Collections relating to the dioceses of Kildare and Leighlin (vol. 3)

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. Execution and burning of Father John Murphy at Tullow

   Tullow · town · Carlow · 1798

   After discovery of sacerdotal robes on his person, Father Murphy was whipped, burned in a pitch barrel at Callaghan's door, and beheaded, with his head fixed on a pole at the chapel gate to intimidate Catholics.

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   They then made him fast to the gallows on which poor Gallagher suffered, and with many insults desired him, as he was a priest, to save himself ; they then cut off his head, stripped his body naked, and some of the wretches disputed about his clothes ; they then flung his body into the burning cask, and, while it was consuming, compelled Callaghan to open his windows to admit the smoke, which they humorously said “would redeem him from sin.” After the body and barrel were consumed, they gathered the bones, and buried them at Callaghan’s door. The head was fixed on a pole about fourteen feet high at the chapel gate, and whenever those executioners met a Catholic, they advised him to apply for forgiveness of his sins to his priest (pointing to the head of Father Murphy).

   Ardristan.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 371

2. 1798 attack on Carlow and the Croppie Hole massacre

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

   Insurgents who had assembled at Viewmount marched on Carlow on 25th May 1798 but were defeated with about 600 killed; many who fled to cabins were burned to death when soldiers set the buildings alight. 417 victims were buried in a sandpit on the Queen's County side of the Barrow, a site still called Croppie Hole.

   Read the passage

   1798. An attempt was made by the insurgents to take Carlow on the morning of the 25th of May. They had previously assembled at Yiewmouut, the residence of Sir Ed. W. Crosbie, Bart., from whence they marched on the town. The garrison, however, having previously received intelligence of their purpose, were prepared to oppose them, and the attempt ended in the defeat and slaughter of the assailants, of whom, it is stated, 600 were killed ; several who had sought refuge in the cabins in the outlets of the town were burned to death by these cabins being set on fire by the soldiery for that purpose. On the Queen’s County side of the Barrow, 417 of these victims were buried in a sandpit ; the spot still bears the name of Croppie Hole. “After the defeat,” Gordon writes, “ executions commenced, as elsewhere, in this calamitous period, and about 200 were, in a short time, put to death by martial law. Amongst the earliest victims was Sir Edward Crosbie,* a gentleman esteemed for his humanity and other amiable qualities, but offensive to some by frequently expressing his pity for the poor peasantry of Ireland oppressed by enormous rents. His mis-

   * Descended from John Crosbie, Protestant Bishop of Ardfert, whose elder son William was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1630. From David, the younger son, are descended the Earls of Glandore, now an extinct title. Sir Ed. W. married Castiliana, daughter of Warren Westerna, M.P. for Maryborough ; their son, horn 1794, died 3rd October, 1860, without issue, succeeded by his cousin, Wm. Richard, to whom his son Sir Edward Wm. Douglas, the present Bart., succeeded, 6th May, 1877. — Burke's Peerage.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 42

3. Francis Cosby's Hanging Tree at Stradbally

   Stradbally · town · Laois

   Francis Cosby, chief instigator of the Mullaghmast massacre, resided mostly at Stradbally, where a great spreading tree in front of his house was used to hang Catholic men, women and children, with mothers' children hanged by their mothers' hair.

   Read the passage

   his house there grew a great wide-spreading tree. Upon this he was accustomed to hang not only men, to whom no crime was imputed, but also women and even children. He used to experience unspeakable delight — at the same time that their mothers were being thus strangled, — in putting their children also to death by hanging them by means of the long hair of the mothers. When this tree happened to have no dead bodies of the Catholics attached to it, it is related that he used to apostrophize it thus — “My tree, you appear to be very sad; nor do I wonder at it, as you are too long bare.

   360

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 338

4. Colonel Walter Butler of Paulstown and the death of Wallenstein

   Paulstown · town · Kilkenny · 1634

   Colonel Walter Butler of Paulstown, a cadet of the house of Thomond, was the officer responsible for the death of Wallenstein at Eger in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War, acting to prevent Wallenstein's treason against the Emperor; Butler was later made a Count and Imperial Chamberlain.

   Read the passage

   the whole transaction in a very different light, and prove that Butler, the author of Wallenstein’s death, does not deserve the obloquy heaped on him by the poet. Butler was one of the family of Paulstown, a cadet branch of the great house of Thomond. Wallenstein had entered into treasonable communications with France, and tampered with the loyalty of the army against his sovereign, the Emperor Ferdinand. A proclamation was accordingly issued against him, on which he retired to the fortified place of Eger, where he was slain, through means of Butler. Butler, and those who acted with him, acted as a loyal subject and soldier should, in opposing themselves to the traitorous designs of Wallenstein, and cutting him off. Father Patrick Taaffe, Butler’s confessor, amply clears him of all blame, in his narrative, composed 19 years later. Butler distrusted the loyalty of Wallenstein, with every reason. He himself never swerved from his resolution never to desert his colours to which he had sworn fidelity to death, and even though surrounded by rebels, to fight for the good cause to his last breath. Colonel Butler was made a Count and Imperial Chamberlain, and received a golden chain and several of the confiscated estates of Terza. He married a Countess of Phondana, and died without issue at Swarrendorp, in Wirtemberg, shortly after the battle of Nordlingen, gained by the Imperialists, in September, 1634, and in which Butler greatly distinguished himself. His Countess interred him with great pomp at Prague. He appointed Richard, son of his nephew, Thomas Butler of Clonebough, who was in. the Spanish service, his heir. This Richard resigned his inheritance to his brother, Edmund Butler of Paulstown, who had come to Germany from Ireland, in 1664, and from whom the present (1838) Count descends in the 8th generation. On the 10th of September, 1681, the Emperor Leopold granted to Edmund Theobald, the incolat of Bohemia, and an acknowledgment, confirming his rank as Count. In 1772 Theobald married into the family of the Counts of Haimhausen in Bavaria, and on its extinction, succeeded to the estates and assumed the name and title. In the Gotha Genealogical Almanac, the Counts Butler-Clonebough, called Haimhausen, are stated to descend from Count Walter Butler, ‘ who in the time of the 30 years’ war entered the Austrian service, and died there of the plague in the rank of Colonel.’ He received a grant of the lordship of Kirchberg in Bohemia from the Emperor Ferdinand 2nd. Butler left £3,300 to the Irish and Scotch College of Prague, and .£500 to be distributed to the Irish students then resident there.” (From Paper by Fras. Prendergast, Esq., Barrister-at-Law. Transactions , Kilkenny Arch. Soc., Vol. //., p. 9. Wallenstein was slain on 25th February, 1634).

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 308

5. Execution of Sir Edward Crosbie of Viewmount, 1798

   Viewmount · street · Longford · 1798

   Sir Edward Crosbie, of Viewmount, was arrested after insurgents assembled there before attacking Carlow, and was executed by court-martial despite no charge being proven against him. After hanging, his body was abused and his head severed and displayed on a spike.

   Read the passage

   fortune in the present case consisted in his having been surrounded by the rebels before he had notice of the insurrection. In the trial, Protestant loyalists, witnesses in favour of the accused, were forcibly prevented by the bayonets of the military from entering the court. Catholic prisoners had been tortured by frequent floggings to force them to give evidence against him, and appeared to have been promised their lives upon no other condition than that of his condemnation. Nothwithstanding these and other violent measures, no charge was proved ; of which the members of the court-martial which sentenced him to death were so sensible that, in defiance of an act of parliament, the register of the proceedings was withheld as a secret from his wife and family. The court was irregularly constituted and illegal, destitute of a judge advocate. The execution of the sentence was precipitate, at an unusual hour,* and attended with atrocious circumstances not warranted even by the sentence. After he was hanged, his body was abused, his head severed from it and exposed on a spike. The president of the court (Major Denis) was an illiterate man,” etc. — From 11 A narrative of the apprehension , trial, and execution of Sir Ed. W. Croshie, Bart.f drawn up by the Baronet’s family, and printed at Bath’ and reprinted at Dublin. One of the chief points of evidence against the accused was that of a witness named James Gayner who was one of the party assembled at Yiewmount on the night before the attack and who swore that the person whom he supposed to be Sir E. Crosbie came out and addressed some words of encouragement to the insurgents. In a note, it is stated “ that the person here alluded to must have been Thomas Myler, Sir Edward’s Steward, who was a determined and active United Irishman, that for his own wicked and traitorous purposes he often personated his master whom he greatly resembled in height and figure, and that it was, no doubt, to favour this deception, that he dressed so like his master.” (p . 27.)

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

   As the companion tells it

   Along here is Viewmount, where Sir Edward Crosbie lived in 1798. Insurgents assembled at his house the night before they attacked Carlow, and that fact sealed his fate. He was arrested and brought before a court-martial, though the court was illegally constituted and had no judge advocate. Protestant loyalists who came to testify in his favour were kept out at bayonet point. Catholic prisoners were flogged to force them to give evidence against him, and their lives were promised only if he was condemned. Despite all this, no charge was proved. The court sentenced him to death anyway, and the record of the proceedings was withheld from his wife and family in defiance of an act of parliament. The execution was rushed through at an unusual hour. After he was hanged, his body was abused, his head cut off and stuck on a spike. The president of the court, Major Denis, was described as an illiterate man. The chief evidence against Sir Edward came from a witness named James Gayner, one of the men assembled at Viewmount that night, who swore that someone he took to be Sir Edward came out and spoke words of encouragement to the insurgents. But a note in the record says that person was most likely Thomas Myler, Sir Edward's steward, a determined United Irishman who often impersonated his master, whom he greatly resembled in height and figure, and who dressed like him to favour the deception.

6. Martyrdom of three Franciscan friars at Abbeyleix garrison

   Abbeyleix · town · Laois · 1588

   John O'Mulloy, Cornelius Dogherty and Calfrid Ferrall, three Franciscans who had spent years ministering secretly to persecuted Catholics in Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford, were captured by cavalry in the Queen's County and brought to the garrison of Abbeyleix, where they were flogged, racked, strangled, disembowelled and quartered.

   Read the passage

   The town of Abbeyleix was the scene of the martyrdom of three Franciscan priests, in the reign of Elizabeth. The subjoined details are taken from Synopsis Prov. Hibernice , p. 86 ; and Bruodin’s, Passio Martyrum, quoted by Brenan (Hist., vol. 2, p. 128) ; John O’Mulloy, Cornelius Dogherty, and Calfrid Ferrall, three Franciscans, had distinguished themselves about the year 1588, and at length became the doomed victims of their enemies. These apostolical men had spent upwards of eight years in traversing the mountainous parts of the Province of Leinster, abiding particularly in those unfrequented districts of the counties of Wicklow, Carlow, and Wexford, to which the people had been driven in great multitudes for shelter. They proceeded from mountain to mountain, offering the Divine Mysteries, encouraging the dying, and administering the sacraments. Their journeyings had been generally performed at night, and, as the Acts of their Order state, their bed was the rock of the mountain, while their usual amount of earthly comfort consisted of nakedness, cold and hunger. In defiance of the danger by which they were encompassed, these holy men clung, with the affection of fathers, to their afflicted countrymen ; they shared in their sufferings, partook of their sorrows, and never departed from them until they had at length fallen a sacrifice to their enemies. Whilst pursuing their journey through a remote district of the Queen’s County, they were overtaken by a party of cavalry, bound hand and foot, and carried amidst the insults of a brutal soldiery to the garrison of Abbeyleix. Here they were flogged and put to the rack ; having endured this torture for a length of time, they were ultimately strangled, disembowelled and quartered, and thus, with the spirit of Christian martyrs, did they generously lay down their lives, in support of the religion of their country and their fathers.

   The chapel of the Penal times belonging to the district of

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 55

7. Torture and killing of Gallagher at Tullow

   Tullow · town · Carlow · 1798

   Gallagher, companion of Father John Murphy, was tied naked to a post and flogged six hundred lashes, then hanged repeatedly to force him to reveal his master's identity. He resisted until his tormentors let him hang until dead.

   Read the passage

   Towards the close of the year 1797, and during that part of 17S8 which preceded the insurrection, the murders, rapine, free quarters, aid burnings, were carried to such an alarming extent, that the Catholics of the counties of Wicklow, Wexford, and Carlow were compelled to take the field, and abandon their habitations to their persecutors. Fatter John Murphy, as well to avoid the common enemy as to advise his Aigitive flock, joined them in their encampment, and was obliged to take the direction of their operations, which were as yet only defensive ; it was at Rockspring he unsheathed his sword. After dispersion of die rebel forces under his command, he took refuge in the town of Tulbw, county Carlow, but so disguised as not to be known even by his most intimate acquaintances. He was accompanied by a brave and faithful companion, of the name of Gallagher, a native of Ferns. As they vere strangers, they were not long in the town before they became object; of suspicion, and were taken into custody on the information of J*hn M‘Nabb ; but, not knowing who they were, several interrogations "were put to them respecting their occupation, names, and former resideice. The answers not being satisfactory, Gallagher was tied naked to a p»st, and there was flogged and questioned alternately, without obtainng from him any knowledge of who his master was, meaning Father Join. After torturing poor Gallagher by inflicting on him six hundred lasles, he was taken down, and, erecting a temporary gallows, they hung lim up, but at short intervals would let him down, still demanding him to inform on his friend. His great soul continued to resist all the malce of his tormentors, who were so impatient at his firmness that they at last suffered him to hang till he was dead.

   They then commenced their operations on the silent and meek miniser of the Gospel, who was compelled to witness the sufferings of his faithEul

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 370

8. Shane O'Neill's forces burn and storm Dysert Castle in 1646

   Dysart · townland · Laois · 1646

   Colonel Farrell and Colonel Roger McGuire's regiments besieged Dysert Castle after Sir John Pigott refused to surrender, setting the castle on fire with lighted sheaves thrown on pikes. The defenders were slaughtered as the fire spread, though some escaped disguised as women.

