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. Michael Dwyer's escape at Rathdangan chapel

   Rathdangan · townland · Wicklow · 1799

   In the year after the 1798 rebellion, yeomanry pursued the noted rebel Michael Dwyer to the chapel at Rathdangan while the congregation was assembled; a woman concealed him from capture by throwing her mantle over him.

   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.

   238

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 225

2. Owny MacRory O'More's death near Leix in 1600

   Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1600

   In 1600, all of Leix except the town of Maryborough was held by Owny MacRory O'More. He was slain by the Queen's forces in a fierce battle on the borders of Leix in August of that year, a death described by the Four Masters as a great check to the Irish of Leinster.

   Read the passage

   In 1600, all the country of Leix, except the town of Maryborough, was in the hands of Owny MacRory O’More, the chief of the name. The Four Masters , in recording his death in that year, thus refer to him — “ The same Owny, son of Rory Oge, son of Rory Ceach O’More, who had been for some time an illustrious, renowned, and celebrated gentleman, was slain by the Queen’s people in an overwhelming and fierce battle which was fought between them on the borders of Leix, in the month of August in this year. His death was a great check to the valour, prowess, and heroism of the Irish of Leinster and of all Ireland. He was, by right, the sole heir to his territory (of Leix), and had wrested the government of his patrimony by the prowess of his hand and the resoluteness of his heart,

   270

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 254

3. Remnant of Cosby's Hanging Tree Remembered in 1838

   Stradbally · town · Laois · 1838

   O'Donovan recorded in the Ordnance Survey Papers that in 1838 part of the stock of the sallow-tree used by Francis Cosby for hangings still remained between Mr. Cosby's house and the town of Stradbally, at the site of Francis's former residence.

   Read the passage

   What is related in the foregoing passage, writes O’Donovan (Ord. Survey Papers), is still vividly remembered in the country; a part of the stock of the sallow-tree, upon which Francis was accustomed to hang the people, as yet (1838) remains, it is said, between the present Mr. Cosby’s house and the town of Stradbally, at the spot where Francis’s residence stood.

   The following is the text of this passage : —

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 339

4. Slaying of Cuciche U Dunlaing and family at Teach-Mochua, 1041

   Timahoe · townland · Laois · 1041

   Cuciche U Dunlaing, Lord of Laeghis, his son, and his wife Cailleoc were slain by MacConin at Teach-Mochua-mic-Lonain; MacConin himself was killed the following day in revenge, an event described as a great miracle by Mochua.

   Read the passage

   a.d. 1041. Cuciche U Dunlaing, Lord of Laeghis, and his son, and Cailleoc his wife, were slain by MacConin, at Teach- Mochua-mic-Lonain ; and he (MacConin) himself was killed on the following day by Ua Broenain, for this act ; and this was a great miracle by Mochua. — (Id.)

   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).

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 346

5. Submission of Irish chieftains at Ballygorey, 1395

   Ballygorey · townland · Kilkenny · 1395

   On 16 February 1395, Irish chieftains including Art MacMorough assembled at Ballygorey to make submission to Thomas Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham, representing King Richard II, with MacMorough performing homage and swearing allegiance.

   Read the passage

   The townland of this name, lying to the north and west of Grange, is noteworthy as the place where the Irish chieftains assembled on the 16th of February, 1395, to make submission to Thomas Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham, Earl Marshal, as the representative of King Richard II. Art MacMorough, we are told, who was called King, came riding on a black horse to the field of Balligory, near Carlow, and having heard the King’s letters read and explained in English by John Molton, Clerk of the diocese of Lincoln, and read in Irish by Friar Edmund Vale, Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland, with Gerald O’Bryan, Donald O’Nolan, Loy Oge, and Shane McMaurice Boy of Slewmargy, and Murrogh O’Conohur of Offaly, all captains of their respective septs, Art MacMorogh having taken off his girdle, sword and cap, joining together the palms of his hands and holding them upright within the hands of the Earl of Nottingham who had a special commission from the King, did homage and swore allegiance and bound himself, on the restitution of his wife’s barony of the Norragh, and on the annual payment of 80 marks, to enter into the King’s service, etc .

   Although, as Dean Butler remarks, the barony of Norragh, the estate of his wife, heiress of the Calfes or De Veels — which gave MacMorogh a footing in Kildare — was restored, and the 80 marks, yearly, paid to him and many successive MacMoroghs, yet the lands of the sept in Leinster were never relinquished, nor was the title of King given up for many generations. A Frenchman who came to Ireland in the train of Richard II. in 1399 thus describes MacMurrough as he saw him when he came to a conference with the Earl of Glo’ster : — The King, by advice of his council, sent the Earl of Gloucester unto McMorough to charge him with his crimes and with the damages which he had done unto the King’s liege people, and to treat further with him as he was instructed. The Earl, with a part of the rere guard of the army (which he commanded) departed from the King, attended with a guard of 200 lances and 1,000 good

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 374

6. Suppression of Franciscan nuns transferred to Dublin in 1712

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1712

   When the Mayor of Galway was directed to suppress the nunneries in that town in 1712, Franciscan nuns were transferred to Dublin with Archbishop Byrne's permission, but the Lords Justices ordered their apprehension and several were taken in their conventual habits.

   Read the passage

   When in 1712, Edward Eyre, Mayor of Galway, was directed to suppress the nunneries iu that town, Dr. John Burke, Provincial of the Franciscans in Ireland, got permission from Archbishop Byrne to admit the Franciscan nuns into his diocese. A few of these unhappy ladies were accordingly transferred to Dublin, but they had scarcely reached the city, when the Lords Justices received information of their arrival, and immediately issued orders for their apprehension ; in consequence of which several of them were taken in their conventual habits. A proclamation then issued, dated the 20th of Sept., 1712, to apprehend said John Burke, Doctor Byrne, and Doctor Nary, as Popish priests attempting to exercise ecclesiastical jurisdiction, contrary to the laws of the kingdom, and it was ordered that all the laws in force against the Papists should be rigidly enforced.

   On the 7th of August, 1714, in the proclamation announcing the accession of George the First, it was required that all Papists, heretofore licensed to keep and wear arms, should deliver same and all ammunition to the next justice of the peace, and all justices were commanded to seize and take all serviceable horses found in the possession of any Papist or suspected person. This proclamation was signed by the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin, the Protestant Bishop of Kildare, and others. Dr. Byrne died in 1724, “leaving the memory of his virtues to be recorded only in some Irish poems bv John

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 157

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, this city holds a story from 1712. In that year, Edward Eyre, Mayor of Galway, was directed to suppress the nunneries in his town. Doctor John Burke, Provincial of the Franciscans in Ireland, secured permission from Archbishop Byrne to admit the Franciscan nuns into his diocese. A few of these women were transferred to Dublin, but they had scarcely reached the city when the Lords Justices were informed and issued orders for their apprehension. Several were taken while still wearing their conventual habits. A proclamation followed on the 20th of September 1712, ordering the apprehension of Burke, Byrne, and Doctor Nary as Popish priests exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction contrary to the laws of the kingdom, and commanding that all laws against Papists be rigidly enforced. Two years later, on the 7th of August 1714, a proclamation marking the accession of George the First required all Papists licensed to keep arms to surrender them and all ammunition to the nearest justice of the peace, and ordered justices to seize all serviceable horses found in the possession of any Papist or suspected person. That proclamation was signed by the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin, the Protestant Bishop of Kildare, and others. Doctor Byrne died in 1724.

7. Abbot David Cornwalshe harboured outlaws and monks committed robbery

   Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1356

   In 1356, Abbot David Cornwalshe paid a fine to obtain the king's pardon for harbouring felons at Duisk who had murdered the sheriff of Carlow, and several of the monks themselves robbed a local man on the highway near the abbey.

   Read the passage

   A.D. 1356. This year David Cornwalshe, the Abbot, for a fine of 40s., obtained the king’s pardon for divers offences ; to wit, when many of the king’s enemies, who at sundry times did with ensigns displayed, invade his Majesty’s territories in the respective counties of Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, and Wexford, and at all such times did rob, prey, or burn the same, and did also inhumanly murder Edward Trehern, sheriff of Carlow, and many others of his Majesty’s good and faithful subjects ; he, the said Abbot, did receive the said felons at Duisk, where he entertained them with bread, drink, fish, clothes, &c., and did also receive and harbour at Druisk aforesaid, Richard Brown, David, son of Henry Duff, &c., whom he knew to have been guilty of divers robberies and felonies. Also that William Porter, Robert Heehyn, Henry Roth, John Aylward, John Brown, and Richard Goodman, monks, did in the present year, at Duisk aforesaid, stop William Archer of Duisk, on the highway, and did there rob him of two horses, value 60s., one cloak, value 10s., one seal, value 20s., and sundry other goods and chattels, to the amount and value of a further sum of 20s. ; and knowing that the said monks had committed the said robberies and felonies, he, the prior, had nevertheless received and entertained them in his Abbey of Duisk aforesaid. — {King).

   a.d. 1380. It was enacted in Parliament that no mere Irishman should be admitted to profession in this Abbey. — {King).

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 193

8. Albin O'Molloy's fiery sermon at Dublin Synod

   Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1185

   Albin O'Molloy, Abbot of Baltinglass, preached at a Provincial Synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, on the continence of the clergy, provoking a sharp reply and great contention with Giraldus Cambrensis who was present.

   Read the passage

   of Ferns), preached on the continence of the clergy, says Giraldus Cambrensis, who was present at the Synod, and made a long discourse wholly against the clergy that came into Ireland from England and Wales, and laying the fault upon them that, by their ill example, they had vitiated the probity and innocence of the clergy of Ireland ; the sermon ended, Giraldus made a sharp reply, and great contention followed between him and Albinus, which Giraldus in his Life, as is extant in MS., in Cotton’s Library, particularly mentions. (Ware.) Joseph O’Hethe, Bishop of Ferns, dying this year, Prince John offered the See to Gerald Barry ( Cambrensis ), and promised to unite with it that of Leighlin, but upon his refusal, it was given to Albin O’Molloy, first a monk and afterwards Abbot of Baltinglass. He died, very old, about the end of the year 1222. {Ware.)

   A.D. 1199. William le Nas gives to the King 100 marks to have an Inquisition of Mort d’ Ancestor against the Abbot and monks of Baltinglass touching the lands whereof they deforce him. Mandate accordingly to the Justiciary of Ireland. {I. John , m. 15. — Sweetman)

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 133

   As the companion tells it

   Right here at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, a provincial synod was held in 1185 where Albin O'Molloy, Abbot of Baltinglass, preached on the continence of the clergy. Giraldus Cambrensis was present, and Albin made a long discourse wholly against the clergy who had come into Ireland from England and Wales, laying the fault on them that by their ill example they had vitiated the probity and innocence of the clergy of Ireland. When the sermon ended, Giraldus made a sharp reply, and great contention followed between him and Albin. Giraldus later wrote of the clash in his Life, a manuscript held in Cotton's Library. That same year, Joseph O'Hethe, Bishop of Ferns, died, and Prince John offered the see to Gerald Barry, promising to unite it with Leighlin. Gerald refused, and the see was given to Albin O'Molloy instead. Albin lived to a great age and died about the end of 1222.

