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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Dominican Friars Relocate to Donore Farm after Suppression

   Donore · town · Meath · 1700–1759

   After the friary's dissolution, the Dominican friars eventually settled at a farm at Donore near Trim, set to them by Protestant gentleman Mr. Ashe, where a house served as a convent through the penal era into the eighteenth century.

   Read the passage

   Early in the eighteenth century a farm was set to the community by Mr. Ashe, a Protestant gentleman, at Donore, a few miles from Trim. A house was erected here, which answered the purposes of a convent, and over this presided a prior, who was tenant of the farm and pastor of the adjoining parishes. This humble friary conferred innumerable blessings on the neighbourhood, and supplied many parishes of the diocese of Meath with zealous ana learned pastors in the last century. It was a retreat, too, for the secular clergy, many of whom entered the order, and spent here the evening of their lives. Thus, Dr. Burke tells us of the Rev. Father Francis Lynagh, who was born in Meath in the month of October, 1651, and who, after having officiated for upwards of thirty years as pastor in one of the adjoining parishes, at length embraced the order of St. Dominic, ana presided for many years as prior over this friary of Donore. This venerable priest died, full of years and good works, on the 24th of November, 1 750, having reached the patriarchal age of nearly one hundred years.

   The following friars were in the convent of Donore in 1756:

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 189

2. Dulane monastery founded by St Cairneach, plundered repeatedly by Danes

   Dulane · townland · Meath · 754–1170

   A monastery called Tuilen or Tulan was founded at Dulane by St. Cairmgh (Cairneach). The Four Masters record it was plundered by the Danes in 886 (with Ardbraccan and Donaghpatrick) and in 949, and again plundered in 1170 by Dermod Mac Murchadh.

   Read the passage

   886. Dulane, Ardbraccan, and Donaghpatrick were plundered by the Danes.

   919. Ciaran, Bishop of Dulane, died.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 99

3. Flann of Monasterboice, Chief Chronicler

   Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 1056

   Flann Mainistreach, professor at Monasterboice, was praised in the Annals of the Four Masters as the paragon of the Gael in wisdom and learning, dying in 1056.

   Read the passage

   That Flann is justly reputed of great authority, we may easily infer from the following tribute paid to his memory in the Annals of the Four Masters: — "The age of Christ 1056. Flann Mainistreach, Professor of Mainistir-Buithi (Monasterboice, in the county Louth), the paragon of the Gael in wisdom, literature, history, poetry, and science, died on the 14th of the calends of December, as is said : —

   ' Flann of the chief church of melodious Buithi, Slow the bright eye of his fine head ; Contemplative sage is he who sits with us, Last sage of the three lands is fair Flann' ".

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 40

4. Fr. John Reilly's Sudden Death Near His House at Kilmessan

   Kilmessan · town · Meath · 1832

   Rev. John Reilly, parish priest of Kilmesson and Dunsany for twenty-six years, died suddenly on the road near his house on 24 February 1832, immediately after offering Mass for a deceased parishioner. He was buried in the modern chapel of Kilmesson.

   Read the passage

   On the 24th of February, 1832, the Rev. John Reilly, parish priest of Kilmesson and Dunsany, died. He lived amongst them for the period of twenty-six years, at the expiration of which it was the will of divine Providence to visit him with a sudden death, on the road near his house, immediately after offering up to Almighty God the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar for one of his deceased parishioners. He died as he lived, in the discharge of his sacred functions.

   This worthy and zealous priest was buried in the modern chapel of Kilmesson. The registry of deaths in Kilmesson has the following notice of a Father John Brady, who resided here :

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 215

5. Hedge School Education for Navan Youth in Donaghmore

   Donaghmore · townland · Meath

   Under the penal laws, no Catholic school was tolerated inside the corporate boundaries of Navan up to 1782, forcing youths to travel to the parish of Donaghmore to be educated by a hedge schoolmaster.

   Read the passage

   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

6. Inquisition over disputed priorship at Ballybogan

   Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1399

   An inquisition in 1399 found that John O'Mayller, a mere Irishman, had been unlawfully instituted to the priory contrary to the statute of Kilkenny, but Richard Cuthbert proved he was the lawful prior since the priory was dedicated to the Holy Trinity, not the Virgin Mary.

   Read the passage

   1399. By an Inquisition taken this year, it was found that John O'Mayller, a mere Irishman, and of the Irish sept of O'Mayllers, enemies to our lord the king, was instituted to the priory of the Blessed Virgin of Ballybogan, contrary to the form of the statute of Kilkenny ; but Richard Cuthbert did, on the same day, make due proof that the said priory was not under the invocation of the Virgin Mary, but dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and that he was the lawful prior thereof. Cuthbert was accordingly restored to the temporalities. (King.)

   1446. The priory of Ballybogan was burnt in the beginning of this year. (Dud. Fir.)

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 120

7. King of Ulidia Slain in Bangor's Stone Church

   near Bangor · town · Down · 1065

   In 1065 Donchadh, King of Ulidia, was killed by his own people, the Ulidians, inside the stone church of Bangor.

   Read the passage

   1065. Donchadh, King of Ulidia, was killed by the Ulidians themselves in the Daimhliag of Bangor.

   1099. The Daimhliag of Ardstraw (County Tyrone) was burned.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

8. Rev. John Leonard's bequest and burial at Ardcath

   Ardcath · townland · Meath · 1831

   Rev. John Leonard, parish priest of Ardcath for thirty-four years, died in April 1831 and was buried in the churchyard of Ardcath; he bequeathed an estate of fifteen acres to future parish priests for the education of the poor.

   Read the passage

   The Rev. John Leonard succeeded. This worthy pastor was born in the parish of Ardcath, of an ancient and respectable house, and received ordination from Dr. Plunkett in the old chapel of Navan, during the month of May, 1782. After his ordination, he proceeded to the college of Louvain, in Belgium, for the purpose of completing his education, and, returning in 1788, was appointed assistant* to Father Purfield. On the 27th of October, 1795, Dr. Plunkett, being then on visitation at St. Mary's, Drogheda, appointed him parish priest of Ardcath, and a few days subsequently he was inducted by Very Rev. William Harford, parish priest of St. Mary's, Drogheda. The present chapel of Clonalvy was built, as we have said, by Father Leonard, and the late chapel of Ardcath enlarged. Father Leonard took an active part in the long struggles for emancipation, and cooperated in every movement for the interests of the church and country. He was a zealous priest, and remarkable for his hospitality and courtesy. Being an only child of wealthy parents, he inherited a princely property, and he bequeathed an estate of fifteen acres to the future parish priests of Ardcath, on condition of their paying ten pounds annually towards the education of the poor of the parish. He thus provided for the comfort of his successors, and at the same time made them tributary to the children

   * He was also, previous to his appointment of parish priest, for a time cnrate in Stamullen.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 204

9. St Brigid's holy well at Ardsallagh still venerated

   Ardsallagh · townland · Meath

   St. Brigid's holy well, located in the demesne of Ardsallagh, remained an object of veneration long after the parish church's establishment, described by Dr. Wilde with its overhanging thorns and carved head of the saint.

   Read the passage

   • Of this well, Dr. Wilde writes : " Although a modern cut stone pointed arch has by some tasteless architect been thrown over it, still the thorns and elders that overhang its pure waters, the mullen, the ground ivy, and wild geraniums that droop and festoon the adjoining bank, and the old carved head of St. Brigid, with its plaited hair and prim formal features — the very impersonation of a mother abbess— all combine to render this once celebrated spot a pleasing picture"— Boyne and Blackwater, p. 128. A branch of the Navan Young Men's Society was established in this parish in 1859, which adopted St. Brigid as Patroness. It is called the " Guild of St. Brigid", and the members commemorate her memory by approaching holy communion on the morning of her festival, and by a soiree on the Sunday evening following.

   t See Beauties of the Bnyne, p. 129. Wakeman's Antiquities, p. 119.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 87

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ardsallagh, there is a holy well of St. Brigid that people have venerated long after the parish church was built. Dr. Wilde described its thorns and elders overhanging the pure waters, with mullen, ground ivy, and wild geraniums festooning the bank. He noted the old carved head of St. Brigid, with plaited hair and prim formal features, calling it "the very impersonation of a mother abbess." A modern pointed stone arch had been thrown over the well, which Wilde blamed on a tasteless architect, but he still found the spot a pleasing picture. In 1859, a branch of the Navan Young Men's Society was established in this parish, taking St. Brigid as patroness. They called themselves the Guild of St. Brigid, and members commemorated her by receiving holy communion on the morning of her festival, followed by a soiree the next Sunday evening.