   Read the passage

   fire, the musketeers playing still on the enemy, the pikemen carrying on the points of their pikes lighted sheaves, throwing them as thick as hail into the castle windows, and thrusting armed men to oppose if any offered to quench the angry progress thereof, enkindled also the castle door through the grate, so that the defendants could act no service, were all smoked and returning to corners, as from the fury of both fire and sword, were slaughtered within before any entered the door, such outcries were heard within as if on doomsday. Bryen Oge O’Dwyne, a rank Puritan, a brother-in-law of said Pigott, and chief mover of his obstinacy, ran to the castle door, now half-burnt, some of the assailants offering to enter, presented himself to Colonel Farrell, and begged his life ; it being promised, with all the danger of his own, defended him from the militia fury, who, rushing in, did butcher all that came in their way, both Pigott and others, except women and children, as by the General commanded under pain of death not to offer violence to either of these classes ; 10 or 11 men were mercifully saved, under female disguise. The house was very rich, and in an instant rifled all for the common soldiers, or such as laboured most for it. Thus wras Disert taken by force, Pigott and wooden-legged minister slain.”

   The few who escaped with their lives from Mullaghmast owed their safety to the shrewdness of Harry Lalor of Dysart : “ He, remarking that none of those returned who had entered the fort before him, desired his companions to make off as fast as they could in case they did not see him come back. Said Lalor, as he was entering the fort, saw the carcasses of his slaughtered companions ; then drew his sword, and fought his way back to those that survived, along with whom he made his escape to Dysart, without seeing the Barrow.” — Account given byFr. John Whelan , P.P. of Povtarlington, See Vol. 2, p. 316.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Dysart, a castle once stood where something savage happened in 1646. Colonels Farrell and Roger McGuire brought their regiments to besiege it after Sir John Pigott refused to surrender. The pikemen carried lighted sheaves on the points of their pikes, hurling them into the castle windows, and set the door alight through the grate. The defenders, smoked and driven into corners, were slaughtered before any assailant even entered the door. The source says the outcries within were as if on doomsday. Pigott himself was killed, along with a wooden-legged minister. Bryen Oge O'Dwyne, called a rank Puritan and Pigott's brother-in-law, ran to the half-burnt door and begged Colonel Farrell for his life. Farrell promised it and defended him from his own men, who rushed in butchering everyone in their path, sparing only women and children, as the General had commanded under pain of death. Ten or eleven men were saved by disguising themselves as women. The house was very rich and was rifled in an instant by the common soldiers. The source records that Dysert was taken by force. A separate account tells of Harry Lalor of Dysart, who escaped the slaughter at Mullaghmast by noticing that none who entered the fort before him came back. He drew his sword, fought his way to the survivors, and fled to Dysart without seeing the Barrow.

9. Eustace brothers hanged and quartered in Dublin for the Faith

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1582

   Walter and Thomas Eustace, with their brother James Baron of Kilcullen and Baltinglass, took up arms in defence of their religion, refused to renounce the Pope's authority, and were hanged and quartered in Dublin in February 1582.

   Read the passage

   with the Barons Howth, Delvin, and Trimbleston, to the Tower of Dublin. Subsequently, with three of his brothers, he joined in opposing the introduction of Protestantism into Ireland, and was attainted by the Statute of Baltinglass passed in the Irish Parliament in 1585. The foregoing facts are taken from a Petition of Rev. Charles Eustace of Kilmague, Co. Kildare, praying for restoration of Title to him as descendant of William, youngest brother of James, 3rd Viscount. The Attorney General for Ireland reported in favour of his claim, “ in case the attainder against James, 3rd Viscount, were reversed.” In 1580 James, Lord Baltinglass, wrote a letter to the Earl of Ormond, of which Cox gives the following account, ( Hibernia Anglicana): “ About this time (July, 1580,) the Lord Baltinglass wrote an answer to the Earl of Ormond, assuring his lordship that he had two councillors, one that said, “ Fear not those who can kill the body only,” &c., and the other bids us obey the higher power, for he that resisteth it, resisteth God. Seeing that the highest power upon earth commands us to take the sword, and to fight and defend ourselves against Traytors and Rebels, which do seek only the murdering of our souls, he is no Christian who will not obey.” In a “ Brief Compendium of the sufferings endured by Catholics for the Faith, in the reign of Elizabeth,” drawn up by Father John Holing, S.J., preserved in the Archives of the Irish College of Salamanca, it is related that Walter and Thomas Eustace, together with their eldest brother, James, Baron of Kilcullen and Baltinglass, having taken up arms in defence of their religion, and having fallen by fraud into the hands of their enemies, they were tempted in various ways to renounce obedience to the Pope and to acknowledge the Queen’s supremacy. In case of refusal they were threatened, as traitors, with the severest punishments. They however, persisting most resolutely in the confession of the true Faith, were, in consequence, condemned to suffer an ignominious death. These noble soldiers of Christ suffered with great fortitude the sufferings that were heaped upon them. Finall}r, being led together to the place of execution, commending to God the Catholic cause, they were hanged and quartered at Dublin in the month of February, 1582. ( Spic . Ossor. Vol. I. p. 101.)*

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 139

   As the companion tells it

   The road passes through Dublin, the city where Walter and Thomas Eustace, together with their eldest brother James, Baron of Kilcullen and Baltinglass, were hanged and quartered in February 1582. The three brothers had taken up arms in defence of their religion. They fell by fraud into the hands of their enemies. They were tempted in various ways to renounce obedience to the Pope and to acknowledge the Queen's supremacy. They refused. They were threatened, as traitors, with the severest punishments. They persisted most resolutely in the confession of the true Faith, and were condemned to suffer an ignominious death. Father John Holing, a Jesuit, recorded what followed. He wrote that these noble soldiers of Christ suffered with great fortitude the sufferings that were heaped upon them. Being led together to the place of execution, commending to God the Catholic cause, they were hanged and quartered there in the month of February 1582. Two years earlier, in 1580, James, Lord Baltinglass, had written a letter to the Earl of Ormond. He told the Earl he had two councillors. One said, "Fear not those who can kill the body only." The other bade them obey the higher power, for he that resisteth it, resisteth God. He argued that the highest power upon earth commands them to take the sword and fight against traitors and rebels who seek the murdering of our souls, and that he is no Christian who will not obey. James was attainted by the Statute of Baltinglass passed in the Irish Parliament in 1585. A petition was later made by Reverend Charles Eustace of Kilmague, County Kildare, praying for restoration of title as descendant of William, youngest brother of James, the third Viscount.

10. Siege of Ballinakill Castle by Confederate Catholics in 1641

    Ballinakill · town · Laois · 1641

    Ballinakill Castle, built by Ridgeway, was besieged and taken by the Confederate Catholics in 1641. Contemporary accounts describe fierce fighting including the display of severed heads by both besiegers and besieged, and the eventual surrender after cannon fire from Spain breached the castle roof.

    Read the passage

    The castle, which was built by Ridgeway, and of which there are still some remains, was besieged and taken by the Confederate Catholics in 1641. The following passage, referring to the Siege, occurs in “ The Irish Confederation and War, 1642-3/ ” edited by Mr. Gilbert : — “ Ballinekilly was a collony of English planted there by Sir (Thomas) Ridgeway, whoe was Vice- Treasurer in Ireland in the reign of King James, and by him made Earle of Londonderry. It is seated among woods, in a place soe watered with springs as afforded the Earle convenience to make many fish ponds neare the Castle hee built there ; which hee likewise fortified with a strong wall, and that with turrets and flanckers ; besides that the towne since it had been planted was well inhabited, the iron mill there kept many lustie men at worke ; and all these, together with such of the English as were tennants of the mannor, or in their neighbourhood, when first the unbridled multitude, casting off all obedience to the Government, began to pillage the Protestants, repaired thither and added to the strength of the place many new workes, filling them with water which the ground naturally afforded them in great plenty ; so there being noe want of provision of all kinds, the place might have well been judged impregnable against an army that without ordnance came to besiege it. However the Lord Mountgarrett might be excused in not haveing given his consent to the battaile of Rosse, yet not only his advise, but his earnest desire concurred to the siege of Ballinekilly, for the interest of his estate, which neared uppon it, and the quiet of the tennants, who were much infested by the daily incursions of the garrison ; and the General was the more willing to try his fortune, and not to be deterred by the improbability of success, and he was sure the forces under his command could suffer no want, how long soever he might be forced to sit before the place, by reason of the power of the Lord Mountgarrett had in the County Kilkenny, whence the army was to be supplied. Wherefore, having summoned the Castle, after some smart sallies made in several quarters, he sat before it with that animosity of both sides, that the besieged flung out into the camp the heads of some of the besiegers whom they had killed, and the besiegers staked up in the like manner some of the heads of the besieged in the sight of the Castle. But we must leave the General here advancing but slowly to the enterprise, until we convey his means from Spain to compass his design.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 98

11. The Fatal Battle of Stradbally Bridge, 1596

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1596

    On 19 May 1596, Owney MacRory O'More demanded passage over Stradbally bridge; when refused, a battle ensued in which Alexander Cosby was shot dead and his son Francis Cosby, fleeing over the bridge, was also shot and fell dead into the river while their wives watched from the abbey window.

    Read the passage

    account of the conflict between Owney O’More and the Cosbys at the bridge of Stradbally, from an original MS., which belonged to the late Admiral Cosby : — “ In the year 1596, Owney MacRory O’More, chieftain of Leix, demanded a passage for his men over Stradbally bridge, and the request, being considered as a formal challenge to fight, was refused. On the 19th of May, Cosby, hearing that the O’Mores were on the march, headed his kerne, and proceeded to defend the bridge, taking with him his eldest son, Francis, who was married a year before to Helena Harpole of Shrule, by whom he had a son, William, born but nine weeks before this fatal battle of the bridge. Dorcas Sydney (for she would never allow herself to be called Cosby), and her daughter-in-law, placed themselves at a window of the abbey to see the fight, and for some time beheld their husbands bravely maintaining their ground. At length Alexander Cosby, as he was pressing forward, was shot, and dropped down dead. Upon this his kerne, with melancholy outcries, began to give way ; and Francis Cosby, the son, apprehensive of being abandoned, endeavoured to save himself by leaping over the bridge, but the moment he cleared the battlements he also was shot, and fell dead into the river/’

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 340

12. Battle of Dun-Bolg and Death of Cumuscach near Rathbran

    Rathbran · townland · Wicklow · 597–598

    According to the Boromha-Laighean, Cumuscach, son of the Monarch Aedh MacAinmire, made shameful proposals to the wife of Bran-Dubh at Rathbran; she fled, Bran-Dubh set fire to the house, and Cumuscach was beheaded by the Erenagh of Kilranelagh, precipitating the Battle of Dun-Bolg in 598 in which the Monarch of Ireland was slain.

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    Here is a burial-ground occupying the site of a former church of which no traces now remain. Rathbran was, in the 6th century, the residence of the King of Leinster, Bran-Dubh, from whom it derives its name. The Four Masters record that in the year “ A.D. 593 (recte, 597 O’D.) Cumuscacb, son of Aedh MacAinmire, was slain by Bran Dubh, son of Eochaidh, at Dun-Bucat (. DunboyJce ). The ancient tract called the Boromha- Laighean, relates that this Cumuscach, son of the Monarch Aedh MacAinmire, having visited Rath-Bran, made shameful proposals to the wife of Bran-Dubh; she, under pretence of first exercising hospitality to his attendants, fled from her palace and betook herself to the fastnesses of Dun-Bucat. In punishment for his wickedness, Bran-Dubh set fire to the house in which Cumuscach was ; he, however escaped the fire, only to fall by the hands of Loichine Lonn, Erenagh of Kilranelagh, who brought his head to the king at Rath-Bran. The Monarch of Ireland, hearing of the death of his son, marched an army into Leinster to revenge his death. A battle took place in 598, at Dun-Bolg (“ The Fort of the Sacks,”), a place to the south of Dunboyke, near Donard, Co. Wicklow, in which Aedh MacAinmire, Monarch of Ireland, was defeated and slain. For the details of this battle, and the stratagem by means of which it wras gained, see the Borumha-Laighean.

    Adjoining Rathbran is Knockarig, “ the hill of the king.” Golden ornaments are stated to have been found here several

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 148

13. Legend of the Butler massacre by drowning at Tinnehinch castle

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow

    Local folklore tells that the first Butler of Tinnehinch castle built an immense water reservoir atop the castle, invited 700 neighbouring Irish to dinner, then drowned them by releasing the reservoir, a deed said to explain why gatherings at Graig are always followed by rain.

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    At Tinnehinch is an old castle of the Butlers, built in the sixteenth century ; the only entrance to it was a small door in an angle at the west side, which was defended by a bartizan at the top of the building. At the eastern corner nearest to the river, was a barbican or watch-tower, constructed on corbels projecting from the walls, by which the northern and eastern sides of the castle were defended. Many tales of lawless wickedness and wild romance in which the owners of this castle bore a leading part, are still related in the neighbourhood. Some of these are here set down as local folk-lore, without claiming to be regarded as historically true. It is told that the Butler who first resided in the castle, was born in England. Being brought to this country when an infant, he was reared by a family named Archdekin, residing at Raheen, about two miles from Graig. When he reached manhood he went over to London where he was in great favour with the Queen, from whom he received grants of land in both the counties of Kilkenny and Carlow. The story .goes that he constructed at the top of the castle an immense reservoir for water, capable of holding as much as would flood the castle, which having filled, he invited a large number of the neighbouring Irish, amounting it is said to 700, to dinner. When they had assembled, the means of egress were secured, and Butler, going to the top of the castle, discharged the contents of the reservoir, by which means they were all drowned. It is stated that from that day to this, “ there is never an assembly, fair, or meeting at Graig, but that the day is sure to come wet.”

