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. Holy well of Tober-Damhnat at Kildalkey

   Kildalkey · town · Meath

   Beside the old church of Kildalkey stands a holy well dedicated to St. Dympna, called Tober-Damhnat, though by the time of writing it was almost dried up. The parish patron festival was observed on the 15th of May, marking the translation of St. Dympna's relics.

   Read the passage

   * The patron saint of the parish is St. Dympna — the virgin-martyr — and her festival is observed here on the loth of May, the anniversary of the translation of her relics. A holy well, now almost dried up, is convenient to the old church, called Tober-Damhnat, or Dympna.

   t See Pastors of Kells. In the Visitation of Dr. Plunkett to Kildalkey, on the 22nd of May, 1788, he found " one school, one chapel repaired and partly rebuilt".

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 105

2. Holy wells at Danestown, Ardmulchan and Dullardstown

   Danestown · townland · Meath

   A holy well at Danestown was dedicated to the Trinity, another at Ardmulchan dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and a third near the site of the old church of Dullardstown likewise dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

   Read the passage

   * There is a holy well at Danistown, dedicated to the Trinity ; another at Ardmulchan, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin ; and a third, convenient to the swell of ground on which stood the old church of Dullardstown, likewise dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

   344 PASTORS OF BLACKLYON.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 206

3. Hugh de Lacy's grant to the Abbey of Kells, 1173

   Kells · town · Meath · 1173

   Hugh de Lacy made a considerable grant of land to the Abbey of Kells and granted a measure from every brewing of ale in the town, conditioning that a canon say Mass for his soul and his ancestors' souls.

   Read the passage

   1 1 73. Hugh de Lacy made a considerable grant of land to this abbey ; and, being entitled to a measure out of every brewing of ale in the town of Kells, he also made a grant of the same, and conditioned that one of the canons of the abbey should be constantly retained as chaplain, to say Mass for the health of his soul and the souls of his ancestors and successors (Monaaticon Anglicanum, vol. ii., p 1041).

   1277. The abbot Bren, O'Mulmoghery died (Four Masters).

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 137

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Kells in Meath now. In 1173 Hugh de Lacy made a considerable grant of land to the abbey here, and gave the monks a measure from every brewing of ale in the town. In return he asked that one of the canons be kept as chaplain to say Mass for the health of his soul and the souls of his ancestors and successors. The abbot Bren O'Mulmoghery died here in 1277.

4. Kells Named 'the Joy of Ireland'

   Kells · town · Meath

   The ancient monastic catalogue names Kells as 'the joy of Ireland', part of a list characterizing famous Irish religious sites by their special qualities.

   Read the passage

   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

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kells, you're in a place an old monastic catalogue names 'the joy of Ireland.' The catalogue, cited by Dr. O'Connor, lists famous Irish religious sites by their special qualities: Armagh as 'the head of Ireland,' Clonmacnoise as 'the arts of Ireland,' Kildare as 'the happiness of Ireland,' and Kells among them with its joyful title.

5. Lismore's Origin under St. Carthagh

   Lismore · townland · Waterford

   Lismore is named as a settlement that developed from the monastic foundation of St. Carthagh, later famed for its litanies and its renowned school.

   Read the passage

   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

6. Mud-wall thatched chapel at the foot of the Hill of Ward

   Hill of Ward, Tlachtgha · hill or hills · Meath · 1702–1714

   During the reign of Queen Anne a mud wall, thatched chapel was erected at the foot of the Hill of Ward, where the inhabitants of Athboy worshipped during the penal era.

   Read the passage

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

   162 ATTIBOY.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 115

7. Plundering of Slane and Fennor by foreigners, 833

   Slane · townland · Meath · 833

   In 833 Slane and Fennor were plundered by the foreigners (Danes), as recorded in the annals of the abbey.

   Read the passage

   833. The plundering of Slane and Fennor by the foreigners.

   838. Colman, Abbot of Slane, died.

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 60

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Slane was plundered by the foreigners in 833, along with nearby Fennor. The annals of the abbey record the raid. Five years later, in 838, Colman, Abbot of Slane, died.

8. Priory of Ballybogan burnt and burial of Tany O'Mulconry

   Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1446

   The priory of Ballybogan was burnt at the beginning of 1446, and in the same year Tany O'Mulconry was interred there.

   Read the passage

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

   Same year, Tany O'Mulconry was interred in the priory of Ballybogan. (Four Masters.)

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 120

9. Provincial Chapter of the Carmelite Order held at Athboy, 1325

   Athboy · town · Meath · 1325

   In 1325 a Provincial Chapter of the Carmelite Order was held at the Athboy friary before John Bloxham, Vicar General of the Order in Ireland, where many useful regulations were adopted.

   Read the passage

   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.).

   1442. An entire street was burnt in the town by accident. (Annals Dud. Fir.)

   Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 116

10. Provincial Synod at Ardee, 1489

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1489

    Bishop John Payne of Meath assisted at a provincial synod held in the Church of St. Mary's, Ardee, where he acted as arbitrator, alongside the Bishops of Clogher and Ardagh, in a dispute over the succession to the see of Kilmore.

    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

11. Sudden Death of Fr. John Fay, Parish Priest of Kilberry

    Teltown · townland · Meath · 1813

    Rev. John Fay, born in Navan, died suddenly in his bed after being apparently well the day before. He was buried in the churchyard of Teltown.

