Name: The Diocese of Meath: Ancient and Modern (vol. 1)
Author: Anthony Cogan (1826–1872)

Assassination of Hugh de Lacy at Durrow Castle

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1186

Hugh de Lacy, described by Giraldus Cambrensis as covetous and profane, was killed in 1186 while viewing the newly finished Castle of Durrow. A youth named Gilla-gan-inathar O'Meyey struck off his head with a concealed axe in revenge for the desecration of Columbkille's church.

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accompanied by three Englishmen, to view it. One of the men of Teffla, a youth named Gilla-gan-inathar O'Meyey. approached him, and drawing out an axe, which he had kept concealed, he with one blow of it severed his head from his body, and both head and trunk fell into the ditch of the castle. This was in revenge of Columbkille. O'Meyey fled, and, by his fleetness of foot, made his escape from the English and Irish to the wood of Kilclare. He afterwards went to the Sinnagh (Fox) and O'Breen, at whose instigation he had killed the earl". — See O'Donovan's Notes.
118 BKCTIVE.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 90

Cromwell's sack of Drogheda, 1649

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

When Cromwell's forces entered Drogheda, despite promises of quarter, men, women, and children were slaughtered indiscriminately regardless of age or sex. The streets ran with blood for five days, and survivors were shipped into slavery to Barbados.

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In the days of the Confederation the Carmelites seem to have recovered their old monastery and to have celebrated divine worship in its ancient splendour and solemnity. When the legions of Cromwell entered Drogheda, although promise! of quarter had been given, men, women, and children were slaughtered indiscriminately. Neither age nor sex was spared, the streets ran with blood for five days, and
* Pat. 3, James the First.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 126

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are travelling through a town that saw one of the bloodiest events of 1649. When Cromwell's forces entered, despite promises of quarter, men, women, and children were slaughtered indiscriminately. Neither age nor sex was spared. The streets ran with blood for five days, and survivors were shipped into slavery to Barbados.

Abbot Sebastian Shortal of Bective enslaved by Moors

Bective · townland · Meath · 1639

Sebastian Shortal, a Cistercian monk born in Kilkenny, was sent as a missionary to Ireland but was captured by Moors and made a slave. After being redeemed he became Titular Abbot of Bective and died on 3rd December 1639.

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" Sebastian, or Stephen Shortal, was born in the city of Kilkenny, and became a Cistertian monk in the monastery of Nucale in Gallicia in Spain, where he was held in great reputation. A noted writer (Henriques) of that order tells us, that he was a man of sharp wit, a good disputant, and one of the best poets their society ever had ; and that his writings had obtained a high character He was sent a missionary into Ireland ; but in his passage was taken by the Moors and made a slave. Being redeemed, he returned to his native country, and was made Titular Abbot of Bectiff in Meath, and died on the 3rd of December, 1639".
granted this property to Sir Richard Bolton. See Inquisitions of Jame$ the First, held at Ratoath, 1624 ; Inquisitions of Charles the First, 1635; Archdall's Lodge,, vol. iv., pp 144 ana 145 ; vol.'ii., p. 326 ; vol. v., p. 147.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Bective, Sebastian Shortal once held the title of abbot. Born in Kilkenny, he became a Cistercian monk at the monastery of Nucuale in Galicia, Spain, where he was held in great reputation. A writer of that order described him as a man of sharp wit, a good disputant, and one of the best poets their society ever had, whose writings had obtained a high character. He was sent as a missionary to Ireland, but on the passage was taken by the Moors and made a slave. After being redeemed, he returned to his native country and was made Titular Abbot of Bective in Meath. He died on the 3rd of December 1639.

The staff of Jesus burned in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1537–1538

A revered relic known as the staff of Jesus, kept in Dublin and said to have performed miracles since the time of St Patrick and to have been held by Christ himself, was burned during the Reformation.

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" 1537. A heresy and a new error (sprang up) in England, through pride, vain-glory, avarice, and lust, and through many strange sciences, so that the men of England went into opposition to the Pope and to Rome They at the same time adopted various opinions, and (among others) the old law of Moses, in imitation of the Jewish people ; and they styled the king the Chief Head of the Church of God in his own kingdom. New laws and statutes were enacted by the king and council (parliament) according to their own will. They destroyed the orders to whom worldly possessions were allowed, namely, the monks, canons, nuns, brethren of the cross, and the four poor orders, i.e. the orders of the Minors, Preachers, Carmelites, and Augustinians ; and the lordships and livings of all these were taken up for the king. They broke down the monasteries, and sold their roofs and bells, so that from Aran of the Saints to the Iccian Sea there was not one monastery that was not broken and shattered, with the exception of a few in Ireland, of which the English took no notice or heed. They afterwards burned the images, shrines, and relics of the saints of Ireland and England ; they likewise burned the celebrated image of (the Blessed Virgin) Mary at Trim, which used to perform wonders and miracles, which used to heal the blind, the deaf, and the crippled, and persons affected with all kinds of diseases ; and they also burned the staff of Jesus, which was in Dublin, performing miracles, from the time of St. Patrick down to that time, and had been in the hands of Christ while He was among men. They also appointed archbishops and sub-bishops for themselves ; and though great was the persecution of the Roman Emperors against the Church, scarcely had there ever come so great a persecution from (pagan) Roman as this ; so that it is impossible to narrate or tell its description, unless it should be narrated by one who saw it" — Annali> of the Four Masters, by Dr. O'Donovan.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where a revered relic called the staff of Jesus was kept, a staff people believed had been held by Christ himself. In 1537 and 1538, during the Reformation, the orders of monks, canons, nuns, and friars were suppressed, their monasteries broken and their roofs and bells sold. The images, shrines, and relics of the saints of Ireland and England were burned, and among them was this staff. The Annals of the Four Masters record that it had been in Dublin performing miracles from the time of St Patrick down to that year. The same passage tells us the celebrated image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Trim, which was said to heal the blind, the deaf, and the crippled, was burned too. The annalist wrote that scarcely had there ever come so great a persecution from pagan Rome as this, and that it was impossible to narrate its description unless by one who saw it.

Treacherous slaying and gibbeting of O'Rourke at Tlachtgha

Hill of Ward, Tlachtgha · hill or hills · Meath · 1172

In 1172 O'Rourke, Prince of Brefny, was treacherously slain at Tlachtgha by Hugh De Lacy; his head was displayed over the gate of Dublin's fortress and his body gibbeted upside down at the northern side of the city.

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* Tlachtgha is now called the Hill of Ward. In the days of paganism, druidic fires were kindled here on the 1st of November. "This Hill of Ward", says O'Donovan (note to the Four Masters at 1172), "is crowned with a magnificent ancient rath, consisting of three circumvallations". In 1022 Malachy, monarch of Ireland, defeated the Danes of Dublin at the battle of Ath-buidhe-Tlachta. In 1172 6'Rourke, Prince of Brefny, was treacherously slain at Tlachtgha by Hugh De Lacy. " He was beheaded by them, and they conveyed his head and body ignominiously to Dublin. The head was placed over the gate of the fortress, as a spectacle of intense pity to the Irish, and the body was gibbetted, with the feet upwards, at the northern side of Dublin" — Four Masters at 1 1 72 ; Haverty's History of Ireland, p. 210, 211 ; Moore's History of Ireland, vol. ii. p. 266, 267 ; Irish histories, passim. Cromwell encamped here, and, from the heights of Tlachtga, shot down the Plunketts of Bathmorc. In the reign of Queen Anne a mud wall, thatched chapel was erected at the foot of this hill, and here the inhabitants of Athboy worshipped during the dark days of the last century.
162 ATTIBOY.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 115

Burning of the Statue of Our Lady of Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1538

Around 1538, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept at Trim's abbey of canons regular was burnt during the Reformation, and the pilgrims' votive gifts were seized, an act that shocked the faithful.

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About this time (1538), says Ware, among other images whereunto pilgrimages were designed, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was burnt, then kept at Trim, in the abbey of the canons regular, and the gifts of the pilgrims were taken away from thence. Whatever scruple the reforming Archbishop of Dublin had about " plucking down the idol of Trim", he had none whatever about carrying off the " gifts of the pilgrims". His fanaticism, however, overshot the mark, as such sacrilege and robbery shocked the faithful and stirred up Catholic feeling in those whose hearts had been previously cold or lukewarm. Her image was indeed sacrificed to the fury and avarice of the Reformation, but devotion to her was the more inflamed, and horror of the iconoclasts the more intensified.
On the 15th of May, 1539, the commissioners of Henry the Eighth summoned the community to surrender, and, on that day, Geoffry Dardice, the last abbot of the monastery of the Blessed Virgin of Trim, yielding to force, was obliged to sign his own expulsion from house and home, and to appear to acquiesce in the suppression and confiscation of a venerable institution. The abbey was now gutted with a vengeance. Vases, jewels, ornaments of gold and silver, chalices, crucifixes, altar plate, and altar linen — all were industriously gathered together, and were carried off to enrich the coffers of a profligate king and to fee the cormorants of the Reformation. It is stated* that the price of property in the abbey of the Blessed Virgin at Trim amounted to £1,801 15s. 2d., besides £20 previously accounted for. When we consider the great value of money at that period, and the fact that the commissioners were all " hungering for monastic spoil", and were not the most scrupulous about matters of conscience, we can form an idea of the wealth and splendour of these monastic institutions.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Trim, in County Meath. Around 1538, during the Reformation, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept here in the abbey of the canons regular was burnt, and the pilgrims' votive gifts were seized. The reforming Archbishop of Dublin had some scruple about what the source calls "plucking down the idol of Trim," but none at all about carrying off the gifts of the pilgrims. The act shocked the faithful and stirred Catholic feeling in people who had been lukewarm before. Devotion to her was inflamed rather than extinguished. The next year, on the 15th of May 1539, commissioners of Henry the Eighth summoned the community to surrender. Geoffry Dardice, the last abbot of the monastery of the Blessed Virgin of Trim, was forced to sign his own expulsion and acquiesce in the suppression of the place. The abbey was then stripped of everything: vases, jewels, gold and silver ornaments, chalices, crucifixes, altar plate, and altar linen, all carried off to enrich the king and what the source calls the cormorants of the Reformation. The property was valued at 1,801 pounds, 15 shillings, and 2 pence, besides 20 pounds already accounted for. When you consider the value of money at that period, it gives a sense of the wealth and splendour of these monastic institutions.

Cromwell's massacre at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

Drogheda is named as the place where Cromwell's soldiers massacred the inhabitants indiscriminately, without mercy or remorse.

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church In Ireland ; and Droghedra, where the myrmidons of Cromwell massacred indiscriminately, without mercy or remorse.
Look to the south at " Tara of the Kings", with which so many memories are intertwined, from the earliest epochs of our history to the memorable 1843. See near it the old belfry of Skryne, the Scrinium Sancti Columbce, and the woods that hide from our view the ancient churchyard of St. Seachnall. See in the western view the Kells of Columbkill and the intermediate space, covered with Celtic monuments, crumbling castles, and ancient churches. Look to the north at Knock-Erk, " St. Erc's hill", and below it the old ruins, where, amid the mountain solitudes of Grange, our fathers worshipped in the days of persecution. To the north-east you can see the round tower and stone crosses of Monasterboice (the monastery of St. Buite or Boetius), where flourished the celebrated poet, antiquary, and historian, Flann, whose virtues and learning are eulogized by our annalists. See nearer to you the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Mellifont (" the fountain of honey"), once the resort of kings and princes, and where, it is said, the bride of BrefFny, the unfortunate but wronged Devorgilla, closed her sad years in austerity and prayer. Assuredly the history of Meath, both civil and ecclesiastical, could be written on the hill of Slane.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Drogheda, in Louth. In 1649 this town was the scene of a massacre. Cromwell's soldiers killed the inhabitants indiscriminately, in the words of the source, without mercy or remorse.

Danes burn the oratory of Trevet with 260 people inside

Trevet · townland · Meath · 848

In 848 Cinaedh, son of Conaing, together with the Danes, burned the oratory of Trevet, within which were two hundred and sixty persons.

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848. Cinaedh, son of Conaing, with the Danes, burned the oratory of Trevet, within which were two hundred and sixty persons.
885. Maelpadraig, scribe, wise man, and Abbot of Trevet, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Trevet, in 848, Cinaedh son of Conaing joined with the Danes and burned the oratory that stood here. Two hundred and sixty people were inside when it went up. The annals record nothing else about them, only that number. A later entry notes that Maelpadraig, scribe and abbot of Trevet, died in 885, so the place endured.

Martyrdom of Rev. Richard Nugent near Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1650

Rev. Richard Nugent, parish priest of Ratoath, was arrested in 1650 for being a Catholic priest and escorted by Puritan troopers to Drogheda, where he was hanged on a gibbet within sight of the town walls.