9. Anecdote of Dr Cahill and Friar M'Gillicuddy's boots at Heywood

   Haywood Demesne · townland · Laois

   In the pastorate of Dr Cahill, a Friar named M'Gillicuddy came each Easter from Kenmare to help hear confessions and was compensated with riding boots; after a quarrel led the Friar to leave work half-finished, Dr Cahill sent after him only one boot of the intended pair.

   Read the passage

   In Heywood demesne, the site is pointed out of the humble thatched chapel that preceded the present parish church. The adjoining lake is designated as the Mass Lough, no doubt from its vicinity to the chapel, and perhaps from the Holy Sacrifice having been celebrated in penal times in the place before a chapel existed. The following anecdote is handed down in connection with this place: — In the pastorate of Dr. Cahill, a Friar, named M‘Gillicuddy, used to come from Kenmare, County Kerry, each Easter time, to help in hearing confessions. Dr. Cahill, by way of compensation, presented him on each occasion with a pair of riding boots. It happened at one time that a quarrel got up between these holy men, in consequence of which the Friar left when the work had been only gone half through ; the story goes that Dr. Cahill sent after him one boot of the intended pair.

   Dysart Gallen.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 99

10. Attack on Baron Knapton at Lady's Well sparks burning of Red Hill chapel

    Lady's Well · townland · Tipperary

    At Lady's Well near Rosconnell, young aristocrats led by Baron Knapton interfered with women making a pilgrimage on the Patron day; when rebuffed, they retaliated by burning the chapel at Red Hill instead of their intended target, Ballyouskill chapel.

    Read the passage

    Abbeyleix was at the Red Hill. It was maliciously destroyed under the following circumstances : — In the direction of Rosconnell, and just outside the bounds of the parish of Ballinakill, there is a holy well, called Lady’s well, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, to which the faithful resorted on the Patron day, the 15th of August. It happened on one of these occasions that a party of young aristocrats, conducted by Baron Knapton, son to Earl De Vesci, came here to amuse themselves with the spectacle. After a while, not content with looking on, they attempted some wanton interference with the females engaged in making their thurrus or pilgrimage round the holy well. This naturally aroused the indignation of the men, who interposed to protect them. The haughty young nobleman thought by mentioning who he was that he would awe the poor peasantry into subjection, but such was not the case, and so, after some rough usage, he and his companions were compelled to beat a retreat. They threatened in revenge to burn down the adjoining chapel of Ballyouskill, but having been foiled in their purpose, they carried it into effect by burning the chapel at Red Hill, instead. Some time after, and perhaps in reparation for the chapel that had been thus destroyed, Lord De Vesci gave a site and help towards the erection of the chapel in Old Abbeyleix, which was afterwards abandoned in consequence of the change in the position of the town, where a new one was built at the commencement of the present century. The present venerable pastor added the tower and spire, and also built the fine Church at Ballyroan. A community of nuns, of the Order of St. Brigid, was established at Abbeyleix, in 1857, which has a branch house at Ballyroan, in the same parish.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Lady's Well, a holy well dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, just outside the bounds of the parish of Ballinakill, in the direction of Rosconnell. On the 15th of August, the Patron day, the faithful came here on pilgrimage, making their rounds of the well. On one of these occasions, a party of young aristocrats arrived, led by Baron Knapton, son to Earl De Vesci. They came to amuse themselves with the spectacle. But after a while, not content with looking on, they attempted some wanton interference with the women making their pilgrimage round the holy well. The men stepped in to protect the women. Baron Knapton thought that by mentioning who he was, he would awe the poor peasantry into submission. He was wrong. After some rough usage, he and his companions were compelled to retreat. In revenge, they threatened to burn down the adjoining chapel of Ballyouskill. They were foiled in that purpose. So instead, they burned the chapel at Red Hill. Some time after, Lord De Vesci gave a site and help towards the erection of a new chapel in Old Abbeyleix, perhaps in reparation for the one destroyed. That chapel was later abandoned when the town shifted, and a new one was built at the commencement of the present century.

11. Aylward family tomb and tradition of a hidden priest at Shankill

    Shankill · townland · Kilkenny · 1708–1719

    At the ruined church of Shankill, the Aylward tomb bears an inscription for Sarah Aylward, and local tradition holds that one of her nine sons was secretly a priest, buried in the same Protestant family tomb with his name later effaced.

    Read the passage

    This name is derived from SeincheaU, “ the old church in some old documents it is found written St. Kill. The ruins of the old parochial church are in the demesne, and within a short distance of the residence of Mr. Aylward. The walls are still standing, and show it to have been an oblong building, 75 feet long by 21 in width. There is a small Gothic pointed window in each gable, and a flat-headed one in each of the side walls. This church shows indications of having been first allowed to fall to ruin and of having been afterwards repaired and used, no doubt for Protestant service. At the north end is the Aylward tomb, bearing the following inscription — “Here lyeth ye body of Sarah Aylward alias Butler, who departed this life Oct. ye 21st a.d. 1708, in the — 3rd year of her age, having issue 9 sons and 2 daughters. This monument was erected by Peter Aylward for himself, his wife, and his posterity, A.D. 1719.” There is a tradition in the neighbourhood that one of the 9 sons of Peter Aylward was a priest (the family is Protestant), that he was interred in the family tomb, and that his name was inscribed on it and afterwards effaced. The condition of the lettering affords no confirmation of this statement. The church ruin stands in a burial-ground, which is in a most neglected condition.

    Kilmacahill.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 304

12. Battle of Ballaghmoon fought at Ballymoon in 903

    Ballymoon · townland · Carlow · 903

    Ballymoon was the scene of a famous battle fought in AD 903 between the Munstermen and Leinstermen in which Cormac MacCullennan, King and Archbishop, was slain, arising from a dispute about the monastery and termon-lands of Monasterevan.

    Read the passage

    This was the scene of a famous battle fought in a.d. 903, between the Munstermen and Leinstermen, in which Cormac MacCullennan, King and Archbishop, was slain. The Book of Ballymote states that the cause of this battle was a dispute about the Monastery and Termon-lands of Ros-glas, i.e. Monas-

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 80

13. Bellingham seizes the Earl of Desmond via Leighlin Bridge stables

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1548–1549

    Sir Edward Bellingham, Lord Deputy, kept a stable of horses at Leighlin Bridge in the suppressed abbey, which he enclosed with a wall and made into a fort, using it as a base from which he rode to seize the Earl of Desmond at Christmas.

    Read the passage

    Referring to Sir Edward Bellingham, Lord Deputy in the beginning of the reign of Edward Y I., Hooker writes : — “ He kept sundrie stables of horsses ; one at Leighlin, one at Lex, and some in one place, and some in another, as he thought most meet for service ... It happened that upon some occasion he sent for the earle of Desmond, who refused to come unto him. Whereupon, calling unto him his companie as he thought good, and without making them acquainted what he minded to doo, tooke horsse and rode to Leighlin Bridge. The abbeie there (being suppressed) he caused to be enclosed with a wall, and made there a fort. In that house he had a stable of twentie

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 15

14. Byrne hanged at Kilkenny for abduction of the Miss Kennedys

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1779

    A man named Byrne was hanged with his accomplice Strang at Kilkenny for the abduction of the Miss Kennedys at Graig in April 1779; Byrne is interred at Kiltennill.

    Read the passage

    A portion of the burial-ground is reserved for interment of Protestants ; one of the monuments was “ Erected by Lieut. John Stone, in memory of his father, who was killed by the rebels, on the 26th of June, 1798, aged 75 years.” He fell in an engagement at Scullogue Gap. Byrne, who was hanged with his accomplice, Strang, at Kilkenny, for the abduction of the Miss Kennedys, at Graig, in April, 1779, is interred at Kiltennill. There is a Holy Well at about a quarter of a mile’s distance from the old church which gives its name — Tobermodalowan ( Tober-Modalamhan ,“ St. Magdalen’s Well?”) to the townland in which it is situated. Within half-a-mile of the church ruins is a place called the Chapel-field, where in penal times a temporary chapel stood.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 156

15. Castle of Rathvilly taken by Cromwellians, 1650

    Rathvilly · town · Carlow · 1650

    In 1650 the Castle of Rathvilly was taken and dismantled by Parliamentarian forces under Colonel Hewson. The Cromwellian troops were reportedly held at bay for a time at a ford on the River Slaney, since known as Cromwell's ford.

    Read the passage

    In the reign of James I., this castle and its possessions passed into the Ormond family. In 1620 it was agreed by Indenture that Lady Elizabeth, sole daughter of the Earl of Ormond, and now wife of the Earl of Desmond, shall have, among other places, the castle, lands, and manor of Kathvilly. An Inquisition dated Carlow, the 18 of January, 1636, finds that the Earl of Ormond and Ossory, the Lady Elizabeth, his wife, and Thomas Comerford, were seized of one castle, 100 messuages, &c., in Rathville, Waterstowne, Bafellestowne, Rathdonill, Rathell, Rickardstowne, Knockeva, Mabellstowne, and Phillippstowne, and of the privilege of a court leet and court baron within the manor of Rathville. Being thus seized, at Easter term, 10th of the present King Charles, they alienated the foregoing to David Booth, Patrick Weymes, Gerald Fennell, M.D., and Edward Comerford, and their heirs, for certain uses, &c. Held of the king in capite by military service. In 1650 the Castle of Kathvilly was taken and dismantled by the Parliamentarians under Colonel Hewson. The Cromwellian troops were, it is stated, held at bay for a time at a point on the River Slaney, since known as Cromwell’s ford ; they, however, eventually succeeded in crossing it, and taking the castle. The castle continued in a habitable condition up to about 150 years ago ; local tradition names Nol Murray as the last who resided there. It can be hardly doubted that the present Protestant Church occupies the site of the Catholic Church of olden times ; this is evidenced by the Catholics clinging to the place for purposes of interment even to the present day.

    In the burial-ground attached to what may now be called the old Chapel of Kathvilly, several priests are interred ; the following are the inscriptions on the tombs which mark their graves: (1) “ Here lieth the body of the Rev. George Lynch, who departed this life in the year of Christ, 17114, aged 48 years.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 326

16. Catholic chapel banned from town land, worship at 'The Brook'

    Mountrath · town · Laois

    Leases on the Castlecoote estate on which Mountrath was built prohibited land being given for a Catholic church, forcing the Catholic place of worship onto a sand-bank beside a tributary of the Nore called 'The Brook' outside town, where water had to be baled out before Mass.

    Read the passage

    In the latter portion of the last, and the beginning of the present century, Orangeism was rampant in the town of Mountrath, and the Catholics were subjected to constant insults and acts of violence from the dominant faction. In every lease granted on the Castlecoote estate, on which the town was built, a clause was inserted prohibiting the letting, selling, or bestowal of ground for the purpose of erecting a Catholic Church. In consequence of this prohibition, the humble place of worship, used by the Catholics, stood upon a sand-bank, beside a tributary of the river Nore, at a place called ‘‘The Brook,” just outside the town. Some of the old inhabitants remember to see men occupied in teeming water out of the chapel on Saturday evenings, in order that the people might be enabled to assemble there for Mass next day. About the year 1794, Dr. Delany, Bishop of the Diocese, who held Mountrath as a mensal parish, determined, if possible, to build a church for the parishioners. The Lord Castlecoote of the day was as much opposed as his predecessors had been, to the erection of Catholic places of worship. After commending the cause to Heaven by public devotions, the bishop made application for a site to a Mr. Hawkesworth, agent to Lord Castlecoote. This gentleman gave Dr. Delany a plot of ground, then in his own possession, and shortly after, through his influence with the proprietor, procured a lease for ever of it, as a site for a Catholic church. * On this site the church was commenced about the year 1795. The people, accustomed to the small thatched chapels of Penal times, often built of mud, were amazed at the extensive dimensions of the new foundation, and distrusting the possibility of completing it, came to call it “ Delany’s folly.” It is related that a stalwart priest named Dunne, then doing duty in the parish, used to accompany the men engaged in drawing build-

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 284

17. Death of Francis Cosby at Glenmalure, 1580

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580

    Francis Cosby was killed along with Sir Peter Carew and others by Irish forces then in revolt at Glenmalure in 1580, when he was over 70 years of age.