    Read the passage

    The Rev. John Fay succeeded. This venerated priest was born in Navan, and was ordained by Dr. Plunkett in the parish church of Navan, on Easter Tuesday, the 2nd of April, 1793. He was appointed successor to Father Lennon on the 20th of April, 1797, and died on the 30th of May, 1813. He was a holy, zealous, and charitable pastor, and his name is still held in reverence and benediction. In the diaries of Dr. Plunkett, his sudden and melancholy departure is thus entered: " J 81 3, May 30th. This morning died Rev. John Fay, parish priest of the union of Kilberry. He was apparently well the day before, and was found dead in his bed this morning". He was buried in the churchyard of Teltown.

    The Rev. Eugene O'Reilly succeeded. Owing to the opposition of a faction that closed the chapel doors* against him, Father Eugene resigned his appointment in disgust, and returned to the Diocesan Seminary, of which he was president.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 210

12. Cork's Monastic Origin under St. Findbarr

    Cork · city · Cork

    Cork is cited as a city whose beginnings trace to the monastic foundation of St. Findbarr, part of the pattern connecting Irish monasteries to town origins.

    Read the passage

    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 Cork, you are moving through a place whose beginnings trace back to a monastic foundation by St. Findbarr. The source records Cork among several Irish cities that owe their origin to monasteries, alongside Kildare under St. Brigid, Trim under St. Loman, Armagh under St. Patrick, and others. The pattern described is that monks settled in wild or deserted places, cultivated them, and over time people gathered around these homes of prayer and industry until those settlements became cities. As the venerable O'Conor observed, the monks spread over the land, fixed their habitations in deserts, and rendered them delightful and well-peopled. Dr. Petrie noted that it was the monasteries that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries. So Cork's roots as a city lie in that early monastic community of St. Findbarr.

13. Duleek priory lands granted to Sir Gerald Moore under James I

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1603–1625

    After various confiscations, King James the First granted the site of the late Priory of Duleek and its extensive lands, gardens, cottages, and parks to Sir Gerald Moore.

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    " The site, etc., of the late Prioy of Duleek, a garden, and a close, containing half an acre of pasture ; in Carrickbroger, sixteen acres arable ; in Arberbusshe, twenty acres arable ; in Langanan, three acres arable ; Westerparke, eight acres arable ; on the north side of the common green of the town of Duleek, eight acres arable ; Castlecott Pasture, twelve acres pasture and furze ; Cowe Park, containing four parks ; another pasture, called the Park Meadow, four acres ; a dove house, thatched ; the Bourglasse, twenty acres arable : Smithe's Meadow, one close of pasture by the side of Longeford, on the south side, two acres arable by the Newton, on the east side, nine acres by Carranstowne, on the south side, five acres arable and five acres meadow, called the Maudlen Meadow, in Duleeke ; ten acres, one park full of ashes (ash trees), by the site of the priory ; a cottage with a garden and a small close ; a cottage and a small close ; a cottage and a garden ; three cottages and gardens ; a garden by Pontickwell, called the Bulbrine ; a garden by Cullan's house ; a small close called the College Yard or Park ; another close called the Yarde ; two curtilages called the Fox Parks ; a little piece of ground called the Culverhouse Park ; one

    * Pat. 3, James the First.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 100

14. Memorial monument to Rev. Richard Magrane at Kildalkey chapel

    Kildalkey · town · Meath · 1838

    Rev. Richard Magrane, a zealous and beloved pastor of Kildalkey, died in November 1838 and was interred in the chapel, where a marble monument was erected by parishioners to commemorate his brief but well-regarded ministry.

    Read the passage

    Rev. Richard Magrane succeeded. He was born in the parish of Ardcath, studied in France, and officiated as curate in Kells, Mullingar, Kildalkey, etc. He was parish priest of Rusnaree for a short time, and was translated to Kildalkey on the 17th of February, 1837. He was a very zealous and exemplary priest, and his memory is revered by his people. He died in November, 1838, and was interred in the chapel of Kildalkey. A marble monument commemorates him in the following words : Sacred to the memory of the Rev. RICHARD MAGRANE, For two years the zealous And beloved pastor

    of Kildalkey. His amiable simplicity, His engaging manners,

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

15. Round Tower of Duleek Struck by Lightning

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1147

    In 1147 a thunderbolt struck the round tower (Cloictheach) of Duleek and knocked off its roof or crown (beannchobhair).

    Read the passage

    1147. A thunder-bolt fell this year upon the Cloictheach (bell house or round tower) of Duleek, and knocked oft' its beannchobhair (the roof of the tower).

    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.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 44

16. Ruins of the old church of Kildalkey

    Kildalkey · town · Meath · 1612–1862

    By the time of writing, only the nave of the old church of Kildalkey remained, the chancel long since uprooted, with a square belfry tower partly surviving and the ivy-clad walls presenting a melancholy scene.

