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

St. Kienan Builds First Stone Church at Duleek

Duleek · town · Meath

According to the office of St. Kienan, he built a church of stone at Duleek, from which the place took its name Damleag, since before this Irish churches were built of wattles and boards.

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1. In the office of St. Kienan, which is extant in MSS. in the library of Cambridge, and which we quoted from Harris's edition of Ware, we read,* " that St. Kienan built a church of stone in this place (Duleek), and that from thence it took the name Damleagli; for before this time the churches of Ireland were built of wattles and boards".
2. In the poem of Flann of Monasterboice — a work composed in the eleventh century — mention is made of St. Patrick's household, and amongst other personages, of his three stone masons, who, it remarks, built damliags :f —

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 40

St Raed's Holy Well at Girley

Girley · townland · Meath

Girley had an ancient monastery of which St. Raed (Rodaighe) was abbot, and up until a few years before writing, his holy well was still frequented by the peasantry nine clear days before Christmas.

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• The ancient name of this place was Ghreallaigh Bhunna, Grellech, and Anglicised Girley. The patron saint is St. Rodaighe, abbreviated Raed, whose festival was celebrated on the 16th of December. In the list of guarantees and sureties given in the Irish Charters in the Book of Kelly, on the occasion of the purchase of land near Donaghmore, at Navan. from O'Riaman by the priest of Kells and bis kinsmen, occur, V and the Erenagh of Grellech (Girley), and the Sech-nabb (i.e. the viceabbot), and the crozier of Eeodaidhe". There was therefore in the early period a monastery at Girley of which St. Raed was abbot. Up to a few years ago his holy well was frequented, in the language of the peasantry, " nine clear days before Christmas". See the Miscellany of the Irish Atchceological Society, vol. i., p. 136. Martyrology of Donegal at 16th of December.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 45

Surrender of Athboy friary property under Henry VIII

Athboy · town · Meath · 1539

In April, the thirty-first year of Henry the Eighth's reign, the Abbot of Athboy was forced to surrender the property of the Carmelite abbey, which included a church, belfry, cloister, stone tower, and gardens.

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In the month of April, the thirty-first year of the reign of Henry the Eighth, the Abbot of Athboy was obliged to yield to force, and surrender the property of this abbey.
At that time the friars were possessed of the following:!

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 116

The magnificent old ruined church of Ardcath

Ardcath · townland · Meath

The old church of Ardcath stands on a lofty hill commanding a view over the ancient territory of Cianachta and Magh-Breagh, and remains roofless but well-preserved, with a bell on its western end that survived the Reformation plunder and the penal days.

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The magnificent old church is situated on the lofty hill of Ardcath, from which the tourist can behold the ancient territory of Cianachta, Magh-Breagh, and the numerous abbeys, churches, and castles, where, in days gone by, were congregated the learning, piety, and chivalry of Eastern Midhe. The church is quadrangular, separated into sanctuary and nave by a triumphal or choir arch of large dimensions. The nave measures sixty-four feet internally by nineteen feet ten inches. The sanctuary is forty -three feet eight inches in length. The choir arch, which is of immense height to the vertex, measures eleven feet seven inches at the base. The arch is three feet seven inches in depth. There are two doorways, one on the north and the other on the south of the nave. There is a doorway on the south side of the sanctuary which led from the sacristy. The walls of the church are undiminished, and the whole ruin, although roofless and no longer filled, unless by the numerous dead, is still in a wonderful state of preservation. The eastern or altar window, judging from what remains, must have been gorgeous, and on the western end a bell is still suspended which announces the deaths of the parishioners and summons the congregation to worship in the neighbouring Catholic church. The old bell of Ardcath survived the plunder of the Reformation, tolled away during the penal days, lived to see the Emancipation, and only retired from active service a few years ago.
TOMBS.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 202

The Miosach relic linked to St Cairneach of Dulane

Dulane · townland · Meath

Professor O'Curry notes that the Miosach, one of the three insignia of battle appointed by St. Cairneach of Dulane to the O'Donnells and O'Neills, was probably a calendar-relic, alongside the Cathach and the Bell of St. Patrick.

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Speaking of the ancient shrines and relics of Ireland, Professor O'Curry remarks : " The Miosach was one of the three insignia of battle which St. Caimech of Dulane appointed to the O'Donnells and O'Neills ; the other
two being the Cathach and the Cloc Phaclraic, or Bell of St.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 99

Tober-Patrick holy well and stations at Slane

Slane · townland · Meath

Between the old college and church of Slane lies a holy well called Tober-Patrick, encompassed by a circular stone wall with a flight of steps down to it. Stations were made here on St. Patrick's Day until within recent years before writing.

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The college stands a short distance to the north of the church, and between both is a holy well, called Tober- Patrick. This well is encompassed by a circular stone wall, down which is a flight of steps. Stations were made here on St. Patrick's day until within the last few years. The college is an oblong building, measuring 103 feet by 80. The interior is now one heap of ruins, in which numerous stairways, rooms, towers, windows, doorways, and very beautiful cut stones can still be distinguished. A few years ago the beasts of the field herded in this venerable building. The gaps which gave admission to cattle are now closed up, portions of the walls have bee'i refreshed ; and, owing to the antiquarian tastes of the Marquess of Conyngham, the further ruin of the old college has been arrested, and the remnant is likely to last for ages.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 183

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, between the old college and the church of Slane, lies a holy well called Tober-Patrick. It is encompassed by a circular stone wall, with a flight of steps leading down to the water. Stations were made here on St. Patrick's Day until within the last few years before the record was written.

Abbot O'Cassidy of Ardbraccan, poet and historian

Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1143

Giolla Modhuda O'Cassidy, Abbot of Ardbraccan, was a learned historian and famous poet who died in 1143; three of his historical poems on Ireland survive.

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" 1143. Giolla Modhuda O'Cassidy, otherwise called ball ClnirineacJi, Abbot of Ardbraccan in Meath, died this year. He was a very learned man, a well-informed historian, and a famous poet. Of his work three poems only have come down to our times, all of which are on the history of Ireland"— O'Reilly's Irish Writers.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 54

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ardbraccan, Giolla Modhuda O'Cassidy was abbot in the 12th century. He died in 1143, remembered as a learned historian and a famous poet. Three of his poems survive, all on the history of Ireland.

Armagh Burned with Lead-Covered Cathedral

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1020

In 1020 the whole of Armagh was burnt, including the great stone cathedral (damliag) with its lead roof covering, and the round tower with its bells.

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" A.D. 1020. All Armagh burnt wholly ; the damliog with its cover of lead ; the steeple with the bells".
Duirtheach (house of oak) signified a smaller chapel or oratory, and though oftentimes built of stone, was more generally, and, perhaps, in the early ages of our Church, almost invariably, constructed of oak wood. That the daim-

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 40

Burial of Muireadhach Before the Altar at Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1010

In 1010 Muireadhach, a learned bishop and successor of Columkille, died at age 74 and was buried with great honour in the stone church of Armagh before the altar.

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1010. Muireadhach, successor of Columkille and Adamnan, a learned man, bishop and virgin, and intended successor of Patrick, died after the seventy-fourth year of his age, on the fifth of the calends of January, on Saturday night precisely, and he was buried with great honour and veneration in the daimhliag of Ardmacha, before the altar.
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.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

College and castle of Slane confiscated at the Reformation

Slane · townland · Meath · 1540–1622

The rectory of Slane once maintained a castle, college, 100 acres of land and rents of twenty houses for four priests, four clerics and four choristers. This property was confiscated by the Flemings at the time of the Reformation.

