The early history of the town of Birr, or Parsonstown : with the particulars of remarkable events there in more recent times, also the towns of Nenagh, Roscrea, Banagher, Tullamore, Philipstown, Frankford, Shinrone, Kinnetty and Ballyboy and the ancient septs, princes, and celebrated places of the surrounding country

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

1. Meteorite kills two boys at Cloneen

   Cloneen · townland · Offaly · 1828

   In autumn 1828, a fragment of a meteoric stone fell at Cloneen near Dowris, killing two boys named John and Patrick Horan who were making a stack of oats. Their bodies were burned black and their clothes and the stack were totally consumed; a portion of the stone is now in the museum of the Royal Dublin Society.

   Read the passage

   surgical instrument combining a probe with a tenaculum. Portions of brass and iron helmets, parts of gun and pistol barrels, large iron cannon shot, one weighing 20 lb., portions of match and flint gun locks, leaden pellets, curious horse trappings both iron and brass, with bolts for quarrels or cross bows, and polishing stones, were amongst the numerous military articles then found. There were then also found at Le Porte a silver sixpenny bit and some copper coin of Queen Elizabeth, a French coin of Louis XIII., and several base coin of James II. ; with numerous iron keys, knives, scissors, spoons, and smoking pipes, and a quantity of broken delph and glass bottles, all of old pattern and fashion. There were then likewise discovered portions of the horns of the ancient Irish red deer. These mentioned are only a few of the curious articles then discovered at Le Porte, the variety and number of which show that there must have been a considerable garrison kept there from very early times; and also that the immediate vicinity was the scene of many a sanguinary contest, from the time when bronze served the place of steel, down to the flight of James II. from Ireland. In the autumn of 1828, a very remarkable event occurred at Cloneen, i.e., the little meadow, near Dowris. A fragment of a meteoric stone containing iron, mkel, and copper, in a metallic state, then fell at this place and killed two boys named John and Patrick Horan, who were making a stack of oats. One of them was on the stack, and the other pitching up

   244 THE PLAIN OF MOYLENA.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 106

2. Siege and burning of Cloghan Castle in 1595

   Cloghan Castle · castle · Galway · 1595

   Lord Deputy Sir William Russell besieged Cloghan Castle, O'Madden's stronghold in Lusmagh, in March 1595. The defenders refused to surrender, the thatched roof was set alight, and soldiers stormed the breach; forty-six men were burned or killed, most being cast over the walls.

   Read the passage

   the Castle, one in Sir "Win. Clarke's companie beinge nere the Castle, by making tryall cast vpp a fire brand to the topp of the roufe which was covered with thatch and presentlie tooke fire, and burned the roufe which greatlie dismaide them, wherevpon the alarum was stroocke vpp, and whilst our shott plaid at their spike holes, a fire was made to the grate and doore which smothered many of them, and with all the souldiers made a breach in the wall and entered the Castle, and took manie of them alive, most of which were cast over the walles and soe executed. And soe the whole number which were burnd and kild in the Castle were fortie sixe persons, besides two women and a boye which were saved by my Lords appointment."

   Appended to this account of the capture of "Cloghan O'Madden," is a list containing "the names of such cheife men as were kilde in the Castle of Cloghan O'Madden at ye winninge thereof." Most of those named in this list appear to have been of the O'Madden family, but there is also in it, "Melaghlin Duffe M'Coleghan of Ballymacoleghan, gent. ; Captain of shott, and his two sonness." This appears to be the person whose property was disposed of in 1637, just 43 years afterwards, pursuant to an inquisition (p. 347), which found that he had been " slain in rebellion." Here is a fair example of the manner in which property changed owners in Ireland heretofore.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 146

3. Battle of Carrickhill: Irish Defeat the Danes at Roscrea Fair

   Carrickhill · townland · Dublin · 942

   In 942, Irish forces gathered at a fair in Roscrea on the festival of SS. Peter and Paul defeated an invading Danish force from Waterford, Limerick and Galway near Carrickhill, killing their chief Olfin along with 4,000 of his men. This gave the Hill of Carrick its name and connection to the Earl of Carrick title.

   Read the passage

   over which, between Dromakeenan and Roscrea, the road from Birr passes, is indeed well calculated to inspire solemn thoughts of long past times. The aged round tower, and the Saxon gable end of St. Cronan's Abbey to the left, with the venerable steeple of the Franciscan Monastery to the right, present on both extremities of the view, objects most interesting ; while the middle space is diversified by the ruins of the round castle of King John's time, and those of the larger, but less ancient, one of the days of Henry VIII. In the distance, reviving the spirit of Irish chivalry, appears Carrickhill, or the " Hill of the Rock," from which the Earl of Carrick takes his title. In very early times there were fairs held in Roscrea, attended by merchants and others from distant parts of Ireland, and even by many foreigners, and some of these fairs continued for fourteen days. It is a well authenticated fact, that the Irish assembled at one of these fairs, on the festival of SS. Peter and Paul, in the year 942, beat the Danes, who had gathered their forces from Waterford, Limerick, and Gal way, with intent to surprise and plunder the natives. The Limerick Danes were commanded by Tomar, and it is said the Danes from Galway passed in boats over the Shannbn where Portumna bridge now stands, and that they all then united their forces in Ormond, under the command of Olfin. The people of the country, however, gave the alarm by lighting fires on the hills, and the men of Roscrea being prepared, they, with the people who resorted to the fair from the different parts

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 57

4. Dervorgilla finishes the Church of the Nuns

   Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1167

   In 1167 the church of the nuns at Clonmacnoise was finished by Dearvorgail, daughter of Morrogh O'Melaghlin and wife of O'Rourke, Prince of Brefney, whose elopement with Dermot Mac Murrough is credited with prompting the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland.