    Read the passage

    In 1612 we find the Church of Kildalkey* in a ruinous state and the chancel repaired. At the present time all that remains is the nave, which measures forty-four feet six inches by twenty-one feet. The chancel has been long since uprooted. The triumphal or choir-arch is eight feet four inches to the vertex by six feet one inch at the base. A square tower of considerable height stood at the west of the church. This was the belfry, and a large portion of it remains. The crumbling walls of this ancient church are ivy-clad, and the whole presents a scene of melancholy desolation. In 1704 Rev. James Carey was registered as parish priest of Kildalkey. He was ordained in 1690, at Leitmeritz, Bohemia, by Laiseaus Staremburgh, Bishop of Leitmeritz. He was forty years of age at the time of the registration, and lived at Moyrath. He died about 1730, and was buried in the church-yard of Kildalkey. Rev. Bernard Shaw succeeded, and died about 1760. He was interred with his predecessor. Rev. Michael Gavisk succeeded, and died in May, 1782. He was born in the parish, studied in Rome, and was interred in Kildalkey. Rev. Laurence O'Reillyt succeeded. He was born in the parish of Oristown, and wan uncle to the late Very Rev. Eugene O'Reilly, parish priest of Navan and vicar-general of Meath. He died in May, 1794, and was buried in the same grave with his predecessor. Father O'Reilly repaired the chapel of Kildalkey, got a belfry erected, but was obliged by the Protestant rector of Athboy, who enforced the penal statute against Catholic belfries, to have it taken down. This officious and ungenerous interference, coming too from a man who was living on the spoil of the Catholic Church, naturally produced a great degree of irritation in the minds of

    * The patron saint of the parish is St. Dympna — the virgin-martyr — and her festival is observed here on the loth of May, the anniversary of the translation of her relics. A holy well, now almost dried up, is convenient to the old church, called Tober-Damhnat, or Dympna.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 105

17. Simon Rochfort buried in Newtown Abbey Church

    Newtown · townland · Meath · 1224

    Bishop Simon Rochfort died in 1224 and was interred in the Abbey Church of Newtown, having been praised for his fidelity, integrity and wisdom as a prelate.

    Read the passage

    He died in the year 1224, having carried himself in the episcopal functions with so much fidelity, integrity, and wisdom, especially in establishing the clergy of his diocese, and was of such an humble and meek behaviour, that he justly acquired the reputation among the inhabitants of his diocese, of a most excellent prelate.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 65

18. Slane's Origin under St. Erc

    Slane · townland · Meath

    Slane is described as owing its origin to the monastic foundation established by St. Erc, part of a broader pattern of monasteries giving rise to Irish towns.

    Read the passage

    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

    Somewhere around here, Slane owes its beginning to St. Erc, who founded a monastery that drew people to settle around it. The old book puts it plainly: Ireland is indebted to her monasteries for the origin of her cities and towns. Slane sits in that company alongside Kildare, Trim, Armagh, Derry, Cork and others, each tracing its roots to a saint's foundation. The pattern was the same wherever the monks went. They fixed their habitations in deserts, which they cultivated with their own hands, and in time rendered the most delightful spots in the kingdom. Those deserts became well-peopled cities. As Dr. Petrie observed, it was the monasteries that usually gave birth to the towns, not the towns to the monasteries. When the primitive establishments were destroyed, their settlements most often declined with them.

19. St. Lawrence's holy well at Rathmore

    Rathmore · townland · Meath

    The church at Rathmore was dedicated to St. Lawrence, and his holy well, still occasionally frequented on the vigil, is located on the townland.

    Read the passage

    NOTE. — The parish of Rathmore forms part of the present union of Athboy. A parish church stood here from time immemorial, but the present ruin was founded by the family of Plunkett. The church was dedicated to St. Lawrence, and his holy well, still occasionally frequented on the vigil, is on the townland.

    Rev. Thomas Fourneys was pastor of St. Lawrence of Rathmore (Pa*. 7. Henry Fourth).

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 118

20. Tuam's Foundation by St. Jarlath

    Tuam · town · Galway

    Tuam is listed among towns that developed from early monastic foundations, in this case that of St. Jarlath.

    Read the passage

    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

21. Bishop Eochaidh O'Kelly dies at Durrow

    Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1140

    In 1140, Eochaidh O'Kelly, described as chief head of the men of Meath and the most distinguished bishop of all Ireland, died at an advanced age at Durrow of Columbkill.

    Read the passage

    " 1140. Eochaidh O'Kelly, chief head of the men of Meath, the most distinguished bishop of all Ireland, died at an advanced age at Durrow of Columbkill.

    1 163. Maelchiarain, chief senior of the men of Meath, a paragon of wisdom and piety, died".

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 64

22. Bishop Staples granted the parsonage of Ardbraccan

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1547

    In 1547 the Lord Protector and Council of England directed that the Bishop of Meath should hold the parsonage of Ardbraccan for life, part of a pattern of ecclesiastical property being redirected to compliant reformist bishops.

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    On the 7th of April, 1547, first year of King Edward, the Lord Protector and Council of Englaud write to the Lord Deputy and Council of Ireland (inter alia) " that the bishop of Meath should have the parsonage of Ardbraccan for life" — Calendar, p. 149.

    * Edward the Sixth, in the first year of his reign, called Dr. Staples into the Privy Council of Ireland, and made him "Judge of the Faculties" — Harris's Ware's Bishops, p. 154 ; Calendar of the Patent Rolls, p. 182.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1547, the Lord Protector and Council of England wrote directing that the Bishop of Meath should have the parsonage of Ardbraccan for life. It was the first year of King Edward, and ecclesiastical property was being steered toward bishops willing to follow the new religious line.