    Read the passage

    Francis Cosby was killed, with Sir Peter Carew and many others, by the Irish, then in revolt, at Glenmalure, in 1580, he being then over 70 years of age. He left three sons : Henry, who died in England; Arnold, executed in 1590, for having killed Lord Bourke of Castleconnell ; and Alexander, who succeeded his father. This Alexander married Dorcas Sydney, a relative of Sir Henry Sydney, Lord Deputy, and had by her Francis and Richard. Francis married Helena Harpole of Shrule, by whom he had a son, William, who died young ; when Richard succeeded to the estate, and became leader of the kernes. — ( Hardiman’s Irish Minstrelsy , II., 164.)

    At the year 1596, the Four Masters relate the following : — “ Owny, son of Rory Oge, son of Rury Caech, son of Connell O’More, was at this time a gentleman (skilled) in the arts of war ; and Leix was totally ravaged by him, both its crops, corn, and dwellings, so that there was nothing in the territory outside the lock of a gate, or a bawn, which was not in his power. He slew a gentleman of the English, who was (seated) at Stradbally-Leix, who possessed a large portion of the territory by authority of the sovereign, namely (Alexander) Cosby, the son of Master Franns.” Mr. Hardiman has given the following

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 339

18. Destruction of Clonmore Castle by Hewson and Reynolds in 1650

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1641–1650

    In 1641 the Castle of Clonmore was seized by the Confederate Irish and held by Piers FitzGerald. In 1650, Hewson and Reynolds captured the castle and blew up its towers and walls, reducing it to its present ruinous state.

    Read the passage

    In 1641 the Castle of Clonmore, and those of Rathvilly and Tullow, were seized by the Confederate Irish, and were held in their name by Piers FitzGerald (of Ballyshannon.) In 1650, Hewson and Reynolds having got possession of the Castle of Clonmore, blew up the towers, walls, &c., and thus reduced it to its present ruinous condition. This castle formed a hollow square, 170 feet on each side, except on the south (that facing the present road), where it reached 230 feet. This latter portion has nearly disappeared. The castle was formerly surmounted by towers at each angle ; that to the north-west angle, styled the Maiden’s Tower, was 60 feet high, with stone stairs to the summit ; nearly the whole of this town fell in 1848. The chief strength of this castle lay in the east wing, facing the County of Wicklow, from which danger was most to be apprehended. The north-east tower, commonly called the six windows, is still in good preservation ; it is octagonal, each side four feet in the interior, and rises two stories above the adjoining walls. A fosse surrounded the whole edifice, twenty feet wide. The castle, with much of the property around, belongs to the Howard families, and gives the inferior title of Baron Clonmore to the Earl of Wicklow.

    About a mile southwards of Clonmore in a secluded pasturefield in the townland of Killalongford, is a small disused cemetery, called Kilcrone. This is the site of a little church, founded about the year 540, by the Virgin Croine Beg, sister of Ainmire, King of Ireland, 568. To the east, in the direction of Shillelagh, is St. Martin’s Well of Croneleigh, dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. — (McCall’s History of the Parish of Clonmore ; a brochure which has been freely used in compiling this Paper.) Fr. Shearman, Loca Pair. 393, believes that this

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 175

19. Famine-era Breakfast Institute for poor children in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1826–1850

    After establishing a filiation in Galway in 1826 to counter proselytism, the Brothers set up a Breakfast Institute where up to a thousand poor children assembled for breakfast during the famine years, saving them from proselytisers.

    Read the passage

    In 1826, with the concurrence of Dr. Brown, Bishop of Galway, and Dr. Doyle, a filiation of the Brothers was established in the “ City of the Tribes,” for the purpose of opposing the inroads of proselytism. The Brothers have successfully realized the intention of their foundation in Galway. By means of a Breakfast Institute, which they established soon after their arrival, the poor children have been saved from the unscrupulous artifices of the proselytiser. As many as one thousand poor children used to assemble for breakfast in this Institute during the famine years.

    In 1873, a filiation of the Brothers was established in the town of Fethard, Archdiocese of Cashel. In September, 1875, at the earnest request of Most Rev. Dr. Fennelly, Bishop of Madras, three Brothers were sent from Mountrath to conduct a High School and an Orphanage in that city of British India.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where the Brothers established a filiation in 1826, with the backing of Dr. Brown, Bishop of Galway, and Dr. Doyle, to oppose proselytism. They set up a Breakfast Institute soon after their arrival, and during the famine years as many as 1,000 poor children assembled there each morning for breakfast, saved from what the source calls "the unscrupulous artifices of the proselytiser."

20. Fr. John Magher's imprisonment after landing at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1686

    Rev. John Magher, appointed Abbot of Duiske by papal bull, wrote to Propaganda from Kilkenny in 1686 describing how upon landing at Cork he was seized by enemies of the Catholic faith and held prisoner in chains for two years.

    Read the passage

    paganda by the Rev. John Magher, dated Kilkenny, 27th August, 1686, which commences: — “Ego Joannes Macharius Abbas S. Mariae de Valle Salvatoris, vulgo de Duisque, Ord. Cisterciensis in Hibernia in Comitatu Kilkeniensi,” &c. In this letter Father Magher refers to his appointment as Abbot of Duiske, by Bull of Pope Innocent XI. He also relates how, on his landing at Cork, he was seized by the enemies of the Catholic faith and detained a prisoner and in chains, for two years.

    In this Abbey was lodged an ancient division made of Ireland, by Henry II., and completed by his son John. It was, for the times, a tolerably exact survey, on the plan of that of Doomsday Book, and the ground work of the present arrangement of shires ( Ledwich ).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, there is a story from 1686. Father John Magher had been appointed Abbot of Duiske by papal bull from Pope Innocent the 11th. On landing at Cork he was seized by enemies of the Catholic faith and held prisoner in chains for two years. He wrote about it from Kilkenny on the 27th of August 1686, in a letter addressed to Propaganda, describing himself as Abbot of Saint Mary of the Valley of the Saviour, known as Duiske, of the Cistercian Order in Ireland, in the county of Kilkenny.

21. Legend of St. Abban's body carried to Killabban by oxen

    Killabban · townland · Laois

    A legend recounts that the Praepositus of St. Abban's monastery secretly removed the saint's body after his death and placed it on a waggon drawn by oxen to bring it to his own town at Ceall Abain (Killabban), the first place the saint had founded among the Leinstermen.

    Read the passage

    A curious passage, regarding the interment of St. Abban, occurs in his Life, by Colgan. It is here given as translated by the author of Loca Patriciana, p. 7, et seq.: — “We wish to write some brief details of his decease, and how his holy remains were deposited in the earth. On a certain day when the time of his passage to the heavenly kingdom was at hand, calling together some of his brethren he mentioned to them the day of his departure. The Praepositus of his monastery, who was also the procurator of every requisite in-doors and outside, was born in the town of Ceall Abain, which is in the territory of the North Leinstermen, and which was the first place St. Abban had founded in the land of the Leinstermen — to this Praepositus, alone, he disclosed the precise hour of his dissolution. That very same moment the Praepositus determined to carry away the blessed body of the holy man, and to bring it, if he possibly could, to his own town; he sent messengers to his native place, in order that his own people should collect together the North Leinstermen to come to meet him at the appointed day, and by the road on which these messengers should determine. These orders they obeyed with alacrity, but as the Praepositus had the oxen already mentioned in his charge, because these were for the use of the monastery, as the saint prophesied of them before they were born, they were like monks, nor was there any necessity to urge them to work, as they themselves willingly and meekly obeyed, so that the holy father and the brethren loved them much. The Praepositus placed these oxen beside the waggon in the assigned place on the night on which the holy father foretold his departure for heaven — and the angels on that night were seen visiting the man of God. The Praepositus, knowing from the lips of the saint the precise hour of his departure, ordered all the brethren to retire to rest for some time, except his own accomplices who were cognisant of his plans. Awaiting awhile quietly till the brotherhood had retired, meanwhile the soul of the holy father ascended among the angelic choirs to the heavenly kingdom. The Praepositus with his friends forthwith carried away the sacred body from the monastery, and placed it on the waggon with the aforesaid oxen yoked thereto, which, aware of the precious burthen they carried,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 65

22. Legend of St Patrick's Well and the burned cabin at Kellistown

    Kellistown · parish · Carlow

    A local legend recounts how a man who cut down a sacred tree by St Patrick's Well at Kellistown twice saw visions of his cabin burning, and upon finishing the task found his home truly destroyed by fire.

    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. Munster raid and defeat at Killeshin, 1024

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1024

    In 1024 the men of Munster made a raid upon Killeshin and were slaughtered by Donnchadh, son of Aedh, an outcome the annalist ascribed to the miraculous protection of St. Comgan, the patron saint of the place.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1024. A slaughter was made of the men of Muuster by Donnchadh, son of Aedh, in Gleann-Uisean, through the miracles of God and Comhdan. — (Id.) The Munstermen appear to have made a raid upon Killeshin, in which they were defeated, their defeat being ascribed by the annalist to the protection of St. Comgan, the Patron Saint of the place.

    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.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

24. Naas Sisters volunteer for mission to Arkansas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1850–1851

    Eleven years after the Naas foundation, in response to Bishop Andrew Byrne of Little Rock, Arkansas, four professed Sisters and six postulants left Naas in November 1850, enduring a perilous seven-week voyage to New Orleans before reaching their final destination in February 1851.

    Read the passage

    Naas Convent was opened on the Feast of our Lady of Mercy, September 24th, 1839, and was called St. Mary’s. In 1876 the Sisters took charge of the Workhouse Hospital at Naas, and more recently that of Celbridge, where also one of the Sisters has the care of the school. Naas Convent has lately been much enlarged and improved. Eleven years after its foundation, Dr. Andrew Byrne, the first Bishop of Little Eock, Arkansas, having applied to this Community for a colony, four professed members and six postulants, volunteered for the mission. The party left Naas in November, 1850, and after a perilous voyage of seven weeks, reached New Orleans, January the 23rd, 1851 ; they reached their final destination on the 5th of February following.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 394

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Naas now. This town had a convent called St. Mary's, opened in 1839. Eleven years later, Bishop Andrew Byrne of Little Rock, Arkansas, asked the community for a colony, and four professed Sisters and six postulants volunteered for the mission. They left Naas in November 1850 on a perilous voyage of seven weeks, reaching New Orleans on January 23, 1851, and their final destination on February 5.

25. Rebel General Thomas Cloney's residence in Graig

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1798–1850

    Thomas Cloney, rebel general of 1798, lived in Graig after his release from four years' imprisonment in Fort George, Scotland, until his death in 1850. He hosted illustrious visitors including Daniel O'Connell and Father Mathew, and is buried at St Mullin's.

