Name: The Diocese of Meath: Ancient and Modern (vol. 3)
Author: Anthony Cogan (1826–1872)

Assassination of Hugh de Lacy at Durrow castle

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1186

In 1186 Hugo de Lacy, having finished the castle of Durrow, was killed while viewing it when Gilla-gan-inathar O'Meyey struck off his head with an axe in revenge for the profanation of Columbkille; his head and body fell into the castle ditch.

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him, and drawing out an axe which he had kept concealed, he, with one blow of it, severed his head from his body ; and both head and trunk fell into the ditch of the castle. This was in revenge of Columbkill.* Gilla-gan-inathar fled, and by his fleetness of foot made his escape from the English and Irish to the wood of Kilclare. He afterwards went to the Sinnagh (the Fox) and O'Breen, at whose instigation he had killed the Earl.
" 1190. Dermot O'Rafferty, Abbot of Burrow, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

O'Carolan's Burial and Desecrated Skull at Kilronan

Kilronan · parish · Roscommon · 1738–1796

O'Carolan died at Alderford in 1738 and was buried in the M'Dermott Roe vault at Kilronan churchyard. In 1750 his skull was exhumed and displayed as a relic until 1796, when a horseman shot and shattered it before fleeing, pursued as far as Cashcarrigan.

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" On opening the grave in 1750, to receive the remains of a Catholic clergyman, whose dying request was to be interred with the bard, the skull of the latter was taken up. The Hon. Thomas Dillon, brother to John, Earl of Roscommon, caused it to be perforated a little in the forehead, and a small piece of ribbon to be inserted, in order to distinguish it from similar disinterred remnants of mortality. It was placed in a niche over the grave, where it long remained an object of veneration, several persons having visited the church for the sole Eurpose of seeing this relic of a man so universally admired for is musical talents. At length, in the year 17i)6, it disappeared. A person on horseback, and in the garb of a gentleman, but supposed to have been a northern Orangeman, came to the church and desired to see it. It was brought from the niche, and, watching his opportunity, he discharged a loaded pistol at it, by which it was shattered to pieces. Then, damning all Irish papists, he rode away. Some neighbouring gentlemen pursued him as far as Cashcargin, in the county of Leitrim ; and, from their excited feelings at the moment, it was, perhaps, fortunate that he escaped. This brutal act could be perpetrated only through the demoniac spirit of party rage which then disgraced this unhappy country."
A.D. 1750. William buidhe O'Kiaran, of Oristown, County Meath, flourished about this time. He composed many poems in Irish, and, amongst others, one on O'Reilly, of Baile Othra, or Oristown.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 132

The great Tara meeting of 15 August 1843

near Tara · hill or hills · Meath · 1843

An enormous Repeal gathering, estimated at up to 1.5 million people, assembled on the Hill of Tara on 15 August 1843; O'Connell exclaimed in amazement at the multitude, and bishops Cantwell and M'Loughlin ascended the hill amid a parting crowd at O'Connell's command.

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in Longford, on the 25th of May, 1843 ; and in company with the same illustrious prelate, attended the monster meeting of Tullamore, King's County, on the 16th of July, same year, on which occasion his Lordship presided with his usual dignity and grace at the banquet ; "but all these meetings sink into absolute insignificance compared to the national convention of the Irish people on the historic hill of Tara, on the memorable 15th of August, 1843. This was perhaps the greatest political meeting which ever assembled in Ireland or in any other country ; and when we bear in mind that not an act of intemperance took place, not an angry word passed, not a single law was violated amidst such numbers, we might fairly challenge any nation in the world to exhibit such a high standard of morality. During the entire of the preceding night, thousands and tens of thousands, accompanied with bands playing national tunes, were pouring from north, south, east, and west of Ireland, through the various villages and towns, on their way to the hill of Tara. The long-suffering serfs, the hereditary bondsmen, so long ground to the dust under foreign and domestic oppression, were resolved to show themselves worthy of freedom, and there was not a man there who was not ready at O'Connell's bidding to ' do or die.' Early on that morning Masses were celebrated on the hill, and exhortations were addressed to the people to violate no law, to prove themselves worthy of true liberty. When the uncrowned monarch of a nation's love was in sight the scene surpassed description ; and the great leader of the Irish people was so overwhelmed with amazement at the prodigious numbers, and at the indiscribable enthusiasm, that, uncovering his head, he said in a voice to be heard afar off " Oh, good Heavens, what a multitude ! " While O'Connell was addressing the masses of the people from the platform, Dr. Cantwell and Dr. M'Loughlin, Bishop of Derry, ascended the hill from the Navan road ; and the moment the eagle eye of the Liberator observed them, he called on the meeting, in a voice of thunder, to open a passage and make way for the

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 90

Divine vengeance on DeLacy's soldiers for profaning Fore's mill

Fore · townland · Westmeath

Giraldus Cambrensis relates that in his own time three soldiers of Hugh DeLacy suffered supernatural punishment for profaning the mill and church at Fore: one who committed a crime in the mill was consumed by fire, and of two others who robbed grain, one went insane and died with his brains dashed out, while the other dropped dead suddenly beside DeLacy in front of the army.

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" Contigit autem Hugone DeLacy exercitum per locum ilium ducente, sagittarium quemdam mulierem violenter attractam in ipso Molendino libidinose violasse. Qui repentina ultione, igne infernali in membro percussus, usque in ipsum corpus statim exarsit, et nocte eadem expiravit, Iterum exercitu ibidem peruoctante, annonam, quam ab Ecclesiis et Molendino passim rapuerant, Hugo DeLacy totam restitui fecit, prseter paucuiam avense particulam de Molendino surreptam, quam coram dextrariis suis, duo milites occulte reliquerant. Quorum unus in insaniam versus, eadem nocte in stabulo, confracto cerebro interiit. Alter vero mane (milite, qui insidebat ei, alios, qui annonam reddiderant, super ficta religione irridente) subita, et improvisa morte, juxta latus Hugonis DeLacy, vidente, et admirante majore exercitus parte, obiter occubuit."
There is a mill at Fore, turned by a rush of water from the Benn, still called St. Fechin's.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 107

Dr. Oliver Plunket Born at Loughcrew

Loughcrew · townland · Meath · 1681

Dr. Oliver Plunket, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, was born at Loughcrew, County Meath. He wrote his 'Jus Primatiale' and composed a poem on Tara in Irish before his execution for the faith in 1681.

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Dr. Oliver Plunket, born atLoughcrew, County Meath, Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland, was executed for the faith at Tyburn, on the llth of July (new style), 1081. He wrote his " Jus Primatiale," vindicating the pre-eminence of Armagh, and composed a poem on Tara, in the Irish language, which begins — " Oh, Tara of the Kings, it was rare with you." — O'Reilly's Catalogue, p. 200; Dr. Moran's Life of Dr. Oliver Plunket; Collections, by Dr. M'Carthy, p. 63, &c.
Dr. Henry Jones, Protestant Bishop of Clogher and Meath, wrote on what he called, " The Great Rebellion of 1641," on St. Patrick's Purgatory, and also published several sermons.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 128

Shane burns Multifarnam Friary, 1601

Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1601

Shane took the guardian and friars prisoner, searched the monastery for treasure, then burned it to the ground on 3rd October 1601 while the captives watched from the road. He mockingly pointed out the smoke to the horrified prisoners.

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and I some others, under escort, to the castle of Ballimore on Loughshodie, some twelve miles south-west of Mullingar, while I, the guardian, and a few other members of the community, were detained prisoners in the monastery. Thus were we kept for two days. Shane, indeed, hoped to light on some rich treasure in our poor house, but he was disappointed ; for after searching the entire edifice, he could find nothing save a goodly store of provisions, which was sent to the monastery by the nobility and gentry, who were wont to come thither on the feast of St. Francis, then nigh at hand. This was an old usage in that place, as there were no inns in the neighbourhood. In the meantime, while the soldiers were making merry on the good cheer, never intended for them, I contrived to effect the escape of the guardian and some others, and, indeed, I too, might have got off, had I so willed it, but as it was within two days of the time appointed for making my religious profession, I preferred remaining in custody, knowing right well that Shane would send me to the castle on Loughshodie, where the provincial was confined. On the expiration of the second day, Shane ordered me and a lay-brother out of the convent, and setting us on horses, sent us prisoners to Ballimore. Alas ! I never will forget the horrors of that day, for we had gone hardly a mile, when Shane came galloping up, and commanding us to halt, directed our attention to a mass of fire and smoke clearly visible in the distance, exclaiming at the same time with fiendish malevolence, ' vile poltroons, see how I have burned your monastery to the ground/ Thus, on the 3rd of October, 1601, did that inhuman monster give our venerable house of Multifernan to the flames."
Father Mooney proceeds to relate all the inducements held forward by Shane, for the purpose of overcoming his pious resolutions, and of enlisting him in the army of Queen Elizabeth ; his meeting with the venerable bishop, the provincial, and other friars, who were prisoners in the Castle of Ballimore ; and his religious profession " in the dim light of the prison chamber."

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 114

The Croppies' Grave at Tara

near Tara · hill or hills · Meath · 1798

At Tara, crowds gathered around the 'Croppies' grave', the tomb of Wexford men shot and sabred on the hill in 1798 and shoveled into a pit; old men and women from Wexford travelled to mourn at the grave, and its headstone was popularly believed to be a portion of the Lia Fail.

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While O'Connell was addressing the masses from the platform, thousands, who were unable to get within hearing of him, turned to another object of attraction and that was " the Croppies' grave," the tomb of the Wexfordmen who were shot and sabred on the hill of Tara, in the year 1798, and whose bodies were shoveled into this grave. Many of the trades planted their banners round this lonely tomb, and each band, in succession, .formed a circle and played " The Harp that once through Tara's Halls," and " Housseau's Dream."
It would take a tear from a stone to witness the grief of the old men and women, who, availing themselves of the great Repeal Meeting, came all the way from Wexford* to take a last look at the grave that sheltered all that was mortal of their fathers, brothers, or children. They well remembered how numbers of the poor victims were literally driven to defend their wives, their sisters, their daughters, their altars, and their homes, by the lawless

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 90

O'Donovan's note linking Lacy's fate to the assassination of the Earl of Norbury

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1800–1850

Dr. O'Donovan notes that in modern times a similar disaster occurred at Durrow, when its proprietor the Earl of Norbury was assassinated by an unknown hand after completing a castle on the site of De Lacy's, having allegedly insulted St. Columbkille by preventing burials in the ancient cemetery.

