) of Leighlin to succeed Milo the lately deceased. This Nicholas had obtained of the bishop of Rome litres of provision, and was consecrated b(ishop), being but 30 years of age ; to the great losse of his Church he died, anno 1512, having begoune many learned workes, and death preventing his purpose, he could not finish any savinge one Cronicle sumariely by him collected, and is found in the handes of many in written hand laten, and so farre Dowlinge and Brown.” “ Nicholaus episcopus in libro flavo Leighlen Annotationes fecit (Id.) Unfortunately this Yellow Book of Leighlin, containing Dr. Maguire’s notes, is not now known to exist. He died in 1512.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 54

29. O'Reilly Consecrated Coadjutor Bishop in Kilcock Chapel

    Kilcock · town · Kildare · 1781

    In 1781 Richard O'Reilly was consecrated Coadjutor Bishop in his own chapel of Kilcock by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, John Carpenter, assisted by the Bishops of Ossory and Meath. This marked a significant step before his eventual translation to the Primatial See of Armagh.

    Read the passage

    “ Soon after this he (Dr. Blake) became so paralized, that he was rendered incapable of performing any sacred function \ the Right Revd. Richard O’Reilly, the Coadjutor of Doctor Keefe, of Kildare and Leighlin, was appointed Coadjutor of Armagh. This venerable prelate, whose death is now sincerely lamented by every one who knew him, was a native of the diocess of Kildare, and descended, as the name O’Reilly imports, from a respectable parentage. But those who believe their priesthood to be derived from that of Melchisedeck, never resort to a long line of illustrious ancestors, in order to shed a lustre on the memory of their deceased ecclesiastics, as Melchisedeck is described without father, without mother, without genealogy. At the age of sixteen. Richard O’Reilly, was sent to Rome, in the year 1762, and became a student in the missionary university, founded by Urban the VIII, for two and twenty nations or tongues. This Seminary denominated ‘ The College for the dissemination of the faith,’ possessed, at that time, several highly celebrated professors. Here, Doctor O’Reilly’s intense application to his studies, till he reached the years requisite for priesthood, the strict rules of the college, and the bright examples of every virtue which he had before him, severely regulated his morals and deeply informed his understanding. After his return, he laboured eleven years as a missionary priest. In 1781, he was appointed Coadjutor of Bishop Keefe, and was, in his chapel of Kilcock, consecrated by the then Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. John Carpenter, assisted by the senior suffragans of Dublin and Armagh, Bishops Troy of Ossory, and Plunkett of Meath. In 1782, he was appointed Coadjutor of Armagh. Doctor Blake retired to Connaught, and had a pension out of the diocess, till he died in 1786. At this time the diocess of Armagh was disorganized by confessed anarchy. It was the glory of Primate O’Reilly, and the first blessing of his auspicious entry, to have tranquillized this most ancient diocess. At his presence, the demon of discord, with his horrid train of attendants disappeared. The pious and benevolent prelate founded then a system of concord and practical government, and was therefore emphatically called the ‘ Angel of Peace.’ Having an independent fortune, he was the first Catholic Primate, since the revolution, who had it in his power to live in a manner becoming his dignified station.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 263

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcock, you are in the town where, in 1781, Richard O'Reilly was consecrated Coadjutor Bishop in his own chapel. The ceremony was performed by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, John Carpenter, assisted by the senior suffragans of Dublin and Armagh: Bishop Troy of Ossory and Bishop Plunkett of Meath. O'Reilly was a native of the diocese of Kildare. At the age of sixteen, in 1762, he was sent to Rome and became a student in the missionary university founded by Urban the Eighth, for twenty-two nations or tongues. The seminary was called the College for the dissemination of the faith, and it had several highly celebrated professors. There his intense application to his studies, the strict rules of the college, and the bright examples of virtue before him, as the record says, severely regulated his morals and deeply informed his understanding. After his return, he laboured eleven years as a missionary priest. The consecration at Kilcock came after his appointment as Coadjutor of Bishop Keefe of Kildare and Leighlin. The following year, 1782, he was appointed Coadjutor of Armagh. The diocese of Armagh was then disorganized by what the record calls confessed anarchy. It was said to be the glory of Primate O'Reilly, and the first blessing of his auspicious entry, to have tranquillized that most ancient diocese. The demon of discord, with his horrid train of attendants, disappeared. He was therefore called the Angel of Peace. Having an independent fortune, he was the first Catholic Primate since the revolution who had it in his power to live in a manner becoming his dignified station.

30. Paul Cullen enters Carlow College at age fourteen

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1817–1820

    Paul Cullen, later Cardinal, entered the College of Carlow before age fourteen and remained there until he left for Rome in 1820, retaining lifelong affection for the institution and for Dr Doyle.

    Read the passage

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

    COLLEGE OF ST. PATRICK, CARLOW.

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31. Priest Thomas Beugh treated for broken arm at Ratellick

    Killabban · townland · Laois · 1611–1612

    Sir Thomas Beugh, a priest, was recorded as keeping about a year earlier at the house of Garrat McTeg of Ratellick in the parish of Killaban, where he lay recovering from a broken arm.

    Read the passage

    5. Sir Thomas Beugh, priest, keeping about a XII month since at the house of Garrat McTeg of Ratellick in the parish of Killaban : wher (his arm being broken) he lay at cure, but since I have not heard of him.

    6. Sir Mortogh Dun, priest, coming by starts into this Dioces, but residing ordinarily wth his brother James Dun at Dunmannock* in the dioces of Kildare.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 234

32. St. Laserian establishes the See of Leighlin after receiving papal legation

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow

    St. Laserian, first Bishop of Leighlin, visited Rome, received instruction from St. Gregory who ordained him priest, and was later consecrated Bishop by Honorius I and made Papal Legate; on his return to Ireland he established the See of Leighlin.