    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

26. Rebellion and forfeiture of Francis Eustace after the Boyne

    Castlemore · townland · Carlow · 1689–1690

    An Inquisition at Tullow in 1690 found Francis Eustace and his son Oliver had been in actual rebellion against the King and Queen from May 1689, retreating with the Earl of Tyrconnell across the Shannon after the Battle of the Boyne. Their extensive lands in the barony of Forth and Rathvilly, including Castlemore, were consequently forfeit.

    Read the passage

    An Inquisition taken at Tullow, 14th March, 1690, finds that Francis Eustace, together with Oliver Eustace, his son and heir, were, on the 1st May, 1689, in actual and public rebellion against the King and Queen, and, after the Battle of the Boyne, had retired with Bichard, Earl of Tyrconnell, William, Earl of Limerick, and divers other traitors and malefactors then in rebellion, to other rebels and traitors beyond the Biver Shannon, and had there continued in actual war and rebellion. The aforesaid Francis, 1st May, 1689, was seized in his own right as of fee, of the towns and lands of Killknock, Ballykenna, and Ulymore alias Ellivoe, Bendenstown, Tartayne, half of Killmoghlish, half of Killgarran, and half of . . . lying in the barony of Forth; — the towns and lands of Castlemore and Bath, situate in the barony of Bathvilly, Bally vohill and Knockenerorum, in the barony of Forth, Gilbertstown, Garryline alias Flaxgarden, in the said barony, and Agha, BoredufF and Cloneen, in the barony of Idrone. — (. Inquis . Lagenien.)

    Grangeforth.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 112

27. Rory O'More Slain by His Brother at Killnesperokye

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1566

    An Inquisition of 1566 records that Rory O'More, Captain of Leyse, was slain by his brother Patrick O'More and a force of Connors at a place called Killnesperokye during a territorial dispute; Rory's chief possession as captain was the town of Stradbally.

    Read the passage

    An Inquisition, taken at Maryborough, 17 June, 1566, finds that “Rory O’More was appointed Captain of Leyse, and, upon certain controversy depending betwixt him and his brother Patrick O’More, the said Patrick for his maintenance did procure a great number of the Connors to come to the County of Leyse, aforesaid, and was spoiling of the same ; and the said Rory, resisting them in the defence of the country, was slain by his said brother and the Connors, in a place within the said country called Killnesperokye. Said Rory was Captain of Leyse aforesaid at the time of his death, and he had no more lands in possession in right of his Captainship as O’More, but only the town of Stradbally, with the appurtenances, being unto him every year w7orth £100. The said Rory had at the time of his death, in his own seizin, of his own proper inheritance, and not as captain, these towns following, that is to say, Derrybroke, and the great wood with the appurtenances, Derryloghcomer both the Cullenagbs, viz., Cullenagh and Cullenaghmore, Disert Enos, Carrigneparke, Ballynockan, Graignehoyn, and the whole parish of Tulloryne, which land was unto him worth three score and ten marks, lawful money of Ireland. The said Rory O’More was possessed, at the time of his death, of all the lands in Swyng, that is to say, the temporalities of Timahoe, otherwise called Farren Priory, Moynerath, Killegan, Ballenegall, Derrign-Roye, Dromnyne, Moyane, Rathkrehyn and Garrymading, but what estate he had therein the jury know not. The said Rory had, at the time of his death, the use and profits of the Abbey or Monastery of Stradbally aforesaid, and of the Abbey of Leyse, with their appurtenances, by suffrance from the Prince. The said Rory had also, at the time of his death, in mortgage, and in his own possession, the towns following, that is to say, Ballyadam in mortgage with the said Rory from Conyll McRossyn for threescore kyne, Ballentobrid with the said Rory’s father, Conyll McMallaghlen, from Fargananym O’Kelly for threescore kyne more, and Ballytarsneye from the said

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 341

28. Royal Licence for Grany Nunnery amid Irish Enemies and Rebels

    near Grange Con · population centre · Wicklow · 1409

    In 1409, King Henry IV granted the Prioress Margery and her tenants at Grany nunnery licence to hold communication with surrounding Irish enemies and English rebels since the nunnery was so surrounded that it could not otherwise survive, being considered a great comfort to the king's subjects.

    Read the passage

    A.D. 1409. Margery was Prioress ; for we find in a patent of King Henry IV., bearing date same year, the following citation : “The king, on reflecting that the nunnery of Graane, in the County of Kildare, was so surrounded by Irish enemies and English rebels that neither the Prioress Margery nor her tenants could there dwell without holding communication with them ; and also reflecting that the said nunnery is a great comfort and support to his liege subjects of the said county, his Majesty grants full licence to the Prioress and her tenants to hold communication wfith the said enemies and rebels, and to afford them a safe conduct to come to the nunnery and the tenants of the house, and there safely to abide and with safety to return ; to give and to sell bread, wine, ale, and English and Irish clothing ; and that the Prioress and her tenants may lawfully pay all fines and ransoms necessary for the good and conveniency of themselves and their property.” This patent is dated Kilkenny, February 10th. — {Harris s Collect. 4, apud. Archdall.)

    In the patent for suppressing this nunnery, and placing the Prioress and nuns in other convents, dated the 14th of June, 1535, before the general dissolution of monasteries, we have

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 145

29. Siege of Carlow by Roger O'More, 1577

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1577

    Carlow sustained a long siege against Roger O'More, then in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, and was ultimately forced to surrender, after which it was plundered and the inhabitants put to the sword.

    Read the passage

    a.d. 1577* Carlow sustained a long siege against Roger O’More, then in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, and was at last obliged to surrender, when it was miserably plundered, and the inhabitants put to the sword. (Anth. Hib.)

    Same year , Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow, issued from the Castle with 50 men, to release Harrington and Cosby, who were prisoners of Rory Oge O’More, Chieftain of Leix ; he effected his purpose, but the arch-rebel escaped in the dark. (Id.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 37

30. St. Aengus founds a cell at Dysert-Enos

    Dysart · townland · Laois · 700–799

    St. Aengus Ceile-de built a cell at Dysert in the late eighth century, reciting the entire psaltery daily in three parts—in his oratory, under a tree, and standing tied to a stake half-submerged in water. A round tower stood at Dysert into recent times, supporting the belief that a monastery grew up there.

    Read the passage

    The ancient parochial district of Dysert, or Dysert-Enos, derived its name from the celebrated saint and Hagiologist, St. Aengus, surnamed Ceile-de, or “ the servant of God,” who built himself a cell here, in the latter part of the eighth century, and where he resided for some considerable time, or else, to which he retired from time to time from Clonenagh for purposes of greater seclusion and mortification. Amongst his other religious observances whilst at this place it is related that he recited every day the entire psaltery, reciting the first fifty psalms in his Oratory, the second fifty under a great tree adjoining thereto, and the third fifty with his neck tied to a stake, and half his body plunged in a vessel of water. The precise spot which was hallowed as the abode of the saint, is not known, but many things lead to the belief that it was that now occupied by the burial-ground of Dysert, in which is the ruin of a comparatively modern Protestant Church, within whose walls may be distinctly traced the foundations of a smaller and much older edifice, no doubt the ancient parochial Church of Dysert. The saint removed from here to Tallaght, in the County of Dublin ; finally he returned to Clonenagh, over which he was appointed Abbot, and at the same time, as Dr. Lanigan shrewdly conjectures, presided over a monastery that had sprung up at Dysert-Enos. Amongst the reasons that would lead to this conclusion is the fact that an ancient round tower stood at Dysert up to almost recent times. In a “ Memoir of a Map of Ireland,” by D. A. Beaufort, LL.D., published at Dublin in 1792, the author gives a list of Round Towers, marking with an asterisk those that he had himself actually seen ; the Round Tower at Dysert is amongst those thus marked.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 260

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dysart, St. Aengus, surnamed Ceile-de, the servant of God, built himself a cell in the latter part of the eighth century. He came here from Clonenagh for greater seclusion and mortification, and among his observances he recited the entire psaltery every day in three parts. The first fifty psalms he said in his oratory, the second fifty under a great tree adjoining it, and the third fifty with his neck tied to a stake and half his body plunged in a vessel of water. The precise spot is not known, but the burial-ground of Dysert, where the ruins of a comparatively modern Protestant church stand, is believed to mark it. Within those walls you can still trace the foundations of a smaller and much older edifice, no doubt the ancient parochial church. Aengus later removed to Tallaght in County Dublin, then returned to Clonenagh as abbot. Dr. Lanigan conjectured he also presided over a monastery that had sprung up here at Dysert-Enos. An ancient round tower stood at Dysert up to almost recent times, supporting that belief. In 1792, D. A. Beaufort published a memoir listing round towers and marked with an asterisk those he had himself seen. The round tower at Dysert was among those he marked.

31. St Fiachra's well and the Casey family votive offering

    Ullard · townland · Kilkenny · 1800–1850

    St Fiachra's well at Ullard was so trusted that no local emigrant would leave without a bottle of its water as protection against shipwreck. Early in the 19th century a member of the Casey family, saved from a storm at sea after invoking St Fiachra, donated a silver ciborium, chalice, crucifix and candlesticks to Graig church in fulfilment of his vow.

    Read the passage

    St. Fiachra’s well is here ; no one from the district wrould think of emigrating without providing himself with a bottle of the water, as a preservative against shipwreck. Early in the present century, a member of an old family in this parish named Casey, being at sea and in imminent danger of being lost in a storm, invoked the aid of St. Fiachra, promising to make an offering to Holy Church in his honour should he be saved. In fulfilment of this promise, he presented to the Church of Graig a large silver Ciborium, Chalice, a massive Crucifix, still in use, and a set of richly plated Candlesticks for the Altar. A portion of an old quern, or hand-mill for grinding corn, is at one side of the well. Two cavities in a stone beneath a tree, are said to mark the spot where the saint knelt in prayer. The 8th of February is regarded as the Feast of St. Fiachra, on which day many old people still attend to make their penitential rounds, and perform their devotions. This would tend to identify the St. Fiachra of this place with a saint of same name, supposed to have been Abbot of Conwall in the County Donegal. In the Martyrology of Donegal, at the 8th of February, “ Fiachra Ab. Iraird,” is calendared.

    Beside the road, near Ullard, there is a small enclosed space overgrown with large bushes; it is called SJcagh-na-Croisthe. Formerly, funerals on their way to Ullard, used to halt here, when the De Profundis was recited. In the centre of the well

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 212

32. St Fintan founds the celebrated monastery at Clonenagh

    Clonenagh · townland · Laois · 548

    The renowned monastery at Clonenagh, meaning 'the Ivied retreat', was founded by St Fintan around 548 after he retraced his steps there following a divine sign witnessed by St Columba, who saw angels hovering over the site.