    230

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 217

14. Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, slain near Kellistown, 1397

    Kellistown · parish · Carlow · 1397

    Roger Mortimer, Justiciary of Ireland and heir presumptive to the English crown, was killed in 1397 at Calleston (formerly Ardabother) near Kellistown by O'Nolan, O'Byrne, and others; his death led King Richard II to return to Ireland, with far-reaching political consequences in England.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1397. Roger Mortimer, Knight, Justiciary of Ireland, who, by right of his wife was Earl of the Marches and of Ulster, was, with many others, killed by O’Nowlan, O’Byrne, MacDavid More, Murtagh McLoaghlen, captain ofthe rebels ofMcMurchard and his other accomplices, at Calleston, formerly called Ardabother ; his mother gave two chalices, one to Mishiell (Myshall), the other to Garghill ( Garryhill ) to have him alive or dead to convey into England.” — Dowling's Annals. This Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, was grandson of Lionel, Duke of Clarence, and heir presumptive to the Crown of England. His death occurred in an attempt to recover possession of lands belonging to his mother, in which he was resisted as above-mentioned and slain in an engagement at Kellistown. “ In this obscure skirmish” — continues Dean Butler, editor of Thady Dowling, — “ fought in a place whose name has hitherto been mistaken and its site unknown, were involved the destinies of the British empire ; for it was to revenge the death of his cousin and presumptive heir that King Richard came a second time into Ireland, and so left the field open to Bolingbroke, to whose towering ambition the superior claims of Mortimer’s orphan children offered only a feeble obstacle ; and hence the disputed succession, the thinning of the old nobles of England, the rise of the landed gentry, and all the thousand ever- spreading consequences of the wars of York and Lancaster.” The change of the name of this place from Ardabother to Calleston mentioned in connexion with the foregoing event gives rise to the surmise that the latter name may have originated in the gift of chalices referred to, viz : Calixtown, or, as it given in an ancient Taxation, {See Vol. I. p. 238) Chaliston. The Patent Rolls record a Grant made Dec. 1st, 1603, by the King to the Earl of Ormonde, of two parts of the tithes of the rectory of Killestown or Kelly’s towne.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 107

15. Sacrilege and burning at Freynestown church

    Friarstown · townland · Carlow · 1331

    In 1331 the Leinster Irish rose against the English and set fire to churches, burning the Church of Freynestown with eighty persons inside, including a priest carrying the Host who was driven back with spears and burned. The outrage led to excommunication by Papal Bull and an interdict on the country.

    Read the passage

    dreadful sacrilege is recorded to have taken place at Freynestown, probably this Friarstown. There is little doubt, however, that the outrage was grossly exaggerated by those who reported it to the Holy Father: — “ 1331. The Leinster Irish rise against the English, they set fire to everything, even the churches, and burn the Church of Freynstown with eighty persons in it; and when the priest, in his sacred vestments, and carrying the Host in his hands, tried to get out, they drove him back with their spears, and burned him ; for this cause they were excommunicated by a Papal Bull sent to the Archbishop of Dublin, and the country put under an interdict. They despised these things, and again laid waste the County of Wexford; but at Ballycarney, 400 of them were killed by Richard Whitty, Richard FitzHenry and the townsmen of Wexford, and many others, were drowned in the River Slaney.” In the townland of Friarstown the site of an old religious house is pointed out. Its appearance is that of a mound of rubbish covered with grass.

    Urglin.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 361

16. Burning and plundering of Killeshin monastery in 1041

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1041–1042

    In 1041 Gleann-Uisean (Killeshin) was plundered, its oratory demolished, and seven hundred persons carried off as prisoners in revenge for the plundering of Ferns, according to the Annals of the Four Masters and Ulster.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1037. Flann, Prior of Gleann-Uisean, died. — (Id.) a.d. 1041. Fearna-mor-Maedhog (Ferns, Co. Wexford) was burned by Donnchadh, son of Brian. Gleann-Uisean was plundered by the son of Mael-na-mbo, and the Oratory was demolished, and seven hundred persons were carried off (as prisoners) from thence, in revenge of the plundering of Fearna-mor by the son of Brian, and Murchadh, son of Dunlaing, and in revenge of his brother, Domhnall Reamhar (killed at Kilmalappoge, Co. Carlow, the previous year.) The Annals of Ulster record the above at the year 1042. 6i Fernmor-Maog burnt by Donogh mac Bryan, Glen-Uissen burnt by Mac Movlnemo, and he brake downe the Oratory, killed an hundredth, and captivated four hundreth in revenge of Fernamor.”

    a.d. 1045. Cathasach Ua Corcrain, Comhorba * * of Gleann- Uisean, died. — (Id.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 231

17. Father Travis saved from execution by Lady Aldborough in 1798

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1798

    During the 1798 rebellion, Father William Travis of Baltinglass was in the hands of men about to execute him, but Lady Aldborough threw herself between him and his would-be killers, saving his life. He fled the district and, according to tradition, died and was buried at Clopoke.

    Read the passage

    William Travis appears to have been the P.P. who replaced Cure Connor. The name of Rev. William Travis , Baltinglass, is given as a subscriber for 20 copies of “ Mullala’s View of Irish affairs from 1768 to 1795,” published in the latter year. In the troubled times of ’.98, Father Travis narrowly escaped a violent death. It is related that he was actually in the hands of his intended executioners, but was saved by Lady Aldborough, who threw herself between him and those who were about to take his life. He fled the district, and, according to the tradition, took refuge in the parish of Ballyadams, where he died, and is buried at Clopoke.

    William Dooly succeeded. He died on the 31st of March, 1807. See Epitaph in the grave-yard at Baltinglass.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are in the parish of a priest named Father William Travis, who served here in the years before 1798. In the troubles of that year he was in the hands of men about to execute him. Lady Aldborough threw herself between him and his would-be killers, and his life was spared. He fled the district after that, and tradition says he took refuge in the parish of Ballyadams, where he died and is buried at Clopoke. He was succeeded by William Dooly, who died on the 31st of March 1807.

18. Hewson massacres friars at Timahoe Abbey, 1650

    Timahoe · townland · Laois · 1650

    After dismantling Dunamase, Hewson overran the Queen's County and murdered all the friars of the Timahoe Abbey and demolished their house; the massacre site is still called 'the road of murder.'

    Read the passage

    The Monastery was founded, probably by the O’Mores, but of its further history there appears to be no written record. A community existed here as late as the year 1650, when Hewson, after dismantling Dunamase, overran the Queers County, and among other acts of cruelty and devastation, murdered all the friars of this Abbey, and demolished their house. The place where they were massacred is still called “ the road of murder.” — {Ord. Surv. Letter).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 347

19. James, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, joins Desmond rebellion and flees to Spain

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580–1583

    James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, resisted Elizabeth's ordinances, joined the rebellion of Desmond and O'Neill, fought Lord Grey de Wilton, took part in the Battle of Glenmalure in 1580 where 800 English were slain, and fled to Spain after Desmond's downfall in 1583.

    Read the passage

    *This writer is in error ; Viscount Baltinglass did not meet with a violent death. He engaged in the rebellion of Desmond and O’Neill, made war on the English Governor, Lord Grey de Wilton, and took part in the battle of Glenmalure in 1580, when 800 English were slain. On the downfall of Desmond in 1583 he and his brother fled into Spain where he was kindly received by King

    148

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 139

20. 1798 insurgents storm Goresbridge and cross the Barrow

    Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    Wexford insurgents under Fr. John Murphy defeated troops stationed on the bridge at Goresbridge (Newbridge), capturing 28 Wexford Militia. The cavalry fled to Kilkenny and Sir Charles Asgill pursued but arrived too late.

    Read the passage

    “The Wexford insurgents who passed west of the Slaney, under the conduct of the Rev. John Murphy, directed their march to get into the County of Carlow through Scollagh-gap. Here they met with some opposition from a small body of troops placed there to oppose the passage. These, however, they soon overpowered, and burning the village of Killedmond on the Carlow side of the pass, they continued their march to Newbridge (Goresbridge), where they arrived on the morning of the 23rd of June, and quickly defeating a party of horse and foot, stationed on the bridge to prevent their passing it, they took 28 of the Wexford Militia, part of the force there stationed, but the cavalry hastily retreated to Kilkenny. From this town Sir Charles Asgill immediately set out to meet the insurgents at Goresbridge, but was too late, as they had moved towards Castlecomer, in expectation of being joined by the colliers, from whom they expected considerable assistance. On the 24th, the insurgents proceeded from the Ridge-of-Leinster, on which they rested the night before, to attack Castlecomer. Near this town they met a party of about 250 men, whom they obliged to retreat precipitately before them into the body of the place. A thick fog, however, prevented them observing the great inferiority of their opponents, and this, added to the town being on fire (of which each party accuses the other), also prevented their observing the approach of Sir C. Asgill (who had moved after them with a large military force), until they began to be raked with grape shot from his artillery. This surprise forced the insurgents, with great loss to quit the enterprise, the Wexford Militia prisoners being re- taken from them ; but still, Sir C. Asgill thought it prudent to retreat that evening back to Kilkenny, accompanied by a vast number of the inhabitants of Castlecomer, which, bythe-bye, was instantly after taken possession of again and plundered by the insurgents. After this they pushed on to the Queen’s County, where they remained that night, and finding themselves greatly disappointed in not being joined by the inhabitants, and their own body being considerably weakened by desertion, they resolved to return home to the County of Wexford. They accordingly directed their course to Goresbridge, and encamped that night on Kilcomney hill, where they were surrounded during the night of the 25th, by a large military force, consisting of about 500 of the Downshire Militia, commanded by Major Matthews, who pursued them from Castlecomer, having first notified his intention to Sir C. Asgill at Kilkenny, who accordingly set out from that place, at the head of 1200 men, and arrived time enough to cooperate in the attack. A very thick fog prevented the insurgents from being sensible of their situation, on the morning of the 26th, until they experienced a severe discharge of cannon on one side, which made them shift their ground a little ; but on receiving a second salute of the same kind from another quarter, the rout became general ; and they fled with great precipitancy. Indeed they must have been entirely cut off had not the horsemen that were with them rallied, and prevented the cavalry from pursuit ; in which dangerous service they displayed great courage and intrepidity. The slaughter, however, proved very great ; but it is lamentable that the greater part of the slain, on the occasion, were the people of the adjacent country, who had not at all joined the

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 314

21. Abduction of the Miss Kennedys in Graig, 1779

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1779–1780

    Two gentlemen members of an abduction club, Garrett Byrne and James Strange, abducted the Miss Kennedy sisters from a play performance in Graig in April 1779. They were later tried and hanged for the crime, an event that helped end such abductions in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    It was in Graig that the abduction of the Miss Kennedys occurred, in April, 1779. These ladies having come to witness a play which was performed in a house nearly opposite the present entrance to the Catholic Church, were carried off by two persons in the rank of gentlemen, Garrett Byrne, of Ballyine, Co. Carlow, and James Strange, of Ullard, who were members of an abduction Club. After many adventures, these men were taken, tried for the offence at the Kilkenny Assizes, March 24th, 1780, found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged — which sentence was carried into effect. These circumstances caused a profound sensation, and were the means of putting an end to these outrages in Ireland. — (“ Ireland 90 Years Ago.”)

    In the townland of Old Graig are the ruins of an old church,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 208

22. Battle of Cell-Osnadha at Kellistown, 489 AD

    Kellistown · parish · Carlow · 489

    A great battle was fought at Kellistown in 489 in which Aengus, son of Nadfraech, King of Munster, was killed by Aillill and Eochaidh Guineach; local tradition holds the place name derives from the lamentations of Munster women.

    Read the passage

    “ Kellistown was the scene of a great battle in the year 489. JEnghus, son of Nadfraech, King of Munster, fell in the Battle of Cell-Osnadha, fought against him by Aillill, son of Dunlaing and by Eochaidh Guineach.” (Four Masters.) This engagement took place, according to the Life of St. Kieran, on the 8th day of the Ides of March. There exists, writes O’Donovan in 1837, among the old natives of the place a most curious and remarkably vivid tradition of the battle, which explains the Irish name of the place as denoting “ the Church of the Groans,” and which it received according to tradition, from the lamentations of the Munster-women. The ancient name, says Brewer, is Cill-mnaur-iosal-na-moenf i.e. “the Church of the poor mourning Munster-women.” The author of the Compleat Traveller , published London, 1788, writes thus concerning this place: “At Kelly’s Town we saw a large ruined church dedicated to St. Patrick and, as we were informed, built by that Saint. It formerly belonged to the ancient family of the Cummins, a name still surviving and numerous in this country. There are several of that name interred in the church, whose vaults are still remaining ; yet we could find but one whose inscription was intelligible, as follows: “ Hoc jacet sub Lapide Hugo MacCummins, 1603.” Near this church we were shown a well dedicated to St. Patrick, surrounded by a stone wall and shaded by large trees. Ourguide related to us the following legend : A profane wretch who wanted wood for firing repaired to this well to cut down one of these sacred trees. The first stroke he gave, he imagined he saw his cabin in flames, and ran with the utmost speed to quench the fire, but when he came there he found everything as he had left them. He returned to his work again and, giving another stroke, saw the flames rise higher than before, which obliged him to repair home a second time when, finding all things safe as at first, he returned to the tree and by his repeated strokes brought it down to the ground; but before he could drag it home, he found his cabin and furniture entirely consumed to ashes. We were shown the very spot where the cabin stood, and no one will venture to erect another in the same place nor contradict the truth of this tradition.” St. Patrick’s Well, here referred to, is still to be seen in an adjoining field. Kyan (Hist. Co. Carlow , p. 340) referring to the above, observes that the Latin epitaph is not correctly given. The words so far as legible run thus : “ Hie . . . jacet de Hugo MacCumun quondam de Kellistown cum ” This inscription is in raised Homan capitals and

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 105

23. Burning of Cobhthach Cael Breagh and thirty kings at Dinn-Righ

    Ballyknockan · townland · Carlow

    According to the Fragments of the Annals of Tighernach and the Annals of the Four Masters, Cobhthach Cael Breagh was burned along with thirty kings at Dinn Riogh by Labhraidh Loingseach, in revenge for the killing of his father and grandfather, sparking a war between Leinster and Leath Chuinn.