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After the death of Rev. Patrick Fyne, in 1559, the second year of Elizabeth's reign, we have no record of the parish priests of Ratoath until 1650, when we find Rev. Richard Nugent pastor of this parish. This devoted priest sealed with his blood the faith he professed. Being arrested for no other cause but that he was a Catholic priest, he was hurried off to Drogheda, escorted by a company of Puritan troopers, and within sight of the walls of that town a gibbet reeled, on which the faithful pastor suffered martyrdom
PASTORS OF RATOATH — REV. DR. M. PLUNKETT. 261

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 167

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Drogheda. In 1650, the parish priest of Ratoath was a man named Reverend Richard Nugent. He was arrested for no other cause than that he was a Catholic priest. A company of Puritan troopers escorted him to Drogheda. Within sight of the walls of that town, a gibbet was raised, and on it the faithful pastor was hanged. He sealed with his blood the faith he professed.

Massacres of the Catholic gentry at Trim by Coote's garrison

Trim · town · Meath · 1641–1642

During 1641-2 Sir Charles Coote made Trim the headquarters of Puritan forces, from which soldiers were sent out to massacre Catholic men, women and children across Meath. Barnewall of Tobertinian and John Hussey were hanged at Trim, and General Lynch of Donower, aged eighty, was killed while under protection.

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Mr. Barnewall,of Tobertinian, and Mr. John Hussey, innocent persons, were hanged at Trim by old Sir Charles Coote's party. Greneral Lynch, of Donower, aged eighty years, was killed by troopers of Trim, being in protection. Mr. Thomas Talbot, of Crawly's Town, about eighty years old, being protected, and a known servitor to the crown, was killed at his own door by some of Captain Morroe's troop. About the month of April the soldiers under the said Grenville's command, killed in and about Navan eighty men, women, and children, who lived under pro-
* Speaking of this pamphlet, Dr. Curry writes : " This collection was first published in London in the year 1602. The author's frequent, candid, and public appeals to things openly transacted, and to enemies themselves, then living and well known, is a strong proof that what he relates is real matter of fact ; and there is yet a stronger inducement to think it so, because it has never yet been proved to be otherwise, nor, as far as I have learned, even attempted to be proved" (Re.vietD, p. 623).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

As you come through Trim, this was Sir Charles Coote's headquarters in 1641 and 1642, a base for Puritan forces sent out across Meath. Coote's party hanged Mr. Barnewall of Tobertinian and Mr. John Hussey here in the town. General Lynch of Donower, eighty years old, was killed by troopers of Trim even though he was under protection.

Murder of husbandmen at Santry, their heads carried into Dublin

Santry · townland · Dublin · 1641

Foot companies marched by night to the town of Santry in Fingal, three miles from Dublin, an area untouched by war for centuries. There innocent husbandmen, both Catholic and Protestant mistaken for Catholics, were murdered in their inn and their heads carried triumphantly into Dublin.

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directions of the said lord justices, and their said partie, to the town of Sauntry in Fingall, three miles off Dublin ; a country that neither then, nor for the space of four or five hundred years before, did feele what troubles were or war meant ; but it was too sweet and too near, and therefore fitt to be forced to armes. In that towne innocent husbandmen, some of them being catholiques, and some protestants taken for catholiques, were murdered in their inn, and their heads carried trynmphant into Dublin. Next morning, complaint being made of this, no redress was obtayned therein ; whereupon some gentlemen of qualitie, and others the inhabitants of the country, seeing what was then acted, and what passed in the said last march towards the county of Wickloe, and justly fearing to be all murdered, forsooke their houses, and were constrained to stand together in their own defence, though ill provided of arms or ammunition. Heereupon a proclamation was agreed upon at the board, on the 13th of December, 1641, and not published or printed till the 15th of December, by which the said gentlemen, and George Kinge by name, were required to come in by, or upon the 18th of the said month, and a safety was therein promised them. On the same day another proclamation was published, pr.mmoning the lords dwelling in the English Pale near Dublin to a grand councill on the 17th of the said month ; but the lords justices and their partie of the councill, to take away all hope of accommodation, gave direction to the said Sir Charles Ooote, the said 15th day of the said month of December, to march to Clontarffe, being the house and town of the said George Kinge, and two miles from Dublin, to pillage, burn, kill, and destroy all that there was to be found ; which direction was readily and particularly observed (in manyfest breach of public faith), by meanes whereof, the meeteing of the said grand council! was diverted : the lords not daring to come within the power of such notorious faith-breakers : the consideration whereof, and of other the matters aforesaid, made thenobilitie and gentry of the English Pale, and other parts of the province of Leinster, sensible of the present danger, and put themselves in the best posture they could for their naturall defence. Wherefore they employed lieutenant collonel Read to present their humble remonstrance to your sacred majestie, and to declare unto you the state of their affayres, and humbly to beseech relief and redress ; the said .lieutenant collonel, though yonr majesty's servant, and imployed in publique trust (in which case the law of nations

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 236

Priest hears confessions before hanging of Wexford men near Ratoath, 1798

Ratoath · town · Meath · 1798

In 1798 three Wexford men who had lagged behind the main body were overtaken near Ratoath by yeomanry and ordered hanged; Lord Fingall sent for Father Langan, who heard their confessions in the wood near Ratoath before they were executed.

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* He was Master of Conference for the deanery of Eatoath. In the year 1798, three Wexford men, who had remained behind the main body, were overtaken near Ratoath by the savage yeomanry, and were ordered to be instantly hanged. The poor fellows begged and supplicated for a priest, and Lord Fingall, being one of the officers in command, despatched a messenger for Father Langan. The soldiers were with difficulty restrained from executing them without allowing them the benefit of the sacraments. Father Langan arrived, heard their confessions in the wood near Ratoath, and they were launched into eternity.
20A

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 170

Priest-hunters ambushed and beaten at Oldtown, escape to Ardsallagh Castle

Oldtown · townland · Meath · 1700–1750

During Penal times, Father Clarke, a parish priest who took shelter at Ardsallagh Castle with the friendly Ludlow family, fought off three priest-hunters from Navan who tried to arrest him near a farmer's house at Oldtown, then fled across the Boyne to the Castle for protection.

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t The Ludlows were a very liberal and kind-hearted family, and their memory is still held in grateful recollection. They were considerate and indulgent landlords, and cultivated friendly relationship with the priests and the people. During the lifetime of the first Peter Ludlow, there was a parish-priest in Johnstown, named Father Clarke, with whom he was on very intimate terms. This pastor lived in a farmer's house at Oldtown, convenient to the Boyne, and a boat was at all times at his disposal to ferry him across the river to Ardsallagh Castle, where he was accustomed to fly for shelter whenever the Penal Laws were enforced with more than ordinary rigour. Here he was at all times welcome, and here he remained until the storm subsided. It happened on one occasion that three priesthunters from Navan, covetous of the reward for the apprehension of the Catholic priesthood, resolved to arrest Father Clarke, and to drag him before the courts. They lay in wait near the farmer's house, and excited the suspicions of a servant by their interrogatories, " Was n't the priest in the house and in disguise ?" The servant reported progress inside, and Father Clarke, who was a man of great physical strength and athletic frame, went forth, having a "blackthorn" with him, concealed in the ample folds of his overcoat. They rushed on their prey, but received so warm a reception that they were glad to beat a retreat, resolved, however, to return reinforced by the myrmidons of the law. Father Clarke, foreseeing what was in store for him, made to the Boyne, crossed to Ardsallagh Castle, and let known his fears to his friend Peter Ludlow. He was not long in the Castle when the priest-hounds, who had gone round by Kilcairne bridge, were seen making thither, and, on arriving, knocked and asked to see " the Master". Ludlow went out and demanded their business. They said they went to arrest a priest, and that he resisted the law and inflicted grievous wounds on them for endeavouring to discharge their duty. One complained of his shoulder, another of his back, and each moaned piteously at the rough treatment he experienced, and begged "his honour" to sign a warrant to have the priest arrested. " Tell me", said Ludlow, •• did the priest really beat the three of you?" " He did, your

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Oldtown, during the Penal times, a parish priest named Father Clarke lived in a farmer's house near the Boyne. He had a boat at all times to ferry him across the river to Ardsallagh Castle, the home of the Ludlow family, where he was accustomed to fly for shelter whenever the Penal Laws were enforced with more than ordinary rigour. The Ludlows were a liberal and kind-hearted family, considerate landlords, and on very intimate terms with Father Clarke. He was at all times welcome at the Castle, and remained there until the storm subsided. It happened that three priest-hunters from Navan, covetous of the reward for apprehending Catholic clergy, resolved to arrest Father Clarke and drag him before the courts. They lay in wait near the farmer's house and excited the suspicions of a servant with their questions, asking whether the priest was in the house and in disguise. The servant reported this inside. Father Clarke was a man of great physical strength and athletic frame. He went forth with a blackthorn concealed in the ample folds of his overcoat. They rushed on their prey but received so warm a reception that they were glad to beat a retreat, though resolved to return reinforced by the myrmidons of the law. Father Clarke made for the Boyne, crossed to Ardsallagh Castle, and told his friend Peter Ludlow his fears. He was not long in the Castle when the priest-hounds, who had gone round by Kilcairne bridge, were seen making thither. They knocked and asked to see the Master. Ludlow demanded their business. They said they went to arrest a priest, that he resisted the law and inflicted grievous wounds on them. One complained of his shoulder, another of his back, each moaning piteously, begging his honour to sign a warrant. Ludlow asked them, did the priest really beat the three of you.

Theft of the Book of Kells from the sacristy

Kells · town · Meath · 1006

In 1006 the great Gospel of Colum Cille, later known as the Book of Kells, was stolen at night from the west sacristy of the great church of Kells; it was recovered after several months with its gold cover stripped off and buried under a sod.

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1006. The great Gospelf of Colum Cille (i.e. St. Columba's
* Archdall's Monasticon. O'Donovan's Four Masters, and Irish Annals passim.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, this is where the great Gospel of Colum Cille, later known as the Book of Kells, was held. In 1006 it was stolen at night from the west sacristy of the great church here. It was recovered months later, buried under a sod, its gold cover stripped off.

The miraculous image of Our Lady of Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1537–1538

The Four Masters record that the celebrated image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Trim, famed for performing miracles and healing the blind, deaf and crippled, was burned during the Reformation-era destruction of religious images.

Read the passage

" 1537. A heresy and a new error (sprang up) in England, through pride, vain-glory, avarice, and lust, and through many strange sciences, so that the men of England went into opposition to the Pope and to Rome They at the same time adopted various opinions, and (among others) the old law of Moses, in imitation of the Jewish people ; and they styled the king the Chief Head of the Church of God in his own kingdom. New laws and statutes were enacted by the king and council (parliament) according to their own will. They destroyed the orders to whom worldly possessions were allowed, namely, the monks, canons, nuns, brethren of the cross, and the four poor orders, i.e. the orders of the Minors, Preachers, Carmelites, and Augustinians ; and the lordships and livings of all these were taken up for the king. They broke down the monasteries, and sold their roofs and bells, so that from Aran of the Saints to the Iccian Sea there was not one monastery that was not broken and shattered, with the exception of a few in Ireland, of which the English took no notice or heed. They afterwards burned the images, shrines, and relics of the saints of Ireland and England ; they likewise burned the celebrated image of (the Blessed Virgin) Mary at Trim, which used to perform wonders and miracles, which used to heal the blind, the deaf, and the crippled, and persons affected with all kinds of diseases ; and they also burned the staff of Jesus, which was in Dublin, performing miracles, from the time of St. Patrick down to that time, and had been in the hands of Christ while He was among men. They also appointed archbishops and sub-bishops for themselves ; and though great was the persecution of the Roman Emperors against the Church, scarcely had there ever come so great a persecution from (pagan) Roman as this ; so that it is impossible to narrate or tell its description, unless it should be narrated by one who saw it" — Annali> of the Four Masters, by Dr. O'Donovan.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, this town was once home to a celebrated image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, famed for performing wonders and miracles. The Four Masters say it used to heal the blind, the deaf, and the crippled, and persons affected with all kinds of diseases. In 1537 they burned it. The annals place this destruction alongside a wider ruin: monasteries broken and shattered across England and Ireland, their roofs and bells sold, the staff of Jesus in Dublin burned too, which had been performing miracles since the time of Saint Patrick. The Four Masters wrote that scarcely had there ever come so great a persecution from pagan Rome as this one, and that it was impossible to narrate its description unless by one who saw it.

Crozier of St Patrick burned at Christ Church Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1539

The revered crozier of St Patrick, kept at Christ Church, Dublin, was seized and burned along with other relics during the Reformation-era destruction of monastic and church property.