10. Tomb of Rev. Robert Ford discovered beneath a green mound at Kilbride

    Kilbride · townland · Meath · 1609

    Rev. Robert Ford, parish priest of Dunboyne, died in 1609 and was buried at Kilbride; his tomb was rediscovered by accident generations later when the author noticed coffins traditionally placed on a green mound at burials, leading to excavation and the tomb's discovery about a foot underground.

    Read the passage

    § I discovered this tomb by accident. Attending a funeral, I noticed that they placed the coffin on a green mound. I ascertained that at all interments the same was done. I had the clay taken away, and about one foot under the surface this tomb appeared. Without knowing it, the people were in reality paying a traditionary tribute of respect to the grave of an old priest. This is done in nearly every Irish graveyard.

    194 PASTORS OF DUNBOYNE.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 134

11. Two women hanged in Kilbride

    Kilbride · townland · Meath · 1642

    On the same day as the burning near Trim, soldiers hanged two women in Kilbride along with two old, decrepit men who had been begging alms from them.

    Read the passage

    burned her. The same day they hanged two women in Kilbride,

    and two old decrepit men that beggeJ alms of them. Ii the

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 198

12. 1330 Boyne Flood Devastates Trim Friary

    Trim · town · Meath · 1330

    In 1330 a great flood on the river Boyne destroyed nearly all bridges except Babe's bridge, carried away mills, and caused much damage to the Friars Minor of Trim and Drogheda, breaking part of their monasteries.

    Read the passage

    1330. A flood in the river Boyne, such as never was seen before, by which all the bridges on that river, both of wood and stone, were totally destroyed, except Babe's bridge.f The flood also carried away several mills, and much damage to the Friars Minor of Trim and Drogheda, and broke part of their monasteries (Pembridge).

    15 18. A grant was made to the warden of this friary and his successors, of the park of Trim, not exceeding the yearly value of 20s. sterling, dated llth of August (Audit. Gen. apud Archdall).

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 191

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, on the river Boyne, in 1330 a flood came such as had never been seen before. Every bridge on the river, wood and stone alike, was destroyed except Babe's bridge. The flood carried away several mills and did great damage to the Friars Minor of Trim and Drogheda, breaking part of their monasteries.

13. Archdall's description of Clonard Abbey ruins

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1786

    When Archdall published his Monasticon in 1786, considerable ruins of Clonard Abbey remained, including the kitchen, dormitory, refectory joined to a large Gothic choir, and a table monument bearing the arms of the Dillon family.

    Read the passage

    small building, with a lodge over it, which led into a small court ; to the right of this court stand the kitchen and cellar, and over them the dormitory, ranging with the river, and overlooking the garden, which sloped from thence to the water's edge. Opposite the entrance was another small compartment, and adjoining it the refectory, which was carried for some length beyond the square, and joined the choir, a large and elegant building, most part of which still remains, and the windows are finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar, fixed in a wall, is a small double arch in the old Saxon manner, and divided by a pillar, through which iron bars were fixed; this is supposed to have been the founder's tomb. There are many remains of walls adjoining the other parts of the abbey, but in so ruinous a state that little information can be gleaned from them. At a little distance from the east window, in the burial ground, stands a small chapel, in which is a table monument, ornamented with the effigies of a man and woman in a praying posture, and dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time ; the sides are adorned with many coats of arms ; that of the family of Dillon is most conspicuous".

    These venerable ruins have disappeared, and all that now remains of Clonard are a square stone trough, a head which figures over the door of the present church tower, and a baptismal font. This last is thus described by Dr. Wilde :*

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonard in Meath, you are near the site of an abbey whose ruins were still considerable when Archdall published his Monasticon in 1786. He described a small building with a lodge leading into a court, with the kitchen and cellar to the right and the dormitory above them, ranging with the river and overlooking a garden that sloped to the water's edge. The refectory ran beyond the square and joined the choir, a large and elegant building of which most part still remained in his day, with windows finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar, fixed in a wall, was a small double arch in the old Saxon manner, divided by a pillar through which iron bars were fixed, thought to be the founder's tomb. Many adjoining walls were already so ruinous that little could be gleaned from them. In the burial ground, a little distance from the east window, stood a small chapel containing a table monument with the effigies of a man and woman in a praying posture, dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time. The sides were adorned with many coats of arms, and that of the family of Dillon was most conspicuous. These venerable ruins have since disappeared. All that remained by a later account was a square stone trough, a head over the door of the present church tower, and a baptismal font.

14. Archdeacon Robert Luttrell deprived by Queen Elizabeth

    Kilberry · townland · Meath · 1559

    Robert Luttrell, archdeacon of Meath and holder of the rectory of Kilberry, was deprived of both offices by Queen Elizabeth in 1559 for refusing to conform, and replaced by the more compliant John Garve. The author presents this as an early instance of religious persecution in the diocese.

    Read the passage

    In 1559, Robert Luttrell was deprived by Queen Elizabeth of the archdeaconry* of Meath and the parish of Kilberry, and his more obsequious successor, John Garve (or Garven), was substituted. The Bishop of Meath, Dr. William Walsh, and the archdeacon of Meath were, therefore, amongst the earliest victims to the intolerance of Elizabeth, and their fidelity amidst the persecutions of that age, consoled the diocese for the servility and recreancy of Edward Staples.

    Of the income of the archdeaconry in 1622, Bishop Usher writes :

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 143

15. Bishops' defence association agreement executed at Trim Dominican convent

    Trim · town · Meath · 1291

    Archbishop Nicholas MacMolissa formed a defence association among bishops and priests to resist lay encroachment, with the agreement executed at the Dominican convent of Trim on the Sunday after St. Matthew's day, 1291.

    Read the passage

    * Harris remarks that this prelate was " an inveterate enemy to such Englishmen as were preferred to bishoprics in the kingdom, and laid them under all the difficulties in his power". Ware says he was a man " in great reputation for his eloquence and wisdom". He formed a defence association amongst the bishops and priests, in order to resist all undue lay encroachment. The agreement was executed at the Dominican convent of Trim, on the Sunday after St. Matthew's day, 12'JI. The Four Masters enter his death at 12Ui>, " Nicholas MacMaelsia, Archbishop of Armagh, the most godly and devout ecclesiastic of his time in Ireland, died". bc-Q Harris's lf'are> Ei&hops, p. 70 ; Stuart's Annuyh, pp. 177 and 178.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this town holds a piece of church history from 1291. Archbishop Nicholas MacMolissa of Armagh, described by Ware as a man in great reputation for his eloquence and wisdom, formed a defence association among the bishops and priests to resist all undue lay encroachment. The agreement was executed here at the Dominican convent of Trim, on the Sunday after St. Matthew's day. Harris noted that this prelate was an inveterate enemy to Englishmen who were preferred to bishoprics in the kingdom, and laid them under all the difficulties in his power. The Four Masters later recorded his death, calling him the most godly and devout ecclesiastic of his time in Ireland.

16. Bishop William Walsh denounces the Reformation at Trim and is imprisoned

    Trim · town · Meath

    During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Bishop William Walsh of Meath denounced the doctrines of the Reformation at Trim, for which he was imprisoned in Dublin Castle, later dying in exile in Spain.

    Read the passage

    In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the illustrious William Walsh, Bishop of Meath, denounced the doctrines of the Reformation at Trim, for which he was imprisoned in the

    6

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where Bishop William Walsh of Meath denounced the doctrines of the Reformation in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was imprisoned for it in Dublin Castle, and he later died in exile in Spain.

17. Burial of Bishop Patrick Plunkett in Killeen Chancel

    Killeen · townland · Meath · 1679

    Dr. Patrick Plunkett, bishop of Meath, died on 18 November 1679 in his seventy-sixth year and was buried alongside Dr. Silk in the chancel of the ruined church of Killeen.

    Read the passage

    was a great prelate, and for many years discharged almost alone the episcopal duties of the Irish Church. He died on the 18th of November, 1679, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and was buried alongside of Dr. Silk in the chancel of Killeen.

    On the right hand of the chancel sleeps Sir Nicholas Plunkett, the third son of Christopher, Lord Killeen, brother to the bishop of Meath, and scarcely less remarkable during the stormy days of the seventeenth century. He became an eminent barrister, represented Meath in 1634, and was returned also in the following year. When the Catholic Confederation was formed, he became a member of the supreme council, and was sent with Dr. French, bishop of Ferns, as ambassador to Rome, where he received knighthood from the Holy Father. During the usurpation of Crom\vell, he lived in exile in France and Flanders, and returned to Ireland soon after the Restoration. In 1669, he was deputed by the Catholic nobility of Ireland to obtain from the ungrateful Charles the Second the restoration of their estates, and in 1670, when the national synod of the Irish Church signed a declaration of allegiance to his majesty, Sir Nicholas was deputed to be the bearer.* On the south wall of the chancel, near the east end, there is a slab having the following inscription :

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 213

18. Castle of Ardsallagh taken by Owen Roe O'Neill

    Ardsallagh · townland · Meath · 1643

    A castle was erected by the Nangle family at Ardsallagh, and in 1643 during the Confederate wars this castle was captured by Owen Roe O'Neill.

