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. Aengus's vision of angels at Coolbanagher inspires the Feilire

   Coolbanagher · townland · Laois

   At Coolbanagher, St. Aengus was favoured with a vision of angels, which first suggested to him the composition of his celebrated metrical hymn, the Feilire or Festilogium.

   Read the passage

   He next visited Coolbanagher, where he was favoured with a vision of angels. This circumstance, the details of which are given in Vol. 2, p. 144, first suggested to him to compose his celebrated metrical hymn in honour of the saints, called the Feilire or Festilogium, of St. Aengus. He committed this work to writing at the Monastery of Tallaght, county Dublin, where he entered as a lay brother or farm servant, in which humble capacity he spent seven whole years. At the end of that time it was accidentally discovered who he was. St. Aengus returned afterwards to Clonenagh, where he died on the 11th of March, and was buried, sometime between the years 819 and 830. St. Aengus was the author of several works, the chief of which are the Feilire , or Festilogium ; the Calendar of the Saints , called the Martyrology of Tallaght ; and the Litany of the Saints. He also wrote, as Ware records, “ De Sanctis Hiberniae, lib. 5 the

   *Cete-De, i.e.y Servant of God. “Quae vox, Latine reddita, Dei colam seu Amadeum designat.” — Colgan.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 279

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here at Coolbanagher, St. Aengus was favoured with a vision of angels. That vision first suggested to him the composition of his celebrated metrical hymn in honour of the saints, called the Feilire, or Festilogium. He committed the work to writing at the Monastery of Tallaght in county Dublin, where he entered as a lay brother or farm servant and spent seven whole years in that humble capacity before it was accidentally discovered who he was. He returned afterwards to Clonenagh, where he died on the 11th of March and was buried sometime between the years 819 and 830. He was the author of several works, chiefly the Feilire, the Martyrology of Tallaght, and the Litany of the Saints, and as Ware records, he also wrote De Sanctis Hiberniae.

2. Ancient crosses brought to Graig from Auchailten and Ballyogan

   Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny

   Two ancient crosses inserted in the church wall near the vestry, erroneously said to have come from Ullard, actually originating at Auchailten and Ballyogan, decorated with biblical scenes including the Crucifixion and Abraham's Sacrifice.

   Read the passage

   Inserted in the wall, near the vestry, are two ancient crosses, said (erroneously) to have been brought from Ullard by Father Braughall. One of these formerly stood at Auchailten, and the other at Ballyogan. These are described by O’Neill, — Sculptured Crosses of ancient Ireland: — “The smaller cross has at the top what are intended for human figures ; perhaps the Apostles Peter and Paul. In the centre is Christ crucified, with the sponge and spear bearers as on the cross at Ullard ; next we have Adam and Eve, with the tree of knowledge ; below these, Abraham’s Sacrifice; and, at the bottom, an injured panel that cannot be made out. The other cross has Christ Crucified, and some bold tracery.” — (See Illustration .)

   The Butler Monument is a handsome and imposing tablet inserted in the wall of the Church. It was erected to the memory of Edward, first Viscount Galmoy, and his wife Anne Butler. Under the Armorial bearings is inscribed the motto : Non Fortior quam Justus. Then the titles of the deceased are set forth : “ Edvardus Butler, Eques Auratus, illmu3 ac nobmus, primus Vicecomes de Galmoyle, Dominus de Longrange, Barrowmonte, Balliogan, etc.” It describes him as of noble descent, upright, courteous, prudent, generous, hospitable, zealous for the true faith, a useful public servant, and the best of parents towards his many children, etc. The epitaph concludes with a request for prayers, and a reminder to the reader that he, too, shall soon die : — “ Bene illis precare viator , et te mortalem ac moriturum, cogita.”

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 205

3. Ballinakill granted market and fair status in 1606

   Ballinakill · town · Laois · 1606–1612

   Ballinakill, meaning 'town of the wood', was not made a market town until 1606, when a grant of a market and fair was made to Sir T. Coatch, proprietor of the Manor of Gallen, followed by a charter of incorporation from King James I in 1612.

   Read the passage

   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

4. Bishop Delany founds Confraternity and Sisters of St Brigid at Tullow

   Tullow · town · Carlow · 1807

   Bishop Delany, resident at Tullow, established a Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament for religious instruction of children, and on the Feast of St Brigid in 1807 founded the first convent of the Sisters of St Brigid there with six young women.

   Read the passage

   When Dr. Del any became Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, in 1788, the Penal enactments by which the Irish Catholics had been so long fettered, were beginning to be somewhat relaxed. The Bishop had been long and painfully cognizant of the evils which existed amongst his people, and which were the almost necessary consequence of these debasing laws, especially with regard to the due observance of the Lord’s Day. Long and strenuously, but to little purpose, did the Bishop labour to remedy these abuses. At length he determined to direct his attention in an especial manner to the training and education of the young, as the means by which to bring about the wished-for reforms. To ensure the success of this project, he began, by establishing at Tullow, where he resided, a Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament. This Confraternity was composed of some of the most exemplary of his parishioners ; and a special duty of its members was the religious instruction of the children in the parish church, on Sundays and holidays. As time went on, one great difficulty presented itself, namely, that of having a constant and sufficient staff of competent persons willing to devote themselves to this meritorious work. This, and the experience of the immense advantages arising from the Sunday schools, led the Bishop to think seriously of founding a Religious Congregation, which should meet the immediate want, and the members of which should, besides attending to their own sanctification, labour earnestly in the catechetical instruction of the children in the church on Sundays, and also attend to the secular instruction of the female children of the parish. In this way he hoped to secure to various parishes in his diocese a permanent succession of devoted teachers. After weighing the matter long and seriously before God, joined to much earnest prayer for light and guidance, he decided upon carrying his cherished project into effect. To this end, he selected from amongst the most edifying members of the Confraternity, six young women whose great holiness of life rendered them fitting instruments in the hands of God for the accomplishment of a great work. They had been always under the Bishop’s own spiritual direction, and he had been, for a long time, preparing them for the Religious State by exercising them in the different virtues, to the constant practice of which they hoped to consecrate their lives. On the Feast of St. Brigid, in the year 1807, he assembled these young persons, and founded in Tullow the first Convent of the Institute. He gave the Sisters the Rule of St. Augustine, and the Directory

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 390

5. Butler family of Paulstown among Confederate Catholics 1647

   Paulstown · town · Kilkenny · 1647

   In the 1647 list of Confederate Catholics, Walter Butler of Paulstown, Baronet, appears among the Commons, alongside other Butler family members associated with Barrowmount and Lowgrange.

   Read the passage

   Butler, Viscount Galmoy, to whom the possessions of the Abbey of Graig-na-managh were granted, was also Lord of Lowgrange, Barrowmount, &c. A branch of this family was settled at Paulstown. In the list of Confederate Catholics, 1647, Edward Butler, Viscount Galmoy, appears amongst the temporal Peers, and Pierce Butler, of Barrowmount, and Walter Butler of Paulstown, Baronet, amongst the Commons. Colonel Walter Butler of Paulstown, figures prominently in connection with the death of Wallenstein.

   “ The death of Wallenstein, the principal figure in the 30 years’ war, has always been enveloped in mystery. Schiller’s tragedy, ‘ The Death of Wallenstein,’ that author’s masterpiece, has given the subject a world-wide renown, and invested the character of the hero of the drama with a grandeur which has not only caused posterity to deal leniently with his crimes, but to pass a harsh judgment on those who are supposed to have betrayed him to death. Recent researches have placed

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 307

6. Carved font stone and buried bell at Ballyogan

   Ballyogan · townland · Kilkenny

   At Ballyogan, in a field called Port-na-Teampull, a five-sided carved stone possibly a font base with Celtic crosses in relief was found, along with a cross socket stone, though no trace of the named church remains. A large bell dug up here was later carried to Dublin and sold, reputedly becoming the second-best bell in the city.

   Read the passage

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

   At a distance of a mile and a half up the river Barrow from Graig, and on the same side, are the ruins of the old castle of Clohastia. It appears to have been built to defend a ford on the river. It stands on the very edge of the water, which, in winter, washes its base. It was a square tower, battlemented at top. Only one wall, and part of another, are standing.

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 219

7. Castle of Rathvilly and its palatine lords

   Rathvilly · town · Carlow · 1347–1537

   The Castle of Rathvilly stood behind the new church site, possibly built by De Lacy. In 1347 Edward III granted the County of Catherlough, including Rathvilly, to Thomas Brotherton, Duke of Norfolk, held in capite until Henry VIII's reign.

   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

8. Castle of Shean, one of Mortimer's eight defensive castles

   Shean · townland · Cork · 1346–1397

   The castle of Shean, standing on a conical hill in Straboe parish, was one of eight castles erected by Roger Mortimer in 1346 as defences for his fortress at Dunamase. It later passed through various owners including Sir Richard Preston and George Delves.

   Read the passage

   This ancient parish now forms portion of the union of Maryborough. The site of the old church is in Straboe townland, where some remains of it may still be seen, surrounded by an ancient burial-ground. The castle of Shean (Siclhean, i.e. “a fairy mount,”) stands within this parish, on one of those high conical hills so common in the vicinity. This was one of the eight castles erected by Roger Mortimer, in 1346, as defences of his chief fortress and residence at Dunamase. Sir Richard Preston held it of Roger Mortimer, in 1397, as of the castle of Dunamaske, in right of his wife Margaret. In Patent Rolls ( Morrin , 523,) we find the Queen writing to the Lord Deputy, March 5th, 1569, granting licence for George Delves to alienate the castle of Shyan, with the lands adjoining, also a letter of Attorney, dated April 9th following, whereby George Delves authorizes Sir William Fitzwilliams to surrender the letters patent made to him by the Queen, of the castle and lands of

   Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 263

9. Collapse of the Maiden's Tower at Clonmore Castle in 1848

   Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1848

   The castle's north-west tower, known as the Maiden's Tower, was originally 60 feet high with stone stairs, but nearly the whole tower fell in 1848.