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" A faire stone house or castle and some bowses of office reasonablie repay red, an haggard and backsides. Of ancient time tbere belongeth to this rectory a colledge, an Cd, or thereaboutes, acres of land, and some twentie houses for mayntenance of foure priestes, foure clarkes, and foure quiresters. The walles of the colledge are yet standing and adjoining to the parsonage bouse, all wbich have of long tyme beene in the possession of tbe Lord of Slane, but by what right it is not known".
About the year 1583, Dr. O'Hurley, archbishop of Cashel, who had landed in Drogheda a few years previous, being denounced to the government by the spies of Queen Elizabeth, fled for refuge to the castle of Slane.* He was kindly received by Thomas Fleming, baron of Slane, and Catherine Preston, his wife. At first he dared not leave his room; but by degrees becoming more confident, he appeared at the public table in the castle, and dined even with strangers. On one of these occasions Sir Robert Dillon, t chief justice, met him, and the archbishop conversed with such grace and eloquence that Dillon suspected he was a Catholic ecclesiastic in disguise. He communicated his suspicions to

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

Close to Slane once stood a castle and college belonging to the rectory. The rectory held about 100 acres of land and rents from some twenty houses, supporting four priests, four clerks, and four choristers. The college walls were still standing, adjoining the parsonage house. All of it had long been in the possession of the Lord of Slane, though by what right was not known. Around 1583, Dr. O'Hurley, archbishop of Cashel, who had landed in Drogheda a few years before, was denounced to the government by Queen Elizabeth's spies and fled to the castle of Slane. Thomas Fleming, baron of Slane, and his wife Catherine Preston took him in. At first he dared not leave his room, but by degrees he grew more confident and appeared at the public table, dining even with strangers. On one of these occasions Sir Robert Dillon, chief justice, met him. The archbishop spoke with such grace and eloquence that Dillon suspected he was a Catholic ecclesiastic in disguise, and communicated his suspicions onward.

Destruction of Clonard by the Vikings

Clonard · town · Meath · 840

In 840 the monastic settlement of Clonard was destroyed by Viking raiders, part of a long pattern of Norse attacks on the site.

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840. The destruction of Clonard by the foreigners.
856. Comsadh, Bishop and Abbot of Clonard, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonard, this was once a monastic settlement. In 840 Viking raiders destroyed it, part of a long pattern of Norse attacks on the site. In 856 Comsadh, who was both bishop and abbot of Clonard, died.

Fire Destroys St. Mary's Church, Yellow Steeple Built

Trim · town · Meath · 1368

In 1368 the church of St. Mary in Trim was burnt down. The famous Yellow Steeple, still a landmark ruin, was probably built afterward as a replacement structure.

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1368. The church of St. Mary, in Trim, was burnt. The steeple, now called the Yellow Steeple, was probably built after this fire (Dean Butler's Trim Castle, p. 183).
1381. The king issued a writ to William, bishop of Meath, ordering him to perform what was necessary in the election of John de Leghtoun, who presented himself in the king's court as elected abbot of the monastery of St. Mary's, Trim, in the place of Thomas Whittington, deposed, according to a license granted by the king, at the request of the bishop and canons. The same day, December 10th, Leghtoun had a writ to the escheator for the delivery of the temporalities (Rot. Pat. 5 Richard the Second).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, the Yellow Steeple rises as a landmark ruin above the town. In 1368 the church of St. Mary here was burnt down. The steeple that survives, still called the Yellow Steeple, was probably built after that fire as a replacement. Thirteen years later, in 1381, the king issued a writ to William, bishop of Meath, ordering him to carry out what was necessary in the election of John de Leghtoun as abbot of the monastery of St. Mary's, Trim, replacing Thomas Whittington, who had been deposed. That December, Leghtoun received a further writ for the delivery of the temporalities.

Founding of the Dominican Abbey of Trim and its founder's burial

Trim · town · Meath · 1263–1314

The Dominican abbey of Trim was founded in 1263 by Geoffry de Geneville, who later resigned the lordship of Meath in 1308, became a monk there, and upon his death in 1314 was interred in the cemetery of his monastery.

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In 1308, on the feast of SS. Simon and Jude, he resigned the lordship of Meath to his grand-daughter, Joan, and her husband, Roger Mortimer, became a monk in the Dominican abbey of Trim, and in 1314, on the 19th of October, he died, and was interred in,the cemetery of his monastery.
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.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, you are near a Dominican abbey founded in 1263 by Geoffry de Geneville. In 1308, on the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, he resigned the lordship of Meath to his granddaughter Joan and her husband Roger Mortimer, and became a monk in his own abbey. He died on the 19th of October 1314 and was buried in the cemetery of his monastery.

Glendalough Founded by St. Coemgen

Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

Glendalough is cited as a town whose origin traces to the monastic settlement of St. Coemgen (Kevin), reflecting the monastic roots of many Irish settlements.

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bers of the people gathered round these homes of industry and prayer ; so that, to her monasteries Ireland is indebted for the origin of her cities and towns. Thus we find that Kildare owes its origin to St. Brigid,* Trim to St. Loman, Slane to St. Erk, Glendaloch to St. Coemgen, Tuam to St. Jarlath, Armagh to St. Patrick, Deny to St. Columba, Cork to St. Findbarr, Lismore to St. Carthagh, and so on of many others. Hence, the venerable O'Conor observes :f "The monks spread themselves over the whole face of the land, and edified everywhere by the sanctity of their lives. They fixed their habitations in deserts, which they cultivated with their own hands, and in course of time rendered the most delightful spots in the kingdom. Those deserts became well peopled cities ; and, it is remarkable enough, that to the mnnks we owe so useful an institution, in Ireland, as bringing great numbers together in one civil community''1.
" It was, in fact, the monasteries", says Dr. Petrie,J " that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries ; and the destruction which fell upon the primitive establishments, has, in most instances, been followed by the decline of these, their constant appendages".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 11

Kildare's Monastic Origin under St. Brigid

Kildare · town · Kildare

Kildare is said to owe its origin as a town to the monastic foundation of St. Brigid. The passage links the growth of the settlement directly to her religious community.

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bers of the people gathered round these homes of industry and prayer ; so that, to her monasteries Ireland is indebted for the origin of her cities and towns. Thus we find that Kildare owes its origin to St. Brigid,* Trim to St. Loman, Slane to St. Erk, Glendaloch to St. Coemgen, Tuam to St. Jarlath, Armagh to St. Patrick, Deny to St. Columba, Cork to St. Findbarr, Lismore to St. Carthagh, and so on of many others. Hence, the venerable O'Conor observes :f "The monks spread themselves over the whole face of the land, and edified everywhere by the sanctity of their lives. They fixed their habitations in deserts, which they cultivated with their own hands, and in course of time rendered the most delightful spots in the kingdom. Those deserts became well peopled cities ; and, it is remarkable enough, that to the mnnks we owe so useful an institution, in Ireland, as bringing great numbers together in one civil community''1.
" It was, in fact, the monasteries", says Dr. Petrie,J " that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries ; and the destruction which fell upon the primitive establishments, has, in most instances, been followed by the decline of these, their constant appendages".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

Kildare grew up around a monastery, and the book says this town owes its origin to St. Brigid. Her community drew people to it, as so often happened across Ireland, where monastic houses became the seed of towns rather than the other way round. Dr. Petrie is quoted in the passage: "It was, in fact, the monasteries that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries." The monks settled wild places, worked the land with their own hands, and in time those settlements grew crowded. The venerable O'Conor noted that they brought great numbers together in one civil community. When the old foundations were destroyed, the towns that had clung to them often declined with them. So the road here passes through a place whose beginnings run back to Brigid's house of industry and prayer.

Killyon Dominican Fathers' Grave Slab

Killyon · townland · Meath · 1737–1787

An upright stone stands along the wall inside the old church of Killyon, still visited by pilgrims, marking the grave of several Dominican fathers of Meath. The inscribed slab lists priors and parish priests who died between 1737 and 1786, and was erected in 1787 by Rev. Michael Fleming.

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Standing along the wall in the interior of the old church of Killyon, there is an upright stone, still frequented by many a pious pilgrim, around which a thousand memories of holy deeds and pastoral zeal ascend and linger. This slab marks the grave of the Dominican fathers, where, after having fought the good fight and preserved the faith, they are resting from their labours :
Christians,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 190

Market Cross and Assizes Held in Former Friary Hall

Trim · town · Meath · 1820

Dean Butler records that D. M'Loughlin, alive in 1820, remembered the assizes being held in the hall or church of the former Gray Friary, with the town house on the site of the present record court and shambles beneath. Opposite stood a stepped pyramid called the Market Cross, once said to have borne a silver statue of St. John.

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" D. M'Loughlin, who was alive in 1820, remembered the assizes being held in the hall or church of this friary ; only one judge went circuit at that time. The town house was part of the same building, and stood on the site of the present record court ; the shambles were under the town house. In the market street opposite this building was a pyramid of seven or eight flat steps, called " the Market Cross'*, on which Mr. M'Loughlin believed there had originally stood a silver statue of St. John, six feet high ; but in his remembrance it was surmounted only by a pole and a weather-cock. From the circumstance that the assizes were held in this priory, it appears to be probable that it was the place in which the parliaments were held in Trim" (see also Rot. Pat. 15, Richard the Second, 42).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 192

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, there's a story Dean Butler recorded from a man called D. M'Loughlin, who was alive in 1820. M'Loughlin remembered the assizes being held in the hall or church of the old Gray Friary, with only one judge going circuit at that time. The town house stood on the site of the present record court, and the shambles were beneath it. Opposite, in the market street, stood a pyramid of seven or eight flat steps called the Market Cross. M'Loughlin believed it had once borne a silver statue of St. John, six feet high. In his own memory it carried only a pole and a weathercock. Butler adds that because the assizes met in this priory, it was probably the place where the parliaments were held in Trim.