    Read the passage

    St. Fin tan received his early education from a holy priest by whom he was baptized. Whilst yet a boy, he was visited by St. Columbkille, who, on that occasion, foretold St. Fintan’s future distinguished career. When he arrived at man’s estate, he entered the Monastery of Tir-da-glass (now Terryglass, Co. Tipperary), where St. Columba, son of Crimthain then presided over a famous school. Having passed a novitiate here, he and two, some say three, companions, being anxious to find a retired place where they might devote themselves to the service of God, consulted St. Columba, and, accompanied by him, they came to Cionenagh. Here, it is said, St. Fintan and his companions passed a year, but, finding their solitude greatly broken in upon, they determined to abandon the place, and directed their course to the Slieve Bloom mountains, again accompanied by St. Columba ; this saint, looking back upon Cionenagh, saw a multitude of angels hovering over it. His disciples seeing him sorrowful, asked the cause; the saint replied: Because I see the place we have left filled with the angels of God, and these angels unceasingly minister between it and heaven. One of us, he added, should return and abide there for the future. Whereupon Fintan said: Whomsoever, O Father, you direct to return, he will instantly obey. Columba replied : Go you in peace to that spot, O holy youth, and the Lord be with you. It has been divinely revealed that for you it shall be the place of your resurrection. St. Fintan accordingly retraced his steps to Cionenagh and established himself there ; this was about the year 548. Great numbers flocked to this place to serve God under the guidance of our saint, amongst whom was St. Corngall, afterwards the founder of the famous Monastery of Bangor, who passed some years under his direction. — ( Ussher). The discipline observed at Cionenagh was very rigorous ; the fasting and abstinence were so severe that St. Canice of Aghaboe and other holy men remonstrated with St. Fintan on the subject. Yielding to their representations, he relaxed the rigour of his rule in favour of his community, but, himself, adhered to his former mode of life. An incident related in his Life respecting an application of a holy bishop Brandubh, to be permitted to join his community — which has been already

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Clonenagh, the name meaning the ivied retreat, where St. Fintan founded a celebrated monastery around the year 548. Fintan had spent his novitiate at Terryglass in Tipperary under St. Columba, and when he and two or three companions sought a secluded place to serve God, Columba accompanied them to this spot. They stayed a year, but their solitude was disturbed, so they set out for the Slieve Bloom mountains. Columba looked back and saw a multitude of angels hovering over Clonenagh. He told his disciples, "I see the place we have left filled with the angels of God, and these angels unceasingly minister between it and heaven." He said one of them should return and abide there. Fintan answered that whoever Columba directed to return would obey. Columba told him, "Go you in peace to that spot, O holy youth, and the Lord be with you. It has been divinely revealed that for you it shall be the place of your resurrection." Fintan retraced his steps and established himself at Clonenagh. Great numbers came to serve God under him, among them St. Comgall, who later founded the famous monastery of Bangor. The discipline here was severe. The fasting and abstinence were so harsh that St. Canice of Aghaboe and other holy men remonstrated with Fintan. He yielded and relaxed the rule for his community, but kept the old rigour for himself.

33. The legend of the Fugitive Bell of Aghowle

    Aghowle · parish · Wicklow

    St. Finian erected a belfry and bell at Achadh Abhla (Aghowle) whose sound could be heard for miles. When St. Maedhoc had the bell transferred to Clonard, it miraculously returned to Aghowle each morning until St. Finan finally ordered it to remain there permanently.

    Read the passage

    granite cross of the primitive ages of the Irish Church ; and the remaining part (which completed the cross) lies prostrate on the ground immediately to the west of them. The pedestal is a fine block of granite, 3 feet long, 2 feet 6 inches broad, and 2 feet over the ground. The shaft is 5 feet 4 inches in height, 1 foot 8 inches in breadth, and 11 inches in thickness. The stone which formed the top and arms now lying on the ground, as already said, measures in width 5 feet. It was apparently blown off by1 a storm.” Orel. Survey Papers. Rev. Mr. Graves adds — “ The head (of the cross) is plain and solid, the disc enclosing the arms not being pierced ; the shaft was worked into plain panels. There is also the base of a small cross not far from the E. end of the church, and the cross, which apparently stood in it, forms the head-stone of a grave close by. A large granite font or basin, rudely rectangular in form, lies near the cross. There is in the churchyard a granite boulder with a small bullaun or cavity worked in it, such as are often found near ancient churches. Inside the church at present lies a fragment of a round granite font 2 feet wide across the bottom, in which there is the usual drain-hole. The sides are broken away. This font is mediaeval in date. That there should have been no round tower or cloighteach in connection with so important a church seems strange. But it may be that a careful search would disclose its foundations, as was the case when the base of a round tower was discovered at St. Molyng’s Monastery during the recent operations of repair and removal of rubbish carried out by the Board of Works, consequent on the remains there being constituted a National monument. That St. Finian must, at all events, have erected some kind of cloich teach at Aghowle appears from the curious legend of the Fugitive Bell, which the Rev. J. O’ Hanlon has given in Lives of the Irish Saints, Yol. IV., p. 117, 118. The following is the passage referred to, but in abridged form — It is related in an old Irish Life of St. Finan, that after founding his first Monastery of Achadh Abhla, he erected there a belfry, and placed therein a magnificent bell, the dulcet sounds of which could be heard for many miles around. After St. Finan’s departure for Mugna Helchain, and even after he had left that place, seven years later, for Clonard, the bell continued at Aghold. When St. Maedhoc established his community at Clonmore, four miles off, this bell of Aghold served to summon the new Brotherhood each morning to their devotions. St. Maedhoc desired to have this bell at his own Monastery, and more than once begged of St. Finan to grant it to him, instead of which, however, he had it transferred to his College

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 180

34. The Liath Meisicith heirloom box

    Borris · town · Carlow

    A curious ancient brass-and-silver box was an heirloom of the Kavanagh family of Borris-Idrone before being presented to Trinity College Dublin, containing vellum sheets with Gospel extracts and prayers, and watercolour drawings possibly by St. Moling.

    Read the passage

    The Liath Meisicith. — This very curious ancient box was for many ages an heir-loom in the family of Kavanagh of Borris- Idrone, until it was presented, together with the charter horn, to the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin, where they now are. It is made of brass cased with silver, and contained, when presented to the University, a number of loose sheets of vellum on which were written some extracts from the Gospels, and prayers for the sick, in the Latin language, but in the Irish character. There were also water-colour drawings of the Apostles, tolerably well executed, and supposed to have been the work of St. Moling, the patron saint of the family of Kavanagh. Yallency would make the box to be even older than the time of St. Moling. The writings and water-colour drawings above referred to have been reproduced in fac-simile by Mr. Gilbert, in his great work — Facsimiles of National MSS.

    Over the graves of priests interred in the Parish Church of Borris, are the subjoined epitaphs : —

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 159

35. 148 castles destroyed in County Carlow by 1435

    Rathvilly · town · Carlow · 1435

    A 1435 letter from the Irish Parliament to Henry VI complains that thirty years earlier there were 148 castles in County Carlow, including Rathvilly, but by then all had been taken or destroyed except Carlow and Tullow.

    Read the passage

    The Castle of Rathvilly stood behind the site of the new church. By whom it was erected is uncertain, some ascribing it to De Lacy, who built the adjoining castles of Tullow, Castledermott, &c. In 1347, Edward III. granted to Thomas Brotherton, Duke of Norfolk, a license to hold the County of Catherlougb, with all its castles (Rathvilly of course included), islands, manors, and townlands, in capite, which patent held good until the reign of Henry VIII. A letter from the Irish Parliament in 1435, written to King Henry VI., complains that whereas some thirty years before there were in the County of Carlow no fewer than 148 castles, “ all well bataylled and inhabyted,” (of which Rathvilly was one), at the time, these had all been taken or destroyed with the exception of those of Carlow and Tullow. The Act of Absentees , passed 1st May, 1537, which deprived Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, and Lord Berkeley, his co-partner, of the County of Carlow, which they inherited from Thomas de Brotherton. Sir John Davies gives the following account of the powers of the lords who inherited the County of Carlow as a county palatine until the reign of Henry VIII. : — “ These absolute palatines made barons and knights, did exercise high justice in all points within their territories, erected courts for criminal and civil causes, and for their own revenues, in the same form as the king’s courts were established in Dublin; made their own judges, seneschals, sheriffs, coroners, as escheators ; so as the king’s writ did not run in those counties (which included more than two thirds of the English colonies), but only in the church lands lying within the same, which were called the cross, wherein the king made a sheriff ; and so in each of these counties palatinate there were two sheriffs, one of the liberty and another of the cross.” — (Quoted by Ryan, Hist. Co. Carlow , 378.) *

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 325

36. 1798 rebel attack on Hacketstown

    Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

    In 1798 Wexford insurgents united with Garrett Byrne's forces and marched on Hacketstown, appearing before the town about 7 o'clock in the morning; the military drawn up outside the town were forced to give way after losing Captain Hardy and four privates of the yeomanry.

    Read the passage

    the night of the 24th at Ballymanus, where, uniting their forces with those of Garrett Byrne, the whole moved, on the morning of the 25th* towards Hacketstown, before which they appeared about 7 o’clock in the morning. The military were drawn up in a small field outside the town, ready to receive them, but they were forced to give way, after the loss of Captain Hardy and four privates of the Hacketstown yeo-

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 223

37. Battle of Ballybeg Near St Mullin's, 1642

    Leagh or Ballybeg · townland · Carlow · 1642

    On 18 March 1642 a battle was fought at Ballybeg near St Mullin's, where the English under the Marquis of Ormonde, marching from Ross, were encountered by Lord Mountgarret and General Preston with a large confederate force; Ormonde defeated them and forced a retreat to Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    On the 18th of March, 1642, a battle was fought at Ballvbeg, near St. Mullin’s. The English, under James, Marquis of Ormonde, on their march from Ross, were there encountered by Lord Mountgarret and General Preston, at the head of a welldisciplined and well-armed contingent of 3,000 horse and 10,000

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 294

38. Belfry Tower Built to Evade Penal Law at Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1828

    A detached belfry tower was erected in the cemetery adjoining Baltinglass chapel because the Penal Statute 21 and 22 Geo. III forbade Roman Catholic chapels from having a steeple or bell. The bell, still in use nearly 60 years later, was purchased through subscriptions raised by Rev. Henry Young around 1828.

    Read the passage

    The tower in the adjoining cemetery was erected to serve as a belfry. The Statute, 21 and 22 Geo. III., c. 24, enacted, that no Roman Catholic chapel could have a steeple or a bell. To evade this penal enactment, bells were placed in detached buildings erected for the purpose, in various parts of the country; this one at Baltinglass being of the number. The bell, which is still in use, was purchased by means of subscriptions raised by the Rev. Henry Young whilst engaged in conducting a mission here, about the year 1828. After the lapse of nearly 60 years, the apostolic labours of this saintly priest are still distinctly remembered in the parish. He gave a mission at Stratford previous to that at Baltinglass. It is related of him that he came into the town on foot, and went about asking for lodging. He remained at Stratford, for some months. He slept but little; never used flesh meat, eggs or butter; he took bread and tea at noon, and gruel and toast at night. On Wednesdays and Fridays he took only a piece of bread and some water at

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass in Wicklow, there is a detached tower standing in the cemetery beside the chapel. It was built as a belfry to get around a penal statute. The statute, 21 and 22 George III, enacted that no Roman Catholic chapel could have a steeple or a bell. To evade this law, bells were placed in detached buildings erected for the purpose, in various parts of the country, and the one at Baltinglass was among them. The bell was purchased through subscriptions raised by the Reverend Henry Young while he was conducting a mission here, around 1828. Even after nearly 60 years, the apostolic labours of this saintly priest were still distinctly remembered in the parish. He had given a mission at Stratford before the one at Baltinglass. He came into that town on foot and went about asking for lodging. He remained at Stratford for some months. He slept but little. He never used flesh meat, eggs or butter. He took bread and tea at noon and gruel and toast at night. On Wednesdays and Fridays he took only a piece of bread and some water.