   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

10. Colonel Gore's debt and flight to America, 1803

    Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1803

    The last of the Gores to reside at Goresbridge was Colonel Gore, who in 1803 got into debt, fled to America, and died there; the property was subsequently purchased by the Clifden family.

    Read the passage

    Black and all Black, Belonging to the Honble. Sr Ralph Gore, and Bajazet , the Property of the Rt. Honble. the Earl of March, won with Ease by the former.” A Return made in 1766 ( see Appendix) of the Parishes of Grange Sylvia and Kilmacahill, is signed by Manly Gore, Rector of Powerstown, and Curate of Grange Sylvia and Kilmacahill ; he was, no doubt, a member of this family. The last of the Gores who resided here was Colonel Gore, 1803. He got into debt, fled to America, and died there. The property was purchased by the Clifden family.

    An humble chapel stood a little to the right of the entrance to the present church ; this latter was built by the Rev. Lewis Moore, P.P. of Graignamanagh, of which parish this district was then a part, and so continued until the year 1822. A chalice, still in use at Goresbridge, bears his name. A convent of the Sisters of St. Brigid was established at Goresbridge in 1858, about which, and its Branch-house at Paulstown, see Appendix. Within the Convent enclosure is interred the founder and chief benefactor of this, and other religious institutions within the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. A beautiful and massive Gothic cross marks his grave, on the plinth of which is the following inscription : — “ Erected in memory of Edward Lyons of Finniscourt. In habits simple, in purpose firm, in disposition upright and religious, this good man noiselessly pursued the even tenor of his way. The worldly goods with which Providence blessed his industry were employed by him chiefly for the promotion of the interests of Education and Religion. His donations for these purposes were truly magnificent. His edifying earthly career was closed by a peaceful and happy death, on the 3rd November, 1869. Aged 87 years. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 313

11. Construction and monuments of Carlow Cathedral

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1828

    The Cathedral Church of the Assumption at Carlow was commenced on 18th March 1828 on the site of the old chapel; three Bishops of Kildare and Leighlin (Doyle, Nolan, Haly) are buried before the High Altar, and Hogan's monument to J.K.L. adorns the building.

    Read the passage

    The Cathedral Church, dedicated under the Invocation of the B.V. Mary, Assumed into heaven, was commenced on the 18th of March, 1828. For particulars see Vol. 1, p. 104. It is described by Lewis as “ an elegant cruciform structure, in the later English style, with a lofty tower at the western extremity of the nave, surmounted by a lantern of beautiful design, terminating at a height of 151 feet from the base : it occupies the site of the old chapel, and is a rich ornament to the town.” From the grants made, in 1484, to St. Mary’s Abbey, Dublin, of u the advowson and patronage of the parish church of the B.V. Mary, at Carelagh,” — ( vide supra) it appears that this parish has, from early times, been placed under the patronage of the Mother of God. Three Prelates of Kildare and Leighlin, Dr. Doyle, Dr. Nolan, and Dr. Haly, repose before the High Altar. Hogan’s masterpiece, the monument of J.K.L., adorns the Cathedral, and recently a memorial window has been placed in the N. transept to Dr. Keeffe, the Bishop who founded the adjoining College, and who died in 1787. In the S. transept, a painted window, to the memory of the Rev. James Butler, Administrator of Carlow, has been placed by the people of the parish. The Cathedral occupies the site of the previous parish church built by Dean Staunton soon after his appointment, in 1787, to the Parish of Carlow. Dr. Delany, in his Reply to Queries, in 1800, refers to it as “a very elegant chapel, lately built within a few paces of the seminary.” The fine stone gate-way now forming the entrance to the Convent of Mercy, formerly stood at this Church ; it bears the initials of Dr. Staunton, H.S., and the date, 1792, which probably indicates the time of the completion of the church. An humble chapel, which preceded this, stood between the College and the Dublin Road.

    The Convent of the Presentation Order was founded at Carlow in 1810, and that of the Sisters of Mercy, in 1837. Details regarding these Houses and their Branches will be found in the Appendix.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 46

12. Curative wells of St. Patrick near Ballyadams Castle

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois

    Near the castle at Ballyadams are two ancient wells, sunk about two feet into solid rock, whose water was supposed to have had curative properties imparted to it by St. Patrick.

    Read the passage

    Near the castle are two ancient wells, sunk some two feet in the solid rock, the water of which is supposed to have had curative properties imparted to it by St. Patrick. — (Lewis' Top. Diet.)

    An Inquisition, taken at Maryborough, 14th January, 1622, finds that Robert Bowen was seized in fee of the following : — the castle, town and lands of Ballyadame, the town and lands of Rathgilbert, the castle, town and lands of Ballentobrid alias Fontstowne, parcel of the lands called Dirrearowe, the towns of Crevagh and Ballitarsney, the town and lands of Killaganor, and the town and lands of Downebrinne, Ballintle, Killmohoide, Farraghmore, and Monestrebane ; all which premises contain a total of 902 acres. These were (with other possessions) granted to the said Robert Bowen and his heirs in tail, by letters patent of Queen Elizabeth, dated 31st of August, 1578, and are now held of the king in capite by military service . . . The

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 118

13. Death of Rev. Patrick Fitzsimon from typhus caught ministering to flock

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1876

    Rev. Patrick Fitzsimon, Administrator of Tullow, died on January 15th, 1876, aged 43, of typhus fever caught while imparting the consolations of religion to the suffering members of his flock.

    Read the passage

    “In the most holy name of Jesus, pray for the soul of the Rev. Patrick Fitzsimon, Administrator of Tullow, who died January 15th, 1876, in the 43rd year of his age, of Typhus fever, caught while imparting the consolations of religion to the suffering members of his flock. This Tablet and our Lady’s altar opposite, have been erected in affectionate remembrance, by his grateful parishioners and grieving friends. May he rest in Peace.”

    The fine, graceful Gothic tower and spire were erected by the Rev. Thomas Nolan, when Administrator of the parish.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

14. Discovery of cinerary urns near the Black Castle

    Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1793

    Towards the end of the eighteenth century numerous coarse earthenware urns containing only dust were discovered in a garden near the ruins of the Black Castle, placed in low, narrow vaults. The author argues these were likely a pagan Irish cemetery rather than relics of the Carmelite monastery as previously claimed.

    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

15. Fr. James Purcell's catechetical stations at Clonegall

    Clonegall · town · Carlow · 1758–1810

    Educated at Salamanca and deeply versed in Canon Law, Fr. James Purcell served the Clonegall parish for 51 years, giving Sunday catechetical instruction and interrogating parishioners on it at weekly Stations.

    Read the passage

    James Purcell, after presiding over the Parish for 51 years, died 24th January, 1810, aged 92. Fr. Purcell was educated at Salamanca, and appears to have been deeply versed in Canon Law. We find the Bishop, Dr. Delany, availing himself of his services as a Canonist. (See letter in chapter on Baltinglass.) It is related of him that he was accustomed to give a catechetical instruction to the congregation on Sundays, and afterwards interrogate his people at the Stations during the week on the subject of the instruction of the preceding Sunday.

    Thomas Cummins succeeded. He died, as his epitaph testifies, on the 14th of March, 1818, aged 63.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 168

16. Fr Thomas Reugh injured and sheltered at Ratellick, 1612

    Killabban · townland · Laois · 1611–1612

    Dr Ram's 1612 return of priests noted that Thomas Reugh, priest, had been keeping about a twelvemonth previously at the house of Garrat McTeg of Ratellick in the parish of Killabban, where he lay recovering from a broken arm.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Reugh appears as the priest of this district in 1612. In Dr. Ram’s Return of that date (See Vol. 1, p. 242), “of priests resorting the diocese and the ordinary harbourers of them” — he names “Sir Thomas Reugh, priest, keeping about a xii. month since at the house of Garrat McTeg of Ratellick, in the parish of Killabban : where (his arm being broken) he lay at cure, but since I have not heard of him.”

    Bryan Moore was appointed P.P. in 1686. In the Registry of 1704, he is returned as residing at Ballinagawle in the barony of Slemaregagh, aged 49 and some months, P.P. of Killabban, Grange- Shruile, and Sletty, now and for eighteen years past, was ordained at Cloghilla, Co. Kilkenny, in 1678, by Dr. James Phelan, Bishop of Ossory, and his sureties were Theobold Denn of Killabban, gent., and Thomas Muleahill ( Mulhall ) of Doonane, gent. He was still P.P. in 1733, as appears from Dean Skelton’s List (Vol. 1, p. 274), In the burial-ground at Arles, a stone marks the grave of the Rev. Bryan Moore, who departed this life August the 3rd, 1746, aged years.” The

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 73

17. Fr. William Travers flees Baltinglass in 1798, dies in Ballyadams

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Rev. William Travers, parish priest of Baltinglass, was forced to flee that place in 1798 and ended his days in the parish of Ballyadams.

    Read the passage

    John Brennan is named as P.P. of Tullomoy and Ballyquillane, in a Return of 1766 (See Appendix). The time when this pastor died has not been ascertained. He was living in March, 1770, as we learn from a letter of Dr. Keeffe of that date (Vol. II., p. 251). The line of succession for some time after the demise of Fr. Brennan is uncertain. A Father Dooley is supposed to have succeeded Fr. Brennan. It is also stated that Rev. James O’Neill , who became P.P. of Maryborough in 1789, had charge of the parish of Ballyadams for some time previous. Rev. Wm. Travers, P.P. of Baltinglass, from which place he had to fly in 1798, ended his days in this parish.