    Read the passage

    *In 1643 the castle of Ardsallagh was taken by Own Roe O'Neill. Carte's Ormond, p. 448, voL i.

    1 1 have a letter in ray possession, written by a nun in England, who is descended from the noble family of de Angulo or Nangle, in which she says : •' On the Ardsallagh property stood, in former times, a monastery in honour of Our Lady's Purity, erected in fulfilment of a vow by Sir

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here once stood a castle linked to the Nangle, or de Angulo, family. In 1643, during the Confederate wars, that castle was taken by Owen Roe O'Neill. The source record gives us no more than that, so the rest of its story is lost to us on this road.

19. Danes and Dermod MacMurchadh Plunder Half of Duleek

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1149

    In 1149 half of Duleek was plundered by the Danes of Dublin and by Dermod MacMurchadh and the Leinstermen, in the course of which Dermod O'Loghlin, Tanist of Oileagh, was killed while seeking revenge for the plunder, and his body was brought to Armagh for burial.

    Read the passage

    1149. The half of Duleek was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, and by Dermod MacMurchadh and the Leinstermen ; and they killed Dermod O'Loghlin, Tanist of Oileagh, who was taking revenge for the plunder, and his body was brought to Armagh, and there interred.

    1160. Aedh, of Duleek, died.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 44

20. Duleek: ancient bishopric, monastery, and Magdalene hospital

    Duleek · town · Meath

    Duleek was the seat of an ancient diocese with a celebrated monastery founded by St. Kienan, along with a Magdalene hospital for the destitute and sick and a priory of the Blessed Virgin founded by an O'Kelly before the English Invasion.

    Read the passage

    DULEEK, once a bishopric now only remarkable in an ecclesiastical point of view for being the seat of a theological conference, had anciently a celebrated monastery, founded by St. Kienan, its first Bishop and patron Saint ; a Magdalene hospital, where the destitute and sick had a hallowed asylum ; and a priory of the Blessed Virgin, founded by an O'Kelly, long anterior to the English Invasion.

    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

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 35

21. Edmond Mackenna's tomb on the Hill of Slane

    Hill of Slane · hill or hills · Meath · 1717–1845

    Fr. Edmond Mackenna, parish priest of Slane, had his grave marked and tombstone prepared in advance of his death; he died in January 1717 and was buried in the churchyard on the Hill of Slane. Until 1845 the inhabitants of Slane customarily sent someone every third or fourth year to wash and refresh the tomb.

    Read the passage

    After the death or transfer of Rev. Mr. Reilly, we find Rev. Dr. Cusack again parish priest of St. Mary's. He lived to an extreme old age, and, in accordance with a custom by no means unusual at that period, he had his grave marked out and his tomb inscribed, in order the better to prepare himself for the judgments of God and the long home of eternity. He sleeps in the Carmelite churchyard, and over him is a horizontal tomb with the following inscription :

    Here lieth the body of the

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

    As the companion tells it

    The Hill of Slane ahead holds the grave of Father Edmond Mackenna, parish priest of Slane, who had his tomb marked and inscribed before his death in January 1717. He was buried in the churchyard up on the hill. As the book says, this was a custom of preparing oneself for the judgments of God and the long home of eternity. After him, the people of Slane sent someone every third or fourth year to wash and refresh his tomb, right up until 1845.

22. Egnech, bishop-abbot of Kildalkey, killed with his people

    Kildalkey · town · Meath · 837

    In 837, Egnech, bishop, abbot and scribe of Kildalkey, was killed along with his people by the Gaileanga. Kildalkey abbey had also been burned in 774.

    Read the passage

    837. Egnech, of Kildalkey, bishop, abbot, and scribe, was killed, with his people, by the Gaileanga.

    866. Conghall, Abbot of Kildalkey, and a distinguished scribe, died.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 104

23. Father Smith's public penance at Girley chapel

    Girley · townland · Meath · 1792

    After resigning his parish over Lord Dunboyne's apostacy and being condemned by synod and Rome, Father Patrick Smith presented himself at visitation at the chapel of Girley in 1792, asking pardon before the bishop, priests and flock.

    Read the passage

    The Rev Patrick Smith succeeded. This pastor was born in the parish of Kells, of a respectable old family,* studied in France, and after officiating for a time as curate, was appointed by Dr. Chevers parish priest of Grangegeith and Dowth. In 1 7 76,?the Rev. John Martin was translated from Ardbraccan to Athboy, and in the same year the Rev. Patrick Smith was transferred from Grangegeith to Ardbraccan. On the death of Father Moore, he was translated to Dunboyne, and continued there till June, 1787, when, shocked and disgusted at the apostacy of Lord Dunboyne, and the fearful scandal which was given, he resigned his parish and awaited a vacancy. When the Very Rev. Thomas Flood, parish priest of Kells, died in July 1790, the friends of the Rev. Patrick Smith sought to have him appointed, and the Earl of Bective wrote several times to Dr. Plunkett for the same object. The bishop respectfully refused, and appointed the Rev. Laurence Eugene O'Reilly, parish priest of Kildalkey, to the vacant parish. A faction was got up in Kells to close the chapel doors, and resist the appointment of Father O'Reilly. This led to the suspension of Father Smith, and his appeal to the Primate. After being condemned by the Provincial Synod of Armagh, and in 1792 by a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rome, he presented himself on the 21st of June, same year, at visitation at the chapel of Girley, and in presence of the bishops, priests, and flock, he asked pardon for his late schismatical conduct, expressed sorrow for it, and professed dutiful obedience to Dr. Plunkett. f

    * He was nearly related to Dr. Plunkett, and this fact demonstrates how perfectly disinterested the bishop was in punishing him for deserting Dunboyne at a time so well calculated to call forth his pastoral zeal.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 135

24. Foundation of the new Catholic chapel of Kells, 1798

    Kells · town · Meath · 1798

    In 1798 the Earl of Bective granted a site for a new Catholic church, presbytery, and schools in Kells, contributing £100. Lord Bective personally laid the foundation stone on 7 April 1798 before a great crowd, with a silver trowel and inscribed brass plate marking the occasion.

    Read the passage

    April 7, Saturday, Earl Bective laid the foundation stone of the new chapel of Kells, in the presence of a great concourse of the inhabitants and neighbouring gentry. A silver trowel, on which his lordship's donation was inscribed, was presented to his lordship ; and a brass plate, recording the donation and the ceremony of the day, was affixed to the foundation stone.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, you are near where a new Catholic chapel was founded in 1798. On 7 April that year the Earl of Bective laid the foundation stone before a great crowd. He had granted the site and given £100. A silver trowel marked his donation, and a brass plate recording the day was fixed to the stone.

25. Founding of Kells Abbey by St Columba

    Kells · town · Meath · 550

    The Abbey of the Blessed Virgin of Kells was founded about 550 by St. Columba, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, on a site granted by King Dermod, son of Kervaill.

    Read the passage

    This celebrated abbey was founded about the year 550, by St. Colnmba, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The site was granted by Dermod, the son of Kervaill King of Ireland".*

    " 692. Muredach O'Cricain was abbot.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kells now. About the year 550, St. Columba founded the Abbey of the Blessed Virgin here, on a site granted by King Dermod, son of Kervaill. In 692, Muredach O'Cricain served as abbot.

26. Founding of the Carmelite Friary of Athboy, 1317

    Athboy · town · Meath · 1317

    On 17 October 1317 a license was granted to William de Loundres permitting him to grant a plot of ground in Athboy to the Carmelite Friars of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, where the monastery was erected.

    Read the passage

    This monastery* was erected in honour of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, and, on the 17th of October, 1317, "a license was granted to William de Loundres, permitting him to make a grant to the Friars of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, in Athboy, that lot of ground in the said town, whereon this monastery was erected" — Ware's Monasticon, King, p. 247.

    1325. A Provincial Chapter of the Carmelite Order was held here before John Bloxham, Bachelor of Divinity, of the White Friars of Chester, and Vicar General of the Order in Ireland ; many useful regulations were adopted (Id.). 1372. The Friars of Athboy were this year indicted for acquiring from Richard de Maghery two gardens contrary to the statute (Id.).