    Read the passage

    St. Laserian, first Bishop of Leighlin.— Birth, parentage, education, visits Rome and receives instruction from St. Gregory who ordains him priest and sends him to Ireland, visits Leighlin, St. Gobban resigns his Monastery to Laserian ; Paschal controversy, Laserian revisits Home, consecrated Bishop by Honorius I. and constituted Papal Legate ; on return establishes See of Leighlin, death, . , .43

    Office of Laserian, . . .44

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 317

33. Suppression of the Nunnery of Graney, County Carlow

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1535

    On 14 June 1535 Walter Wellesley was named a Commissioner, along with several other officials, to suppress and dissolve the Nunnery of Greyn (Graney) in County Carlow, whose possession was afterwards given to the King.

    Read the passage

    Romanam Curiam, pro visum fuit de persona Walteri Welleschi.” ( Barberini Archives). Dr. Wellesley is here represented as the immediate successor of Dr. Dillon, from which it would appear either that Dr. Stoll declined the proffered dignity or that his selection was not confirmed by the Pope. Dr. Wellesley was Prior or Commendatarius of Conall, and, for a time, Master of the Rolls and Privy Counsellor. His appointment was made by Pope Clement VII., at the instance of King Henry VIII. Ten years previously, the King had endeavoured to advance him to the See of Limerick, but the Pope refused to sanction the appointment. He had also been strongly recommended, by the Earl of Surrey, for the See of Cork in September 1520 ; but he declined the Bishopric unless he were allowed to keep his Priory with it — ( State Papers, ii., p 42.) Previous to his advancement to the Episcopate, we find him, in 1528, associated in a Commission with Sir Walter de la Hyde, to effect the liberation of the Lord J ustice Delvin whom O’Conor had taken prisoner. He held his Priory during his life, in virtue of a dispensation. On the 14th of June, 1535, he was named a Commissioner, with Edward Staples, Bishop of Meath, John Allen, Master of the Rolls, Gerald Aylmer, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and Thomas Heth, Chief Remembrancer, for suppressing and dissolving the Nunnery of Greyn (Graney), County Carlow, the possession of which was afterwards given to the King by Act of Parliament. These appointments to Commissionerships frequently took place without the knowledge or consent of those named, and, in numerous instances, the persons appointed refused to serve upon them. That it was so in the present case there is every reason to believe. This Prelate died in 1539, and was buried in the Church of his Order at Conall, where there still remains to his memory an altar tomb (now built into the wall), having the figure of a Bishop, with mitre, pastoral staff, &c., in low relief, and around the verge of the stone this inscription in Gothic characters: — “Hie jacet frater Walterus Wellesley, quondam Episcopus Darensis, hujus Domus Commendatarius, cujus animae propitietur Deus. Qui obiit Anno Domini M.D. . . . ” “ Here lieth brother Walter Wellesley , late Bishop of Kildare, Prior of this House , to whose soul may God be merciful. He died in the year of our Lord M.D. ...”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 24

34. Bishop Haly's burial beside Dr Doyle in Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1855

    The mortal remains of Dr Haly repose beside those of Dr Doyle in front of the High Altar at Carlow Cathedral, marked by a black marble slab recording his 18-year episcopacy and virtues of zeal, charity and wisdom.

    Read the passage

    The mortal remains of Dr. Haly repose beside those of Dr. Doyle, in front of the High Altar, on the Epistle side. Over them a black marble slab has been placed, which bears the following inscription : —

    “Here lie the Remains of the Right Revd. Francis Haly, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. He died, 19th of Augt., 1855, in the 74th year of his age, and 18th of his Episcopacy. Consecrated, 25th of March, 1838.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 146

35. Bishop Harlewin grants Leighlin its first charter and liberties

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow · 1201–1216

    Bishop Harlewin bestowed burgages on the burgesses of Leighlin along with the franchises of Bristol, reserving a yearly rent. The town's liberties extended about a mile and a half round the town, marked by inscribed boundary stones.

    Read the passage

    A.D. 1201. Harlewin succeeded. He, also, was a Cistercian monk, and, from his name, we may suppose him to have been a Norman. He bestowed Burgages, or dwelling-houses, on the Burgesses of Leighlin accompanied by a grant of the franchises of Bristol, on the rules of which Corporation many in Ireland were modelled, reserving to his See a yearly grant of twelve pence out of each Burgage. This was the first Charter of Leighlin. The Liberties extended about a mile and a half round the town, and were defined by large stones inscribed : — Terminus Burgens. Leighlinen. hie lapis est. (Ledwich.) Bishop Harlewin died in 1216 or, according to some, in 1217,* and was interred in the Conventual Church of Dunbrody, county of Wexford, a great portion of which he had caused to be erected. ( Ware.)

    a.d. 1217. Richard Fleming, by some called Robert, was consecrated to this See. He had a prolonged dispute with the Prior of Conall, County of Kildare, about some lands and tithes belonging to his Bishopric, in Leix. The suit terminated in a compromise by which the Bishop resigned the lands and tithes to the Prior, receiving instead, an annual pension of twelve marks,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 48

36. Braganza Mansion Purchased as Bishop's Residence

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1820–1831

    Braganza, a fine mansion built by Sir Dudley Hill on the bank of the Barrow just outside Carlow town, was purchased as a residence for Dr. Doyle and his successors as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, fulfilling the clergy's resolution to provide him a fitting home.

    Read the passage

    In accordance with the Resolution above referred to, Braganza, — a fine mansion, built by Sir Dudley Hill, beautifully placed on the bank of the Barrow, just outside the town of Carlow, — was purchased as a residence for Dr. Doyle and his successors in the See of Kildare and Leighlin.

    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

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 101

37. Consecration Sermon at Marlborough Street Cathedral, Dublin

    Marlborough Street · street · Dublin · 1825

    Bishop Doyle preached at the consecration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Marlborough Street, Dublin, on 14 November 1825, drawing parallels between the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple and the new cathedral.

    Read the passage

    Preached at the Consecration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Marlborough Street, Dublin, November 14 th, 1825,

    By the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 295

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street stands the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, consecrated on 14 November 1825. Bishop Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, preached at the consecration, drawing parallels between the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple and this new cathedral.