    Rev. James Byrne, Parish Priest of his native parish, Luggacurren, Ballyadams, and Wolfhill, died on the 7th of February, 1816, and is interred at Clopoke. — (Note by his grand-nephew, the late Rev . James Kilbride, P.P. of Clonmore).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Baltinglass now, a town in Wicklow. In 1798, its parish priest, Father William Travers, had to flee from here. The records don't say what forced him out, only that he had to fly. He ended his days in the parish of Ballyadams, never able to return to the place he had served.

18. Great slaughter near Baltinglass Abbey, 1316

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1316

    In 1316, near the Abbey of Baltinglass, a great slaughter occurred in which about 300 people were killed, as recorded by Clyn.

    Read the passage

    A.D. 1316. Circa Octavas Baptistae, fit magna strages juxta Abbaciam de Balkynglas, ubi circiter 300 occiduntur. ( Clyn.)

    A.D. 1322. John was Abbot; and was succeeded by Donatus. (Harris’s Collect, p. 237.)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, this is where a great slaughter took place in 1316, near the abbey. The chronicler Clyn records that about 300 people were killed here, around the feast of the Baptist. By 1322, John was abbot of the abbey, and was succeeded by Donatus.

19. Holy well and mysterious tumulus at Castlemore

    Castlemore · townland · Carlow

    Within the Eustace demesne at Castlemore lies a well dedicated to St. Catherine, reputed holy and long frequented by pilgrims, now protected by a wall. Nearby stands a remarkable 30-foot tumulus topped with a cut stone, with an apparent cave entrance on one side.

    Read the passage

    The Abbey of St. Thomas, Dublin, had possessions here; King James I., 20th of July, 1612, made a grant to William Brouncker, Esq., of one quarter of the town of Castlemore, containing six acres, great county measure (each containing 15 acres of the small measure), parcel of the estate of the late Monastery of Thomas Court; rent, 16s. 8d., to hold for ever, as of the Castle of Dublin, in common soccage. Within the demesne of Mr. Eustace, at Castlemore, there is a well, reputed Holy, named after St. Catherine, and which was much frequented by pilgrims up to recent times. The present proprietor has had it protected by a wall. There is a remarkable Tumulus at Castlemore ; it is about 30 feet in height, having on top a square cut stone 5 feet high. On one side of the mound there is an appearance as of an entrance to a cave underneath.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 111

20. Independent Sisterhood founded at Paulstown, 1830

    Paulstown · town · Kilkenny · 1830

    An humble Sisterhood was established at Paulstown by two pious women as far back as 1830, living a community life without formal vows, teaching school under the sanction of Dr Doyle and cooperation of the parish priest, later aggregated to the Goresbridge convent.

    Read the passage

    of the Visitation Order, by St. Francis de Sales, recommending them to study them carefully and adopt such portions of them as should be compatible with their duties, promising at the same time that he would help them in the selection. He placed the new Institute under the special protection of the glorious Saint Brigid, Patroness of Ireland and the tutelary saint of the diocese. The six Sisters lived in community, were clothed in a simple and modest secular garb, led retired and recollected lives, and practised great self-denial. They were soon joined by others whom their virtue attracted. In 1809, three Sisters were sent to establish a new House of the Order at Mountrath. The Bishop drew up the rules and constitutions of the Institute, according to its requirements, but before he could fully complete the work so dear to his heart by obtaining its approval at Rome, he was summoned to his eternal reward on the 9th of July, 1814. The Right Rev. Dr. Doyle evinced the deepest interest in the Congregation, encouraging the Sisters in their labours and assisting them constantly by his paternal advice and instructions. He revised the Rule, gave the Religious Habit to the Sisters, and added some new constitutions regarding Boarding-schools for young ladies, to open which the Sisters had obtained his permission. In 1845, the Right Rev. Dr. Haly when making his official visit to the Eternal City, brought with him a copy of the Rules and Constitutions for approval, which was duly accorded and notified in a communication from Cardinal Franzoni, Prefect of Propaganda Fide. Rev. Thomas Nolan, who had been Administrator at Tullow, on his appointment to the pastoral charge of Abbeyleix, applied for and obtained a foundation of the Sisterhood for his parish. This community has since established a Branch House at Ballyroan, in the same parish. On the 27th of April, four Sisters left Tullow to found a House at Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny, where there is now a flourishing community. In the same parish, at Paulstown, an humble Sisterhood had been established by two pious females so far back as 1830. They were afterwards joined by others, and lived a community life, without, however, taking formal vows. There they taught school and devoted themselves to other works of piety, under the sanction of Dr. Doyle, and with the co-operation of the P.P., the Rev. James Maher. This House has since been aggregated to the Convent of Goresbridge, and the two original founders have lived to become professed Sisters of the Order of St. Brigid. Dr. Murray, Bishop of Maitland, Australia, on the occasion of a visit paid to Ireland in 1883, asked for a community of the Order for his distant diocese ; in compliance with which, six Sisters have since left Mountrath for Coonamble, N.S.W., where they have established the first Convent of St. Brigid under the Southern Cross. In 1885, Dr. Crane, another Australian prelate, obtained a community of four Sisters from Tullow, who sailed for Echuca, Diocese of Sandhurst, Victoria, on the Feast of the Epiphany, 1886. — Communicated .

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 391

21. Inquisition details Hedrington's castle and lands at Ballyroan

    Ballyroan · town · Laois · 1570

    An Inquisition taken at Maryborough in 1570 records that Gingkene Hedrington died seized of the town and castle of Ballyroan and surrounding townlands, previously taken from the rebel Moores, and was himself slain by the Moores.

    Read the passage

    Maryborough, by the service of the 20th part of a knight’s fee, and which was evicted and taken from the rebels the Moores, late called Leix, and now parcel of her crown and inheritance, as by authority and effect of an Act of Parliament, etc., at large appeareth. The said Gingkene and his heirs males are bound to pay yearly into the hands of the sub-treasurer or general receiver of Ireland, for and to the use of the said lady Queen, her heirs and successors for all the said premises, the sum of £11 7s. 2d. Irish, and also he and his heirs male forever, shall give on custom plough day, yearly, to the use of the castle of Maryborough, for every plough that is then ploughing on the ground. He and his heirs male are bound to have, keep and maintain continually upon the said castle, lands, and all the aforesaid premises, three horsemen, natives of England, both of name and blood, for the better inhabiting and preserving the premises ; and they shall have good and sufficient horses and harness and, upon lawful warning, give attendance with most part of their household and family, in their defensible array, with three days’ victuals, to attend for the defence of the said country. The said Gingkene Hedrington was slain by certain rebels of the Moores, and died the 12 th of July in the year aforesaid. Davie Hedrington is the son and heir of the said Gingkene, and is of the age of 22 years and above. — Inquis. Lagen.

    Kilfoelan.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

22. Ireton's siege and capture of Carlow, 1650

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1650

    Ireton closely invested Carlow Castle and sent a summons to Captain Bellew, the Governor, to surrender. After Ireton left for Waterford, Sir Hardress Waller battered and took the castle, which surrendered on 24th July 1650.

    Read the passage

    1650. The Castle was closely invested by Ireton and the republican army. On the 2nd of July Ireton sent a summons to Captain Bellew, Governor of the Castle, to surrender ; to this a reply was sent demanding three days to consider, which was granted. Ireton then proceeded to Waterford, leaving a considerable force under command of Sir Hardress Waller, Major- General of the Foot, to prosecute the siege. Sir H. Waller battered the castle with cannon doing it much damage ; after that,

    PARISH OF CARLOW.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

23. Monastery and Castle Walls Demolished by Sir Anthony Weldon

    Stradbally · town · Laois

    The monastery and castle of Stradbally stood side by side by the bridge, with portions of their walls remaining until about seventy years before writing, when they were thrown down by Sir Anthony Weldon to build new out-offices; a vaulted chamber survives.

    Read the passage

    and castle stood side by side, adjoining the bridge. Portions of the walls of both were standing up to seventy years ago ; they were thrown down by Sir Anthony Weldon when building the present out-offices. A vault yet remains; it has a groined top, the arch of which appears to have been turned upon wattles. Just outside the town, to the north, is a hill called Knocknabraher, “ the friar’s hill,” which, no doubt, formed part of the possessions of the monastery.

    August 18th, 1592, the Queen being seized of this friary, and all its appurtenances, and also of a mill with a mill-race in Stradbally, and of the several castles, messuages, cottages, gardens, and orchards, with 345 acres of land in the townlands of Stradbally, Ballynowlan, Kylrorye, Ballerereader, Loghill Parck, Ballecolman, Ballemadock, Kilmarter, the Grange of Garremadock, Clonvenoak, Ballenvicar, Kylmogoo, Moyannoghe, Correill, Racreaghen, Clodust, Noghmald, Shanmollen, Ballemachtaubs, and Derebrock, all in the Queen’s County ; the same were granted to Francis Cosby and his heirs and assigns, to hold as of the Castle of Maryborough, in capite, by knight’s service or the 20th part of a knight’s fee, and at the annual rent of £17 6s. 3d. Irish money; they to find yearly nine English horsemen (Chief Remembrancer). 4th Dec., 1609, a new grant of these lands was made to Richard, son of Alexander Cosby, together with the townland or lordship of Timahoe. — (. Auditor-General ).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 338

24. Monument to Rev. Michael McDonald at Killeshin church, erected by Bishop Doyle 1823

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1823

    A monumental inscription at the present Catholic church of Killeshin commemorates Rev. Michael McDonald, who built the chapel and improved the parish's morals and piety before dying in the 7th year of his ministry and 32nd year of his age; the monument was erected by Bishop Doyle in 1823.

