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

Dermod Mac Murcha and Strongbow plunder and burn Clonard and other Meath sites

Clonard · town · Meath · 1170

In 1170 the town and abbey of Clonard were plundered and burned by Dermod Mac Murcha, aided by the English under Strongbow; Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane, Dulane, Kilskyre and Castlekieran were also plundered and burned, though Clonard's town and abbey were later re-edified.

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1170. The town and abbey of Clonard were plundered and burned by Dermod Mac Murcha. who was aided and assisted by the English, under thecommandof Earl Strongbow— both town and abbey were afterwards rcedified by the inhabitants. They plundered and burned also Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Castlekieran.
1171. Dermod Mac Murcha, king of Leinster, by whom a trembling sod was made of all Ireland, after having brought over the Saxons — after having done extensive injuries to the Irish — after plundering and burning many churches, as Kells, Clonard, etc. — died before the end of a year (after this plundering), of an insufferable and unknown disease ; for he became putrid while living, through the miracle of God, Colum-Cille, and Finnen, and the other saints of Ireland, whose churches he had profaned and burned some time before ; and he died at Fearnamor, without (making) a will, without penance, without the Body of Christ, without unction, as his evil deeds deserved.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Up ahead you're coming through Clonard, in Meath. In 1170 the town and its abbey were plundered and burned by Dermod Mac Murcha, king of Leinster, aided by the English under Earl Strongbow. The same raiding swept through Kells, Teltown, Dowth, Slane, Dulane, Kilskyre and Castlekieran, all plundered and burned. The people of Clonard later rebuilt both the town and the abbey. Dermod died the next year at Fernamor, before the year was out, of an unknown and insufferable disease. The chronicle says he became putrid while living, through the miracle of God and the saints of Ireland whose churches he had profaned. He died without a will, without penance, without the Body of Christ, without unction, as the record puts it, as his evil deeds deserved.

Destruction of George King's house and town at Clontarf

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1641

Sir Charles Coote was directed to march to Clontarf, the house and town of George Kinge, two miles from Dublin, in order to pillage, burn, kill and destroy all found there. This was done in breach of a public safety proclamation issued for King only three days earlier.

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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

Fr. M'Evoy says Mass at the Croppies' Grave before the great Tara meeting, 1843

Tara · parish · Meath · 1843

On the morning of the great Repeal meeting at Tara on 15 August 1843, Father M'Evoy of Kells celebrated Mass near the 'Croppies' Grave' and delivered an eloquent sermon on faith and fatherland to the assembled crowds.

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The Very Rev. Nicholas M'Evoy succeeded. This eminent and beloved priest was born in Navan on the 25th of February, 1800, graduated in the Diocesan Seminary, and completed his studies in the College of Maynooth. After a solid and brilliant course, during which he received high literary honours, he was ordained in November, 1827, and appointed, by Dr. Lo^an, to the curacy of Kells. In a brief period he became administrator, vicar-forane of Meath, and master of conference for the deanery of Kells. In the long struggles of Ireland for civil and religious rights, the lamented Father M'Evoy took an ardent and active part; and it is needless to say his heartfelt sympathies and powerful advocacy were always on the side of the oppressed people of his fatherland. The great Liberator, whose irreparable loss we have every day cause to lament, valued Father M'Evoy highly, and acknowledged his patriotic efforts in the most complimentary terms. On the morning of the great meeting of Tara, August 15th, 1843, Father M'Evoy celebrated Mass convenient to the " Croppies' Grave" ; and there are many still living who remember his eloquent sermon on faith and fatherland to the myriad worshippers, when, big with hope, he anticipated the freedom of Ireland. Great God ! these days are gone. The famine came, O'Connell died, the homes of our people were levelled, the exodus took place, our enemies sang paeans that we were gone with a vengeance, and poor Ireland was doomed to another decade of oppression and despondency. During the agitation for Tenant Right, Father M'Evoy entered warmly into the movement, and in the formation of an Irish party, independent alike of Whig and Tory, and the return and sustainment of Frederick Lucas, he was a conspicuous and able supporter. In all the public movements of his day he cooperated earnestly and with ability ; and, to the last
216 PASTORS OF KELLS.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 146

Irish plunder Slane castle and slay Richard Fleming, 1176

Slane · townland · Meath · 1176

In 1176 the Irish, under Melaghlin, lord of the Kinel-Owen, plundered the castle of Slane and slew Richard Fleming, the knight to whom de Lacy had granted Slane after the Anglo-Norman invasion.

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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, the Flemings built a castle after the Anglo-Norman invasion. De Lacy had granted Slane to Richard Fleming, one of his knights, and under that family's patronage Slane grew into 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. Later events touched the place too. 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. The Baron of Slane was among the prisoners, and 1,400 marks were demanded and obtained for his ransom.

Mass Said in a Sentry Box off Trimgate Street, Navan

Trimgate Street · street · Meath · 1772

After the Leighsbrook chapel collapsed, Mass was for many months offered in a sentry box procured from the cavalry barracks, set up in a yard off Trimgate Street, Navan, with the people kneeling on bare ground.

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The Rev. Christopher Fleming succeeded. He was curate for many years under Dr MacEgan, and, after his death, became vicar- general § of the diocese of Meath. About the year 1772, the mudwall thatched chapel of Leighsbrook crumbled and fell on Christmas night, and on the following morning the parishioners found themselves without a place of worship. For many months after this the Holy Sacrifice was offered up in a sentry box, which was procured from the cavalry barracks ; and, under this temporary shelter, in a yard off Trimgate Street, the priest officiated, while the people knelt on the bare ground, with no other roof but the
* A paper of Dr. Pagan's, in my possession.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

As the companion tells it

Along here on Trimgate Street is where a remarkable Mass took place. In 1772 the mudwall thatched chapel of Leighsbrook crumbled and fell on Christmas night, and the next morning the parishioners had no place to worship. For many months after, the priest offered Mass in a sentry box procured from the cavalry barracks, set up in a yard off this street. He officiated under that temporary shelter while the people knelt on the bare ground, with no other roof but the sky above them.

Plague ravages Athboy in 1575

Athboy · town · Meath · 1575

In 1575 intense heat and drought gave rise to a virulent plague that ravaged Athboy and other towns, leaving castles unguarded and many corpses without burial.

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" 1575. Intense heat and extreme drought (prevailed) in the summer of this year ; there was no rain for one hour, by night or day, from Bealtain to Lammas (i.e. from the first of May to the first of August). A loathsome disease and a dreadful malady arose from this heat, namely, the plague. This malady raged virulently among the Irish and English in Dublin, in Naas of Leinster, Ardce, Mullingar, and Athboy. Between those places many a castle was left without a guard, many a flock without a shepherd, and many a noble corpse without burial, in consequence of this distemper".
In 1643 Owen Koe O'Keil besieged Athboy (Carte's Ormond, vol. ii., p. 448). From the second of Elizabeth, Athboy sent two representatives to the Irish parliament. During the last half of the last century this town was increasing in trade and population ; but Ireland was sold, the fatal union took place, our national independence was extinguished, let us hope not for ever, and, as a consequence,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 115

Profanation of the image of the Blessed Virgin of Trim in the public market

Trim · town · Meath · 1539

The long-venerated image of the Blessed Virgin of Trim was taken out of the church and publicly profaned in the market place during the dissolution of the monasteries.

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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

As you pass through Trim, you are moving through the town where, in 1539, one of the most venerated religious images in Ireland was publicly destroyed. The royal commissioners of Henry the Eighth, described as all hungry for monastic spoil, carried out the programme of their master. The monks and nuns were accused of superstitious ceremonies, pernicious worship of idols, and what the commissioners called the pestiferous doctrines of the Romish pontiff. They were called upon, in the name of the king, to surrender their possessions, and those who refused were threatened with the dread penalties of the law. The abbey-lands were seized 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 sacred relics were scattered to the winds. 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. The image of Christ crucified was brought from the abbey of Ballybogan, and the crozier of St. Patrick from Christ Church, 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 the community 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.

Rival Protestant and Catholic schools near Ardmulchan

Faganstown · townland · Meath · 1727–1760

In the reign of George II a schoolhouse near the old church of Ardmulchan was run by a Protestant teacher named Story, while a rival Catholic school in Faganstown was taught by O'Ruark; Story had O'Ruark arrested for teaching in violation of anti-Catholic statutes, but he was saved through Merydith of Dullardstown's intervention.

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* The traditions of the people state that, to save the bells of Ardmulchan from the church robbers of the Reformation, the parishioners threw them into Lug-Gorrom, or the Blue Hole, a deep pool in the Boyne, opposite Taaffe's lock. ... In the reign of George the Second, a schoolhouse was erected convenient to the old church of Ardmulchan, which was attended by a Protestant teacher named Story. A rival school in the neighbouring townland of Faganstown, was taught by a Catholic named O'Ruark, and frequented by the Catholic farmers' children. Story had O'lluark arrested for teaching in violation of the statute against Catholic schools, and he was saved owing to the active interference of Merydith of Dullardstown.
342 AKDMULCHAN.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 205

Secret Masses on the Rocks Below Blackcastle During Penal Times

Blackcastle · townland · Meath

During enforcement of the penal laws, when the Navan chapel was closed, Mass was celebrated by stealth at night on the lonely rocks lining the Boyne below Blackcastle.

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the Catholics of Navan worshipped God for seventy years, and frequently, during this time, their little chapel was closed against them, owing to a more rigorous enforcement of the penal laws, arid then Mass would be celebrated by stealth, while the stars were twinkling, on the lonely rocks which line the Boyne below Blackcastle. During the same period the statute against Catholic education was never relaxed ; no school was tolerated, up to 1782, inside the corporate boundaries, and the youth of Navan who wished to acquire knowledge were obliged to steal out to the parish of t)onaghmore, and there graduate under the hedge schoolmaster. How long Rev. Garret Darcy lived after 1704 is now unknown. He was succeeded by Dr. Luke Fagan, bishop of Meath, whose secretary and administrator was Rev. Nicholas Dempsey.* Dr. Fagan was transferred to the archiepidcopal see of Dublin in September, 1729, and was succeeded in the diocese of Meath by Dr. Stephen MacEgan, O.P., to whom the Holy See granted the parish of Navan in cornmendam. Dr. MacEganf died in Dublin on the 30th of May, 1756, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and was interred in St. James's churchyard. He was a zealous and untiring labourer, and as a preacher^ was second to none in the Irish Church.
The Rev. Christopher Fleming succeeded. He was curate for many years under Dr MacEgan, and, after his death, became vicar- general § of the diocese of Meath. About the year 1772, the mudwall thatched chapel of Leighsbrook crumbled and fell on Christmas night, and on the following morning the parishioners found themselves without a place of worship. For many months after this the Holy Sacrifice was offered up in a sentry box, which was procured from the cavalry barracks ; and, under this temporary shelter, in a yard off Trimgate Street, the priest officiated, while the people knelt on the bare ground, with no other roof but the

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

Near here, the rocks along the Boyne were where the Catholics of Navan came to worship when their chapel was shut. For seventy years they had their little chapel, but again and again it was closed against them, owing to a more rigorous enforcement of the penal laws. And then, in the words of the record, "Mass would be celebrated by stealth, while the stars were twinkling, on the lonely rocks which line the Boyne below Blackcastle." The statute against Catholic education was never relaxed during this same period. No school was tolerated up to 1782 inside the corporate boundaries. The youth of Navan who wished to acquire knowledge were obliged to steal out to the parish of Donaghmore, and there graduate under the hedge schoolmaster. How long Reverend Garret Darcy lived after 1704 is now unknown. He was succeeded by Doctor Luke Fagan, bishop of Meath, whose secretary and administrator was Reverend Nicholas Dempsey. Doctor Fagan was transferred to the archiepiscopal see of Dublin in September 1729, and was succeeded in the diocese of Meath by Doctor Stephen MacEgan. The Holy See granted him the parish of Navan in commendam. He died in Dublin on the 30th of May 1756, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and was interred in Saint James's churchyard. He was a zealous and untiring labourer, and as a preacher was second to none in the Irish Church.