    Read the passage

    This was a very ancient seat of the Kings of Leinster. It is named Linn-Righ, i.e., “ the Hill of the Kings,” and also Dumha-Slainge, i.e., “ Slainge’s Mount.” It is situated in the townland of Ballyknockan, about quarter of a mile south of Leighlin Bridge on the west bank of the Barrow. Nothing remains of the palace but a moat measuring 237 yards in circumference at the base, 69 feet high from the level of the Barrow, and 135 feet in diameter at the top. This place is referred to in the Irish Annals: — “ A.M. 3267. Slainge, son of Deala, was King of Ireland for one year, and he died at Dinn-Righ, on the bank of the Bearbha.” The following is from O’Flaherty’s Ogygia, vol. 2, p. 16: — “The Belgi were the first who instituted a kingly government in Ireland ; the five brothers having entered into a compact to reign alternately, Slaingy was proclaimed the first monarch of Ireland. At the expiration of one year, he was interred at Dumha-Slaigne, in Leinster, now Denrigia, on the banks of the Barrow, between Carlow and Leighlin.” It is also called the Fort of Labhraidh, i.e., of Labhraidh Loingseacli, monarch of Ireland of the Lagenian race, A.M. 3682. See Keating' s History of Ireland. In Fragments of the Annals of Tighernach, Bod. Lib. Oxon. (Rawlinson, 502 ,fol. 1, col. 1.) the following passage occurs, relative to this palace: — Cobhthach Caelbreagh, the son of Ugaine Mor, was burned together with thirty kings about him, at Dinn Riogh of Magh Ailbhe, in the palace of TuaimTeanboth, bv Labraidh Loingseach, ie. Maen, the son of Aileal Aine, son of Ugaine Mor, in revenge of his father and grandfather, whom Cobhthach Cael had slain. A war arose from this between Leinster and Leath Chuinn.” The Annals of the Four Masters thus refer to this event: — “A.M. 4658, Cobhthach Cael Breagh, son of Ugaine, after having been for fifty years in the Sovereignty of Ireland, fell by Labhraidh Loinseach, i.e. Maen, son of Oilioll Aine, with thirty

    PARISH OF LEIGHLIN.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

24. Clonmullin Castle and the legend of Aileen Aroon

    Clonmullen · townland · Carlow

    Clonmullin Castle was the home of Ellen (Aileen) Kavanagh, subject of the romantic ballad tradition of Carroll More O'Daly, who disguised himself as a minstrel to reveal his constancy to her before her forced marriage; all traces of the castle have since disappeared, the plough now passing over its site.

    Read the passage

    1647. He forfeited his estate and died, unmarried, in Spain. Clonmullin Castle was the home of Ellen Kavanagh, the Aileen Aroon of the Poet whose romantic story is related by Hartstonge, Minstrelsy of Erin, p. 168 note : Carroll More O’Daly, brother to a chieftain in Connaught in the reign of Elizabeth, was one of the most accomplished men of his time, and excelled particularly in poetry and music. . He and Aileen Kavanagh had become deeply attached to each other, but her family were opposed to their union. O’Daly having been called away to another part of the kingdom by an affair of consequence, and detained for a considerable time, her friends succeeded in persuading her that he was unfaithful and had actually married another. In this way they induced her to give her consent to her marriage with the person of their own choice. In the midst of the festivities preceding the marriage, her lover, who had heard of it, made his appearance disguised as a gleeman or minstrel, and, watching a favourable opportunity, revealed to her both his presence andliis constancy in the now well-known song, Aileen Aroon, which he had composed for the purpose. The story goes that to avoid being forced into a union that was now doubly displeasing, she made good her escape, and was in due course wedded to Carroll O’Daly. A Pat. Roll, June 13th, 4° & 5° Philip and Mary, records the Pardon of Arte McMoriertaghe Kevenaghe, otherwise* called Arte Boye, of Clanmullen, in the Co. of Carlow, gent. All traces of Clonmullin Castle have long since disappeared. Ryan writing in 1832 says that about 50 years previously some remains of the castle had been standing, “ but that now the plough passes over its site.”

    Kildavin.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 166

25. Cumiscagh slain and beheaded near Kilranelagh, 597

    Kilranelagh · townland · Wicklow · 597

    In 597, Cumiscagh, heir of Erin, insulted the wife of King Brandubh of Leinster at Rath-Bran and fled across the Slaney into the mountains of Imaile, but was intercepted near the Church of Kilranelagh and beheaded on Clogh-na-gan.

    Read the passage

    This passage refers to Kilranelagh. Its explanation may be given in the words of Father Shearman (Loc. Patr. 31): “In the year 597, Cumiscagh the Royal heir of Erin, son of King Aed Mac Ainmire, going on ‘ the noble tour of youth through Erinn,’ came to Rath-Bran, the residence of Brandubh, King of Leinster, where, having insulted the wife of Brandubh, his people, to avenge the injury, set fire to the house where Cumiscagh slept. He, however, escaped the fate intended for him, and fled across the Slaney into the mountains of Imaile. He was intercepted near the Church of Cillrannerach (Kilranelagh) and slain by its airchenech, and decapitated on Cloughna-gan.” In a note it is added : “ Clogh-na-gan is situated in a small townland adjoining Kilranelagh, to which it gives its name. The head-stone , as it is now called, appears like a large mill-stone with a deep circular cavity in its centre; a portion of the circumference is broken off. It was probably intended as the base of a cross for the cemetery of Kilranelagh.” Loichine Lonn, the erenagh of the Church of Kilranelagh, and

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 327

26. Dermod O'Ryan's resistance to the Norman invaders at Dundonell and Waterford, 1171

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1171

    Dermod O'Ryan, Prince of Idrone, opposed the Norman invaders alongside Reginald of Waterford and O'Phelan at Dundonell and then at Waterford, where 70 captured townsmen were cruelly executed by being cast from rocks into the sea despite Raymond le Gros's plea for mercy. O'Ryan himself was killed in an attack on Strongbow in the woods of Idrone in 1171.

    Read the passage

    * Dermod O’Ryan, here referred to, was, most probably, the same chief of Idrone who is mentioned as opposing, in conjunction with Reginald of Waterford, and O’Phelan, the Norman invaders at Dundonell, and afterwards at Waterford ; unsuccessfully in both cases. On the latter occasion, having taken 70 of the chief men in Waterford prisoners, they consulted amongst themselves what they should do with them. Raymond le Gros pleaded on the side of mercy ; he represented that they were no longer their enemies, but men absolutely vanquished, men who, standing in defence of their country, were, by evil fortune, overthrown. “With this,” writes Hanmer, “they were all drawn to some mildness,” and ready to shew favour ; but Henry de Monte Marisco opposed, “ bent on blood and villany, in whom there was neither manhood in battle abroad, nor mercy in consultation at home.” When the matter was put to the vote, the cruel counsel of Monte Morisco prevailed, “ whereupon the captains were brought to the rocks, and after their limbs were broken, they were cast headlong into the sea and drowned.” O’Ryan was killed in an attack made on Strongbow, in the woods of Idrone, a.d. 1171.

    t Facsimiles of National MSS. of Ireland, selected and edited under the direction of the Right Hon. Sir Edward Sullivan, Master of the Rolls, by John T. Gilbert, F.S.A., M.R.I.A.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 187

27. Execution of MacMorrough Kavanagh at Leighlin

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1557

    In 1557 MacMorrough, son of Maurice Kavanagh, was treacherously seized after being invited to dinner by the Commandant of the Castle and put to death by the English at Leighlin. O'Moore (Connell) was likewise taken prisoner and executed there.

    Read the passage

    A.D. 1557. MacMorrough, the son of Maurice Kavanagh, was put to death at Leighlin by the English, because he had begun to exalt himself and to foment disturbances against them ; whereupon they dealt treacherously by him in the house of the Council . . . O’Moore, i.e. Connell, was taken prisoner by the English, and was put to death by them at Leighlin. It was a source of great sorrow among the Irish to behold their chiefs and nobles destined to that end, but they could not afford them any assistance. (Four Masters.) This MacMorrough Kavanagh was invited to dinner by the Commandant of the Castle, and, after dinner, was treacherously seized and murdered. Ware, under this date, states that Maurice Kavanagh and Conall O’Moore, as stubborn rebels, were sentenced to death, and likewise executed, at Leighlin Bridge.

    Carmelite Friary.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 14

28. Killeshin church's Irish Romanesque ruin and doorway

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1041

    The surviving early remains of Killeshin church, rebuilt after 1041, form one of the finest examples of Irish Romanesque architecture, standing near a rath overlooking a waterfall, with an ornately sculptured pillar-clustered doorway.

    Read the passage

    The existing early remains of the Church of Killeshin were, according to Miss Stokes (Christian Inscriptions ), probably the work of a period soon after the destruction of the old buildings, as above, in 1041. It is one of the most striking examples of Irish Romanesque. The ruin stands not far from a rath, on a knoll overlooking a little waterfall which tumbles over a ledge of rock in the ravine at its foot. The gables and side walls of the church are clothed with ivy and long grass. The ancient pillar-clustered doorway, arch within arch, with its rich adornment of sculptured traceries, mouldings, bas-reliefs, and inscriptions, appearing in the midst of the frame- work of leaves, forms a picture of extreme beauty. The church was remodelled at three different periods, but enough of the old work remains to give one a clear idea of what it was originally. It measures 25 feet 8 inches in width, and according to the evidence of an old man who saw the entire of the north wall standing, it was 66 feet in length. An addition of 24 feet was made to the length, evidently several centuries after the original erection, as appears from the character of the masonry, for the stones in the original wall are large, and were never touched with the hammer, while those in the added part are small and hammered. This modern addition is also characterised by limestone being used in the corner stones, while the original part of the work has all the corner stones of granite, or, as it is locally styled, firestone. It is also distinguishable from the original part of the church by its being narrower by about 18 inches. This modern part, which might now be called the choir or chancel, contains two windows, one a double lancet, in the east gable, formed of limestone ; another in the south wall, near the S.E. corner, of the same form, but injured. As it now stands, the church measures 90 feet from gable to gable ; but about 40 feet of the eastern part was converted into a modern little church for Protestant service, about 160 years ago. In effecting this transformation the chancel arch of the original church was pulled down, and the greater part of the south wall was destroyed. Many of the ornamental stones of the choral arch are still to be seen in the partition wall, built when making it into a Protestant church. The south wall contains two rude windows of that period, and a pointed one, which is, perhaps, as old as the fourteenth century. The south wail was still standing in comparatively

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 232

29. Lysagh O'More seizes Dunamase and eight castles in one night

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1325–1342

    Lysagh O'More, entrusted with Lord Mortimer's estates, took advantage of the opportunity to seize eight castles in Leix in a single night, including Dunamase, becoming a lord from a servant. He was killed by his own servant in 1342.

    Read the passage

    Lord Mortimer having married the only daughter of Lord Brecknock, acquired possession of the estates of that nobleman, and had for his principal residence the Castle of Dunamase. He, before passing into England, entrusted Lysagh O’More with the care of his estates. O’More took advantage of the opportunity to resume possession of his patrimonial inheritance, and accordingly, in one night, seized upon eight castles in Leix, of which Dunamase was one, thus becoming, as Clyn words it, from a servant a lord, and from a subject a prince. This Lysagh O’More was killed in 1342 by his own servant. The event is thus recorded by Friar Clyn : “ A.D. 1342. Parum ante Hatale Domini, obiit Leysart O’Morthe a proprio servo in ebrietate occisus, vir potens, dives et locuples, et in gente sua honoratus. Hie fere omnes Anglos de terris suis et hereditate violenter ejecit, nam uno sero VIII. castra Angliorum combussit, et castrum nobile de Dunmaske domini Rogeri de Mortuo-Mari destruxit, et dominium sibi patriae usurpavit ; de servo dominus, de subjecto princeps effectus.” About two years subsequently, the O’Mores were again dispossessed, but in 1346 again took up arms for the recovery of their rights. Lord Walter Bermingham and the Earl of Kildare, collecting their forces, destroyed his country with fire and sword, and compelled O’More, at Athy, to acknowledge that he held his manor of Bellet, and his other lands in Leix, of Roger Mortimer, as of his manor of Dunamase. “ On receiving possession of Dunamase, Lord Mortimer added greatly to its strength, who also, agreeable to the English policy of the day, established a tenantry of soldiers around him for his protection. He built the castles of Shaen, Moret, Ballymanus, with five others, which were always garrisoned to be ready to repel an insurrection, and were circumjacent to, and dependent on Dunamase, it being the residence of the lord, who made this the seat of civil as well as military jurisdiction, discharging official duties in person, and occasionally was represented by a seneschal ; thus it became a complete manor. The castle being always guarded by a numerous garrison, had all the internal appearance of power and pomp, and nothing was wanting in outward show to complete its pre-eminence. Such was its consequence and situation after being recovered from the O’Mores, and so it remained for many years, the powerful

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 271

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Park or Dunamase, you're coming up on the place where one of the sharpest turns in local fortune played out. Lord Mortimer had married the only daughter of Lord Brecknock and come into those estates, making the Castle of Dunamase his principal residence. Before he left for England, he put a man named Lysagh O'More in charge of looking after his estates. O'More saw his chance. In a single night he seized eight castles in Leix, Dunamase among them, taking back what he called his patrimonial inheritance. Friar Clyn recorded it by saying O'More went from a servant to a lord, and from a subject to a prince. It did not last. In 1342, Lysagh O'More was killed by his own servant. Clyn's Latin says he was slain in drink, a powerful man, rich and wealthy, honoured among his people. The same record notes he had driven out the English from their lands and inheritance, burning eight English castles in one evening and destroying the noble castle of Dunamase belonging to Roger Mortimer. About two years later the O'Mores were dispossessed again, but in 1346 they took up arms once more. Lord Walter Bermingham and the Earl of Kildare gathered their forces and destroyed O'More's country with fire and sword. At Athy, O'More was compelled to acknowledge that he held his manor of Bellet and his other lands in Leix from Roger Mortimer, as of his manor of Dunamase. When Mortimer got Dunamase back, he strengthened it and placed a tenantry of soldiers around him. He built the castles of Shaen, Moret, Ballymanus, and five others, all garrisoned and dependent on Dunamase. It stood for many years as the seat of civil and military jurisdiction, guarded and powerful.

30. Mad Butler hangs a boy at Tinnehinch castle

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow

    According to local tale, the last Butler of Tinnehinch castle, known as 'mad Butler,' hanged a boy brought to him by his mother for correction, killing him from a beam, then returned the body to the grieving mother.