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* In reference to the fate of Lacy, Dr. O'Donovan remarks in a note (vol. iii. p. 75) — "It may not, perhaps, be out of place here to remark, that in our time a somewhat similar disaster occurred at Durrow ; for its proprietor, the Earl of Norbury, was assassinated bv a hand still unknown, after he had completed a castle on the site of that erected by De Lacy, and, as some would think, after having insulted St. Columbkille by preventing the families under his tutelage from burying their dead in ths ancient cemetery of Durrow."
614 ABBEYS OF THE KING'S COUNTY — KILCORMICK.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

Black Baron Nugent destroys Fore Abbey; hanging site at Ross

Ross · townland · Westmeath

Local tradition held that one of the Nugents, called the Black Baron, destroyed the abbey at Fore. A place on the townland of Ross, called 'hanging hollow,' marks where this Nugent hanged a man for having taken a piece of bread.

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* P. 65. The late Dean Rntler, who visited here in 1837, remarked of the remains of the abbey — " There are considerable remains of this abbey — which more resemble the rem.iins of a castle than an abbev. The s |nire of the cloister is entire, but the cloister his disappears 1. The chapjl had at the east three circulir-heided narro.v win lows, without nmllions. Part of the plaster is still on the reveils, and has evidently bicti colourel red. The. mill is still called St. Fechin's." The tradition of tha plaje is that one of the N agent's, called the lila'ik Baron, destroyed this ihlvy. There is a place on the townlani of Ross, called "hin.pi in hollow," where this Nusjent hung a man for hiving taken a piece of bread. — See Meath- Ordnance Survey Paper*; in the Royal Irish Academy.
564 ABBEYS OF WESTMEATH — FORE.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 107

Rochfort burns the rebuilt monastery

Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1602

After the friars rebuilt a small dwelling within the burnt ruins of Multifarnam, Francis Rochfort led a band that surrounded the monastery, set fire to the new work, and destroyed all improvements. The elderly Dr. Brady of Kilmore was torn from his cloister and flung into a ditch of thorns, believed dead.

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Father Mooney made his escape from the castle by twisting a quantity of tow into a rope, securing one end of the rope to an iron stanchion of the window, and lowering himself down. The rope broke during his descent ; he fell into a ditch of water, fortunately with slight bruises, and walked ten miles that night to the house of a friend, where he was welcomed and sheltered. The other prisoners were sent under an escort to Dublin ; •were rescued near Multifarnam by Walter Nugent, standard-bearer to the Baron of Delvin ; were captured again and sent to Dublin Castle. One of the friars, Rev. Bernard Moriarty, received a gunshot wound, which fractured both his thighs, and after lingering in the dungeon of Dublin Castle, where he was refused a bed, medical attendance, and every other comfort, at length departed, and was buried in the churchyard of St. James. When O'Neill, Prince of Ulster, and M'Mahon, heard from Father Mooney of the confinement of the friars, they offered an exchange of prisoners to the Lord Lieutenant, and, this being accepted, the Franciscan Fathers were set free. On their return, the scattered brotherhood of Multifarnam re-assembled, and before Christmas, 1601, they contrived to erect a small dwelling-house within the burnt ruins of their ancient monastery. In the following year, they roofed a portion of the old abbey and one of the chapels, but scarcely were their pious efforts crowned with success, when Francis Rochfort, a bird of evil omen, and one of a family that perpetrated many evils on religion, at the head of a band of miscreants, surrounded the monastery, set fire to the new work, and destroyed all the improvements that had been effected. Some of the friars made their escape, others were carried off prisoners to Dublin, and the venerable Dr. Brady of Kilmore, now de-
596 ABBEYS OF WESTMEATH. — MULTIFERNAM.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 114

Surrender of Fore Abbey to Henry VIII's commissioners, 1539

Fore · townland · Westmeath · 1539

On 27 November 1539, commissioners of Henry VIII arrived at the gates of Fore monastery and demanded its unconditional surrender; the last prior William Nugent and his community were forced to sign their own expulsion and yield up their possessions, after which the monastery's furniture and sacred vessels were plundered.

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alternative — resistance, of course, would be useless — and hence, on that memorable day, the last prior of Fore and his sorrowful community were obliged tu sign their own sentence of expulsion, to yield up their temporal possessions, and to depart for ever from their consecrated home. The work of plunder now commenced in earnest, and in a few days the furniture of the monastery, the sacred vessels of the chapel, and every moveable article of value were piled up and carried away to emich the church robbers for their recreancy, spoliation, and sacrilege, and to replenish the coffers of a profligate King. In order to reconcile a few of the more influential dignitaries of the monastery, a pension of £oO was promised to William Nugent,* the late prior, payable out of messuages and lands in Milcastle, Gilbardstown, and the churches of Lickblay, Mayne, and Faghly ; and the sum of 33s. 4d. each to Walter Dease and Richard Hereford, payable out of the possessions of the late monastery ; but these promises were precarious and illusory, as they depended for their fulfilment on the pliancy of the recipients, and their adhesion, in subsequent reigns, to the ever-shifting formularies of the day.
On the 10th of May, 1506, Queen Elizabeth wrote to Sir Henry Sidney ,-f- Lord Deputy, authorizing him to make to the Lord of Delviii a lease in reversion of the abbeys of Inchemor and Fore, with all their possessions, for twentyone years.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 107

Birth of martyr Oliver Plunket at Loughcrew

Loughcrew · townland · Meath · 1629–1681

Oliver Plunket, the martyr and Primate of Ireland, was born at Loughcrew in the union of Oldcastle, County Meath, in 1629. He was later consecrated Archbishop of Armagh and executed for the faith at Tyburn in 1681.

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Oliver Plunket, the martyr, Primate of Ireland, was born at Loughcrew, in the present union of Oldcastle, County Meath, in the year 1629. He was educated until his sixteenth year, by his relative, Dr. Patrick Plunket,.
-542 BISHOPS FROM THE DIOCESE OF MEATH.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 96

Dunboyne burnt in reprisal for rebellion

Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1798

When Bishop Plunket visited Dunboyne on 6 June 1798, he found the chapel, the parish priest's house, and almost all the houses in the town burnt, supposedly in punishment for the treasonable practices of the people during the 1798 Rebellion.

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June 6. Dunboyne (Rev. James Connell, P.P.). — Here I found the chapel, the house of the P.P., and almost all the houses in the town (four or five excepted) burnt, in punishment, it is supposed, of the treasonable practices of the people. Mr. Connell did not appear to me, and I withdrew with grief.
„ 7. Kilcloon (Rev. James Ferrall, P.P.), 38. — I spoke of the festival and of the insurrection as I spoke at Ratoath.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dunboyne in Meath, you are in a town that was nearly destroyed in 1798. On 6 June that year, Bishop Plunket arrived to find the chapel, the parish priest's house, and almost all the houses burnt, with only four or five left standing. It was thought to be punishment for the people's part in the Rebellion. The parish priest, Reverend James Connell, did not appear, and Plunket withdrew with grief.

Sacrilegious destruction of Tristernagh Abbey and graveyard in 1783

Tristernagh · townland · Westmeath · 1783

In 1783 Sir Pigott William Piers invaded the graveyard at Tristernagh, had skulls, bones, and tombs torn from their resting place and dumped in a hole, then tore down the abbey walls to build a mansion on the site using some of the old stones.

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In the year 1783 Sir Pigott William Piers sacrilegiously invaded the graveyard, had the skulls, bones, and tombs, torn from their resting-place, and put out of his way into a hole. The walls of the abbey were next torn down, and a mansion for the proprietor was erected on the site. All that remained of the old abbey were a few walls, which were allowed to form a portion of the new residence. The Tristernagh property has since been sold off, in the Encumbered Estates Court. Piers and his race have, root and branch, withered away and died off; the new mansion is now, like its sacrilegious erectors, crumbling in ruin, and the only durable portion of the building is the portion of the abbey walls, incorporated with the dwelling, which, like the old faith represented by it, has witnessed the decadence of everything human around it.
Tyfarnham.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 115

Chapel of Kells shut against the bishop during his annual visitation

Kells · town · Meath · 1790

On 8 August 1790, at the instigation of Smith's brother, the chapel of Kells was shut against Dr. Plunket on the day appointed for his annual visitation, a dramatic act of defiance against the bishop's authority.

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under lay-patronage. With all the guilt and atrocious malevolence Mr. Smith imputes to me, I had not even a thought of offering him any other than a good parish. As to Rev. Mr. M'Kenna, it is impossible I should sacrifice him to any party — he will do what he choses ; ah1 I say is, that I will not oppose any measure which the love of peace may induce him to prefer to the right he has justly acquired.' These are Dr. Plunket's precise words. Although, as a mediator in this unfortunate affair, I should confine myself to the present circumstances of it, without'any retrospect to the original cause of dispute, nevertheless, I do not think it improper or informal to make a few remarks on some particulars of your letter, and especially on that part of it respecting the motives of your appeal, on which you principally ground your justification. Dr. Plunket, you say, appointed you pastor of Kells, when on the 7th of August last he expressed himself to Messrs. Dempsey and Duffy in the following or similar words : — ' I see how it is. Let Mr. Smith go to Kells. Be it so ; but I shall never see him, nor go to Kells in an official capacity/ These words, in their plain and obvious signification, are indignant and reproachful instead of conveying an inclination to appoint you to the parish. They are evidently expressive of his determination to regard you as an intruder, should you go there in an official capacity. How then, in the name of common sense, can you ground an appeal on words which make so forcibly against you 1 At any rate, similar words could not deprive Rev. Mr. Reilly of his right to the parish acquired by collation and induction. This priest declares that Dr. Plunket did not open his lips to him concerning his resignation of the parish while Messrs. Dempsey and Duffey continued with his Lordship. It was, therefore, impossible they could report anything like a valid appointment in your favour, as the parish was not then vacant by resignation or otherwise. Mr. Dempsey was here last September, and in the many conversations with me on the subject, never even hinted an idea of your being appointed Pastor of Kells by the words mentioned. He has lately declared to Dr. Plunket, before witnesses, that he did not understand them in that sense. Indeed he could not without offering violence to their unequivocal meaning. Notwithstanding the communication of these words to your brother on the evening of the same day, the 7th of August, at his instigation the chapel of Kells was shut against Dr. Plunket, on the following day, which had been appointed

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells in Meath, you are in a town where a bishop was once locked out of his own chapel. In August 1790, Dr. Plunket, the bishop of the diocese, was caught in a bitter dispute over who should serve as pastor here. He had spoken to Messrs. Dempsey and Duffy on the 7th of August, saying of a man called Smith, "I see how it is. Let Mr. Smith go to Kells. Be it so; but I shall never see him, nor go to Kells in an official capacity." These words were not an appointment. They were angry and reproachful. They expressed his determination to regard Smith as an intruder if he went there in an official capacity. A priest called Rev. Mr. Reilly already held the right to the parish, acquired by collation and induction. Reilly declared that Dr. Plunket had not opened his lips to him about resigning while Dempsey and Duffy were present. The parish was not vacant. Dempsey himself later told Dr. Plunket, before witnesses, that he had never understood the bishop's words as an appointment of Smith. None of this stopped what came next. On the evening of the 7th of August, the words were passed to Smith's brother. At his instigation, the chapel of Kells was shut against Dr. Plunket on the following day, the 8th of August, which had been appointed for his annual visitation. The bishop arrived to find the doors closed against him in his own diocese.