Slaughter of 200 protected persons near Ardmulchan

Ardmulchan · townland · Meath · 1642

Captain Wentworth's company, garrisoned at Duno, killed no fewer than two hundred protected persons across the parish of Dunamore, Slane, and the town of Ardmulchan and surrounding townlands.

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tection. Captain Wentworth and his company, garrisoned at Duno, killed no less than 200 protected persons in the parish of Dunamore, Slane, and barony of Margellion and Ovemorein, the town of Ardmulchan, Kingstown, and Harristown, all protected persons.
In April (1642), Mrs. Ellinor Taaffe, of Tullaghanoge, ^ixty

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ardmulchan, in 1642, Captain Wentworth's company, garrisoned at Duno, killed no fewer than 200 protected persons across this parish and the surrounding country, including the town of Ardmulchan itself. Men, women, all under protection, were put to death here in April of that year.

Soldiers use iron cross of Kilbride chapel as a shooting target

Kilbride · townland · Meath · 1798

In 1798 a military force including Highlanders and the notorious 'Black Horse' regiment halted at the cross-roads of Kilbride, where they used the little iron cross atop the Catholic chapel as a target for amusement before marching on Dunboyne.

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Early in the memorable summer of 1798 a considerable military force entered Meath on the Dublin side, and halted at the cross-roads of Kilbride. There was a regiment of Highlanders in this division, and the famous "Black Horse", so execrated by the peasantry, in consequence of the wanton cruelties which tarnished the name of that corps. Adjacent to the cross-roads, on a swell of ground, stood the Catholic chapel of Kilbride, crowning which is a little iron cross, which on this occasion was converted into a target for the amusement of the soldiers. After a time the signal to " fall in" was given, and, under the guidance of a bigoted local ma-
* His name is still commemorated on the list of the deceased curates of JSavan.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 135

St. Fechin dies of the Buidhe-Connail plague

Fore · townland · Westmeath · 664–665

St. Fechin died on 20 January AD 665 of the great pestilence called the Buidhe-Connail (yellow plague) that ravaged Ireland, also claiming several other saints and abbots.

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Among the many transactions in which Fechin is said to have been engaged, it is related that, on occasion of Donald the Second, King of all Ireland, having marched with a great army into the country of the Southern or Meath Nialls, for the purpose of fixing the boundaries of their principality, they applied for protection to the saint, who happened to be then at a place called Tibrada, where, perhaps he had some small establishment. Fechin complied with their request, and acted so powerfully on the king's mind as to induce him to desist from any further proceeding against the Southern Nialls, between whom and the king he procured a perfect reconciliation. His influence was very great with the kings and princes of his time. An instance of this is given in the case of a young man named Erlomhan, whom Moenach, King of Munster, immediately discharged from prison on perceiving that Fechin wished for this act of grace. Erlomhan afterwards embraced the monastic state under Fechin. In like manner he obtained from the joint kings of Ireland, Diermit the Second and Blaithmac, the liberation of one Aedus or Aedan, a brave military man, who, on being dismissed from prison and given up to Fechin, went with him to Fore, where he became a monk. Several holy men are mentioned as united in friendship with Fechin, for instance, Coeman or Comain Breac, abbot of Roseach, in Heath, Ultan of Ardbraccan, Fintan Munnu, Ronan, son Berach, and particularly Mochua, Abbot of Ardslaine. Fechin's life was one continued course of austerity, and he was so fond of solitude that he often used to retire from his monastery, either of Fore or Immagh, to lonesome situations, passing his time in prayer, fasting, and other mortifications, and taking no food except now and then a little bread and water. Many miracles have been attributed to him. This great saint died on the 20th of January, A.D. 665, of the dreadful pestilence that raged all over Ireland.* His memory
* The Four Mastert record his death at 664. "A great mortality prevailed in Ireland this year, which was called the Buidhe-Connail, and the

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 62

St. Patrick founds church at Donaghmore and prophesies its fame

Donaghmore · townland · Meath

While baptizing the Luaignii people, St. Patrick founded the church of Domnach-mor and entrusted it to his disciple Cassanus, prophesying it would remain small in size but great in honour, a prophecy fulfilled by miraculous relics that drew pilgrims seeking healing.

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" While the man of God was baptizing the people called Luaignii, at a place where the church of Domnach-mor, in the plain of Echnach, stands at this day, he called to him his disciple Cassanus,* and committed to him the care of the church recently erected there, preadmonishing him, and with prophetic mouth predicting, that he might expect that to be the place of his resurrection, and that the church committed to his care would always remain diminutive in size and structure, but great and celebrated in honour and veneration. The event has proved this prophecy to be a true one, for St. Cassanus's relics are there to be seen in the highest veneration among the people, remarkable for great miracles, so that scarcely any of the visitors go away without recovering health, or receiving other gifts of grace sought for"— Tr. Th., p. 130.
The original church has long since disappeared, and on its site was erected, in the twelfth or thirteenth century, a parish church, the western end and belfry of which still stand.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 95

St Patrick's first baptism in Ireland at Teltown

Teltown · townland · Meath · 433

On Easter Monday, 433, St Patrick went from Tara to Teltown where public games were being celebrated and remained a week preaching, converting, and baptizing, marking the first remarkable conversion of the Irish people to Christianity.

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at the Areopagus, before the princes, brehons, and chief men of the nation. On Easter Monday, same year, St. Patrick went from Tara to Tel town, where the public games were celebrated, and where the chiefs who assembled at Tara had adjourned, and here he remained for a week preaching, converting, baptizing ; so that in Royal Meath occurred the first remarkable conversion of the Irish people to Christianity.
Tara, Tlachtgha, Uisneach, and Teltown, once the resort of kings and princes, are now desolate indeed ; their glory is gone ; flocks and herds roam over their solitudes ; they exist alone in the neglected records of the country and in the traditions of the people. The sceptre has passed from Ireland ; her national independence is extinct, and the hand of the spoiler lies heavy upon her. But there is one royalty that has never been extinguished — one heirloom remains of brighter and happier days, which neither the sword, nor the scaffold, nor the wiles of subtle and astute statesmen, nor all the diplomacy and machinations of this world could weaken or dissolve — the independence of her hierarchy and her national faith. Of the sacred fire which St. Patrick kindled on the hill of Slane it is said the Magi remarked :* " Unless that fire which we behold be extinguished this night, it will live for ever". It was not extinguished, and the faith which it symbolized burns as brightly to-day, and sheds a light as earnest and lustrous, as in the most brilliant and most glorious epochs of the history of our Church.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 27

Suppression of Bective Abbey under Henry VIII

Bective · townland · Meath · 1536

During the dissolution of the monasteries, Bective Abbey's rich chalices, shrines, and altar-plate attracted royal confiscation, and on 31 July, the abbot was forced to surrender possession of the abbey.

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rebellion of Lambert Simnel, the abbot, James of Castlemartin, took part with the other Anglo-Irish lords, and in 1488, received pardon from Henry the Seventh. The princely possessions of this house comprised twenty messuages and twelve hundred acres of arable and pasture land, and the lord-abbot sat as a spiritual peer in the parliaments of the Pale. When Henry the Eighth commenced plundering the Church and confiscating the patrimony of the poor, the broad acres, the rich chalices, shrines, and altarplate of Bective were amongst the first,* in Ireland, to attract the tyrant's cupidity. Accordingly on the 31st of July, thirty-fourth of King Henry the Eighth, the abbot was forced to surrender the possession of this abbey. f In 1537, Alen, Master of the Rolls, in aletterj to the commissioners, suggests, amongst other things, that the Deputy or Lord Lieutenant abide for the most part at Trim, and that the castle there be sufficiently repaired, " and the timber and stones of the monasteries of St. Peter, the Betty (Bective), and if need be the Black Friars there (Dominican monastery), be drawn thither for the same purpose". Bective fortunately escaped such Vandalism. In 1552, during the reign of Edward the Sixth, the possessions of this monastery were sold to Andrew Wyse, Vice-Treasurer. The following is the memorandum :§
" Grant to Andrew Wyse, Esquire, Vice-Treasurer, in consideration of the sum of £1,380 16s. 7d., Irish, of the monastery of Bectyfe, with the manor and lordship, and all edifices,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 90

As the companion tells it

Close to Bective, you have the site of an abbey whose wealth drew the king's eye. The house held 20 messuages and 1,200 acres of arable and pasture land, and its abbot sat as a spiritual peer in the parliaments of the Pale. Years earlier, the abbot James of Castlemartin had joined the rebellion of Lambert Simnel, and in 1488 received pardon from Henry VII. When Henry VIII began confiscating the patrimony of the Church, the broad acres, the rich chalices, shrines, and altar plate of Bective were among the first in Ireland to attract his cupidity. On 31 July, in the 34th year of Henry VIII's reign, the abbot was forced to surrender possession of the abbey. In 1537, Alen, Master of the Rolls, wrote to the commissioners suggesting that the Deputy or Lord Lieutenant abide for the most part at Trim, and that the castle there be sufficiently repaired, and that the timber and stones of the monasteries of St. Peter, Bective, and if need be the Black Friars, be drawn thither for that purpose. Bective escaped this. In 1552, during the reign of Edward VI, the possessions of this monastery were sold to Andrew Wyse, Vice-Treasurer, for £1,380, 16 shillings and 7 pence, Irish.

The venerated and burnt crucifix of Ballybogan

Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1538

A crucifix at Ballybogan priory was held in great veneration and attracted pilgrims from across Ireland; according to Ware's Annals it was publicly burnt in 1538, outraging national and religious feeling.

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Blessed Virgin of Navan and Trim. According to Ware's Annals, the crucifix of Ballybogan, "which", he says "had been held in great veneration", was publicly burnt in 1538. The last prior of Ballybogan was Rev. Thomas Bermingham, in whose time this monastery had to surrender its vast possessions,* numbering five thousand two hundred acres of arable and pasture land, in various counties. In 1541 all the manors, lands, and liberties of this abbey, with the title and dignity of " Baron of Carbrie", were granted by Henry the Eighth to Sir William Bermingham, at a rent of £4 3s 4d.f By the forty-first of Elizabeth, the reversion was granted to Edward Fitzgerald and his heirs. In 1608, King James the First granted to Sir Edward Fitzgerald, Knight, amongst other properties :J
" The site, etc., of the late monastery of Ballybogan, with all the buildings, orchards, gardens, etc., thereto appertaining, and all lands, customs, and hereditaments in Ballybogan, with a fair there, and a watennill, parcel of the estate of the said monastery".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 120

Treacherous slaying of Murchadh O'Melaghlin in the round tower of Kells

Kells · town · Meath · 1076

In 1076 Murchadh O'Melaghlin, three days after assuming the supremacy of Tara, was treacherously slain in the round tower (cloictheach) of Kells by Aulav, lord of Gaileanga, who was himself immediately slain in revenge.