    Read the passage

    The following story is related of the last of the Butlers of Tinnehinch Castle, styled by the people, mad Butler. A poor woman who lived near Tinnehinch, had a son, a boy of some eleven or twelve years of age. After she had several times chastised her boy for some fault, and he still proving unruly, she bethought herself of bringinghim before Mr. Butler to complain of him. Mad Butler took the boy with him into the castle, and hung him from a beam till he was dead. He then carried the body to the mother, telling her he made sure that her

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 218

31. Mad Butler's violent death and burning of Tinnehinch castle

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow

    After the mother's curse, mad Butler was shot dead by his brother-in-law Grace for mistreating his sister, and the castle at Tinnehinch was burnt shortly afterwards.

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    son should never be a trouble to her for the future. The poor woman was frantic ; in her grief and rage at finding her boy murdered, she threw herself on her knees and prayed that the slayer of her child might also meet with a violent death ; which came to pass, he having been shot by his brotherin-law, Grace, for the shameful ill-treatment of his sister. The castle was burnt shortly afterwards.

    At Ballyogan is a field called Port-na-Teampull ( recte , Paircna-Teampull, i.e the Church Field), there is a carved stone, probably the base of a font ; it is pyramidal-shaped, having five sides, each of which is curiously wrought ; on two sides are Celtic crosses in relief. There is another stone, seemingly the socket of a cross — but no vestige of the church which, judging from the name, must have formerly stood here. A large bell was dug up here, at the construction of a road, some hundred years ago. This beff, after remaining beside the road for a considerable time, was carried away to Dublin by a party of travelling tinkers, and sold there. Tradition has it that it was erected in one of the churches in the city, and was regarded as the second-best bell at the time in Dublin. It may perhaps be still in use there.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 219

32. Massacre of Mullaghmast and Sir John Bowen 'John of the pike'

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1631–1641

    Robert Bowen, builder of Ballyadams church, is said to have had a share in the massacre of Mullaghmast and the despoiling of the native Irish; his son Sir John Bowen was remembered as Shawn-na-phica, 'John of the pike,' for his free use of that weapon against the Irish in 1641.

    Read the passage

    Another account of Ballyadams Church (the preceding is taken substantially from the Ord. Surv. papers), states that it was built by Robert Bowen, who was a Catholic. Perhaps he meant it to be, in some sort, in expiation of the share he had in the massacre of Mullaghmast, and the despoiling of the native Irish. The monument was erected by his son, Sir John Bowen still remembered as Shawn-na-phica, or “ John of the pike,” from the very free use he made of that weapon in dealing with the unfortunate Irish in 1641. Alice Hartpole, the wife of Robert Bowen, was a daughter of Robert Hartpole, of Shrule Constable of Carlow Castle in 1577. Ballyadams Church was subsequently used for Protestant service.

    On the hill opposite the church, to the north, are the ruins of the Castle of Ballyadams, which is said to have been built by the O’Mores. The ruins consist of embattled walls, with projecting towers, and a lofty keep. This stronghold was taken by the Geraldines in the rebellion of Silken Thomas. In 1546 as we learn from the Four Masters, “ The Lord Justice (Sir William Brabazon), . . . proceeded with a great army into Leix

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 117

33. Battle of Hacketstown, 1798

    Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

    Insurgents attacked the garrison at Hacketstown, including the barrack and Rev. Mr. M'Ghee's house, in a nine-hour engagement during the 1798 rebellion. The garrison eventually abandoned the town and retreated to Tullow, County Carlow.

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    man infantry ; while the pikemen of the insurgents were wading across the river, to attack the place on all sides. The cavalry retreated and kept aloof during the remainder of the action ; but the infantry, consisting of about 170 men, retired into the barrack, and a malt-house adjoining it, from which their fire did great execution, as did that from the house of the Rev. Mr. M‘Ghee, who defended it with uncommon bravery, his force consisting of 9 men only, but whose galling fire had the greater effect as it commanded the Main street, and also that part of the barrack which was thought most vulnerable. This the insurgents endeavoured, several times, to set fire to, as they had before to the rest of the town ; but all in vain. At length they made a desperate effort to accomplish their purpose. A few men proceeded up to the building, under the cover of feather-beds, and matted straw, fastened on cars ; but they were only successful in obliging the military to abandon the malt-house, and could not by any means get possession of the barrack or of Mr. McGhee’s house, both so situated as to support each other. The insurgents at last deeming it impracticable to effect their design without cannon, of which they had not a single piece, retreated from the place, after an action of nine hours, in which they had lost great numbers, carrying off their wounded, and driving before them all the cattle from about the town, they encamped that night at Blessington. The loss of the garrison was but 10 killed and 20 wounded ; however they thought it most prudent to abandon the place, which they did, and retreated that evening to Tullow, in the County of Carlow. During the engagement, it is said, that a considerable force of cavalry and infantry stood on a hill at a small distance, in view of the scene of action, but did not venture to join in the battle.” — Hay’s Insurrection of the Co. Wexford , p. 259.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 224

34. Destruction of Killeshin's Round Tower in 1701

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1701

    The ancient round tower belfry at Killeshin, said to have stood opposite the church doorway, was undermined and demolished by a man named Bambrick employed by Captain Wolseley over three days in March 1701. It fell in one piece, measuring 105 feet in height, and the act reportedly displeased the Bishop of Leighlin.

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    About twenty yards to the south-west of the entrance stood the belfry, a round tower, said to have been of great height and beauty, the doorway of which faced that of the church. This wall was pulled down at the commencement of the last century. In a fly-leaf of a copy of the Irish Statutes, printed in the year 1700, now in the possession of Mr. Clayton Browne, of Browne’s Hill, near Carlow, the following manuscript entry respecting the destruction of this tower occurs : — “ Munday ye 8th Day of March 170§, that day the steeple of Killeshan undermined and flung down by one Bambrick, implo}7ed by Captain Wolseley in Three Days Worke.” “ 170f, 8th March at 3 of the clock in ye afternoon ye steeple fell to ye ground, being measured it was 105 feet high or in length.” Molyneux {Journey to Kilkenny in 1709) thus alludes to this tower : — “Near the foot of the mountain on this road stands the old Church of Killeshin, which is a very old building. Here lately stood, over against the Doore of the Church, one of the old round steeples which I am told was very high, old, and well built, so that when the owner of this place had it fallen, it came to the ground in one solid piece, and was not, even by the fall against the ground so broke, but that several vast pieces yet remain sticking together, so that you easily discover what this building was. It certainly appears to be of the same building and age with the adjacent church, and this was certainly an Irish building appears by two Inscriptions on each side of the door as you enter, which I transcribed.” It is to be regretted that Molyneux omitted to give these inscriptions which in his time were much more perfect than at present. An anonymous writer, who made MS. notes to a copy of Ware’s Antiquities upwards of a century ago, mentions “ One Colonel Wolesley” as the barbarian who had this tower pulled down ; “ for which act,” he adds, “ the bishop of Leighlin was very much displeased with him.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 234

35. Dr. Joyce's account of the burning of the palace of Dinn-Righ

    Ballyknockan · townland · Carlow

    Dr. Joyce recounts how Maen (Labhraidh Linshagh), after being banished and gaining a foreign army, marched to the palace of Dinn-Righ, surprised and set it on fire, burning the usurper king, princes and guards to death, then assumed sovereignty.

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    Kings about him, at Dinn-righ on the bank of the Bearbha.” This Labhraidh became monarch of Ireland about the year 541 b.c. Dr. Joyce thus gives the history of the event here referred to : — “ Coffagh Cael Bra, having murdered his brother Leary Lore, monarch of Ireland, and also the King’s son, Oilioll Aine, immediately usurped the throne. Maen, afterwards called Labhraidh Linshagh, or Lavra the Mariner, the son of Oilioll, was banished by the usurper and, having remained for some time in the South of Ireland, was forced to leave the country and crossed the sea into Gaul. He entered the military service of the king of that country, and, after having greatly distinguished himself, returned to his native land with a small army of foreigners, to wrest the Crown from the murderers of his father and grandfather. He landed at the mouth of the Slaney, and after having been joined by a number of followers, he marched to the palace of Dinn-Righ, in which Coffagh was then holding an assembly with thirty native princes, and a guard of 700 men. The palace was surprised and set on fire, and all its inmates, — King, princes, and guards, — burned to death. Maen then assumed the Sovereignty and reigned for nineteen years.” For a more detailed account, see O’Curry’s Lecture XII., “ MS. Materials of Irish Hist ”

    Ballyknockan.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 24

36. Father John Murphy's capture in disguise at Tullow

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1798

    Fleeing after the dispersal of rebel forces, Father John Murphy took refuge in Tullow disguised so as not to be recognised, but he and his companion Gallagher became objects of suspicion and were taken into custody.

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    Towards the close of the year 1797, and during that part of 17S8 which preceded the insurrection, the murders, rapine, free quarters, aid burnings, were carried to such an alarming extent, that the Catholics of the counties of Wicklow, Wexford, and Carlow were compelled to take the field, and abandon their habitations to their persecutors. Fatter John Murphy, as well to avoid the common enemy as to advise his Aigitive flock, joined them in their encampment, and was obliged to take the direction of their operations, which were as yet only defensive ; it was at Rockspring he unsheathed his sword. After dispersion of die rebel forces under his command, he took refuge in the town of Tulbw, county Carlow, but so disguised as not to be known even by his most intimate acquaintances. He was accompanied by a brave and faithful companion, of the name of Gallagher, a native of Ferns. As they vere strangers, they were not long in the town before they became object; of suspicion, and were taken into custody on the information of J*hn M‘Nabb ; but, not knowing who they were, several interrogations "were put to them respecting their occupation, names, and former resideice. The answers not being satisfactory, Gallagher was tied naked to a p»st, and there was flogged and questioned alternately, without obtainng from him any knowledge of who his master was, meaning Father Join. After torturing poor Gallagher by inflicting on him six hundred lasles, he was taken down, and, erecting a temporary gallows, they hung lim up, but at short intervals would let him down, still demanding him to inform on his friend. His great soul continued to resist all the malce of his tormentors, who were so impatient at his firmness that they at last suffered him to hang till he was dead.

    They then commenced their operations on the silent and meek miniser of the Gospel, who was compelled to witness the sufferings of his faithEul

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 370

37. Insurgents attack Castlecomer amid fog and fire

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    The insurgents pushed on to Castlecomer, routing a small defending party, but a thick fog and the town's burning concealed the approach of Sir C. Asgill's larger force, which raked them with grape shot and forced a retreat.

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    “The Wexford insurgents who passed west of the Slaney, under the conduct of the Rev. John Murphy, directed their march to get into the County of Carlow through Scollagh-gap. Here they met with some opposition from a small body of troops placed there to oppose the passage. These, however, they soon overpowered, and burning the village of Killedmond on the Carlow side of the pass, they continued their march to Newbridge (Goresbridge), where they arrived on the morning of the 23rd of June, and quickly defeating a party of horse and foot, stationed on the bridge to prevent their passing it, they took 28 of the Wexford Militia, part of the force there stationed, but the cavalry hastily retreated to Kilkenny. From this town Sir Charles Asgill immediately set out to meet the insurgents at Goresbridge, but was too late, as they had moved towards Castlecomer, in expectation of being joined by the colliers, from whom they expected considerable assistance. On the 24th, the insurgents proceeded from the Ridge-of-Leinster, on which they rested the night before, to attack Castlecomer. Near this town they met a party of about 250 men, whom they obliged to retreat precipitately before them into the body of the place. A thick fog, however, prevented them observing the great inferiority of their opponents, and this, added to the town being on fire (of which each party accuses the other), also prevented their observing the approach of Sir C. Asgill (who had moved after them with a large military force), until they began to be raked with grape shot from his artillery. This surprise forced the insurgents, with great loss to quit the enterprise, the Wexford Militia prisoners being re- taken from them ; but still, Sir C. Asgill thought it prudent to retreat that evening back to Kilkenny, accompanied by a vast number of the inhabitants of Castlecomer, which, bythe-bye, was instantly after taken possession of again and plundered by the insurgents. After this they pushed on to the Queen’s County, where they remained that night, and finding themselves greatly disappointed in not being joined by the inhabitants, and their own body being considerably weakened by desertion, they resolved to return home to the County of Wexford. They accordingly directed their course to Goresbridge, and encamped that night on Kilcomney hill, where they were surrounded during the night of the 25th, by a large military force, consisting of about 500 of the Downshire Militia, commanded by Major Matthews, who pursued them from Castlecomer, having first notified his intention to Sir C. Asgill at Kilkenny, who accordingly set out from that place, at the head of 1200 men, and arrived time enough to cooperate in the attack. A very thick fog prevented the insurgents from being sensible of their situation, on the morning of the 26th, until they experienced a severe discharge of cannon on one side, which made them shift their ground a little ; but on receiving a second salute of the same kind from another quarter, the rout became general ; and they fled with great precipitancy. Indeed they must have been entirely cut off had not the horsemen that were with them rallied, and prevented the cavalry from pursuit ; in which dangerous service they displayed great courage and intrepidity. The slaughter, however, proved very great ; but it is lamentable that the greater part of the slain, on the occasion, were the people of the adjacent country, who had not at all joined the

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 314

38. Miraculous division of St Abban's relics

    Killabban · townland · Laois

    As the armies were about to fight over the saint's body, a miracle occurred: two identical oxen, wagons and corpses appeared, one going to each side, averting bloodshed. Both peoples returned home rejoicing and the sick who came before the relics were healed.