Read the passage

wants money to gratify his beastly propensities, and religion, which he outrages, must supply him with the means. The royal commissioners, being " all hungry for monastic spoil", faithfully carry out the programme of their master. The monks and nuns, accused of " superstitious ceremonies — pernicious worship of idols — pestiferous doctrines of the Romish pontiff", were modestly called upon, in the name of the king, to surrender their possession, and the recusants are threatened with the dread penalties of the law. The abbey-lands were now seized upon with a vengeance and confiscated. The gold and silver vessels of the temple were grasped by sacrilegious hands and turned to profane uses. The cross was torn from the altar and the chalice and ciborium from the tabernacle, images were burned, shrines were plundered and the sacred relics were scattered to the winas. The celebrated image of the Blessed Virgin of Trim, so long venerated by the faithful, was taken out of the church and profaned in the public market; while the image of Christ crucified was brought from the abbey of Ballybogan and the crozier of St. Patrick from Christ Cnurch, Dublin, and both indignantly committed to the flames. In a short time nearly six hundred monasteries, fifty cathedrals, and numerous colleges were invaded and gutted, besides sundry places of pilfrimage, hallowed by a thousand recollections and enriched y the pious offerings of successive generations. To add insult to injury, the commissioners of Henry the Eighth summoned the commnnity of each monastery to go through the mock form of a " voluntary surrender", and the religious were obliged to yield to force, in the same way that the traveller surrenders his purse when the blunderbuss of the highwayman leaves him no other alternative.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

Right here at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, a relic of Saint Patrick met its end in 1539. The royal commissioners of Henry the Eighth, described as hungry for monastic spoil, carried out the king's programme across Ireland. Monks and nuns were accused of superstitious ceremonies, the worship of idols, and the doctrines of the Romish pontiff. They were called upon in the king's name to surrender their possessions, and those who refused were threatened with the penalties of the law. Abbey lands were seized and confiscated. Gold and silver vessels were taken by sacrilegious hands and turned to profane uses. The cross was torn from the altar, the chalice and ciborium from the tabernacle. Images were burned, shrines plundered, and sacred relics scattered. The celebrated image of the Blessed Virgin of Trim, long venerated by the faithful, was taken out of the church and profaned in the public market. The image of Christ crucified was brought from the abbey of Ballybogan, and the crozier of Saint Patrick from Christ Church here in Dublin, and both were indignantly committed to the flames. In a short time nearly 600 monasteries, 50 cathedrals, and numerous colleges were invaded and gutted. The commissioners summoned each monastic community to go through the mock form of a voluntary surrender. The religious were obliged to yield to force, in the words of the source, the way a traveller surrenders his purse when the highwayman leaves him no other alternative.

Massacre at Ardbraccan by the Danes of Dublin

Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1031

In 1031 Ardbraccan in County Meath was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, who burned two hundred persons inside the stone church and carried two hundred more into captivity.

Read the passage

1031. Ardbraccan (in County Meath) was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, and two hundred persons were burned in the doimliacc, and two hundred persons were carried into captivity.
1037. Kory, Tanist of Hy Kinsellagh, was taken prisoner in the Daimhliag of Kilcullen (County Kildare).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1031, the Danes of Dublin plundered Ardbraccan in County Meath. They burned two hundred persons in the stone church and carried two hundred more into captivity.

Massacre of eighty men, women and children at Navan

Navan · town · Meath · 1642

Soldiers under Grenville's command killed about eighty men, women and children in and around Navan in April 1642, all of whom had been living under protection at the time.

Read the passage

Mr. Barnewall,of Tobertinian, and Mr. John Hussey, innocent persons, were hanged at Trim by old Sir Charles Coote's party. Greneral Lynch, of Donower, aged eighty years, was killed by troopers of Trim, being in protection. Mr. Thomas Talbot, of Crawly's Town, about eighty years old, being protected, and a known servitor to the crown, was killed at his own door by some of Captain Morroe's troop. About the month of April the soldiers under the said Grenville's command, killed in and about Navan eighty men, women, and children, who lived under pro-
* Speaking of this pamphlet, Dr. Curry writes : " This collection was first published in London in the year 1602. The author's frequent, candid, and public appeals to things openly transacted, and to enemies themselves, then living and well known, is a strong proof that what he relates is real matter of fact ; and there is yet a stronger inducement to think it so, because it has never yet been proved to be otherwise, nor, as far as I have learned, even attempted to be proved" (Re.vietD, p. 623).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Navan, you are passing through the site of a massacre from April 1642. Soldiers under Grenville's command killed about 80 men, women, and children in and around the town. All of those killed had been living under protection at the time — granted safety, and nevertheless slain.

Suppression of St. Mary's Abbey and Expulsion of Abbot Dardice

Trim · town · Meath · 1539

On 15 May 1539 the commissioners of Henry VIII forced Geoffry Dardice, the last abbot of St. Mary's Abbey, Trim, to sign his own expulsion, and the abbey was subsequently stripped of its valuables, worth over £1,801.

Read the passage

On the 15th of May, 1539, the commissioners of Henry the Eighth summoned the community to surrender, and, on that day, Geoffry Dardice, the last abbot of the monastery of the Blessed Virgin of Trim, yielding to force, was obliged to sign his own expulsion from house and home, and to appear to acquiesce in the suppression and confiscation of a venerable institution. The abbey was now gutted with a vengeance. Vases, jewels, ornaments of gold and silver, chalices, crucifixes, altar plate, and altar linen — all were industriously gathered together, and were carried off to enrich the coffers of a profligate king and to fee the cormorants of the Reformation. It is stated* that the price of property in the abbey of the Blessed Virgin at Trim amounted to £1,801 15s. 2d., besides £20 previously accounted for. When we consider the great value of money at that period, and the fact that the commissioners were all " hungering for monastic spoil", and were not the most scrupulous about matters of conscience, we can form an idea of the wealth and splendour of these monastic institutions.
On the 20th of July, 1539, a yearly pension of £15 was promised to Geoffry Dardice, the late abbot ; 26s. 8d. to

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

Coming up is Trim, a town in Meath with a dramatic episode in its past. In 1539 the commissioners of Henry the Eighth came here and forced Geoffry Dardice, the last abbot of St. Mary's Abbey, to sign his own expulsion. The abbey was stripped of its valuables — vases, jewels, gold and silver ornaments, chalices, crucifixes, altar plate and altar linen — all gathered up and carried off. The property was valued at £1,801 and 15 shillings and 2 pence, besides £20 already accounted for. The commissioners were described as "hungering for monastic spoil" and not the most scrupulous about matters of conscience. On the 20th of July 1539 a yearly pension of £15 was promised to Geoffry Dardice. The wealth taken from this place gives some idea of the splendour these monastic institutions held before they were undone.

King William's army crosses the Boyne at Slane, 1690

Slane · townland · Meath · 1690

On the morning of the Battle of the Boyne, a division of King William's army crossed the Boyne at Slane and marched to attack the flank of King James's troops stationed at Oldbridge.

Read the passage

Trim to defend the English Pale. In 1595, the barony of Slane was plundered by the O'Neills. During the confiscations of Cromwell, the Flemings lost most of their property here, and, after the battle of the Boyne, the Conyngham family became possessed of Slane. On the morning of that battle, a division of King William's army crossed the Boyne at Slane, and marched to attack the flank of King James's troops at Oldbridge. In the memorable 1782, at a meeting of the corps of volunteers of the barony of Slane, assembled on their parade, 3rd of March, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
" EKSOLVED — That no power on Earth can make laws to bind the people of this land, but the king, lords, and commons of Ireland.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on the morning of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, a division of King William's army crossed the river and marched to attack the flank of King James's troops at Oldbridge. Before that, the Flemings had held this place, but they lost most of their property during the confiscations of Cromwell. After the battle, the Conyngham family took possession of Slane.

Lambert Simnel crowned king at Christ Church, Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1487–1488

Anglo-Irish nobility had Lambert Simnel, posing as Edward Earl of Warwick, solemnly crowned in Christ Church, Dublin; the sermon on the occasion was preached by the Bishop of Meath, John Payne, who was later pardoned for the offence.

Read the passage

On the death of William Shirwood, Pope Sixtusthe Fourth promoted John Payne, or Pain, a Dominican friar, and doctor of divinity, to the vacant see. He was born in Ireland, became Professor of Theology in the Dominican College of Oxford, and subsequently was appointed Provincial of his order in England. He was elected by the Pope* to the see of Meath on the 17th of March, and was received or enthroned, by his clergy, on the festival of St. Dominic, the founder of his order, in August, 1483. When Lambert Simnel, personating Edward Earl of Warwick, landed in Ireland, he was acknowledged as rightful sovereign by most of the Anglo-Irish nobility. They had him solemnly crowned in Christ Church, Dublin, and the sermon was
* !~"ee letter of Pope Sixtus the Fourth to John Payne, Bishop-elect of Meath, in the Hibernia Dominicana, 477.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

Right here at Christ Church Cathedral, in 1487, a boy called Lambert Simnel was solemnly crowned king of England. He was posing as Edward, Earl of Warwick, and most of the Anglo-Irish nobility acknowledged him as rightful sovereign. The sermon on the occasion was preached by John Payne, Bishop of Meath, a Dominican friar born in Ireland who had been professor of theology at Oxford and was enthroned in his diocese in August 1483. Payne was later pardoned for the offence.

Martyrdom of Rev. Joseph Rooney of Athlumney

Athlumney · townland · Meath · 1843–1857

Born in the parish of Athlumney and educated in Navan, Rev. Joseph Rooney entered All Hallows College and was ordained before leaving for the East Indian mission. He was put to death by Sepoy rebels while hearing a soldier's confession at Cawnpore in 1857.

Read the passage

* He was born in the parish of Athlumney, studied in Navan, entered the College of All Hallows in 1843, and was ordained in May, 1847. He left Ireland for the East Indian mission in September, 1847, and he was put to death by the Sepoys, while engaged hearing the confession of a soldier, in Cawnpore, on the 17th of June, 1857. He obtained his wishes — a martyr's death.
t The Rev. Doctor James Joseph Gaynon was born in the parish of Frankford, King's County, studied in Rome, and read a very distinguished course. In 1822 he took the oath to the Propaganda, and is registered " 792 " in that catalogue. He was ordained in 1824, and, returning to Ireland, was appointed to the curacy of Navan. He was a man of surpassing eloquence and of great zeal. He died on the 31st of August, 1 82(j, profoundly lamented by the people, and his remains were accompanied to the churchyard of Athlumney by one of the largest funerals ever known in this county. The people of Navan erected a monument to his memory, with the following inscription :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 163

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Athlumney, Rev. Joseph Rooney was born. He was educated in Navan and entered All Hallows College before being ordained for the East Indian mission. In 1857 he was put to death by Sepoy rebels at Cawnpore while hearing a soldier's confession.

National Synod of Kells, 1152

Kells · town · Meath · 1152

A national ecclesiastical synod was convened at Kells on 9 March 1152, attended by the papal legate, the primate Gelasius, and numerous bishops, at which the palliums for the four archbishoprics were distributed and an early attempt to introduce the tithe system into Ireland was rejected.

Read the passage

1152. In this year was held the national council of Kells. We take the following extract from Rev. M. J. Brenan's Ecclesiastical History .-f ' That a matter of such importance (the palliums for the metropolitan sees of Armagh, Cashel, Dublin, and Tuam) might be conducted with becoming solemnity, a national synod was convened at Kells, on the 9th of March, A.D. 1152. At this synod, besides the Cardinal, who presided, and Christian, bishop of Lismore, then legate apostolic, there
* On the celebrated heirloom of St. Columbkille. called the Cathach, which consists of " a highly ornamented shrine or box, enclosing a fragment of a copy of the Psalms on vellum", there is an inscription (thus Anglicised) : — " A prayer for Cathbharr O'Donnell, by whom (that is, by whose desire and at whose expense) this shrine was made ; and for Sitric, the son of MacAedha (MacIIugh), who made it; and for Domhnall Ua Robhartuigh (O'Donnell O'Rafferty) the Comharba (or successor) of Cenannus (Kells), by whom it was made (that is, at whose joint expense with that of O'Donnell it was made)". See the interesting lectures of the learned and honest Professor O'Curry, p. 331,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Kells, this town hosted a national synod on 9 March 1152. The palliums for the metropolitan sees of Armagh, Cashel, Dublin, and Tuam were the occasion, conducted, as the source says, with becoming solemnity. A cardinal presided, and Christian, bishop of Lismore, attended as legate apostolic.

Newgrange and Brugh na Bóinne, royal cemetery of the Tuatha Dé Danann

Newgrange · townland · Meath

The royal cemetery of Bruyh-na-Boinne, meaning the town or fort of the Boyne, was where the great princes of the Tuatha de Danaan race chose to be buried. Newgrange, by its remote antiquity, is compared to the pyramids of Egypt as a puzzle for antiquarians.