Father James Hayn's wounds and imprisonment

Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1601–1617

Father James Hayn lived for many years at Multifarnam, was arrested by Shane when he burned the convent, received three severe wounds during Rochfort's attack, and was confined in a dark cell in Dublin Castle, later living to age 90 at Multifarnam.

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Father James Hayn was sent, when a young man, by Pope Gregory XIII. to James Fitzmaurice, with a consecrated banner, when that chivalrous nobleman made an effort to defend the cause of the oppressed Catholics of the country. He lived for many years in Multifarnam ; was arrested by Shane when he burned the convent ; received three severe wounds when Rochfort attacked the friary, and was confined in a dark cell in Dublin Castle. Owing to the humanity of a fellow-prisoner he recovered, and, in 1617, was then living in Multifarnam, in his 90th year.
Father John Gray was arrested in 1608, with the^ Baron of Delvin, on a charge of having assisted the Princes O'Neill and O'Donnell in their escape from Ireland. When the Baron cleared himself of the accusation, Father Gray was set at large, and permitted to linger in the neighbourhood of Multifarnam.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 114

Massacre of soldiers after nunnery burning at Bethlem

Bethlehem · townland · Westmeath · 1641–1642

During the war of the Confederation, English soldiers plundered and burned the nunnery of St. Clare at Bethlem, expelling the nuns despite the abbess being a daughter of Sir Edmund Tuite. The soldiers were later attacked by the people while revelling at Athlone, and nearly sixty of them, including the captain and officers, were put to death.

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assembled at Athlone, under the same mother-abbess, and the soldiers who destroyed the convent were attacked by the people as they were revelling, and almost the whole party, to the number of sixty, including the captain and some of the officers, were put to death.
Baltimore.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 103

St. Carthage expelled from Rahin and journeys to Lismore

Rahin · townland · Kildare · 630

St. Carthage and his community of about 847 monks were forced by hostility and tyranny to leave Rahin in 630, journeying through Drumcullin, Saighir, Roscrea and Cashel before founding Lismore. Along the way he crossed the Blackwater, whose waves are said to have rolled back for him.

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great sanctity, and the universal respect in which he was held, failed to screen him from the envy and jealousy of others, and, accordingly, we find him expelled from Rahin, owing to the hostility of some neighbouring monks,* and the tyranny of Blathmac, son of the monarch, Aedh-Slaine, prince of the country. In the year 630, St. Carthage and his whole community, numbering about 847 monks, exclusive of lay attendants and the pupils of his school, yielding to force, took their departure from* Rahin, and, on their way into Munster, halted at St. Barrind's Monastery of Drumcullin. They then proceeded to St. Kiaran's of Saighir, next to St. Cronan's of Roscrea, and subsequently to Cashel, where they were kindly received by King Failbhe Fland, who offered them a site for a monastery. Declining this favour, St. Carthage proceeded to Ardfinan, and here he was offered a site by the chieftain of the Desies, whose wife dreamed on the preceding night that a flock of birds were flying to her for protection. He again declined, and the prince then said, " There is, beyond the mountain, a wild tract, extensive and secluded, rich in forests and in fish — it shall be yours for ever." Accordingly St. Carthage travelled over the mountain, and from that to Affane, on the Avonmore, at the spot still called " Casan na naomh, — The path of the saints." He crossed the Blackwater, the waves of which are said to have rolled back, and passed on to Magh-Sciath, since called Lismore, where he founded a monastery, a college, and an asylum ; and his school became so renowned for sanctity and learning as to be frequented by alumni not only from Great Britain and Ireland, but from all parts of Europe. For the last year and a-half of his life St. Carthage retired to a lonely part of the valley, to the east of his great monastery, and here he spent his time in mortification, prayer, and the practice of every virtue, preparing for the judgments of God. On the 14th day of May, in the year 637 — at the well, where a cross was afterwards erected,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

Battle of Tara Hill during the 1798 Rebellion

Tara · parish · Meath · 1798

On 26 May 1798, a battle was fought at Tara Hill between the insurgents and the King's forces and yeomanry. This was one of several engagements in the Meath diocese during the rebellion.

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„ 26. This day a battle was fought at Tara Hill between the insurgents and the King's forces and yeomanry.
„ 27. Drogheda (Rev. William Harford, P.P. and Vic. -For.), 56. — Reflections on the festival; on the criminal insurrections which had broken out in different parts of the country on the preceding days, connected with principles hostile to religion and to our reputation for loyalty, in the cause of which Irish Catholics had often suffered before ; re-

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 51

Chapel doors shut against priest leads to deaths

Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1791

A Protestant gentleman hired three parishioners to shut chapel doors against a newly named parish priest; two of the men died after falling into a coal-pit, the third came to a similarly miserable end, and the gentleman himself died suddenly within a week, unable to make his will.

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proposes. Let it suffice for me to tell you that I had a private audience from his Excellency and two from his secretary, in all which I spoke of the scandalous disturbance in Kells, and represented it in the light your letter to Mr. Betagh placed it. I conjured them to suspend their judgment about the barbarous transactions of F , in the county of Armagh ; that we expected shortly the most authentic account from the titular Archbishop, who left Dublin on purpose to enquire into the nature of this cruel deed, and that I would take care to convey to them the most timely intelligence. I must look on Mr. Smyth to be out of his senses to act in the manner he has done. I feel for the trouble it must give your Lordship, and for the general disedification it cannot but cause. Pretty much such another opposition was given to a parish priest I lately named; but Almighty God interposed, in the most striking manner, for three of the parishioners whom a Protestant gentleman hired to shut the chapel doors against the priest I had named. Two of them fell into a coal-pit and were so bruised as to die of the fall ; the third came to a similar miserable end ; and the Protestant gentleman, who was the cause of all the mischief, died so suddenly that he had no time to make his will — so that his great estate went to his brother-in-law ; and this happened in about a week after the shutting the chapel. It made a sensation on the mind of the whole country, most favourable to the worthy parish priest, who is your Lordship's acquaintance, the Rev. Mr. W(erased). I impart this to your Lordship that you may avail yourself of it as an undoubted fact I can vouch for. We have as yet no certain prospect of anything's being done for us this session of Parliament. I purpose to leave town on Tuesday next, am sorry to leave it without seeing your Lordship, but hope to hear from you on my arrival in Thurles, that you have brought Mr. Smith to a sense of his misconduct. " I have the honour to remain, " With every sentiment of respect and esteem,
" My ever dear and most honoured Lord,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Thurles, this is a town where a grim story was told in a letter written around 1791. The writer had named a parish priest for a parish nearby, and a Protestant gentleman hired three of the parishioners to shut the chapel doors against the priest he had named. Almighty God interposed, as the writer put it, in the most striking manner. Two of the hired men fell into a coal-pit and were so bruised as to die of the fall. The third came to a similar miserable end. The Protestant gentleman, who was the cause of all the mischief, died so suddenly that he had no time to make his will, so his great estate went to his brother-in-law. All of this happened in about a week after the shutting of the chapel. It made a sensation on the mind of the whole country, most favourable to the worthy parish priest, the Reverend Mr. W. The writer of the letter said he could vouch for it as an undoubted fact. He mentioned other disturbances too, a scandalous disturbance in Kells and barbarous transactions in the county of Armagh, about which he asked his correspondent to suspend judgment until the titular Archbishop returned with an authentic account. The writer himself hoped to leave town on a Tuesday and arrive in Thurles, where he expected to hear that a Mr. Smith had been brought to a sense of his misconduct.

Delamar's attainder for burning Taghmon in 1468

Taghmon · townland · Westmeath · 1468

Geoffry Delamar, prior of Tristernagh, was attainted for treason after coming with Irish enemies and English rebels to Taghmon in the barony of Delvin on 12 October, where he traitorously robbed, spoiled, and burned the town, destroying many of the King's loyal subjects.

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and in the same year the Parliament passed an Act for attainting the said Delamar of treason, for that he being accompanied with Irish enemies and English rebels, came to Taghmon, in the barony of Delvin, on the 12th day of October, in the second year of his Majesty's reign, and did traitorously rob, spoil, and burn the said town, at the same time destroying many of the King's loyal subjects. — Harris's Col. In 1485 Hichard Tuite was prior. — King, p. 214. The last prior of Tristernagh was Edmond Nugent, Bishop of Kilmore, and on the 30th of November, 1539, the commissioners of Henry VIII. presented themselves at the abbey gates, and demanded its unconditional surrender, in the name of the King . The abbey was now ransacked •with a vengeance ; the church robbed of the golden and silver vessels; the furniture piled up; the canons ejected from their once happy home; the rich booty carried off; and the gates closed for ever against the former inmates. A pension of £26 13s. 4d. was promised to Edmund Nugent, the late prior, payable out of the possessions in Templeforane, Grange, the Abbayton, and Molforane, also out of the rectories of Leyn, Lackyn, and Sonnaghe. A pension of 26s. 8d. each was promised to Walter Tuite, Geoffry Hill, Cornelius Note, Patrick Note, and Thomas Barnwall, late canons of Tristernagh, payable out of lands in Kargiston, Mourntown, Shyffyn, and Rathcorbally, part of the property of the late abbey of Tristernagh. The furniture of the abbey was now sold off, to enable Henry VIII. to gratify his passions, and to raise up from the dust a corps of co-operators ; and the abbey lands were set profitably for these purposes to the family of Piers. On the 4th of September, 1570, Queen Elizabeth wrote to the Lord Deputy, directing him to accept from Captain William Piers a surrender of his lease of the abbey of Tristernagh, and to grant him a new lease thereof. .... On the 24th of February, 1590, a lease of this priory, for the term of twenty-one years, was made to Captain William Piers, at the annual rent of £60, Irish money ; and a cartron of land in Ballynamoylane, with 40 messuages, one watermill, 5 carves of arable, 100 of meadow, 300 of pasture,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 115

Dr. Plunket born at Kells despite Penal Law restrictions

Kells · town · Meath · 1738–1753

Dr. Plunket was born at Kells in County Meath in 1738; despite Penal Laws forbidding instruction of Catholic youth, his father secured him an education and he was smuggled abroad to France disguised as a trader's apprentice.