38. Death of Dr Delany during Mass in his room at Tullow

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1812

    After suffering apoplexy and continuing his Eucharistic processions despite illness, Dr Delany died on Monday 9th July 1812 while Mass was being said in his room, surrounded by clergy and religious of the Convent and Monastery at Tullow.

    Read the passage

    baffled the skill of the physicians. Symptoms of apoplexy appeared, and he had also much to suffer from acute pains, particularly in his neck, which was bent from excessive and continual pain, so that, like St. Alphonso Liguori, his venerable head nearly rested on his chest The Feast of Corpus Christi drawing near when, — besides the Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament, which was kept up day and night during the entire Octave, — he was accustomed to have three Processions, one on the Feast, another on the Sunday within the Octave, and a third on the Octave day; fearing that he would not be able himself to carry the Blessed Sacrament in these Processions, he thought of inviting one of the neighbouring Prelates to attend in his stead. When, however, the time arrived, such was the ardour of his devotion that he could not bring himself to resign to another that holy office in which his very soul took delight. Consequently, notwithstanding his sufferings and weakly state, he proceeded as usual with the ceremonies. It was an edifying, yet an afflicting sight to behold him struggling between pain and debility ; after each Procession he was much exhausted, but also exceedingly gratified at having been able to go through the duties of the day. From this time he was daily losing ground, and, on the 2nd of July, his sufferings were increased by an alarming attack of apoplexy. His state became, every day, more alarming ; he was almost insensible except for short intervals. A few days previous he had sent for the Superior of Mountrath Convent ; she on her knees begged his last blessing and asked for some message of consolation that she might bring to her Community. “ Tell them,” he said, t( to love God, and live in peace and charity.” On the 8th, he was visited by Archbishop Troy with whom he was able to hold a short conversation. Shortly after, he fell into his agony, which continued till 2 o’clock on Monday the 9th, when he calmly departed this life whilst Mass was being said in his room and his bed surrounded by many of the clergy and all the Religious, both of the Convent and Monastery. On the third day after his death his Obsequies were performed in the Parochial Church, four Bishops and a great number of priests being present. His remains were then laid in a vault on the Gospel side of the High Altar, over which a monument was afterwards erected bearing the following Epitaph, composed by the Rev. Mr. Prendergast, P.P. of Bagenalstown : —

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 89

39. Dr James Doyle's rise at Carlow College

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1813–1819

    Dr James Doyle joined the professorial staff of Carlow College in 1813, later becoming Chair of Theology, until his consecration as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin in 1819.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Doyle joined the Professorial staff of Carlow College in 1813. He was a Professed Member of the Order of St. Augustine, and was then in his twenty-seventh year. His first class was that of Rhetoric, but, on the death of the President, Dean Staunton, and the consequent promotion of Dr. FitzGerald to that office in the year following, Dr. Doyle succeeded to the Chair of Theology, which he continued to occupy until his Consecration as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin in November, 1819. An outline of his distinguished Episcopal career has already been given in these pages ; those who would know more regarding the illustrious Prelate are referred to “ The Life, Times, and Correspondence of the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle,” by Mr. W. J. Fitzpatrick, LL.D. The project of writing the Life of Dr. Doyle had engaged the attention of not a few others before Dr. Fitzpatrick undertook the task. The following Extract from Sir C. G. Duffy’s recently published work, “Four Years of Irish History,” in reference to this subject, will prove interesting : —

    “ Maddyn was still willing to aid us in literary projects, and proposed to write a ‘ Life of Dr. Doyle.’ Dr. Doyle was a Prelate of singular

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 181

40. Dr. Kane preaches lectures at the Catholic University church in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Dr. Kane's fame as a preacher attracted the attention of Cardinal Newman, then Rector of the Catholic University, who invited him to deliver a course of lectures at the Church of the Catholic University in Dublin, praised for their high style of Christian oratory.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Kane’s parents resided at Ardnahue, in the County of Carlow ; he was born on the 3rd of March, 1822. Having received his primary education partly at the Monastery of Tullow, and partly at the Diocesan School, Carlow, he entered upon his ecclesiastical studies at Carlow College, where he was ordained sub-deacon on the 30th of May, 1845. He completed his theological course at Maynooth, where he had the advantage of reading, as a Dunboyne student, under the distinguished Dr. O’Hanlon. Dr. Kane received Deaconship at Maynooth, June 5th, 1846, and Priesthood, June 17th, 1848. He was a man of unquestionable talents and ability, and won the highest honours and distinctions at every stage of his College course. On the termination of his studies he was appointed, first, Dean of the Lay House, and subsequently, Professor of Natural Philosophy, in Carlow College. At this period his ability and fame as a preacher attracted the attention of the present Cardinal Newman, then Hector of the recently-established Catholic University in Dublin. At the request of Dr. Newman, Dr. Kane delivered a course of lectures in the Church of the Catholic University, which are declared by those who heard them, to have been conceived and delivered in a very high and effective style of Christian Oratory. At this time, too, his services were secured to conduct Retreats in various Colleges and Convents throughout the country; some will still remember the impressive and edifying Retreat which, while yet a young man, nearly 30 years ago, he gave to the clergy of his native Diocese. Failing health obliging him to relinquish his Professorial duties, he was

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 313

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are in the city where Dr. Kane delivered a celebrated course of lectures in the Church of the Catholic University. He was born on the 3rd of March 1822 at Ardnahue in County Carlow, educated at the Monastery of Tullow and the Diocesan School in Carlow, and ordained sub-deacon at Carlow College on the 30th of May 1845. He completed his theology at Maynooth as a Dunboyne student under the distinguished Dr. O'Hanlon, received his deaconship on the 5th of June 1846, and his priesthood on the 17th of June 1848. He won the highest honours at every stage of his college course. After his studies he served as Dean of the Lay House and then Professor of Natural Philosophy at Carlow College. His fame as a preacher drew the attention of Cardinal Newman, then rector of the recently established Catholic University in Dublin. At Newman's request, Kane gave the lectures here, declared by those who heard them to have been conceived and delivered in a very high and effective style of Christian oratory. His services were also sought to conduct retreats in colleges and convents across the country. Some still remembered the impressive retreat he gave to the clergy of his native diocese while yet a young man. Failing health later obliged him to relinquish his professorial duties.