Modern Stone Cross Carved by Thomas Curry at Navan

Navan · town · Meath

A newly erected stone cross in Navan, chiselled by local craftsman Thomas Curry, stands over 20 feet tall with figures of the Crucifixion and the Stabat Mater carved on either side.

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I am happy to be in a position to say that there is at present in Navan a very beautiful stone cross, chiselled and executed with considerable skill by an enterprising young man, a native of this town, named Thomas Curry. The erect shaft measures 11 feet, and, standing on its pedestal, 20 feet 6 inches. The crossbar measures 5 feet 1 inch. On one side is a figure of the crucifixion, measuring 4 feet 9 inches, and on the other the Stabat Mater, which measures 5 feet 1 inch. The hammer, nails, and ladder are also chiselled with great taste, and the whole presents an object of surpassing interest. The same young artist has carved a very beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin, which at present ornaments the pleasure-grounds of the Diocesan Seminary. Verily, if a reasonable amount of patronage were extended to many of our young men, Ireland might take her stand, even in the domain of art, amongst the proudest nations of Europe.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Navan in Meath, there's a stone cross worth knowing about. It was chiselled by a local man named Thomas Curry, a native of the town. The shaft alone stands 11 feet, and on its pedestal the whole thing rises to 20 feet 6 inches. One side bears a figure of the Crucifixion, measuring 4 feet 9 inches, and the other shows the Stabat Mater, at 5 feet 1 inch. The hammer, nails, and ladder are carved in as well. Curry also carved a statue of the Blessed Virgin that ornaments the grounds of the Diocesan Seminary.

Monastery of Escair-Branain founded at Ardsallagh by St Finian

Ardsallagh · townland · Meath · 500–599

A monastery called Escair-Branain, otherwise Ard-bren-ndomnach, was erected at Ardsallagh on the Boyne by St. Finian, founder of Clonard, in the sixth century, though no trace of the abbey or church now remains.

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ARDSALLAGH, or Ard-Saileach, " the height of the sallows or willows", is situated on the left bank of the Boyne, near Ballinter bridge, in the barony of Lower Navan. A monastery called Escair-Branain (otherwise Ard-bren-ndomnach) was erected in this romantic and charming locality by St. Finian, the celebrated founder of Clonard, in the sixth century. (Ada Sanctorum, p. 399 and 406. ArchdaWs Monasticon, p. 513). The records of this house have been long since lost, and not a trace remains of either abbey or church. After the Anglo-Norman invasion the family of de Angulo or Nangle became possessed of Ardsallagh and Navan. The celebrated stone cross of Navan, which stood up to a late period in the centre of the market square, and the Augustinian Friary of Navan, which was under the patronage of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, owed their origin to the munificence of this house. A castle* was erected by the Nangles at Ardsallagh, and convenient to it a conventt in honour of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin.
*In 1643 the castle of Ardsallagh was taken by Own Roe O'Neill. Carte's Ormond, p. 448, voL i.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 87

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here on the Boyne, St Finian, the founder of Clonard, erected a monastery in the sixth century. It was called Escair-Branain, or Ard-bren-ndomnach, and the place itself was known as Ardsallagh, meaning the height of the sallows or willows. No trace of the abbey or church remains today. After the Anglo-Norman invasion the de Angulo, or Nangle, family took possession of Ardsallagh and Navan. They built a castle here, and close by it a convent in honour of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin. The same family also gave Navan its stone cross, which once stood in the market square, and the Augustinian Friary of Navan, under the patronage of the Assumption.

Old church ruin of Fennor overlooking the Boyne near Slane bridge

Fennor · townland · Meath

The old church of Fennor stands on a height on the southern bank of the Boyne, near the bridge of Slane, measuring fifty-five by nineteen feet; its gray ruined walls impress travellers on the Dublin road to Slane.

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The old church of Fennor is situated on a height, on the southern bank of the Boyne, convenient to the bridge of Slane. The church measures fifty-five feet by nineteen, and had a chancel arch twenty-two feet from the east end. The patron saint since the Anglo-Norman invasion has been St. Michael, and a station is held on his festival at the residence of a gentleman* in the parish. In passing along the Dublin road to Slane, the gray walls of Fennor cannot fail to impress the beholder and awaken Catholic reminiscences. Since the beginning of the last century Fennor has formed part of the union of Slane.
* Mass was celebrated on Christmas morning up to a few years ago at Eennor House, the residence of James Cruise Esq. Since the last sentence was written, James Cruise has been called to his eternal rest. He died on the 19th of April, 1862, and was interred in the family tomb in the churchard of JDuleek.— R. 1. P.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 101

Ornate choir arch and stolen crosses at Kilbride church

Kilbride · townland · Meath

The ruined church of Kilbride has a chancel and nave separated by a highly ornamented choir arch, considered one of the most beautiful in the diocese of Meath. Two ancient monumental crosses in the graveyard, inscribed with prayers for the dead, were stolen about thirty-six years before writing.

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Kilbride. The church of Kilbride is separated into chancel and nave by a choir arch. The nave is fifty-five feet three inches by seventeen feet one inch. The chancel is twenty-three feet in length. The choir-arch is eight feet seven inches to the vertex, by five feet two inches at the base. This arch is one of the most ornamented and beautiful of its kind of all the existing ruins in the diocese of Meath. The walls of the church are ten or eleven feet in height, and are clothed in ivy. There were two ancient monumental crosses in the grave yard, which were stolen about thirty-six years ago. The inscriptions asked the prayers of the faithful for the deceased to whose memory they were erected. There is a tradition in the parish that St. Brigid founded a church here.
Belgree. The townland of Belgree, in the parish of Kilbride, belonged to the convent of Lismullen. There was a chapel here, the walls of which were torn down, but the

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 132

Owen Roe O'Neill besieges Athboy, 1643

Athboy · town · Meath · 1643

In 1643 Owen Roe O'Neill besieged the town of Athboy during the wars of the period.

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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

Penal-era chapel at Grange after the Boyne

Grange · townland · Meath · 1690

A mud wall house was erected by Father Curtis soon after the battle of the Boyne on the townland of Grange, property of Lord Gormanston, serving Clonalvy parish during the penal era.

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The Very Rev. Nicholas Purfield succeeded. Father Purfield was born in the neighbourhood, and was cousin to the Venerable John Purfield, parish priest of Duleek, and the Rev. Nicholas Purfield, one of the Franciscan friars of Courtown. The chapels in the union of Ardcath, in the last century, were the following : In Ardcath parish, a mud wall, thatched house on the townland of Cloghan, not far from the site of the present parochial school-house. This existed from the early days of Father Curtis, and was replaced by the late chapel, which was erected on an unclaimed piece of ground in the village of Ardcath, by the Rev. Nicholas Purfield, a lew years before his death. Rev. John Leonard, his successor, enlarged and completed it. and it was one of the first slated edifices of the kind completed in the diocese of Meath. In Clonalvy parish, a mud wall house was erected by Father Curtis, soon after the battle of the Boyne, on the townland of Grange, the property of Lord Gormanston. The next erection was on the townland of Beashelstown, part of the estate of the Somerville family. This old chapel was abandoned in 1791), when the present chapel was erected on a vacant space between the townlands of Beashelstown and Flemingtown, by Rev. John Leonard. In 1820, the walls were raised and re-roofed, and a vestry was added by the present pastor in 1835. It is now an excellent chapel and in admirable repair.
In the visitation of Dr. Phmkett to Ardcath on the 14th of August, 1788, he found three schools in the union parish.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 204

Priory of the Blessed Virgin at Duleek founded by O'Kelly family

Duleek · town · Meath · 1200–1533

A priory dedicated to the Blessed Virgin was founded at Duleek by the O'Kelly family for Canons Regular of St. Augustine before the Anglo-Norman invasion, with recorded priors including Gilbert (1200) and Nicholas (1283), and a 1308 parliamentary act barring native Irishmen from professing there.