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"Died, a few days since, the Eight Rev. Dr. Plunket, Catholic Bishop of Meath. The venerable deceased was one of the oldest bishops in Ireland, having been born on the 24th of December, 1738, and was consequently in his eighty-ninth year. For very near half-a-century, he presided over one of the largest bishoprics in Ireland; [and he had the reputation, amongst all parties, of uniting as many of the qualities of a Christian pastor as ever were concentrated in one individual. Dr. Plunket was born at Kells, in the county of Meath. His father was a respectable inhabitant of that town, who gave him an excellent education, in spite of the laws then existing to prevent the instruction of Catholic youth. It is a singular fact, that he was articled to a respectable trader, residing in Pill-lane, Dublin, as a precaution, without which he could not venture into a foreign land, in quest of that instruction which was denied him in his own. By this artifice, the young ecclesiastic was suffered to go into France, on pretence of attending his master's affairs, in the year 1753, a period at which the talents and patriotism of Dr. Curry and Mr. Charles O'Connor had just began to exhibit the first feeble symptoms of returning life in the Catholic body. At the close of his academical course, in the celebrated college of Trente-trois, founded by the Duke of Orleans, he was promoted to the priesthood, obtained a professorship in the Irish community, and the place of chief Almoner in one of the first families in Frauce. He, subse-
THE BISHOPS OF HEATH — DR. PLUNKET. 467

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 82

As the companion tells it

As you pass through the town of Kells in County Meath, you are passing the birthplace of Dr. Plunket, Catholic Bishop of Meath. He was born here on the 24th of December, 1738, and went on to preside over one of the largest bishoprics in Ireland for very near half a century. He died in his eighty-ninth year, with a reputation among all parties for uniting as many of the qualities of a Christian pastor as ever were concentrated in one individual. His father was a respectable inhabitant of this town, who gave him an excellent education in spite of the laws then existing to prevent the instruction of Catholic youth. It is a singular fact that he was articled to a respectable trader residing in Pill-lane, Dublin, as a precaution, without which he could not venture into a foreign land in quest of that instruction which was denied him in his own. By this artifice, the young ecclesiastic was suffered to go into France, on pretence of attending his master's affairs, in the year 1753. This was a period at which the talents and patriotism of Dr. Curry and Mr. Charles O'Connor had just began to exhibit what the record calls "the first feeble symptoms of returning life in the Catholic body." At the close of his academical course, in the celebrated college of Trente-trois, founded by the Duke of Orleans, he was promoted to the priesthood, obtained a professorship in the Irish community, and the place of chief Almoner in one of the first families in France.

Failed 1138 raid on Inis-Mochta by land and water

Inishmot · parish · Meath · 1138

In 1138 Meathmen, Leinstermen and foreigners attempted to plunder Inis-Mochta, crossing by rafts and swimming, but the islanders drowned and slew many attackers, and the aggressors fled unable to burn the island.

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" After this the Meathmen, Leinstermen, and the foreigners, proceeded to Inis-Mochta to plunder it, and a countless number of them went on rafts, and by swimming, on the lake, to reach the island ; and a party of them did reach the island. The people of the island afterwards came to them in vessels, and numbers of them (the aggressors) were drowned and slain by them ; and the party who were on the island fled from thence, not having been able to burn the island, througu the miracles of God and the patron saint."
" 1150. — A royal journey by Murtogh O'Loghlan, with the chieftansof the North of Ireland, to Inis-Mochta, to meet O'Carroll and O'Ruark. The hostages of Connaught were brought him to that |>la::e without a hosting, through the blessing of Patrick, the successor of Patrick, and his clergy. He divided Meath on this occasion into three parts, between O'Connor, O'Ruark, and U'Carroll ; and they banished Mu-rogh O'Melaghlann from Meath, through the curse of the successor of Patrick and his clergy."

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 101

Foundation Stone of Maynooth Seminary Laid

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1795–1796

Bishop Plunket attended as a trustee when Earl Camden, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, laid the foundation stone of the seminary of St. Patrick at Maynooth. Afterwards he was conducted to Dublin in the Viceroy's carriage and dined at Dublin Castle.

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„ 20. I went to Maynooth, where, as a trustee, I assisted, while Earl Camden, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, laid the foundation stone of the seminary of St. Patrick, whence I had the honour, with Drs. O'Reilly of Armagh, Troy of Dublin, and Dr. Hussey, to be conducted to Dublin in his Excellency's carriage, and of dining at the Castle with the Viceroy
„ 21. I returned to Duushaughlin.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Maynooth, where the seminary of St. Patrick had its foundation stone laid in 1795. Earl Camden, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, did the honour, with Bishop Plunket attending as a trustee. Afterwards Plunket, with Drs. O'Reilly of Armagh, Troy of Dublin, and Dr. Hussey, was conducted to Dublin in the Viceroy's carriage and dined at the Castle with the Viceroy.

Near-Disaster: Gallery Collapses During Confirmation at Kilkenny, West

Kilkenny West · townland · Westmeath · 1817

During a visitation and confirmation ceremony at Kilkenny, West, a gallery in the church collapsed while Dr. Plunket was approaching the altar with the clergy. He gave thanks to God that so few people were hurt, noting that had he been a few minutes longer vesting he and the clergy might have perished.

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„ 6. Kilkenny, West (Rev. Mr. M'Cormick), 60.— Thanks returned to God that so few were hurted by the fall of the gallery, when I was going up to the altar with the clergy. Had I been two or three minutes longer vesting, under that gallery, I and the clergy might have perished. 7. Kill (Rev. P. O'Leary), 69.
„ N. Horseleap (Rev. J. Wyer), 86.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 72

Patrick Fox arrests Father Bernard Gray, 1613

Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1613

Patrick Fox, high sheriff of Westmeath, stole upon the friars at Multifarnam in 1613 and arrested Father Bernard Gray, who after imprisonment fled to France and died there of disease contracted in Dublin Castle's dungeons.

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crepit and unable to stand, was ruthlessly torn from his cloister and flung, as they thought, dead, into a ditch of thorns. Father Mooney, who wrote in 1617, tells us that some of their most cruel persecutors were Sir Dudley Loftus, son of the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin ; Sir "Richard Grear, Patrick Fox, high sheriff of Westmeath, and Sir Oliver Lambert. Loftus and Grear attacked Multifarnam in 1607, and carried off five of the fathers to Dublin, where they were confined in prison for eighteen months. Fox stole on the friars in 1613, and, amongst others, arrested Father Bernard Gray, who, after a few years' imprisonment was allowed to seek refuge in France, where he died of disease contracted in the fetid dungeons of Dublin Castle. Lambert surrounded Multifarnam with soldiers in 1614, seized all the friars he met, and lodged them in the gaol of Mullingar.
Dr. Kichard Brady, mentioned above, belonged to a princely house in Brefney, studied with great success, and took the habit of St. Francis in the Monastery of Cavan. He was an eminent jurist, and was universally respected for his abilities, learning, and piety. On the 23rd of January, 1576, he was promoted by the Holy See to the bishopric of Ardagh, and was, subsequently, translated to Kilmore. After the visitation of his diocese, he resided for the most part in Multifarnam ; wore the habit of the order, and led a very austere life. He was three times arrested by the English authorities, was twice ransomed from prison, and on the third occasion of his arrest, the habit was torn from his person, and he was flung into a thicket. Towards the close of his days he resigned the see of Kilmore, departed this life in Multifarnam, in September, 1607, and was buried in the choir of the church.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 114

Schismatic seizure of Kells chapel by Smith's partisans

Kells · town · Meath · 1790

After Dr. Plunket appointed Rev. Laurence Eugene O'Reilly to Kells, supporters of Rev. Patrick Smith rose up against episcopal authority, seizing the chapel of Kells and barring the lawfully appointed pastor from entry.

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On the 26th of July, Dr. Plunket translated the Rev. Laurence Eugene O'Reilly, P.P. of Kildalkey, to the pastorship of Kells, and now the partisans of Rev. Mr. Smith broke out into open rebellion against the bishop's authority. They took possession of the chapel of Kells, refused admittance to the lawful pastor, and perpetrated other indignities which gave Dr. Plunket more pain than, perhaps, any other event that occurred during his long administration of the diocese. On the 8th August, the bishop, yielding in part to the storm, prevailed on the Rev. Mr. O'Reilly to resign his nomination and return to Kildalkey. An administrator was now appointed ; but this act, in place of restoring peace, only tended to inflame and stimulate the partisans of Smith the more. As to Rev. Mr. Smith himself, it was well known that he directed and supervised the schismatical acts of his followers, and hesitated not to' invoke the aid of the bigoted and besotted portion of the Protestant gentry, who were only too willing to co-operate when a wound was to be inflicted on a dignitary of the Catholic Church. Patrick Smith was a man of splendid abilities, of ready and
150 THE BISHOPS OF MEATH — DR. PLUNKET.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

You're passing through Kells now, a town in Meath that was the scene of an ugly church dispute in 1790. On the 26th of July that year, Dr. Plunket, the bishop, appointed Rev. Laurence Eugene O'Reilly as pastor of Kells. Supporters of Rev. Patrick Smith responded by seizing the chapel and barring the lawful pastor from entry. The bishop said these events gave him more pain than perhaps any other during his long administration. On the 8th of August he persuaded O'Reilly to resign his nomination and return to Kildalkey. An administrator was then appointed, but this only inflamed Smith's partisans further. Smith himself directed the schismatic acts of his followers and did not hesitate to seek the aid of what the record calls the bigoted and besotted portion of the Protestant gentry, who were willing to cooperate when a wound could be inflicted on a dignitary of the Catholic Church. Patrick Smith was described as a man of splendid abilities.

Slaying of two O'Molloy sons at the gate of Kilcormick monastery

Kilcormick · townland · Wexford · 1525

In 1525, on the octave of the Epiphany, the two sons of Hugh O'Molloy, Hugh and Constantine, were violently dragged from the church by Charles O'Molloy and his followers, and slain near the gate of the monastery of Kilcormick.

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" 1525. On the octave of the Epiphany (January 13th), the two sons of Hugh O'Molloy, viz., Hugh and Constantino, were violently dragged from the church by Charles O'Molloy and
* The following is a translation of the Irish original by Dr. Todd : — " This is the Identure that was made between Theobald, the son of Donogh, and the friars, and his wife and his children, and on the day of the festival of Mathew Evangelist it was written, and the tenor of the indenture is, that the friars are to give these people a pledge for their part of Baile Athabuidh* (Ballyboy) ; and this is the way the pledge is to be distributed, viz., eleven cows to John O'Molloy, and two cows to the son of Mortogh, eon of Hugh, and four cows to Theobald himself ; and these are the sort of cows the friars have undertaken to give away, viz., beautiful, fat, and in calf cows, and to be given up at the time of perfecting this writing. And this is the food that the friars owe along with that, viz., the food of four persons each quarter of a year, according to the custom of the country. The annals of the Lord are one thousand five hundred and three years."