41. Kinsella consecrated Bishop of Ossory at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1829

    William Kinsella was appointed Bishop of Ossory following the death of Dr. Marum, largely through the influence of Dr. Doyle, and was consecrated at Kilkenny on 26 July 1829 at the age of thirty-two.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Kinsella was a native of the town of Carlow, and was born in 1797. He entered the College at an early age, and was a distinguished member of Dr. Doyle’s famous Rhetoric class in 1813. On his Ordination in 1818, he received his appointment as one of the Professors. He continued at the College up to the time of his Consecration as Bishop of Ossory ; during that period he filled various positions, including the Chair of Theology, and was, at the same time, frequently engaged in controversy both in the pulpit and the public press. His controversial letters were afterwards published in a collected form, to which the writer added a valuable Appendix. Dr. Kinsella was also ever ready to wield his pen in defence of his friend, Dr. Doyle, — the most memorable occasion, perhaps, of his doing so was in reply to O’Connell, in 1825, on the subject of the Wings. On the death of Dr. Marum, Bishop of Ossory, in the last days of 1827, the Rev. Miles Murphy, afterwards Bishop of Ferns, was named as successor, but he declined the proposed dignity. Dr. Kinsella was then appointed chiefly, as it was understood, through the influence and on the recommendation of Dr. Doyle. He was consecrated at Kilkenny, on the 26th of July, 1829, at the early age of thirty-two. Amongst the Memorials of his Episcopate are the noble Cathedral of Ossory, and St. Kieran’s Diocesan College, both of which he erected. He acted as President of the College and resided there, for a short time. When the earthly career of Dr. Doyle — the friend to whom he was so

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 187

42. Mass said within the ruins of Naas Abbey

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1731

    In Naas, Catholic Mass was reportedly celebrated within the ruins of an old Abbey during the penal era, while elsewhere it took place in cabins or under sheds.

    Read the passage

    In Naas, Mass is said within the ruins of an old Abbey ; in other places in some cabbin or under a shed at the back of a ditch.

    There is a reputed Priest who officiates in each place, but unregistered and unlawful.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 254

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this was a town where Catholic Mass was said within the ruins of an old Abbey in 1731. A priest officiated there, but he was unregistered and unlawful under the penal laws. Elsewhere in the area, Mass was held in cabins or under a shed at the back of a ditch.

43. Parliament held at Kildare in 1310

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1310

    During the episcopacy of Bishop Walter de Veele, a Parliament was held at Kildare in 1310, indicating the town's civic and political importance in the medieval period.

    Read the passage

    Walter de Veele, sometimes called Walter Calfe, Chancellor of Kildare, succeeded. King Edward I. confirmed his election on January 5th, 1300, and he was restored to the temporalities of his See on the same day. His consecration took place in St. Patrick’s, Dublin. During his Episcopacy, in 1310, a Parliament was held at Kildare. He died in November, 1332, and was buried in his Church. (Ware.) A drawing of the Seal of this Bishop is in the Archives of Christ Church, Dublin.

    Richard Hulot, or Howlot, succeeded in 1333, after an interval of half-a-year. He had been, first, Canon, and afterwards Archdeacon of Kildare. He obtained restoration of the temporals on the 26th of April, 1334, and died on the 24th of June, 1352. (Book of Obits.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kildare now. Back in 1310, this town hosted a Parliament, a sign of how much political weight it carried in medieval Ireland. It happened during the episcopacy of Bishop Walter de Veele, who was also called Walter Calfe and served as Chancellor of Kildare. King Edward the First confirmed his election on the 5th of January 1300, and he was restored to the temporalities of his see the same day. His consecration took place in Saint Patrick's in Dublin. He died in November 1332 and was buried in his church. A drawing of his seal survives in the archives of Christ Church, Dublin.

44. Priest Sir Laghlin Oge harboured at houses in Carlow town

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1612

    According to Bishop Ram's 1612 report, the priest Sir Laghlin Oge kept mostly at the houses of John Browne, Marget Archer, and Walter Butler in the town of Caterlogh (Carlow), evading Protestant authorities during the persecution of recusant clergy.

    Read the passage

    1. * Sir Laghlin Oge, keeping for the most part either at the house

    Sir , Prefixed to a priest’s name indicated that he was a secular priest, as tct from Father , by which the Regular clergy were designated. Oget meaas ner, or junior.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

45. Roche MacGeoghegan's Dominican formation at Mullingar

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1580–1593

    Dr. Roche MacGeoghegan, later Bishop of Kildare, was an alumnus of the Dominican Convent at Mullingar before being sent abroad to Lisbon and Salamanca at age thirteen.