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A priory was erected here, under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin, by the family of O'Kelly, for Canons Regular of St. Augustine, long anterior to the Anglo- Norman invasion. (Ware's Mon.) In the year 1200 we find that Gilbert was prior of this house. In 1212 the Bishop of Meath and the Priors of Duleek and All Hallows were judges in a dispute between the abbeys of St. Mary and St. Thomas, Dublin. In 1279 license was obtained by the canons to elect a prior. In 1283 Nicholas was prior, to whose appointment King Edward gave his special approbation. In 1308 it was enacted by parliament, that no mere Irishman should be permitted to profess himself in this priori/. (King, p. 244.) In 1533 Edward Anger was elected prior.
This abbey paid four marks annually to the Bishop of Meath. After it had undergone various confiscations, King James the First granted (inter alia) to Sir Gerald Moore :*

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 100

Ruins of the College of Slane preserved by Lord Conyngham

Slane · townland · Meath

The college of Slane, an oblong ruin measuring 103 by 80 feet, once had beasts of the field herding within its walls until the gaps were closed up. Owing to the Marquess of Conyngham's antiquarian tastes, further ruin was arrested and the remnant is likely to last for ages.

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The college stands a short distance to the north of the church, and between both is a holy well, called Tober- Patrick. This well is encompassed by a circular stone wall, down which is a flight of steps. Stations were made here on St. Patrick's day until within the last few years. The college is an oblong building, measuring 103 feet by 80. The interior is now one heap of ruins, in which numerous stairways, rooms, towers, windows, doorways, and very beautiful cut stones can still be distinguished. A few years ago the beasts of the field herded in this venerable building. The gaps which gave admission to cattle are now closed up, portions of the walls have bee'i refreshed ; and, owing to the antiquarian tastes of the Marquess of Conyngham, the further ruin of the old college has been arrested, and the remnant is likely to last for ages.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 183

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane stand the ruins of an old college, north of the church and near a holy well called Tober-Patrick, where stations were made on St. Patrick's Day until recently. The college is an oblong building measuring 103 feet by 80, and within its ruins you can still make out stairways, rooms, towers, windows, doorways, and beautiful cut stones. A few years ago cattle herded inside through gaps in the walls, but the Marquess of Conyngham, with his antiquarian tastes, had those gaps closed and portions of the walls refreshed, so the remnant is likely to last for ages.

St. Erk's relics venerated at Slane

Slane · townland · Meath · 512

St. Erk, Bishop of Slane and judge to St. Patrick, died on 2 November 512 at ninety years of age; his relics were venerated at Slane and the people of Slane still honoured his memory thirteen hundred years later.

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That St. Erk was a man of great sanctity and usefulness, the respect in which he was held by St. Patrick, the honourable mention made of him in our annals, and the veneration with which the people of Slane still regard his memory after the lapse of thirteen hundred years, are a sufficient testimony. In the Martyrology of Donegal, his festival is marked at the 2nd of November. Colgan says that, in the old calendars, Ercus is treated of on 2nd of October and 2nd of November. Probus, writing of him in the tenth century, says : " Hercus, filius Dego, cujus reliquiae nunc venerantur in civitate, qua? vocatur Slane".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, the relics of St. Erk were venerated. He served as bishop here and judge to St. Patrick, and he died on 2 November 512 at ninety years of age. The people of this place still honoured his memory thirteen hundred years later. Probus, writing in the tenth century, called him the son of Dego, "whose relics are now venerated in the city called Slane." The old calendars marked his feast on both 2 October and 2 November, and the Martyrology of Donegal gives 2 November.

Synod of Bri-mic-Taidhgh near Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1158

In 1158 the Synod of Bri-mic-Taidhgh, meaning the hill of the sons of Taidhg, was held near Trim in Eastmeath, attended by twenty-five bishops and the papal legate to ordain rules and good morals.

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In 1 1 58, was held the Synod of Bri-mic- Taidhgh (i.e. the hill of the sons of Taidhg; it was situated near Trim in Eastmeath), where there were present, according to the Four Masters, "twenty-five bishops, with the legate of the successor of Peter, to ordain rules and good morals". For a fuller account of these Synods see Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History, vol. iv., chap. 25; Keating's History of Ireland (Duffy's Edition), pp. 512, eta ; The Four Masters, with O'Donovan's Notes ; Cambremii Eversus (Dr. Kelly's edition), voL iii., pp. 53 and 783. For the location of Rathbreasil, see note in Professor O'Curry's Lectures, p. 485.
70 BISHOPS OF MEATH.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 64

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, you are near the site of the Synod of Bri-mic-Taidhgh, the hill of the sons of Taidhg, held here in 1158. According to the Four Masters, twenty-five bishops gathered with the legate of the successor of Peter to ordain rules and good morals.

Violent seizure of Kells by Maelsechlainn

Kells · town · Meath · 903

In 903 Kells was forcibly entered by Maelsechlainn against his own son Doncha, and many were killed near the oratory.

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903. Kells forcibly entered by Maelsechlainn, upon Doncha, his own son, and many were killed about the oratory.
918. Kells was plundered by the Danes, and the Daimhliag (cathedral) was demolished.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Kells. In 903, Maelsechlainn forcibly entered the town against his own son Doncha, and many were killed about the oratory. Fifteen years later, in 918, the Danes plundered Kells and demolished the cathedral.

Conor son of Donchadh drowned at Clonard by the Danes

Clonard · town · Meath · 862

In 862 Conor, son of Donchadh and lord of Meath, was drowned at Clonard by Aulave, king of the Danes.

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862 Conor, son of Donchadh, lord of Meath, was drowned at Clonard, by Aulave, king of the Danes.
868. Suairleach of Eidhnen, Bishop, anchorite, and Abbot of Clonard, doctor in divinity and in spiritual wisdom, in piety and in good deeds, so that his name spread all over Ireland, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Meath, you are nearing Clonard. In 862 Conor, son of Donchadh and lord of Meath, was drowned here by Aulave, king of the Danes. In 868 its abbot Suairleach died, a man whose name spread all over Ireland for his piety and spiritual wisdom.

Grant of Clonard Abbey to Sir Thomas Cusack

Clonard · town · Meath · 1551

In 1551, following the suppression of the abbey, Edward VI granted the site of the late Monastery of Clonard—including church, belfry, cemetery and extensive lands—to Sir Thomas Cusack, Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

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" The late Monastery of Clonard, in the county of Meath, the church, belfry, cemetery, hall, and garden, containing one and a half acres ; within the site and precinct fourteen acres arable, and four acres pasture, parcel of the demesne, with the custom called the ' towlbolle', in the town of Clonard ; Kylreny, sixty acres ; Kylglasse, sixty acres ; Bally iuluge, twenty acres ; Ballyenfagha, ten acres ; Kiltaleyn, thirty acres ; Toboyen, sixty acres ; the tithes and other profits of the vicarage of Kylren ; the rectories Kyllaghan, Clonedaly, Tynam, in the county of Meath (the tithes of the lands of Toboyne excepted); to hold for ever, in fee-farm ; rent £8 sterling. January 14, 5°".
The following letter, dated "Westminster, November 23rd, 1551", was written by the Lords of the Council in England to Sir Thomas Cusack, Lord Chancallor:t

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 122

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonard in Meath. After the abbey here was suppressed, Edward VI granted the whole site to Sir Thomas Cusack, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, in 1551. The grant names the church, belfry, cemetery, hall and garden, covering one and a half acres, with fourteen acres of arable land and four of pasture within the precinct. It went further, taking in townlands across Meath, sixty acres at Kylreny, sixty at Kylglasse, sixty at Toboyen, and smaller parcels elsewhere, along with tithes from several rectories and vicarages. All of it was held in fee-farm for a rent of 8 pounds sterling, dated January the 14th. A letter from the Lords of the Council at Westminster, November the 23rd, 1551, was sent to Cusack about the matter.

Christmas Mass in an outhouse at Rathmore

Rathmore · townland · Meath

Since the beginning of the last century Rathmore has been united to Athboy, and up to a few years ago Mass used to be celebrated in an outhouse on a Christmas morning, until a chapel was later erected through Mr. Gannon's generosity.