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There are many historic associations connected with ancient and royal Meath. Here stood the palace of Tara, long the seat of royalty, whither resorted the kings, princes, and chieftains, the bards, druids, and brehons of the various kingdoms of Ireland. Uisneach in Westmeath, Tlachtgha, or the Hill of Ward, near Athboy, and Teltown, on the Blackwater, are celebrated for their royal palaces, their pagan games, their solemn conventions, and 'their Druidic ceremonies. In Meath stood the royal cemetery of Bruyhna-]3oinne,§ "the town or fort of the Boyne", where the great princes of the Tuatha de Danaan race chose to sleep after the turmoil and toil of life. Newgrange, by its remote antiquity, is still, like the pyramids of Egypt, the wonder and puzzle of the antiquarian tourist. Pagan cromlechs,
* Harris's edition of Ware's Antiquities, p. 31. Besides counties, there were other districts called crocea or cross-lands, in which Bishops and Abbots had extensive jurisdictions. Thus we read of the Crocea Villa de Navan, Crocea Midice, etc. The sheriffs of counties were distinct from these of the cross-lands — See Harris's Ware's Antiquities, p. 32.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 26

Peter Ludlow shelters hunted priest at Ardsallagh Castle

Ardsallagh · townland · Meath · 1700–1750

Father Clarke regularly fled to Ardsallagh Castle for shelter whenever the Penal Laws were enforced with severity, and was welcomed there by his friend Peter Ludlow, who mocked the wounded priest-hunters when they demanded a warrant.

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t The Ludlows were a very liberal and kind-hearted family, and their memory is still held in grateful recollection. They were considerate and indulgent landlords, and cultivated friendly relationship with the priests and the people. During the lifetime of the first Peter Ludlow, there was a parish-priest in Johnstown, named Father Clarke, with whom he was on very intimate terms. This pastor lived in a farmer's house at Oldtown, convenient to the Boyne, and a boat was at all times at his disposal to ferry him across the river to Ardsallagh Castle, where he was accustomed to fly for shelter whenever the Penal Laws were enforced with more than ordinary rigour. Here he was at all times welcome, and here he remained until the storm subsided. It happened on one occasion that three priesthunters from Navan, covetous of the reward for the apprehension of the Catholic priesthood, resolved to arrest Father Clarke, and to drag him before the courts. They lay in wait near the farmer's house, and excited the suspicions of a servant by their interrogatories, " Was n't the priest in the house and in disguise ?" The servant reported progress inside, and Father Clarke, who was a man of great physical strength and athletic frame, went forth, having a "blackthorn" with him, concealed in the ample folds of his overcoat. They rushed on their prey, but received so warm a reception that they were glad to beat a retreat, resolved, however, to return reinforced by the myrmidons of the law. Father Clarke, foreseeing what was in store for him, made to the Boyne, crossed to Ardsallagh Castle, and let known his fears to his friend Peter Ludlow. He was not long in the Castle when the priest-hounds, who had gone round by Kilcairne bridge, were seen making thither, and, on arriving, knocked and asked to see " the Master". Ludlow went out and demanded their business. They said they went to arrest a priest, and that he resisted the law and inflicted grievous wounds on them for endeavouring to discharge their duty. One complained of his shoulder, another of his back, and each moaned piteously at the rough treatment he experienced, and begged "his honour" to sign a warrant to have the priest arrested. " Tell me", said Ludlow, •• did the priest really beat the three of you?" " He did, your

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood Ardsallagh Castle, the home of Peter Ludlow. The Ludlows were known as kind and liberal landlords who kept friendly relations with the priests and people of the area. Father Clarke, the parish priest of Johnstown, lived in a farmer's house at Oldtown near the Boyne, with a boat always ready to ferry him across the river to the castle. Whenever the Penal Laws were enforced with severity, he would flee there and stay until the danger passed. One time, three priest-hunters from Navan, wanting the reward for arresting a Catholic priest, lay in wait near the farmer's house. A servant grew suspicious at their questions and warned Father Clarke, who was a man of great physical strength. He went out with a blackthorn stick hidden in his overcoat, and when they rushed him, he beat all three so badly they had to retreat. Father Clarke crossed the Boyne to the castle and told Peter Ludlow what had happened. The priest-hunters soon arrived by way of Kilcairne bridge and knocked at the door, asking to see "the Master." Ludlow came out and demanded their business. They said they had come to arrest a priest who had resisted the law and wounded them grievously. One complained of his shoulder, another of his back, and they begged Ludlow to sign a warrant. Ludlow asked them, "Did the priest really beat the three of you?"

Public excommunication of Thomas Bathe at Navan market cross

Navan · town · Meath · 1460

The bishop of Meath, acting on a papal order, went in solemn procession to the market-place of Navan, where the old cross of Navan stood, and there excommunicated Thomas Bathe for his oppression of Dr. Stackbolle.

Read the passage

within a limited time he made reparation ; that restitution being refused, and Bathe continuing in his contumacy, the bishop of Meath, in accordance with the Pope's order, went in solemn procession to the market-place of Navan (where the old cross of Navan stood), on a market day, and there excommunicated thomaa Bathe ; that after this, Bathe sent some ruffians to the abbey of Navan, who forcibly carried off Dr. Stackbolle to Wilkinston, and there cut off his tongue and put out his eyes ; that Dr. Stackbolle was carried back to the abbey, and cast before the image of the Blessed Virgin, and " by her grace, mediation, and miraculous powtr, he wag rn'ored to his sight and speech''— Ilardiman's Statute of Kilkenny, p. 25. • Chit/ Rimenbranctr, apud Archdall.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 153

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Navan, in Meath. In 1460 the bishop of Meath came here in solemn procession to the market-place, where the old cross of Navan stood. It was a market day, and the bishop was acting on the Pope's order. He excommunicated Thomas Bathe for his oppression of Dr. Stackbolle, because Bathe had refused to make reparation and remained stubborn. After that, Bathe sent ruffians to the abbey of Navan, who seized Dr. Stackbolle and carried him off to Wilkinston. There they cut out his tongue and put out his eyes. He was brought back to the abbey and laid before the image of the Blessed Virgin, and, in the words of the source, "by her grace, mediation, and miraculous power, he was restored to his sight and speech."

Sir Charles Coote shot and killed near Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1642

In April 1642, while pursuing rebels at Trim, Sir Charles Coote was shot in the body, reportedly by one of his own troopers, and his body was later carried to Dublin for burial with great solemnity.

Read the passage

" In April, 1642, pursuing the rebels at Trim, he was unfortunately shot in the body, as it was thought, by one of his own troopers, whether by design or accident was never known. And this end had this gallant gentleman, who began to be so terrible to the enemy, as his very name was formidable to them. His body was brought to Dublin, and there interred with great solemnity, floods of English tears accompanying him to his grave. By his death the fate of the English interest in Ireland seemed eclipsed, if not buried".
At this passage of Borlase's, O'Connell indignantly exclaims :f "Floods of English tears ! Floods of English tears ! This one fact at least is certain — that a more hideous, a more horrible villain never existed. The French revolution — fertile in sanguinary monsters — produced nothing like him, who spared neither man, woman, nor child ; neither priest nor layman. Yet this most superlative of diabolic miscreants was embalmed with ' English tears' ! English tears ! How heartily they went for the man who was perfect in one talent — that of shedding Irish blood ! A dry eye at his funeral would indeed have been, according to the modern phrase, ' un-English'."

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, you are on the ground where Sir Charles Coote met his end in April 1642. He was pursuing rebels here when he was shot in the body, reportedly by one of his own troopers. Whether it was design or accident was never known. The book says his very name had become formidable to the enemy, and that he was beginning to be terrible to them. His body was carried to Dublin and buried with great solemnity, what the source calls floods of English tears accompanying him to his grave. But not everyone mourned. O'Connell, reading that passage, erupted in fury. He called Coote a more hideous villain than anything the French Revolution produced, a man who spared neither man, woman, nor child, neither priest nor layman. He mocked the English tears, saying a dry eye at the funeral would have been un-English, and that Coote was perfect in one talent, that of shedding Irish blood.

Sir Charles Coote's massacre in County Wicklow

Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1641

Sir Charles Coote was commanded to march into County Wicklow, where he burnt, killed, and destroyed indiscriminately, sparing neither man, woman, nor child. The remonstrance describes this as an act against persons who had neither the will nor the power to do harm.

Read the passage

10. Notwithstanding all the beforementioned provocations, pressures, and indignities, the farr greater and more considerable parte of the catholiques, and all the cities and corporations of Ireland, and whole provinces, stood quiet in their howses, whereupon the lords justices and their adherents, well knowing that many members of the parliament of England stood in opposition to your majestic, made their application, and addressed their dispatches, full fraught with calumnies and false suggestions against the catholiques of this kingdome, and propounded unto them to send several great forces to conquer this kingdome ; those of the malignant partie here were by them armed ; the catholiques were not only denied arms, but were disarmed, even in the citty of Dublin, which in all successions of ages past continued as loyall to the crowne of England as any citty or place whatsoever: all other auncient and loyall cittyes and corporatt townes of the kingdome (by means whereof principally the kingdome was preserved in former tymes) were denied arms for their money to defend themselves, and express order given by the said lords justices to disarme all catholiques in some of the said cittyes and townes : others disfurnished were inhibited to provide arms for their defence ; and the said lords justices and councell having received an order of both houses of parliament in England to publish a proclamation of pardon unto all those who were then in rebellion (as they termed it) in this kingdome, if they did submit by a day to be limited, the said Sir William Parsons, contrary to this order, soe wrought with his partie of the councill, that a proclamation was published of pardon only in two counties, and a very short day prefixed, and therein all freeholders were excepted ; through which every man saw that the estates of the catholiques were first aimed att, and their lives next. The said lords justices and their partie having advanced their designe thus far, and not finding the success answerable to their desires, commanded Sir Charles Coote, knight and baronet, deceased, to march to the county of Wickloe, where he burnt, killed, and destroyed all in his way in a most cruell manner, man, woman, and childe ; persons that had not appearing wills to doe hurt, nor power to execute it. Soone after, some foote companies did march in the night by

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 236

The Cross of Kells used as a gallows for 1798 prisoners

Kells · town · Meath · 1798

The ancient sculptured cross of Kells was converted into a gallows for the execution of unfortunate prisoners in the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion.

Read the passage

* There is a tradition in Kells, that the shaft of this cross was prostrate, and was placed on its pedestal by Dean Swift ; also that a regiment of cavalry sharpened their lances on the pedestal at the close of the last century. The cross of Kells was converted into a gallows for the unfortunate prisoners of 1 798. t Ware's Monasticon, Allemande.
\ Lives of the Saints, vol. i. pp. 214 and 215. § Ibid.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

The ancient sculptured cross of Kells, here in Meath, marks a grim episode from 1798. After the rebellion, the cross was converted into a gallows for the execution of prisoners.

Theft of the Great Gospel of Columkille at Kells

Kells · town · Meath · 1026

In 1026 the Great Gospel of Columkille, the principal relic of the western world for its singular cover, was stolen at night from the sacristy of the great stone church of Kells; it was recovered after twenty nights and two months with its gold stripped off.

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1026. The Great Gospel of Columkille was stolen at night from the western erdamh (sacristy) of the Daimhliag-mor (great stone church) of Kells (County Meath). This was the principal relic of the western world, on account of its singular cover, and it was found after twenty nights and two months, its gold having been stolen off it, and a sod over it.
1031. Ardbraccan (in County Meath) was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, and two hundred persons were burned in the doimliacc, and two hundred persons were carried into captivity.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, this is where the Great Gospel of Columkille was stolen in 1026. It was taken at night from the sacristy of the great stone church. The book was considered the principal relic of the western world because of its singular cover. It turned up after twenty nights and two months, its gold stripped off, with a sod laid over it.

Treacherous Capture and Death of Felim O'Reilly at Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1447

Felim O'Reilly, heir to the kingship of Breffny, was treacherously taken prisoner at Trim in 1447 by Furnival, the king's deputy, after being invited there. Felim died of plague shortly after and was buried in the Friars' monastery at Trim; the annals condemn Furnival as devilishly wicked.

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1447. Felim, the son of John, son of Philip O'Reilly, worthy materies of a king of Breffny, for his hospitality and prowess, was treacherously taken prisoner at Trim by Furnival, the deputy of the King of England, after he had gone thither at his own invitation ; and at that time Trim was visited with a great plague, of which Felim died, after the victory of unction and penance, seven weeks before All-hallowtide, and he was interred in the monastery of the Friars of Trim. This Furnival was a son of curses for his venom, and a Devil for his evils, and the learned say of him, that there came not from the time of Herod, by whom Christ was crucified, any one so wicked in evil days (Annals of Ulster ; O'Donovan's Note to the Four Masters').
1464. Great miracles worked by the image of our Blessed Mary of Trim in this year (Annals ; Misc. ArchceoL, vol. i.).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, you're moving through a town where a dark piece of treachery unfolded in 1447. Felim O'Reilly, heir to the kingship of Breffny, was lured here by Furnival, the king's deputy, and taken prisoner. He had come at Furnival's own invitation, expecting safety. A great plague was sweeping Trim at the time, and Felim caught it. He died seven weeks before All-hallowtide, after receiving unction and penance, and was buried in the monastery of the Friars of Trim. The annals remember him as a man noted for his hospitality and prowess, worthy to be king. They remember Furnival very differently. The annals call him a son of curses for his venom and a devil for his evils, and say that no one so wicked had come since Herod, who crucified Christ.