    Read the passage

    Dr. MacGeoghegan, who was connected by blood with some of the first families in Ireland, was born in the year 1580. He was an alumnus of the Dominican Convent at Mullingar ; when thirteen years of age, he was sent to the Irish College of Lisbon, where he took the habit of St. Dominic. From Lisbon he went to Salamanca, where he spent eight years. He was then sent, by the General Chapter of Madrid, to revive his Order in Ireland, where it had, well-nigh, died out. We learn from De Burgo ( Hib . Dom. p. 610), that at the death of Elizabeth there were only four members of the Dominican Order in Ireland. In 1618, they were again a numerous body, full of energy and zeal, under the guidance of Father Boche MacGeoghegan. {Archbps. Dub. p. 284.) He was present at the General Chapter of the Dominicans, at Milan, in 1622, and was there appointed Provincial for Ireland. Eeturning home, he established a novitiate in the Convent of Orlare, Co. Mayo, and laboured hard for the restoration of his Order. He was very strict in selfdiscipline, and was much given to fasting and contemplation, being accustomed to spend four hours daily in solitary meditation. He almost renewed the Convents in Dublin, Mullingar and Athy. Even when a Bishop, he retained the rigour of his monastic rule. It is asserted that he converted Sir Arthur Blundel, Vice- Treasurer, in 1625, and also one O’Doyne of Trinity College, Dublin. He subsequently resigned the Provincialate and proceeded to Louvain, where he assisted in founding a Convent of Irish Dominicans. He was consecrated at Brussels, by the Archbishop of Mechlin, soon after the date of his appointment to Kildare. He appears not to have taken possession of his See for a considerable time after ; in the Wadding MSS. Vol. 2, No. 93, a letter written by Dr. MacGeoghegan appears, recommending Fr. John De Burgo, D.D., priest of the Diocese of Clonfert, to be appointed Bishop of that See ; it is dated from the College of St. John the Baptist, Louvain, 10th October, 1629. His subsequent career in Ireland was distinguished by zeal and laborious exertion

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 33

46. Solemn Requiem for Dr. Cahill held in Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1864

    When news of Daniel William Cahill's death in Boston in 1864 reached Ireland, a Solemn Requiem Office for the repose of his soul took place in Carlow Cathedral, attended by Bishop Walshe and a large number of clergy.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Cahill, who was one of the most conspicuous and popular ecclesiastics of his time, was born at Ashfield, in the parish of Arless, Queen’s County, November 28th, 1796. He was the third son of Daniel Cahill, C.E., and Catherine Brett. He received his rudimentary education at Ferris’s Academy, Athy. In 1816, he was appointed to a place in Maynooth College by Bishop Corcoran, to whom he was related. On the completion of his studies, he received Ordination at the hands of the Bight Bev. Dr. Doyle, and was immediately appointed to the Curacy of Leighlin-Bridge. In 1825 Dr. Cahill came to Carlow College as Professor of Natural Philosophy, which position he continued to occupy until the close of the year 1834. In 1834 he established a school at Carlow ; in 1835 he opened a hoardingschool at Seapoint, Williamstown, County Dublin ; which, in 1840, he transferred to Prospect, Blackrock. About 1850 we find him at Esker, from which time he resided in the vicinity of Dublin until the year 1859 ; during this period he was constantly engaged, not only in various parts of this country, but also in the chief towns in England and Scotland, preaching charity sermons, and delivering lectures, especially on Astronomy and other philososphical subjects, — his presence in pulpit or on platform being ever sure to bring together an overflowing and enthusiastic audience. He was also, for a short time, Editor of The Advocate , a Journal that had but a brief career. In 1859, Dr. Cahill carried into effect a resolution he had formed long before, of visiting America. He visited many parts of the United States and British America, constantly engaged in preaching and lecturing, being received everywhere, especially by his own countrymen, with enthusiasm. Feeling his health failing in 1864, he determined to return to his native country, but Providence ordered it otherwise. After a protracted and painful illness, which he sanctified by the exercise of Christian patience and resignation to the Divine Will, he breathed his last in the city of Boston, on the 28th of October, 1864, in the 68th year of his age. Several of his Sermons, Lectures, etc., have been published in a collected form, making up two portly octavo volumes.* When intelligence of his demise reached Ireland, a Solemn Bequiem Office for the repose of his soul, took place in Carlow Cathedral, at which the Bishop, the Bight Bev. Dr. Walshe, and a very large number of the clergy of the

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 194

47. State of Kildare diocese described as impoverished under Protestant control

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1694

    A 1694 Vatican document describes Kildare as a small cathedral town of about 400 inhabitants, its cathedral, font, and former monasteries held by heretics, leaving the Catholic bishop with no episcopal residence or revenues.

    Read the passage

    Scotiae et Hiberniae nominati.” ( Va llicellian MSS., apud Brady) Dr. Dempsy is described as the son of noble and Catholic parents, about 50 years of age, a priest for very many years; it is further stated that he had made his Theological studies in the University of Paris, and that he was a man of prudence and of dignified demeanour, and was, in consequence of these qualifications, judged worthy of being promoted to the Government of the said Church. The state of the Diocese is also set forth in this document ; the Cathedral town of Kildare is described as of small dimensions, containing about 400 inhabitants. The Cathedral exists, but is held by the heretics, who are also in possession of the Baptismal font. There are no Catholic dignitaries or Canons. The Sacraments are administered in private houses by missionary priests and Pastors appointed by the Bishop. There is no Episcopal residence, nor are there any revenues, those belonging to the See being in the hands of the heretics ; thus, the Bishop has no means of support except such as are provided by charitable contributions. Formerly there were, at Kildare, monasteries both for men and women, but these also had been seized upon by the heretics. ( Barberini Archives , apud Brady).

    On the 29th of November, 1694, it was resolved by Propaganda that Dr. Dempsy should have Leighlin, also, in Administration. {Brady.) The date of this Bishop’s death has not been ascertained, beyond the fact that he is stated to have been dead several years prior to 1713. In a Propaganda Congregation, held on the 4th of September, 1713, it was stated that the Archbishop of Dublin had written to recommend Edward Murphy, Vicar-General of Kildare and Leighlin, for the Bishopric of that See, vacant for many years. {Brady.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Kildare now. A Vatican document from 1694 describes this as a small cathedral town of about 400 inhabitants. The document was prepared in connection with Dr. Dempsy, the Catholic bishop. He was described as the son of noble and Catholic parents, about 50 years of age, a priest for very many years, who had made his theological studies at the University of Paris, and was a man of prudence and dignified demeanour, judged worthy of being promoted to the government of the church. The state of the diocese was set forth plainly. The cathedral exists, but it is held by the heretics, who are also in possession of the baptismal font. There are no Catholic dignitaries or canons. The sacraments are administered in private houses by missionary priests and pastors appointed by the bishop. There is no episcopal residence, nor are there any revenues, those belonging to the see being in the hands of the heretics. The bishop has no means of support except what is provided by charitable contributions. Formerly there were monasteries at Kildare, both for men and women, but these also had been seized by the heretics. On the 29th of November, 1694, it was resolved by Propaganda that Dr. Dempsy should have Leighlin also in administration. The date of his death has not been ascertained, beyond the fact that he was stated to have been dead several years prior to 1713. In a Propaganda congregation held on the 4th of September, 1713, it was stated that the Archbishop of Dublin had written to recommend Edward Murphy, Vicar-General of Kildare and Leighlin, for the bishopric of that see, vacant for many years.