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 116

27. Funeral and monument of Rev. James Joseph Gaynon at Athlumney churchyard

    Athlumney · townland · Meath · 1824–1826

    Rev. Dr. James Joseph Gaynon, curate of Navan noted for eloquence and zeal, died in 1826 and was buried at Athlumney churchyard in one of the largest funerals ever seen in the county. The parishioners of Navan erected a monument to his memory with a lengthy commemorative inscription.

    Read the passage

    t The Rev. Doctor James Joseph Gaynon was born in the parish of Frankford, King's County, studied in Rome, and read a very distinguished course. In 1822 he took the oath to the Propaganda, and is registered " 792 " in that catalogue. He was ordained in 1824, and, returning to Ireland, was appointed to the curacy of Navan. He was a man of surpassing eloquence and of great zeal. He died on the 31st of August, 1 82(j, profoundly lamented by the people, and his remains were accompanied to the churchyard of Athlumney by one of the largest funerals ever known in this county. The people of Navan erected a monument to his memory, with the following inscription :

    This monument

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Athlumney lies the churchyard where Reverend Doctor James Joseph Gaynon was buried in 1826. He was born in Frankford, King's County, studied in Rome, and took the oath to the Propaganda in 1822. Ordained in 1824, he returned to Ireland and was appointed curate of Navan, where he became known for surpassing eloquence and great zeal. He died on the 31st of August, 1826, profoundly lamented by the people. His remains were brought to this churchyard by one of the largest funerals ever known in the county. The people of Navan erected a monument to his memory, bearing a lengthy commemorative inscription.

28. Garrison towns of Dublin, Cork, Drogheda, Youghal and Kinsale left worse off than Egypt

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1641–1642

    The cities of Dublin and Cork and the ancient corporate towns of Drogheda, Youghal, and Kinsale, having voluntarily received garrisons in the king's name, together with the surrounding countryside that relieved them, were said to have been treated so badly that they lived in a condition worse than the Israelites in Egypt.

    Read the passage

    before others ; others that came into Dublin voluntarily, and that could not be justly suspected of any crime, if Irishmen or catholiques, by the like direction were pillaged in Dublin, robbed and pillaged abroad, and brought to their trial for their lives. The cittys of Dublin and Corke, and the ancient corporatt townes of Drogheda, Youghal, and Kingsale, who voluntarily received garrisons in your majestie's name, and the adjacent countryes who relieved them, were worse used, and now live in worse condition than the Israelites did in Egypt ; so that it will be made appeare that more murders, breaches of public faith and quarter, more destruction and desolation, more crueltie, not fit to be named, were committed in Ireland, by the direction and advice of the said lords justices and their partie of the said councill, in less than eighteene months, than can be paralleled to have been done by any Christian people.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 238

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Drogheda now, one of the ancient corporate towns caught up in the turmoil of 1641 and 1642. Drogheda, along with Dublin, Cork, Youghal, and Kinsale, voluntarily received garrisons in the king's name, and the surrounding countryside helped to relieve them. But it was said that these towns were so badly used that they lived in a condition worse than the Israelites did in Egypt. The passage claims that in less than 18 months, more murders, breaches of public faith and quarter, more destruction and desolation, and more cruelty not fit to be named were committed in Ireland by direction of the lords justices and their party of the council than could be paralleled by any Christian people.

29. Great Conflux of Foreign Scholars to the School of Lismore

    Lismore · townland · Waterford

    The learned Bonaventure Maroni described a great gathering of foreign nobles and scholars, from Teutons, Sicambri, Bohemians and others, converging on Lismore to study, illustrating the fame of its monastic school.

    Read the passage

    " Undique conveniunt proceres, quos dulce trahebat Discendi studium, major num cognita virtus, An laudata foret. Celeres vastissima, Rheni Jam vada Teutonici, jam deseruere Sicambri ; Mittit ab extremo gelidos Aquilone Boemos Albis et Averni coeunt, Batavique frequentes, Et quicumque colunt alta sub rupe Gehennas. Non omnes prospectat Arar Khodanique fluenta Helvetios : multos desiderat ultima Thule, Certiam hi properant diverse tramite ad urbem Lismoriam, juvenis primes ubi transigit annos".

    Usher's Primordium, p. 755.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 17

30. Mass at the back of a ditch on Balsaw during persecution

    Balsaw · townland · Meath

    Owing to the intolerance of the age, chapels at Kilberry and Oristown were often closed and Mass was instead celebrated at the back of a ditch on the townland of Balsaw.

    Read the passage

    In 1704 the Rev. Andrew Mathews was registered at Trim as " Popish priest of Kilberry, Donaghpatrick, and Teltown". He was ordained at Lisbon in 1691, was forty years of age the year of the registration, and lived at Randalstown. In this pastor's time there was a mud-wall thatched chapel at Kilberry, and another at Oristown ; and, oftentimes, owing to the intolerance of the age, these humble temples were closed, and Mass was celebrated at the back ot a ditch on the townland of Balsaw. This priest is said to have suffered much in the days of persecution, and although even the names of some of his successors are forgotten in the traditions of the people, his zealous labours and memory are still vividly remembered.

    The Rev. William Clarke succeeded. This worthy priest was born in the parish, of a respectable old family, and

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 209

31. Mass celebrated secretly in the old castle of Newhaggard

    Newhaggard · townland · Meath · 1700–1750

    During the first half of the eighteenth century, when Catholic worship was restricted, mass used to be celebrated clandestinely in the old castle of Newhaggard before a proper chapel was built in Trim around 1750.

    Read the passage

    which is inscribed, " Orate pro anima Gulielmi Brett, pastoris Parochias S. Patritii de Trim, qui hunc calicem fieri fecit mense Augustii, Anno Domini 1759". During the first half of the last century mass used to be celebrated in the old castle of Newhaggard. About 1750 Father Brett procured a site, and built a chapel in Trim ; an humble temple, indeed, but one of which the oppressed and impoverished people were then proud to have the use. The year of Father Brett's death is unknown to me.

    The Rev. William Allan succeeded. He died of apoplexy* on the 31st of May, 1786, and was buried in Trimblestown.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 199

32. Miraculous cross of Slane broken and scattered

    Slane · townland · Meath · 847

    In 847 the cross which stood on the green of Slane was said to have been raised up into the air, broken and divided, with part of its top falling at Teltown and Fennor.

    Read the passage

    Same year. The cross which was on the green of Slane was raised up into the air ; it was broken and divided, so that a part of its top reached (i.e. fell at) Teltown and Fennor.

    854, Sodhomna, Bishop of Slane, received martyrdom from the Norsemen.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 61

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, in 847, the cross that stood on the green was said to have been raised up into the air, broken and divided, so that part of its top fell at Teltown and Fennor. Seven years later, in 854, Bishop Sodhomna of Slane received martyrdom from the Norsemen.

33. St. Carthagh's Monastery at Rahin with 867 Monks

    Rahan · parish · Offaly

    The monastery at Rahin under St. Carthagh reportedly supported eight hundred and sixty-seven monks who sustained themselves through their own labour, according to Dr. Petrie's account of early Irish monastic life.

    Read the passage

    * Speaking of the early Irish monasteries, Dr. Petrie remarks (Round Towers, p. 416): "It is clear, however, that in the earliest monastic establishments in Ireland, the abbot, clergy, and monks, had each their separate cells, which served them as habitations, and that such other houses, as the house for the accommodation of strangers, the kitchen, etc., were all separate edifices, surrounded by a cashel, or circular wall, and forming a kind of monastery, or ecclesiastical town, like those of the early Christians in the East, and known among the Egyptians by the name of Laura". In page 422 he adds, " But it is obvious that there were at the same time in Ireland, almost innumerable coenobitic establishments, in which vast numbers of monks lived in communities, and had everything in common, as at Bangor, where, it is stated, there were no less than three thousand monks ; at Rahin, where St. Carthagh had eight hundred and sixty-seven monks, who supported thrmselcts by the labour of their own hands. Yet it seems certain that such communities, unlike those in the East, of whom Epiphanius speaks, did not dwell in any single building, but in a multitude of separate cells, arranged in streets in the vicinity of the church ; and hence, tradition points out to this day the situation of such streets, adjacent to the abbey churches, and called such in many parts of Ireland. Such communities would, however, require at least one large building, to answer the purpose of a common refectory ; and that they had such, is proved by innumerable references in the Irish annals, and in the oldest of the Irish ecclesiastical authorities. It will be seen that the name of such a building was Proinnteach, or dining-house". See also Duffy's Catholic Magazine, p. 155.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 10

34. St Patrick founds church on Conall's rath at Donaghpatrick

    Donaghpatrick · townland · Meath

    According to the Tripartite Life, St. Patrick baptized Conall, brother of King Laoghaire, who granted his own palace or rath to Patrick; on its site one of the earliest churches, sixty feet long, was built. The outline of this rath could still be discerned in the graveyard.