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choir-arch, long since demolished, stood thirty-eight feet from the east end. The altar window is truly grand. The frame is Gothic, with a double nmlli-m, and highly ornamented above the spring of the arch. The internal length to the vertex is twelve feet three inches, by six feet at the base. The windows, doorways, towers, and sacristy are all in keeping with the internal beauty of the church, and both sanctuary and nave are strewed with mausoleums, sculptured tombs, and the debris of this once gorgeous and sacred edifice. Since the beginning of the last century Rathmore has been united to Athboy, and up to a few years ago Mass used to be celebrated in an outhouse on a Christmas morning. Lately, owing to the generosity of Mr. Gannon, a handsome chapel has been erected in the parish.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 118

Danish plunder and demolition of the Daimhliag

Kells · town · Meath · 918

In 918 Kells was plundered by the Danes and its cathedral, the Daimhliag, was demolished.

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918. Kells was plundered by the Danes, and the Daimhliag (cathedral) was demolished.
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.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Kells now. In 918, the Danes plundered this town and demolished its cathedral, the Daimhliag. Later, in 949, Godfrey son of Sitric led the Danes of Dublin in another raid, making Kells their headquarters and plundering it and other churches of Meath. They carried over 3,000 people into captivity, along with gold, silver, and goods of every kind.

Death and burial of Rev. John Mitchell, revered pastor of Trevet

Crickstown · townland · Meath · 1825

Rev. John Mitchell, a zealous and exemplary priest of the union of Trevet, died on 12 January 1825 and was buried in the churchyard of Crickstown, with a headstone erected by his parishioners in gratitude.

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The Rev. John Mitchell succeeded. This pious and zealous priest was born in the parish of Martry, union of Ardbraccan, studied in Navan and Maynooth, and officiated as curate in Stamullen, Ardcath, and other places. He was appointed to the union of Trevet, on the 9th of February, 1 820. He was a very exemplary and laborious priest, and his memory is still vividly and affectionately revered by his parishioners. He died on the 1 2th of January, 1825, universally regretted, and was buried in the churchyard of Crickstown. On his headstone is the following inscription :
Erected to the memory of Rev. JOHN

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

Derry Founded by St. Columba

near Derry · city · Derry

Derry is described as owing its origin to the monastic settlement of St. Columba, one among several Irish cities said to have grown from early monasteries.

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bers of the people gathered round these homes of industry and prayer ; so that, to her monasteries Ireland is indebted for the origin of her cities and towns. Thus we find that Kildare owes its origin to St. Brigid,* Trim to St. Loman, Slane to St. Erk, Glendaloch to St. Coemgen, Tuam to St. Jarlath, Armagh to St. Patrick, Deny to St. Columba, Cork to St. Findbarr, Lismore to St. Carthagh, and so on of many others. Hence, the venerable O'Conor observes :f "The monks spread themselves over the whole face of the land, and edified everywhere by the sanctity of their lives. They fixed their habitations in deserts, which they cultivated with their own hands, and in course of time rendered the most delightful spots in the kingdom. Those deserts became well peopled cities ; and, it is remarkable enough, that to the mnnks we owe so useful an institution, in Ireland, as bringing great numbers together in one civil community''1.
" It was, in fact, the monasteries", says Dr. Petrie,J " that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries ; and the destruction which fell upon the primitive establishments, has, in most instances, been followed by the decline of these, their constant appendages".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 11

Father John Clarke builds the present chapel of Trim in 1810

Trim · town · Meath · 1810–1837

The Very Rev. John Clarke, pastor of Trim from 1796, erected the present chapel of Trim in 1810 and served the parish for upwards of forty years before dying in 1837, remembered fondly by the people.

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Very Rev. John Clarke succeeded. This venerable priest was born in the neighbourhood of Carlanstown, near Kells, studied in France, and, after having officiated for some time as curate, was appointed by Dr. Plunkett to the union of Loghan and Dulane, now called Carnaross, early in the year 1786. On the 6th of May, 1796, he was translated to Trim, and was appointed vicar-forane and master of conference for the deanery. In 1810 he erected the present chapel of Trim, over the entrance of which a slab has been placed by his worthy successor, with the following inscription :
This church was built, Anno Domini 1810, by

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 199

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, the chapel you see dates to 1810. It was built by Father John Clarke, who came here as parish priest on the 6th of May, 1796, after serving at Carnaross. He was born near Carlanstown outside Kells, studied in France, and spent over forty years looking after this parish before his death in 1837. His successor placed a slab over the entrance that reads: "This church was built, Anno Domini 1810."

Glendalough Called 'the Cemetery of Ireland'

Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

In the ancient catalogue, Glendalough is described as 'the cemetery of Ireland', marking its renown as a major burial and monastic site.

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In a very ancient catalogue cited by Dr. O'Connor (Prolegomena, pars, ii., p. 93), the monasteries are thus characterized : " The head of Ireland, Armagh ; the arts of Ireland, Clonmacnoise ; the happiness of Ireland, Kildare ; the learned of Ireland, Bangor ; the joy of Ireland, Kells ; the eye of Ireland, Tallaght ; the litanies of Ireland, Lismore ; the difficult language of Ireland, Cork ; the cemetery of Ireland, Glendalough", etc., etc. — Cambrensis Eversus, edited by Dr. Kelly, note, vol. i., p. 173.
The learned Bonaventure Maroni thus describes the great conflux of foreigners to the school of Lismore :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 17

Killing of Faelan in the Church of Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1051

In 1051 Faelan was killed inside the stone church of Lismore by Maelseachlann.

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1051. Faelan was killed in the Daimhliag of Lismore, by Maelseachlann.
1053. Many prisoners were taken from the Daimhliag of Lusk.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

Papal pardons displayed at Kilmainham church

Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1537–1538

On Palm Sunday, indulgences (pardons) of the Bishop of Rome were said to hang in the church of Kilmainham as part of a customary day of station maintaining papal authority there.

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" The sixth Article, whether the Busshop of Rome's pardons ded, on Palme Sonday, hange in the church of Kilmaynham, according to that day of stacion before tyme used there for the mayntenance of the Busshope of Homes auctorite, or not ?
" To the last article, whether the Busshop of Mithe said, ' Good people gyve no credence to him, beleve him not ; for I tell you if ye will, in faith I will nott'?

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 77

Richard de la Corner consecrated at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1232

Richard de la Corner, elected Bishop of Meath by the clergy, was consecrated in St. Peter's Church, Drogheda, in 1232.

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elected by the clergy of Meath to the vacant see, and was consecrated in St. Peter's Church, Drogheda, in 1232.* He was a great benefactor to religion, and an uncompromising vindicator of the rights of his see. He granted to the Abbey of Tristernagh the church of Leene, with its appurtenances, reserving to himself and successors the episcopal rights. In 1 235 he held a diocesan synod, and allotted competent portions to the vicars of the diocese. About the same time he had law suits with St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, and the hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. In the latter case the friars claimed the right of patronage to the churches of Moylagh, Donaghpatrick, Tara, Kells, Dungrey, Ardmulchan, Leckno, Killalon, Dullardstown, Kinevelane, etc. It was decided that the bishop had the right as far as regarded Kells, Dullardstown, Ardmulchan, and Kinevelane, and that to the friars belonged the others, " saving, nevertheless, competent portions to the vicaridges". In 1240, Alicia (or Aviciaj de la Corner, sister to the bishop, founded the Abbey of Lismullen, under the patronage of the Holy Trinity for Augustinian nuns, and the bishop granted the manors of Dunsink and Bally godman to the convent. He died in 1250.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 66

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is where Richard de la Corner was consecrated bishop in St. Peter's Church in 1232, after the clergy of Meath elected him to the vacant see. He became a great benefactor to religion and what the source calls an uncompromising vindicator of the rights of his see. He granted the church of Leene to the Abbey of Tristernagh, reserving episcopal rights for himself and his successors. He held a diocesan synod and allotted competent portions to the vicars of the diocese. He had law suits with St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, and the hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. In the latter case, the friars claimed patronage over churches including Moylagh, Donaghpatrick, Tara, Kells, and several others. It was decided the bishop had the right to Kells, Dullardstown, Ardmulchan, and Kinevelane, and the friars the rest, saving competent portions to the vicarages. In 1240 his sister Alicia founded the Abbey of Lismullen for Augustinian nuns, and he granted the manors of Dunsink and Ballygodman to the convent. He died in 1250.

St. Fechin's Abbey on High Island

High Island · townland · Galway · 600–699

St. Fechin erected an abbey on High Island off the coast of Connemara in the seventh century, another example of ancient dry-stone monastic building.

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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

Tallaght Called 'the Eye of Ireland'

near Tallaght · town · Dublin

In the ancient catalogue of monastic sites, Tallaght is distinguished as 'the eye of Ireland', reflecting its noted spiritual or observational significance among Irish monasteries.