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

St Fechin's Mill miraculously hewn from rock

Fore · townland · Westmeath

Giraldus Cambrensis records that St Fechin miraculously hewed a mill at Fore out of solid rock with his own hands, and that women did not enter this mill any more than they entered the saint's church; a mill turned by water from the Benn is still called St Fechin's.

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Giraldus Cambrensis tells us of a mill at Fore, which St. Fechin miraculously hewed out with his own hands on the side of a rock, into which, as also into that saint's "church, women do not enter. He says, too, that the mill was not less respected than one of the saint's churches.*
The Bollandists, at January 1st, thus account for the rush of water from the Benn of Fore : —

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 107

The Cross of the Departure at Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 637

St. Carthage retired for the last year and a half of his life to a lonely valley east of his monastery at Lismore. He died on 14 May 637 at a well where a cross was later erected, called the 'crux migrationis' - the cross of the departure.

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great sanctity, and the universal respect in which he was held, failed to screen him from the envy and jealousy of others, and, accordingly, we find him expelled from Rahin, owing to the hostility of some neighbouring monks,* and the tyranny of Blathmac, son of the monarch, Aedh-Slaine, prince of the country. In the year 630, St. Carthage and his whole community, numbering about 847 monks, exclusive of lay attendants and the pupils of his school, yielding to force, took their departure from* Rahin, and, on their way into Munster, halted at St. Barrind's Monastery of Drumcullin. They then proceeded to St. Kiaran's of Saighir, next to St. Cronan's of Roscrea, and subsequently to Cashel, where they were kindly received by King Failbhe Fland, who offered them a site for a monastery. Declining this favour, St. Carthage proceeded to Ardfinan, and here he was offered a site by the chieftain of the Desies, whose wife dreamed on the preceding night that a flock of birds were flying to her for protection. He again declined, and the prince then said, " There is, beyond the mountain, a wild tract, extensive and secluded, rich in forests and in fish — it shall be yours for ever." Accordingly St. Carthage travelled over the mountain, and from that to Affane, on the Avonmore, at the spot still called " Casan na naomh, — The path of the saints." He crossed the Blackwater, the waves of which are said to have rolled back, and passed on to Magh-Sciath, since called Lismore, where he founded a monastery, a college, and an asylum ; and his school became so renowned for sanctity and learning as to be frequented by alumni not only from Great Britain and Ireland, but from all parts of Europe. For the last year and a-half of his life St. Carthage retired to a lonely part of the valley, to the east of his great monastery, and here he spent his time in mortification, prayer, and the practice of every virtue, preparing for the judgments of God. On the 14th day of May, in the year 637 — at the well, where a cross was afterwards erected,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

The Lia Fail associated with the Croppies' grave

near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

The headstone marking the Croppies' grave at Tara was popularly believed to be a portion of the Lia Fail, the ancient Stone of Destiny celebrated by the bards of Ancient Erin, ominously placed at that spot.

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and brutal yeomanry and soldiery, who, with more relentless wickedness than savages, plundered, burned, and destroyed everything that came in their way. Free quarters and unbridled military license drove numbers of the defenceless peasantry to congregate for self-defence, many of whom never returned to tell their sad tale of suffering and disaster. The head-stone that marks the " Croppies grave " was another object of great attention, as it is popularly believed to be a portion of the " Lia Fail," or Stone of Destiny, so celebrated by the bards of Ancient Erin, and so ominously and significantly placed here. The whole scene at the grave of the Wexford men was truly impressive and grand, and many were moved to tears (thinking of the past history of Ireland, and then looking around at the imposing demonstration of the day. Few of the spectators turned away from the Croppies grave without uttering a fervent prayer to Almighty God for the eternal repose of the souls of the unfortunate men who, " in dark and evil days," were goaded by remorseless tyranny into resistance, and then shot down without pity, far away from home and kindred, far away from their village churches and the graves of their fathers, and flung into a deep pit, in one of the ancient mounds, on Tara of the Kings, where they are taking their long, lonely sleep, awaiting the sound of the Archangel's trumpet.
The proceedings of the day were terminated by a banquet to O'Connell, at which upwards of a thousand gentlemen sat down to dinner. The chairman was the late Nicholas Boylan, Esq., Hilltown. House, and, after the toast of " O'Connell and Repeal of the Union," came " The Right Rev. Dr. Cantwell and the Catholic Hierarchy of Ireland." When the cheering subsided, his Lordship proceeded to observe : —

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 90

Turlough O'Carolan Born near Nobber

Nobber · town · Meath · 1670

The celebrated poet and musician Turlough O'Carolan was born in 1670 in the neighbourhood of Nobber, son of farmer John O'Carolan.

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Torlogh, or Terence O'Carolan, the celebrated poet and musician, was the son of John O'Carolan, an industrious farmer, and was born in the year 1670, in the neighbourhood of Nobber. He was sent to school to Cruisetown, and there became acquainted with Miss Bridget Cruise, in whose praise he, in after years, composed many of his finest poems. At the age of fifteen he was attacked with small-pox, and lost his sight, which he never afterwards

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 131

Professor Conecar burned in the belfry of Slane by the Danes

Slane · townland · Meath · 948

In 948, Conecar, Professor of Slane, was burned in the belfry of Slane by the Danes; he is supposed to be the same Probus who wrote a Life of St. Patrick dedicated to Paulinus, Bishop of Indenen near Slane.

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" 948. Conecar, Professor of Slane, was burned in the belfry of Slane by the Danes. (He is supposed to have been the Probus who wrote a Life of St. Patrick, and dedicated it to Paulinus, Bishop of Indenen, near Slane.)
" 951. Anghal, Professor of Clonard, died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 120

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 948, Conecar, Professor of Slane, was burned in the belfry by the Danes. He is thought to be the Probus who wrote a Life of St. Patrick and dedicated it to Paulinus, Bishop of Indenen, near Slane.

Durrow monastery founded by St. Columba

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 550

The Monastery of Durrow was founded by St. Columba around 550 on land granted by Bredan, chieftain of Teffia, and became one of Columba's favourite retreats, ranked with Iona by Bede.

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sacrilegious spoliators and ruthless exterminators of the country, to uproot and sweep away every vestige of this ancient and sacred place. The Monastery of Durrow was founded by St. Columba, about the year 550, on a site granted by Bredan, chieftain of Teffia. Although St. Co- .lumba founded many religious houses, yet Durrow was one of his favourite retreats ; and it is ranked, by Venerable Bede, with the great abbey of Hy, or lona. Before St. Columba departed from Ireland he spent some months at Durrow, then governed by St. Lasren ; and during this retirement he drew up rules and instructions for the future guidance of this house. His memory was cherished and commemorated here with special reverence, and to this day the parish is under the patronage of St. Columbkille.
In the Annals of the Four Masters we have the following notices : —

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

Friars imprisoned in Castle of Ballymore Loughsewdy

Ballymore · town · Westmeath · 1601

Captive friars, including the provincial and an aged bishop, were held in the Castle of Ballymore on Lough Sewdy, some twelve miles south-west of Mullingar. Father Mooney made his religious profession in the gloom of the prison chamber there before later escaping by rope.

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"Eealize it," says he, "to your imagination, dear brother: picture to yourself a young man in the plentitude of his strength, kneeling at the feet of an aged bishop and his pro-
ABBEYS OF WESTMEA.TH. — MULTIFERffAM. 595

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 114

Miraculous baculus of St Maeltuile at Dysart

Dysart · townland · Westmeath

At Dysart, near Lough Ennell, a religious house called Disert-Maeltuile was founded by St Maeltuile, whose holy well, called Tobar-Multilly, is still pointed out near the old churchyard. Tradition held that his pastoral staff (baculus) works miracles on perjurers before they leave the church, and his well, yellow bell, baculus and statue are said to remain there.

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We read in the Four Masters that in 1033 — " Disert Maeltuile was plundered by Murchadh O'Melaghlin." In the table of the Martyrology of Donegal, at the 29th of May, the following entry is inserted : — " There is a Cill- Maoltuile, a parish church in Disert- Midhe, in the diocese of Meath. His baculus (or pastoral staff) works miracles on perjurers before they go out of the church. His well, and his yellow bell, and his baculus and his statue, are there still."
560 ABBEYS OF WESTMEATH.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 107

Murder of Muirchertach O'Molloy by fire in Rahin's church

Rahin · townland · Kildare · 1139

In 1139, Muirchertach O'Molloy, Lord of Fercall, was burned to death in the church of Rahin by the O'Luainimhs of Fercall, an act of violence recorded by the Four Masters.

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" 1139. Muirchertach O'Molloy, Lord of Fercall, was burned in the church of Rahin by the O'Luainimhs of Fercall.
"1141. Donnell, son of Rory O'Molloy, Lord of Fercall, was slain by the Muintir-Luainimh in Raliin.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 117

Public Submission of Rev. Mr. Smith at Girley Chapel

Girley · townland · Meath · 1792

On 21 June 1792, Rev. Mr. Smith attended visitation in the chapel of Girley, part of the union of Kells, and on bended knees before the altar publicly asked pardon for his opposition to Bishop Plunket. He retracted his statements, renounced all claim to the parish of Kells, and begged absolution from censures incurred during the schism.

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On the 21st of June, 1792, Rev. Mr. Smith attended visitation in the chapel of Girley, union of Kells, and on bended knees, opposite the altar, in presence of the bishop, clergy, and congregation, asked pardon for his late opposition, professed henceforth dutiful obedience to Dr. Plunket, retracted everything improper which he had said or published against him, renounced all interference with the parish of Kells, and humbly begged absolution from the censures, and dispensation in the irregularity which he had the misfortune to incur during the late schism.*
The Rev. Mr. Smith was subsequently appointed to the pastoral charge of Castlepollard, and died an edifying death on the 8th of January, 1796.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 34

Riot at Kells: priest's brother attempts to seize Rev. McKenna by force

Kells · town · Meath · 1790–1791

During a riot in Kells, the brother of Rev. Smyth led a desperate gang in an attempt to forcibly carry off Rev. Mr. McKenna, in connection with the dispute over the parish appointment.