    Read the passage

    t Dr. Wilde justly remarks, " the outline of this very castle can still bo discerned in the present graveyard" — Boyne and B>nrJ,-ira>fi-. ]>. I.".

    132 DONAGHPATR1CK.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 97

35. Suggestion to strip Trim's monasteries for stone

    Trim · town · Meath · 1537

    In 1537 Alen, Master of the Rolls, suggested that the timber and stones of the monasteries of St. Peter, Bective, and the Black Friars near Trim be drawn to repair Trim Castle. Bective escaped this fate.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you pass through Trim, in 1537 this was the town where Alen, Master of the Rolls, wrote to the commissioners suggesting that the Lord Lieutenant should abide here for the most part and that Trim Castle be sufficiently repaired. His letter proposed that "the timber and stones of the monasteries of St. Peter, the Betty (Bective), and if need be the Black Friars there" — the Dominican monastery near Trim — "be drawn thither for the same purpose." Bective fortunately escaped such vandalism. This came during Henry the Eighth's confiscation of church property. Bective's abbot, James of Castlemartin, had earlier joined the Lambert Simnel rebellion and received pardon from Henry the Seventh in 1488. The abbey held twenty messuages and twelve hundred acres of arable and pasture land, and its abbot sat as a spiritual peer in the parliaments of the Pale. In 1552, under Edward the Sixth, the monastery's possessions were sold to Andrew Wyse, Vice-Treasurer, for 1,380 pounds, 16 shillings, and 7 pence, Irish.

36. The magnificent ruined church of Rathmore

    Rathmore · townland · Meath

    The old church of Rathmore is described as one of the most magnificent ruins in Ireland, with a grand Gothic altar window and sanctuary and nave strewn with mausoleums and sculptured tombs.

    Read the passage

    The old church of Rathmore is one of the most magnificent ruins in Ireland. In truth it surpasses description. The length is eighty-three feet eight inches, by twenty-two feet seven inches. The rood-screen or

    * Archdall's Lodge, vol. vi. p. 181.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 118

37. Tombs of the Porter family at Ardmulchan

    Ardmulchan · townland · Meath · 1640–1702

    In the east end of the old church of Ardmulchan lie two horizontal tombs holding many members of the noble Porter family, including relatives of Rev. Francis Porter, the Franciscan author born nearby in 1640.

    Read the passage

    The cemetery of Ardmulchan is crowded with the numerous dead. It is the resting place of many of the Catholic gentry and of the peasantry for miles around. In the east end of the old church there are two horizontal tombs, under which repose many members of the noble family of Porter. The Rev. Francis Porter, a Franciscan friar, author of the Compendium of the Ecclesiastical Annals of Ireland, and of several works on theology, belonged to this house. He was born in the neighbourhood in 1640, studied in Rome, and became guardian of the convent of St. Isidore, lector of philosophy, and subsequently professor of theology. He died in Rome in 1702, and was buried in St. Isidore's. The Rev. Father M'Namee, pastor of this parish, is buried here under the family monument. The Rev. Thomas O'Reilly sleeps here with his friends. He was born at Hayestown 01 a respectable old family, and was parish priest of Enniskeen, now Kingscourt, from 1741 to 1779. He was a holy and zealous priest, and his name is still reverenced amongst his parishioners. There is another grave on the south side of the churchyard, frequented still by the pious pilgrim, and around which many holy memories linger. It is the tomb of the • Rev. Patrick Dunan, parish priest of Dowth. This venerable ecclesiastic suffered much for the faith, and his name and zealous labours are yet, and will long be, gratefully remembered. In his advanced years he lost the use of his sight, and his nephew, the Rev. Christopher Cheevers, tended his flock and conducted him by the hand on a Sunday morning to the humble thatched chapel of Dowth. To such men as Father Dunan Ireland owes a debt which God alone can repay. In the dark days of our bondage he preserved undimrned the sacred lamp of faith,

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardmulchan, in the east end of the old church, two horizontal tombs hold many members of the noble Porter family. The cemetery here is crowded with the dead, the resting place of Catholic gentry and peasantry for miles around. The Reverend Francis Porter belonged to this house. He was a Franciscan friar, born in the neighbourhood in 1640. He studied in Rome and became guardian of the convent of St. Isidore, lector of philosophy, and then professor of theology. He wrote the Compendium of the Ecclesiastical Annals of Ireland and several works on theology. He died in Rome in 1702 and was buried in St. Isidore's. Others rest here too. The Reverend Father M'Namee, pastor of this parish, lies under the family monument. The Reverend Thomas O'Reilly sleeps here with his friends. He was born at Hayestown of a respectable old family and was parish priest of Enniskeen, now Kingscourt, from 1741 to 1779. He was a holy and zealous priest, and his name is still reverenced amongst his parishioners. On the south side of the churchyard there is another grave, the tomb of the Reverend Patrick Dunan, parish priest of Dowth. This venerable ecclesiastic suffered much for the faith. In his advanced years he lost the use of his sight. His nephew, the Reverend Christopher Cheevers, tended his flock and conducted him by the hand on a Sunday morning to the humble thatched chapel of Dowth. His name and zealous labours are yet, and will long be, gratefully remembered. In the dark days of our bondage he preserved undimmed the sacred lamp of faith.

38. Ancient Monastic Ruins Built Without Mortar

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo · 500–599

    Dr. Petrie identified surviving monasteries built in the Cyclopean/Pelasgic style, using stone without mortar, including the Abbey of St. Molaise on Inishmurray erected in the sixth century.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Petrie has proved, in his Essays on the Military and Ecclesiastical Architecture of Ireland, that the Firbolg and Tuatha-de-Danaan tribes were accustomed, long anterior to Christianity, to build their fortresses, dome-roofed houses, and sepulchres in the Cyclopean and Pelasgic style ; that this style (the use of stone without mortar) was continued amongst these tribes after the introduction of Christianity ; and that it was adopted by Christians in many of their religious structures. Some monasteries built after this style remain to this day. Thus the Abbey of St. Molaise,* on Inishmurray, in the bay of Sligo, erected in the sixth century ; that of St. Brendan, on Inishglory, off the coast of Erris, county Mayo, erected in the beginning of the sixth century ; and that of St. Fechin, on High Island, off the coast of Connemara, county of Galway, erected in the seventh century. Similar to these was the abbey erected on the Island of Farren, in Northumberland, in the year 684, by St. Cuthbert, bishop of Lindisfarne, who is reputed to have been an Irishman.! On these ancient buildings Dr. Petrie remarks :t —

    " In all these establishments the churches alone, which are of the simplest construction, are built with lime-cement. The houses or cells erected for the use of the abbot and monks are of a circular or oval form, having dome-roofs, constructed like those of the ancient Greek and Irish sepulchres, without a knowledge of the principles of the arch, and without the use of cement ; and the whole are encompassed by a broad wall composed of stones of great size, without cement of any kind".

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 39

39. Danes slay the Abbot of Kildalkey

    Kildalkey · town · Meath · 885

    In 885 Donchadh, Abbot of Kildalkey and other churches, was slain by the Danes, after which the abbey seems not to have survived subsequent Viking plundering.

    Read the passage

    885. Donchadb, Abbot of Kildalkey and other churches, was •lain by the Danes.

    After this year we lose sight of the abbey of Kildalkey. It seems not to have survived the frequent plunderings of the Danes. We find in an Irish charter of the early part of the eleventh century, which is preserved in the Book of Kells, that O'Maelseachlainn gave Kildalkey " with its territory and lands to God and to Columbkille for ever". (Misc. ArchoeoL, vol. i., t>. 137.) In 1402 Rev. Robert Mountain, Pastor of Kildalkey, was promoted by the Holy See to the mitre of Meath. (Harris's Wares Bishops, p. 148.) In 1413 Rev. James FitzSymond was Archdeacon of Glendaloch and Pastor of Kildalkey. He got leave of absence from Ireland for two years. (Rot. Pat. Henry the Fifth.) In 1418 Edmund, Earl of March and Ulster, granted to the Abbot of St. Mary's Abbey, Trim, the advowson of the Church of St. Mary's in his manor of Kildalkey. In 1 422 we find William, Abbot of St. Mary's, Trim, Pastor of Kildalkey. (Rot. Pat. 1, Henry the Sixth.) On the 14th of November, 1542, the royal plunderer gave the abbey of St. Mary, Trim, with its numerous townlands and churches, to Sir Anthony St. Leger. In 1617 James the First gave the churches of St. Mary's, Trim, and Kildalkey, with other possessions, to Sir Thomas Ashe of Trim.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 104

40. Drowning of Macnia O'Huachtan carrying relics from Scotland

    Kells · town · Meath · 1034

    In 1034 Macnia O'Huachtan, professor of Kells, drowned while returning from Scotland with the bed of Colum-Cille and three of St. Patrick's relics, along with thirty other persons.