    Read the passage

    The humble chapel which preceded the present one, stood at the cross-roads of Clonmore, a short distance from the old church, on the road to Carlow. The site is marked on Cahill’s map of the Queen’s County, published in 1805. Opposite the site of the old chapel is, or rather was, the Spa of Killeshin, whose healing properties were learnedly set forth in a pamphlet on the subject, written by the late Dr. Francis Hayden of Carlow. The present Catholic Church was built some 65 years ago, as a monumental inscription set in its wall indicates: — “ D. 0. M. To the memory of the Rev. Michael McDonald, who, having erected this chapel, and improved by his labours and example the morals and piety of this parish, died in the 7th year of his ministry, and 32nd year of his age. This monument was erected by the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle, A.D. 1823.” Dr. Doyle resided at Olderrig in this parish at the time of the death of this young priest, to whose worth and holiness he paid this marked tribute. His lordship continued to occupy his Hermitage, as he playfully styled it, at Olderrig, until he removed to Braganza in 1826. Another priest lies buried at Killeshin, to whom a tablet has been erected with the following inscription : — “ Pray for the soul of the Rev. Michael Rafter, the faithful and zealous pastor of Graigue and Killeshin for seventeen years. He died January 18th, 1840, in the 44th year of his age. R.I.P.” The modern church is dedicated under the title of the Most Holy Cross, and has attached to it a Plenary Indulgence to be gained on the Feast of the Invention of the Most Holy Cross (3rd of May), or during its Octave (See Vol. I.,p. 316.) The Feast is celebrated with due solemnity every year on the Sunday within the Octave. The adjoining cemetery is tastefully laid out, and carefully kept. It contains several handsome monuments, many of them erected to the memory of deceased burghers of Carlow, with whom this has become a favourite place of interment.

    Sletty.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 236

25. Old church of St Michael at Tinnehinch and Michaelmas custom

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow

    An old church dedicated to St Michael stood at Tinnehinch, its ruins still visible, measuring 82 by 30 feet with small arched windows. The feast of St Michael remains a special local day marked by the curious custom of eating mutton pasties, tracing to an ancient tithe-offering ordinance from the 10th century.

    Read the passage

    On the side of the Barrow opposite to Graig-na-managh is the townland of Tinnehinch (Tigh na-hinch, i.e. the House of the Island, or river meadow). An old church stood here of which the ruins still remain ; it was a plain building, 82 feet long by 30 wide, and had a small arched window in each gable. This church was dedicated to St. Michael, whose festival is even still a special day in the neighbourhood ; a curious custom is kept up here of eating mutton pasties on that day. This practice, no doubt, originated in an ancient observance in this locality, referred to by Keating, p. 418. It appears that King Doncadh of Ossory, in the 10th century, was a pious prince, and liberal towards the Church and the poor. An instance of his solicitude for their wants is to be seen in his restoring an ordinance in honour of St. Michael the Archangel, instituted by Agneis, the wife of King Lseghaire MacNiall, “ who took on herself an obligation to bestow a sheep out of every flock she owned, and a portion of each meal to God’s poor,” — a practice observed through Ireland by all the converts of St. Patrick, — hence the custom of the Michaelmas sheep, and the Mir Michael , or “ Michael’s portion,” referred to by Keating. King Doncadh ordered three leather wallets to be kept in each house. In one of these the tithes of the meals were kept, in

    228

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 215

26. Outdoor Mass after chapel collapse at Rathdangan

    Rathdangan · townland · Wicklow · 1800–1802

    For nearly two years after the Rathdangan chapel fell, people heard Mass at a private house nearby, with the priest placing a temporary altar inside the doorway while the congregation knelt outside.

    Read the passage

    For nearly two years after the falling of the chapel of Rathdangan, the people of the neighbourhood heard Mass at a private house adjoining. The priest used to place the temporary altar inside the doorway, whilst the congregation knelt outside. The old chapel of Killenmote was then built.

    Ballymacrogh.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 226

27. Queen Elizabeth's 1570 charter of incorporation to Maryborough

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1570

    In 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted the inhabitants of Maryborough a Charter of incorporation conferring privileges equal to those of Naas, Drogheda, and Dundalk, together with a Thursday market.

    Read the passage

    A.D. 1570. Queen Elizabeth granted to the inhabitants of Maryborough a Charter of incorporation, which conferred upon them all the privileges enjoyed by those of Haas, Drogheda, and Dundalk, together with a market on Thursday. — Lewis’s Top. Diet.

    An Inquisition taken at Maryborough, 14th Aug., 1570, finds that Gingkene Hedrington, late of Ballyrone, died seized of the Castle of Ballirone and certain towns and lands in that locality, amounting to 484 acres, etc. “ He held all the aforesaid castle, houses, etc., of the ladie Quene, as of her castle and manor of Maryboroughe, by the service of the twentieth parte of a knight’s fee, and which was evicted and taken from the rebels the Moores, late called Leix, and were parcel of her crowne and inheritance as by authoritie and effecte of an Acte of Parliament holden at Dublin, within this realme of Ireland, the third and fourthe year of King Philip and Quene Marye, more at lardge appearethe. The saide Gingken and his heirs male are bounde to paye yearely unto the hands of the subtreasoror or Generali Deceiver of Ireland, for and to the use of the said ladie Quene, her heirs and successors, for all the saide premises the some of £11 7s. 2d., Irish, and also he, and his heirs male for ever, shall give on custom plowe day, yearly, to the use of the Castell of Maryborough, for every plowe that is then plowing on the ground e. He and his heirs male are bounde to have, keep and manteyne, contynally upon the said castle, lands, and all the aforesaid premises, thre horsemen of English native, both of name and blode, for the better inhabitinge and preservinge the premisses ; and they shall have good and efficient horses and harness, and, uppon lawful warninge, geve attendannee with moste parte of their houshould and familye, in there defensable array, with the dayes victualls, to attend for the defence of the saide countrye. The saide Gingkene Hedrington was slayne by certayne rebells of the Moores, and died the 12th of Julye in the year aforesaid. David Hedrington is the sonn and heire of the said Gyngkin, and is of the adge of 22 yeares and above.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 253

28. Round belfry and carved crosses at Ullard church

    Ullard · townland · Kilkenny

    A ruined church at Ullard shows a spiral stair suggesting a small round belfry built into the corner of the church, with corbels for an upper story still visible. Two other carved crosses stand in the churchyard, one depicting the Crucifixion, monkeys, and a harper.

    Read the passage

    tance of about 6 or 8 feet, where it becomes a spiral in a cylindrical chamber, now much dilapidated, but when perfect evidently bulged at a height of about 6 feet from the ground in the angle of the interior corner, and thus presents the appearance of a partially developed round tower in the inside of the church, while the thickness of the wall admitted this exterior sweep without breaking the squareness of the exterior quoin. How high this tower may have risen I cannot imagine.’ This spiral stair must have led to a chamber above, the corbels for the support of the upper story still remain. This description would lead to the conjecture that there was a small round belfry springing from the corner of the church. There was a fine stone cross standing here some time ago ; it still remains, but in an imperfect state. A representation of the Crucifixion, and some other carving of a curious description, — monkeys, and a very interesting one of a harper — appear on the eastern face of the cross. Two other crosses may be seen in the same churchyard, all of which have been described and illustrated by Mr. O’Neill in his ‘ Sculptured Crosses of Ancient Ireland.’ Two ancient carved stone crosses, now in the graveyard of Graig-na-managh, are said to have been brought from Ullard.” — ( Lord Lunraven’s Notes on Irish Architecture , Edited by Miss Stokes.)

    This fine ruin has been repaired and put in a state of preservation from the funds provided by the Protestant Church Disestablishment Act for the maintenance of buildings, &c., of national and historical interest.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 214

29. Ruined St Patrick church and Cummins vaults at Kelly's Town

    Kellistown · parish · Carlow · 1603–1788

    In 1788 a traveller described a large ruined church at Kelly's Town dedicated to St. Patrick, said to have been built by the saint himself, containing vaults of the Cummins family with a legible 1603 inscription.

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    “ 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

30. Ruins at Ballymaddock and the outlaw Cahir-na-capul's refuge

    Ballymaddock · townland · Laois

    In Ballymaddock townland stand the ruins of a building locally known as the Monastery and the castle of Ballymaddock. The outlaw Charles O'Dempsey, surnamed Cahir-na-capul, reputedly found asylum here during the tenancy of his uncle, a FitzGerald.

    Read the passage

    remaining gable there is a large rent or opening, near the ground, and over it a window of the same kind and proportions as the one just referred to. So far as conjecture may now be hazarded, a choir-arch seems to have turned over the lower opening, and under the window. This old church was used for Protestant service in the 17th century; the Liber Regalis Visitationis of 1615, describes “ the church and chancel in repair.” The name of this parish is surmised to mean Cill-Tidil, i.e. the Church of St. Tiedil ; in the calendar, 4 the seven Bishops of Cill-Tidil,’ are commemorated, but, as there are other places so called, it is impossible to decide to which of them the entry refers. In the townland of Ballymaddock, in this parish, are the ruins of two distinct buildings, quite contiguous to each other; one is locally known as the Monastery , the other is the castle of Ballymaddock. There is no evidence to show that a religious house existed here, nor do the ruins themselves afford any proof of their having been designed for that purpose. The probability is that it was an ancient castle or castellated mansion. The other building is designated on the Ordnance Map, ‘the house of Cahirnacapul, in ruins ,’ but is more generally known in the district as Squire Weaver’s house, a name, no doubt, derived from a former occupant. From Harris’s William III., it appears that John Weaver, Esq., lived at Ballymaddock in 1691, but this edifice dates further back than his time. In 1617, Bichard Cosby executed a lease of the lands of Ballymaddock, in favour of John Allen, for a term of 20 years ; this Allen may have been the builder. The outlaw, Charles O’Dempsey, surnamed Cahir-nacapul, is said to have found an asylum here during the tenancy of a FitzGerald who was, according to the tradition, his uncle. A large Bath is to be seen, near at hand, and, in an adjoining field, an elevation, which appears to have been formerly a place of interment. On the townland of Corrigeen the country people point out an object which they have been accustomed to call a Druid’s altar. It rests one edge partly on a ledge of rock, whilst its other edges are supported by large blocks of limestone, of which material also, the covering flag is composed. On top it has an irregular lozenge shape, and measures, diagonally, 8 ft. 9 inches in length, whilst the extreme diagonal breadth is 7 ft. 4 inches. In thickness it varies from 8 to 17 inches ; it slopes at an angle of about 20 degrees.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 266

31. Ruins of old church of Moyanna and Fr. Davies memorial cross

    Moyanna · townland · Laois · 1882

    The old church of Moyanna exists in ruins, measuring about 36 by 18 feet with a round-headed doorway and lancet window. The Rev. Francis Davies is interred here under a monumental cross recording that he died in 1882 of disease caught while ministering to a sick parishioner.