23. Burial of Fr. Patrick Fay in Dunsany Churchyard

    Dunsany · townland · Meath · 1768

    Rev. Patrick Fay, born in Navan, served as parish priest of Dunsany and Kilmesson for thirty-two years and died on 23 April 1768. He was buried in the churchyard of Dunsany.

    Read the passage

    churchyard of Dunsany. The Registry of Kilmesson, which commences with Father Fay, has the following entry of his death : " The Rev. Patrick Fay departed this life the 23rd of April, 1 768, at twenty minutes after eight in the evening, aged seventy-four years, was parish priest of Dunsany and Kilmesson for thirty-two years. Buried at Dunsany".

    The Rev. Michael Derham succeeded. This pastor was born in Navan, and had officiated for some years as curate under Father Fay. In the visitation of Dr. Plunkett to this parish on the 3rd of August, 1788, he found "three schools, one chapel rebuilt in a new situation". The Rev. Father Derham died on the 3rd of November, 1791, and was buried in the west end of the churchyard of Dunsany. Over his remains a tomb was erected, with the following inscription : —

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 215

24. Chapel erected at cross roads of Robinstown, Bective parish

    Robinstown · townland · Meath · 1828

    In 1828 a chapel was erected at the cross roads of Robinstown in the parish of Bective, with a slab over the door recording its donor Richard Bolton of Bective and pastor Eugene O'Reilly.

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    A few fears before the dissolution of Courtown, the parish of Bective was united to Navan, and, in 1828, a chapel was erected at the cross roads of Robinstown,* in the parish of Bective. A slab over the chapel door has the following inscription :

    Situm dedit et

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 93

25. Christmas Mass at Fennor House and burial of James Cruise at Duleek

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1862

    Mass was celebrated on Christmas morning up to a few years ago at Fennor House, residence of James Cruise, who died on 19 April 1862 and was interred in the family tomb in the churchyard of Duleek.

    Read the passage

    * 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.

    138

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 101

26. Death and burial of Dr. Plunkett at Navan

    Navan · town · Meath · 1827

    After nearly fifty years as bishop of Meath and parish priest of Navan, Dr. Plunkett died at Navan on 11 January 1827, in his eighty-ninth year, and was buried in the parish church of Navan.

    Read the passage

    After a glorious career of nearly half a century, as bishop of Meath and parish priest of Navan, entering on his eightyninth year, the venerable Dr. Plunkett* died at Navan, on the llth of January, 1827, deeply and sincerely regretted by priests and people, and was buried in the parish church of Navan.

    * Our notices of this prelate will be more detailed, when we come to illustrate his life as Bishop of Meath.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Navan in Meath. Dr. Plunkett served nearly 50 years as bishop of Meath and parish priest of this town. He died here on the 11th of January, 1827, in his 89th year, and was buried in the parish church of Navan.

27. Dunshaughlin burned repeatedly in 12th century

    Dunshaughlin · town · Meath · 1143–1153

    Dunshaughlin was burned along with Kells, Trim, and Kildare in 1143, and again in 1153 along with Skryne and Trevet by the Hy-Briuin.

    Read the passage

    1143. Dunshaughlin, Kells, Trim, and Kildare, were burned.

    1152. Some time before this year the bishoprics of Dunshaughlin, Trim, Ardbraccan, Slane, Fore, and Skryne, were consolidated, and their common see fixed at Clonard.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Dunshaughlin, in Meath. It suffered badly in the 12th century: it was burned in 1143, along with Kells, Trim, and Kildare. A decade later, in 1153, the Hy-Briuin burned it again, along with Skryne and Trevet.

28. Father Moore's grave and lost headstone at Dunboyne churchyard

    Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1782

    Father Michael Moore died in 1782 at an advanced age and was buried in the churchyard of Dunboyne. A headstone was reportedly placed at his grave but has since been taken away.

    Read the passage

    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

29. Grant of Donaghmore rectory to Richard Netterville under James I

    Donaghmore · townland · Meath · 1603–1625

    Donaghmore became parcel of the estate of St. Thomas's Abbey, Dublin, and in the reign of James the First its rectory, worth £20 13s. 4d. Irish, was granted to Richard Netterville of Corballis.

    Read the passage

    • Donaghmore, in course of time, became parcel of the estate of St. Thomas's Abbey, Dublin. In the reign of James the First, the rectory of Donaghmore— the rent of which was £20 13s. 4d., Irish — was granted to Richard Netterville, of Corballis.

    t Another cross stood along the high road ; an aged tree has grown up among the fragments of the pedestal.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 96

30. Grant of Duleek Priory Lands to Sir Gerald Moore

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1612

    An inquisition of 1612 catalogued the many possessions of Duleek Priory, including cottages, gardens, parks, and closes within the town, such as the College Yard, the Fox Park, and the Pigeon-house park. All these possessions were granted to Sir Gerald Moore, who was obliged to maintain an archer on the lands forever, with an annual proxy payment to the Bishop of Meath.