King Laoghaire's rage at the fire seen from Tara

Tara · parish · Meath · 433

The appearance of St Patrick's Paschal fire, visible from the heights of Tara, filled King Laoghaire and his court with rage and astonishment, since a standing law forbade any fire being kindled before the great fire at Tara during the pagan festival.

Read the passage

About the year 433 St. Patrick entered the mouth of the Boyne, and having landed with his companions, proceeded on foot to Ferta Ferfeig, " the graves of the men of Feig" — now called Slane — where he caused a tent to be erected and the Paschal fire to be kindled, it being Holy Saturday, in accordance with the tradition and practice of the Church.* It happened that at that very time a pagan festival was about to be celebrated at the royal palace of Tara, and there was a standing law strictly forbidding any fire to be kindled for a considerable distance around, until a great fire should be visible on the heights of Tara. The appearance of the Paschal fire kindled on the hill of Slane by bt Patrick filled Laeghaire, monarch of Ireland, and his whole court with rage and astonishment ; and this led to St. Patrick's interview with the king, and his promulgation! of the Gospel, like St. Paul
* Lanigan's pccletiastical History, vol. i., pp. 224, 225, etc.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 26

Burning of Dunboyne chapel and town in 1798

Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1798

Failing to find Father Connell, soldiers plundered and burned his home, then marched to Dunboyne where they levelled the Catholic chapel and burned the town, committing many excesses.

Read the passage

gistrate, the division was soon in full march for Dunboyne. A kind-hearted Protestant gentleman,knowing perhaps more than he wished to communicate, rode in haste to the residence of Father Connell, and advised him to fly for his life, as the military were coming, and there was no knowing what they might do. Father Connell had just time to escape by a back window into his little garden, and through the garden hedge into the woods of Roosk, when the advanced guard appeared at the cross-roads of Loughsallagh. On the arrival of the military, they first searched the house and premises for the priest, and not finding him, they plundered his humble home of all they could carry off, and then set fire to the house and furniture. They next marched to the town of Dunboyne, less than a quarter of a mile westward, levelled the Catholic chapel,burnedthetown, and committed innumerable excesses. On the 6th of June of this year, Dr. Plunkett made his annual visitation of Dunboyne, and he says : " Here I found the chapel, and the house of the parish priest, and almost all the houses of the town, four or five excepted, burnt. Mr. Connell did not appear to me, and I withdrew with grief". Dr. Troy, Archbishop of Dublin, complained to the Lord Lieutenant of the brutal conduct of the soldiers, and succeeded in getting £100 as compensation to the inhabitants for the loss of their chapel. Previous to the completion of the new chapel, Mass was celebrated sometimes in a roofless shed attached to the parochial house, sometimes in a barn at the Mayne, and at other times in one of the out-houses attached to the old brewery of Dunboyne. The site of the present chapel was procured from the Butlers. Advantage was subsequently taken by some members of that family of a flaw in the lease, and a lawsuit was about taking place, until,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

Dunboyne in Meath is the town you're passing through, and in 1798 it was nearly wiped from the map. Soldiers were hunting for Father Connell, the parish priest, but a Protestant gentleman who knew what was coming rode ahead to warn him. Father Connell had just enough time to slip out a back window, through his garden and hedge, into the woods of Roosk. When the military arrived and could not find him, they plundered his home of everything they could carry, then set the house and furniture on fire. They marched on to Dunboyne itself, levelled the Catholic chapel, burned the town, and, in the words of the record, committed innumerable excesses. On the 6th of June, Dr. Plunkett arrived for his annual visitation and found the chapel, the priest's house, and almost every house in the town burned, four or five excepted. He wrote that Father Connell did not appear, and that he withdrew with grief. Dr. Troy, Archbishop of Dublin, complained to the Lord Lieutenant about the soldiers' brutality and managed to secure 100 pounds as compensation for the loss of the chapel. Before a new one could be built, Mass was held wherever shelter could be found, in a roofless shed at the parochial house, in a barn at the Mayne, and in an out-house of the old brewery in Dunboyne. The site for the present chapel came from the Butlers, though a flaw in the lease later nearly dragged the parish into a lawsuit.

Lieutenant Colonel Read tortured on the rack in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1641–1642

Lieutenant Colonel Read, sent to present a remonstrance to the king on behalf of the nobility and gentry, was denied the protection due to a public envoy. Instead of being allowed to proceed, he was tortured on the rack in Dublin.

Read the passage

affords safety and protection), was without regard to either, not only stopped from proceeding in his imployment, but also tortured on the rack at Dublin.
11. The lord president of Munster, by the direction of the said lords justices (that province being quiet), with his accomplices, burnt, preyed, and put to death men, women, and children, without making any difference of qualitie, condition, age, or sex, in several parts of the province ; the catholique nobles and gentlemen there were mistrusted and threatened, and others of inferior qualitie trusted and furnished with arms and ammunition. The province of Connaught was used in the like measure ; whereupon most of the considerable catholiques in both the said provinces were inforced (without arms or ammunition) to look after their safety, and to that end did stand on their defence; still expecting your majestie's pleasure, and always ready to obey your commands. Now the plot of the said ministers of state and their adherents being even ripe, applications were incessantly by them made to the malignant partie in England, to deprive this people of all hopes of your majestie's justice or mercie, and to plant a perpetual enmity between the English and Scotch nations and your subjects of this kingdome.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 237

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this city holds a story from 1641. Lieutenant Colonel Read was sent to present a remonstrance to the king on behalf of the nobility and gentry. He should have had the safety and protection due to a public envoy. He had neither. He was stopped from proceeding in his employment and tortured on the rack here in Dublin. The record goes further. The lord president of Munster, directed by the lords justices, burned, preyed, and put to death men, women, and children, making no difference of quality, condition, age, or sex, across several parts of that province. The Catholic nobles and gentlemen there were mistrusted and threatened, while others of inferior quality were trusted and given arms and ammunition. Connaught was treated the same way. Most of the considerable Catholics in both provinces were forced, without arms or ammunition, to look to their own safety and stand on their defence. They still expected the king's pleasure and remained ready to obey his commands. The ministers of state and their adherents made applications to the malignant party in England to deprive this people of all hopes of the king's justice or mercy.

Royal commission orders dissolution of Irish monasteries

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1539

A 1539 royal writ named commissioners including Archbishop George Brown to receive the surrender of Irish monasteries and abbeys, accusing regulars and nuns of superstitious ceremonies and idol worship, formally launching the dissolution across Ireland.

Read the passage

" Whereas, from the information of trustworthy persons, it being manifestly apparent that the monasteries, abbeys, priories, and other places of religious or regulars in Ireland, are at present in such a state, that in them the praise of God and the welfare of man are next to nothing regarded ; the regulars and nuns dwelling in the same being so addicted, partly to their own superstitious ceremonies, partly to the pernicious worship of idols and to the pestiferous doctrines of the Roman pontiff, that, unless an effectual remedy be promptly provided, not only the weak lower order, but the whole Irish people, may be speedily infected, to their total destruction, by the example of these persons ; to prevent, therefore, the longer continuance of such religious and nuns in so damnable a state, the king (having resolved to resume into his hands all the said monasteries, etc., for their better reformation^ as also to separate from them the aforesaid religious men and women, and to cause them to return to some honest mode of living, and to the true religion) appoints the said commissioners to signify this his intention to the heads of such religious houses ; to receive their resignations and surrenders willingly tendered; to grant to such as so tender the same, liberty of exchanging their habit, and of accepting benefices under the king's authority; and to apprehend and punish such as adhere to the usurped authority of the Romish pontiff, and contumaciously refuse to make such surrenders : — also to take charge, for the king's use, of the possessions of the said houses ; assigning competent pensions to the persons who spontaneously surrender. Dated the 7th of April, 1539"— Rot. Pat. 30 Henry VIII.
Comment on such audacity and injustice would be superfluous. The royal libertine, the new " Supreme Head",

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is where, in 1539, a royal writ from Henry the Eighth set the dissolution of Ireland's monasteries in motion. The writ, dated the 7th of April, appointed commissioners, among them Archbishop George Brown, to receive the surrender of every monastery, abbey, and priory in the country. The writ declared that in these houses the praise of God and the welfare of man were next to nothing regarded. It accused the regulars and nuns of being addicted to their own superstitious ceremonies, to the worship of idols, and to what it called the pestiferous doctrines of the Roman pontiff. It warned that unless a remedy came promptly, the whole Irish people might be infected by their example, to their total destruction. The king, it said, had resolved to resume all monasteries into his hands for their better reformation. He would separate the religious men and women from them and cause them to return to some honest mode of living and to the true religion. The commissioners were to signify this intention to the heads of the houses. They were to receive resignations and surrenders willingly tendered. Those who surrendered would be granted liberty to exchange their habit and to accept benefices under the king's authority, with competent pensions assigned to them. Those who refused, who adhered to what the writ called the usurped authority of the Romish pontiff and contumaciously refused to surrender, were to be apprehended and punished. The commissioners were to take charge of the possessions of the houses for the king's use. The author of the record wrote that comment on such audacity and injustice would be superfluous. He called the king a royal libertine and the new Supreme Head.

St. Patrick's Paschal fire at Ferta-fer-Feig confronts King Laogaire

Slane · townland · Meath

St. Patrick pitched his tent at Ferta-fer-feic (Slane) and lit the Paschal fire before the royal fire at Tara was kindled, breaking a standing law; King Laogaire marched on Slane with followers and druids to punish the violators, but Here, son of Dego, defied the order not to honour Patrick and became a believer, later becoming Bishop of Slane.

Read the passage

Laogaire and the asembled princes were celebrating a religious festival, of which fire-worship formed a part. There was a standing law that, at the time of this festival, no fire should be kindled for a considerable distance all around, until after a great fire should be lighted in the royal palace of Temoria or Tara. St. Patrick's Paschal fire was, however, lighted before that of the palace, and being seen from the heights of Tara, excited great astonishment. On the king's inquiring what could be the cause of it, and who could have thus dared to infringe the law, 'the magi told him that it was necessary to have that fire extinguished immediately, whereas, if allowed lo remain, it would get the better of their fires, and bring about the downfall of his kingdom. Laogaire, enraged and troubled on getting this information, set out for Slane with a considerable number of followers and one or two of the principal magi, for the purpose of exterminating these violators of the law. When arrived within some distance from where the tent was, they sat down, and St. Patrick was sent for with an order to appear before the king and give an account of his conduct. It was arranged that no one should show him any mark of respect, nor rise up to receive him. But, on his presenting himself before them, Here, son of Dego, disobeyed the injunction, and standing up, saluted him, and receiving the saint's blessing, became a believer. He was afterwards Bishop of Slane, and celebrated for his sanctity".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, St. Patrick pitched his tent and lit a Paschal fire that would challenge a king. Laogaire and the assembled princes were holding a festival at Tara, part of which was fire worship. A standing law forbade any fire being kindled in the surrounding area until a great fire was lit in the royal palace. Patrick's fire was lit first, and from the heights of Tara it was seen, causing great astonishment. The king's magi warned him that if this fire were not extinguished immediately, it would overcome their fires and bring about the downfall of his kingdom. Laogaire set out for Slane with a considerable number of followers and one or two principal magi, intending to exterminate the violators. They sat down at a distance and sent for Patrick with an order to appear and account for his conduct. It was arranged that no one should rise or show him any mark of respect. But when he presented himself, Here, son of Dego, disobeyed the injunction. He stood up, saluted the saint, received his blessing, and became a believer. Here was afterwards Bishop of Slane, celebrated for his sanctity.

Belfry of Slane burned by Danes with people inside

Slane · townland · Meath · 948

In 948 the belfry of Slane was burned by the Danes along with its full complement of relics and distinguished persons, including Caeineachair, Lector of Slane, and the crozier of the patron saint and a great bell were destroyed.

Read the passage

948.* The belfry of Slane was burned by the Danes, with its full of relics and distinguished persons, together with Caein eachair, Lector of Slane, and the crozier of the patron saint, and a bell (which was) the best of bells.
954. Maelpatrick MacConbretan, airchinneach of Slane, died. 956. Lughaidh MacColgan, airchinneach of Slane, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, in 948, the Danes burned the belfry here. It was full of relics and distinguished people at the time. Among those killed was Caeineachair, Lector of Slane. The crozier of the patron saint was destroyed, and a bell described as "the best of bells" was lost in the fire.

Bishop of Meath's fiery sermon dispute with Archbishop Brown at Christ Church

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1538

At Christ Church, Dublin, during the fourth Sunday in Lent, the Bishop of Meath publicly denounced Archbishop Brown as a heretic and beggar in a sermon, reading out a letter purporting to record Brown's own preaching against him.