    Read the passage

    churches, rectories, and chapels of Moyanna, Corclone, Timahoe, etc. — (See Vol. //., p. 290, 1). The old Church of Moyanna exists in ruins ; it measured about 36 feet in length by 18 feet in width. The door- way which is in the west gable, is round-headed ; a small, narrow, lancet window appears in the east end. Portions of the four walls remain, the masonry of which is of a coarse description. The grave-yard in which the old church stands, is well enclosed, and a handsome entrance has been erected by Mrs. Grattan Bellew. The Rev. Francis Davies is interred here, over whose remains a fine monumental cross has been erected, bearing the following inscription : — “ Erected by the parishioners of Stradbally, Timahoe, and Vicarstown, in memory of their beloved Pastor, the Rev. Francis Davies, who died the 24th of May, 1882, aged 46 years. During 17 years he ministered in this parish, assisting the poor, instructing the ignorant, ever studying to be all to all to gain the erring one. Gentle and affable, the sick, the sorrowful and the forsaken found in him a self-sacrificing and generous friend, sedulous in labour to the end, he fell a victim of disease caught whilst ministering to one of his suffering flock. May his soul rest in peace with Jesus and Mary."

    Fort of Dunrally.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 355

32. Ruins of St. Mary's Nunnery at Graney Demolished c.1830

    near Grange Con · population centre · Wicklow · 1830

    The site of the ancient Nunnery of St. Mary's stood east of the village of Graney; its ruins, particularly observed by Pococke in his Itinerary, were totally pulled down about 1830. St. Mary's Well nearby has a flag-stone bearing marks locally believed to be Greek letters, giving it the name the Greek stone.

    Read the passage

    A short distance to the east of the village of Graney is pointed out the site of the ancient Nunnery of St. Mary’s. Pococke, in his Itinerary, particularly observes its ruins ; these were totally pulled down about the year 1830. St. Mary’s Well, in a flat marshy ground, is at the south-east extremity of the site of the nunnery. There is a flag-stone over the well, having ornaments upon it, which were supposed to be Greek letters, and hence it is called the Greek stone. {Note, Monast . Hib. New Edition)

    Knock Patrick.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 147

33. Segregated Protestant and Catholic burial grounds at Clonenagh

    Clonenagh · townland · Laois · 1788

    The graveyard adjoining the ruined church at Clonenagh is used chiefly for Protestant burials, while a separate cemetery on the opposite side of the road is used exclusively for Catholic interments, including at least three priests.

    Read the passage

    The site of this celebrated monastery is still well known — situate about a mile and a-half from Mountrath, on the road leading to Maryborough. Local tradition tells of there having been seven churches at Clonenagh ; these have now quite disappeared. There is a church in ruins here, but, according to the opinion of O’Donovan, it does not date further back than the 15th century. This old church, after being suffered to fall to ruin, was repaired, and used as a Protestant place of worship, up to a comparatively recent period. Archdall, writing in 1786 (Monast. Hib.) states that “ Clonenagh is now a parish church of the Diocese of Leighlin.” The adjoining grave-yard is used as a place of interment, chiefly of Protestants ; on the opposite side of the road is another cemetery, in which Catholics, exclusively, are interred. At least three priests lie interred here ; the tomb-stones are so over- run with weeds and grass, that it is very difficult to decipher them. After a vigorous application of brush and water, one of these revealed the following interesting inscription : — “ Here lieth the body of the Revd. Lawrence Colleton, Pastor of Clonenagh, Bachelor of Divinity in the Sorbonne, and Archdeacon of the Diocese of Leighlin, who departed

    this life, the of September, in the year of our Lord, 1788,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 282

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here once stood a celebrated monastery. Local tradition speaks of seven churches at Clonenagh, though they have quite disappeared. A church still stands in ruins, which O'Donovan dates no further back than the 15th century. It was repaired and used for Protestant worship, and Archdall, writing in 1786, called it a parish church of the Diocese of Leighlin. The graveyard adjoining the ruined church is used chiefly for Protestant burials, while a separate cemetery nearby is used exclusively for Catholic interments. At least three priests lie buried there, their tombstones so overrun with weeds and grass that they are very difficult to decipher. After brush and water were applied, one stone revealed its inscription: Here lieth the body of the Revd. Lawrence Colleton, Pastor of Clonenagh, Bachelor of Divinity in the Sorbonne, and Archdeacon of the Diocese of Leighlin, who departed this life in September 1788.

34. Suppression of Baltinglass Abbey, 1537

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1537

    John Galbally was the last Abbot of Baltinglass; upon suppression of the Abbey on 15th December 1537, he was granted an annual pension.

    Read the passage

    A.D. 1536. John Galballv was the last Abbot; on the suppression of the Abbey, 15th December, 1537, an annual pension was granted to him .—{King, p. 418.)

    By an Inquisition taken at Raiville ( Rathvilly ) die Mercurii prox. post festum Sti. Brendani, 23rd year of Henry VIII., the Abbot, John Gal bally, was found seized of the site, containing a castle, hall, dormitory, with two cellars, a chamber with a store beneath, a kitchen, granary, garden and orchard, and 24 messuages, 24 gardens, 24 acres of arable, 16 acres of pasture, 100 of wood, and a mill and water-course in Baltinglass, annual value, besides reprises, £3 3s. 4d. ; 16 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and one of wood, in Grange- Golden, annual value, besides reprises, 5s. 4d. ; 5 messuages, 20 acres of arable, and 8 of pasture, in Kilmoreth, annual value, besides 5 reprises, 26s. 8d. ; 8 acres of arable, 8 of pasture, and 3 of moor, in Ladiestown, annual value, besides reprises, 2s. 8d. ; 16 acres of arable, and 4 of pasture, in Hilltonstown. alias Shiltonstown, annual value, besides reprises, 6s. 4d. ; a castle, 1 messuage, 32 acres of arable land, 4 of pasture, and 4 of moor in Slerath, annual value, besides reprises, 20s.; 14 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and 4 of moor, in New Grange, annual value, besides reprises, 4s. 8d. ; 2 messuages, 16 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and 4 of wood, in Cargyn ( Carrigeen ), annual value, besides reprises, 26s. 8d. ; 4 messuages, 56 acres of arable, 4 of meadow, 4 of pasture, and 8 of moor, in Taghnawran ( Tinoran ), annual value, besides reprises, 4s. 4d.; 1 messuage, 12 acres of arable, and 8 of pasture with the appurtenances, in Rahyn, annual value, besides reprises, 10s. ; 8 acres of arable, and 2 of mountain, in Ballybratna^he, annual value, besides reprises, 3s. lOd. ; 8 acres of arable in Newtown, annual value, besides reprises, 2s. 8d. ; 21 acres of arable, and 2 of wood, in Monkswood, annual value,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass in County Wicklow, this is the town whose abbey was suppressed in 1537. John Galbally was the last abbot. On the 15th of December that year, the abbey was dissolved, and he was granted an annual pension. An inquisition taken at Rathvilly, in the 23rd year of Henry VIII, recorded what Abbot Galbally had held. The abbey site contained a castle, a hall, a dormitory, two cellars, a chamber with a store beneath, a kitchen, a granary, a garden, and an orchard. In Baltinglass there were 24 messuages, 24 gardens, 24 acres of arable land, 16 acres of pasture, 100 acres of wood, a mill, and a watercourse, worth 3 pounds, 3 shillings, and 4 pence a year. The abbey's lands spread across the surrounding townlands. Grange-Golden had 16 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and 1 of wood. Kilmoreth had 5 messuages, 20 acres of arable, and 8 of pasture. Ladiestown had 8 acres of arable, 8 of pasture, and 3 of moor. Hilltonstown, also called Shiltonstown, had 16 acres of arable and 4 of pasture. Slerath held a castle, a messuage, 32 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and 4 of moor. New Grange had 14 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and 4 of moor. Carrigeen had 2 messuages, 16 acres of arable, 4 of pasture, and 4 of wood. Tinoran held 4 messuages, 56 acres of arable, 4 of meadow, 4 of pasture, and 8 of moor. Rahyn had a messuage, 12 acres of arable, and 8 of pasture. Ballybratnahe had 8 acres of arable and 2 of mountain. Newtown had 8 acres of arable. Monkswood had 21 acres of arable and 2 of wood.

35. Suppression of Duiske Abbey and grant to Earl of Ossory

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1535–1541

    On the suppression of Duiske Abbey, a pension of £10 a year was assigned to Abbot Cavanagh, and the house was granted by Henry VIII to the Earl of Ossory in lieu of castles belonging to the Earl of Kildare.