    Read the passage

    of arable called Woosterpark ; eight acres on the north side of the common green of Duleek, and the Castleoust, containing two acres of pasture, with the furze, cow-park, and four other acres of the same land ; four other acres of pasture, the meadowpark, dove-house, and twenty acres of arable called Bowglasse, the Smith's meadow ; one close of pasture in the town of Newtown, on the east side, nine acres of arable adjoining the town of Carranston, on the south side, and five acres of arable and five of meadow, called the Madlune meadow in Duleek ; a park containing a great number of ash trees, contiguous to the site of the priory ; a cottage, garden, and small close, one other cottage, late in the tenure of William Broad ; a cottage and garden in the tenure of Patrick Purcell ; a cottage and garden in the tenure of George Golburn ; a garden near Powlickswell, called the Bullbrine ; a garden adjoining Cullamer's house ; a small close called the College Yard ; another close, late in the tenure of Thomas Backhan ; two curtileges, called the Fox Park ; also the Pigeon-house park, and an acre of meadow called Attkyna Acre, with one-fourth part of an acre of pasture at the end of the Smith's meadow, and on the south side. All these several possessions were granted to Sir Gerald Moore at the annual rent of £9 11s. 7d., he to maintain an archer on the said lands for ever. This priory paid four marks annually proxies to the bishop of Meath.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 229

31. Lightning Strikes Armagh's Churches and Towers

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 995

    In 995 Armagh was struck by lightning and burned, destroying both houses, stone churches (daimhliags), and round towers (cloictheacha).

    Read the passage

    995. Armagh was burned with lightning, both houses, daimhliags, and cloictheacha (round towers).

    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.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

32. Newtown Priory Founded by Bishop Simon de Rochfort

    Newtown · townland · Meath · 1206

    About 1206 Simon de Rochfort, bishop of Meath, founded the priory of Newtown for canons regular of the congregation of St. Victor and erected the church into a cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul.

    Read the passage

    About the year 1206, Simon de Rochfort, bishop of Meath, founded the priory of Newtown for canons regular of the congregation of St. Victor, and erected the church into a cathedral, which he dedicated in honour of St. Peter and St. Paul.*

    A.D. 1206. William was prior, which office he appears to have filled in the year 1212 (Ware MSS.).

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 193

33. Plundering of Kildare and Clonard by the Danes

    Clonard · town · Meath · 887

    In 887 the monasteries of Kildare and Clonard were both plundered by Danish raiders.

    Read the passage

    887. The plundering of Kildare and Clonard by the Danes.

    919. Ruman Mac Cathasach, Bishop of Clonard, died. It was for him this quatrain was composed : —

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonard, you are in a place that suffered in 887, when Danish raiders plundered the monasteries of both Clonard and Kildare. A bishop of Clonard, Ruman Mac Cathasach, later died in 919, and a quatrain was composed for him.

34. Repeated burnings of Kells through the 11th-12th centuries

    Kells · town · Meath · 1060–1156

    Kells suffered repeated devastating fires throughout this period, including being 'all burned, both houses and churches' in 1060, and burned three times in a single year in 1144.

    Read the passage

    1060. Kells was all burned, both houses and churches.

    1001. Ciaran, professor of Kells, a distinguished sage, died.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, this town was badly burned in 1060, when houses and churches were all destroyed. Fires returned again and again over the following decades, including three burnings in a single year in 1144.

35. Rev. Patrick Curtis buried at Clonalvy after long ministry

    Clonalvy · parish · Meath · 1704–1743

    The Rev. Patrick Curtis, ordained in 1683, served as parish priest of Ardcath and Clonalvy, living at Haymontown in his later years, and died in January 1743 aged 86, being buried in the churchyard of Clonalvy with a headstone inscription.

    Read the passage

    In 1704, the Rev Patrick Curtis* was registered at Trim as " Popish priest of Ardcath and Clonalvy' . This venerable priest was ordained at Creggin, county Gal way, in 1683, by Dr. Thady Keogh, bishop of Clonfert, and, at the time of the registration, lived at Haymontown. In his advanced years, the Rev. John Pentony administered the parishes of Ardcath and Piercetown for him. He died in January, 1 743, and was buried in the churchyard of Clonalvy. Alongside of the western wall of the old church there is a headstone with the following inscription :

    Here lieth the body of

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 203

36. Ruined church of St. John's Priory now a burying ground

    Kells · town · Meath

    The church of St. John's Priory in Kells has been levelled and is now used only as a burying ground, with nothing remaining to denote its Catholic and hallowed origins except crosses on tombstones.

    Read the passage

    The church of St. John's Priory has been levelled. It is now a burying ground, and nothing remains to denote the Catholicity of this place, or its hallowed memories, unless the cross of Christ on the tombstone of the faithful.

    • I alert and Close Rolls, pp. 67, 136. f Patent Rolls, p. 65.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, there's a burying ground where St. John's Priory church once stood. It's been levelled, and nothing remains to mark its Catholic past or its hallowed memories, unless the cross of Christ on the tombstone of the faithful.

37. Stone Church of Clonmacnoise Erected by King Flann

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 904

    In 904 the daimhliag (stone church) of Clonmacnoise was erected by King Flann Sinna together with Colman Coneellagh.