39. Castle of Leighlin taken by Rory Oge O'More, town burned

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1577

    In 1577 the Castle of Leighlin was taken by Rory Oge O'More and a great part of the town was destroyed by fire.

    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

40. Castle of Tullow built by Hugh De Lacy, taken by Hewson in 1650

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1181–1650

    The Castle of Tullow was built about 1181 by Hugh De Lacy for John De Hereford; it was held by Coxmel Butler in 1650 against Cromwellian forces but after a gallant resistance was taken by Hewson, followed by detestable cruelties to the subdued garrison.

    Read the passage

    The Castle of Tullow was built about the year 1181, by High De Lacy, the Justiciary. Hanmer states that, “He {Th Lacy)builded a castle in Tollagh, otherwise called Tulachfelneth, for John De Hereford.” This Castle was held by Coxmel Butler, in 1650, against the Cromwellian forces, but after a gallant resistance, was taken by Hewson. The reduction was followed by detestable cruelties to the subdued garrison. No portion of this building now remains ; it is said that the materials of it and of the Abbey were used for the erection, in the reign of Queen Anne, of a barrack, on a site now occupied by :he court-house. A lane which passes by the Protestant Chirch, still retains the name of Castle Lane.

    7he bridge across the Slaney was built in 1767, as an inscription on it indicates ( Lewis Top. Diet.) Theobald, grandson and heir to Sir Edmund Butler of Roscra and Clogrennan Castles, was created, in 1603, Viscount Tullowphelim ; the titles of Ormonde and Ossory were likewise secured to him. He died in 1613, without issue. Richard, 5th son of the 1st Du^e of Ormonde, was, in 1639, created Baron of Clogrennan, Visjount Tullow, and Earl of Arran; he died without issue in 1683. These titles were again revived in 1693, in the person

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 369

41. Cave legend of the boar hunt at Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    Coglas, foster-son of Eterscoel, King of Ireland, chased a wild boar from Tara to Baltinglass and up the hill, where boar, hounds and huntsmen vanished into a cave, giving rise to the place's name and the cave called Uaimh-Bealach-Conglais.

    Read the passage

    Some of our Irish antiquarians have written learned nonsense in trying to account for the name of this place, chiefly connecting it with Pagan fire-worship. The true, and now fully accepted derivation is Bealach Conglais , i.e. “ The Pass or Road of Co-glas.” This Coglas, son of Donn Desa, King of Leinster, was foster-son and master of the hounds to Eterscoel, son of Conaire Mor, King of Ireland. Having, on one occasion, hunted a wild boar from Tara to this place, he continued the chase up the hill over Beallach Duthaire, the original name of Baltinglass; the boar, hounds and huntsmen disappeared in a cave, and were never seen after. Hence the cave came to be called Uaimh-Bealach-Conglais , or the cave of the road of Coglas. — {O'Curry ; Loc. Patr. p. 13).

    The Martyrology of Donegal, at Nov. 24th, records the name of an early Irish saint as connected with this place : — “ Colman Dubh Chuillenn of Dun in the Renna, and of Bealach Chongiais in Leinster;” and a gloss in the Leabhar Breac states that “ Cuilenn is a mountain which is at Belach Conglais. (Baltinglass).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are on a road that takes its name from an old legend. Coglas, son of Donn Desa, King of Leinster, was foster-son and master of the hounds to Eterscoel, son of Conaire Mor, King of Ireland. He hunted a wild boar all the way from Tara to this place, up the hill over what was then called Beallach Duthaire. The boar, the hounds, and the huntsmen vanished into a cave and were never seen again. That cave gave the place its name, Uaimh-Bealach-Conglais, the cave of the road of Coglas. The Martyrology of Donegal records an early saint here too, Colman Dubh Chuillenn, at November 24th, and the Leabhar Breac notes that Cuilenn is a mountain at Belach Conglais.

42. Dunamase as stronghold of the O'Mores and MacMurrough

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1169–1250

    The rock of Dunamase was the chief stronghold of the O'Mores, princes of Leix, and at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion was held by MacMurrough, King of Leinster, as his principal fortress.

    Read the passage

    Judging from the appearance of the ruins, the principal works of fortification seem to have been constructed at an early period of the Anglo-Norman ascendancy; yet, though they may be ascribed with probability to William de Braos, Lord Brecknock, who flourished about the middle of the 13th century, they must have undergone many changes in the course of the hostile collisions of the subsequent ages. An artificial fort of some kind appears to have, from the dawn of record, crowned this bold and singular elevation ; but it must long have been of the rude description which derived all its essential strength from the nature of the site, and which frowned contempt on the world below with the same sort of security which the eyry gives to the eagle. In later, though scarcely less rude times, the rock was the chief stronghold of the O’Mores, princes or toparchs of Leix; at the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, it was held by MacMurrough, King of Leinster, and was regarded as his principal fortress ; after the conquest, it passed successively to the Earl of Pembroke and Lord Brecknock, and was constituted by the latter the head of a lordship and the seat of baronial courts ; and during succeeding centuries it was the scene of many a sanguinary conflict, and was possessed alternately by the Irish and the English, continually vacillating in its fates with the frequent and changeful preponderance of strength between the two great contending parties. — Gaz. Ireland .

    “ 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.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 270

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here rises the rock of Dunamase. From the earliest records an artificial fort crowned this bold elevation, drawing its strength from the natural site. In the times before the invasion, it was the chief stronghold of the O'Mores, princes of Leix. At the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, MacMurrough, King of Leinster, held it as his principal fortress. After the conquest it passed successively to the Earl of Pembroke and then to William de Braos, Lord Brecknock, who flourished about the middle of the 13th century. He made it the head of a lordship and the seat of baronial courts. The principal works of fortification visible in the ruins probably date from this early period of Anglo-Norman ascendancy, though they underwent many changes in the ages of conflict that followed. Long before any of that, in 843, the Annals of the Four Masters record that Dun-Masg was plundered by foreigners. Aedh, son of Dubhdachrich, abbot of Tir-da-ghlas and Cluain-eidhneach, was taken prisoner and carried into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom. The Annals of Clonmacnoise place this event in 842 and say the Danes killed him at Dun-Masse, along with Kehernagh mac Comosgaye, abbot of Kildare. In the centuries after the conquest, Dunamase saw many a sanguinary conflict, possessed alternately by Irish and English as the balance of strength shifted between the two.

43. Earl of Ormond's costly 1598 hosting to Port-Leix

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1598

    In 1598 a great hosting was made by the Earl of Ormond to place provisions in Port-Leix, but he was met and defeated by Owny O'More, Redmond Burke, and Captain Tyrrell, losing more than the value of the provisions and himself being wounded while escaping.

    Read the passage

    “A.D. 1598. A great hosting was made by the Earl of Ormond, to place provisions in Port-Leix. When they had advanced a certain distance on their way, they were met by Owny, the son of Rory Oge, son of Rory Caech O’More ; by Redmond, the son of John, son of John of the Shamrocks, son of Rickard Saxonagh (Burke) ; and by Captain Tyrrell, namely, Richard, the son of Thomas Oge Tyrrell. On this expedition the Earl of Ormond lost more than the value of the provisions in men, horses and arms ; and it was with difficulty the Earl himself escaped, after being wounded.” — Id.

    In the Description of Ireland , Anno 1598, we read — “ The new planted inhabitants have bene so molested continuallie with the multitudes of the first natives thereof, and the Omoores, and especially at this present, as that they have in a manner recovered the countrie again and expelled all the Inglysh inhabitants saving 3 or 4 which contayne themselves within their castles till they be relieved from Ingl. These Omoores was almost extinct, but they have increased againe chieflie for lack of good government . . . The chief Towne

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 254

44. Foundation of Abbeyleix Cistercian Abbey in 1183

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois · 1183

    The Cistercian Abbey of De lege Dei was founded at Abbeyleix in 1183 by Conor O'More, dynast of Leix, who peopled it with monks from Baltinglass and was himself interred within its precincts. The town later grew up around this abbey and became the residence of the O'More dynasty.

    Read the passage

    Abbeyleix derives its name — which is a translation of the older Irish name, Mainistir Laoighise — from the Cistercian Abbey, entitled De lege Dei , founded here in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in 1183, by Corcheger or Conor O’More, dynast of Leix, who peopled it with monks from the Abbey of Baltinglass. (Ware) The founder was interred within its precincts. A house for religious is said to have been established here as early as the year 600. (Pembridge, Ware, Coenob. Cist) The town, which sprung up around the abbey fron which it took its name, soon became a place of importance in the territory of Leix, and the residence of the O’More,* its dynast or prince. Sir Charles Coote, Stat. Survey, p. 64, says: — “ The Abbey of Leix was originally founded in the year 600, but wTas of little note, in consequence of various wars that wasted the country, till 1183, when it was refounded. It sub-

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 51

45. Founding of Leighlin Bridge and the Black Castle

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1181–1320

    The town, formerly called New Leighlin, grew up around a bridge built over the Barrow in 1320 by Maurice Jakis, a Canon of Kildare Cathedral. Hugh de Lacy had earlier granted the site to John de Clahul, who erected the Black Castle here in 1181, one of the earliest English defences in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    This town was called New Leighlin previous to the construction of the bridge over the Barrow, in 1320, by Maurice Jakis, a Canon of the Cathedral of Kildare. It is situated, in nearly equal proportions, in the old parochial districts of Augha and Wells. This place was originally granted by Hugh de Lacy to John de Clahul, or de Claville, who, in 1181, erected a fortress here, called the Black Castle, which was one of the earliest defences of the English in Ireland. It was so called, in contradistinction to the White Castle built here in 1408, by Gerald, 5 th Earl of Kildare. It is stated by Playfair (Brit. Family Antiq.) that the Earl of Kildare, in 1407, assisted Sir Stephen Scroope, Lord Deputy, in invading the territory of MacMorrough. An engagement ensued, in which the Irish had at first the advantage, but the English ultimately prevailed. O’Nolan and his son, with others, were taken prisoners. (Marlborough’ s Chron.) Towards the close of the last century a large number of urns were discovered in a garden adjoining the ruins of this Castle. They were of coarse earthenware, capable of containing two quarts, and each was closed by a cover ; they contained nothing except a little dust, and were placed in low, narrow, and long vaults. A drawing of one of them is given in the Anthologia Hibernica for October 1793 ; the writer of the description states that they contained the hearts of devotees and benefactors to the Carmelite monastery which stood here ; but in this he must be mistaken. It is much more likely that this was a cemetery of the Pagan Irish, and that these were cinerary urns.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 12

46. Frenchman's account of MacMurrough's meeting with Earl of Gloucester

    Ballygorey · townland · Kilkenny · 1399

    A Frenchman in Richard II's train described Art MacMurrough descending from a mountain on an unsaddled horse, meeting the Earl of Gloucester at a ford between two woods for a failed parley over submission to the King.