Read the passage

" I thinke you have not, no more I truste the commissioners hath, commytted to oblivion th occasion of myn aunswer unto the Busshop of Mythe, when I preachid at Christes Church the 4th Sonday in Lent. He hath not onlie, sithens that tyme, by penne (as you know his wante full well) ray led aud raged ayenste me, calling me heretike and beggar, with other rabulouse revilinges, as I have written unto my Lord, which I am ashamed to reherse ; but also on Palme Sonday, at after none, in Kilmaynam, where the stacions, aud also pardons, ben now as bremely usid as ever they were. Yet cannot I helpe it, by cause the place is exempte ; but I truste it is not so exempte, but that the kinges commaundement myght take place. There, as ye know, he is highly bol-
* State Papert, voL ii. p. 639. t State Papers, vol. iii. p. 1.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

As the companion tells it

Right here is Christ Church Cathedral. In 1538, on the fourth Sunday in Lent, the Bishop of Meath preached in this cathedral and publicly denounced Archbishop Brown as a heretic and a beggar, along with what Brown himself called "other rabulous revilings." The Bishop read out a letter purporting to record Brown's own preaching against him. Brown was ashamed to repeat most of what was said, but he wrote to his lord about the attack. The Bishop did not stop there; he continued by pen afterwards, and on Palm Sunday that same year he raged against Brown again at Kilmainham, where pardons and stations were still being used as brazenly as ever.

Danish plundering and burning of Ardbraccan

Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 886–1109

Ardbraccan Abbey suffered repeated Danish raids across the ninth to eleventh centuries. In 1031 it was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, with two hundred persons burned in the great church and two hundred more carried into captivity.

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1031. Ardbraccan was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, and two hundred persons were burned in the Daimhliag (the great church), and two hundred persons were carried into captivity.
1035. Ardbraccan was plundered by Sitric, son of Aulave, and the Danes.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 54

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood Ardbraccan, a church that drew raid after raid. In 1031 the Danes of Dublin plundered it, burning 200 people in the great church and carrying 200 more into captivity. Just four years later, in 1035, Sitric son of Aulave and the Danes plundered it again.

Desecration of the friary graveyard and font at Athboy

Athboy · town · Meath

A fanatical Protestant parson carted off several loads of human remains from the old Carmelite friary churchyard at Athboy to manure his land; fearing further desecration, the townspeople dug up the grave of their old pastor Rev. John Martin and moved his remains to their new chapel.

Read the passage

* All that remains of this religious house is a square tower, used at present as the belfry of the Protestant Church. The old foundations have been uprooted, and a Protestant church occupies the site. The old baptismal font is octagonal and unornamented. The bowl is circular, and measures one foot eleven inches in diameter. When I visited this churchyard a few years ago, the font was under a waterspout. Not very long since, a fanatical parson carted off several loads of human clay and bones for the purpose of manuring his land. 1 he inhabitants of Athboy, fearing the desecration of their ancient pastor, Rev. John Martin, assembled, dug up his grave, and carried off his remains to their new chapel, where they are at present interred. Good God ! when will this unchristian, this reckless and audacious insult to the living and the dead, finally terminate ? Is it not enough to enjoy the spoil of our plundered Church, the charitable bequests of our Cavholic forefathers ? Must tithes also be wrung out of the dead bodies of the Irish people ?
t Inquisitions of James the Pint.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 116

Fr. Coyle disguised as a peasant to evade priest-hunters

Kells · town · Meath · 1700–1790

During penal times a parish priest of Kells, Rev. Mr. Coyle, disguised himself as a peasant to hide his clerical status, sleeping in hay-lofts and the homes of the poor. The Headfort family sheltered him from the priest-hunters pursuing Catholic clergy.

Read the passage

A Rev. Mr. Coyle succeeded. The traditions of the people represent him as "clad like the peasantry, to conceal his ecclesiastical dignity, and having frequently to sleep on hay-lofts and garrets, and in the houses of the poor". The family of Headfort protected him, and often sheltered him from the priest-hunter.
The Very Rev. John Plunkett* succeeded. He was Archdeacon of Meath, and a most respectable ecclesiastic. He died on the 14th of January, 17ti , and was buried in the churchyard of Cortown. A large, uninscribed, horizontal tomb has been placed over his remains, and to this day the coffins are deposited on the stone, and the De Profandis chanted previous to interment.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Kells now. In penal times the parish priest here, a Rev. Mr. Coyle, disguised himself as a peasant to hide his clerical status from the priest-hunters. He slept in hay-lofts and garrets and in the homes of the poor. The Headfort family protected him and often sheltered him from the priest-hunter. The traditions of the people remember him, in the words of the source, "clad like the peasantry, to conceal his ecclesiastical dignity."

Priest's horse saved from squireens' penal-law scheme

Drogheda · town · Louth

An anecdote tells how squireens plotted in Drogheda to demand Father Kelly's horse for five pounds under the penal statute, but Sir James Quail Somerville overheard and arranged for the horse to be nominally his own so the priest could keep it, thwarting the scheme.

Read the passage

* An anecdote is told of this pastor, which is worth preserving. He kept a magnificent horse, which attracted the attention of some of the squireens of that day. One night that Sir James Quail Somerville was dining in Drogheda, he overheard a conversation between two of these gentry, the purport of which was, that they arranged to offer the priest live pounds in accordance with the statute, and demand the horse. Early next morning Sir James sent for Father Kelly, told him all, and arranged that the horse should henceforth be Sir James's property, and knt to the priest. The squireens met Father Kelly, offered the money, but they were disappointed. Sir James was grandfather to the present Sir William Somerville.
340 PASTORS OF BLACKLYON.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 207

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, there is a story from the penal-law days about Father Kelly. He kept a magnificent horse, and some of the local squireens plotted to offer him five pounds for it under the statute and simply demand the animal. Sir James Quail Somerville was dining in Drogheda one night and overheard the whole scheme. Early next morning he sent for the priest, told him everything, and arranged that the horse would henceforth be nominally Sir James's own property while remaining with Father Kelly. When the squireens came and offered the money, they found themselves thwarted. Sir James was grandfather to the present Sir William Somerville.

Robert Bruce crosses the Boyne at Slane, 1317

Slane · townland · Meath · 1317

In 1317 Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, and his Scottish army crossed the Boyne at Slane on their march towards Dublin.

Read the passage

AFTER the Anglo-Norman invasion, de Lacy granted Slane to Richard Fleming, one of his knights. A castle was erected by the Flemings, and under the patronage of this family, Slane became one of the most prosperous borough towns in Meath. In 1176, the Irish, under Melaghlin, lord of the Kinel-Owen, plundered the castle of Slane, and slew Richard Fleming. In 1317, Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, and the Scotch army, crossed the Boyne at Slane, and marched towards Dublin. In 1414, the Irish, under O'Conor, Lord of Offaly, and Mageoghegan, defeated the Anglo-Irish at Killeagha, near Oldcastle, and slew the Baron of Skryne and a great number of nobles and plebeians. Amongst the prisoners was the Baron of Slane, for whose ransom 1,400 marks were demanded and obtained. In 1423, the portreeve and commons of Slane, with all the able men of the bailiwick, were ordered to meet the lord justice at
284 ABBEY OF SLANE.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Slane was once one of the most prosperous borough towns in Meath, built up under the patronage of the Fleming family after the Anglo-Norman invasion. A castle stood here, erected by the Flemings, and it saw its share of trouble. In 1176 the Irish under Melaghlin, lord of the Kinel-Owen, plundered the castle and slew Richard Fleming. Then in 1317, Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, crossed the Boyne at Slane with his Scottish army and marched towards Dublin. Later, in 1414, the Baron of Slane was taken prisoner by the Irish under O'Conor, Lord of Offaly, and Mageoghegan, and a ransom of 1,400 marks was demanded and obtained.

Round Tower of Donaghmore with sculpted crucifixion doorway

Donaghmore · townland · Meath · 900–1000

The round tower of Donaghmore, one hundred feet high, stands beside the church ruin. Dr. Petrie dated its erection to the tenth century, noting its doorway bears a relief carving of the crucified Saviour on the keystone.

Read the passage

" It is to this period also, (the tenth century) that I would ascribe the erection of the neighbouring round tower of Donaghmore, in the county of Meath, the doorway of which is BO remarkable in having a figure of our Saviour crucified sculptured in relievo on its keystone and the stone immediately over it. This doorway, which is placed at an elevation of twelve feet from the base of the tower, measures five feet two inches in height, and its inclined jams are two feet three inches asunder at the sill, and two feet at the spring of the arch. It will be perceived that there is a human head carved on each side of the door — the one partly on the band, and the other outside it. Some of the antagonists of the Christian origin of the round towers have asserted that this doorway 'plainly appears, to an observing eye, to be an after work'; but there is not the slightest ground for such an assertion, and as Sir Richard Colt Hoare, a profoundly skilful antiquary, observes, this doorway furnishes * a decided proof that these buildings (the round towers) were not (as some writers have conjectured) built by the Pagans'. To me, indeed, it establishes more, namely, that many of the round towers were erected not earlier than the tenth century" — Round Towers of Ireland, pp. 404, 405, and 406.
In the Irish Penny Journal the same venerable authority observes :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 96

Sack of Navan by Con O'Neil and Manus O'Donnell

Navan · town · Meath · 1539

In 1539 the northern Irish, under Con O'Neil and Manus O'Donnell, invaded the English Pale and plundered Navan, carrying off gold, silver, copper, iron and other valuables. Afterward, a tax was levied on every ploughland in Meath and Westmeath to fund the building of Navan's walls.

Read the passage

After the Anglo-Norman invasion, the town of Navan, in consequence of its central position, was considered a stronghold of importance, and accordingly was walled and fortified by Hugh de Lacy. After the conquest of Meath, de Lacy subdivided that ancient principality amongst his followers, and bestowed Navan and Ardsallagh on Joceline de Angulo, or Nangle, one of the bravest of his knights. Under the Nangle family Navan became a flourishing town, and, owing to the munificence of that house, it was one of the first boroughs established in the palatinate of Meath. In the reign of Edward the Fourth, Navan received a charter, and, under Henry the Seventh, additional privileges were granted to the citizens, hi 1539 the northern Irish, under Con O'Neil and Manus O'Donnell, invaded the English Pale, and, amongst other Anglo-Irish towns, plundered Navan, and carried off from thence "spoils of golcl_and silver, copper, iron, and everysort of goodsand valuables besides". To guard against such a recurrence, it was enacted, in the thirty-fourth of Henry the Eighth, that every ploughland in Meath and Westmeath should be charged, for four years, with the payment of 3s. 4d., for the purpose of building the walls of Navan. Under James the First and Charles the Second this town received additional charters and favours, and, while our national independence lasted, Navan sent two representatives to the Irish parliament. For the last half century no town in Ireland has been more conspicuous for sterling patriotism, or has made more sacrifices for faith and freedom. During the long and glorious agitations of O'Connell, and, subsequently, in the return of Frederick Lucas, and the formation and sustainment of a national party in the
17A

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 151

As the companion tells it

Coming up along the road through Navan, in Meath. After the Anglo-Norman invasion, Navan mattered because of its central position, and Hugh de Lacy walled and fortified it. After the conquest of Meath, de Lacy divided that ancient principality among his followers and gave Navan and Ardsallagh to Joceline de Angulo, or Nangle, one of the bravest of his knights. Under the Nangle family Navan became a flourishing town, and through the munificence of that house it was one of the first boroughs established in the palatinate of Meath. In the reign of Edward the Fourth, Navan received a charter, and under Henry the Seventh additional privileges were granted to the citizens. In 1539 the northern Irish, under Con O'Neil and Manus O'Donnell, invaded the English Pale, and among other Anglo-Irish towns they plundered Navan. They carried off, in the words of the source, "spoils of gold and silver, copper, iron, and every sort of goods and valuables besides." To guard against such a recurrence, it was enacted in the thirty-fourth year of Henry the Eighth that every ploughland in Meath and Westmeath should be charged for four years with the payment of 3s. 4d., for the purpose of building the walls of Navan. Under James the First and Charles the Second the town received additional charters and favours, and while national independence lasted, Navan sent two representatives to the Irish parliament.

St. Patrick's Hymn Composed to Escape Ambush at Tara

Tara · parish · Meath · 432–492

According to the preface in the Liber Hymnorum, St. Patrick composed his protective hymn (the Lorica) while under threat from an ambush set by King Leogaire's men at Tara, who sought to prevent him from propagating the faith there. The hymn was believed to protect the singer from demons, poison, envy, and sudden death.

Read the passage

" St. Patrick composed this hymn. In the time of Leogaire, the son of Nial, it was composed. The cause of its composition was to protect himself with his monks against the enemies unto death, who were in ambush against the clergy. And this is a religions armour to protect the body and soul against demons, and men, and vices. Every person who sings it every day, with all his attention on God, shall not have demons appearing to his face. It will be a protection to him against every poison and envy. It will be a safeguard to him against sudden death. It will be an armour to his soul after death Patrick sang this at the time that the snares were set for him by Leogaire, that he might not come to propagate the faith at Temur" (Tara).
The following metrical translation was published in Duffy's Irish Catholic Magazine (February, 1848), by C. Manganv at the request of the Very Rev. Alatthew Kelly, Maynooth College. It is " rigidly, wonderfully literal, the best substitute that can be had for the original" (see Magazine) :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 219

Tara, seat of ancient Irish kings and druids

Tara · parish · Meath

The palace of Tara is described as the long-standing seat of royalty in ancient Meath, where kings, princes, chieftains, bards, druids, and brehons of Ireland's various kingdoms gathered.