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day. This outrage against religion and the bishop was a strange return for the collation of the day before. 2°. On the llth of August, four days only after the pretended collation, Rev. Mr. Smyth appealed to the Primate, founding his claim to the parish on Lord Bective's recommendation, which, in the true adulatory style, he called a presentation, a right of which the nobleman had not dreamed. So much ashamed was he of this claim, that before I appeared at the Primate's tribunal, he withdrew his appeal, alleging at the same that he was not himself when he digested and prepared it. 3°. Lord Bective wrote the 12th of August, five days after the pretended collation, to assure me that, ' as I was of a different opinion from the gentleman who had recommended Mr. Smyth to him, it was perfectly indifferent to him who was appointed pastor.' This letter was an answer to my reply on the 8th of August to his Lordship's second recommendation of Mr. Smyth. In this reply I unequivocally informed Lord Bective that it was utterly out of my power to give the parish of Kells to Mr. Smyth. This correspondence was totally inconsistent with an idea of a collation on the 7th of August. 4°. I received several letters from this clergyman between the 7th of August and the beginning of February following, relative to Kells, and not a word occurs in them of the pretended collation of the 7th of August. In one of these letters, dated the 8th of August, he tells me that he had spoken to his friends with approbation of my appointment of Rev. Laurence O'Reilly. 5°. On the day of the riot when the priest's brother, at the head of a desperate gang, attempted to carry off Rev. Mr. McKenna by main force, a syllable was not mentioned of the pretended collation, although this collation would have been the most plausible pretext imaginable for this unexampled and atrocious undertaking. 6°. In a letter to Doctor Troy, at the time of his Grace's mediation, he acknowledged he had no right to the parish, and only called for a reparation of his character. At length, when slander, sacrilege, outrageous invasion of the house of God, and open and daring violence were not sufficient to force me into compliance with his wishes, at the end of six months, the idea of this collation struck his fancy, and he fastened upon it as an expedient that authorized him, he thought, to usurp the exercise of pastoral functions. These different heads of proofs, properly arranged and exhibited, compose my refutation of his claim founded on the viva voce collation. Moreover, I have explained

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Kells, a town in Meath where a bitter dispute over the parish turned violent in 1790. The conflict centred on who had the right to be appointed parish priest here. Rev. Mr. Smyth claimed the position on the basis of Lord Bective's recommendation, which he called a presentation, but the bishop refused, telling Lord Bective it was utterly out of his power to give the parish of Kells to Mr. Smyth. The bishop had instead appointed Rev. Laurence O'Reilly. During a riot in the town, the priest's brother led a desperate gang and attempted to carry off Rev. Mr. McKenna by main force. The bishop later noted that not a syllable was mentioned during the riot of a supposed verbal collation, a claimed appointment, that Smyth would later fasten upon as justification. The material describes the affair as involving slander, sacrilege, outrageous invasion of the house of God, and open and daring violence. Smyth eventually acknowledged to Doctor Troy, during mediation, that he had no right to the parish and sought only reparation of his character.

St. Loman's healing chain and airborne journey to Ath-Truim

Portloman · townland · Westmeath

St. Lomman, nephew of St. Patrick, is said to have been carried through the air in his boat to Ath-Truim in Meath, and built a small house on an island in Lough Owel where he lived mostly on Alexandria herbs. His staff and chain survive; the chain is used to heal women in childbirth when girt with it.

Read the passage

" The Feast of St. Lomman, bishop, nephew of St. Patrick by his sister, is celebrated in his church in Portlomain, diocese of Meath or Ardbreacain, the 3rd of Spring, or February. His staff is extant, as also his chain, by which women labouring in childbirth, when girt with it, are healed. He is said to have been carried through the air in his boat as far as Ath-Truim in Meath, and to have built a small house in an island in Loch- Huar, near Portlomain, in which he lived for the most part on Alexandria herbs, of which there is there a great abundance."
At the llth of October we have another entry in the Martyrology of Donegal : —

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 115

The Blackwater's waves roll back for St. Carthage

near Blackwater River · river · Kerry · 630

As St. Carthage crossed the Blackwater on his way to found Lismore, the waves of the river are said to have rolled back for him, a miraculous tradition associated with the crossing.

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great sanctity, and the universal respect in which he was held, failed to screen him from the envy and jealousy of others, and, accordingly, we find him expelled from Rahin, owing to the hostility of some neighbouring monks,* and the tyranny of Blathmac, son of the monarch, Aedh-Slaine, prince of the country. In the year 630, St. Carthage and his whole community, numbering about 847 monks, exclusive of lay attendants and the pupils of his school, yielding to force, took their departure from* Rahin, and, on their way into Munster, halted at St. Barrind's Monastery of Drumcullin. They then proceeded to St. Kiaran's of Saighir, next to St. Cronan's of Roscrea, and subsequently to Cashel, where they were kindly received by King Failbhe Fland, who offered them a site for a monastery. Declining this favour, St. Carthage proceeded to Ardfinan, and here he was offered a site by the chieftain of the Desies, whose wife dreamed on the preceding night that a flock of birds were flying to her for protection. He again declined, and the prince then said, " There is, beyond the mountain, a wild tract, extensive and secluded, rich in forests and in fish — it shall be yours for ever." Accordingly St. Carthage travelled over the mountain, and from that to Affane, on the Avonmore, at the spot still called " Casan na naomh, — The path of the saints." He crossed the Blackwater, the waves of which are said to have rolled back, and passed on to Magh-Sciath, since called Lismore, where he founded a monastery, a college, and an asylum ; and his school became so renowned for sanctity and learning as to be frequented by alumni not only from Great Britain and Ireland, but from all parts of Europe. For the last year and a-half of his life St. Carthage retired to a lonely part of the valley, to the east of his great monastery, and here he spent his time in mortification, prayer, and the practice of every virtue, preparing for the judgments of God. On the 14th day of May, in the year 637 — at the well, where a cross was afterwards erected,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

Violent Faction Fight at Rathwire

near Rathwire · town · Westmeath · 1811

Bishop Plunket delivered severe reproaches to a crowd at Rathwire who had fought desperately for three preceding Sundays, during which several people were dangerously wounded. The bloody quarrel was condemned during his 1811 visitation.

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„ 21. Rathwire (Rev. J Swords), 55. — Severe reproaches to a crowd who fought desperately the three preceding Sundays, when several were dangerously wounded.
„ 22. Balliver (Rev. L. Shaw, O.P.), 72. — Severe reproaches to some of this parish who were engaged in the scandalous and bloody quarrel just mentioned.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 66

Death by poisoned drink of Maelseachlainn O'Melaghlin at Durrow

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1155

In 1155, Maelseachlainn O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, died at Durrow-Columbkill in the thirtieth year of his age from a poisonous drink, on the night of the festival of Bridget.

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" Same year, Maelseachlainn O'Melaghlin, King of Meath and of the greater part of Leinster, died in the thirtieth year of his age, of a poisonous drink, at Durrow-Columbkill, in the flood of his prosperity and reign, on the night of the festival of Bridget, after the victory of penance.
" 1173. Donnell O'Melaghliu, King of Meath, was slain by his stepbrother at Durrow of Columbkill.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

Donogh Mor O'Daly Interred at Boyle Abbey

Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1244

Donogh Mor O'Daly, called an unsurpassed poet and sometimes the Irish Ovid, died in 1244 and was interred in the Abbey of Boyle. O'Reilly collected the headings of thirty-one of his mostly religious poems.

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The Four Masters notice under A.D. 1244, the death of another O'Daly : — " Donogh Mor O'Daly, a poet who never was and never will be surpassed, died, and was interred in the Abbey of Boyle." In the Annals of Clonmacnoise he is called " chief of Ireland for poetry," and by others he has been called the Irish Ovid. O'Reilly has collected the headings of thirty-one of his poems, which are mostly on moral or religious subjects. In one of his poems of 116 verses, on Rickard, son of William de Burgo, the author says he is O'Daly of Meath. — Descriptive Catalogue, p. 41.
Angus Roe O'Daly belonged to the tribe of O'Daly of Westmeath. The Four Masters enter his death under the year 1350, and call him " the most learned of the poets of Ireland." Amongst other productions he addressed a poem of 192 verses to Rory, son of Hugh O'Molloy, chief of the territory of Fercall (in King's County), whom he had offended, asking forgiveness, and urging him to spend his wrath upon the English, the plunderers of his native country. — Catalogue, p. 46.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 124

Miraculous lintel of St Fechin's Church doorway at Fore

Fore · townland · Westmeath · 1682

Sir Henry Piers recorded a vivid local tradition that St Fechin himself, without engines or help, miraculously placed the massive stone lintel over the west doorway of his church after workmen failed to raise it despite great effort.

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or perhaps more, and in height about two foot or more. Having taken notice of it, as the largest entire stone I had at any time observed, especially so high, in any building, and discoursing of it with an antient dweller in the town, I observed to him that of old time they wanted not their engines, even in this country, for their structures. The gentleman, smiling as at my mistake, told me that the saint himself alone, without either engine or any help, placed the stone there, and thereon he proceeds in this formal story of the manner and occasion of it. He said, the workmen having hewen and fitted the stone in its dimensions, and made a shift, with much ado, to tumble it to the foot of the wall, they assayed with their joint forces to raise it, but, after much toil and loss of time, they could not get it done. At last they resolved to go and refresh themselves, and after breakfast to make another attempt at it. The saint also, for, as the story goes, he was then living, and present, advised them so to do, and tells them he would tarry 'till their return. When they returned, behold they find the stone placed exactly as to this day it remains, over the door. This was done, as the tradition goes, by the saint alone ; a work, for my part, I believe impossible to be done by the strength of so many hands only as can immediately apply their force unto it."
Mill of St. Fechin.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 107

Nanny Dillon's Candid Advice to Bishop Cantwell at Girley

Girley · townland · Meath · 1834–1866

Nanny Dillon, an old lady of Girley in the union parish of Kells, was renowned for advising everyone frankly without giving offence. She famously counselled Bishop Cantwell not to move his curates about like policemen and to leave the aged Father Branagan in peace.

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"She was remarkable for the license she allowed herself of advising everyone ; and yet she did so in such a manner that she would never offend. A singular instance occurred with respect to the Eight Eev. Dr. Cantwell, the bishop of the diocese. After his appointment he changed the curates very much, and he dealt severely with some of the old parish priests, more particularly with a Father Branagan, who was parish priest of the neigbouring parish. The bishop lived in Kells at the time, and she was therefore a parishioner, residing in the united parish of Girley. The priests coming oiit to celebrate Mass in Girley breakfasted generally with her, and the bishop himself came on one occasion to pay her a visit. She recollected the two things, respecting the curates and Father Branagan, and took occasion to say — ' My Lord, I am an old woman, and have seen a great deal of the world ; and will you let me give you an advice ?' ' By all means,' said the bishop, condescendingly. ' Well, my Lord,' said she, ' what I would advise you is, in the first place, not to be making policemen of your curates, changing them up and down so often. The people cannot respect them when they see them canted about in that way. And, about Father Branagan, you know you cannot, my Lord, make an old man young. I know him more than forty years. We all have had a great respect for him, at all times, and your Lordship ought not to be troubling him, in the latter end of his days. ' The bishop thanked her very politely, with, of course, a smile, which it would be hard to suppress, under the circumstances, and told her he would consider her good advice."
THE BISHOPS OF MEATH — DR. CANTWELL. 487

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 88

Origin of the Veto Question at Dublin Meeting, 1799

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1799

At a meeting of Catholic prelates in Dublin in January 1799, resolutions were drawn up proposing government interference in the appointment of bishops in exchange for state provision for the clergy, sparking the long-running 'veto' controversy that divided the Irish Church for years.