    Read the passage

    archers. Among other gentlemen I was one that went with him to see McMorrough, his behaviour, estate, and forces, and to what issue the treaty might grow unto. Between two woods not far from the sea, McMorough (attended by multitudes of the Irish) descended from a mountain, mounted upon a horse without a saddle, which cost him (as it was reported) 400 cows. For in that country they barter by exchange, horses for beasts, and one commodity for another, and not for ready money. His horse was fair, and in his descent from the hill to us, he ran as swift as any stag, hare, or the swiftest beast that I have seen. In his right hand he bore a great long dart, which he cast from him with much dexterity. At a wood’s side his men stayed behind him, and he met the Earl at a little ford. He was tall of stature, well composed, strong and active, his countenance fierce and cruel. Much speech passed between the Earl and him, of the breach of his faith to the King, of the murdering of the Earl of March and others of the King’s subjects. To be short, this parley produced little effect. McMorrough departed to his men, and the Earl of Gloucester to King Richard, unto whom he recounted all the passages between them, the sum whereof was that he would submit himself only without further conditions, and that other composition he would not make during life. The King at this report was much enraged, swearing by St. Edward that he would never depart out of Ireland until he had McMurough in his hands living or dead. But the good King did not dream of the misfortune which shortly after fell upon him. Histoire du Roy dl Angleterre, Richard ; Translated by Geo. Carew, Earl of Totness. Harris s Hibernica, p. 25.

    Succession of Pastors.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 375

47. Ghostly skull sighting at Tinnehinch graveyard, 1819

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow · 1819

    In December 1819, a resident of Graignamanagh passing through Tinnehinch graveyard was terrified to see eyes watching him from the skull in Patchal's broken tomb, which turned out to be a rabbit that had taken possession of the skull.

    Read the passage

    Early on a frosty morning in December, 1819, a resident at Graignamanagh, passing through Tinnehinch grave-yard, happened to look towards PatchaPs tomb, the end of which was broken away. Picture his horror, when in the dim light he found a pair of eyes intently watching him from the sockets of the dead man’s skull ! It need not be said that so far from remaining to investigate the phenomenon, he betook himself to his heels, as soon as the fright enabled him to make use of them. Meeting with some others, he related the occurrence ; with these he returned ; when they found that the eyes

    * It was enacted by King Ethelred in England, in the year, 1014, “ That every Christian who is of age, fast three days, on bread and water and raw herbs, before the feast of St. Michael, and let every man go to confession and to church barefoot. Let every priest with his people go in procession three days barefoot, and let everyone’s commons for three days be prepared without anything of flesh, as if they themselves were to eat it, both in meat and drink, and let all this be distributed to the poor. Let every servant be excused from labour these three days, that he may the better perform his fast, or let him work what he will for himself. If any servant break his fast, let him make satisfaction with his hide (bodily stripes), let the poor freeman pay 30 pence, the king’s thane 130 shillings.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 216

48. Hewson dismantles and blows up Dunamase castle in 1650

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1650

    In 1650 Hewson took Dunamase, which he dismantled and blew up. Tradition points to the site of the corn-mill, at the corner of the mill field, as the spot where the Cromwellian battery was erected.

    Read the passage

    In 1642 the Confederate Catholics were in possession of Dunamase; the Earl of Ormond soon after was master of it, on whose retreat it was possessed by General Preston. Immediately after, and until 1646, it was garrisoned by the royal troops, in which latter year it surrendered to Owen Roe O’Neill. In 1650, Hewson took Dunamase, which he dismantled and blew up. Tradition points out the site of the corn-mill, at the corner of the mill field, as the spot where the battery was erected. — Cromwell in Ireland, p. 288. Three steel engravings of the ruins of Dunamase are given in Grose’s Antiquities, Vol. 2, Nos. 80, 82, 84. The three concentric circular entrenchments of the Parliamentary army are still to be seen. Those field-works are of very considerable height, and there is a fosse fully eight feet in depth around the central circle. The ditches

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    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 272

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood Dunamase castle, which had a busy decade before its end. Confederate Catholics held it in 1642, then the Earl of Ormond took it, and General Preston occupied it after Ormond's retreat. Royal troops garrisoned it until 1646, when it surrendered to Owen Roe O'Neill. In 1650 Hewson took Dunamase, which he dismantled and blew up. Tradition points to the site of the corn-mill, at the corner of the mill field, as the spot where the Cromwellian battery was erected. The three concentric circular entrenchments of the Parliamentary army are still to be seen, field-works of considerable height with a fosse fully 8 feet in depth around the central circle.

49. John, son of the Earl of Desmond, burns and plunders Abbeyleix, 1580

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois · 1580

    In 1580, the roving plunderer John, son of the Earl of Desmond, having lived a hard outlaw life on Slieve Bloom with the sons of MacGillapatrick and O'Carroll, proceeded to burn and plunder Abbey-Leix upon Pierce, son of the Earl of Ormond, before plundering Port-Laoighise and seven castles in Leix in one day.

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    in which J ohn, the son of J ames, lived on this mountain, was worthy of a true plunderer ; for he slept but upon couches of stone or earth ; he drank hut of the pure, cold streams (and that) from the palms of his hands or his shoes ; and his only cooking utensils were the long twigs of the forest, for dressing the fleshmeat, carried away from his enemies. From this abode he proceeded to plunder the Butlers and Ossory. He afterwards went to Leix, and burned and plundered Abbey-Leix, upon the son of the Earl of Ormond, namely, upon Pierce, the son of James, son of Pierce Roe. He also plundered Port-Laoighise, (Maryborough), after having slain some of the guards of the town. In short, he plundered seven castles in Leix in the course of that day. {Four Masters .)

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50. Killowen mansion and the giant chieftain Joseph Dunne

    Killowen · townland · Cork · 1746–1833

    The old mansion of Killowen, now ruined, was reputedly the residence of a lineal descendant of Teige Keagh O'Doyne, chief of the Hy-Began. O'Donovan personally knew Joseph Dunne there in 1833, describing him as one of the largest men in Europe and a former officer in French service.

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    language. The Beturn of 1704 gives John Mac Allin, residing at Emo, aged 50, as P.P. of Killeny for past seven years ; he was ordained in 1674, at Ard-Patrick, Co. Louth, by Dr. Plunkett. His sureties were Murtogh Brennan and Morgan Fogarty, both of Boly, farmers. The old mansion of Killowen, in this parish, lately fallen to ruin, was the residence of Mr. Joseph Dunne, — accounted by local tradition, and not without strong evidence of probability, to have been the lineal descendant of Teige Keagh O’Doyne, and consequently the chief of the Hy-Began. O’Donovan was personally acquainted with him in 1833, when he was 87 years old. “ He was,” O’Donovan writes (note to Four MM., 1448), “one of the largest men in Europe, and had been an officer in the French service in his youth, but for the last 50 years of his life resided on his farm at Killowen. He had several sons, remarkable for their great stature, strength, courage and intelligence, but they all died unmarried.” Immediately over this mansion, and on the northern side of Killowen hill, which rises to a height of 718 feet, a cavern opens near its vertex, and slopes towards its centre. This cavern is narrow at its entrance, but after a descent of some fathoms, opens into a saloon 20 or 30 feet high, and upwards of 30 feet in diameter ; on one side a dark precipice breaks sheer down, 50 or 60 fathoms, to a subterraneous and quite inaccessible lake ( Gazetteer of Ireland). Most of the foregoing facts relative to the Parishes of Killeny and Kilteale are derived from a Paper by Father O’Hanlon, read before the It. I. Academy, June 24th, 1872.

    Kilcolmanbane.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 268

51. King Crimthan baptized by St Patrick at Rathvilly, c.458

    Rathvilly · town · Carlow · 458

    Crimthan, King of Hy-Cinnselagh, initially hostile to Christians, was converted by St Patrick and baptized at Rathvilly around the year 458, later restoring exiled converts to their territory.

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    the year 438, Isserninus, Auxilius, and Secundinus came to Ireland to help St. Patrick in the work of its conversion. It would appear from the above passage that Isserninus had been destined to labour in some neighbouring country, but Providence ordained it otherwise. He landed probably on the coast of Wexford, from whence, following the course of the Slaney, he proceeded, preaching and founding churches as he went, until he reached the southern limits of Magh Fea. King Enna Cinnselagh who ruled in this district, looked with disfavour on Isserninus and his converts whom he drove into exile “ because of their believing before everyone,” Isserninus accompanying them in their banishment. We next find Isserninus placed by St. Patrick as Bishop of Kilcullen. Crimthan, who succeeded Enna as King of Hy-Cinnselagh, was at first hostile to the Christians, but afterwards, in the 14th year of his reign, was converted by St. Patrick and baptized at Rathvilly about the year 458. Through the influence of St. Patrick with Crimthan he brought about the restoration of the exiles, who accordingly returned to their native territory, accompanied by Isserninus. “ And they went to Patrick and Crimthan at Sci Patric.” The “ Sci Patric,” or Patrick's Bush here named as the meeting place between St. Patrick, King Crimthan and the recalled exiles, is supposed by Fr. Shearman to be a place of that name near Tinahely ; there is, however, another place bearing this title within the parish of Ballon, in the townland of Milltown, which would seem to have at least as good a claim to the distinction ; here there is a disused graveyard, but no traces of a church. Crimthan bestowed lands in this neighbourhood on St. Patrick, “and Patrick gave them to Bishop Fith, and he gave them to Cathbu’s sons, and he settled with them at Ath Fithot.” This saint remained at Ahade up to the period of his death, which took place on the 14th of July, 469. In the martyrology of Donegal he is calendared at that day — “Id, Bishop of Ath-F adhat in Leinster.” ( Loca Patriciana, Part viii. passim.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 109

52. Leighlin abbey elevated to episcopal see by Pope Honorius I

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow

    On his visit to Rome, Lazerian was honourably received by Pope Honorius I, who erected the abbey of Leighlin into an episcopal see, consecrated him bishop, and appointed him papal legate in Ireland.

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    rimos. Adeoejuspercrdbuitfama, ut ad mille quingentos, qui ejus ad monasterium conduxerant, discipulos habuisse diceretur; qui ejus praeceptis imbuti, et formati exemplo, ita morum sanctit&te et austeritate vitae emindbant, ut per totum late regnum ev&serint celeberrlmi. Veritatis et eccle^ siasticae discipllnae vindex acerrimus errdribus ublque rdstitit: verum convellendae inveteratae Paschatis celebrandi die ddcima quarta consuetiidini praeclpue allaboravit in Episcopdrum et Abbatum convdntu in campo Lene habito. Cum vero Antistltibus videretur permittendum esse unicuique eum, quern vellet, sequi ritum, ab iis tantum obtlnuit, ut quidam Romam mitterdntur, qui consulerent Sedem Apostolicam. Ipsi k Concllio hoc munus commlssum est. Romam profectus honorlfice excdptus est ab Honorio primo, qui Abb&tiam Leithlinensem in sedem Episcopalem erexit, ip sum ejus consecravit Eplscopum, Legatumque suum in Hibernia designavit.

    Lectio VI.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 384

53. Lieutenant John Stone's father killed by rebels at Scullogue Gap

    Scullogue Gap · pass · Carlow · 1798

    A monument at Kiltennill burial ground was erected by Lieut. John Stone in memory of his father, who was killed by rebels on 26th June 1798, aged 75, having fallen in an engagement at Scullogue Gap.