48. Abbot of Kildare slain by Danish prince

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 965

    Mured MacFoelan, abbot of Kildare and of the Royal Blood of Leinster, was slain by Amlave, Prince of the Danes, and Kerbal MacLorcan in 965.

    Read the passage

    “ a.d. 965. Mured MacFoelan, abbot of Kildare, of the Royal Blood of Leinster, was slain, by Amlave, Prince of the Danes, and Kerbal MacLorcan.” (A A. SS. p. 107 ; Harris s Ware.) ]

    “AD. 980. (981 according to O’Donovan), Anmehadh, Bishop of Cill-dara, completed his virtuous life in this world, at an advanced age.” (Four Masters .) “ B. Aumchadius, Episcopus

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, the town carries an old story from 965. Mured MacFoelan, abbot of Kildare and of the Royal Blood of Leinster, was slain here by Amlave, Prince of the Danes, and Kerbal MacLorcan.

49. Aged Parish Priest of Kill shares income with curate

    Kill · town · Kildare · 1800

    The Parish Priest of Kill was a poor lame old man, turned of 90 years, who gave half his parish income of £75 to his curate. He served three chapels every Sunday in his parish despite his infirmities.

    Read the passage

    The Parish Priest of Kill, a poor lame old man, turned of 90 years, gives one-half of the <£75, the income of his parish, to his Curate, and would certainly need a second assistant, were there means to support him, having three chapels to be served every Sunday in his parish.

    There are two religious houses or convents in the Diocese of Kildare ; one of Carmelites, consisting of two members, in the town of Kildare, and another of Dominicans at Newbridge, containing also two religious. There is no Regular a Parish Priest in the Diocese of Kildare.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 272

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kill in Kildare, this was the parish of a poor lame old priest, turned of 90 years, around 1800. His parish income was £75, and he gave half of it to his curate. He would have needed a second assistant, were there means to support him, because he had three chapels to be served every Sunday in his parish, despite his infirmities. The Diocese of Kildare also had two religious houses at that time: one of Carmelites in the town of Kildare, and another of Dominicans at Newbridge, each consisting of two members.

50. Bishop Edward Nolan consecrated at Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1834–1837

    Edward Nolan, a Professor at Carlow College from 1819, was selected as Coadjutor to Dr. Doyle and was consecrated Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin in Carlow Cathedral on 28 October 1834, dying in 1837.

    Read the passage

    The Rev. Edward Nolan commenced as Professor in 1819 . His first Chair was that of Moral Philosophy from which he afterwards passed to that of Theology. In this position he continued until by the suffrages of the clergy he was selected as Coadjutor to Dr. Doyle. Dr. Nolan was consecrated Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin in Carlow Cathedral on the 28th of October, 1834. He died on the 15th of October, 1837. Further details of his life have been already given.

    The Very Rev. P. McSweeny, D.D.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 189

51. Bishop John Mulgan buried near tomb of Gurmund the Dane at Leighlin

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow · 1431

    Bishop John Mulgan died in 1431 and was buried in his own church at Leighlin, near the tomb of Gurmund the Dane, a notable landmark within the cathedral.

    Read the passage

    This Prelate instituted four petty Canons in his Church. He died in 1431, and was buried in his own Church, near the tomb of Gurmund the Dane. {Harris’s Ware)

    a.d. 1421. Thomas Fleming, Bachelor in Divinity and a Minorite, was advanced to the See of Leighlin by a Brief of the Pope, dated the 28th of April. “ Quarto Kal. Maii, 1432, referente Card, de Comite, prov. est eccl. Leighlinen. provinciae Dublinen. vac. per mortem S.P. ultimi Episcopi, de persona Fratris Thomae, Ord. Frat. Minorum, Baccalaurei in Theologia.” {Vatican Archives , apud Brady) Thady Dowling, the Protestant Chancellor of Leighlin, states in his Annals that this Prelate, whom he erroneously supposes to have been an Augustinian Canon, died at Leighlin, and that his body, as he had ordered by his will, was conveyed to Kilkenny to be interred in a Monastery of his Order. During his Episcopate the ancient Monastery of St. Stephen, at Old Leighlin, was dissolved, by authority of Pope Eugenius IV., at the desire of Nicholas Cloal, Dean of Leighlin, and the lands of it annexed to the Deanery. This Bishop was fined for non-attendance at a Parliament held in Dublin, in 1450, by Richard, Duke of York, who had been appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland the preceding year. “ He sate,” says Ware, “ till the year 1458, but how long after I know not.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 52

52. Burial and tomb inscription of Dr. Doyle in Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1819–1834

    The remains of Dr. Doyle were interred in the Cathedral in front of the High Altar, with a black marble slab in the form of a Cross placed over them bearing an inscription recording his consecration in 1819 and death in 1834, and his dying wish that the poor pray for his soul.

    Read the passage

    “ I.H.S. Underneath are deposited, in the Hope of a Glorious Resurrection, the Mortal Remains of the Right Revd. James Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.

    “ He was Consecrated, on the 14th of Novr., 1819, and Died on the 15th of June, 1884, in the 48th year of his Age.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 108

53. Dr Doyle recommends Laurence Dunne of Castledermot and Phil Healy of Clonmore for coadjutor bishop

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1834

    When a coadjutor bishop was needed for Kildare and Leighlin in 1834, Dr Doyle, after recommending Paul Cullen, named Laurence Dunne of Castledermot and Phil Healy of Clonmore as his next choices.