Read the passage

1076. Murchadh O'Melaghlin, at the expiration of three days and three nights after having assumed the supremacy of Tara, was treacherously slain in the cloictheach (round tower) of Kells, by Aulav, lord of Gaileanga ; and the latter was himself immediately slain in revenge, through the miracles of God and Coluni-Cille, by Maelsachlinn, son of Conchobhar.
1095. Kells, Durrow, Clonard, Fore, and other places were all burned.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 47

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through Kells now. In 1076, Murchadh O'Melaghlin had held the supremacy of Tara for three days and three nights when Aulav, lord of Gaileanga, killed him treacherously in the round tower. Aulav was himself immediately slain in revenge, through the miracles of God and Colm Cille, by Maelsachlinn, son of Conchobhar.

Archbishop Browne's Letter on the Idol of Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1538

In 1538 Archbishop Browne wrote to Cromwell denying rumours that he intended to pull down 'our Lady of Tryme', though he admitted his conscience would allow him to oppress such 'idols'.

Read the passage

" There goithe a common brewte amonges the Yrish men, that I intende to ploke downe our Lady of Tryme, with other places of pilgrimages, as the Holy Crosse and souch like ; which in deade I never attempted, although my conscience wolde right well serve me to oppresse soache ydolles".
On the 20th of October, 1538, Thomas Alen wrote to Cromwell :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Trim. In 1538 Archbishop Browne wrote to Cromwell denying a common rumour among the Irish that he meant to pull down the pilgrimage image known as Our Lady of Trim. He said he never attempted it, though his conscience would, in his words, "right well serve me to oppresse soache ydolles".

Body of Brian Boroimhe waked at Duleek abbey-church

Duleek · town · Meath · 1014

After being struck down at Clontarf in the moment of victory, the body of Brian Boroimhe was waked in the abbey-church of Duleek by the monks of St. Kienan.

Read the passage

The antiquarian will remember that Duleek was the seat of an ancient diocese ; that the first stone church built in Ireland was erected there ; that its schools rivalled for many years the great literary retreats of Armagh, Clonard, Clonmacnoise, Lismore, and Bangor ; and that for six hundred years an uninterrupted succession of bishops ruled here, to whose memory our annalists pay a deserving tribute. Nor will it be forgotten that Duleek was a district of crosses, churches, and monasteries ; that it had anciently a round tower ; that the relics of St. Kienan and other saints were preserved here up to a late period ; and that the Book of the Gospels, which belonged to St. Patrick, was committed to the care of this church. The pilgrim who visits Duleek will remember that the Danes frequently plundered this place ; that the body of Brian Boroimhe, after being stricken down at Clontarf in the moment of victory, was waked in
22 DIOCESK OF DULEEK.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 35

Cistercian Abbey of Bective founded

Bective · townland · Meath · 1146–1151

A Cistercian Abbey called De Beatitudine was founded at Bective between 1146 and 1151 by Murchard O'Melaghlin, King of Meath. It was among the first branches established from Mellifont, the first Cistercian house in Ireland.

Read the passage

BECTIVE,* Bectiff, or Begty, is situated in the barony of Navan, three miles east 01 Trim, and on the banks of the Boyne. A Cistercian Abbey, called De Beatitudine, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, was founded here, between 1146 and 1151, by Murchard O'Melaghlin, King of Meath.f The first Cistercian house founded in Ireland was Mellifont, in 1142.} St. Malachy, admiring the great institute of St. Bernard, had left, on his return from Rome in 1140, some of his monks at Clairvaux in order to learn the rules and regulations of the order, and to be trained up under that learned and holy abbot After sufficient time, at St. Malachy's request, St. Bernard sent over the Irish monks, accom-
honour". Ludlow. in apparent indignation, calling his servant, ordered a whip, and scutched the three worthies from the castle, " because they were not able for one priest". There are very many interesting traditions amongst the people, apparently well-founded, of the interposition of the Ludlows to soften the asperity of the laws, and to connive at the exercise of the priestly functions. Their castle often gave shelter to the Catholic clergy in the days of persecution, and their philanthropy and charity have endeared them to the grateful remembrance of the people.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 89

As the companion tells it

Close to Bective, in the barony of Navan, on the banks of the Boyne, a Cistercian Abbey called De Beatitudine was founded between 1146 and 1151 by Murchard O'Melaghlin, King of Meath. The place was also known as Bectiff or Begty, and the abbey was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It was among the earliest branches of the Cistercian order in Ireland. The first Cistercian house founded in the country was Mellifont, in 1142, just a few years before this foundation. The story of these houses begins with St. Malachy, who admired the great institute of St. Bernard. On his return from Rome in 1140, St. Malachy left some of his monks at Clairvaux in order to learn the rules and regulations of the order, and to be trained up under that learned and holy abbot. After sufficient time, at St. Malachy's request, St. Bernard sent over the Irish monks.

Danes use Kells as headquarters for mass plunder of Meath churches

Kells · town · Meath · 949

In 949 Godfrey, son of Sitric, with the Danes of Dublin, plundered Kells and other Meath churches, using Kells as their base, carrying off over three thousand captives along with gold, silver and goods.

Read the passage

949. Godfrey, son of Sitric, with the Danes of Dublin, plundered Kells, Donaghpatrick, Ardbraccan, Dulane, Castlekieran, Kilskyre, and other churches (of Meath) in like manner ; but it was out of Kells they were all plundered (that is, the Danes made Kells their head-quarters). They carried upwards of three thousand persons with them into captivity, besides gold, silver, raiment, and various wealth and goods of every description.
966. Conmach, successor of Ultan, and priest of Kells, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Kells, a town in Meath. In 949 Godfrey, son of Sitric, led the Danes of Dublin in a mass plunder of churches across the region, and they made Kells their headquarters for it all. Donaghpatrick, Ardbraccan, Dulane, Castlekieran, Kilskyre and other Meath churches were all plundered from there. They carried upwards of 3000 people into captivity, besides gold, silver, raiment, and goods of every description. In 966 Conmach, successor of Ultan and priest of Kells, died.

Desolation of Tara, Uisneach and Teltown

Tara · parish · Meath

Tara, Tlachtgha, Uisneach, and Teltown, once resorts of kings and princes, are described as now desolate, with flocks and herds roaming their solitudes, surviving only in neglected records and local tradition.

Read the passage

Tara, Tlachtgha, Uisneach, and Teltown, once the resort of kings and princes, are now desolate indeed ; their glory is gone ; flocks and herds roam over their solitudes ; they exist alone in the neglected records of the country and in the traditions of the people. The sceptre has passed from Ireland ; her national independence is extinct, and the hand of the spoiler lies heavy upon her. But there is one royalty that has never been extinguished — one heirloom remains of brighter and happier days, which neither the sword, nor the scaffold, nor the wiles of subtle and astute statesmen, nor all the diplomacy and machinations of this world could weaken or dissolve — the independence of her hierarchy and her national faith. Of the sacred fire which St. Patrick kindled on the hill of Slane it is said the Magi remarked :* " Unless that fire which we behold be extinguished this night, it will live for ever". It was not extinguished, and the faith which it symbolized burns as brightly to-day, and sheds a light as earnest and lustrous, as in the most brilliant and most glorious epochs of the history of our Church.
There were anciently eight episcopal sees in the present diocese of Meath, viz., Clonard, Duleek, Kells, Trim, Ardbraccan, Dun^haughlin, Slane, and Fore. All these dioceses, except Duleek and Kells, were consolidated, and

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 27

Donaghpatrick repeatedly burned and plundered by Danes and Irish forces

Donaghpatrick · townland · Meath · 745–1156

The Annals of the Four Masters record that Donaghpatrick was burned in 745 and plundered multiple times by the Danes (886, 949, 992, 994) and by Dermod Mac Murchadh and the foreigners of Dublin in 1156.

Read the passage

1156. Donaghpatrick was plundered by Dermod Mac Murchadh and the foreigners of Dublin.
After the Anglo-Norman invasion Donaghpatrick became a parish church.* A flourishing town was pleasantly located here on the banks of the Blackwater. The church has been long since uprooted, and a Protestant edifice erected on its site. The town, too, has been swept away, and the country converted into a vast sheepwalk. Such is our modern system of political economy.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 97

Dr. Plunkett's grieving visitation of burnt Dunboyne

Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1798

On 6 June 1798, Bishop Plunkett visited Dunboyne and found the chapel, parish priest's house and almost all houses of the town burnt; Father Connell did not appear and Plunkett withdrew in grief.

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

The road is taking you through Dunboyne, in Meath. In 1798, a Protestant gentleman who knew more than he wished to tell rode in haste to the residence of Father Connell and told him to fly for his life, as the military were coming. Father Connell had just time to escape through a back window into his little garden, and through the garden hedge into the woods of Roosk. The advanced guard appeared at the cross-roads of Loughsallagh. The soldiers 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 marched on to the town of Dunboyne, levelled the Catholic chapel, burned the town, and committed innumerable excesses. On the 6th of June, Dr. Plunkett made his annual visitation of Dunboyne. He wrote, '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 pounds as compensation to the inhabitants for the loss of their chapel. Before the new chapel was finished, 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 an out-house of the old brewery of Dunboyne. The site of the present chapel was procured from the Butlers, who later tried to take advantage of a flaw in the lease, and a lawsuit was about to begin.

Father Connell's narrow escape through the woods of Roosk

Roosk · townland · Cork · 1798

Warned by a Protestant gentleman that military were coming, Father Connell escaped through his garden hedge into the woods of Roosk moments before soldiers arrived at his house in 1798.

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

Somewhere around here in 1798, Father Connell had a narrow escape. A kind-hearted Protestant gentleman, who perhaps knew more than he wished to tell, rode in haste to the priest's residence and warned him to fly for his life, because the military were coming and there was no knowing what they might do. Father Connell had just enough time to get out through a back window into his little garden, and then through the garden hedge into the woods of Roosk. Moments later the advanced guard appeared at the cross-roads of Loughsallagh. The soldiers searched the house and premises for the priest. 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. They levelled the Catholic chapel, burned the town, and committed innumerable excesses. On the 6th of June that year, Dr. Plunkett made his annual visitation of Dunboyne. He wrote, '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 about the brutal conduct of the soldiers. He succeeded in getting 100 pounds as compensation to the inhabitants for the loss of their chapel. Before the new chapel was finished, 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 an out-house attached to the old brewery of Dunboyne. The site of the present chapel was procured from the Butlers. Some members of that family later took advantage of a flaw in the lease, and a lawsuit was about to take place, until the matter was settled.