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    A portion of the burial-ground is reserved for interment of Protestants ; one of the monuments was “ Erected by Lieut. John Stone, in memory of his father, who was killed by the rebels, on the 26th of June, 1798, aged 75 years.” He fell in an engagement at Scullogue Gap. Byrne, who was hanged with his accomplice, Strang, at Kilkenny, for the abduction of the Miss Kennedys, at Graig, in April, 1779, is interred at Kiltennill. There is a Holy Well at about a quarter of a mile’s distance from the old church which gives its name — Tobermodalowan ( Tober-Modalamhan ,“ St. Magdalen’s Well?”) to the townland in which it is situated. Within half-a-mile of the church ruins is a place called the Chapel-field, where in penal times a temporary chapel stood.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 156

54. Lord Drogheda's control of Ballinakill's parliamentary corporation

    Ballinakill · town · Laois · 1612–1800

    Under the 1612 charter Ballinakill's corporation returned two Members to the Irish Parliament, but Lord Drogheda controlled the whole corporation, using it to open Parliament to his nominees and receiving £15,000 compensation money voted at the Union for loss of its franchise.

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    The town of Ballinakill, which gives its name to the Parish, a name derived from Baile-na-coile , i.e. “ the town of the wood,” so called from the extensive woods which formerly existed here, is situated in the ancient parochial district of Hisert-Gallen. It is a place of some antiquity, but was not made a market town till the year 1606, when a grant of a market and fair was made to Sir T. Coatch, proprietor of the Manor of Gallen. In 1612 a charter of incorporation was granted by King James I., and various other privileges were bestowed, to foster the plantation made here by Sir T. Ridgway, Bart. Under the charter of James I. the corporation consisted of a sovereign, twelve burgesses, and an unlimited number of freemen, and returned two Members to the Irish Parliament. Lord Drogheda carried the whole corporation in his pocket, used it for the sole purpose of opening the doors of Parliament to his nominees, and received the whole of the £15,000 of compensation money which was voted at the Union for the loss of its franchise. All the burgesses, and most of the freemen were non-resident, and even the sovereign was generally non-resident; this mockery of a Corporation of course ceased to exist the instant its Parliamentary franchise was destroyed. — ( Lewis Top. Diet.; Gaz. Ireland; Gale's Corporate Bystem.)

    An Inquisition, made 30th April, 1633, finds that Thomas, late Earl of Londonderry, to have been seized in fee of the manors, towns, and lands of Gallenridgewaie alias Ballynekill, Killneshane, Killcronan, Killrush alias Kilbruskye, Boleynebane, Knockardagurra, Graignehewne, Bolybegg, Disertgallen, Lisscolman, Graignesmuttan, Rossacashell, Cloghog, Moyad, Ballykeshlan alias Ballykesslan, Graig, Bally venas, Tullyore alias Tullymore alias Clontigno, Lissboigne alias Lissbigne, Monclere and Dooghill, all which contain 1 large mansion, 100 messuages, 1 dovecote, 2 water-mills, 1 fulling-mill, 1 iron-mill, and 1,421 acres of land of the small measure, in the barony of Cullenagh ; and a court leet and court baronial to be held

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 97

55. Mother McAuley's arrival in Carlow, 1837

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1837

    Mother Catherine McAuley and Sisters travelled by mail coach to Carlow on 10 April 1837 amid damp weather, and were greeted by a large welcoming crowd, bishop and clergy, before a Te Deum in the Cathedral and hospitality at the College.

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    A sum of £7,000, bequeathed to the Bishop, Dr. Nolan, in 1836, by Mr. Michael Nowlan, a trader in the town of Carlow, led to the Foundation of the first Convent of the Order in the Diocese, at Carlow, in the following year. A donation of £3,000 from Mr. John Nowlan, brother to their original benefactor, enabled the Sisters, shortly after, to set about the erection of their present fine Convent. The arrival of Mother Catherine McAuley, and the other Sisters, at Carlow, is amusingly related in Leaves from the Annals of a Sister of Mercy , Vol. I., p. 177 : — At length all preparations for the foundation were finished, and reverend Mother, accompanied by six Sisters, four of whom were to remain, set out for Carlow on the 10th of April, 1837. The morning was damp and gloomy, and the weather did not brighten much as the day wore on. The uneasy, jolting vehicle, known as Purcell’s Mail-Coach, which had been chartered for the party, sped at something better than a snail’s pace through the Counties of Dublin and Kildare to the fair inland town of Carlow. As the Sisters approached their new home, they found that the inclement weather had not prevented bishop, clergy, and laity from coming far outside the town to give them a hearty welcome. A goodly procession, or rather crowd, flanked the clumsy stage , as the tired horses toiled slowly up to the coach-office. After many hearty greetings, and a fervent Te Deum in the Cathedral, the travellers were escorted to the College, which stands in a noble, well-shaded park. The venerable President (Dr. Andrew Fitz- Gerald, O.P.) who stood at the gate in all his dignity to receive them, led them to the great hall. Never was “ the president and provincial ” in higher spirits. The doctor’s speech, usually characterized by a pleasant quaintness, on this occasion was uncommonly facetious. No doubt the dear, simple old man, ended by thinking that speeches to introduce nuns were as much in his line as the reception and profession sermons he considered his forte. Next in order came a grand collation in the President’s sanctum. These extraordinary doings half bewildered the weary travellers, to whom such honours were as distressing as they were unexpected. The bishop, however, simple and ascetic in his own tastes, came to their relief, by conveying to them a pressing invitation to accept the hospitality of the Presentation Convent. Mother McAuley, anxious to begin her work at once, declined to remain over-night with the Presentation Sisters, and proceeded thence, after a visit of some hours, to their new home. The Mother Superior of the new com-

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 393

56. Ormond and O'Neill's forces encamped at Graig, 1649

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1649

    Hugh Duv O'Neill's army of 5,000 foot and 400 horse joined the Earl of Ormonde's forces at Graig-na-managh, camping there from September to mid-October 1649 before being dispersed to New Ross, Kilkenny and Clonmel as Cromwell advanced.

    Read the passage

    forces, amounting to between 10,000 and 11,000 men. They lay at Graig from the beginning of September to the middle of October, when some were sent to garrison New Ross on the approach of Cromwell to that town, others to Kilkenny, under W. Butler, and O’Neill was sent to Clonmel, where he proved a formidable opponent to Cromwell.

    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.

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57. Owny O'More Ravages Leix and Slays Alexander Cosby, 1596

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1596

    According to the Four Masters, Owny son of Rory Oge O'More ravaged the territory of Leix in 1596 and slew Alexander Cosby, an English gentleman seated at Stradbally-Leix who held a large portion of the territory.

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    At the year 1596, the Four Masters relate the following : — “ Owny, son of Rory Oge, son of Rury Caech, son of Connell O’More, was at this time a gentleman (skilled) in the arts of war ; and Leix was totally ravaged by him, both its crops, corn, and dwellings, so that there was nothing in the territory outside the lock of a gate, or a bawn, which was not in his power. He slew a gentleman of the English, who was (seated) at Stradbally-Leix, who possessed a large portion of the territory by authority of the sovereign, namely (Alexander) Cosby, the son of Master Franns.” Mr. Hardiman has given the following

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 339

58. Piers Butler of Barrowmount slain after battle of Lampston

    Barrowmount · townland · Kilkenny · 1650

    Piers Butler of Barrowmount, a captain of horse in the King's army, was taken prisoner at the battle of Lampston and slain by Captain Wm. Bolton in 1650 after safe quarter had been given, while his father was still living.

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    Thomas, the younger son, died in 1667, and by Catherine, daughter of Geoffrey Fanning of Ballingarry, had an only daughter, Anne, born in 1663, and married to William Coke, of Painstown, now called Oak Park, near Carlow, who was governor of that county for King James II. Piers, the elder son, of Barrowmount, was a captain of horse in the King’s army, and, being taken prisoner in the battle of Lampston, was slain (after safe quarter given), by Captain Wm. Bolton, in 1650, his father being still living. This Piers Butler had married, in November, 1626, Margaret, second daughter of Nicholas Vis-

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 196

59. Ralph Gore's famous racehorse match on the Curragh, 1751

    Curragh · townland · Kildare · 1751

    An old 1752 map of County Kildare depicts a race on the Curragh on 5 September 1751 for 1000 guineas, in which Sir Ralph Gore's horse Black and all Black won with ease against the Earl of March's Bajazet.

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    This village owes its name partly to the family of Gore, who established themselves here towards the close of the 17th century, and partly to the bridge, which here spans the Barrow, uniting the Counties of Carlow and Kilkenny. It was also sometimes named Newbridge. Arthur Gore obtained from King Charles II. grants of land in this neighbourhood, forfeited by Irish Papists. — (See Inquisition taken at Thomastown, 14th Sept., 28 Chas. 2nd). Ralph Gore built his residence on an elevation opposite the site of the Butler residence at Barrowmount. He was interred at Powerstown, but on the recent demolition of that church, the mural slab was removed to the Protestant Church of Goresbridge. The inscription is — “ Here lyes ye Body of Ralph Gore, Esq., late of Barrowmount, in ye County of Kilkenny, son of Sr John Gore of Lecum in Hertfordshire, Knight, who departed ye life ye 12th day of December, 1721. Aged 68 years.” Another Ralph Gore, probably son to this, is reported to have been a great racing character. An embellishment on an old map of the Co. of Kildare, published in 1752, exhibits a grotesque sketch of a race, under which is the following : — “ A Prospect of the great Match Run on the Curragh, Sept. 5th, 1751, for 1000 guineas, Between

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    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here on the Curragh, a great horse race was run on 5 September 1751 for 1000 guineas. A map of County Kildare published the next year carries a sketch of the match, with the inscription: "A Prospect of the great Match Run on the Curragh, Sept. 5th, 1751, for 1000 guineas." Sir Ralph Gore's horse Black-and-all-Black won with ease against the Earl of March's Bajazet. Gore was known as a great racing character, probably the son of another Ralph Gore who built his residence on an elevation opposite the Butler seat at Barrowmount. The elder Gore died 12 December 1721, aged 68. His family had established themselves in this part of the country towards the close of the 17th century, after Arthur Gore received land grants from King Charles II, land forfeited by Irish Papists. The elder Ralph Gore was buried at Powerstown, but when that church was demolished his memorial slab was moved to the Protestant church at Goresbridge.

60. Siege and relief of Carlow, 1642

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1642

    Sir Patrick Wemys was sent from Athy with troops of the Earl of Ormond's army to relieve Carlow, which was defended by 700 men who fled after firing the town. 500 starving English were released from the Castle.

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    A.D. 1642. On the 3rd of April, Sir Patrick Wemys was despatched from Athy, with four troops of the Earl of Ormond’s army, to relieve Carlow. It was defended by 700 men who fled on his approach, first having fired the town. 500 English were released from the Castle almost starved. ( Anth . Hib.)

    1647. The Castle was invested by the Confederates under General Preston, on the night of the 10th of April ; after sustaining a siege of nearly a month, it surrendered on the 2nd of May. As sood as the news of this success reached Kilkenny, on the 3rd of May, the feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross, a solemn Te Deum in thanksgiving was sung in St. Mary’s Church in presence of the Supreme Council and civic authorities, and great was the rejoicing that the town which “for a hundred and ten years had been a nest of heresy,” ( Rinuccini MSS.) and which was the only place of any importance in Leinster outside of Dublin now siding with the enemy, was at length secured for the Confederate cause. (Paper by Bp. of Ossory , Transactions O.A.S. Vol. III. pt. 4, p. 347.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 40