    Read the passage

    1034. Macnia O'Huachtan, professor of Kells, was drowned coming from Scotland with the bed of Colum-Cill and three of St. Patrick's relics, and thirty persons along with him.

    1036. Kells and Kildare were burned.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, you are on the ground of a medieval monastic town with a grim tale. In 1034, Macnia O'Huachtan, professor of Kells, drowned returning from Scotland, carrying the bed of Colum-Cille and three of St. Patrick's relics, along with 30 others.

41. Erased monument of Father Allen in Ratoath churchyard

    Ratoath · town · Meath · 1704–1750

    Rev. Patrick Allen, native of the neighbourhood, was buried in the churchyard of Ratoath with a monument erected over him, but the inscription was later chipped off. Two successors, Clinch and Steward, were also interred in Father Allen's grave and their names likewise erased.

    Read the passage

    On the death of Dr. Plunkett, the Rev. Patrick Allen was transferred from the neighbouring parish of Donaghmore, or Donnymoor, to Ratoath, and the parishes of Grenoge and Kilbride, united to Ratoath in the time of Dr. Plunkett, were formed, with Donaghmore, into one union, under the pastorship of Rev. Patrick Boylan.t The Rev. Patrick Allen was a native of this neighbourhood, and received ordination at Carrignashure, county Tipperary, in 1692, from Dr. James Whelan, bishop of Ossory. He was registered! in 1704 as "Popish parish priest of Donaghmore, aged thirty-six, and living at Donaghmore". He was buried in the churchyard of Ratoath, and a monument was erected over him, the inscription on which, within the last few years, has been chipped off. The Rev. Messrs. Clinch and Steward arc said to have succeeded, both of whom were interred in Father Allen's grave. Their names likewise have been erased from the tomb.

    • A similar inscription is on the tomb of his relative, the Rev. Joseph Plunkett, parish priest of Slane.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 170

42. Fachtna, abbot of Indenen, dies at Rome on pilgrimage

    Fennor · townland · Meath · 1024

    Fachtna, professor and priest of Clonmacnoise and airchinneach of Fennor and Indeidhnen, described as the most distinguished abbot of the Gaedhil, died at Rome in 1024 while on pilgrimage.

    Read the passage

    1024. Fachtna, Professor and Priest of Clonmacnoise, airchinneach of Fennor and Indeidhnen, and the most distinguished abbot of the Gaedhil, died at Rome, whither he had gone upon a pilgrimage.

    After the Anglo-Norman invasion we find Fennor a parish church. In the reign of Edward the Third, Rev. Stephen Palmer was pastor of Fennor. (Pat. 32). In the same reign Revs. Thomas Malecken and Henry de Rathfaygl were successively pastors of Fennor. In the reign of Richard the Second, we find Rev. Robert Wakeman pastor of this parish. Ifol. Pat. 8, Ric. II.)

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

43. Fore repeatedly burned over centuries

    Fore · townland · Westmeath · 745–1179

    The monastery of Fore was burned multiple times through the centuries, including in 745 (with Donaghpatrick), 817, 1112, 1114, 1167, 1169 and 1179, reflecting repeated destruction of this celebrated religious site.

    Read the passage

    11 7&. Fore and Kells were laid waste by the English, and by the Hy-Briuin.

    NOTE.— The Festival of St. Aedgein of Fore la marked in the Mtutyrology of Tallaght at May the 1st.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 63

44. Founding of Ballybogan Priory

    Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1100–1199

    A priory was founded at Ballybogan in the twelfth century by Jordon Comin for canons following the rule of St. Augustine, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and known for a time as 'the Priory de Laude Dei'.

    Read the passage

    Ballyboggan, or Ballybogan, derives its name from Baile- Ui-Bhogain, " the town of O'Bogan". It is at present a parish, in the barony of Upper Moyfenrath, about two and a half miles (south-west) from Clonard. A priory was founded here in the twelfth century, by Jordon Comin, for canons following the rule of St. Augustine. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and was called for some time " the Priory de Laude Dei".

    1399. By an Inquisition taken this year, it was found that John O'Mayller, a mere Irishman, and of the Irish sept of O'Mayllers, enemies to our lord the king, was instituted to the priory of the Blessed Virgin of Ballybogan, contrary to the form of the statute of Kilkenny ; but Richard Cuthbert did, on the same day, make due proof that the said priory was not under the invocation of the Virgin Mary, but dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and that he was the lawful prior thereof. Cuthbert was accordingly restored to the temporalities. (King.)

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 120

45. Franciscan friar Rev. Mr. Teeling buried at Rathkenny

    Rathkenny · townland · Meath · 1780

    A community of Franciscan Friars settled at Flower Hill in Navan early in the last century and had charge of Donaghmore and Dunmoe. The last of these fathers, Rev. Mr. Teeling, died about 1780 and was interred in the churchyard of Rathkenny.

    Read the passage

    parish church.* In the reign of Henry the Fourth, Rev. Nicholas Symonds was vicar of St. Patrick's, Donasjhmore (Pat. RoL, 10 Henry the Fourth). At the period of Bishop Montgomery's visitation this church was in ruin. In Usher's visitation the rectory was valued at 1 2Li sterling, and of the parochial buildings and property he says they comprised " a manse house with backsides". This dwelling house has long since been swept away. In 1690, Rev. Thomas Coleman was presented by James the Second to the parishes of " Dunamore and Dowth". In 1 704, Rev. Garet Darcy was pastor of Navan, Ardsallagh, Donaghmore, and Bective. Early in the last century a community of Franciscan Friars settled at Flower Hill in Navan. They received charge from the Bishops of Meath over the parishes of Donaghmore and Dunmoe. The last of these fathers was Rev. Mr. Teeling, who died at an advanced age, about 1780, and was interred in the churchyard of Rathkenny. Donaghmore has since been permanently united to Navan.

    The churchyard of Donaghmore has many attractions for the antiquarian and the tourist. At the entrance there is the pedestal of the large stone crossf which formerly stood here. In the body of the church there is a horizontal tombstone, which is held in great reverence by the people. At interments the coffin is placed on this stone, and the " De Profundis" chanted previous to burial. Underneath sleeps the Rev. William Killen.J He was born in the parish of Ballyboggan, studied in France, and was ordained in April, 178(i, by the late Dr. Plunkett, Bishop of Meath. He officiated as Catholic Curate in Navan for many years, and in 1 802 was appointed Pastor of Skryne. He resigned his parish in 1804, owing to declining health, returned to Navan, and died in September of that year. He was a most eminent preacher in the Irish and English languages, and discharged

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 96

46. Fr. James Fleming's Fatal Fall from Horse at Dunboyne

    Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1805

    Rev. James Fleming, pastor of the union, died of a fall from his horse at Dunboyne on 16 September 1805 while travelling to or from Dublin. He was buried in the churchyard of Culmullen with his friends.

    Read the passage

    Tlie Rev. James Fleming succeeded. This pastor died of a fall from his horse at Dunboyne, on the 1 6th of September, 1805, as he was going to, or returning from, Dublin. He was buried in the churchyard of Culmullen with his friends.

    The Rev. Eugene O'Reilly succeeded. This pastor had been president of the Navan Seminary (see Navan). He was appointed on the 18th of September, 1805, and resigned on the 31st of December, same year.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 215

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dunboyne, this is where the Reverend James Fleming, pastor of the union, died on the 16th of September 1805. He fell from his horse while going to or returning from Dublin. He was buried in the churchyard of Culmullen with his friends.

47. Great Limekiln Built Opposite Eamhain Macha

    near Navan · monument · Armagh · 1145

    In 1145 a limekiln sixty feet in every dimension was erected opposite Eamhain Macha by Gelasius, successor of St Patrick, in order to repair old and decayed churches.

    Read the passage

    1145. A limekiln, which was sixty feet every way, was erected opposite Eamhain-Macha, by Gelasius, successor of Patrick, and Patrick's .clergy in general". Colgan tells us that this limekiln was erected to repair old and decayed churches. From the preceding quotations the reader can conclude that churches of stone were very common in the Irish Church previous to the twelfth century.