    Read the passage

    904. The daimhliag of Clonmacnoise was erected by the King, Flann Sinna, and by Colman Coneellagh.

    949. The daimhliag of Galleu (lung's County) was burned by the Danes.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

38. Successive chapels of Rathfeigh from Queen Anne's reign to 1779

    Rathfeigh · townland · Meath · 1702–1779

    The chapel of Rathfeigh in Queen Anne's reign was a mudwall thatched house in the valley; further chapels were later built on the townlands of Macetown and Loughanstown, and a fourth erected in 1779 on a commons in Rathfeigh, dated by a lettered stone by the doorway.

    Read the passage

    The chapel of Rathfeigh, in the reign of Queen Anne, was a mudwall thatched house, situated in the valley of Rathfeigh. The next erection was on the townland of Macetown, the third on the townland of Loughenstown, and the fourth on a sort of commons in Rathfeigh. This last was erected in 1 779, according to a lettered stone on the right-hand side of the doorway.

    The Rev. Francis Fleming seems to have died soon after the registration.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 174

39. Tradition of St. Brigid founding a church at Kilbride

    Kilbride · townland · Meath

    There is a tradition in the parish that St. Brigid founded a church at Kilbride, the site of the present ruined church with its notable choir arch.

    Read the passage

    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

40. Uprooted church at Kentstown replaced by Protestant church

    Kentstown · townland · Meath

    The old church of Kentstown has been uprooted and a Protestant church occupies the site; a monument there to Thomas Cuit, Knight, gave rise to the name 'Cuit-rath'.

    Read the passage

    Rentstown is uprooted. A Protestant church occupies the site. A monument here to Thomas Cuit, Knight, and dated 14 , " Cuit-rath", called from the family.

    Danestown. — The old church is beautifully situated. Length, 59 feet, by 18 feet 8 inches .The chancel-arch 20 feet from the east end. An extensive cemetery.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 208

41. Ardcath churchyard as a cherished Catholic burial place

    Ardcath · townland · Meath

    The number interred in the churchyard of Ardcath is very great, as the surrounding country has long been populous and Ardcath has been regarded, due to its Catholic traditions, as a cherished resting-place for the dead, including several named parish priests.

    Read the passage

    The number interred here is very great, as the country adjoining has been very populous, and Ardcath, from its Catholic traditions, has been regarded as a cherished restingplace. Of the pastors of Ardcath, here sleep Rev. John Pentony, Rev. Edward Carolan, Rev. Nicholas Purfield, vicar-forane, and Rev. John Leonard. The Rev. Patrick Langan, parish priest of Ratoath ; Rev. William Harford,

    24A

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 202

42. Bishop Montgomery finds church of Ballybogan in ruin

    Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1612

    In 1612, Bishop Montgomery found the church and chancel of Ballybogan in ruin, reflecting the decline of the former priory site.

    Read the passage

    In 1612, Bishop Montgomery found the church and chancel of Ballybogan in ruin.

    In 1690, Rev. John Hoey was presented by James the Second to the vicarage of Clonard. In 1704 we find Rev. John Hoey registered as parish priest of Clonard, Ballybogan, and Castlejordan. He was ordained in Flanders in 1676, and, at the time of the registration, lived at Moydrum.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 120

43. Bridge over the Nanny Water at Duleek, 1587

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1587

    An old bridge across the Nannywater adjoining Duleek bears a slab inscription recording that it and the causeway were repaired and built by William Bathe of Athcarne and his wife Genet Dowdall in 1587.

    Read the passage

    "• This bridge and the causewaye were repaired and builded by William Bathe of Athcarne, Justice, and Genet Dowdall, his wife, in the year 1587, whose soules God take in His mercie. Amen".

    188

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 129

44. Burial of Fr Christopher Fleming at Athlumney Churchyard

    Athlumney · townland · Meath · 1779

    Rev. Christopher Fleming, vicar-general of Meath, died in January 1779 and was buried in the churchyard of Athlumney.

    Read the passage

    tempest, -were uprooted and passed away. The links which connected the aread days of Queen Anne with the first dawn of freedom, consequent on the American Revolution, were, one by one, disappearing, and with them many of the fearful traditions of that dark and intolerant age. In May, 1778, the coadjutor Bishop of Meath, Dr. Eugene Geoghegan, departed this life ; and in the following August the Most Rev. Dr. Chevers, bishop of the diocese, followed him. The vicar-general of Meath, Father Christopher Fleming, remained not long after them. He died in January, 1779, and was buried in the churchyard of Athlumney.