    Read the passage

    This Abbot made a present to the Abbey (1524), of a beautiful cross of silver, richly gilt and adorned with precious stones ; he also (1525), purchased for this Monastery, expensive vestments, viz. : a cope, surplice, and two tunics (Dowling's Annals.) In 1535, foreseeing the approaching dissolution of his Abbey, he made a lease of a portion of the Abbey-lands to his kinsman, James, ninth Earl of Ormonde. On the suppression of this house, a pension of £10 a year was assigned to Abbot Cavanagh (King, p. 360). By Act 28, Henry VIII., the house was granted to the King, who was advised by the Deputy, Lord Gray, and other members of the Council, to give Dusque and other suppressed Abbeys to the Earl of Ossory, in lieu of castles belonging to the Earl of Kildare, and other territories then in his hands (State Papers , Vol. I., p. 436). Patrick Finglas, a Baron of the Exchequer, in his Decay of Ireland , presented to the King, says : — “ There are many abbeys near the said borders where the rebels dwell, which are a greater succour to rebels than to the King’s subjects, and should be suppressed. If they were inhabited by English lords and gentlemen, it would further the conquest of Connaught.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 195

36. The Graves burial ground for persecuted Catholics, Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow

    The burial ground called The Graves, near the Barrow on the north side of Carlow town, was granted to Catholics for burial of their dead during a time of persecution, after their parish church and cemetery had been taken over.

    Read the passage

    “ The burial-ground called The Graves lies near the Barrow on the north side of the town. It is said to have been granted by the Earl of Thomond when possessor of the castle and other extensive property, temp. James I. Dr. Doyle refers to it (' Collections , Vol. I. p. 85.) as “ a piece of ground adjoining the town which, in the time of persecution, had been granted to the Catholics for the burial of their dead, their parish Church and its cemetery having been appropriated to the use of the despoilers of the country.”

    Dr. Keeffe, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin is here interred.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 44

37. Tradition of Bishop McGuire buried in Clonegall church porch

    Clonegall · town · Carlow

    Local tradition holds that a Bishop named McGuire, related to a priest at Clonegall, died there and lies interred beneath what is now the porch of the present church.

    Read the passage

    There is a local tradition that a Bishop named McGuire, a relative to a priest at Clonegall, died here and lies interred in what is the porch of the present church. Within the church are tablets having the following inscriptions: — “>5* Hoc sub signo bellanti victoria certa est. Here lie the remains of the Rev. Patrick Dolan, P.P., who departed this life on the 7th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1842, of his age 59. He presided over the Parish of Hacketstown wisely and piously from 1821 to 1827. Translated to that of Clonegall — after 17 years of edification he closed (it is hoped) a holy life by dying the death of the saints, beloved and regretted by his people. Requiescat in Pace.”

    “Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Whelan, P.P., Clonegall, who died the 29th Oct,, 1866, aged 70 years. By word and example he instructed his flock to walk in the paths of Christian peace and holiness. Having fulfilled his ministry, he calmly closed his earthly career in the brightness of the blessed hope which sustains the faithful Christian. May he rest in Peace.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 163

38. Abbey ruins at Viewmount near Browne's Hill

    Viewmount · street · Longford · 634–1760

    An abbey said to be founded by St. Kieran around 634 stood at Viewmount, near Browne's Hill; three of its towers were reportedly still standing about 1760, with its latest remains later used as building materials for park walls.

    Read the passage

    In Additions to Gough’ s Camden , mention is made of “the ruins of a fine abbey founded at Carlow about the year 634.” It is stated by Brewer {Beauties of Ireland) and others, that an abbey was founded by St. Kieran, near Carlow, at the period above named. Brewer adds that this abbey stood at Viewmount, near the present Browne’s Hill, and that three of its towers were standing about the year 1760. The latest remains of this ruin were used as building m aterials for the park walls of Yiewmount House and Browne’s Hill. Some slight vestiges of an old ecclesiastical building, with a disused burial-ground attached, may still be seen at Castle Hill, Carlow, within a few perches of the Castle ; this is traditionally known as Mary’s Abbey ; but beyond this its history appears to be a complete blank. In all probability, its formation cannot be referred to a later date than the 14th century. The effigial tomb of Hartpole, Constable of Carlow, who died in 1594, aged 70, was found at this place some 50 years ago; it is stated that this monument was removed to Oak Park where, perhaps, it still remains. In Byan’s History of Co. Carlow published in 1833, p. 379, this tomb is referred to. “A tomb has lately been discovered with the following inscription : — Hie jacet Bobertus Hartpole Constabularius de Catherlach, Septuagenarius, interuit 3 Octobris 1594.” An engraving of this monument is given in the Memoirs of the Family of Grace . Sir Jonah Barrington, in his Personal Sketches, devotes a chapter to George Hartpole, the last male descendant of the Constable of Carlow.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Viewmount, near Browne's Hill, there was once an abbey said to have been founded by St. Kieran around the year 634. Writers record that three of its towers were still standing about 1760. The last remains of the ruin were later used as building materials for the park walls of Viewmount House and Browne's Hill. Not much else is known about it beyond what those accounts preserve.

39. Ancient monastery at Agha visited by Bishop Brandubh

    Agha · townland · Carlow

    A monastery existed at Agha from as early as the 6th century; St. Fintan of Clonenagh is linked to it through an account of Bishop Brandubh, who came seeking to join the monastic life and remained there until his death, as recorded in the Book of Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    The parish of Agha, in Carlow, takes its name from a very old church ruin, once an important religious foundation, which the Four Masters call Achadh-arghlais , ** the field of the green tillage.” — {Joyce). This parish is partly in the present union of Leighlin-Bridge, and partly in that of Bagnalstown, in which latter part the ruins of the old Church are situated. A monastery existed here from a very early date ; as early, at least, as the 6th century. Archdall is in error in stating that St. Fintan of Clonenagh, was Abbot here, though an incident in his life, published by Colgan, from the Book of Kilkenny {Marsh's Lib. Dub.) identifies him with this monastery. In it we read how “ a certain holy bishop named Brandubh, a wise, meek, and humble man, from the district of Hy-Kinsealach, which is the most remarkable part of Leinster, came to St. Fintan to embrace a religious life under his guidance ; and the holy bishop found the Abbot St. Fintan in the monastery which is called Acliadh- Finglaiss , in the district of Hy-drone, opposite to the city of {Old) Leighlin, to the east of the River Barrow. The holy Abbot was rejoiced at the arrival of the bishop, and said to him :

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 92

40. Ballyfin estate passes from O'Mores through Crosbie and Pole families

    Ballyfin · townland · Laois

    Ballyfin, originally O'More demesne land, was granted to Patrick Crosbie under Elizabeth, then forfeited after Sir John Crosbie's attainder for supporting Charles I, and granted to Piriam Pole; his descendant William Pole demolished the Crosbie castle and built a new house, later improved with woods and a lake.

    Read the passage

    brother of Sir John, and second son of Sir William Pole, of Shute, in Devonshire. His son, William Pole, pulled down the castle which had been erected by the Crosbies, and built a modern house on the site, which was destroyed by fire, and rebuilt by his son, and forms the north wing of the present edifice. He married Anne, daughter of Henry Colley, of the noble family of Mornington. He died in October, 1704, and was succeeded by Periam, his eldest son, who died unmarried on the 24th of April, 1748, and was succeeded by his brother, William, who, the same year, married Lady Sarah Moore, daughter of Edward, 5th Earl of Drogheda, and was, soon after, made a member of the Privy Council, and Governor of the Queen’s County. He much improved Ballyfin, planting woods, sinking the lake, and adding to the house. Dying in 1781, without issue, he left the estate to a distant cousin, the Hon. William Wesley or Wellesley, younger son of the Earl of Mornington, who assumed the name of Pole. The family of the present owner, Sir Charles Coote, acquired it by purchase. Most of the furniture of the saloon and ball-room was made for George IV. when Prince of Wales. — (Anth. Hib. July , 1794; Gazetteer of Ireland.)

    Buchlone.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

41. Battle of Rath-Edair references Magh-da-chon lords

    Moyacomb · parish · Carlow · 1087

    The Four Masters record the Battle of Rath-Edair (Hill of Howth) in 1087 between the men of Leinster and Munster, in which the Lord of Ui-Neill of Magh-da-chon (Moyacomb) was among those slain in a great slaughter of the Leinstermen.

    Read the passage

    Magh-da-clion, i.e. “the plain of the two hounds” (Joyce) This district is mentioned by O’Huidrin in his Topographical Poem, as being the ancestral patrimony of O’Neill of Leinster. Cernach, Lord of Ui Bairche tire, and of Magh-da-con, died a.d. 856. (McFirhis, p. 214.) The Four Masters, too, at the year a.d. 1087 refer to this place: “ The battle of Rath-Edair ( Hill of Howth ) between the men of Leinster and Munster, where Muirheartach TJa Briain and the men of Munster defeated the Leinstermen and Domhnall, son of Mael-na-mho, and Diarmaid IJa Briain, and Enda, son of Diarmaid ; and where a great slaughter was made of the Leinstermen, together with the son of Murchadh Ua Domhnaill, lord of IJi-Drona, and ConallUa-Ciarmhaic, and Ua Neill of Magh-da- chon,” &c. The Protestant Church most probably occupies the site of the old parochial church, of which no trace remains. In the grave-yard adjoining, there is what appears to be the socket of an ancient stone cross. Ryan, (Hist. Co. Carlow, p. 333,) copies the following from a monument here : “I.H.S. Here lyeth interred the body of Mr. John Esmond, who departed this life June the 9th, 1715. Requiescatin Pace. Amen.”

    The fine commodious parish church of Clonegall was built by Rev. Martin Doyle, about the year 1824, replacing an humble thatched chapel, the lease of the site for which, dated 1769, is preserved in the Diocesan Archives, Braganza, Carlow. The chapel which preceded this latter, stood about a mile away from Clonegall, on the west of the old road leading to Tullow, at a place named Knockafaugh — (Cnuck a fada — i.e. “ the long hill.”)

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 162

42. Brockley Park Built for Earl of Roden, 1768

    Brockley Park · townland · Laois · 1768

    Brockley Park, seat of the Earl of Roden near Stradbally, was built in 1768 under Italian architect Ducart on the site of a former house that had burnt down, on lands anciently called Derrybrock which had belonged to the monastery.