Founding of the Priory of St John the Baptist, Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1210

The Priory of St John the Baptist was founded in the twelfth century on the Meath side of the Boyne, likely by Walter de Lacy, and served as a hospital for the sick and infirm; King John is said to have held a parliament there in August 1210.

Read the passage

The Priory of St. John the Baptist was founded in the twelfth century, on the south or Meath side of the Boyne. The founder is supposed to have been Walter de Lacy,* who, at all events, was a liberal benefactor to it. In August, 1210, King John is said to have held a parliament here. This priory was an hospital for the sick and infirm, and to augment its sphere of charity and benevolence, numerous bequests were given to it in trust for the afflicted and the distressed. However, neither the sacred cause of charity, nor the crying wants of the people, could shelter this house from the sacrilegious robbery of Henry the Eighth. The last prior was Rev. Thomas Dawe, who, on the 26th July, 15^9, was obliged to surrender to the royal plunderer upwards of a hundred acres of land, besides closes, messuages, orchards, gardens, cottages, and mills — the property of the poor, the religious bequests of the wealthy, by which suffering humanity was relieved and consolation imparted. As a compensation to the prior a pension of £3 was allowed him, payable out of the lands of Priorton and Killartre, in the county of Louth, part of the possessions of the priory. How long faith was kept with the abbot we are not informed, for doubtless in the reigns of Edward and Elizabeth the only guarantee for the continuance of his pension was apostacy. After the suppression of the priory a part of the possessions was granted to Richard Netterville. The vast portion was granted by Edward the Sixth, in consideration of a fine, to James Sedgrave, a merchant of Dublin. At a rent of 15s. he acquired,!
" The house, site, ambit, and precinct of the late hospital or priory of St. John the Baptist, near the town of Drogheda, with all the houses, edifices, chapels, churches, cemeteries, lands, tenements, tithes, altarages, oblations, and other hereditaments, as well temporal as spiritual, therunto belonging; and all the messuages and lands called St. Leonardo's land, as well within, the franchises of Drogheda as without ; and the fields and ham-

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 125

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, the road runs near the site of the Priory of St John the Baptist, founded in the twelfth century on the south, or Meath, side of the Boyne. The founder is thought to have been Walter de Lacy, who was certainly a liberal benefactor to it. In August 1210, King John is said to have held a parliament there. The priory was a hospital for the sick and infirm, and many bequests were made to it in trust for the afflicted and the distressed. Neither the cause of charity nor the needs of the people could shelter this house from Henry the Eighth. The last prior was the Reverend Thomas Dawe, who on the 26th of July 159 was obliged to surrender upwards of a hundred acres of land, besides closes, messuages, orchards, gardens, cottages, and mills. As compensation, a pension of 3 pounds was allowed him, payable out of the lands of Priorton and Killartre in the county of Louth. After the suppression of the priory, part of the possessions was granted to Richard Netterville. The vast portion was granted by Edward the Sixth, for a fine, to James Sedgrave, a merchant of Dublin. At a rent of 15 shillings he acquired the house, site, ambit, and precinct of the late hospital or priory near the town of Drogheda.

Great convention of Irish prelates and princes at Athboy, 1167

Athboy · town · Meath · 1167

In 1167 a great assembly of prelates and princes of Leath-Cuinn, including Roderick O'Connor, St Lawrence O'Toole, and Catholicus O'Duffy, gathered at Athboy along with thirteen thousand horsemen, passing resolutions of peace without conflict.

Read the passage

" They passed many good resolutions at this meeting, respecting veneration for churches and clerics, and control of tribes and territories, so that women used to traverse Ireland alone ; and a restoration of his prey was made by the Ui-Failge at the hands of the kings aforesaid. They afterwards separated in peace and amity, without battle or controversy, or without any one complaining of another at that meeting, in consequence of the prosperousness of the king, who had assembled these chiefs with their forces at one place".
Little the men who attended that meeting ever imagined that able and unscrupulous foes were then busily plotting against the liberties of the Irish nation, and that, in a few years thence, seven centuries of misrule were to be inaugurated. After the invasion, Athboy became one of the most flourishing towns of the English Pale In 1575 Athboy was visited by a plague, which carried off many of the inhabitants. The Four Masters thus chronicle the cause and effects of this visitation:

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 115

Great Fire Destroys Armagh's Treasures and Library

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1020

In 1020 Armagh's fort was completely burned except for the library; many houses, the great stone church, the round tower with its bells, and other buildings were destroyed along with books, gold, silver and precious stones.

Read the passage

1020. Armagh was burned, with all the fort, without the saving of any house within it, except the library only, and many houses were burned in the Trians, and the daimhliag-mor was burned, and the cloictheach with its bells, and the Daimliagna-Toe (this was the original parish church), and Damhliag-an-t Sabhail, and the old preaching chair, and the chariot of the abbots, and their books in the houses of the students, with much gold, silver, and precious stones.
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.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

Kilbride chapel and its iron cross targeted by soldiers in 1798

Kilbride · townland · Meath · 1798

Rev. Patrick Ferrall built the present chapel of Kilbride on a site procured from the Protestant Brassington family after the old chapel fell to ruin. In 1798, soldiers used the iron cross of this chapel as a target for shooting practice.

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The Rev. Patrick Ferrall succeeded. He had been curate in Navan for several years under Dr. Plunkett, and after his appointment to Dunamore, lost no time in communicating a fresh impetus to religion and education. The old chapel of Kilbride was already crumbling into ruin, and the worthy pastor having procured a site from a Protestant family named Brassington, erected the present chapel of Kiibride ; the iron cross of which, in 1798, formed a target for the soldiers.* Early in that memorable year a warrant was issued for the arrest of Father Ferrall, in consequence, it is said, of his deep sympathy for the cause of the people. He left the neighbourhood until the storm blew over, and the parish was in the interim administered by Rev. Christopher Halligan. At the close of 1798 the reverend pastor returned, and on the 12th of April, 1801, he diedf of fever caught in the discharge of his duties. He was a zealous priest and a stern uncompromising patriot. He was beloved by all who knew him for his many excellent qualities, and there are few sleeping in their graves held in holier or more grateful reverence. He was buried to the east of the old church of Greenogue, where a simple unornamented stone marks his resting place.
The Rev. Patrick Lynn succeeded. He was appointed on the day after the death of Father Ferrall, and resigned on the 15th of the same month.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 244

Massacre of children at Doramstown near Ardbraccan

Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1642

Sir Richard Grenville's troop killed forty-two men, women, and children, and eighteen infants, at Doramstown in the parish of Ardbraccan during the 1642 killings.

Read the passage

Sir Richard Grenville's troop killed forty-two men, women,
and children, and eighteen infants, at Doramstown (parish of

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, at Doramstown in 1642, Sir Richard Grenville's troop killed forty-two men, women, and children, and eighteen infants.

New parliamentary liturgy first read at Christ Church, Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1551

The new parliamentary liturgy imposed under Edward VI was read for the first time in Ireland in the cathedral of Christ Church, Dublin, on Easter Sunday 1551, marking a major step in the imposition of the Reformation.

Read the passage

velty generated by passion, nourished by plunder, recruited by recreancy, and backed by the terrors of the law, having succeeded in England, Cranmer and the Protector resolved to join issue with Catholic Ireland. An order was forthwith sent to St. Leger, the Lord Deputy, to have the oath of allegiance administered to the bishops, and the new liturgy adopted. The Irish prelates assembled at Dublin, and all the old bishops refused compliance, with the exception of Archbishop Brown, Dr. Staples of Meath (both nominated by Henry the Eighth), and a few more. Archbishop Brown, the first and foremost apostate, now placed himself at the head of the Reformation-party in Ireland, and around him gathered all those who, having shipwrecked morals and conscience, were hungering after the flesh-pots of Egypt. The parliamentary liturgy was read for the first time in Ireland, in the cathedral of Christ Church, Dublin, on Easter Sunday, 1551, and in the same year Sir James Crofts, the Lord Deputy, invited the bishops of the Catholic Church and of the Reformation to have a discussion on religion. The prelates assembled in the great hall of St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin; the subject of debate was the sacrifice of the Mass. The Primate, Dr. Dowdall, defended the Catholic doctrines, his antagonist on the Protestant side being no other than his consecrator, Edward Staples,* once Catholic bishop of Meath. Whatever may have been the relative learning or abilities displayed by the disputants, there was no doubt on which side lay the prospect of worldly promotion. The result of the discussion was, says Ware, that " it gave to the king and council an opportunity to deprive Dowdall, for his obstinacy, of the title 01 primate of all Ireland, and of annexing it to the see of Dublin for ever". Accordingly Brown obtained letters patent from King Edward the Sixth, dated the 20th of October, 1551, that he and his successors should be primates of all Ireland. Harris adds, "because he (Brown) was the first of the Irish Bishops who embraced the order for establishing the English Liturgy and Reformationin Ireland". Dr. Dowdall, knowing the men he had to deal with, fled to

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 82

As the companion tells it

Right here at Christ Church Cathedral, the new parliamentary liturgy of Edward the Sixth was read for the first time in Ireland, on Easter Sunday 1551. Cranmer and the Protector had ordered the Lord Deputy St. Leger to have the oath of allegiance administered to the bishops and the new liturgy adopted. The Irish prelates assembled at Dublin, and all the old bishops refused compliance, with the exception of Archbishop Brown, Dr. Staples of Meath — both nominated by Henry the Eighth — and a few more. Brown placed himself at the head of the Reformation party in Ireland. In the same year, the Lord Deputy Sir James Crofts invited the bishops of the Catholic Church and of the Reformation to a discussion on religion. They gathered in the great hall of St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, and the subject of debate was the sacrifice of the Mass. The Primate, Dr. Dowdall, defended the Catholic doctrines. His antagonist on the Protestant side was no other than his consecrator, Edward Staples, once Catholic bishop of Meath. The result, says Ware, was that it gave the king and council an opportunity to deprive Dowdall, for his obstinacy, of the title of primate of all Ireland, and to annex it to the see of Dublin for ever. Brown obtained letters patent from King Edward the Sixth, dated the 20th of October 1551. Harris adds that this was because Brown was the first of the Irish bishops to embrace the order for establishing the English liturgy and Reformation in Ireland. Dowdall, knowing the men he had to deal with, fled.

Nocturnal reburial of Archdeacon Peter O'Reilly at Kells chapel

Kells · town · Meath · 1820

After his death in 1820, Archdeacon Peter O'Reilly was first buried in St. John's churchyard, but a short time later his remains were secretly exhumed by night and reinterred in the new chapel of Kells, where an elaborate monument was later erected.

Read the passage

The Eev. Peter O'Reilly was a very eminent preacher, both in the Irish and English languages, and was beloved by his people for his zeal and charity. He continued to the end on the closest intimacy with Dr. Plunkett, and his brother priests had unlimited confidence in his wisdom and prudence. He died, universally regretted, on the 16th of July, 1820, and was buried in St. John's churchyard. A short time after his interment, his remains were taken up by night and deposited in the present chapel of Kells, where a gorgeous monument has been erected to his memory, with the following inscription :
Sacred to the memory of

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 145

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, this is where Archdeacon Peter O'Reilly ended up after a strange second burial. He was a eminent preacher in both Irish and English, loved by his people for his zeal and charity, and trusted by his fellow priests for his wisdom. He died on the 16th of July, 1820, and was first buried in St. John's churchyard. A short time later, his remains were secretly taken up by night and deposited in the chapel of Kells, where a gorgeous monument was erected to his memory.