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In a very ancient catalogue cited by Dr. O'Connor (Prolegomena, pars, ii., p. 93), the monasteries are thus characterized : " The head of Ireland, Armagh ; the arts of Ireland, Clonmacnoise ; the happiness of Ireland, Kildare ; the learned of Ireland, Bangor ; the joy of Ireland, Kells ; the eye of Ireland, Tallaght ; the litanies of Ireland, Lismore ; the difficult language of Ireland, Cork ; the cemetery of Ireland, Glendalough", etc., etc. — Cambrensis Eversus, edited by Dr. Kelly, note, vol. i., p. 173.
The learned Bonaventure Maroni thus describes the great conflux of foreigners to the school of Lismore :

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 17

Tomb of Sir Christopher Plunkett and Joan Cusack at Killeen

Killeen · townland · Meath · 1507–1620

A monument in the ruined church of Killeen commemorates Sir Christopher Plunkett, Deputy Lieutenant of Ireland, and his wife Joan Cusack, who had the church built. Other tombs nearby commemorate Edward Plunkett of Balrath (1584), Robert Cusack of Gerardstown (1620), and John Quatermas who roofed the church (1507).

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Hie jacent Corpora Cristoferi Plunkett, Milit. qnd Deput Locumt. Hibernae et Jouae Cusack uxor. snae, q fieri fecrnt. istan Eccliam. Orate pr aia Richi Plunkett milit, q multa bona dedit isti Eccliae. Orate pro aiab Dnse Elizabeth Plunkett, Johis. Plunkett, sen., Johis. Plunkett, jun., Ric. Plunkett, sen., Ric. Plunkett, jun.
There is a tomb over Sir Christopher Plunkett, founder of the house of Dunsany ; another commemorates Edward Plunkett of Balrath, dated 1584; another to Robert Cusack of Gerardstown which commemorates his first wife, Margaret Porter, his second wife, Margaret Plunkett, .and his son and heir, James Cusack, dated 1H20; and another to John Quatermas (who roofed the church) and his wife, dated 1507. In the chancel, under a richly sculptured tomb, sleeps Dr. William Silk, bishop of Meath, who had been previously parish priest of Killeen. He was consecrated in 1434, and died in 1450.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 212

Trim Founded through St. Loman

Trim · town · Meath

The town of Trim is said to have originated from the monastic foundation of St. Loman, illustrating how Irish towns grew from early monastic settlements.

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bers of the people gathered round these homes of industry and prayer ; so that, to her monasteries Ireland is indebted for the origin of her cities and towns. Thus we find that Kildare owes its origin to St. Brigid,* Trim to St. Loman, Slane to St. Erk, Glendaloch to St. Coemgen, Tuam to St. Jarlath, Armagh to St. Patrick, Deny to St. Columba, Cork to St. Findbarr, Lismore to St. Carthagh, and so on of many others. Hence, the venerable O'Conor observes :f "The monks spread themselves over the whole face of the land, and edified everywhere by the sanctity of their lives. They fixed their habitations in deserts, which they cultivated with their own hands, and in course of time rendered the most delightful spots in the kingdom. Those deserts became well peopled cities ; and, it is remarkable enough, that to the mnnks we owe so useful an institution, in Ireland, as bringing great numbers together in one civil community''1.
" It was, in fact, the monasteries", says Dr. Petrie,J " that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries ; and the destruction which fell upon the primitive establishments, has, in most instances, been followed by the decline of these, their constant appendages".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim in Meath, you're in a town whose beginning is traced back to a single monastic foundation. Trim, like many Irish towns, is said to owe its origin to a saint. In this case, it was St. Loman. The pattern was common across Ireland. People gathered round these homes of industry and prayer, and in time, settlements grew into towns. The source puts it plainly: it was the monasteries that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries. The monks fixed their habitations in places they cultivated with their own hands, and over time those places became well-peopled communities. The destruction that fell upon the primitive establishments was, in most cases, followed by the decline of the towns that had grown up around them. What you pass through here began as one of those early foundations.

Walter de Lacy founds monastery on ruins of ancient Clonard abbey

Clonard · town · Meath · 1175

Around 1175, Walter de Lacy erected a monastery under the invocation of St. Peter for the Regular Canons of St. Augustine, probably built upon the ruins of the ancient abbey at Clonard.

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About this time Walter de Lacy erected, probably on the ruins of the ancient abbey, a monastery, under the invocation of St. Peter, for the Regular Canons of St. Augustine.
1185. Maelisa O'Daly, ollave (chief poet) of Ireland and Scotland, Lord of Corcaree and Corca-Adain, a man illustrious for his poetry, hospitality, and nobility, died while on a pilgrimage at Clonard.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonard in Meath. Around 1175, Walter de Lacy built a monastery here under the invocation of St. Peter for the Regular Canons of St. Augustine, probably on the ruins of the ancient abbey. Ten years later, in 1185, Maelisa O'Daly, chief poet of Ireland and Scotland, died here while on pilgrimage.

Armagh's Origin under St. Patrick

near Armagh · town · Armagh

Armagh is named as a city whose origin is attributed to St. Patrick's monastic foundation, later cited elsewhere as 'the head of Ireland'.

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bers of the people gathered round these homes of industry and prayer ; so that, to her monasteries Ireland is indebted for the origin of her cities and towns. Thus we find that Kildare owes its origin to St. Brigid,* Trim to St. Loman, Slane to St. Erk, Glendaloch to St. Coemgen, Tuam to St. Jarlath, Armagh to St. Patrick, Deny to St. Columba, Cork to St. Findbarr, Lismore to St. Carthagh, and so on of many others. Hence, the venerable O'Conor observes :f "The monks spread themselves over the whole face of the land, and edified everywhere by the sanctity of their lives. They fixed their habitations in deserts, which they cultivated with their own hands, and in course of time rendered the most delightful spots in the kingdom. Those deserts became well peopled cities ; and, it is remarkable enough, that to the mnnks we owe so useful an institution, in Ireland, as bringing great numbers together in one civil community''1.
" It was, in fact, the monasteries", says Dr. Petrie,J " that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries ; and the destruction which fell upon the primitive establishments, has, in most instances, been followed by the decline of these, their constant appendages".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 11

Bishop Egnech and his people killed by the Gaileanga at Kildalkey

Kildalkey · town · Meath · 837

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

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837. Egnech of Kildalkey, Bishop, Abbot, and scribe, was killed with his people by the Gaileanga.
837. Cormac,BishopandscribeofCill-Foibrech(Kilbrew),died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 27

Burial of Dr. Mathew Kelly at Maynooth College Cemetery

Maynooth · town · Kildare

The Very Rev. Mathew Kelly, D.D., professor of ecclesiastical history at Maynooth, died a few months after urging the author to write this diocesan history. He was buried in the cemetery of the College of Maynooth, mourned as a national loss.

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I concurred in his remarks, but urged the impossibility of a priest on the mission, in the midst of so many urgent, onerous, and responsible duties, remote too from public libraries, and labouring under innumerable inconveniences, attempting so serious and so difficult an undertaking. He combated my objections, adduced various examples of persons who, for love of religion and country, compiled and wrote under more adverse circumstances, and concluded by pressing me most earnestly to do my part and make a beginning. I at length consented: he promised me his cooperation and assistance ; and we parted — alas ! to meet no more. In a few months after this interview the learned and venerated Dr. Kelly departed this life, profoundly lamented by all who knew him or heard of him, and was buried in the cemetery of the College of Maynooth.
Peace to his soul. His death was indeed a loss — an irreparable, a national loss, — as no priest of our generation took a more absorbing interest in collecting the scattered records of our country,* and disentombing the venerable history of our Church. To me it was peculiarly and seriously lamentable, as, had he lived, I would have received many judicious and valuable suggestions.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Maynooth, you are near the cemetery of Maynooth College, where the Very Reverend Doctor Mathew Kelly is buried. He was professor of ecclesiastical history at the college, and he played a part in the story of this book. The author told him it was impossible for a parish priest, far from libraries and burdened with duties, to attempt so serious a work. Kelly argued him down, citing others who had written for love of religion and country under worse conditions, and pressed him to make a beginning. The author consented, and Kelly promised his cooperation. They parted, and in a few months Kelly was dead. He was buried here in the college cemetery, profoundly lamented by all who knew him. His death was called an irreparable, a national loss, for no priest of that generation took a more absorbing interest in collecting the scattered records of the country. The author felt it keenly, saying that had Kelly lived, he would have received many judicious and valuable suggestions.