    Read the passage

    to finish the offices and one wing. The demesne is highly ornamented, and the estate belongs now to Admiral Cosby. The town is a manor, to which appertains a court baron and a court leet. About a mile west of the town is a Charter School for 50 children, and, about half-a-mile to the east is Brockley Park, the beautiful seat of the Right Hon. the Earl of Roden, built in 1768, under the direction of Ducart, an Italian architect, on the site of a former one, burnt down, and is situated on the lands anciently called Derry brock (hence, perhaps, the name Brockley Park. — Editor ), and appertained to the monastery beforementioned.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come

43. Brother John's fundraising tour builds new Mountrath church

    Mountrath · town · Laois · 1857–1867

    Brother John of the Mountrath Monastery travelled through North America, Australia, New Zealand and California soliciting alms for a new church, raising £4,000 above his expenses, contributing to completion of the church before Father Dunne's death in 1867.

    Read the passage

    The church, erected by Dr. Delany, proved defective in the foundation; in consequence of this, the Rev. James Dunne, P.P., came to the determination of building a new church. The work was begun soon after his appointment to the charge of the parish in 1857, and he had the consolation of seeing it completed before his death in 1867. The extraordinary exertions made by Brother John, of the Mountrath Monastery, mainly contributed to the success of the undertaking. This zealous religious travelled through a great portion of North America, Australia, New Zealand, and California, soliciting alms for the purpose ; his exertions resulted in his being enabled to transmit the large sum of £4,000, over and above his expenses. The new church of Mountrath is one of the finest parochial churches in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. Several priests were interred in the former church ; through the pious care of a recent pastor, the preservation of the inscribed tablets which marked their last resting places, has been secured by their being set in the wall of the new church. They are as follows : —

    “ To the memory of the Very Rev. M. P. Malone, Parish Priest for some time of Tinryland, afterwards of Mountrath, Notary Apostolic and Penitentiary for the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. He died in the fifty-third year of his age, on

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 285

44. Cist and urn discovered at Greenville, Kilranelagh, 1785

    Kilranelagh · townland · Wicklow · 1785

    In 1785, Mr. Green of Greenville, Kilranelagh, opened ground near his house and at six feet deep found a Cist with an urn containing calcined bones, of 16 quarts capacity, decorated with zig-zag ornaments.

    Read the passage

    In 1785, Mr. Green of Greenville, Kilranelagh, Co. Wicklow, opened a piece of ground near his house. At six feet deep, he found a Cist , with an urn containing calcined bones ; capacity, 16 quarts; it was wrought with zig-zag ornaments. For sketch and details, see Transactions R.I. A. Yol. L, a.d. 1787.

    Rahill.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 328

45. Conversion of part of Killeshin church for Protestant service

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1720

    About 160 years before writing, roughly 40 feet of the eastern part of Killeshin church was converted into a small Protestant church, during which the original chancel arch was pulled down and much of the south wall destroyed.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 232

46. Dean Dowling's 53 years as parish priest of Stradbally

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1826

    Rev. Patrick Dowling served as parish priest of Stradbally and vicar general of the diocese for 53 years, dying on 29th November 1826, remembered for simplicity, purity and pastoral fidelity.

    Read the passage

    “ To the memory of the Very Revd. Patrick Dowling, P.P., of Stradbally, and Y.G. of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, who uniting in his character the utmost simplicity and purity of manners with the most endearing social virtue, discharged for 53 years his pastoral duties with great fidelity, and departed to a better life on the 29th of November, 1826. This monument has been raised and consecrated by the love of his parishioners, and the respect of his friends of different religious persuasions. A.D. 1827. May he rest in peace.”

    “ Ora Pro anima admodum Revd. Joannis Magee, D.D.,P., qui aetatis suae anno 69 Die 15 Octobris 1881 in Domino obiit. Ingenio et doctrina perillustris, cunctis affabilis, Deo patriaeque obsequens, ejus muneribus sacris prope ad ultimum patienter pieque functus est. Requiescat in pace.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 344

47. De Vesci grants site for new chapel at Old Abbeyleix

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois · 1800–1810

    In apparent reparation for the burned chapel, Lord De Vesci gave a site and assistance for building a chapel at Old Abbeyleix, later abandoned when the town's position changed and a new chapel was built there.

    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

48. Excommunication order against O'Conors and Dempseys invading Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1356

    In 1356 Thomas Giffard, Bishop of Kildare, was ordered by the Government to publicly excommunicate the O'Conors and Dempseys for invading the County of Kildare with banners displayed, violating the peace of the Church and King.

    Read the passage

    ♦Frequently when unable to subdue their Irish opponents in fair fight, the English endeavoured to engage the spiritual power on their side. On the 16th of July, 1356, Thomas (Giffard), Bishop of Kildare, was ordered by the Government no longer to delay to denounce, as publicly excommunicated, the Conghors and Dymsys (0 ’Conors and Dempseys), who, with banners displayed, were violating the peace of the Church and of the King, by invading the County of Kildare, within the Bishop’s jurisdiction ; and who had thereby, according to the Canons and the provincial constitutions, incurred

    ipso facto, the sentence of greater excommunication Rot. Cl. 29 and 30 Ed. III.,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are in a place where the Church's heaviest weapon was once wielded. In July 1356, the Government ordered Thomas Giffard, Bishop of Kildare, to publicly excommunicate the O'Conors and the Dempseys. They had invaded the county with banners displayed, violating what the record calls the peace of the Church and of the King. The English, often unable to subdue their Irish opponents in fair fight, turned to spiritual power. The O'Conors and Dempseys had, according to the canons, incurred the sentence of greater excommunication.

49. Founding of Goresbridge by the Gore family and the bridge over the Barrow

    Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1660–1685

    Goresbridge takes its name partly from the Gore family, who settled there in the late 17th century, and partly from the bridge spanning the Barrow between Carlow and Kilkenny; Arthur Gore received forfeited lands from Charles II in the area.

    Read the passage

    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

    332

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 312

50. Fugitive Vicar-General harboured at Bennekerry, 1612

    Bennekerry · townland · Carlow · 1612

    According to the Protestant Bishop of Leighlin's 1612 report, Sir Murthogh O'Dowling, a Vicar-General of the Diocese of Kildare, moved about in secret and was harboured at the house of William Dunne of Bennekerry near Carlow.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Bam, Protestant Bishop of Leighlin, in his Report, dated 1st Sept,, 1612 (see Vol p. 240), mentions “ Sir Murthogh O' Dowling, a Vicar- General of the Diocese of Kildare, coming by starts, is harboured at the house of William Dunne of Bennekerry near Carlow.”

    In 1704, when the Parliamentary Registry was made, the district now comprised in this parish was stated to be united to Carlow under the pastorship of Joseph Bowen {see Carlow).

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 363

51. Grave of benefactor Edward Lyons of Finniscourt at Goresbridge convent

    Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1782–1869

    Edward Lyons of Finniscourt, founder and chief benefactor of religious institutions in the diocese, is buried within the Goresbridge convent enclosure under a massive Gothic cross; he died 3 November 1869 aged 87.

    Read the passage

    An humble chapel stood a little to the right of the entrance to the present church ; this latter was built by the Rev. Lewis Moore, P.P. of Graignamanagh, of which parish this district was then a part, and so continued until the year 1822. A chalice, still in use at Goresbridge, bears his name. A convent of the Sisters of St. Brigid was established at Goresbridge in 1858, about which, and its Branch-house at Paulstown, see Appendix. Within the Convent enclosure is interred the founder and chief benefactor of this, and other religious institutions within the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. A beautiful and massive Gothic cross marks his grave, on the plinth of which is the following inscription : — “ Erected in memory of Edward Lyons of Finniscourt. In habits simple, in purpose firm, in disposition upright and religious, this good man noiselessly pursued the even tenor of his way. The worldly goods with which Providence blessed his industry were employed by him chiefly for the promotion of the interests of Education and Religion. His donations for these purposes were truly magnificent. His edifying earthly career was closed by a peaceful and happy death, on the 3rd November, 1869. Aged 87 years. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

    Two priests lie at rest within the Chapel of Goresbridge; namely, Rev. M. Brennan, P.P., and a Rev. Matthew O’Connell, who was a native of this parish, and, who, returning in ill health from his mission in America, died at home. The epitaph on Father Brennan is the following : — “ Underneath are deposited the ashes of the Rev. Michael Brennan, who for 20 years was P.P. of Paulstown and Goresbridge, and who died on the 11th of April, 1851. As a priest he was enlightened, zealous, pious, hospitable, and disinterested. He was an accomplished scholar, a patriotic Irishman, a generous benefactor to the poor. His last public act was a parochial collection of £.92 towards the establishment of the New Catholic University of Ireland. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 313

52. Humble Catholic chapel and blessed well with Patron at Hacketstown

    Hacketstown · town · Carlow

    The Catholic place of worship at Hacketstown that preceded the present church stood on the Green and was a mere doorless, windowless shed sometimes used by farmers for threshing corn. Nearby stands a blessed well where a Patron used to be held on the feast of St John the Baptist, 24 June.

    Read the passage

    The Rectory of Hacketstown was amongst the possessions of the Nunnery of Graney. In official records, dated 1539, and 1543, it is styled Aghir-Ballyhacket , and Agliryballye-Hackett (see p. 154). In an Inquisition, taken the 18th of Deer., 1617, the town, from which the parish derives its name, is referred to as Hacketstown alias Ballagrod. This latter is probably intended for JBallydrohid, i.e. Bailedroichead , “ the town of the bridge,1 ” in reference to the bridge which here spans a tributary of the Slaney. A castle formerly stood at Hacketstown, stated by some writers to have been coeval with that of Clonmore, and to have been built by the same person. A barrack afterwards occupied the site of this castle, and this, in turn, gave place to the present parish church, which was opened in 1803 ; and to which the fine tower was added by the Rev. Patrick Morrin, P.P. The Catholic place of worship which preceded this church stood on the Green ; it was nothing better than a mere shed, without doors or windows, and was often used by the neighbouring farmers during the week as a place for threshing corn. The Protestant Church occupies the site of the Catholic Church of olden times. Some Catholics are still buried in the cemetery attached to it. A well, accounted blessed, is still to be seen, at a short distance from the Protestant Church, at which, within the memory of some of the old inhabitants, a Patron used to be held on the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the 24th of June.