Plundering of Clonard, sacrilegious theft of St Finian's sword

Clonard · town · Meath · 1136

In 1136 the people of Breney plundered and sacked Clonard, stripping the chief poet of Ireland O'Daly, and sacrilegiously stole from the vestry a sword that had belonged to St. Finian, the founder of the abbey.

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sacked Clonard, and behaved in so shameless a manner as to strip O'Daly, then chief poet of Ireland. Amongst other outrages, they sacrilegiously took from the vestry of this abbey a sword which had belonged to St. Finian, the founder. (Annals of Clonmacnoise.)
1 139. Cuchonnacht O'Daly, Chief Ollamh in Poetry, died at Clonard. He was of Leckin, in Meath (near Bunbrussna, in West Meath).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Clonard here in Meath was plundered in 1136 by the people of Breney. They sacked the place and stripped O'Daly, who was then chief poet of Ireland. Among their outrages, they sacrilegiously took from the vestry of the abbey a sword that had belonged to St. Finian, the founder.

Royal princes confined in Trim Castle

Trim · town · Meath · 1399

In 1399 Richard the Second confined Humphrey, son of the Duke of Gloucester, and Henry (afterwards Henry the Fifth), son of the Duke of Lancaster, in the castle of Trim.

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In 1399, Richard the Second confined Humphrey, son of the Duke of Gloucester, and Henry — afterwards Henry the Fifth — son of the Duke of Lancaster, in the castle of Trim.
In 1447, Sir John Talbot, Lord Furnival and Earl of Shrewsbury, held a parliament at Trim, when an act was passed prohibiting " English marchours" from wearing beards on their upper lips, after the manner of the " Irish enemy". This Sir John, who is called the " scourge of France", is said to have erected the building near the yellow steeple called the " Talbot Castle".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, you are near a castle where, in 1399, Richard the Second confined two royal princes. One was Humphrey, son of the Duke of Gloucester. The other was Henry, son of the Duke of Lancaster, who would become Henry the Fifth. Later, in 1447, Sir John Talbot, Lord Furnival and Earl of Shrewsbury, held a parliament here, and an act was passed prohibiting English marchers from wearing beards on their upper lips, after the manner of the Irish enemy. This same Talbot, called the scourge of France, is said to have erected the building near the yellow steeple known as Talbot Castle.

Staples deprived of the see of Meath at Ardbraccan

Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1548–1554

Edward Staples, having married in defiance of his vows, wrote his complaints from Ardbraccan in 1548 before being removed from the diocese of Meath in 1554 for being married and impenitent.

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It is not to be supposed that the diocese of Meath beheld with indifference the recreancy and immorality of its bishop, and his efforts to seduce from the faith the flock once committed to his charge. Even before he had fallen, his cringing subserviency to the powers of this world, and his schismatical disobedience and disrespect of the Holy Father, rendered him, throughout the diocese, odious and contemptible. As early as December, 1548, he writes from Arabraccan a doleful letter to the Secretary of Sir Edward Bellingham, Lord Deputy, in which amongst other grievances, he complains that
" a benyfyced man of myn owne promocion" told him, in addition to other matters, " if the countrie wiste how, they wolde eate yow .... and I advyce you for Criste sake not to preche at the Novatn" (Navan).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Edward Staples, the bishop of Meath, wrote a doleful letter in December 1548. He was already odious and contemptible throughout the diocese for his subservience to worldly powers and his disrespect toward the Pope. Writing from Ardbraccan to the secretary of the Lord Deputy, he complained that a beneficed man of his own promotion had warned him, if the country knew how, they would eat him, and advised him for Christ's sake not to preach at Navan. He had married in defiance of his vows, and in 1554 he was deprived of the see of Meath for being married and impenitent.

St. Erk's hermitage and stone of the crucifixion near Slane

Slane · townland · Meath

St. Erk's hermitage survives on the northern bank of the Boyne near Slane; nearby stands a large sculptured stone depicting the crucifixion and twelve apostles, around which pilgrims still walked reciting prayers twelve times after performing stations at Our Lady's Well.

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NOTE. — The heritage of St. Erk, in which he spent his declining years, is still to be seen on the northern bank of the Boyne. and a more romantic or enchanting spot can scarcely be imagined. The old walls, clothed in ivy, are situated at the foot of a swell of ground which gradually rises until it reaches the hill of Slane, and are almost washed by the blue waters of the Boyne, which sweep by the southern basement. A rich grassy plain stretches along the south of the river, and the horizon is bounded on the one side by the castle of Slane, on the other by the gray walls of Fennor church, and by the green hills and woods which rise in the distance. Near the hermitage is a large sculptured stone, having figures of the crucifixion and the twelve apostles. It is difficult to conjecture now what may have been its peculiar use ; but it is held in great respect, for pilgrims, after performing their stations at our Lady's Well (which if near), usually repeat the Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and the Credo, twelve times round this stone.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, on the northern bank of the Boyne, the old walls of St. Erk's hermitage can still be seen, clothed in ivy and almost washed by the river. He spent his declining years there, and the old walls sit at the foot of ground that rises gradually toward the hill of Slane. Not far from the hermitage stands a large sculptured stone bearing figures of the crucifixion and the twelve apostles. Its original purpose is uncertain, but it is held in great respect. Pilgrims, after performing their stations at Our Lady's Well nearby, would walk round this stone and recite the Pater Noster, the Ave Maria, and the Credo, twelve times. The view from the spot takes in the castle of Slane on one side and the gray walls of Fennor church on the other, with green hills and woods rising in the distance.

St. Kieran's holy well at Castlekieran described

Castlekeeran · townland · Meath

About a furlong west of the old church at Castlekieran lies St. Kieran's well, described as one of the most beautiful holy wells in Ireland, shaded by an ancient ash tree and springing from a limestone rock, a place where sheep love to congregate.

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J Of Termon crosses Dr. Lanigan says : " We find some canons relative to the ecclesiastical lands or tracts, called Terminus, and their boundaries or marks. 'Let the Terminus of a holy place have marks about it. Wherever you find the sign of the cross of Christ, do not do any injury. Three persons consecrate a Terminus of a holy place — a king, a bishop, and the people'. It appears that crosses used to be erected in such holy places, and that this might have been done by either a king, a bishop, or by the people" — vol. iv., pp. 386 and 388. On the crosses at Castlekieran, see Wilde's Boyne and Blackwater, pp. 138, 139, 140, 141. Dr. Wilde says of St. Kieran's well : " About a furlong's length to the west of the old church may be seen St. Kieran's well, one of the most beautiful holy wells in Ireland, and shaded by a hoary ash tree of surpassing size and beauty. . . . The well is situated on the side of a beautiful and exquisitely green sloping bank, upon which the neighbouring sheep love to congregate. It springs from a limestone rock of considerable length ; and appears first in a small natural basin immediately at the foot of the tree". — pp. 141, 142.
11

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 94

St Loman's arrival and founding of Christianity at Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 433

According to the 7th-century writer Tirechan, St Loman sailed up the Boyne to the ford of Trim, converted and baptized Foirtchern, son of the local ruler Feidilmid, and thereby began the ecclesiastical foundation of Trim.

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" A.D. 433. When Patrick, in his holy navigation, came to Ireland, he left St. Loman at the mouth of the Boyne to take care of his boat forty days and forty nights ; and then he (St. Loman) waited another forty, out of obedience to Patrick. Then, according to the order of his master (the Lord being his pilot), he came in his boat, against the stream, as far as the ford of Trim, near the fort of Feidilmid, son of Loiguire. And when it was morning, Foirtchern, son of Feidilmid, found him reciting the Gospel, and admiring the Gospel and his doctrine, immediately believed ; and a well being opened in that place, he was baptized by Loman in Christ, and remained with him until his mother came to look for him ; and she was made glad at his sight, because she was a British woman. But she likewise
* Usher's Primordinm, pp. 853, 8J5. Dr. Lanigan is of opinion that Saint Loman. or Luman, belonged to the seventh century. For various notices of Trim by this learned but hypercritical author, see vol. i.,pp. 222, 317, 416, 427, 428, 466; voL iii., pp. 176, 177 ; vol. iv., pp. 55, 225, 322, 324.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

As you come through Trim, this is where Christianity took root. In 433, St Loman sailed up the Boyne to the ford of Trim, near the fort of Feidilmid son of Loiguire. He had been left at the mouth of the Boyne by Patrick to mind the boat, waited eighty days, then came against the stream with the Lord as his pilot. In the morning Foirtchern, son of Feidilmid, found him reciting the Gospel, believed, and was baptized by Loman at a well opened in that place. Foirtchern's mother came looking for him and was glad, because she was a British woman.

Surrender and dissolution of Odder nunnery

Odder · townland · Meath · 1539–1540

On 16 July 1539 the last abbess of Odder, Margaret Sylke, was forced to surrender the convent's extensive possessions across Meath, Louth, Dublin, Kildare and Carlow to Henry VIII's commissioners. Pensions were later granted to the abbess and remaining nuns following the suppression.

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close of the twelfth century, by the illustrious family of Barnwall, under the patronage of St. Brigid, for the regular canonesses of St. Augustine. In 1195, Pope Celestine the Third granted a confirmation of their possessions. Several cells of the nunneries of Meath were annexed to this house. The prior of the Blessed Virgin's abbey of Louth had the first voice in electing the abbess of this house. Upwards of two centuries and a half of uninterrupted peace and happiness rolled over this community, until robbery and sacrilege reached their consummation, in the plunder of the Catholic Church, and the suppression and confiscation of the religious houses of Ireland. On the 16th of July, 1539, the last abbess of Odder, Margaret Sylke, yielded to force, and surrendered to the commissioners of Henry the Eighth all the possessions of the convent in the counties of Meath, Louth, Dublin, Kildare, and Carlow, and elsewhere in Ireland.f The following! was a portion of the property :
" Twenty-four messnages, a water-mill, pigeon-honse, three hundred and twenty acres of arable land, forty of pasture, and six of meadow, with the appurtenances, in Odder ; eight messuages, one hundred acres of arable land, thirty of pasture, and twelve of meadow, with the appurtenances, in Calliaghton, near Skryne ; one messuage, twenty acres of arable land, twenty of pasture, and six of meadow, with the appurtenances, in Dowkeston ; ten messuages, one hundred acres of arable land, thirty of pasture, twelve of meadow, and a fishing-pool, with the appurtenances, in Clonard, and Calliaghton, near Clonard ; sixteen messnages, one hundred and eighty acres of arable land, forty of pasture, twelve of meadow, and a lough, with the appurtenances, in Calliaghton, near Fore ; three messuages, forty acres of arable land, thirty of pasture, and ten of meadow, with the appurtenances, in Calliaghton, near Kenlis (Kells) ; ten messuages, two hundred acres of arable land, forty of pasture,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

The Barn-Chapel Altar of Two Barrels and a Door in Navan

Navan · town · Meath

A mudwall thatched house on the site of the present Catholic church in Navan was used during the week by farmers as a threshing barn, and on Sundays two barrels and a door served as the altar for Mass for eight or nine years.