Burial of Sir Robert Dillon at Tara church

Tara · parish · Meath · 1597

Sir Robert Dillon, who held the office of Chief Justice for many years, died in 1597 and was buried in the church of Tara, where his monument is still to be seen.

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f Sir Kobert Dillon, father to Sir Bartholomew, held for many years the office of Chief Justice. He died in 1597, and was buried in the church of Tara, where his monument is still to be seen. Sir Bartholomew, son to Sir Kobert, by Catherine Sarsfield, his second wife, married Catherine Fitton about 1595, and died in 1633. His family has fallen to decay. Sir Richard Bolton was Recorder of Dublin, then Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and subsequently Lord Chancellor of Ireland. He had a son, Sir Edward, who was also Chief Baron of the Exchequer. It appears from Archdale's Lodge (vol. vi., p. 208), that Bolton purchased Bective from the Dillons. Lewis (Topographical Dictionary at Bective) says that Charles the First
120 BECTIVE.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 91

Capture of the Tanist of Hy Kinsellagh at Kilcullen

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1037

In 1037 Rory, Tanist of Hy Kinsellagh, was taken prisoner within the stone church of Kilcullen in County Kildare.

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1037. Kory, Tanist of Hy Kinsellagh, was taken prisoner in the Daimhliag of Kilcullen (County Kildare).
1037. Skryne (in Meath), and the Daimhliag of Cianan (Duleek), were plundered by the Danes.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen in County Kildare, this town saw a dramatic capture in 1037. Rory, the Tanist of Hy Kinsellagh, was seized and taken prisoner within the stone church here.

Catherine Preston buried in hermitage of St. Erk, Slane

Slane · townland · Meath · 1597

Catherine Preston, wife of Thomas Fleming, Baron of Slane, died in 1597 and was buried in the hermitage of St. Erk at Slane.

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t Ismay Dillon, daughter of Sir Bartholomew Dillon of Riverston, county Meath, and aunt to Sir Robert, was married to John Fleming of Stephenstown, second son of James Lord Slane, by whom she had Thomas Lord Slane. Dillon and Lord Slane were therefore cousins. Dillon was then Chief Justice of the Court of Chief Pleas. The wife of Lord Slane, Catherine Preston, was daughter of Jenico, the third Viscount Gormanston. She died in 1597, and was buried in the hermitage of St. Erk, Slane. See Archdall's Lodye, vol. iii. p. 78, vol. iv. pp. 143, 144.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Catherine Preston was laid to rest in 1597. She was the wife of Thomas Fleming, Baron of Slane, and the daughter of Jenico, the third Viscount Gormanston. Her burial place was the hermitage of St. Erk at Slane.

Chalice inscription commemorates Fr. Michael Moore of Dunboyne

Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1770–1798

The old chapel at Roosk was burned in 1798, and Father Moore's house was levelled. A chalice used in the parish bears an inscription noting it belonged to Dunboyne parish under Rev. Michael Moore, pastor, in 1770.

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Roosk. The house in which Father Moore lived has been levelled, and the old chapel was burned in 1798. There is a chalice still used in the parish of Dunboyne, with an inscription round the pedestal, " this chalice belongs to the parish of Dunboyne, Rev. Michael Moore, pastor, 1770". Father Moore died, at an advanced age, on the 10th of December, 1 782, and was buried in the churchyard of Dunboyne. It is said that a headstone was placed at his grave, and that it has also been taken away.
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

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

Dunboyne in Meath was the parish of Father Michael Moore, whose memory survives in a chalice still used here, inscribed round its pedestal, "this chalice belongs to the parish of Dunboyne, Rev. Michael Moore, pastor, 1770." The old chapel at Roosk where he served was burned in 1798 and his house was levelled. He died at an advanced age and was buried in the churchyard of Dunboyne, though his headstone has since been taken away. The Reverend Patrick Smith, a native of Kells who had studied in France, succeeded him and remained until June 1787, when he resigned in disgust at the apostasy of Lord Dunboyne. Smith later became entangled in a dispute over the parish of Kells, was suspended, and was condemned by the Provincial Synod of Armagh and by the Sacred Congregation of Rome in 1792, before presenting himself at the chapel of Girley that June to ask pardon for his schismatical conduct.

Chantry of St. Thomas the Apostle parish, Ratoath

Ratoath · town · Meath

A chantry was founded in the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle for three priests who celebrated daily Mass in the roode chapel, St. Mary's chapel, and St. Thomas's chapel. The chantry held extensive lands in Ratoath and surrounding townlands until, like other church property, it fell prey to confiscation.

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A chantry! was founded here in the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, for three priests, who were daily to celebrate Mass, one in the roode chapel, one in St. Mary's chapel, and one in St. Thomas's chapel. This chantry acquired seventeen messuages in Ratoath, forty acres in Galmole's farm, and forty acres in Dowdall's farm, both in Ratoath; thirty acres in Newton, forty in Balresk, and one close, called Our Lady's Park, containing seven acres ; two acres in Ratoath, and one in Haiiock ; two in Moylena, and three in Rayeston, near Ratoath ; of the annual value of thirty shillings sterling. All this property fell a prey to the spoiler.
Ratoath was the head of a rural deanery called the " deanery of Ratoath".

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 166

Clonard thrice burned in one week

Clonard · town · Meath · 1045

In 1045 Clonard, along with its great stone church or cathedral (daimhliag), was burned three times within a single week.

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1045. Clonard was thrice burned in one week, with its daimhliag (great stone church or cathedral).
1047. Maelmoicheirghe, Professor of Clonard, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

You're passing near Clonard. In 1045 this place was burned three times in a single week, along with its great stone church, its daimhliag. A place could not catch a break that year. Two years later, in 1047, Maelmoicheirghe, Professor of Clonard, died.

Confiscation of Chantry Property in Trim

Trim · town · Meath

A perpetual chantry of three priests attached to the parish of St. Patrick, Trim, celebrated Mass daily in the Rood chapel, the chapel of St. Laurence the Martyr, and the chapel of St. Patrick. The chantry was found to have acquired a castle, ten messuages in Trim, and land in Dunderry and Irestown contrary to statute, and all this property was confiscated.

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There was a perpetual chantry of three priests in the parish of St. Patrick, Trim, who were to celebrate Mass daily, one in the Rood chapel, another in the chapel of St. Laurence the Martyr, and the third in the chapel of St, Patrick (in the visit book in Marsh's Library, that of St. Mary is added. See Dean Butler's Trim, p, 165). They were found to have acquired, contrary to the statute, a castle and ten messuages in Trim, with eight tenements and ten acres of land in Dunderry and Irestown. All this property was confiscated.
1680, October 14th, Philip Conway was chosen master of the Rood guild of St. Catherine's, of the church of St. Patrick in Trim (Town Records, quoted in Very Rev. Dean Butler's Trim). The guild of St. Catherine and the Rood priest were continued to the time of Queen Anne (ibidem).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 216

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Trim now. This town had a perpetual chantry of three priests in the parish of St. Patrick, who celebrated Mass daily, one in the Rood chapel, another in the chapel of St. Laurence the Martyr, and the third in the chapel of St. Patrick. They were found to have acquired, contrary to the statute, a castle and ten messuages in Trim, with eight tenements and ten acres of land in Dunderry and Irestown, and all of it was confiscated. On the 14th of October 1680, Philip Conway was chosen master of the Rood guild of St. Catherine's at the church of St. Patrick in Trim. The guild of St. Catherine and the Rood priest continued to the time of Queen Anne.

Danes plunder Fennor along with Slane and Glendalough

Fennor · townland · Meath · 833

In 833 the Danes plundered Fennor together with Slane and Glendalough; the abbey there had a succession of abbots and bishops recorded from the eighth to eleventh centuries.

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833. The plundering of Fennor, Slane, and Glendaloch by the Danes.
837. Tigernach, Abbot of Fennor and other churches, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 101

Father Philip Sherlock buried in the chapel of Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1853–1859

Rev. Philip Sherlock, curate of Trim for six years, died on 12 August 1859 aged thirty-six, sacrificing his life to his zealous ministry, and was buried in the chapel of Trim under a marble monument.