    6. Another great argument in favour of the antiquity of stone churches in Ireland is drawn from the characteristic features of the existing remains of the churches themselves.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 42

48. Hospital and Magdalen house of Duleek

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1403–1547

    Duleek had a well-endowed hospital for the sick; in 1403 King Henry IV granted its guardianship to Thomas Scargyll, and in 1419 Henry V granted the custodium of the house called Le Magdelyns in Duleek to John Tenour. Both were swept away in the confiscations of Henry VIII.

    Read the passage

    On the 29th of June, 1419, King Henry the Fifth granted to John Tenour, the custodium of the house, called Le Magdelyns in Duleek, with all lands, rents, etc., thereunto belonging, and then seized in the king's hands, to hold the same whilst they continued in that state, free of all rents and taxes.§ This house and its possessions were swept away in the confiscations of Henry the Eighth.

    On the 3rd of July, 1619, died Jennet, Lady Dowager Howth, daughter to Dowdall of Athlumny castle, Navan, and widow of William Bathe of Athcarne. During her widowhood she conveyed]) the town and lands of Kenocke in the parish of Duleek, and one house on Merchant's Quay, Dublin, to Sir John Bellew of Belle wstown in Meath, knight, and others, for the maintenance of two poor houses in L)uleek, the one consisting of four men, and the other of three women, for ever.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 128

49. Makeshift Mass sites after the 1798 burning of Dunboyne chapel

    Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1798

    Before the new chapel was completed, Mass was celebrated in a roofless shed attached to the parochial house, in a barn at the Mayne, and in an out-house of the old brewery of Dunboyne.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Dunboyne is the town you are passing through now, and in 1798 it was burned almost to the ground. The military came searching for Father Connell, the parish priest, but a Protestant gentleman had warned him in time, and he escaped through a back window and into the woods of Roosk. The soldiers plundered his home, set it alight, then marched into Dunboyne, levelled the Catholic chapel, burned the town, and committed, in the words of the record, "innumerable excesses." On the 6th of June, Dr. Plunkett made his annual visitation and found the chapel, the priest's house, and almost all the houses of the town destroyed, four or five excepted. Father Connell did not appear, and Plunkett withdrew with grief. Archbishop Troy of Dublin complained to the Lord Lieutenant and secured £100 as compensation for the lost chapel. Before a new one could be built, Mass was said wherever shelter could be found — in a roofless shed attached to the parochial house, in a barn at the Mayne, and in an out-house of the old brewery of Dunboyne. The site for the new chapel came from the Butlers, though a flaw in the lease later nearly brought a lawsuit.

50. Miracle-Working Image of Our Lady of Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1412–1464

    In 1412 and again in 1464, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Trim was recorded as working many miracles, drawing pilgrims from across Ireland to the abbey.

    Read the passage

    1412. The image of (the Blessed Virgin) Mary of Trim wrought many miracles (Annals of the Pour Masters).

    1418. Edmund, Earl of March and Ulster, obtained a license to grant to the abbot of this house the advowson of the church of St. Mary in his manor of Kildalk and diocese of Meath, in pure and perpetual alms (King).

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 185

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this was a pilgrimage centre. In 1412, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary here was recorded as working many miracles. The Annals of the Four Masters noted the wonders, and pilgrims came from across Ireland to the abbey.

51. Old church of Brownstown and Taaffe tomb

    Brownstown · street · Meath

    The old church of Brownstown was pulled down, leaving foundations measuring 66 by 18 feet 7 inches with an ash-tree growing over the site of the altar; a tomb there was erected by Laurence Taaffe for his wife Catherine Plunkett, and an adjoining horizontal tomb bears a chipped inscription and a chalice-and-skull motif.

    Read the passage

    Brownstown has been pulled down. The foundation of the church remains, and measures 66 feet by 18 feet 7 inches. The chancel arch stood 20 feet from the east end. A large ash-tree spreads its branches over the site of the altar. There is a tomb here erected by Laurence Taaffe in memory of his wife, Catherine Plunkett, daughter to Mathew Plunkett, Lord Baron of Louth. Adjoining this is a horizontal tomb over a priest, supposed to be

    348 KELLS

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 208

52. Papal indulgences for pilgrimage to Navan Abbey

    Navan · town · Meath · 1450

    In 1450, Abbot John Bole procured a Bull from Pope Nicholas the Fifth granting indulgences to persons undertaking pilgrimages to Navan Abbey or contributing to its repair or adornment.

    Read the passage

    1450. John Bole was abbot, and procured a Bull from Pope Nicholas the Fifth, granting certain indulgences to all persons undertaking pilgrimages to this abbey, or contributing to repair or adorn it (Ware's MSS.).

    In 1457 John Bole was elevated to the archiepiscopal see of Armagh,f and was consecrated in June of that year. He held a provincial synod in St. Peter's Church, Drogheda, on the 9th of June, and died on the 18th of February, 1470.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, this is the town where Navan Abbey once drew pilgrims. In 1450, Abbot John Bole procured a bull from Pope Nicholas the Fifth granting indulgences to anyone undertaking pilgrimage to the abbey or contributing to repair or adorn it. Bole himself went on to become Archbishop of Armagh in 1457 and held a provincial synod in Drogheda that June. He died on the 18th of February, 1470.

53. Plunder and burning of Kells and Meath churches by Dermod MacMurchad

    Kells · town · Meath · 1170

    In 1170 Kells, Clonard, Teltown, Dowth, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Castlekieran were plundered and burned by Dermod MacMurchad, King of Leinster, together with the English.

    Read the passage

    1 170, Kells, Clonard, Teltown, Dowth, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Castlekieran were plundered and burned by Dermod MacMurchad, King of Leinster, and the English".

    NOTE The crozier of Kells is at present in the possession of Cardinal

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Kells, in Meath. In 1170 this town was plundered and burned by Dermod MacMurchad, King of Leinster, together with the English. Clonard, Teltown, Dowth, Dulane, Kilskyre, and Castlekieran fell in the same wave.

54. Provincial synod convened at Drogheda in 1262

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1262

    In 1262 Patrick O'Scanlan, Archbishop of Armagh, convened a provincial synod at Drogheda attended by bishops of the province, the Lord Justice, canons, and chief men of the kingdom, at which the primatial jurisdiction of Armagh was vindicated.

    Read the passage

    After the death of Richard de la Corner, Reiner, Archbishop of Armagh, consecrated Geoffry Cusack,f a friar, who was elected by the clergy of Meath. We find Hugh de Tachmon also elected, consecrated, and the temporalities of the see restored to him by the king. After a time de Tachmon was recognized as the Bishop of Meath, and resolved to have himself exempted from the visitation of the Archbishop of Armagh. For this purpose he applied to the Holy See, but was unsuccessful. In 1262 Patrick O'Scanlan, Archbishop of Armagh, convened a provincial synod at Drogheda, \ and it was attended by all the bishops

    * Harris's Wares Bishops, p. 142.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    In 1262 this town was the setting for a provincial synod called by Patrick O'Scanlan, Archbishop of Armagh. He had a dispute on his hands: Hugh de Tachmon, Bishop of Meath, had tried to get himself exempted from the Archbishop's visitation by appealing to the Holy See, but failed. So O'Scanlan gathered the bishops of the province, the Lord Justice, canons, and chief men of the kingdom here at Drogheda, where the primatial jurisdiction of Armagh was vindicated.

55. Provincial Synod of Drogheda settles burial fee dispute

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1495

    In July 1495 a provincial synod was held at Drogheda, presided over by Archbishop Octavian of Armagh, to resolve a dispute between the mendicant orders and secular clergy over burial rights and fees, with the synod ruling in favour of the regulars.

    Read the passage

    preached by the Bishop of Meath. For this offence he received the royal pardon in 1488. In 1 489 he assisted at a provincial synod in the Church of St. Mary's, Ardee, and was arbitrator, together with the Bishops of Clogher and Ardagh, between the rival claims of Thomas Brady and Cormac to the see of Kilmore. In the month of July, 1495, he assisted at the provincial synod of Drogheda, over which presided Octavian, Archbishop of Armagh. The synod was for the most part occupied with a complaint of the four mendicant orders against some seculars for infringing on their apostolical privileges. The friars complained that some of the seculars interfered to prevent the interments of the laity in the churches and cemeteries of the regulars, and that they held the regulars to be bound, in case of such interments, to hand over the quartam funeralem, or canonical portion, to the seculars. The synod decided that the regulars were not bound, and Dr. Payne addressed a pastoral* to the clergy and laity of the diocese, embodying the decision of the synod. On the 3rd of October, 1496, Dr. Payne was made Master of the Rolls. He died on the 6th of March, 1506, and was buried in the Dominican Church of St. Saviour's, Dublin. " He was a prelate", says Ware, " in great repute for his alms-deeds and hospitality".