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canopy of Heaven. A mudwall thatched house was next erected on a portion of the site occupied by the present Catholic church of Navan. The neighbouring farmers used this during the week as a barn for threshing corn, and on Saturday evenings the little boys attended to sweep the floor and make preparations for the following morning. Two barrels were then procured and placed in a corner of the house, the door was taken off the hinges and placed on the barrels, and here the Holy Sacrifice was offered : this was the altar of Navan for eight or nine years.* The next ambition of the Catholics of Navan was to erect some sort of a belfry, in order that all might know the hour for Mass, and that none might be disappointed. To accomplish this openly and directly, they knew was hopeless, as the penal statute against Catholic belfries was then rigorously enforced, and no exception to this law was, up to that period, tolerated throughout the diocese of Meath. To evade the statute, they suspended a little bell along the side wall of a neighbouring brewery, kept by a Catholic, and this little monitor answered a two-fold purpose — it summoned the labourers to work, and the parishioners to worship.
The Rev. Christopher Fleming was in declining health for several years previous to his death. At the close of

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 157

As the companion tells it

Coming through Navan now, in County Meath. A mudwall thatched house once stood on part of the site where the present Catholic church stands today. During the week, neighbouring farmers used it as a barn for threshing corn. On Saturday evenings, little boys came to sweep the floor and make preparations for the following morning. Two barrels were placed in a corner, a door was taken off its hinges and laid across the barrels, and that served as the altar where Mass was offered for eight or nine years. After that, the Catholics of Navan wanted a belfry, so that everyone would know the hour for Mass. But the penal statute against Catholic belfries was rigorously enforced throughout the diocese of Meath, and no exception was tolerated. To evade the law, they suspended a little bell along the side wall of a neighbouring brewery kept by a Catholic. That little bell summoned the labourers to work and the parishioners to worship.

The Uprooted Stone Cross of Navan's Market-Place

Navan · town · Meath

A stone cross once stood in the centre of Navan's market-place but was uprooted many years before writing. The site is still remembered, and funerals passing through the town carry the coffin around it in tradition.

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There was a stone cross in the centre of the market-place of Navan, which was uprooted many years ago. The site is still pointed out, and the recollection of it is perpetuated by the people, who, at all funerals passing through the town, carry the coffin around it. A synod, held long before the English invasion, warned the people, " Wherever you find the sign of the cross of Christ do not do any injury". Hence, on the mountain-top, in the lone valley, by the shady boreen, in the market-place, along the way-side, as well as in the churchyard and cemetery, the cross was erected as a monument to solicit prayers for the dead or the founder ; or again, as a landmark to familiarise the mind with the symbol of redemption, and to bring religion into the ordinary actions of men. Of one saint alone, St. Columbkill, it is recorded that he blessed " three hundred miraculous crosses and three hundred holy wells" (see Leabhar Breac, quoted in Dr. Petrie's Round Towers, p. 334). Wherever the eye turned, it rested on a church, an abbey, an oratory, a holy well, a monumental cross, or some emblem of the religion of the country. It is calculated that almost every townland in Ireland was, in former times, ornamented with the figure of the cross, and the sites of very many such are still pointed out in the traditions of the people. There are two fragments of the old cross of Navan preserved by a family in the town. One of these has an inscription, in Irish, commemorative of the sufferings of Christ, and His opening Heaven to us. The other has a figure of St. Patrick, with mitre and crozier, on one side of which is " S" (saint), and on the other " P" (Patrick) ; a second side
230 PASTORS OF NAVAN.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Navan, in Meath, there is a story the town still carries. A stone cross once stood in the centre of the market-place here. It was uprooted many years ago, but the site is still pointed out, and the recollection of it is kept alive by the people in a particular way. At all funerals passing through the town, they carry the coffin around that site. A synod held long before the English invasion warned the people, "Wherever you find the sign of the cross of Christ do not do any injury." Crosses were put up on mountain-tops, in lone valleys, by shady boreens, in market-places, along way-sides, in churchyards and cemeteries. They were erected as monuments to solicit prayers for the dead or for a founder, or as landmarks to familiarise the mind with the symbol of redemption and bring religion into the ordinary actions of men. Of St. Columbkill alone it is recorded that he blessed three hundred miraculous crosses and three hundred holy wells. It is calculated that almost every townland in Ireland was ornamented with the figure of the cross in former times, and the sites of very many are still pointed out in the traditions of the people. Two fragments of the old cross of Navan are preserved by a family in the town. One has an inscription in Irish, commemorative of the sufferings of Christ and His opening Heaven to us. The other bears a figure of St. Patrick, with mitre and crozier, with the letter S for saint on one side and P for Patrick on the other.

Volunteers of Slane declare Irish legislative independence, 1782

Slane · townland · Meath · 1782

At a meeting of the corps of volunteers of the barony of Slane assembled on their parade on 3 March 1782, a resolution was unanimously adopted declaring that only the king, lords and commons of Ireland could make laws to bind the Irish people.

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" EKSOLVED — That no power on Earth can make laws to bind the people of this land, but the king, lords, and commons of Ireland.
" FRANCIS ADAMS, Secretary".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

Close to Slane, volunteers of the barony assembled on their parade on 3 March 1782 and resolved unanimously that no power on Earth could make laws to bind the people of Ireland but the king, lords, and commons of Ireland. Francis Adams was secretary. It was a declaration of legislative independence.

Burning of the image of Christ from Ballybogan Abbey

Ballyboggan · townland · Meath · 1539

During the Reformation's destruction of relics, the image of Christ crucified was taken from the abbey of Ballybogan and committed to the flames.

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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

Death and burial of St Finian at Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath · 552

St Finian, known for his austere life of bread, herbs and water, and sleeping on the ground with a stone pillow, died at Clonard on 12 December 552, attended by St Columb of Tirdaglass, and was buried in his own church there.

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St. Finian was distinguished for his austere mode of living. His usual food was bread and herbs; his drink water. On festival days he sometimes used fish and a cup of beer or whey. He slept on the bare ground, having a stone as his pillow. He was attended in his last illness by St. Columb of Tirdaglass, and died at Clonard on the 12th of December, 552. It is a matter of uncertainty whether
* Ware's Antiquities of Ireland, p. 241. f Ibidem.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 31

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonard, this is where St Finian died on 12 December 552. He lived austerely on bread, herbs and water, sleeping on the bare ground with a stone for his pillow. St Columb of Tirdaglass attended him in his last illness, and he was buried in his own church here.

Great Famine and Plague of 1447 Kills Trim's Abbot

Trim · town · Meath · 1447

A great famine struck Ireland in spring 1447 followed by a severe plague through summer, harvest and winter, killing many clergy and nobility in Meath, including the abbot of St. Mary's Abbey in Trim.

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1447. Great famine in the spring of this year throughout all Ireland, so that men were wont to eat all manner of herbs for the most part. Great plague in the summer, harvest, and winter, by which died the prior of Ballyboggan, and the prior of Conala, and the baron of Galtrim, .... and many more in Meath, in Munster, and in Leinster di d of the plague; and it is difficult to get an account of the innumerable multitudes that died in Dublin by that plague. The abbot of Teaghmurry (St. Mary's) in Trim died by the aforesaid plague (Miscel. Arch., vol i. p. 218).
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').

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is the town of Trim, in Meath. In 1447 a great famine struck all Ireland in the spring, so that people ate all manner of herbs to survive. Then plague followed through the summer, harvest, and winter, and it killed many in Meath, Munster, and Leinster. Among the dead were the prior of Ballyboggan, the prior of Conala, and the baron of Galtrim, and innumerable multitudes died in Dublin alone. Here in Trim the abbot of St. Mary's Abbey died of that same plague. That same year a man named Felim O'Reilly, described as 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 there at Furnival's own invitation. Trim was visited with the great plague at that time, and Felim died of it seven weeks before All-hallowtide, after receiving unction and penance. He was buried in the monastery of the Friars of Trim. The annals call Furnival a son of curses for his venom and a devil for his evils, and say that from the time of Herod none so wicked had come in evil days.

Great plague of 1447 kills prior of Ballybogan

Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1447

In the summer and autumn of 1447 a great plague raged, killing the prior of Ballybogan, the prior of Connell, the baron of Galtrim and many others in Meath, Leinster and Munster; some say 700 priests died.

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1 447. In the summer and autumn of this year there raged a great plague, of which the prior of Ballybogan, the prior of Connell, the baron of Galtrim .... and a great number of others in Meath, Leinster, and Munster, died. Some say that 700 priests died of this plague. (Four Masters.)
There was in this priory a crucifix which was held in great repute and veneration, and which attracted pilgrims from various parts of Ireland. Whether it contained a portion or relic of the true cross, or that God had vouchsafed to exercise His omnipotence through its instrumentality, we cannot now exactly determine; but it is certain, that amongst the most cherished monuments and venerated heirlooms of the Irish Church, the destruction of which outraged the national and religious feelings of the people, were the holy crucifix of Bullybogan, and the statues or images of the

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 120

Remains of Richard FitzRalph translated to Dundalk

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1370

About 1370, Bishop Stephen de Valle caused the remains of Richard FitzRalph, Archbishop of Armagh, known as Richard of Dundalk, to be translated from Avignon (where he died) back to Dundalk, his birthplace, and deposited under a monument in the parish church of St. Nicholas.

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About 1370 he caused the remains of Richard FitzRalph, Archbishop of Armagh, called Richard of Dundalk, to be translated from Avignon, where he died, to Dundalk, the place of his birth, and had them deposited under a monument in the parish church of St. Nicholas. In 1373 he formed one of a deputation sent by parliament to certify to the king the state of Ireland. In 1376 Stephen de Valle was appointed governor or overseer of Munster. He died intestate at Oxford, on the 10th of November, 1379, and was interred there in a church of the Dominicans.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 69

St. Finnian's twelve apostles selected at Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath

St. Finnian, bishop of Clonard, chose twelve disciples from his crowded college to spread Christian principles among the Irish, and these twelve became known to posterity as the twelve apostles of Ireland.