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    by God, he lived many years amongst us and founded many monasteries and churches in our country. He is our saint and our venerated father, he built our town, and, after many miracles wrought among us, he was taken away to the Lord. We hope to be always assisted by him, and know ye that we shall consign ourselves to death rather than we shall return without him.’ At this speech the wrath of the leaders and armies on both sides was inflamed and lashed to fury — they commenced to vituperate and contend against each other. Then the monks and clerics to whom armed intervention was unlawful, went apart, weeping and wailing ; they cried aloud — ‘Alas ! alas ! 0 Lord God, why dost Thou permit this wretched slaughter of so many noble souls on account of the corpse of Thy servant who, while alive, was the means of preventing much bloodshed and wars V The armed ranks were about to engage each other, urged on by dire hostility, and with impetuosity to enter into deadly strife to fight for the body. Oh, wonderful and exceedingly great miracle wrought by God through the merits of the saint ! Behold ! in the twinkling of an eye, two oxen with a wain and corpse went to the North Leinstermen, and two oxen of the same appearance and size, with a similar waggon and corpse, went towards the men of South Leinster. Then the holy men on both sides, and all the others, seeing this wonder so quickly wrought, were appeased ; and, full of joy, they cried out — ‘ Behold how great, how excellent are the merits of the Saint Abban before the Lord.' The people indeed rejoiced exceedingly, and giving glory and thanks to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, praising his saint, returned with great joy and honour to their cities, and those who were suffering from various diseases were brought before the relics, and all were made whole. And the relics themselves with due honour, with canticles and hymns of praise, after solemn mass and obsequies were consigned with honour to the tomb.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 67

39. Plantation of Leix and mass deportation of the O'Mores, 1610

    Laois · county · Laois · 1610

    The Plantation of Leix was not finally effected until the reign of James I, when numbers of the O'Mores and other septs were deported to Kerry, Clare and Connaught. An exile's 1610 account records the extirpation of all survivors, with the Governor and Sheriff occupied a week destroying the people and seizing their cattle.

    Read the passage

    money. In June, 1786, some peasants dug up in a field, near Ballylinan, an earthen urn, containing a great number of silver coins. These were probably coined between the years A.D. 862 and 870. The inscription on one shows it to be of the O’Mores of Leix — “O’Laghis king ” — On the reverse “ Dunaghmagh-riada" — i.e., Dunamase. Others belonged to the O’Conors Faly. Some of these coins are now preserved in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. (For detailed descriptions see Transactions, R.I.A. vol. i. A.D. 1787). The valiant deeds of the O’Mores, in conjunction with their allies, the O’Conors Faly, which from the time of Henry II. were chiefly directed against the invaders of their country, would be enough to make up a history of considerable length ; they rose in arms nineteen times successively, and members of this family were amongst the most distinguished of the Irish chiefs in the wars of Elizabeth ; nor did the English ever reckon themselves secure, even within the Pale, until these Irish enemies were removed in the reign of Philip and Mary. Drury writing to Burghley, 27th Oct., 1578, says : “ I bear still in mind your lordship’s opinion concerning the reforming of these two counties, and the rooting out of these O’Conors and O’Mores, the continual gall of these parts.” (Gal. State Tapers.) “The Plantation of Leix was not finally effected till the reign of James I., when numbers of the O’Mores and other septs of the district were deported to Kerry, Clare, and Connaught. One of these exiles writing in June, 1610, (MS., R.I.A.) records that the banishment and extirpation of all the survivors, men, women, and children, of Leix, was then finished ; and that the Governor and Sheriff of Leix had been occupied during a week, in destroying the people, seizing their cattle aud all they possessed in their own land ; and that an order had been made to hang everyone of them found there.” — Gilbert.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 52

40. Slaying at Timahoe oratory doorway over sworn relic, 1069

    Timahoe · townland · Laois · 1069

    Gillamaire, son of Dubh, was slain by Macraith Ua Mordha in the doorway of the oratory of Teach-Mochua after they had mutually sworn upon the relic called Caimin, which remained stained with blood ever after; O'More was later killed in revenge.

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    a.d. 1069. Gillamaire, son of Dubh, § Chief of Crimhthannan, was slain by Macraith Ua Mordha (O' More), in the doorway of the oratory of Teach-Mochua, they having previously mutually sworn upon the relic called Caimin which MacDuff at the time held in his hand ; so that the Caimin is yet and will for ever remain stained with his (MacDufPs) blood. Magrath O’More was afterwards killed at Mullean-na-Crossan, in the vicinity of Aichadbo, having the Caimin then in his possession, in revenge for his having violated the (reliquary of the) Saints Fintan, Mochua, and Colman. — (Id.) O’Donovan adds : “ What this Caimin was, I have nothing to determine ; but I think it was a crozier, from the etymon of the word, which means ‘ a crooked little thing/ which might become a local name for a crozier that had belonged to either of the three local Saints, Fintan, Mochua, and Colman.” — (Ord. Surv. Papers , Queen's Co., Vol. I., 279).

    * On the north-east of Ossory was the territory known as the Three Comanns, which appears to have been annexed to Leix about the period of Geithin, the chief of Leix, whose death is recorded by the Four Masters under the year 898. He is styled “ Lord of Leix and the Comann.” His posterity settled near Abbeyleix, in Ballygihen ; Baile Ui Geithin , i.e. , the town of the race of Geithin. — {See Loca Patr. 264, note).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 346

41. Barrington's boyhood dare at Kilvahan graveyard

    Kilvahan · townland · Laois

    Sir Jonah Barrington, in his Personal Sketches, recounts that as a boy he went to the old Catholic burial ground of Kilvahan on All Hallow Eve and brought away a dead man's bone to disprove a suspicion of cowardice and win a wager.

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    In a small townland, of the same name, adjoining Cullenagh, to the IL, is the old burial-ground of Kilvahan ; it is situated on an eminence and is surrounded by a circular fosse. O’Conor, of the Ord. Survey Staff, conjectured that the name might be in Irish Cill Meatoin, or “ the Church of Meathon.” This is the old Catholic burial-ground about which Sir Jonah Barrington, in his Personal Sketches , relates an anecdote of having, when a boy, in order to disprove a suspicion of cowardice that had become attached to him, and to win a wager, gone thither on All Hallow Eve and brought away a dead man’s hone. The story is told in that graceful but unreliable writer’s usual amusing style. The Barringtons were settled at Cullenagh from the time of Elizabeth. Their residence stood at Cullenaghmore. Sir Jonah thus refers to it : “ That old mansion, the Great House, as it was called, exhibited altogether an uncouth mass, warring with every rule of symmetry in architecture. The original Castle had been demolished, and its materials converted to a much worse purpose ; the front of the edifice which succeeded it was particularly ungraceful — a Saracen’s head, our crest, in coloured brick work being its only ornament, whilst some of the rooms inside were wainscoted with brown oak, others with red deal, and some not at all. The walls of the large hall were decked, as is customary, with fishing-rods, fire-arms, stags' horns, foxes’ brushes, powderflasks, shot pouches, nets, and dogs’ collars; here and there relieved by the extended skin of a kite or a king-fisher, nailed up in the vanity of their destroyers ; that of a monstrous eagle, which impressed itself indelibly on my mind, surmounted the chimney-piece, accompanied by a card announcing the name of its slaughterer — Alexander Barrington — who, not being a rich relation, was subsequently entertained in the Great House two years, as a compliment for his present. A large parlour on each side of the hall, the only embellishments of which were some old portraits, and a multiplicity of hunting, shooting, and racing prints, with red tape nailed round them by way of frames, completed the reception-rooms.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 60

42. Daniel Byrne the clothier's insult from Whitney at Shean Castle

    Shean · townland · Cork · 1650–1660

    Daniel Byrne, who made his fortune clothing Cromwell's army, purchased the Lordship of Shean from the indebted young squire Whitney. Whitney later invited Byrne to dine but deliberately withheld cutlery, mocking him, for which affront Byrne ordered him to quit the castle.

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    Queen’s County, in Description of Ireland, Anno 1598 ; and in the Carew Cal. of the same period, Whytney of Shyan is named as the owner and occupant. Daniel Byrne, the clothier, who made his fortune by clothing Cromwell’s army, purchased the estate known as the Lordship of Shean, from young squire Whitney, who was much indebted to him, leaving him the castle as a residence. Soon after, Whitney invited Byrne to dine with him there, and contrived that Byrne got neither knife nor fork ; being entreated by Whitney to help himself, he said he had plenty of meat but nothing to cut it with. Whereupon Whitney answered : “ Why don’t you draw out your scissors and clip it, sir ? ” For this affront, Byrne ordered him to quit the castle next morning. (Note to Four Masters, A.D. 1578.) Shean castle shared the fortunes of Dunamase; it was amongst those that surrendered to Owen Roe O’Neill, in 1646; in 1650, it was taken by the parliamentary forces under General Hewson, who demolished the outworks but left the castle standing. Though not of great extent, it still was of considerable importance, being strongly built, and from its elevated position, easy of defence. “It continued for centuries,” writes Camden, {Britanica,) “in its pristine state, till it came into the hands of the present proprietor, Dr. Charles Coote, Dean of Kilfenora, who has revived it with new splendour, and added at vast expense such embellishments to its fine situation as make it an ornament to the country and a delightful residence.” A fine engraving of this castle is given in Grose’s Antiquities. Plate 84, Yol. 2.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 264

43. Depositions of 1641 massacre at Graig iron works disputed

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1641–1645

    A 1645 deposition claimed dozens of men, women and children were murdered and buried alive at the Graige iron works belonging to Sir Richard Butler, but contemporary sources proved this to be a fabrication, with only one woman smothered in a tumult.

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    massacre of all the Protestant inhabitants of Ireland in 1641, and the manner in which it was carried into execution — Depositions which have been repeatedly and conclusively proved to be utterlyuntrue, — references are made to the supposed cruelty practised in Graig-na-managh by Richard Butler and his associates. A Deposition made, on the 29th of May, 1645, by John Mayne, described as a gentleman of the city of Kilkenny, sets forth the following : — “ The deponent also says that he has been credibly informed by divers English people of good credit, and by divers of the Irish people — and he has too great cause to believe their information to be true — that at the Graige or iron works belonging to Sir Richard Butler, divers rebels there murdered about three score men, women, and children, and buried so many of them alive that the very moulds or earth wherewith they were covered were seen to rise and fall after they were buried and put therein ; and that they were nevertheless so kept and held in their graves with weight of earth, stones, and rubbish, that they were not able to get up nor go out of their graves, but there were smothered, famished, and died/* In the Carte MSS., there is conclusive proof that this Deposition , like so many others, is nothing more than a wicked invention. In Yol. II., p. 39, a narrative is preserved of the ‘‘Insurrection in the Counties of Kilkenny and Tipperary,” by James Kearney, of Fethard, a confidential agent of the Duke of Ormond. He had before him the tales of blood sworn to before the Cromwellian Commissioners, nevertheless he thus writes : — “In the collection of murders and massacres, many Protestants are alleged to have been murdered at Kilkenny, in a barbarous manner, and seventy Protestants to have been murdered at Graigue, in the County of Kilkenny, with most horrible circumstances ; whereas there was but one woman smothered in a tumult in 1641, for which Lord Mountgarret shot Cantwell dead, and at Graigue there was not anyone murdered during the rebellion, the truth of both which matters is so confidently averred by persons of honour and quality, that they are content to allow the whole abstract of English murders for truth, if any Protestant was murdered in either of the places but the said one woman.” (Article on the Irish Massacre of 1641, in I. E. Record, for Deer. 1873.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 207

44. Execution of Colonel Walter Bagnal at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1652

    Colonel Walter Bagnal, Catholic possessor of the Barony of Idrone, was tried by a High Court of Justice set up at Kilkenny in October 1652 and, despite pleading his status as a party to the Leinster Articles, was found guilty and shot on the Parade at Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    Court of Justice was set up at Kilkenny, consisting of officers of the army, with Sir Gerald Lowther, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, as President, for the trial of Sir Walter Bagnal and other prisoners. Colonel Bagnal being, unfortunately, first tried when there was a demand for victims, met harder measures and could find no mercy. He pleaded that as one of the parties to the Leinster Articles, and as a hostage for their due performance, he should be free from trial. This plea, however, was rejected, he was found guilty, and was shot on the Parade at Kilkenny.

    Dudley Bagnal of Dunleckny, son of Sir Walter, was restored by Act of Parliament ; he died at Bruges in 1712. Lord Bagnal and Colonel Bagnal commanded each a Regiment of foot in the Army of King James II. (“ Plantation of Idrone ,” by J. Prendergast , Esq. ; Hughes MSS)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 78

45. Four Masters' account of the Battle of Bealach-Mughna

    Ballymoon · townland · Carlow · 903

    The Annals of the Four Masters record the battle of Bealach-Mughna in 903 in which King Cormac of Caissal was slain along with 6,000 men, described as a great loss for a king who was also bishop, anchorite, and scribe.

    Read the passage

    terevan. ( See VoL 2 ,pp. 207-8.) The Four Masters give the following account of this engagement : — “ A.D. 903. The battle of Bealach-Mughna (was fought) by Flann, son of Maelseachlainn, King of Ireland, and Cearbhall, son of Muirigen, King of Leinster, and by Cathal, son of Conchobhar, King of Connaught, against Cormac, son of Cuileannan, King of Caissal. The battle was gained over Cormac, and he himself was slain, though his loss was mournful, for he was a king, a bishop, an anchorite, a scribe, and profoundly learned in the Scotic tongue. (Here follow the names of the nobles who fell on this occasion.) These and many other nobles besides them, and 6,000 men along with them.” It was in commemoration of this the following lines were composed by Dalian, son of Mor : —

    “ Cormach of Feimhin, Fogartach, Colman, Ceallach of the hard conflicts.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 81

46. Friars of Stradbally despoiled and abused by soldiers, 1649

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1649

    Two poor friars, Father Paul and Father James Geoghegan, lived beggarly in despoiled Stradbally with two tenants; soldiers seized their goods including hogs, and later garrisoned the monastery, forcing the friars into the poorest cottage and turning the abbey into a stew-house.