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Drogheda, this is a town where, in July 1495, a provincial synod was held, presided over by Archbishop Octavian of Armagh. Dr. Payne assisted at it. The synod was for the most part occupied with a complaint of the four mendicant orders against some seculars for infringing on their apostolical privileges. The friars complained that some of the seculars interfered to prevent the interments of the laity in the churches and cemeteries of the regulars, and that they held the regulars to be bound, in case of such interments, to hand over the quartam funeralem, or canonical portion, to the seculars. The synod decided that the regulars were not bound. Dr. Payne then addressed a pastoral to the clergy and laity of the diocese, embodying the decision of the synod. On the 3rd of October, 1496, Dr. Payne was made Master of the Rolls. He died on the 6th of March, 1506, and was buried in the Dominican Church of St. Saviour's, Dublin. Ware says of him, "He was a prelate in great repute for his alms-deeds and hospitality."

56. Rathleek burial ground disturbed and antiquities found

    Rathleek · townland · Meath · 1840

    A chapel and extensive burying-ground once stood on the hill of Rathleek, with ruins remaining up to forty years before writing. A ditch cut through the hill disturbed human remains, and gold coins, celts, and flint arrow-heads were found there in 1840.

    Read the passage

    Rathleek. A chapel stood on the hill of Rathleek, the ruins of which remained up to forty years ago. It was a very extensive burying-ground. A ditch has been constructed round a portion of the hill, nearly every shovelful of which consisted of human remains Gold coins, celts, and flint arrow-heads were found here in 1840.

    Jarretstown. The chapel has been levelled, and the stones carried off. Over the spot which tradition points out as the site of the altar, a hoary ash tree of vast dimensions spreads its venerable arms. There were interments here up to forty years ago. The wall enclosing the cemetery has been taken away, and the cattle graze over the graves of the dead.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 131

57. Rosnaree, burial place of King Cormac

    Rosnaree · street · Limerick

    Rosnaree, the ancient Ros-na-righ or 'wood of the Kings,' visible from Slane hill, is noted as the burial place of King Cormac.

    Read the passage

    Before we proceed to the history of the ancient church of Slane, let us ascend the stairway of its ivy-mantled belfry. Where in Ireland could the antiquarian or the tourist find such materials to gratify their respective studies ? For miles and miles beneath you and around you, lie the green pastures of Meath and Louth in their richest luxuriance. In the distance you can see the mountains of Wicklow and Dublin, of Iveagh and Mourne in the County Down, and far to the west, the green hills of Westmeath. Run your eye along the valley of the Boyne from the gray walls of Trim Castle to the Irish Sea. Move on from Trim to Ballinter, Kilcairne, Navan, Donaghmore Round Tower, Dunmoe Castle, Ardmulchan Church, Stackallen, Beauparc, Carrick-Dexter, the Rocks, Slane Castle, and its picturesque village, Fennor Church, Rosnaree (the ancient Ros-na-righ, or wood of the Kings, where King Cormac is buried), the old pagan mounds of Knowth, Dowth, and New Grange, Townly Hall, Oldbridge, the Hill of Donore, on which stood the unfortunate James the Second ; Duleek, where was built the first stone

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 57

58. Ruin and Sale of the Dominican Friary's Stones by 1750

    Trim · town · Meath · 1750

    De Burgo recorded that a few years before 1750 the ruins of the Dominican friary at Trim still showed evidence of former magnificence, but by the time of his visit the stones had been sold off and scarcely any trace remained.

    Read the passage

    After the dissolution and spoliation of their monastery, the friars lingered long in the neighbourhood of Trim, hoping for better days, instructing and consoling the faithful in the days of persecution They never recovered their ancient home, and in a short period most of the walls were pulled down, and the stones converted to other uses. De Burgo tells us, in his Hibernia Dominicana,* that a few years before 175(>, the year in which he compiled his work, the ruins gave evidence of their original magnificence ; but that when he visited this place, the stones had been sold and carried away for other purposes, so that scarcely a vestige remained It seems, however, that, nothing daunted, the friar preachers settled in a more humble residence, and kept up the succession and prescriptive fame of their order in the darkest hour of the penal days down to the dawn of the nineteenth century. One of the alumni of this house was Dr. Oliver Darcy,f bishop of Ardagh in 1649.

    1689, Novembers. At a meeting of the Corporation of Trim, Father John Dillon, president of the Dominicans, was sworn a

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, there was a Dominican friary here whose ruins have vanished. After the dissolution of their monastery, the friars lingered in the neighbourhood, instructing and consoling the faithful through days of persecution. Most of the walls were pulled down and the stones converted to other uses. De Burgo tells us that a few years before 1750, the year he compiled his work, the ruins still gave evidence of their original magnificence. But when he visited, the stones had been sold and carried away for other purposes, so that scarcely a vestige remained. The friar preachers, nothing daunted, settled in a more humble residence and kept up the succession of their order through the darkest hour of the penal days down to the dawn of the 19th century. One alumnus of this house was Dr. Oliver Darcy, bishop of Ardagh in 1649. In November 1689, Father John Dillon, president of the Dominicans, was sworn at a meeting of the Corporation of Trim.

59. St. Columbanus's Rule Rooted in Bangor's Discipline

    near Bangor · town · Down

    The severe monastic rule of St. Columbanus is said to have been drawn from the practices of Irish monasteries, particularly that of Bangor, of which he had been a member.

    Read the passage

    them from monks emphatically so called, is, that, although they make vows and are bound to observe certain laws similar to those of the monks, they are capable of practising the functions which usually belong to the secular clergy. Yet the system of the ancient Irish communities was much more severe than that of the Canons Regular, as is clear from the Rule of St. Oolumbanus, which was taken from those of the monasteries in Ireland, particularly that of Bangor, of which that great saint had been a member"* — vol. iv. p. 348.

    The Irish monasteries were therefore the homes of religion, education, and industry. They were usually founded in the derg, the cluain, and the disert, in consequence of the solitude of these places ; and by the untiring labour of the monks, the barren mountain was converted into a profitable farm, the gloomy forest into a garden, and the lonely island into a paradise. Kings and princes, the wealthy and benevolent, seeing what numbers were gratuitously relieved and educated, what comfort and blessings were diffused amongst the poor, made the monasteries the vehicle of their alms, and thus augmented their usefulness. Many of the wealthy, retiring from the storms and turmoil of life to these abodes of peace and piety, brought with them a portion of their riches ; so that in a brief period Ireland was covered with establishments of literature and virtue, of hospitality and charity, where the child of genius, unbefriended by the world, had a home, where the ascetic had an asylum, and the destitute and afflicted a place of comfort and consolation. Under the shadow of these cloisters saints grew up, practised in virtue, inured to labour, skilled in sacred and profane learning, and, when called to a more extensive sphere, they edified the faithful by the holiness of their lives, they confounded the unbeliever by the depth of their learning, and they were pillars of light in the war of religion with the powers of Hell. Hence the learned Gorres, the German historian, writes of the Irish monasteries of these ages :

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 13

60. St. Cuthbert claimed as native of Kells, Meath

    Kells · town · Meath

    Several antiquarian authorities (Usher, Ware, Colgan, Harris and others) held that St. Cuthbert, patron saint of Durham, was an Irishman. Ware specifically states he was born at Kells in Meath, or alternatively at Kill-Mochudrick near Dublin, and was the son of a petty Irish king.

    Read the passage

    • Usher, Ware, Colgan, Harris. Rothe, White, Fitzsimon. Alban Butler, and many others, say that St. Cuthbert was a native of Ireland. Ware says he was born at Kells in Meath, or, as some have said, at Kill- Mochudrick, four miles distant from Dublin, and was the son of a petty Irish king (see Harris's Ware's Bishops, p. 138). The Bollandists (St Wiro— 8th A/o?/) seem to acknowledge that Cuthbert was an Irishman. Mabillon, followed by Dr. Lanipan, says he was a native of Northumbria (see Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History, vol. iii., pp. 88, 90, etc.)

    t See Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History, vol. L, p. 401 ; vol. iii., p. 220.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, it is worth knowing that several antiquarian authorities, including Usher, Ware, Colgan, and Harris, held that St. Cuthbert, patron saint of Durham, was an Irishman. Ware specifically states he was born here at Kells in Meath, or as some have said, at Kill-Mochudrick, four miles from Dublin, and was the son of a petty Irish king. Not everyone agreed: Mabillon, followed by Lanigan, says he was a native of Northumbria.