Read the passage

There are many historic associations connected with ancient and royal Meath. Here stood the palace of Tara, long the seat of royalty, whither resorted the kings, princes, and chieftains, the bards, druids, and brehons of the various kingdoms of Ireland. Uisneach in Westmeath, Tlachtgha, or the Hill of Ward, near Athboy, and Teltown, on the Blackwater, are celebrated for their royal palaces, their pagan games, their solemn conventions, and 'their Druidic ceremonies. In Meath stood the royal cemetery of Bruyhna-]3oinne,§ "the town or fort of the Boyne", where the great princes of the Tuatha de Danaan race chose to sleep after the turmoil and toil of life. Newgrange, by its remote antiquity, is still, like the pyramids of Egypt, the wonder and puzzle of the antiquarian tourist. Pagan cromlechs,
* Harris's edition of Ware's Antiquities, p. 31. Besides counties, there were other districts called crocea or cross-lands, in which Bishops and Abbots had extensive jurisdictions. Thus we read of the Crocea Villa de Navan, Crocea Midice, etc. The sheriffs of counties were distinct from these of the cross-lands — See Harris's Ware's Antiquities, p. 32.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 26

Abbot of Trevet slain by the Danes in his own house

Trevet · townland · Meath · 917

In 917 Innreachtach, Abbot of Trevet, was slain by the Danes in his own abbatial house.

Read the passage

917. Innreachtach, Abbot of Trevet, was slain in his own abbatial house (by the Danes).
1004. 8k Aedh, Lector of Trevet, bishop, wise man, and pilgrim, died after a good life, at Armagh, with great honour and veneration. In lamentation of him was said :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Trevet, in 917, the Danes killed Innreachtach, Abbot of Trevet, in his own abbatial house. The annals give only that bare fact, no more detail about how or why he fell.

Discovery of nine skeletons in Navan barrack-yard

Navan · town · Meath · 1864

About 1864, while sinking a pump in the barrack-yard built on the site of Navan Abbey's cemetery, workmen discovered the remains of nine persons laid one upon the other with no coffins, and reinterred the fragments elsewhere in the yard.

Read the passage

f There was a splendid monument erected over one of the abbots, with carved figures of mitre, crozier, and other abbatial insignia. A colonel, named Bishop, in one of his drunken freaks, at the close of the last century, asked whose monument was that, and being told it was a bishop's, he swore an oath that " only one Bishop would command there". He had the tomb smashed, and the fragments flung into the Blackwater. About five years ago I observed an old pensioner, who had temporary care of the barracks, take up a skull, while planting cabbage in the garden. It is said that the garden was the cemetery of the friars. Ought not some law be passed to prevent desecration of the dead ? On sinking the pump in the barrack-yard, about ls>64, the remains of nine persons were discovered, laid the one upon the other. No coffin seems to have encased their bodies. Ihe workmen collected the fragments, and piously interred them in another part of the barrack yard.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Navan in Meath. The barracks here were built on the old cemetery of Navan Abbey, and about 1864, workmen sinking a pump in the barrack-yard found the remains of nine persons laid one upon the other, with no coffins around them. They collected the fragments and reinterred them in another part of the yard. Before that, there had been a splendid monument over one of the abbots, carved with mitre and crozier. A colonel named Bishop, in a drunken freak at the close of the 1700s, asked whose monument it was, and being told it was a bishop's, swore that only one Bishop would command there. He had the tomb smashed and the fragments flung into the Blackwater. The friars' cemetery became the barrack garden, and an old pensioner minding the place once picked up a skull while planting cabbage.

St. Fechin founds monastery at Fore

Fore · townland · Westmeath · 630–665

St. Fechin, arriving at Fobhar (Fore) in Westmeath, was kindly received by the local proprietors and erected a monastery there. His community grew to about three hundred monks who subsisted by their own labour.

Read the passage

St. Fechin, who is the first named among the priests of the third class of Irish saints, was a native of the territory in which St. Athracta had her nunnery, that is, of Lugne. Bile, or afterwards called Bile-Fechin, in the barony of Leney, is stated to have been the place of his birth. His father was Coelcharna, a descendant of Eochad Fionn, brother to the famous King Con of the Hundred Battles, and his mother Lassair, of the royal blood of Munster. When fit to be sent to school, Fechin was placed under St. Nathy of Achonry, in whose monastery he remained until he made a considerable progress in learning and piety. How long he continued there we are not correctly informed. According to one account, he staid with Nathy until he was ordained priest ; but according to another, which appears more consistent, he left that school several years before he was ordained, and went to that of some other holy man. Having finished his studies, and being raised to the priesthood, he left his own country for the purpose of leading a retired life, and arriving at Fobhar, now Fore, in the county of Westmeath, stopped there, being very kindly received by the proprietors of that place. Here he erected a monastery, to which such numbers of persons were attracted by his reputation, that after some time his community consisted of about three hundred monks,* who, as well as their holy abbot, subsisted on their own labour, and were sometimes reduced to great penury. Some other monasteries or churches are attributed to St. Fechin, but, with the exception of one or two of them, I greatly doubt whether they were of bis foundation. That he established a religious house in the island of Imrnagh.'f near the coast of Galvvay, cannot be questioned. The inhabitants were still pagans when Fechin, taking with him some of his monks of Fore, undertook their conversion. At first he met with great opposition, and the people were so obstinate that they refused to supply him and his companions with even the necessaries of life, so that two of them died of want of food, whom, however, the Almighty was pleased, through the saint's intercession, to bring again to life. But Guaire, King of Connaught, being apprised of their distress,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 62

St Finian founds the school of Clonard, attracting thousands

Clonard · town · Meath · 520–544

St Finian settled at Clonard around 530, having received the domain from St Kieran of Clonmacnoise, and founded a monastery there which became one of the greatest schools in Europe, drawing students from Ireland, Britain, Armorica and Germany, numbering as many as three thousand at one time.

Read the passage

According to Harris, St. Finian was seated at Clonard in 520. Usher places this event at 544. The most probable year seems to have been 530. Usher quotes from a registry of the diocese of Meath, that St. Finian got the domain of Clonard from St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise. By other authorities Clonard is said to have been a desert when St. Finian founded his monastery, and by the untiring labours of the monks it was converted into a rich and luxuriant soil. However that may be, it is certain that the monastery of Clonard became one of the greatest schools in Europe. Venerable Bede bears testimony to its learning and to the hospitality with which foreign students who crowded thither were entertained. It was frequented by youths not only from Ireland and the British Isles, but even from Armorica and Germany, so that the number at one time was computed at three thousand.
Thus, in the Office of St. Finian, we read — " Trium virorum millium

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 30

As the companion tells it

As you come through Clonard, this is where St. Finian settled, most likely around 530. Harris put the year at 520, Usher at 544, but 530 seems the probable date. Usher quotes a registry of the diocese of Meath that Finian received the domain of Clonard from St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise. Some authorities say Clonard was a desert when Finian founded his monastery here, and that the monks' labour turned it into rich soil. What is certain is that the monastery became one of the greatest schools in Europe. Venerable Bede testified to its learning and to the hospitality shown to the foreign students who crowded in. Youths came not only from Ireland and the British Isles but from Armorica and Germany. At one time the number was reckoned at 3000. The Office of St. Finian begins, "Trium virorum millium," three thousand men.

St. Patrick kindles the Paschal fire at Slane

Slane · townland · Meath

The ancient abbey of Slane stands on the hill where St. Patrick kindled the Paschal fire, in defiance of the pagan law that no fire be lit before the great fire at Tara, within view of the palace of Tara.

Read the passage

AMONGST the many ecclesiastical ruins with which Ireland abounds, few surpass in interest or association the ancient abbey of Slane. Seated on a lofty hill, where St. Patrick kindled the Paschal fire, clothed in ivy, surrounded by the richest pastures, within view of some of the most ancient pagan and Christian antiquities, looking down on the blue waters of the Boyne, commanding the most extensive view of Meath,the ruins of Slane Abbey impress the beholder with religious solemnity, and carry us back to those ages when its aisles, now deserted, were thronged with worshippers, and when the piety and learning of its monastic teachers attracted numbers to its halls. "The man", says Dr. Johnson, "is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not gain force on the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of lona".
Before we proceed to the history of the ancient church of Slane, let us ascend the stairway of its ivy-mantled belfry. Where in Ireland could the antiquarian or the tourist find such materials to gratify their respective studies ? For miles and miles beneath you and around you, lie the green pastures of Meath and Louth in their richest luxuriance. In the distance you can see the mountains of Wicklow and Dublin, of Iveagh and Mourne in the County Down, and far to the west, the green hills of Westmeath. Run your eye along the valley of the Boyne from the gray walls of Trim Castle to the Irish Sea. Move on from Trim to Ballinter, Kilcairne, Navan, Donaghmore Round Tower, Dunmoe Castle, Ardmulchan Church, Stackallen, Beauparc, Carrick-Dexter, the Rocks, Slane Castle, and its picturesque village, Fennor Church, Rosnaree (the ancient Ros-na-righ, or wood of the Kings, where King Cormac is buried), the old pagan mounds of Knowth, Dowth, and New Grange, Townly Hall, Oldbridge, the Hill of Donore, on which stood the unfortunate James the Second ; Duleek, where was built the first stone

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on a hill overlooking the Boyne, St. Patrick kindled the Paschal fire. The ancient abbey of Slane stands on that hill, ivy-covered now, surrounded by rich pasture. Within view of some of the oldest pagan and Christian antiquities in Ireland, the ruins look down on the blue waters of the Boyne and command the most extensive view of Meath. The aisles, now deserted, were once thronged with worshippers, and the piety and learning of its monastic teachers drew numbers to its halls. Dr. Johnson wrote, "The man is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not gain force on the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Iona." If you climb the stairway of the ivy-mantled belfry, the view stretches for miles. Green pastures of Meath and Louth lie beneath. In the distance you can see the mountains of Wicklow and Dublin, of Iveagh and Mourne in County Down, and far to the west, the green hills of Westmeath. Run your eye along the valley of the Boyne from the gray walls of Trim Castle to the Irish Sea. Move on from Trim to Ballinter, Kilcairne, Navan, Donaghmore Round Tower, Dunmoe Castle, Ardmulchan Church, Stackallen, Beauparc, Carrick-Dexter, the Rocks, Slane Castle and its village, Fennor Church, Rosnaree, the old pagan mounds of Knowth, Dowth, and New Grange, Townly Hall, Oldbridge, the Hill of Donore, where James the Second stood, and Duleek, where the first stone church was built.

Surrender of the Abbey of Kells to Henry VIII's commissioners

Kells · town · Meath · 1539

On 18 November 1539 the last abbot, Richard Plunkett, was forced to surrender the monastery, church, cemetery and all possessions of St Mary's Abbey, Kells, to the king's commissioners, and the monks were banished to starve or beg.

Read the passage

The last abbot of St Mary's, Kells, was the Rev Eichard Plunkett;* andonthe 18th of November, 1539, he was forced to surrendert the monastery, church, cemetery, and all the possessions of this abbey to the commissioners of Henry the Eighth. The monks were banished from their cloisters, and sent adrift on the world to starve or beg, the sacred vessels of the temple were grasped by sacrilegious hands and prostituted to profane uses ; the doors of hospitality and charity, always open to the poor and to the stranger, were closed for ever, and with such antecedents, the Anglican schism was inaugurated in Ireland. A pension^ of ten pounds was
* Patent Rolls, pp. 57 and 136.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 138

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Kells. In November 1539, the last abbot of St Mary's Abbey here, Richard Plunkett, was forced to surrender the monastery, church, cemetery and all its possessions to the commissioners of Henry the Eighth. The monks were driven from their cloisters to starve or beg. The sacred vessels were seized and put to profane uses, and the doors of hospitality and charity, which had always stood open to the poor and the stranger, were closed for ever. A pension of ten pounds was granted to the abbot.

Art the Lonely's vision at Trevet foretelling St. Patrick

Trevet · townland · Meath · 195

According to an ancient poem, Art the son of Con, while hunting at Trevet, had a vision on his hunting mound before the battle in which he was slain, foreseeing the coming of St. Patrick and the future religious importance of Trevet, where he directed his body be carried and buried.