    Hacketstown was the scene of a fierce engagement in the year 1798, which is thus described by one of the Historians of that disastrous outbreak: —

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 223

53. Huntingdon Castle built by the Esmonde family

    Clonegall · town · Carlow · 1625

    Huntingdon Castle, near Clonegall, was built by the Esmonde family in 1625; the ruins of its domestic chapel still remain. In the early eighteenth century Morgan Kavanagh of Borris married Frances, daughter of Sir Laurence Esmonde of Clonegall.

    Read the passage

    Huntingdon Castle, near Clonegall, is worthy of notice. It was built by the Esmonde family in 1625. The ruins of the domestic chapel still remain. In the early part of the last century, Morgan Kavanagh of Borris married Frances, daughter of Sir Laurence Esmonde of Clonegall, Bart. {Ryan.)

    Barragh.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 164

54. Iron ore banks near Mountrath abandoned for lack of charcoal

    Mountrath · town · Laois · 1805

    The Post Chaise Companion of 1805 describes an extensive bank of excellent iron ore near Mountrath worked with great success, but the furnaces fell idle due to scarcity of charcoal after the destruction of nearby woods.

    Read the passage

    This place, called also Moynrath, or the fort in the hog , became, in the beginning of the seventeenth century, the property of Sir Charles Coote, who, although the surrounding country was then in a wild state and overspread with woods, laid the foundation of the present town; In 1628 Sir Charles obtained for the inhabitants a grant of two wreekly markets and two fairs, and established a very extensive linen and fustian manufactory, which, in the year 1641, together with much of his other property here, was destroyed. His son Charles regained the castle and estate of Mountrath, with other large possessions, and, at the Restoration, was created Earl of Mountrath, which title, on the decease of Charles Henry, the 7th Earl, in 1802, became extinct. Newpark, adjoining the town, was the residence of the Earl of Mountrath. In 1831 the town contained 429 houses ; iron was made and wrought here till the neighbouring woods "were consumed for fuel. The Post Chaise Companion , published in 1805, states that “ Near Mountrath is an extensive bank containing, or rather, formed of excellent iron ore, 'within a few feet of the surface ; here an iron and metal foundry has been established and wrought some years since with great success ; but at present, from the scarcity of charcoal, on the destruction of the neighbouring woods, the furnaces are seldom employed ; it is much to be regretted that such a valuable manufacture should be discontinued on the above account, as the country abounds with bogs, and charred turf might probably be substituted in the place of charcoal for most purposes.”

    300

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 283

55. Killabban's Mass-house and clandestine chapels recorded 1731

    Killabban · townland · Laois · 1731

    A Return dated 1731 recorded that Killabban had one Mass-house, two private chapels, four schoolmasters, and two priests, with itinerant Regular priests frequently officiating.

    Read the passage

    because be came not when attached, was fined half a mark. (Cal. State Documents — Sweetman). A Patent Roll, 5 th and Gth of Philip and Mary, (Morriri) records the presentation of Edward Shortall, Clerk, to the Vicarage of Killabban. The name of Theobald Denn, Gent., of Killabban, appears in the Registry of Parish Priests taken in 1704, as surety for Rev. Brian Moore, of Killabban, Rev. Kedagh Moore, of Ballyadams, and Rev. Edmond M'Ginis, Killeshin. This is, no doubt, the Theobald Denn, Esq., who was appointed one of the Burgesses of Old Leighlin under the Charter granted to that Borough by King James II. on the 4th of July, 1688. Sir Richard Butler, Bart., of Poolstown, (now Paulstown) dying in 1686, Elizabeth, his widow, married Theobald Denn, Esq. ( De Brett's Peerage.) In a Return dated 1731 (see Vol. I.p. 269,) it is stated that there were in Killabban one Mass-house, two private chapels, four schoolmasters, and two priests ; and that several itinerant priests, supposed to be Regulars, frequently officiated in the said chapels. In all likelihood, one of these private chapels was at the residence of Theobald Denn or his descendants. For the particulars supplied by a similar Return, made, March 29 th, 1766, by Edwd. Whitty, Protestant Curate, see Appendix.

    Grange, or Monksgrange.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 68

56. Legend of the women's chapel near the Abbey

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny

    A building known as chapel-na-mná, or the women's chapel, is said to have stood on rising ground west of the Abbey over the river Duiske, though no traces remain despite claims that interments took place there.

    Read the passage

    On a rising ground, to the west of the Abbey, over the river Duiske, in a field called the mothauns, a building is said to have stood, known as chapel-na-mm&, or the women’s chapel, of which there are now no traces, although it is stated that interments took place at it.

    Over the town of Graig towers the lofty hill called in Irish Cnoc-Breamaill, and in English, Brandon-hill. This, according to Dr. O’Donovan, received its name from St Brendan, celebrated in Irish Hagiology for his seven years voyaging on the Western Ocean. The summit of the hill is crowned by a large cairn ; on the northern side is a circle of standing stones, about 15 yards in diameter, and on the southern slope is a smaller circle and a mound of earth called St. Brendan’s Hermitage. — Log . Patr., 271. From Brandon Hill many of the inhabitants of Graig witnessed the battle of Ross in 1798.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 209

57. Local tradition of the poor woman's chalice at Ballon

    Ballon · town · Carlow · 1758

    A silver chalice used in the parish of Ballon bears an inscription dated 1758, and local tradition holds that a poor woman living on alms saved £50 to purchase a chalice for the parish, possibly the very one still in use.

    Read the passage

    A fine silver chalice in use in the parish, bears the inscription : — Ora pro anima Catharince Rochfort, 1758. It is not known who was the donor of this chalice, but there is a local tradition that, sometime in the last century, a poor woman who subsisted on alms, put together a sum of £50, which she gave to purchase a chalice for the use of the parish ; very probably this is the chalice thus procured.

    Succession of Pastors.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 114

58. Lord Galmoy's tomb and Anna Butler's chalice in Graig church

    Graiguenamanagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1636–1653

    Lord Galmoy lost his property under Cromwell, emigrated about 1649 and died in 1653; his tomb and that of his wife survive set in the vestry wall of the present Church of Graig, which still uses a silver chalice given by Anna Butler in 1636.

    Read the passage

    his majority in 1597. Piers was the first to reside in the Abbey, and became known as Piers Butler of the Abbey ; he had a second residence at Low-Grange. Sir Edward, his son, on 2nd April, 1618, received a grant of the Abbey of Duiske, with divers other lands in the counties of Kilkenny, Wexford, and Carlow, which were erected into the manor of Graigduiske, with power to hold there a Thursday Market, and two fairs on the feasts of St. Barnabas, and SS. Simon and Jude. He, by Privy Seal, dated Oxford, 31st January, 1645, and by Patent, 16th May, 1646, was created Viscount of Galmoy, in the said county ; he married Anne Butler, daughter of the second Lord Mountgarrett, by whom he had two sons, Piers and Thomas ; and two daughters, one of whom was married to — Masterson, of County Wexford, Esq., and the other to Thomas Davells, of Killeshin, in the Queen’s County, Esq. In 1641 Lord Galmoy took part with his fellow Catholics in the affairs of the Confederation of Kilkenny ; he sat as a Peer, whilst his son, Piers of Barrowmount, was a member of the Commons. He was an Ormondist, and for The Peace. He lost his property on the triumph of Cromwell, emigrated about 1649, and died in 1653. His tomb and that of his wife still exists, and is inserted in the wall of the vestry of the present Church. A silver chalice is still in use in the Church of Graig, beautifully wrought, and bearing the inscription : —

    “ Nobma. Domina Anna Butler,

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 196

59. Mass celebrated at Castletown on day of the Battle of the Boyne

    Castletown · town · Laois · 1690

    Local tradition holds that Father Bryan Moore, then parish priest, celebrated Mass at Castletown on the day the Battle of the Boyne was fought. There is also a tradition of a priest drowned accidentally in the adjoining river, and a probable tumulus stands near the church.

    Read the passage

    The present Protestant church stands on an ancient church site. Local tradition avers that Father Bryan Moore, the then P.P., celebrated mass here on the day on which was fought the Battle of the Boyne. There is also a tradition of a priest having been drowned by accident, in the adjoining river. Some Catholics are still interred in the burial-ground attached to this church. A remarkable mound, probably a Tumulus, stands at a few paces’ distance from the church.

    Ballickmoyler.

    Internet Archive collectionsrelat03come, Chapter 73

60. Naas Convent founded and takes over Workhouse Hospital

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1839–1876

    St. Mary's Convent at Naas was opened on 24 September 1839; in 1876 its Sisters took charge of the Workhouse Hospital there, and more recently that of Celbridge.

    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

    As you pass through Naas, this is a town with a convent story that reached all the way to America. St. Mary's Convent opened here on the 24th of September 1839, on the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. In 1876 the Sisters took charge of the Workhouse Hospital at Naas, and more recently that of Celbridge too. But the striking part is what happened eleven years after the foundation. Dr. Andrew Byrne, the first Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas, applied to this community for a colony. Four professed members and six postulants volunteered for the mission. They left Naas in November 1850, survived a perilous voyage of seven weeks, reached New Orleans on the 23rd of January 1851, and arrived at their final destination on the 5th of February.