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tions of the Irish were distinguished by a peculiarity never, or but very seldom, found among other nations. As soon as it became known that any eminent monk had resolved to undertake one of those sacred expeditions, twelve men of the same order placed themselves under his command, and were selected to accompany him; a custom probably introduced by St. Patrick, who had been ably supported by twelve chosen associates in converting the Irish from the darkness of paganism to the light of the true faith. St. Rioch, nephew to St. Patrick, and walking in his footsteps, was attended in his sacred missions to foreign tribes and regions by twelve colleagues of his own order ; and when St. Eupert, who had been baptized by a nephew of St. Patrick, apostle of Ireland, departed to draw down the fertilising dews of true religion on pagan Bavaria, twelve faithful companions shared the perils and labours of his journey and mission. St. Finnian, bishop of Clonard, selected twelve from the thronged college of his disciples, to devote them in a special manner to establish and animate the principles of the Christian religion among the Irish, and hence they were styled by posterity the twelve apostles of Ireland. St. Columba was accompanied in his apostolic mission to Albany by twelve monks. Twelve followed St. Finbar in his pilgrimage beyond the seas, and twelve St. Maidoc, bishop of Ferns, in one of his foreign missions. St. Colmau Fin was never seen without his college of twelve disciples. When the ceaseless irruptions of foreign enemies, or the negligence of the bishops, had well nigh extin- . guished the virtue of religion in Gaul, and left nothing but the Christian Faith — when the medicine of penance and the love of mortification were found nowhere, or but with a few, ' then', says Jonas, ' St. Columbanus descended on Gaul, supported by twelve associates, to arouse her from her torpor, and enlighten her sons with the beams of the most exalted piety. Twelve disciples followed St. Eloquius from Ireland to illumine the Belgians with the rays of faith ; twelve accompanied St. Willibrod from Ireland to Germany ; the pilgrimage and labours of St. Farrannan in Belgium were shared by twelve faithful brothers of the cowl ; and the same number were fellow- exiles with St. Macallan. Perhaps the reason why the Irish clung with such invincible attachment to this custom, was the number of the apostles chosen by our Saviour, and the same number of disciples appointed by the Apostolic See to accompany Palladius to Ireland.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Clonard in Meath. This was the seat of St. Finnian, a bishop whose college of disciples drew such crowds that he chose twelve from among them for a special purpose. He devoted those twelve to establishing and animating the principles of the Christian religion among the Irish, and posterity gave them the name the twelve apostles of Ireland. The choosing of twelve was a peculiarity among the Irish, seldom found among other nations. When any eminent monk resolved to undertake a sacred expedition, twelve men of the same order placed themselves under his command. The custom was probably introduced by St. Patrick, who had been supported by twelve chosen associates in converting the Irish from paganism. St. Rioch, nephew to St. Patrick, was attended by twelve colleagues in his missions to foreign tribes. St. Eupert, baptized by a nephew of St. Patrick, departed for pagan Bavaria with twelve faithful companions. St. Columba was accompanied by twelve monks on his mission to Albany. Twelve followed St. Finbar beyond the seas, and twelve followed St. Maidoc, bishop of Ferns. St. Colman Fin was never seen without his college of twelve disciples. When foreign enemies and episcopal negligence had nearly extinguished religion in Gaul, St. Columbanus descended there with twelve associates to rouse her from torpor. Twelve disciples followed St. Eloquius to illumine the Belgians, twelve accompanied St. Willibrod to Germany, twelve shared St. Farrannan's labours in Belgium, and the same number were fellow exiles with St. Macallan. The reason the Irish clung to this custom was the number of apostles chosen by our Saviour, and the same number appointed by the Apostolic See to accompany Palladius to Ireland.

St. Patrick gives his own Gospels to St. Kienan of Duleek

Duleek · town · Meath · 490

St. Kienan was held in such esteem by St. Patrick that he received from him a copy of the Gospels; a 1682 topographical account of Meath states this very copy was preserved near Duleek, and Dr. Petrie believed it later reached Trinity College Dublin.

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In the Office of St. Kienan, quoted in Harris's Ware,* we read "that St. Kienan built a church of stone in this place (Duleek); and that from thence ittook the nameof Damleagh (house of stone) ; for that before this time the churches of Ireland were built of wattles and boards". St. Kienan was held in such esteem by St. Patrick as to have received from him a present of his own copy of the Gospels. This fact is thus chronicled in the Annals of Tiglternach: " A.D. 490. The rest of St. Cianan of Duleek. It is to him Patrick gave his Gospels'. From a topographical account of Meath, written in 1682, it appears that this very copy was then preserved in the neighbourhood of Duleek, and Dr. Petriet assures us that this venerable monument is probably at present in the library of Trinity College, Dublin. The Calendar of Cashel, a most respectable and trustworthy authority, written in the eleventh century, states that St. Kienan, of Damliag (Duleek), wrote a life of St. Patrick. The words are " Sanctus Kienanus de Damliag, filiusSednae. — HujusSancti Kienani remanet incorruptum et illaesum corpus. — Scripsit vitam Sancti Patritii". The Four Masters place his death at 488. " Cianan, Bishop of Doimhliag (Duleek), died".
It is very remarkable that, although there were many Daimhliags (stone churches) in Ireland, this one, of which

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 36

The Hidden Mass Bell at a Navan Brewery

Navan · town · Meath

To evade the penal statute against Catholic belfries, Navan Catholics suspended a little bell along the wall of a neighbouring brewery kept by a Catholic, which served both to summon labourers to work and parishioners to worship.

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canopy of Heaven. A mudwall thatched house was next erected on a portion of the site occupied by the present Catholic church of Navan. The neighbouring farmers used this during the week as a barn for threshing corn, and on Saturday evenings the little boys attended to sweep the floor and make preparations for the following morning. Two barrels were then procured and placed in a corner of the house, the door was taken off the hinges and placed on the barrels, and here the Holy Sacrifice was offered : this was the altar of Navan for eight or nine years.* The next ambition of the Catholics of Navan was to erect some sort of a belfry, in order that all might know the hour for Mass, and that none might be disappointed. To accomplish this openly and directly, they knew was hopeless, as the penal statute against Catholic belfries was then rigorously enforced, and no exception to this law was, up to that period, tolerated throughout the diocese of Meath. To evade the statute, they suspended a little bell along the side wall of a neighbouring brewery, kept by a Catholic, and this little monitor answered a two-fold purpose — it summoned the labourers to work, and the parishioners to worship.
The Rev. Christopher Fleming was in declining health for several years previous to his death. At the close of

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 157

As the companion tells it

Coming up now, Navan in Meath. The story here is about how Catholics worshipped under the penal laws. A mudwall thatched house was built on part of the site where the present Catholic church of Navan stands. During the week, neighbouring farmers used it as a barn for threshing corn. On Saturday evenings, boys came to sweep the floor and prepare for the morning. Two barrels were placed in a corner, the door was taken off its hinges and laid across them, and the Holy Sacrifice was offered there. That was the altar of Navan for eight or nine years. The Catholics then wanted a belfry, so all might know the hour for Mass and none be disappointed. They knew it was hopeless to do this openly. The penal statute against Catholic belfries was rigorously enforced, and no exception was tolerated throughout the diocese of Meath. To evade the statute, they suspended a little bell along the side wall of a neighbouring brewery kept by a Catholic. This little monitor answered a two-fold purpose: it summoned the labourers to work, and the parishioners to worship.

Angelic choir heard at Dunshaughlin cemetery

Dunshaughlin · town · Meath

As St. Patrick and St. Sechnall walked round the cemetery at Dunshaughlin, they heard a choir of angels chanting the hymn 'Sancti venite' at the offering in the church, giving rise to a hymn still chanted in Ireland at communion.

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The origin of this hymn is thus accounted for : " As St. Patrick and St. Sechnall (Secundinus) were going round the cemetery (at Dunshaughlin), they heard a choir of angels chanting a hymn at the offering in the church — ' Sancti venite', etc., etc.. and from that time to the present the hymn is chanted in Erinn when the body of Christ is received" — Lifter Hymrorum, p. 81. These hymns supply an additional argument for the Catholicity of the ancient Church of Ireland.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 55

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Dunshaughlin in Meath. The old story says St. Patrick and St. Sechnall were walking round the cemetery here when they heard a choir of angels chanting a hymn at the offering in the church — 'Sancti venite'. From that time to the present, the hymn has been chanted in Ireland when the body of Christ is received.

Battle of Ath-buidhe-Tlachta, 1022

Hill of Ward, Tlachtgha · hill or hills · Meath · 1022

In 1022 Malachy, monarch of Ireland, defeated the Danes of Dublin at the battle of Ath-buidhe-Tlachta, near Athboy.

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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

Bell hidden in a tree to evade penal law at Kildalkey

Kildalkey · town · Meath · 1782–1794

Father O'Reilly erected a belfry at the Kildalkey chapel but was forced by the Protestant rector of Athboy, enforcing penal statutes against Catholic belfries, to have it taken down. To evade the law, the bell was suspended from the branches of a tree near the chapel.

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the people. To evade the law the bell was suspended from the oranches of a tree in the vicinity of the chapel, and from this humble eminence the little bell of Kildalkey tinkled on until happier days dawned on the Irish Church. Rev. John Eickard succeeded. He was ordained in Navan, in the year 1782, by the Most Rev. Dr. Plunkett, studied in Rome, officiated as curate in Kingscourt and other parishes, and was appointed to Kildalkey on the 25th of May, 1794. He died in March, 1814, and was interred in Kildalkey ALONGSIDE OF THE TWO PRECEDING PASTORS. Rev. James Rickard succeeded. He studied in Maynooth, and was appointed to Kildalkey on the 6th of March, 1814. He was translated to Athboy on the 12th of January, 1830. (See Pastors of Athboy.)
Rev. John O'Connell succeeded. He was translated to Trim, in February, 1837, where he is at present V.F. and Master of Conference, esteemed and respected.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 105

Bishop Staples warned not to preach at Navan

Navan · town · Meath · 1548

Bishop Edward Staples wrote from Ardbraccan complaining that a beneficed man warned him the country would 'eat' him and advised him not to preach at Navan. This reflects local hostility to his religious changes.

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" a benyfyced man of myn owne promocion" told him, in addition to other matters, " if the countrie wiste how, they wolde eate yow .... and I advyce you for Criste sake not to preche at the Novatn" (Navan).
Edward the Sixth died in July, 1553, and was succeeded by Mary, daughter of Catherine of Arragon. Soon after her accession, Archbishop Dowdall was recalled from exile, and the title of Primate of all Ireland was by letters patent restored to him. To reform abuses which crept in during the last two reigns, and to remove false brethren from the sanctuary, were the especial objects of his care. He held a Provincial Synod in Drogheda,f where many useful regulations were adopted for the reformation of morals and discipline. In April, 1554, Dr. Dowdall and Dr. William Walsh, Bishop-elect of Meath, received a commission to proceed against immoral ecclesiastics, and to depose such as were married and impenitent. Accordingly, on the 29th of June, same year, Edward Staples was removed from the diocese of Meath,J deprived of his benefices, and suspended

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Navan, this is where Bishop Edward Staples was warned not to preach in 1548. He had written from Ardbraccan that one of his own clergymen told him, if the country knew how, they would eat him, and advised him for Christ's sake not to preach at Navan. The warning reflects the hostility locals held toward the religious changes Staples was bringing to the diocese of Meath. His troubles did not end there. After Edward the Sixth died in July 1553 and Mary succeeded him, Archbishop Dowdall was recalled from exile and the title of Primate of all Ireland was restored to him. Dowdall held a Provincial Synod in Drogheda to reform morals and discipline. In April 1554 he and Dr. William Walsh, Bishop-elect of Meath, received a commission to proceed against immoral ecclesiastics and depose married and impenitent clergy. On the 29th of June that same year, Staples was removed from the diocese of Meath, deprived of his benefices, and suspended.