    Read the passage

    and commands a party of tlie said two companies, and the horse, to Stradbally, where none did inhabit except two poor friars, Father Paul Geoghegan and Father James Geoghegan, living most beggarly in that despoiled town, and two poor country tenants that belonged and depended on them, and who lived within the monastery mure or bawn ; the friars never suspecting to receive any violence from such people, all natives, bred and born Catholics, nor once dreaming that they would use the least inconvenience or mischief to any of that function or condition. But far deceived ; for all that belonged to both friar and other, was snatched away by this party ; neither regarded friar or other in their pursuit, embezzled the most part by scattering them into several parts, and though these poor men did pay any country charges accruing on their tenantship (notwithstanding its immunity by both civil and canon law), after General Neill’s departure from those parts, they must ransom some of their said goods that did not appear, by four months’ contributions unto this crew, but what belonged unto the friars was never restored ; they thought it a lawful prey, as siding and obeying my Lord Nuncio’s censures. The Commander-in-chief of this party was one Patrick Money, appointed Lieutenant of foot and Governor of the said demolished Cullenagh. The friars exhibiting complaint unto Edmond Roe Butler against this Money, as chief commander, and the very man in whose possessions were such goods as were carried from the friars, and especially some hogs, who granted his orders for the restoring of them, which is : ‘ Patrick Money — Understanding that Tiege Gaffney has taken some hogs belonging to the friars of Stradbally, which upon sight hereof must be restored. This 24th of April, 1649. Edmond Butler.’ The friars were nothing the better of this, though severally complained unto the said Edmond of the non-compliance of this party to their high prejudice. Neither yet those unchristian and inhuman Tories satisfied, but next morning, after the said thievish robbery, came like enemies unto the said Stradbally to garrison the monastery, which they did in disrespect of religion, packed the friars into one and the poorest cottage in all their proper monastery, consumed all they had for their proper relief and sustenance, made the Abbey a stew-house ; the said Butler hereof certified, did never redress the same, rather augmented their grief with fresh supplies of untoward people, belonging to Edward Loftus, brother-in-law to Francis Cosby, antagonist of the said friars ; this was the service of this Edmond Butler, and thus these poor friars, for the space of seven or eight weeks, until their own robbery and misdemeanor did cause them voluntarily to desert the place, and turn to their ancient trade of thievery.” — Aphor. Disc. Pt. 3, p. 31.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 343

47. Fr Paul Cashin arrested at Maryborough and transported to Barbados

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1656

    Rev. Paul Cashin, P.P. of Maryborough since before 1656, was arrested at Maryborough and sent toward Carrickfergus for transportation to the Barbadoes; falling desperately sick at Philipstown, he petitioned for relief and was granted sixpence a day.

    Read the passage

    * On the 6th of January, 1652-3, the Irish Government, by Declaration, put in force the. sanguinary English statute, 27 th Elizabeth , which declared allR.O. Priests to be guilty of high treason, and their relievers, felons. Twenty days were given them to clear out of the kingdom. Five pounds was the reward payable to any person lodging a priest in gaol. . . In consequence of thegreat increase of priests towards the close of the year 1655, a general arrest by the justices of peace was ordered, under which, in April 1656, the prisons in every part of Ireland seem to have been filled to overflowing, On the 3rd of May the governors of the respective precincts were ordered to send them with sufficient guards from garrison to garrison to Carrickfergus, to be there put on board such ship as should sail with the first opportunity to the Barbadoes. One may imagine the pains of this toilsome journey by the petition of one of them, Paul Cashin, an aged priest, apprehended at Maryborough, and sent to Philipstown on the way to Carrickfergus, there fell desperately sick, and being also extremely aged, was in danger of perishing in restraint for want of funds and means of relief. On 27th August, 1656, the Commissioners having ascertained the truth of his petition, they ordered him sixpence a day during his sickness ; and in answer probably to this poor prisoner’s prayer to be spared from transportation, their order directed that it should be continued to him in his travel thence (after his recovery) to Carrickfergus, in order to his transportation to the Barbadoes.— Prendergast’ s Cromwellian Settlement, c. vii.

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 274

48. Haddaway Fills In St Patrick's Well at Knock Patrick

    Knockpatrick · townland · Clare

    St. Patrick's Well at Knock Patrick was a site of pilgrimage and stations on his festival day until a tenant named Haddaway, being an alien to the faith and traditions of the natives, filled it with stones and earth to prevent local recourse to it, after which misfortunes were believed to befall him in punishment.

    Read the passage

    away.” The story of his miraculously impressing these marks probably arose from his converts, wishing to identify the spot where he had stood, had cut these footprints, which subsequent tradition set forth as having been miraculously impressed by the saint. As is usual, we find here also St. Patrick’s Well, at which, more than a century ago, pilgrimages and stations were made on his festival, March 17th. About the time referred to, this well was filled up with stones and earth by the tenant of the farm on which it was located. His name was Haddaway; being an alien to the faith and traditions of the natives, he adopted these means to prevent their recourse to St. Patrick’s Well. Curious stories are told by the people of the neighbourhood regarding Haddaway, and the misfortunes which came upon him, as they believed, in punishment of this impiety. ( Loca Patr., p. 125-6.) The ruins of the church which stood at Knock Patrick have quite disappeared ; the place is still used for interments.

    Rathbran.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 148

49. Orangemen attack Father Duane's house, leading to his death

    Mountrath · town · Laois · 1808

    In 1808 Father Duane, administrator of the Mountrath parish, had his house attacked at night by Orangemen, escaped by scaling a wall and hid under a bridge arch, and died from the resulting illness.

    Read the passage

    ing materials for the chapel, armed with a stout blackthorn, to repel any hostile attempts on the part of the aggressive Orangemen. Dr. Fitzpatrick, in his Life of J.K.L., refers to an attack made in 1793 on the priests of the neighbourhood assembled in Conference at Mountrath, by a party of armed Yeomanry, the intruders supposing, or pretending to suppose, that the priests had met together for unlawful purposes. In 1808, Father Duane, administrator of the parish, a delicate timid man, bad his house attacked at night by the Orangemen ; he made his escape by scaling a wall, and took refuge under the arch of a bridge. The cold and wetting he endured there, together with the terror, brought on an illness from which he died. Curious to relate, the house then used as an Orange Lodge is now incorporated with the present convent.

    On the 18th of April, 1809, the Convent of St. Brigid, at Mountrath, was founded, three sisters proceeding thither from the mother house at Tullow (Annals of Order), Soon after, the Monastery of St. Patrick was established. Both convent and monastery have now large communities, chiefly employed in carrying on the great work of Catholic education. At present the Sisters are engaged in erecting a fine imposing building for the accommodation of their numerous resident pupils.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 285

50. Poisoning of James, Earl of Ormonde, at Ely House

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1546

    James, 9th Earl of Ormonde, who had leased the Duiske Abbey lands, was poisoned with 35 of his servants at a supper at Ely House in Holburn in 1546; his heart was later brought to Ireland and deposited in Kilkenny Cathedral.

    Read the passage

    In 1541, the King granted a lease for twenty-one years, of the Abbey-lands, to James, 9th Earl of Ormonde. On the 17th October, 1546, he and 35 of his servants were poisoned at a supper at Ely House, in Holburn, of whom James White, steward of his household, and 18 more, died, and he, languishing until the 28th, then deceased. He was buried in St. Thomas D’ Acres, but his heart was brought into Ireland and deposited in the Cathedral of Kilkenny. — (Archdall). On his death, he left by will, Duisk Abbey, to James, his fifth son. This James petitioned Elizabeth for a renewal of the lease, in 1559, which was granted. He afterwards, January 15th, 1566, had letters patent passed to him of the Abbey of Duiske, with the lands and possessions thereunto belonging, together with the reversion and rents of the late Monastery or Priory of Fertnageragh, in same county, amounting to the yearly value of £12 13s. 4d. ; and of the townland called Shanevander, parcel of the possessions of the monastery of Duske (Morrin, Pat. Rolls , 9th Elizabeth). He died soon after, on which, the Queen, on 10th August, 1567, directed letters patent of the premises in the preceding article mentioned, to be passed to his son, James Butler (Id). This James dying without issue, the Abbey-lands passed to his uncle, Thomas Duff, tenth Earl of Ormonde, who gave them to his natural son, Piers Fitz-Thomas Butler, on

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 195

51. Slaughter at Leighlin by the Ketings, deaths of Carew and Cosby

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1580

    In 1580 a great slaughter occurred at Leighlin committed by the Ketings; Sir Peter Carew the younger, Baron of Idrone, and Francis Cosby among others were killed by Fiagh MacHugh and other rebels, who then burned ten townlands in Idrone and carried off prisoners including the Dean of Leighlin.

    Read the passage

    Sir Peter Carew, junr., was unable to defend his inheritance. In 1577, the Castle of Leighlin was taken by Rory Oge O’More, and a great part of the town destroyed by fire. In 1 580, again, we learn from Dowling’s Annals, there was a great slaughter at Leighlin committed by the Ketings, and at Glenmalure, in the County of Wicklow, by the O’Byrnes, when Sir Peter Carew, the younger, Baron of Idrone, and Francis Cosby, Captain of the loyal Kerns of Leix, and Master Moore and Bernard Fitzwilliam, Captains, were killed, with many other gentlemen of estimation, by Fiagh MacHugh, and other rebels, who afterwards, at the instigation of young Maurice Cavanagh of Garry hill, burned 10 townlands in Idrone, and carried off as prisoners Master Wood (he was probably one of the Protestant Chapter of Leighlin) and Roger Hooker, Dean of Leighlin. The possessions of the Carews afterwards passed, by purchase, to the Bagnal family.

    From Patent Roll, dated 20th July, 1606, it appears that a grant was then made by the King to George Tutchett, Lord Audley, of the site, &c., of the Castle called Black Castle, within the precinct of the Friary of Leighlin Bridge; rent 13s. 4d. ; also the site, &c., of the late Monastery or Carmelite Friary of Leighlin Bridge, with all its messuages, cottages, lands, customs, and hereditaments, spiritual and temporal, — rent, £2 8s. 8d. Irish ; being parcel of the estate of Pierce, Earl of Ormonde, grandfather of Thomas, now Earl of Ormonde, who surrendered same to the Crown. To be held for ever in common soccage.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 19

52. St. John's Well and the hanging tree at Rathdangan

    Rathdangan · townland · Wicklow

    At Rathdangan there is St. John's Well where a Patron was held on 24th June; an ancient tree over the well was used to hang a man named Moore, wrongly accused of shooting Hume of Humewood, the relentless yeomanry commander.

    Read the passage

    This is the site of an ancient church, the faintest traces of which are noticeable amongst the graves of the still-used burial ground. The derivation of the name is perhaps from crann , a tree, and would signify “ the little plantation.” — (Joyce, II., 42.) A rude Baptismal font, of granite, lies within the enclosure. At a place named Cornawn (“ the little rough field ? ” — See Joyce , I., 232 ), a short distance from Cranereen, is pointed out the spot on which an humble chapel stood in the last century ; no vestige of it is now to be seen. From this the district chapel was removed to Rathdangan, and was placed on the rising ground, just over the village of that name. This, which like its predecessor, was a thatched structure, fell about the year 1800. It is related that in the year succeeding the rebellion of 1798, the yeomanry, whilst engaged in hunting to the death those who had taken part in that disastrous attempt, pursued Michael Dwyer, a noted rebel, to this place. Dwyer fled for refuge to the chapel, in which the congregation happened to be assembled. The yeomanry surrounded it, and proceeded to search for him, hut without success ; one of the women having effected his concealment by throwing her mantle on him. At Rathdangan is St. John’s Well, at which a Patron used to be held on the festival of that Saint, 24th June. An ancient tree still grows over the well, upon which a man named Moore was hanged for the shooting of Hume, of Humewood, who commanded the yeomanry, and shewed himself a relentless rebel-hunter. The story goes, that he was decoyed into the hands of his enemies by a ruse, and despatched. The man who was executed for this deed of vengeance had really nothing to do with it.

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 225

53. Theft of Cathedraticum from Fr. Conran traced by curlews' cry

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1819

    While serving as Vicar-Capitular after Bishop Corcoran's death in 1819, Fr. James Conran had his cottage broken into and the Cathedraticum stolen; the thieves were traced through the disturbed cry of curlews across a bog and captured in Tullow with the money.

    Read the passage

    Very Rev. James Conran, who had been previously P.P. of Rosenallis. On the death of the Bishop, Dr. Corcoran, in 1819, Fr. Conran was elected to the position of Yicar- Capitular. During his tenure of that office it became his duty to receive the Cathedraticum or contribution of the clergy to the maintenance of the Bishop. On the following night his cottage was broken into and this money stolen. The thieves were traced, curiously enough, through means of the cry of curlews whom they had disturbed in their retreat across the bog, and some of them were captured in Tullow with the money in their possession. Fr. Conran, after a Pastorate of 23 years, died on the 9th of August, 1825, aged 67, and is interred at Ballon.

    Rev. William Kinsella succeeded. On the receipt of the intelligence of the death of Fr. Conran, Dr. Doyle wrote thus to Fr. Kinsella who had been curate in this parish : “ I shall endeavour to be at Rathrush on Wednesday evening; if this be not in my power, I hope to be in Ballon early on Thursday, to pay the last sad office to our departed friend. May the Lord grant him peace ! I suppose I need not tell you that I intend to appoint yourself to succeed Mr. Conran. I shall do so, God willing, without delay, and I can with truth assure you that I have not hitherto made any appointment more agreeable to my own feelings, and from which I anticipate more advantages to Religion. I only regret that the sphere of your exertions is somewhat confined, but in your present family circumstances it could not conveniently be fixed elsewhere.” Fr. Kinsella died, January 26th, 1872, and was interred at Rathoe, where a monument to his memory bears the following inscription : — “ Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. — Apoc. xiv. Pray for the soul of the Rev. William Kinsella. He laboured with patient and generous zeal in this parish for 52 years, the last 43 of which he was Parish Priest. When infirmities incident to old age no longer allowed his wonted exertions for his flock, he

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 115

54. Wager over Patchal's skull at Tinnehinch card game

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow

    About forty years before writing, men playing cards at a house in Tinnehinch discussed ghost stories including a headless-horse Dead-coach, prompting Maurtheen Gaghegan to wager he would fetch Patchal's skull from the graveyard at midnight, which he did, causing great fear until he was paid to return it.