    Read the passage

    When, in April, 1834, in consequence of the declining health of Dr. Doyle, it became necessary to appoint a Coadjutor to the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, that Prelate was very desirous that Dr. Cullen should be named for the office. Writing in reply to one of his priests, he says : — “ As you wish my opinion as a private friend to assist your own judgment I give it to you in strict confidence. I would greatly prefer to all others Paul Cullen, now of Rome. He is a priest of the Diocese — greatly eminent for piety, learning, and the conducting of the most delicate and difficult affairs, having a good name in Rome and here, and endowed with all the qualities required in a bishop. His not being on the mission is his strongest recommendation in my eyes. Next to him I would select Laurence Dunne of Castledermot, and next, Edward Nolan, or Phil. Healy of Clonmore.” (Life J.K.L. Vol. 2, p. 497.)

    Dr. Cullen, who had been raised by Gregory XYI. to the rank of Monsignor, cubicularius intimus ad honorem , was appointed to the Primacy of Ireland by Pius IX. in 1850. He was Consecrated by Cardinal Castracane, assisted by the Bishop of Demerara, Dr. Hinds, and the Archbishop of Jesi, Carlo Luigi Monchini, afterwards Cardinal. The Consecration was performed in the Church of St. Agatha, attached to the Irish College in Rome, on the feast of St. Matthias, February 24, 1850. In

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come

54. Dr. Doyle's Plan to Rebuild Carlow's Parish Chapel as a Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1828

    Dr. Doyle had long wished to replace the old parish chapel of Carlow with an edifice worthy of serving as a Cathedral for the Diocese, and in March 1828 he began putting this plan into effect.

    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-

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 102

55. John England establishes female penitentiary and poor schools in Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow

    Before leaving Carlow, John England laid the foundation for a lasting benefit to the town by procuring the establishment of a female penitentiary and the erection of male and female poor schools, which led to the formation of the Presentation Convent.

    Read the passage

    “ His religious instructions was not, however, the sole benefit derived by Carlow from the exertions of Mr. England. Before his departure from it he laid the foundation of a more lasting claim to the gratitude of its inhabitants by procuring the establishment there of a female penitentiary, and the erection of male and female poor schools, which latter institution chiefly suggested the formation of the Presentation Convent.

    174

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 169

56. Mark Forstall elected Bishop of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1676

    Dr. Mark Forstall, an Irish Augustinian who had studied and taught across Europe, was elected Bishop of Kildare by Propaganda in October 1676 after recommendation by the Emperor. He entered the Irish Mission in 1672 before his appointment.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Mark Forstall was elected Bishop of Kildare by Propaganda on the 8th of October, 1676, having been previously recommended by the Emperor, according to letters read in Congregation of Propaganda, held on the 8th of May in the same year. He was an Irishman and a member of the Order of Eremites of St. Augustine. He studied in the College of St. Gabriel at Valladolid : having finished his Theological studies in 1648, he joined the Austrian Province of the Augustinians, and subsequently became regent of studies at Gratz, in 1653. He took the degree of Doctor of Theology in the University of Vienna in 1655, and then went as Professor of Theology to a Convent of the Praemonstrants at Zabrdovich in Moravia. He was elected Provincial of the Order in Austria in 1659, in which office he won for himself the esteem and favour of the Imperial Court. ( Spic . Ossor.) He entered on the Irish Mission in 1672 ( Annal . Ord. S. Aug), and, as already stated, was chosen Bishop of Kildare in 1676. As this Diocese afforded, at the period referred to, but slight means of subsistence, Dr. Forstall was obliged to have recourse to Rome, the common mother of all, soliciting aid in his distress. The Primate, Dr. Plunkett, who held him in the highest esteem, was mainly instrumental in procuring for him the administration of Leighlin. The following letter from Dr. Plunkett to his Eminence Cardinal Colonna, relates to this subject. It is dated the 20th of August, 1677, and runs thus : — “ The great affection which your Eminence has ever displayed for me and for this nation is the cause of my so often incon-

    38

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, it's worth knowing that this town gave its name to a diocese once led by a remarkable Irish Augustinian. Dr. Mark Forstall was elected Bishop of Kildare by Propaganda in Rome on the 8th of October 1676, after the Emperor had recommended him for the post. He was an Irishman who had studied theology at the College of St. Gabriel in Valladolid and finished there in 1648. He then joined the Austrian Province of the Augustinians and became regent of studies at Gratz in 1653. He took his Doctor of Theology at the University of Vienna in 1655 and went on to teach at a convent of the Praemonstrants at Zabrdovich in Moravia. In 1659 he was elected Provincial of the Order in Austria, and in that office he won the esteem of the Imperial Court. He entered the Irish Mission in 1672. When he became Bishop of Kildare four years later, the diocese offered but slight means of subsistence, and he had to go to Rome seeking aid. The Primate, Dr. Plunkett, who held him in the highest esteem, was mainly instrumental in securing for him the administration of Leighlin as well. Plunkett wrote to Cardinal Colonna on the 20th of August 1677 about the matter.

57. Silver Jubilee of Bishop Walshe Celebrated at Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1881

    On 3 April 1881, the 25th anniversary of Dr. James Walshe's consecration as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin was celebrated with great pomp at Carlow Cathedral. The clergy presented him with an address and a £520 testimonial, which he insisted on sending to the Pope.