Read the passage

' " At a meeting of the E. C. prelates,* held in Dublin the 17th, 18th, and 19th January, 1799, to deliberate on a proposal from Government of an independent provision for the R. C. clergy of Ireland, under certain regulations not incompatible with their doctrines, discipline, or just influence,
" It was admitted that a provision through Government for the R. C. clergy of this kingdom, competent and secured, ought to be thankfully accepted.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 42

As the companion tells it

Dublin was where the Catholic prelates met in January 1799, on the 17th, 18th and 19th, to consider a government offer of provision for the Catholic clergy. They agreed such provision ought to be thankfully accepted. But the conditions attached opened what became the veto controversy, over government say in appointing bishops, and it divided the Irish Church for years.

Rev. Patrick Smith's defiant occupation of Kells parish

Kells · town · Meath · 1791

Despite being deprived of faculties and forbidden to say Mass, Rev. Patrick Smith held the parish of Kells in open defiance of his bishop, and was formally suspended from all priestly functions by the Archdeacon of Meath in February 1791.

Read the passage

Tilings went from bad to worse, and unfortunate Smith became contumacious and perverse; lie had been deprived of faculties, and was forbidden to celebrate Mass ; but so far from yielding, he held the parish in defiance of the bishop. On the loth of February, 1791, he was served with the following suspension : —
SIR,

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, this town has a story from 1791. Rev. Patrick Smith had been deprived of his faculties and forbidden to celebrate Mass, but he held the parish in open defiance of his bishop. On the 10th of February 1791, he was formally served with a suspension from all priestly functions by the Archdeacon of Meath.

The ancient ruins and richly ornamented round window of Rahin

Rahin · townland · Kildare · 750

The ruins of Rahin consist of a very ancient stone-roofed chancel archway, a richly ornamented circular window, and two smaller churches. Dr. Petrie described the round window as possibly the most curious and ancient of its kind in the British Isles, built around the middle of the eighth century.

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" . . . . It seems to be not only the most curious of its kind remaining in the British Isles, but also the most
ancient The ornaments (of this window) are in

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 117

Aileran the Wise dies of plague at Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath · 664

St. Aileran the Wise, a classical professor in the school of Clonard, died of the plague in the year 664. He compiled a Life of St. Patrick and a Litany with prayers, and wrote a mystical Latin tract discovered in Switzerland.

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St. Aileran the Wise (often written Aireran and Eleran) was a classical professor in the school of Clonard, and died qf the plague in the year 664. He compiled a Life of St. Patrick and a Litany with prayers. Fleming, in his Collecta Sacra, has published a fragment of a Latin tract, discovered in the monastery of St. Gall, in Switzerland, entitled " The Mystical Interpretation of the Ancestry of our Lord Jesus Christ," which was composed by St. Aileran. (See Harris's Ware, p. 56 ; O'Curry's Lectures, pp. 350, 378.)
Aodh (Hugh) Attain, Monarch of Ireland, commenced his reign in the year 780, and was slain, in a battle near Kells, in 738. He composed some poems, of which fragments are inserted in the Four Masters at A.D. 734 and 738, and others in O'Clery's Book of Invasions.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 122

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Clonard in Meath. In 664, a plague swept through Ireland, and among those it took was St. Aileran the Wise, a classical professor in the school of Clonard. He compiled a Life of St. Patrick and a Litany with prayers. A Latin tract he wrote, called "The Mystical Interpretation of the Ancestry of our Lord Jesus Christ," turned up centuries later in the monastery of St. Gall in Switzerland.

Balliver Parishioners Condemned for Bloody Quarrel

Balliver · townland · Offaly · 1811

The bishop rebuked parishioners of Balliver who were engaged in the same scandalous and bloody quarrel that had erupted at Rathwire during the 1811 visitation.

Read the passage

„ 22. Balliver (Rev. L. Shaw, O.P.), 72. — Severe reproaches to some of this parish who were engaged in the scandalous and bloody quarrel just mentioned.
„ „ The Rev. T. Hitchcock, O.P., late administrator of Longwood, was declared by me to be destitute of jurisdiction, and confirmation was refused to the children he presented, whose parents abetted his disobedience to the bishop since last St. Stephen's Day, when the bishop deprived him of the faculties of the diocese. From that day he remained disobedient, deceived the unfortunate flock, and on this day, the 22nd of August, declared he would continue to be their pastor, when a number of the flock were not ashamed to tell the bishop publicly that they would adhere to him.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 66

Burning of Durrow's termon by Felim, King of Cashel

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 832

In 832 many of the family of Clonmacnoise were slain by Felim, King of Cashel, who burned all their termon to the church door, and treated the family of Durrow likewise, burning to the door of its church.

Read the passage

" 832. A great many of the family of Clonmacnoise were slain by Felim, King of Cashel ; and all their termon was burned by him, to the door of the church. In like manner (did he treat) the family of Durrow, also to the door of its church.
" 835. Saerghus, Abbot of Durrow died.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 116

Conor son of Flanagan burnt in the church at Clonfad

Clonfad · townland · Westmeath · 887

In 887, Conor, son of Flanagan, Lord of Hy-failge, was destroyed by fire within the church at Clonfad while the relics of St. Finian were burnt alongside him by the Feara-Tulach.

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" 887. Conor, son of Flanagan, Lordof Hy-failge, was destroyed by fire at Clonfad, in the church ; and the relics of Finian were violated (burnt with him) by the Feara-Tulach, on his way parleying with Flann, son of Maelseachlain, King of Ireland."
We find no record of this abbey after the Danish wars.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala

Dispute over the archdeaconry and parish of Kells

Kells · town · Meath · 1790–1792

A prolonged and bitter ecclesiastical dispute unfolded over the appointment of the parish of Kells, involving Bishop Plunket, Rev. Smyth, Lord Bective, and an appeal to the Holy See in Rome, with accusations of invalid nominations and violent conduct.

Read the passage

possess all the cardinals against you, and make them look on you with eyes of indignation. So jealous is Rome of this right, that in no instance will she allow an inferior to reject or judge of the validity or non-validity of an appeal to her. Neither will the opinion and advice of your vicars and the other clergy be sufficient to screen you. Again, your having so publicly even denounced him from all the altars of your diocese will contribute to make the cardinals look on you as an impetuous, imprudent prelate. The affair of Ardbraccan, I am very sorry it has ever happened ; for it has contributed much to the late unnatural scandals and proceedings of Mr. Smyth. Whoever had a hand in procuring that petition and signatures of the parishioners against the unhappy Smyth was not aware of the consequences, and not possessed of the deepest penetration. The most powerful interest is set on foot against you, and an able lawyer and canonist employed to defend the cause and support Smyth's pretensions. To be candid with your Lordship, I am full of apprehensions that the cause will not be favourable to you. The merits of it turn chiefly upon those three things, viz. , on the validity of Duffy's and Dempsey's testimonies on account of all the circumstances ; on the modus of granting parishes viva voce ; and, thirdly, on Smyth's merits or demerits. He has sent, no doubt, not only numerous documents, but a few good ones also, which will plead well for him, although his writings savour so much of modern revolutionary principles, and of the spirit of the provincial letters of the head Jansenists. Lord Bective interferes not in the matter at all, although he is not pleased with you. I shall write to you as soon as I have read the lawyer's writing. Let me hear from you if your Lordship thinks me worthy of your confidence, and if you think I can anyway put in a plea in your behalf, in order to guard against an entire decision against you. As to your having suspended him and having denounced him, by all I can see and learn, all your proceedings and acts on the occasion were invalid ; and, therefore, your best or only plea is that you looked on his appeal as withdrawn the moment he entered into a treaty of compromise or reference with you, by retiring to Dublin, and accepting of Ardbraccan. Here please to observe a contradiction of a very strong nature in yourself. You assert him unworthy or unfit ; you suppose him irregular, and you offer, nay confer on him, a parish. What a handle will not adversaries make of this ] I could wish, with all my heart, this affair never came to the point it has, for, at

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, you are in a town that was the centre of a bitter church dispute in the early 1790s. Bishop Plunket had denounced the Reverend Smyth from the altars of the diocese and suspended him, but those acts were later judged invalid. The dispute turned on the validity of testimonies from Duffy and Dempsey, on the practice of granting parishes by word of mouth, and on Smyth's own merits. A petition against Smyth had been gathered from parishioners, and an able lawyer and canonist was employed to defend his cause before Rome. One observer warned Plunket that the cardinals would view him as an impetuous, imprudent prelate, and that the powerful interests ranged against him might win the day. A pointed contradiction was noted in the bishop's own conduct: he declared Smyth unfit and irregular, yet offered him the parish of Ardbraccan. The affair of Ardbraccan, the observer wrote, had contributed much to the unnatural scandals that followed. Lord Bective stayed out of the matter, though he was not pleased with the bishop. Smyth sent numerous documents to Rome, some good, though his writings were said to savour of modern revolutionary principles and the spirit of the Jansenist provincial letters. The whole conflict, that observer wished, had never reached such a point.

Dissolution and ejection of Kilbeggan monastery under Henry VIII

Kilbeggan · town · Westmeath · 1539

On 30th November, 31st year of King Henry VIII, the last abbot Maurice O'Shanghane and his community were ejected from their cloister at Kilbeggan, and the monastery's property was seized and squandered by agents of the Reformation.

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1298. The Abbot William O'Fynnan was made Bishop of Clonmacnoise, and died A.D. 1302. — Annal Loughkee, McGeoghegan. The last abbot of Kilbeggan was Maurice O'Shanghane, and on the 30th of November, 31st King Henry VJII., he and his community were ejected from their cloister, and all the property of the monastery and church, the Catholic endowments of past ages, the sacred trust for the widow and orphan — for the decency and splendour of public worship, were grasped by sacrilegious hands, and were squandered on the brutal passions of an impious king, or went to subsidize the agents of the Reformation. King James I. granted* the site and all the landed property of
* Pat. 4 James 1. For the amount of property vested in this abbey, and the confication of the same, see the Appendix.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilbeggan in Westmeath, you are near the site of a monastery whose end came in 1539. On the 30th of November, in the 31st year of King Henry the Eighth, the last abbot, Maurice O'Shanghane, and his community were ejected from their cloister. All the property of the monastery and church was seized. The source calls these "the Catholic endowments of past ages, the sacred trust for the widow and orphan," grasped by sacrilegious hands and squandered on the king or used to subsidize the agents of the Reformation. Later, King James the First granted the site and its landed property away.