    Read the passage

    About forty years ago a number of men were assembled one night in a house at Tinnehinch engaged in card playing. The conversation happening to run upon ghosts, and how the Deadcoach used to drive around Tinnehinch at midnight, drawn by headless horses, etc., one of the gamblers named Maurtheen Gaghegan, a reckless, undaunted character, expressed his utter disbelief in these stories, and to prove that he regarded them as silly and unfounded, offered for a wager to go there, it being midnight, and bring away Patchal’s skull. This he did ; but no sooner was the skull deposited on the table, than the party, and particularly the owners of the house, were all seized with fear, and implored him to take it back. It was not, however, until they had clubbed together and made up a certain sum for him, that he at length rid them of the unwelcome object. This adventure put an end to card-playing in the district for some time.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 217

55. William Wall's 1358 defence of Carlow against O'Nolans

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1358

    William Yale (Wall), Sheriff of Carlow, lost his goods and relations repulsing the O'Nolans who were burning towns and cornfields; he killed Donald Tagstone O'Nolan and other captains, bringing their heads to Dublin Castle, and received a royal Order for £30.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1358. August 22nd. William Yale (or Wall) Sheriff of Carlow, who had lost all his goods and chattels and friends and relations in repulsing the O’Nolans when the Confederated Irish were burning the towns and corn-fields and carrying off everything, without resistance, and who had killed Donald Tagstone O’Nolan, and many other of their captains and had brought their heads to Dublin Castle by the King’s order, when he could have had great ransom for delivering them elsewhere — had an Order for £30. — Close Rolls, 32 Edwd. III.; Pat. Rolls, 32 Ed. III. 57.

    a.d. 1361. Lionel, son of Edward III., arrived in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant. The importance attached by him to the possession of this district is shown by his causing the King’s Exchequer to he removed to the town of Carlow, and by his expending the (then) large sum of £500 in fortifying it with walls, of which there is at present no vestige. Before long, however, the English were obliged to remove the boundaries of the Pale to within two miles of Dublin. There is extant in the Bermingham Tower a record of 37th Edwd. III., Pro Barrio Amovendo a Catterlogh usque ad Dublinium.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 36

56. Bridge of Graig destroyed during 1798 Rebellion

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1798

    Sir Charles Asgill blew up the three central arches of the bridge at Graig fearing rebels would cross the river there, forcing rebels to cross at Goresbridge instead. Three men were later hanged at Graig as rebels, at a site south of the belfry.

    Read the passage

    The bridge of Graig was most probably built by George Semple, who was the deputy-director of the work of improving the navigation of the Barrow from St. Mullin’s to Monasterevan, in 1767. He published, in 1765, a work “ On Bridge-building, and constructing foundations under water.” This project of rendering the Barrow navigable was first proposed in the Irish Parliament, so far back as 1709. During the Rebellion of 1798, Sir Charles Asgill, who was general in command of the district, fearing that the men of Wexford would cross the river at this point, blew up the three central arches of the bridge ; the rebels crossed into the Co. Kilkenny, at Goresbridge, six miles further up. Three men were hanged at Graig, as rebels, in that year. The place of execution was in the street, a little to the south of the belfry. The rebel General, Thomas Cloney, resided in Graig — from the period of his liberation from Fort George, in Scotland, where he was kept in irons for four years — until his death in 1850, at the age of 76. During his residence in Graig he had many illustrious visitors, amongst whom were Daniel O’Connell, Father Mathew, Hamilton Rowan, etc. He is interred at St. Mullin’s. His book on the Insurrection of 1798, entitled “ Cloney' s Narrative ,” is well known.

    In making the road which crosses at the top of Barrow Lane, an ancient cist was discovered at a depth of five feet ; it was composed of six rough slabs. No object of interest was found in it. The workman who discovered it was sadly disappointed in not finding in it the expected crock of gold.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 208

57. Danes plunder Dunamase and martyr Abbot Aedh

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 843

    In 843 Dun-Masg was plundered by foreigners (Danes), and Aedh, son of Dubdhachrich, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluain-eidhneach, was taken prisoner and carried into Munster where he suffered martyrdom.

    Read the passage

    “ A.r>. 843. Dun-Masg was plundered by the foreigners, where Aedh, son of Dubdhachrich, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluaineidhneach, was taken prisoner ; and they carried him into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom for the sake of God.” — Four Masters. The Annals of Clonmacnoise give this event as follows: — “A.D. 842. Dun-Masse was assaulted and destroyed by the Danes, where they killed Hugh MacDuffechrich, Abbot of Tyrdaglaisse and Clonenagh ; and also there killed Kehernagh mac Comosgaye, old Abbot (recte vice Abbot) of Kildare.”

    On the arrival of the English, Dunamase was in possession of Dermod MacMurrough, and fell into the possession of Strongbow on his marriage with Eva; their only daughter, Isabel, espousing William, Earl Marshall, Dunamase, with the adjacent territory, came into possession of the said Earl. This castle came, with large estates in Kildare, to William de Braos or Bruce, lord of Brecknock, who married one of the daughters of the last Earl of Pembroke; and he it was who about 1250 built the castle, and erected it into a manor.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 270

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Dunamase, in 843, the fortress was plundered by the Danes. They took Aedh, son of Dubdhachrich, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluain-eidhneach, prisoner and carried him into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom. The Annals of Clonmacnoise date this to 842 and say the Danes killed him here, along with Kehernagh mac Comosgaye, vice Abbot of Kildare. Later, when the English arrived, Dunamase was in the hands of Dermod MacMurrough and passed to Strongbow through his marriage to Eva. Their daughter Isabel married William, Earl Marshall, and the castle came to him. About 1250, William de Braos, who married a daughter of the last Earl of Pembroke, built the castle here and erected it into a manor.

58. Defeat of Colonel Crafford near Monasterevan during Ballinakill siege

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1641

    During the siege of Ballinakill Castle, Colonel Crafford advanced as far as Monasterevan with a strong party to relieve the garrison but was defeated there by the Earl of Castlehaven, who also cut off Captain Hetherington's troop and killed him.

    Read the passage

    “ We have formerly mentioned that the Supreame Councill made it part of their first care to employ agents in foreign parts, to implore such assistance as they persuaded themselves Catholicke Princes would liberally contribute to maintain the common cause. Of these thus designed, Father James Talbot, of St. Augustine’s, was appointed for Spain, and a commission sent by him, wherein he was jointly intrusted, with Father Luke Wadding, Professor of Divinity in Salamanca, to agitate the affairs of the Confederate Catholickes in that Court. Upon this application, to which care was given, and which therefore was, beyond several other solicitations in the behalf of provinces and persons then likewise on foot, preferred, because it seemed to be made by the body of the nation, 20,000 crowns were had, and those, according to the instructions given to Father Talbot, were for the most part disposed in arms and ammunition in 2 iron guns of 24 pounds a-piece, and an iron mortar-piece ; and by a strange conjuncture of accidents, the ordnance which was to be instrumental in the taking of Ballinekilly, was, upon no such design, shipped in Spain the same day the siege was laid to it. When advertisement was brought to the Councell of the arrival of the ship at Dungarvan, wherein Father Talbot came with these provisions, they sent Dr. Gerald Fennell, one of the Councell, and Mr. Geffry Baron thither to take care of so precious a commodity as her lading then was, and to see it safely conveyed to Waterford, from whence the gun and mortar-piece, with all their necessaries which were brought along so unexpectedly to beat down part of the Castle, and that a bomb falling directly on the top of the roof, broke it and the planks, partitions and beams, two lofts under it, to the loss of some of the besieged, and terror of all, and that advertisement was brought them how Colonel Crafford, who was advanced as far as Monasterevan with a strong party to relieve them, was there defeated by the Earl of Castlehaven, whom the General sent with some forces to stop his passage; and that the Earle in his way to Monasterevan, had cut off Captain Hetherington’s troop, and killed himself, they conceived it fit to call for quarter, and having capitulated to be allowed 3 score muskets, and a convoy to Dublin, they gave up the place, leaving their magazines stored with provisions of all sorts, and the country freed from their excursions.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Monasterevin, a town in Kildare. In 1641, Colonel Crafford advanced this far with a strong party to relieve the garrison besieged at Ballinakill Castle, and was defeated here by the Earl of Castlehaven, who had been sent to stop his passage. On his way, Castlehaven cut off Captain Hetherington's troop and killed him. That defeat was one of several blows that ended the siege. The Confederate Catholic Supreme Council had sent agents abroad seeking help from Catholic princes. Father James Talbot, of Saint Augustine's, was sent to Spain, jointly entrusted with Father Luke Wadding, a professor of divinity in Salamanca, to press the Confederate cause at that court. Their application was preferred over other solicitations because it seemed to come from the body of the nation. They secured 20,000 crowns, spent mostly on arms and ammunition, including 2 iron guns of 24 pounds each, and an iron mortar-piece. By a strange accident, this ordnance was shipped from Spain the very day the siege of Ballinakill was laid. Word reached the Council that the ship had arrived at Dungarvan with Father Talbot and these supplies. They sent Gerald Fennell, one of the Council, and Geffry Baron to secure the cargo and have it conveyed to Waterford. From there the gun and mortar-piece were brought to bombard the castle. A bomb fell directly on the roof, breaking it and the planks, partitions and beams, and two lofts beneath, to the loss of some of the besieged and the terror of all. With relief gone and the bombardment underway, the garrison conceived it fit to call for quarter. They capitulated to be allowed 60 muskets and a convoy to Dublin, and gave up the place, leaving their magazines stored with provisions of all sorts, and the country freed from their excursions.

59. Henry Davells stabbed in his bed at Tralee

    Tralee · townland · Kerry

    Henry Davells, the Elizabethan grantee of Killeshin and Capoly (now Sheffield, near Maryborough), was stabbed in his bed at Tralee by Sir John of Desmond.

    Read the passage

    * The Skeltons were amongst the Irish settlers who got grants of the lands cleared by the betrayal and butchery of the Irish chieftains at Mullaghmast on New Year's Day, 1577. Most of the Mullaghmast settlers in this locality were Catholics. Hartpole, Hovenden, Skelton, and Davells forfeited as “ English Papists ” in 1653. Henry Davells, the Elizabethan grantee of Killeshin and Capoly, now Sheffield, near Maryborough, was stabbed in his bed at Tralee by Sir John of Desmond. Two or three ladies, the last descendants of Davells, died in a hut at Lambstown, near Killeshin, early in the last century, in great poverty. The name of Skelton, alias Lynt, appears in several Inquisitions of the Queen’s County of the reigns of James I. and Charles I.

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Tralee, Henry Davells was stabbed in his bed by Sir John of Desmond. Davells was the Elizabethan grantee of Killeshin and Capoly, now Sheffield, near Maryborough. He was one of the settlers who received grants of land after the Irish chieftains were betrayed and killed at Mullaghmast on New Year's Day, 1577. The last of his descendants, two or three ladies, died in great poverty in a hut at Lambstown near Killeshin early in the 1800s.

60. Lord Baltinglass's defiant letter to the Earl of Ormond

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1580

    In July 1580, James, Lord Baltinglass, wrote to the Earl of Ormond justifying armed resistance against the Crown on religious grounds, asserting obedience to a higher power that commanded defense against those who sought to murder their souls.

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    with the Barons Howth, Delvin, and Trimbleston, to the Tower of Dublin. Subsequently, with three of his brothers, he joined in opposing the introduction of Protestantism into Ireland, and was attainted by the Statute of Baltinglass passed in the Irish Parliament in 1585. The foregoing facts are taken from a Petition of Rev. Charles Eustace of Kilmague, Co. Kildare, praying for restoration of Title to him as descendant of William, youngest brother of James, 3rd Viscount. The Attorney General for Ireland reported in favour of his claim, “ in case the attainder against James, 3rd Viscount, were reversed.” In 1580 James, Lord Baltinglass, wrote a letter to the Earl of Ormond, of which Cox gives the following account, ( Hibernia Anglicana): “ About this time (July, 1580,) the Lord Baltinglass wrote an answer to the Earl of Ormond, assuring his lordship that he had two councillors, one that said, “ Fear not those who can kill the body only,” &c., and the other bids us obey the higher power, for he that resisteth it, resisteth God. Seeing that the highest power upon earth commands us to take the sword, and to fight and defend ourselves against Traytors and Rebels, which do seek only the murdering of our souls, he is no Christian who will not obey.” In a “ Brief Compendium of the sufferings endured by Catholics for the Faith, in the reign of Elizabeth,” drawn up by Father John Holing, S.J., preserved in the Archives of the Irish College of Salamanca, it is related that Walter and Thomas Eustace, together with their eldest brother, James, Baron of Kilcullen and Baltinglass, having taken up arms in defence of their religion, and having fallen by fraud into the hands of their enemies, they were tempted in various ways to renounce obedience to the Pope and to acknowledge the Queen’s supremacy. In case of refusal they were threatened, as traitors, with the severest punishments. They however, persisting most resolutely in the confession of the true Faith, were, in consequence, condemned to suffer an ignominious death. These noble soldiers of Christ suffered with great fortitude the sufferings that were heaped upon them. Finall}r, being led together to the place of execution, commending to God the Catholic cause, they were hanged and quartered at Dublin in the month of February, 1582. ( Spic . Ossor. Vol. I. p. 101.)*

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Baltinglass in Wicklow, you're travelling through a place that gave its name to one of the most determined Catholic rebellions of Elizabeth's reign. In 1580, James Eustace, the 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, took up arms against the Crown rather than accept the introduction of Protestantism into Ireland. He wrote a defiant letter to the Earl of Ormond that year, defending his stand on religious grounds. He told Ormond he had two counsellors. One said, fear not those who can kill the body only. The other bade him obey the higher power, for he that resisteth it resisteth God. He argued that the highest power upon earth commanded them to take the sword and defend themselves against traitors and rebels who sought only the murdering of their souls, and that he is no Christian who will not obey. The rebellion failed. James was attainted by the Statute of Baltinglass in the Irish Parliament in 1585, and his title was forfeited. His brothers Walter and Thomas Eustace were captured by fraud, refused to renounce obedience to the Pope or acknowledge the Queen's supremacy, and were hanged and quartered at Dublin in February 1582. A later descendant, Reverend Charles Eustace of Kilmague in Kildare, petitioned for restoration of the title, and the Attorney General for Ireland reported in his favour, if the attainder against James were reversed.