Father Mathew administers the temperance pledge at Slane, 1840

Slane · townland · Meath · 1840

In 1840 Father Mathew preached in Slane and administered the temperance pledge to vast numbers of people over three days.

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During the agitation for Emancipation and Repeal of the Union, and in all the struggles for civil and religious freedom, Slane has been ever true to the national cause In 1840, Father Mathew preached in Slane, and administered the temperance pledge to vast numbers for three days. In 1852, the late and lamented Frederick Lucas — the faithful and fearless advocate of Irish rights — the able and uncompromising defender of the liberties of the Church — made, at a great tenant-right meeting in Slane, one of his most eloquent and telling speeches.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in Slane, Father Mathew preached in 1840 and administered the temperance pledge to vast numbers of people over three days. Slane had been ever true to the national cause through the struggles for Emancipation and Repeal of the Union. Later, in 1852, Frederick Lucas, described as a faithful and fearless advocate of Irish rights, made one of his most eloquent speeches at a great tenant-right meeting here.

Fortification of Navan by Hugh de Lacy

Navan · town · Meath · 1170–1250

After the Anglo-Norman invasion, Navan was considered a stronghold of importance due to its central position and was walled and fortified by Hugh de Lacy. He later granted Navan and Ardsallagh to Joceline de Angulo.

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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

As you pass through Navan in Meath, you are in a town that was once a Norman stronghold. After the Anglo-Norman invasion, Navan's central position made it a place of importance, and Hugh de Lacy had it walled and fortified. Having conquered Meath, de Lacy divided that ancient principality among his followers and gave Navan and Ardsallagh to Joceline de Angulo, called Nangle, one of the bravest of his knights. Under the Nangle family Navan became a flourishing town, and through their munificence it was one of the first boroughs established in the palatinate of Meath. The walls did not always hold. In 1539 the northern Irish under Con O'Neill and Manus O'Donnell invaded the English Pale, plundered Navan, and carried off what the record calls spoils of gold and silver, copper, iron, and every sort of goods and valuables besides. To prevent 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 building the walls of Navan. Under James the First and Charles the Second the town received further charters, and while Irish national independence lasted, Navan sent two representatives to the Irish parliament.

Fragments of Navan's Old Cross Preserved with Sacred Carvings

Navan · town · Meath

Two fragments of the old cross of Navan survive, kept by a family in the town. One bears an Irish inscription on Christ's sufferings, the other shows St. Patrick, a shield with a bird (possibly the Nangle arms), the Ecce Homo, and the crowned Virgin and Child.

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There was a stone cross in the centre of the market-place of Navan, which was uprooted many years ago. The site is still pointed out, and the recollection of it is perpetuated by the people, who, at all funerals passing through the town, carry the coffin around it. A synod, held long before the English invasion, warned the people, " Wherever you find the sign of the cross of Christ do not do any injury". Hence, on the mountain-top, in the lone valley, by the shady boreen, in the market-place, along the way-side, as well as in the churchyard and cemetery, the cross was erected as a monument to solicit prayers for the dead or the founder ; or again, as a landmark to familiarise the mind with the symbol of redemption, and to bring religion into the ordinary actions of men. Of one saint alone, St. Columbkill, it is recorded that he blessed " three hundred miraculous crosses and three hundred holy wells" (see Leabhar Breac, quoted in Dr. Petrie's Round Towers, p. 334). Wherever the eye turned, it rested on a church, an abbey, an oratory, a holy well, a monumental cross, or some emblem of the religion of the country. It is calculated that almost every townland in Ireland was, in former times, ornamented with the figure of the cross, and the sites of very many such are still pointed out in the traditions of the people. There are two fragments of the old cross of Navan preserved by a family in the town. One of these has an inscription, in Irish, commemorative of the sufferings of Christ, and His opening Heaven to us. The other has a figure of St. Patrick, with mitre and crozier, on one side of which is " S" (saint), and on the other " P" (Patrick) ; a second side
230 PASTORS OF NAVAN.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

As you come through Navan, in Meath, two fragments of the old cross of the town survive, kept by a family here. There was a stone cross once in the centre of the market-place, uprooted many years ago. The site is still pointed out. The people of the town still carry the coffin around it at all funerals passing through. A synod held long before the English invasion warned the people, in the words of the source, "Wherever you find the sign of the cross of Christ do not do any injury." Crosses stood on the mountain-top, in the lone valley, by the shady boreen, in the market-place, along the way-side, in the churchyard and cemetery. They were erected as monuments to solicit prayers for the dead or the founder, or as landmarks to bring religion into the ordinary actions of men. Of St. Columbkill alone it is recorded that he blessed three hundred miraculous crosses and three hundred holy wells. It is calculated that almost every townland in Ireland was ornamented with the figure of the cross, and the sites of very many are still pointed out in the traditions of the people. One fragment of the Navan cross has an inscription in Irish, commemorative of the sufferings of Christ and His opening Heaven to us. The other shows St. Patrick with mitre and crozier, with S on one side and P on the other. It also bears a shield with a bird, possibly the Nangle arms, the Ecce Homo, and the crowned Virgin and Child.

Great stone church of Ardbraccan burned with its people

Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1115

In 1115 the daimhliag, or great stone church, of Ardbraccan was burned by the men of Munster along with everyone inside it, as were many churches in Feara-Breagh.

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1115. The daimhliag (great stone church) of Ardbraccan, with its full of people, was burned by the men of Munster, and also a great many churches in Feara-Breagh.
1156. A predatory incursion was made by Dermod MacMurrogh, the Danes of Dublin, and Duncha, son of Donnell O'Loghlin, into East Meath, and they plundered the country, both churches and territories, and they carried off the cows of Ardbraccan, Slane, Cill-Teltown, Downpatrick, and some of the cows of the country in general.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 54

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ardbraccan, the great stone church — the daimhliag — was burned by the men of Munster in 1115, with everyone inside. A great many churches in Feara-Breagh were burned at the same time. Forty years later, in 1156, Dermot MacMurrough, the Danes of Dublin, and Duncha, son of Donnell O'Loghlin, raided east Meath and carried off the cows of Ardbraccan, Slane, Cill-Teltown, Downpatrick, and other places.

Hill of Ward, site of pagan games and Druidic rites

Hill of Ward, Tlachtgha · hill or hills · Meath

Tlachtgha, also known as the Hill of Ward near Athboy, is noted as a site celebrated for its royal palace, pagan games, solemn conventions, and Druidic ceremonies.

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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

Lord Dunboyne administers last rites to a fallen tradesman

Dunboyne · town · Meath

During his period of apostacy, Lord Dunboyne, driving through Dunboyne, saw a tradesman fall from a scaffold, sprang from his carriage, and gave him absolution as death seemed imminent.

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NOTE. — Lord Dunboyne, during his apostacy, endeavoured to cultivate friendly relations with Father Connell, and was most charitable to the poor. On one occasion, driving in his carriage through Dunboyne, he observed a tradesman fall from a scaffold. He instantly sprang from his seat, ran to where the man was lying, and seeing death imminent, gave him absolution. The unfortunate bishop was afterwards reconciled to the Catholic Church by Father Gahan, and bequeathed a considerable property to the College of Maynooth, as a reparation for his scandal. A lawsuit took place between his friends and the trustees of the College, which terminated in a compromise.
198 PASTORS OF DUNBOYNE.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dunboyne, this is where Lord Dunboyne, during his period of apostacy from the Catholic Church, was driving in his carriage and saw a tradesman fall from a scaffold. He sprang from his seat, ran to where the man lay, and seeing death imminent, gave him absolution. He was afterwards reconciled to the Church by Father Gahan, and bequeathed considerable property to the College of Maynooth as a reparation for his scandal. A lawsuit followed between his friends and the college trustees, ending in a compromise.

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

The stories, best first

Dermod Mac Murcha and Strongbow plunder and burn Clonard and other Meath sites

Destruction of George King's house and town at Clontarf

Fr. M'Evoy says Mass at the Croppies' Grave before the great Tara meeting, 1843

Irish plunder Slane castle and slay Richard Fleming, 1176

Mass Said in a Sentry Box off Trimgate Street, Navan

Plague ravages Athboy in 1575

Profanation of the image of the Blessed Virgin of Trim in the public market

Rival Protestant and Catholic schools near Ardmulchan

Secret Masses on the Rocks Below Blackcastle During Penal Times

Slaughter of 200 protected persons near Ardmulchan

Soldiers use iron cross of Kilbride chapel as a shooting target

St. Fechin dies of the Buidhe-Connail plague

St. Patrick founds church at Donaghmore and prophesies its fame

St Patrick's first baptism in Ireland at Teltown

Suppression of Bective Abbey under Henry VIII

The venerated and burnt crucifix of Ballybogan

Treacherous slaying of Murchadh O'Melaghlin in the round tower of Kells

Archbishop Browne's Letter on the Idol of Trim

Body of Brian Boroimhe waked at Duleek abbey-church

Cistercian Abbey of Bective founded

Danes use Kells as headquarters for mass plunder of Meath churches

Desolation of Tara, Uisneach and Teltown

Donaghpatrick repeatedly burned and plundered by Danes and Irish forces

Dr. Plunkett's grieving visitation of burnt Dunboyne

Father Connell's narrow escape through the woods of Roosk

Founding of the Priory of St John the Baptist, Drogheda

Great convention of Irish prelates and princes at Athboy, 1167

Great Fire Destroys Armagh's Treasures and Library

Kilbride chapel and its iron cross targeted by soldiers in 1798

Massacre of children at Doramstown near Ardbraccan

New parliamentary liturgy first read at Christ Church, Dublin

Nocturnal reburial of Archdeacon Peter O'Reilly at Kells chapel

Plundering of Clonard, sacrilegious theft of St Finian's sword

Royal princes confined in Trim Castle

Staples deprived of the see of Meath at Ardbraccan

St. Erk's hermitage and stone of the crucifixion near Slane

St. Kieran's holy well at Castlekieran described

St Loman's arrival and founding of Christianity at Trim

Surrender and dissolution of Odder nunnery

The Barn-Chapel Altar of Two Barrels and a Door in Navan

The Uprooted Stone Cross of Navan's Market-Place

Volunteers of Slane declare Irish legislative independence, 1782

Burning of the image of Christ from Ballybogan Abbey

Death and burial of St Finian at Clonard

Great Famine and Plague of 1447 Kills Trim's Abbot

Great plague of 1447 kills prior of Ballybogan

Remains of Richard FitzRalph translated to Dundalk

St. Finnian's twelve apostles selected at Clonard

St. Patrick gives his own Gospels to St. Kienan of Duleek

The Hidden Mass Bell at a Navan Brewery

Angelic choir heard at Dunshaughlin cemetery

Battle of Ath-buidhe-Tlachta, 1022

Bell hidden in a tree to evade penal law at Kildalkey

Bishop Staples warned not to preach at Navan

Father Mathew administers the temperance pledge at Slane, 1840

Fortification of Navan by Hugh de Lacy

Fragments of Navan's Old Cross Preserved with Sacred Carvings

Great stone church of Ardbraccan burned with its people

Hill of Ward, site of pagan games and Druidic rites

Lord Dunboyne administers last rites to a fallen tradesman