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The priests on the list of the dead in Trim are, the Rev. Messrs. Brett, Clarke, Halligan, Dillon, and Sherlock. The Rev. Mr. Halligan, who was curate here for many years, died parish priest of Castletowndelvin ; and Rev. Mr. Dillon died parish priest of Kilbeg. Of these fellow-labourers we will treat when we come to their parishes. The Rev. Philip Sherlock was born at Killeary, union of Lobinstown, studied in Slane and Navan, and completed his course in the Irish College of Paris. He was ordained in 1851, and officiated as curate in Kilbeg, Athboy, and Trim, and won universal respect by his piety, humility, and unremitting attention to his duties. His life was sacrificed to his zeal, and a more amiable or unassuming priest has not passed from amongst us. He sleeps in the chapel of Trim, and a marble monument recalls to mind his many excellent qualities in the following words :
Beneath repose the remains of

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 200

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, the chapel here holds the grave of a priest who gave everything to his work. The Reverend Philip Sherlock was born at Killeary in the union of Lobinstown, studied in Slane and Navan, and finished his training at the Irish College of Paris. He was ordained in 1851 and served as curate in Kilbeg, Athboy, and then Trim, where he stayed for six years. He died on the 12th of August 1859, aged 36. The record says his life was sacrificed to his zeal, and that a more amiable or unassuming priest has not passed from amongst us. A marble monument in the chapel recalls his many excellent qualities, bearing the words, beneath repose the remains of. He won universal respect, the book tells us, by his piety, his humility, and his unremitting attention to his duties.

Founding and Rebuilding of St. Mary's Abbey, Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1200–1300

St. Mary's Abbey in Trim was originally founded by St. Patrick and rebuilt in the thirteenth century by the de Lacy family for Augustinian canons regular. The abbey became a major religious institution in Meath.

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The abbey of St. Mary, of Trim, originally founded by St. Patrick, was rebuilt, some time in the thirteenth century, by the family of de Lacy, for canons regular following the rule of St Augustine.
1348. Died the abbot Thomas, and the temporalities were seized into the king's hands, from October 20th, to the month of December following, when they were restored to Peter Morgan, who was then confirmed abbot (King, p. 299).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

Trim in Meath has St. Mary's Abbey, which traces its founding back to St. Patrick himself. The de Lacy family rebuilt it in the thirteenth century for Augustinian canons regular. In 1348 the abbot Thomas died, and the king's hands held the abbey's temporalities from October 20 until December, when Peter Morgan was confirmed as the new abbot.

Founding of the Dominican Friary near Athboy-gate, Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1263

A Dominican friary dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin was founded near the Athboy-gate of Trim in 1263 by Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Meath.

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A monastery for the illustrious order of preachers was founded near the Athboy-gate of Trim, under the patronage of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, by Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Meath, in the year 1263 (Allemande; Harris's Tab.; King, p. 87; Hibernia Dominicana, p. 263). The annals of this friary are thus given in Archdall's Monasticon, and Dean Butler's Trim.
1285. A general chapter of the order was held here (King, p. 87).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, near the Athboy-gate once stood a Dominican friary dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Meath, founded it in 1263. The friary was significant enough to host a general chapter of the Dominican order in 1285.

Fr. O'Hanlon's funeral and tomb at Dowth churchyard

Dowth · townland · Meath · 1823

Dr. O'Hanlon, pastor of Slane, died on 11 July 1823 and was accompanied to the churchyard of Dowth by one of the largest funerals witnessed in the country for half a century. A horizontal tomb on the south side of the cemetery marks his grave, where coffins are still rested during funerals.

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July, 1823, universally regretted by Protestants and Catholics, poor and rich, and his remains were accompanied to the churchyard of Dowth by one of the largest funerals witnessed in this country for the last half century. Tourist or pilgrim ! whether you visit the churchyard of Dowth through curiosity or devotion — siste — on the south side of the cemetery stands a horizontal tomb, supported by pillars. This monument was erected to the memory of Father Hanlon, and on it, at funerals, the coffin is deposited, and the De Profundis chanted previous to interment :
Underneath are deposited the remains of the late Very Rev. DOCTOR HANLON,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 182

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Dowth, Dr. O'Hanlon, pastor of Slane, was buried in 1823. He died on 11 July of that year and was regretted by Protestants and Catholics, poor and rich alike. His remains were accompanied to the churchyard here by one of the largest funerals witnessed in this country for half a century. On the south side of the cemetery stands a horizontal tomb, supported by pillars, erected to his memory. At funerals since, coffins are still deposited on it and the De Profundis chanted before burial.

Gray Friary of Trim Founded and Dedicated

Trim · town · Meath · 1200–1325

The Gray Friary, also called the Observantine Friary of Trim, was dedicated to St. Bonaventure and originally founded early in the thirteenth century, reportedly by King John though others credit the Plunkett family.

Read the passage

The Gray Friary, called in general the Observantine Friary of Trim, was dedicated to St. Bona venture. It was originally founded early in the thirteenth century, by King John, though others say by the family of Plunkett.* The Observantines reformed this house before the year 1325 (Ware's MSS.).
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).

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, there was a friary here known as the Gray Friary, or the Observantine Friary, dedicated to St. Bonaventure. It was founded early in the 1200s, reportedly by King John, though others credit the Plunkett family. The Observantines reformed the house before 1325. In 1330 a great flood on the river Boyne swept away every bridge except one, carried off several mills, and broke part of the monastery of the Friars Minor here in Trim.

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

The stories, best first

St. Kienan Builds First Stone Church at Duleek

St Raed's Holy Well at Girley

Surrender of Athboy friary property under Henry VIII

The magnificent old ruined church of Ardcath

The Miosach relic linked to St Cairneach of Dulane

Tober-Patrick holy well and stations at Slane

Abbot O'Cassidy of Ardbraccan, poet and historian

Armagh Burned with Lead-Covered Cathedral

Burial of Muireadhach Before the Altar at Armagh

College and castle of Slane confiscated at the Reformation

Destruction of Clonard by the Vikings

Fire Destroys St. Mary's Church, Yellow Steeple Built

Founding of the Dominican Abbey of Trim and its founder's burial

Glendalough Founded by St. Coemgen

Kildare's Monastic Origin under St. Brigid

Killyon Dominican Fathers' Grave Slab

Market Cross and Assizes Held in Former Friary Hall

Modern Stone Cross Carved by Thomas Curry at Navan

Monastery of Escair-Branain founded at Ardsallagh by St Finian

Old church ruin of Fennor overlooking the Boyne near Slane bridge

Ornate choir arch and stolen crosses at Kilbride church

Owen Roe O'Neill besieges Athboy, 1643

Penal-era chapel at Grange after the Boyne

Priory of the Blessed Virgin at Duleek founded by O'Kelly family

Ruins of the College of Slane preserved by Lord Conyngham

St. Erk's relics venerated at Slane

Synod of Bri-mic-Taidhgh near Trim

Violent seizure of Kells by Maelsechlainn

Conor son of Donchadh drowned at Clonard by the Danes

Grant of Clonard Abbey to Sir Thomas Cusack

Christmas Mass in an outhouse at Rathmore

Danish plunder and demolition of the Daimhliag

Death and burial of Rev. John Mitchell, revered pastor of Trevet

Derry Founded by St. Columba

Father John Clarke builds the present chapel of Trim in 1810

Glendalough Called 'the Cemetery of Ireland'

Killing of Faelan in the Church of Lismore

Papal pardons displayed at Kilmainham church

Richard de la Corner consecrated at Drogheda

St. Fechin's Abbey on High Island

Tallaght Called 'the Eye of Ireland'

Tomb of Sir Christopher Plunkett and Joan Cusack at Killeen

Trim Founded through St. Loman

Walter de Lacy founds monastery on ruins of ancient Clonard abbey

Armagh's Origin under St. Patrick

Bishop Egnech and his people killed by the Gaileanga at Kildalkey

Burial of Dr. Mathew Kelly at Maynooth College Cemetery

Burial of Sir Robert Dillon at Tara church

Capture of the Tanist of Hy Kinsellagh at Kilcullen

Catherine Preston buried in hermitage of St. Erk, Slane

Chalice inscription commemorates Fr. Michael Moore of Dunboyne

Chantry of St. Thomas the Apostle parish, Ratoath

Clonard thrice burned in one week

Confiscation of Chantry Property in Trim

Danes plunder Fennor along with Slane and Glendalough

Father Philip Sherlock buried in the chapel of Trim

Founding and Rebuilding of St. Mary's Abbey, Trim

Founding of the Dominican Friary near Athboy-gate, Trim

Fr. O'Hanlon's funeral and tomb at Dowth churchyard

Gray Friary of Trim Founded and Dedicated