Read the passage

* Art, the son of Con, " of the Hundred Battles", monarch of Ireland, was slain at the battle of Magh Mucruimhe', in the year of our Lord 195. A " prophetic" poem is ascribed to this Art, which is preserved in the Leabhar na h-Uidre', a MS. compiled before the year 1106. In reference to this so called prophecy the learned Professor U'Curry makes the following remarks : " There is a short prose introduction, headed ' The Prophecy, and Christian Belief of Art the Lonely', which states that the prophecy was the result of a vision which Art saw while enjoying a sleep on the top of his Dumha Selga, or hunting mound, a short time before the battle, while hunting at Treoit (Trevet). In this vision Art is said to have seen the coming of St. Patrick ; the great changes which his mission would bring about in the condition of Erinn ; the subsequent importance as a religious establishment of Trevet, the place in which he then happened to be, and where, by his own direction, his body was carried from the battle-field and buried, in anticipation of the future sanctity of the place. The poem, which consists of 156 lines, was addressed to Den
Mor, Art's attendant This is one of the oldest poems that I am

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Trevet, a king named Art the Lonely, son of Con, once had a vision that still echoes. Art was monarch of Ireland, and in the year 195 he was slain at the battle of Magh Mucruimhe. But a short time before that battle, while hunting here at Trevet, he fell asleep on his hunting mound and saw what was coming. The vision showed him the arrival of Saint Patrick, the great changes Patrick's mission would bring to Ireland, and the future religious importance of Trevet itself. Art told his attendant, Den Mor, what he had seen, and the poem that came from it runs to 156 lines and is preserved in the Leabhar na h-Uidre, a manuscript compiled before the year 1106. By Art's own direction, his body was carried from the battlefield and buried here at Trevet, because he believed the place would one day be sacred. A learned professor called it one of the oldest poems he knew of.

Battle at Slane between O'Cananan's army and Danes of Dublin

Slane · townland · Meath · 945

In 945 an army led by Rory O'Cananan met the foreigners and Irish at Slane; the Danes of Dublin were defeated, with numbers slain and drowned.

Read the passage

945. An army was led by Rory O'Cananan to Slane, where the foreigners and Irish met him, and the Danes of Dublin were defeated, and numbers slain and drowned.
946. Colman, airchinneach of Slane, was slain by the foreigners.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, in 945, Rory O'Cananan led an army here and met the foreigners and the Irish. The Danes of Dublin were defeated, with numbers slain and drowned. The year after, Colman, airchinneach of Slane, was slain by the foreigners.

Bishop and friar imprisoned in Dublin Castle and tried at Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1538

A bishop and a friar were imprisoned in Dublin Castle for offences against the king, then brought to Trim to be indicted and arraigned at the last sessions, though local jurors refused to indict them.

Read the passage

. . " Here was a bishop and a friar put in the Castell of Dublin for their high and notorious offences against the kingis majestic ; and at the last cessions were brought to Trym, to have them indited, arrayned, and suffered according : yet our maisters of the lawe and all other (in good faith, except my Lord Tresorer, and veray fewe beside) been seche papistes, ypocrites, and wurshippers of idolles, that they were not indited ; whereat my Lord of Dublin (Brown), Mr. Tresorer, and the Maister of the Holies were veray angrie. Howbeit they could not remedie it. The thre wold not come in the chappell, where the Idoll of Trym stode, to thintent they wold not occasion the people ; notwith-
* State Papers, vol. iii., pp. 102, 103. The Four Masters describe the changes that occurred at this period in the following words :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Trim, in Meath. In 1538, a bishop and a friar were held in Dublin Castle for offences against the king, then brought here to Trim to be indicted and arraigned at the last sessions. The local jurors refused to indict them. Lord Dublin, Brown, Mr. Treasurer, and the Master of the Rolls were very angry, but they could not remedy it. The three would not come into the chapel where, in the words of the source, the Idoll of Trym stood, so as not to occasion the people.

Bishop Patrick Plunkett Hides from Cromwellian Persecution

Killeen · townland · Meath · 1647–1679

Dr. Patrick Plunkett, bishop of Meath and son of the ninth Lord Killeen, fled to the Continent during Cromwell's persecution and later, according to Dr. French's Elenchus of 1667, lay hidden in the woods, on the mountains, and in the cabins of the poor before returning to his see.

Read the passage

Under the same tomb reposes, after his long and glorious labours, the venerable Dr. Patrick Plunkett, bishop of Meath. He was the second son of Christopher, ninth Lord Killeen, joined the Cistercians, became abbot of St. Mary's, Dublin, and, on the recommendation of the Nuncio, was promoted in 1647 to the see of Ardagh. During the bloody days of Cromwell he fled to the Continent, and about 1665 was permitted to return to his flock. In the long and perilous controversy on the remonstrance of loyalty, he took an active and successful part against the recreant friar, Peter Walsh, for which he and the primate, Dr. O'Reilly, were cast into prison and kept in close confinement for several months. Dr. French, bishop of Ferns, tells us in his ElencJiuf* presented to Pope Clement the Ninth in November, 1667, that Dr. Plunkett then lay hid in the woods, on the mountains, and in the cabins of the poor. As a token of appreciation by the Holy See, he was transferred in 166^, by Pope Clement the Tenth, from Ardagh to Meath. He
* Hibernia Dominicans, p. 491.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 212

Bishop Walsh preaches against the Common Prayer at Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1560

William Walsh, Bishop of Meath, defiantly preached in his diocese at Trim against the newly imposed Book of Common Prayer, resulting in his confinement by the Lord Lieutenant and later imprisonment by order of Queen Elizabeth.

Read the passage

" After the return of the Earl of Sussex to Ireland, letters came from her majesty, signifying her pleasure, for a general meeting of the clergy of Ireland, and the establishment of the Protestant religion through the several dioceses of this kingdom. Among the bishops, William Walsh, then Bishop of Meath, wag very zealous for the Romish Church, not content with what offers her majesty had proposed, but very much enraged (after the assembly had dispersed themselves), he fell to preach against the common prayer (in his diocese at Trim) which was newly come over, and ordered to be observed; for which the Lord Lieutenant confined him, till he acquainted her majesty with it, who sent over her orders to clap Mm up in prison: within a few months after, persisting in the same mind, he was deposed, and the bishopric of Meath was about two years vacant, till by her majesty's provision Hugh Brady became Walsh's successor".
In the Liberum munerum Publicorum Hibernice there is a note to the same effect :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 85

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Trim, in Meath, where a bishop took a stand that cost him everything. In 1560 Queen Elizabeth ordered the clergy of Ireland to adopt the Protestant Book of Common Prayer across every diocese. William Walsh, then Bishop of Meath, refused to accept it. After the assembly of clergy dispersed, he came here to Trim and preached openly against the common prayer, which had just come over and been ordered for observance. The Lord Lieutenant confined him for it and reported to the queen, who sent orders to have him clapped up in prison. Within a few months, still unyielding, he was deposed. The bishopric of Meath then sat vacant for about two years, until Hugh Brady was appointed as Walsh's successor.

Burning of Navan town in 1539

Navan · town · Meath · 1539

R. Cowley reported to Cromwell that the ferme house of Navan and the whole town, described as the wealthiest and quickest English market-town in the shire, was burned along with the surrounding corn fields.

Read the passage

* In 1539, R. Cowley writes to Cromwell: "Your lordship preferred him, John Broke, to the ferme of the house of Navan. The same is burned, with all the appurtenances rifled ; the corn in the fields burned, and all the whole town, which was the wealthiest and quickest English market-town in all that shire" — State Papers, part iii. 275.
f There was a splendid monument erected over one of the abbots, with carved figures of mitre, crozier, and other abbatial insignia. A colonel, named Bishop, in one of his drunken freaks, at the close of the last century, asked whose monument was that, and being told it was a bishop's, he swore an oath that " only one Bishop would command there". He had the tomb smashed, and the fragments flung into the Blackwater. About five years ago I observed an old pensioner, who had temporary care of the barracks, take up a skull, while planting cabbage in the garden. It is said that the garden was the cemetery of the friars. Ought not some law be passed to prevent desecration of the dead ? On sinking the pump in the barrack-yard, about ls>64, the remains of nine persons were discovered, laid the one upon the other. No coffin seems to have encased their bodies. Ihe workmen collected the fragments, and piously interred them in another part of the barrack yard.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Navan, the town holds an older history in its ground. There was a splendid monument here over one of the abbots, carved with the figures of a mitre, a crozier, and other abbatial insignia. A colonel named Bishop, in one of his drunken freaks at the close of the last century, asked whose monument that was. When he was told it was a bishop's, he swore an oath that only one Bishop would command there. He had the tomb smashed and the fragments flung into the Blackwater. The friars' cemetery is said to have lain in what became a barracks garden. An old pensioner who had temporary care of the barracks once took up a skull while planting cabbage there. When a pump was sunk in the barrack yard, the remains of nine persons were discovered, laid one upon the other, with no coffin seeming to have encased their bodies. The workmen collected the fragments and buried them in another part of the yard.

Burning of Trim's church steeple with people trapped inside

Trim · town · Meath · 1127

In 1127 Connor O'Loghlin, an Ulster prince, marched into Meath and among other depredations burned the steeple of the church of Trim while a considerable number of people were shut up inside.

Read the passage

1127. Connor O'Loghlin, an Ulster prince, having marched with a geat army into Meath, amidst other depredations, burned the steeple of the church of Trim, in which a very considerable number of persons were shut up at the time. Lanigan, vol iv., page 55, from the Annals of Innisfallen.
1143. Trim, Kells, Dunshaughlin, and Kildare, were burned.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, the town holds a grim memory from 1127. Connor O'Loghlin, an Ulster prince, marched into Meath that year and, amid other depredations, burned the steeple of the church. A very considerable number of people were shut up inside at the time.

The Diocese of Meath: Ancient and Modern (vol. 1)

The stories, best first

Assassination of Hugh de Lacy at Durrow Castle

Cromwell's sack of Drogheda, 1649

Abbot Sebastian Shortal of Bective enslaved by Moors

The staff of Jesus burned in Dublin

Treacherous slaying and gibbeting of O'Rourke at Tlachtgha

Burning of the Statue of Our Lady of Trim

Cromwell's massacre at Drogheda

Danes burn the oratory of Trevet with 260 people inside

Martyrdom of Rev. Richard Nugent near Drogheda

Massacres of the Catholic gentry at Trim by Coote's garrison

Murder of husbandmen at Santry, their heads carried into Dublin

Priest hears confessions before hanging of Wexford men near Ratoath, 1798

Priest-hunters ambushed and beaten at Oldtown, escape to Ardsallagh Castle

Theft of the Book of Kells from the sacristy

The miraculous image of Our Lady of Trim

Crozier of St Patrick burned at Christ Church Dublin

Massacre at Ardbraccan by the Danes of Dublin

Massacre of eighty men, women and children at Navan

Suppression of St. Mary's Abbey and Expulsion of Abbot Dardice

King William's army crosses the Boyne at Slane, 1690

Lambert Simnel crowned king at Christ Church, Dublin

Martyrdom of Rev. Joseph Rooney of Athlumney

National Synod of Kells, 1152

Newgrange and Brugh na Bóinne, royal cemetery of the Tuatha Dé Danann

Peter Ludlow shelters hunted priest at Ardsallagh Castle

Public excommunication of Thomas Bathe at Navan market cross

Sir Charles Coote shot and killed near Trim

Sir Charles Coote's massacre in County Wicklow

The Cross of Kells used as a gallows for 1798 prisoners

Theft of the Great Gospel of Columkille at Kells

Treacherous Capture and Death of Felim O'Reilly at Trim

King Laoghaire's rage at the fire seen from Tara

Burning of Dunboyne chapel and town in 1798

Lieutenant Colonel Read tortured on the rack in Dublin

Royal commission orders dissolution of Irish monasteries

St. Patrick's Paschal fire at Ferta-fer-Feig confronts King Laogaire

Belfry of Slane burned by Danes with people inside

Bishop of Meath's fiery sermon dispute with Archbishop Brown at Christ Church

Danish plundering and burning of Ardbraccan

Desecration of the friary graveyard and font at Athboy

Fr. Coyle disguised as a peasant to evade priest-hunters

Priest's horse saved from squireens' penal-law scheme

Robert Bruce crosses the Boyne at Slane, 1317

Round Tower of Donaghmore with sculpted crucifixion doorway

Sack of Navan by Con O'Neil and Manus O'Donnell

St. Patrick's Hymn Composed to Escape Ambush at Tara

Tara, seat of ancient Irish kings and druids

Abbot of Trevet slain by the Danes in his own house

Discovery of nine skeletons in Navan barrack-yard

St. Fechin founds monastery at Fore

St Finian founds the school of Clonard, attracting thousands

St. Patrick kindles the Paschal fire at Slane

Surrender of the Abbey of Kells to Henry VIII's commissioners

Art the Lonely's vision at Trevet foretelling St. Patrick

Battle at Slane between O'Cananan's army and Danes of Dublin

Bishop and friar imprisoned in Dublin Castle and tried at Trim

Bishop Patrick Plunkett Hides from Cromwellian Persecution

Bishop Walsh preaches against the Common Prayer at Trim

Burning of Navan town in 1539

Burning of Trim's church steeple with people trapped inside