    The Most Rev . Patrick Joseph Plunkett, Bishop of Meath, succeeded. This distinguished prelate was born at Kells, county Meath, of a respectable family, on the Christmas eve 01 1738. Manifesting at an early age a determination of embracing the ecclesiastical state, he applied himself with diligence to his studies, and to the still more important duty of practising virtue. Fortunately for him, his uncle, the Rev. John Plunkett, was then parish priest of Kells, and, availing himself of this opportunity, he commenced his classical studies, and made rapid proficiency. At that time education was penal at home, and the youth who volunteered his services to the Irish Church, was obliged to seek, at his peril, the necessary information in one of those continental colleges which the charity and philanthropy of Europe had endowed for the persecuted Church of Ireland. In order to evade the law, Dr. Plunkett was articled to a merchant in Pill Lane, Dublin, and in this capacity he proceeded to France, with his master's permission, as if on mercantile business, but in reality to prosecute his studies for the priesthood. By this artifice he eluded the watchful eyes of government, and, having obtained letters of introduction, he reached Paris in 1752, and obtained a place in the celebrated College of Trent-trois.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Athlumney, in the old churchyard, Father Christopher Fleming was laid to rest in January 1779. He had been vicar-general of Meath, and he did not long outlive the bishops he served under. In May 1778 the coadjutor bishop, Dr. Eugene Geoghegan, died, and in August of that same year the bishop of the diocese, Dr. Chevers, followed him. Fleming himself died just months into the new year. The book that records his burial frames these deaths as part of a passing age, the days of Queen Anne giving way to what it calls the first dawn of freedom after the American Revolution. The old penal world was still near, though. When the next bishop, Patrick Joseph Plunkett of Kells, had sought education for the priesthood years before, the law made schooling at home a crime, and he had to travel to France under the cover of a merchant's apprentice to reach the College of Trent-trois in Paris in 1752. Fleming's grave here at Athlumney belongs to that same disappearing Ireland.

45. Burial of Gluniarn at Duleek

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1070

    In 1070 Gluniarn, son of Dermod son of Mael-na-mbo, king of Leinster, was killed by the men of Meath and was buried at Duleek.

    Read the passage

    1070. Gluniarn, son of Dermod, son of Mael-na-mbo (king of Leinster), was killed by the men of Meath, and he was buried at Duleek.

    1093. Aedh, Airchinneach of Duleek, died.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 43

46. Burning of Gallen's Stone Church by the Danes

    Gallen · townland · Offaly · 949

    In 949 the daimhliag of Gallen in King's County was burned by the Danes, part of a broader pattern of Viking attacks on Irish stone churches.

    Read the passage

    949. The daimhliag of Galleu (lung's County) was burned by the Danes.

    995. Armagh was burned with lightning, both houses, daimhliags, and cloictheacha (round towers).

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 41

47. Danes Burn the Oratory of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 835

    In 835 the wooden oratory of Glendalough was burned by the Danes.

    Read the passage

    835. The Dertech of Glendaloch was burned by the Danes.

    854. The Dertech of Lusk was burned by the Norsemen.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 42

48. Danes frequently plundered Duleek

    Duleek · town · Meath

    The pilgrim who visits Duleek is reminded that the Danes frequently plundered this once richly-endowed monastic settlement.

    Read the passage

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

    22 DIOCESK OF DULEEK.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 35

49. Death of Rev. John Kelly and burial at Monknewtown

    Monknewtown · townland · Meath · 1791

    Father Kelly died on 2 May 1791 at eleven o'clock at night of a paralytic stroke after a few days' illness, and was buried with his friends in the churchyard of Monknewtown.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Plunkett, on the 26th of August, 1788, he found in the union " one chapel was rebuilt and one repaired, and two schools". Father Kelly died on the 2nd of May, 1791, at eleven o'clock at night, of a paralytic stroke, after a few days' illness, and was buried with his friends in the churchyard of Monknewtown.

    The Rev. TJiomas Walsh succeeded. This pastor was born in the parish of Duleek, of a respectable old family, studied in Salamanca, and after his return officiated as curate in his native parish. He was appointed by Dr. Plunkett to the union of Blacklyon on the 3rd of May, 1791, and died in November, 1815. He was buried in the churchyard of Danestown, and over his remains a tomb has been raised with the following inscription :

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lies the churchyard of Monknewtown, where Father Kelly was laid to rest with his friends. He died on the 2nd of May, 1791, at eleven o'clock at night, of a paralytic stroke, after a few days' illness. He had been serving in a union where Dr. Plunkett had found one chapel rebuilt, one repaired, and two schools by August of 1788. His successor, the Reverend Thomas Walsh, born in the parish of Duleek of a respectable old family, studied in Salamanca and returned to serve as curate in his native parish before his appointment to the union of Blacklyon on the 3rd of May, 1791. Walsh himself died in November of 1815 and was buried in the churchyard of Danestown, where a tomb was raised over his remains.

50. Father Plunkett builds 'College Hill' dwelling at Gernonstown

    Gernonstown · townland · Meath · 1760

    Father Joseph Plunkett lived on a farm of fourteen acres in the parish of Gernonstown given to him by Lord Fingal, where he built a humble dwelling on rising ground that came to be called 'College Hill.' He died in November 1760 and was buried under a large horizontal tomb in Gernonstown churchyard.

    Read the passage

    Gernonstown, or Garlanstown, and lastly, on a farm of fourteen acres, in the parish of Gernonstown, given to him by his relative, Lord Fingal. Here, on a rising ground, the pastor erected an humble dwelling, which has been called since " College Hill".

    There were three chapels at that time in the union of

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 180

51. Great Abbey Church of Duleek Burned

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1169

    In 1169 the great abbey church of Duleek was burned.

    Read the passage

    1169. The great abbey-church of Duleek was burned this year.

    1170. The Parliament of Ireland passed an act this year empowering the Abbot of Duleek to repair a weir on the river Boyne.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 44

52. Hugh de Tachmon buried at Mullingar

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1281

    Hugh de Tachmon, Bishop of Meath and former Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, died in January 1281 and was buried at Mullingar, described as a man of piety and venerable life.