    Read the passage

    On the 30th March, 1856, the Right Rev. Dr. James Walshe, was consecrated Bishop of the united Dioceses of Kildare and Leighlin. The 25th anniversary of his consecration, and the festivities usual on so joyous an occasion were celebrated with with great pomp and ceremony in Carlow Cathedral, on Passion Sunday, 3rd April, 1881. The celebrant of the High Mass was the Rev. A. Wall,Adm. The Rev. M. J. Murphy, Vice-President, Carlow College, preached, and made graceful and touching allusion to the Bishop’s Jubilee. After Mass the “ Te Deum ” was sung, and Solemn Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament given. The vast congregation seemed deeply earnest and devotional, and there is,no doubt that Dr. Walshe is loved and revered by his Carlow children. But not in Carlow only, but through the entire diocese the occasion was one of great rejoicing. His clergy gladly seized the opportunity of presenting Dr. Walshe with an address and testimonial, in token of their esteem and attachment. On Tuesday a deputation, consisting of the Vicars of the diocese, the President and Vice-President of the College, and! some of the clergy, waited on his Lordship at Braganza, where, in the name of all the clergy, the Right Rev. Dr. Lynch, Coadjutor Bishop, read the following address: —

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 155

58. Bishop Matthew Sanders built the Choir and window of St Laserian's Cathedral

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow · 1527–1549

    Matthew Sanders, appointed Bishop of Leighlin in 1527 and a native of Drogheda, built the Choir of the Cathedral of St Laserian and made and glazed its south window. He died on 24 December 1549.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1527. Matthew Sanders, was the next Bishop of Leighlin ; his appointment is dated the 10th of April. “ Die 10° Aprilis, 1527, referente, etc., Campegio, providit ecclesiae Leglinen., in Hibernia, sub dominio Regis Augliae, vacanti per obitum Thomae (sic) olim Episcopi Leglinem., extra Romanam Curiam defuncti, de persona D. Matthei Sander, cum retentione beneficiorum suorum, et cum dispensatione quod possit retinere unum beneficium curatum, et quandocunque transferatur ad aliam ecclesiam possit retinere dictum beneficium dummodo expediat literas retentionis.” (Barberini Archives apud Brady.) Dr. Sanders is here set down as the immediate successor of Dr. Thomas Halsay ; from this wording Dr. Moran is inclined to infer that Dr. Doran had not been consecrated, at the time of his death. Ware states that Dr. Sanders was a native of Tredagh, i.e. Drogheda, that he built the Choir of the Cathedral of St. Laserian, and also made and glazed the south window of same. Some have regarded this Bishop as favouring Henry VIII., in his revolt against the Holy See, but there does not appear to be any proof that such was the case, — and, that his orthodoxy was unimpeached at Rome, is established by the wording of the Official Act appointing his successor “ to the See of Leighlin rendered vacant by the death of Thomas of happy memory.” (Barberini Archives.) His death took place on the 24th of December, 1549. ( Ware.)

    In 1541, it was reported at Rome that Dr. Sanders was dead, whereupon, Thomas Leverous was appointed to fill the supposed vacancy. “Die Lunae, 14° Novembris, 1541, referente Rmo. Cardinali Gambara, sua Sanctitas providit Ecclesiae Leghlinensi in Hibernia, vacanti per obitum Matthei olim Episcopi Leglinen. extra Romanam Curiam defuncti, de persona Thomae Leuros (Leverous) presbyteri Midensis, cum retentione Parochialis de Conalis, Ordinis S. Augustini Darensis Dioeceseos, et aliorum

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 57

59. Encroachment on Old Leighlin bishopric lands by local gentry

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow

    The demesne lands of Old Leighlin, belonging to the Bishopric, were withheld by neighbouring landowners including Sir Richard Butler of Polestone, Richard Comberford, and William Fanning, who took advantage of rebellion and long vacancies to detain nearly three miles of land belonging to the see.

    Read the passage

    unyon with the Bishoprick of Femes, “ durante vita,” by vertue of His Maties L**es patent. The annual rent thereof is £24 ster. besides the demeasnes wch are very large, if the Bishop might enjoy his right. But in respect they are almost all mountany grounds, and much of them is withhold en by the neighbours thereof, yeld very little profit. The deteyners of the demeasnes of Old Leighlin are, Sir Richard Butler of Polestone, Knight, Richard Comberford of Ballerloghna, Esqr., Willyam Fannynge of Ballecloghna, Gent., who taking advantage of Rebellion in theis parts and of the often and long vacancy of this poore Bishoprick, had deteyned (and still so doe) almost three miles of land belonginge unto it. The Incroachers of the manor of Shanecourt als. Woodstock in the Queen’s County are Sir Richard Greame of Ballylehan, Knight, and Piers Ovington of Amorstowne Esqr., who have the one of the one side and the other of the other side so encroached upon the sayd mannor, that whereas it consisted of eight score acres arable land in the fift yere of Edward the first as by the Exchetor then beinge, his accompts appeareth in the King’s rowles, and so much hath bin in possession with the Bishop of Leighlin his tennaunt within fiftie years last past : they have left with the house but one acre of land. If I hoped that theis lands could be recovered in lawe by any reasonable charge, [remainder of sheet destroyed.']

    [Here follow, as before, list of Benefices, names of Incumbents and value of their livings tempore pacis and reduction propter Rebellionem. The Benefices range generally between £10 and £15, some eight of them exceed that amount, the highest of them being £20 except in the case of “ Rectoria de Roslare cum capella de Ballemoore,” which amounts to £30. The Reduction propter Rebellionem is generally, at least one half — and many are returned as valued at Nihil, under that heading.]

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 236

60. Vicar-General Murthogh O'Dowling harboured near Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1612

    Sir Murthogh O'Dowling, Vicar-General of the Diocese of Kildare, is recorded as coming by starts and being harboured at the house of William Dun of Binnekerry near Caterlogh (Carlow), as part of the underground network sheltering Catholic clergy in 1612.

    Read the passage

    2. Sir Murthogh O’Dowling, a Vicar-General of the Dioces of Kildare, coming by starts, is harboured at the house of William Dun of Binnekerry near Caterlogh.

    3. Luke Archer, vicar General for the dioces of Leighlin, keeping for the most part in Kilkenny; at his coming into the County of Caterlogh resotg unto the house of Edmond McTirielogh of Ravilly.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat01come, Chapter 234