Flanagan, Lord of Meath, Slain by Danes near Navan

Navan · town · Meath · 891

Flanagan, lord of Meath and a celebrated poet, was slain by the Danes near Navan in the year 891. He had composed a poem of twenty-four verses on Aodh Finnliath, Monarch of Ireland.

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Flanagan, lord of Meath, was slain in the year 891 by the Danes, near Navan. He was a celebrated poet, and composed, amongst others, a poem of twenty -four verses on Aodh (Hugh) Finnliath, Monarch of Ireland.
Coenachair, chief lecturer in the schools of Slane, was burned to death, as we have seen, in the belfry of Slane

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 123

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Navan, this is where Flanagan, lord of Meath and a celebrated poet, met his end. In 891 the Danes slew him near this town. Among his works was a poem of 24 verses on Aodh Finnliath, Monarch of Ireland.

Kilbixy plundered and burned by O'Neill and Mageoghegan

Kilbixy · townland · Westmeath · 1430–1450

In 1430 the Anglo-Norman town of Kilbixy was plundered and burned by O'Neill and the northern Irish. In 1450 Mageoghegan, then at war with the English, again burned Kilbixy and other Anglo-Norman towns before making peace.

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In 1192 a castle was erected here by De Lacy, which was subsequently occupied by Geoflry de Constantine, who founded on his estate the Priory of Canons Regular of Tristernagh. A town of considerable importance arose here in ancient times, of which Sir Henry Piers tells us there "were twelve burgesses in their scarlet gowns, a mayor or sovereign, with other officers suitable to so great a port." He tells us that in his time (in A.D. 1682), there was a large piece of an old square castle called the Burgagecastle, and forty acres of ground adjoining, called also the Burgage land, which were the town-house and the land belonging to the corporation. On the bank of Lough-Iron, adjoining, there is a place called " the Haven of the Market," which was the landing-place of the eastern frequenters of the market of Kilbixy. In 1430 the town of Kilbixy, as being an Anglo-Norman citadel, was plundered and burned by O'Neill and the northern Irish. In 1450 Mageoghegan, then at warwilh the English, burned Kilbixy and other Anglo-Norman towns, and the Four Masters add:—
* Four Masters, by TV. O' Donovan. The editor remarks that when he visited Kilbixy in 1837, he found, "1. The Leper-house, a mere rnin; 2. The site of the castle, but no remains whatever of its walls ; 3. A moat, surrounded by one circular fosse ; 4. Site of the gallows. A holy well near the church called the well of St. Bigseach." I may add, to Dr. O'Donovan's observations, that when I visited Kilbixy on the -tth of August, 1863, I found one of the old fonts of the church stuck in the wall of a donkey-stable, at one of the private entrances to the churchyard.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 112

King's forces defeat rebels at Wilkenstown, Kilbeggan, Bunbrosna, and Wilson's Hospital

Kilbeggan · town · Westmeath · 1798

The rebellion of 1798 broke out in different parts of the diocese of Meath, and in four locations the King's forces engaged and defeated the insurgents: at Tara Hill, Wilkenstown, Kilbeggan, Bunbrosna, and Wilson's Hospital.

Read the passage

,, I returned home this evening, after having finished the most laborious visitation I made since the commencement of my administration. I was more or less exposed during my excursion through the diocese. The rebellion broke out last summer in different parts of the kingdom. In four different parts of the diocese of Meath, the King's forces engaged and defeated them at Tara Hill, at Wilkenstown, at Kilbeggan, at Bunbrosna, and Wilson's Hospital.
THE BISHOPS OF MEATH — DK. PLUNKET. 301

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Kilbeggan in Westmeath. In 1798 this was one of the places where the rebellion reached the diocese of Meath. The bishop of the time wrote that he had just finished the most laborious visitation of his administration, travelling through a diocese where the rebellion had broken out the previous summer. The King's forces engaged and defeated the insurgents here, and also at Tara Hill, Wilkenstown, Bunbrosna, and Wilson's Hospital.

Loftus and Grear's 1607 attack on Multyfarnham

Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1607

Sir Dudley Loftus and Sir Richard Grear attacked Multifarnam in 1607 and carried off five of the fathers to Dublin, where they were confined in prison for eighteen months.

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crepit and unable to stand, was ruthlessly torn from his cloister and flung, as they thought, dead, into a ditch of thorns. Father Mooney, who wrote in 1617, tells us that some of their most cruel persecutors were Sir Dudley Loftus, son of the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin ; Sir "Richard Grear, Patrick Fox, high sheriff of Westmeath, and Sir Oliver Lambert. Loftus and Grear attacked Multifarnam in 1607, and carried off five of the fathers to Dublin, where they were confined in prison for eighteen months. Fox stole on the friars in 1613, and, amongst others, arrested Father Bernard Gray, who, after a few years' imprisonment was allowed to seek refuge in France, where he died of disease contracted in the fetid dungeons of Dublin Castle. Lambert surrounded Multifarnam with soldiers in 1614, seized all the friars he met, and lodged them in the gaol of Mullingar.
Dr. Kichard Brady, mentioned above, belonged to a princely house in Brefney, studied with great success, and took the habit of St. Francis in the Monastery of Cavan. He was an eminent jurist, and was universally respected for his abilities, learning, and piety. On the 23rd of January, 1576, he was promoted by the Holy See to the bishopric of Ardagh, and was, subsequently, translated to Kilmore. After the visitation of his diocese, he resided for the most part in Multifarnam ; wore the habit of the order, and led a very austere life. He was three times arrested by the English authorities, was twice ransomed from prison, and on the third occasion of his arrest, the habit was torn from his person, and he was flung into a thicket. Towards the close of his days he resigned the see of Kilmore, departed this life in Multifarnam, in September, 1607, and was buried in the choir of the church.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 114

Rumann the Poet Buried at Rahin

Rahin · townland · Kildare · 742

Rumann, called the Virgil of Ireland, spent his declining years in the ecclesiastical city of Rahin, endowed schools nearby, and was buried in the cemetery there. The Four Masters record his death in 742.

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Rumann, a celebrated poet, was the son of the prince or chieftain of Laoghaire, a territory which corresponded with the present baronies of Upper and Lower Navan, County Meath. He is called, in the Book of Ballymote, the Virgil of Ireland, and many excellent poetic compositions are attributed to him. He spent his declining years in the ecclesiastical city of Rahin, liberally endowed the schools of Cell-Belaigh, in Constantine's Plain, near Rahin, and was buried in the cemetery of Rahin. The Four Masters enter his death in A.D. 742, and pay his memory the following tribute : — " Rumann, son of Colman, an adept in wisdom, chronology, and poetry, died." (See Petrie's Round Towers, pp. 348, 349, 350.)
St. Cieran of Castlekieran, near Kells, wrote a Life of St. Patrick. The Four Masters enter his death under A.D. 770 — " Ciaran the Pious, of Bealach-duinn, died on the 14th of June." They make by mistake another entry under A.D. 778 — " Ciaran of Bealach-duin, who wrote the Life of Patrick, died." In O'Clery's Irish Calendar his festival is marked at the 14th of June ; and I may add that the 14th of June is still the patron day of the parish of Castlekieran, union of Carnaross, County Meath.

Internet Archive dioceseofmeathan03cogaiala, Chapter 123

The Diocese of Meath: Ancient and Modern (vol. 3)

The stories, best first

Assassination of Hugh de Lacy at Durrow castle

O'Carolan's Burial and Desecrated Skull at Kilronan

The great Tara meeting of 15 August 1843

Divine vengeance on DeLacy's soldiers for profaning Fore's mill

Dr. Oliver Plunket Born at Loughcrew

Shane burns Multifarnam Friary, 1601

The Croppies' Grave at Tara

O'Donovan's note linking Lacy's fate to the assassination of the Earl of Norbury

Black Baron Nugent destroys Fore Abbey; hanging site at Ross

Rochfort burns the rebuilt monastery

Surrender of Fore Abbey to Henry VIII's commissioners, 1539

Birth of martyr Oliver Plunket at Loughcrew

Dunboyne burnt in reprisal for rebellion

Sacrilegious destruction of Tristernagh Abbey and graveyard in 1783

Chapel of Kells shut against the bishop during his annual visitation

Father James Hayn's wounds and imprisonment

Massacre of soldiers after nunnery burning at Bethlem

St. Carthage expelled from Rahin and journeys to Lismore

Battle of Tara Hill during the 1798 Rebellion

Chapel doors shut against priest leads to deaths

Delamar's attainder for burning Taghmon in 1468

Dr. Plunket born at Kells despite Penal Law restrictions

Failed 1138 raid on Inis-Mochta by land and water

Foundation Stone of Maynooth Seminary Laid

Near-Disaster: Gallery Collapses During Confirmation at Kilkenny, West

Patrick Fox arrests Father Bernard Gray, 1613

Schismatic seizure of Kells chapel by Smith's partisans

Slaying of two O'Molloy sons at the gate of Kilcormick monastery

St Fechin's Mill miraculously hewn from rock

The Cross of the Departure at Lismore

The Lia Fail associated with the Croppies' grave

Turlough O'Carolan Born near Nobber

Professor Conecar burned in the belfry of Slane by the Danes

Durrow monastery founded by St. Columba

Friars imprisoned in Castle of Ballymore Loughsewdy

Miraculous baculus of St Maeltuile at Dysart

Murder of Muirchertach O'Molloy by fire in Rahin's church

Public Submission of Rev. Mr. Smith at Girley Chapel

Riot at Kells: priest's brother attempts to seize Rev. McKenna by force

St. Loman's healing chain and airborne journey to Ath-Truim

The Blackwater's waves roll back for St. Carthage

Violent Faction Fight at Rathwire

Death by poisoned drink of Maelseachlainn O'Melaghlin at Durrow

Donogh Mor O'Daly Interred at Boyle Abbey

Miraculous lintel of St Fechin's Church doorway at Fore

Nanny Dillon's Candid Advice to Bishop Cantwell at Girley

Origin of the Veto Question at Dublin Meeting, 1799

Rev. Patrick Smith's defiant occupation of Kells parish

The ancient ruins and richly ornamented round window of Rahin

Aileran the Wise dies of plague at Clonard

Balliver Parishioners Condemned for Bloody Quarrel

Burning of Durrow's termon by Felim, King of Cashel

Conor son of Flanagan burnt in the church at Clonfad

Dispute over the archdeaconry and parish of Kells

Dissolution and ejection of Kilbeggan monastery under Henry VIII

Flanagan, Lord of Meath, Slain by Danes near Navan

Kilbixy plundered and burned by O'Neill and Mageoghegan

King's forces defeat rebels at Wilkenstown, Kilbeggan, Bunbrosna, and Wilson's Hospital

Loftus and Grear's 1607 attack on Multyfarnham

Rumann the Poet Buried at Rahin