    Read the passage

    Hugh de Tachmon died in January 1281, and was buried at Mullingar. The Annals of St. Marys Abbey call him " a man of piety and of a venerable life".

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 67

53. Mud-wall chapel at Cloghan, Ardcath

    Cloghan · townland · Meath

    A mud wall, thatched chapel existed on the townland of Cloghan near the site of the present parochial school-house, dating from the days of Father Curtis, later replaced by a chapel in the village of Ardcath.

    Read the passage

    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

54. Successive pastors buried together at Kildalkey churchyard

    Kildalkey · town · Meath · 1730–1814

    Rev. James Carey, Rev. Bernard Shaw, Rev. Michael Gavisk, and Rev. Laurence O'Reilly were successively parish priests of Kildalkey and were all interred together in the same grave in the churchyard there.

    Read the passage

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

    Rev. John O'Connell succeeded. He was translated to Trim, in February, 1837, where he is at present V.F. and Master of Conference, esteemed and respected.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 105

55. Tomb of Rev. Patrick Carolan at Dulane

    Dulane · townland · Meath · 1777

    A horizontal tomb sunk in the clay to the south of the old church at Dulane bears an inscription erected by Rev. Father Patrick Carolan, Pastor of Loughan and Dulane, in 1777, and several of his predecessors and successors are buried beneath it.

    Read the passage

    This monument was erected by the Rev. Father PATRICK CAROLAN, Pastor of Loughan and Dulane, March ye 26, A.D. 1777.

    The Rev. Patrick Carolan and some of his predecessors and successors sleep under this tomb.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 99

56. Abbots of Kilmoon recorded in the Four Masters

    Kilmoon · townland · Meath · 804–882

    Several abbots of the monastery of Kilmoon are recorded as having died between the 9th century, including Maelfothartaigh in 804 and Felim in 809, the latter noted as a celebrated scribe and anchorite.

    Read the passage

    809. Felim, Abbot of Kilmoon, anchorite and celebrated scribe, died. (In the Annals of Ulster, Cod. Clarendon, torn. 49, this Felim is called " Serjeant of Bregh, from Patrick", i.e., the collector of St. Patrick's tribute in Meath for the Archbishop of Armagh. See O'Donovan's Note to the Four Masters.)

    810. Ceile-Isa, Abbot of Kilmoon, died. 846. Rpbhartach, Abbot of Kilmoon. died.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 107

57. Ancient abbey of Cill-Foibrigh identified with Kilbrew

    Kilbrew · townland · Meath · 737–782

    An abbey was anciently founded at Cill-Foibrigh, identified by Dr. O'Donovan with Kilbrew, with recorded abbots dying in 737, 768, and 782, some jointly serving Slane.

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    Kilbrew is a parish in the barony of Ratoath. An abbey was anciently founded at Cill-Foibrigh, which Dr. O'Donovan has identified with Kilbrew. The following notices occur in our Monasticons :

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 103

58. Boylan brothers' tomb at Moorechurch

    Moorechurch · townland · Meath

    Rev. Mathew Boylan, parish priest of St. Mary's Drogheda, was buried in the churchyard of Moorechurch alongside his brother Rev. Nicholas Boylan of Lazar's Hill, Dublin, with a tomb erected by their nephew John Boylan.

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    Erected by Mr. John Boylan To the memory of his uncles

    The Rev. MATHEW BOYLAN, P.P., of St. Mary's, Drogheda, And the Rev. NICHOLAS BOYLAN, Lazar's Hill, Dublin ;

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 127

59. Burial of Rev. John Martin at Athboy churchyard

    Athboy · town · Meath · 1807

    Rev. John Martin, a native of the parish, died on Ash Wednesday in 1807 at a very advanced age, and was buried in the churchyard of Athboy (later removed to the new chapel).

    Read the passage

    transferred. He died on Ash Wednesday in 1 807, at a very advanced age, and was buried in the churchyard of Athboy.* Rev. Bryan Reilly succeeded. He was born in the parish of Kilbeg, studied on the Continent, and was remarkable for his charity and philanthropy. He is interred in the present chapel of Athboy, on the wall of which is a marble slab with the following inscription :

    To the memory of The Rev. BBYAN REILLY, PJ».

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 117

60. Burial of Sister Mary Joseph at Leighsbrook cemetery, Navan

    near Leighsbrook · street · Meath · 1858

    Miss Harriet Morgan, known in religion as Sister Mary Joseph of the Sisters of Mercy in Navan, died on 13 October 1858 and was interred in the new cemetery of Leighsbrook, with many priests attending her funeral rites.

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    Sister Mary Joseph), and, as her life was holy and consecrated to the service of God, so her death was calm and edifying. §he was interred in the new cemetery of Leighsbrook ; and, to mark their respect for her memory and for the noble cause to which she devoted her life, a vast number of priests attended her funeral office, month's mind, and anniversary. May she rest in peace.

    Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan01cogaiala, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Leighsbrook is the new cemetery where Sister Mary Joseph was laid to rest in 1858. She was Miss Harriet Morgan of the Sisters of Mercy in Navan, and the record says her life was holy and consecrated to the service of God. A vast number of priests attended her funeral, month's mind, and anniversary, to mark their respect for her and the cause she devoted her life to.