   Read the passage

   very early at Clonmacnoise, and we learn from the Four Masters and the Annals of Clonmacnoise, that in the year 1026 or 1027, " the pavement from the place in Clonmicnoise called the Abbess her gardaine, to the heap of stones of the three crosses, was made by Breassal Conalleaghe." We are also informed by the same authority that in 1167, " the church of the nuns at Cluain-mic-noise, was finished by Dearvorgail, daughter of Morrogh O'Melaghlin." According to other writers, however, the church of this nunnery, " with the houses in the church yard," having been consumed by an accidental fire, the church was rebuilt in 1070, by Dearvorgail. We likewise learn on good authority, that in 1195, Pope Celestine III., confirmed the church of St. Mary here, and its possessions, to the nunnery of Clonard.

   Most of our readers will recognise in Dearvorgail, also called Dervorgilla, and Dearbhorgil, by whom this church was thus finished in 1167, the wife of O'Rourke, Prince of Brefney, to whose elopement with Dermot Mac Murrough is attributed the Anglo- Norman invasion of Ireland. We are told by O'Halloran, that "The king of Leinster had long conceived a violent affection for Dearbhorgil, daughter to the king of Meath, and though she had been for some time married to O'Kuark, Prince of Breffni, yet it could not restrain his passion. They carried on a private correspondence, and she informed him that O'Ruark intended soon to go on a pilgrimage, (an act of piety frequent in these days), and conjured him to

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 155

5. Dublin Castle orders military response at Shinrone

   Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1828

   A despatch from Dublin Castle, authorised by the Duke of Wellington, ordered Lord Oxmantown to take military and police forces to Shinrone to forcibly resist the Green Boys' procession scheduled for 28 September 1828. This threatened to precipitate a sanguinary collision between authorities and the peasantry.

   Read the passage

   large official despatch came from Dublin Castle to Lord Oxmantown, the late Earl of Eosse. The Duke of Wellington was at that time First Lord of the Treasury, and the Marquis of Anglesea was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The despatch in question contained one of those decided acts which formed so strong a trait in the character of His Grace of Wellington. It was shortly, and in substance, an order to Lord Oxmantown to take with him to Shinrone a competent force of military and police, on the 28th of September, the Sunday appointed for the procession of the Green Boys there, and to resist by force, and without any parley, this procession of countless thousands to be congregated from all the adjoining counties, and some of whom must have actually left their distant homes for Shinrone at the time the Castle letter reached Lord Oxmantown' s hands.

   In this state of circumstances, an extensive and sanguinary collision between the authorities and the populace seemed to be almost inevitable. Had such collision occurred, it is not possible to say what might have been the sad results. The constituted forces possibly would have been met and opposed by undisciplined numbers, and however unequal the conflict, and finally unavailing, countless human lives would certainly have been sacrificed. The country would have become the theatre of civil strife, and the survivors of the defeated peasantry would, for succeeding years, have roamed outlaws over the island like the raparees of William's time, or the more recent deluded enthusiasts

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 84

6. Earl of Kildare's grim retort after being wounded at Birr

   Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1532

   According to Ware's Annals, after the Earl of Kildare was wounded attacking Birr castle, a soldier remarked he himself had survived three bullet wounds, to which the Earl sharply replied he wished the soldier had taken the fourth wound instead of him.

   Read the passage

   It is related in Ware's Annals, that on the Earl being thus wounded in his attack on Birr castle, a common soldier standing near him said, " My Lord, why do you sigh so ? I myself was thrice shot with bullets, and yet am whole;" to which the Earl sharply replied, " I wish you had received the fourth in my stead." ft is said this wound gave the Earl's health a shock from which he never recovered. This Earl of Kildare had one of his daughters married to Ferganainm 0' Carroll, and the other to Bryan O'Conor of Offaley, which connexions were the ground of some of the charges afterwards brought against the Earl, when confined in the Tower of London, by Henry VIII.; for, by the Statute of Kilkenny, it was deemed treason for persons of English descent to intermarry with the Irish. The Castle of Killurin, above-mentioned, is in the parish

   Geashill, King's County ; Caislean-na-Hegailse is the Castle of Eglish ; and Ballindoony is the present Ballindown, both these last-named places being in the ^ neighbourhood of Birr.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 18

7. Hanging of a poor man for hidden mutton at Shinrone

   Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1689

   Colonel Oxburgh caused a gallows to be erected at Shinrone, where he hanged a poor man simply because some mutton was found hidden in his garden.

   Read the passage

   on May-day 1689, and was, therefore, ever after called Colonel Oxburgh's May-pole. At .jjHiinrone, he also caused another gallows to be erected, on which he hanged a poor man, because some mutton was found hidden in his garden.

   After Sir Laurence and the other convicts were brought from the Assizes, they were confined in Birr Castle, but the noise and insults of Oxburgh's soldiers there was so unsupportable, that they were obliged to have themselves removed to the common gaol of Birr.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 37

8. Military threat to disperse anti-Union meeting at Birr sessions house

   Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1800

   In 1800, Major Rogers threatened to disperse by force a meeting of magistrates and freeholders assembled at the old market-house of Birr to petition against the Union, marching troops with cannon toward the building.

   Read the passage

   which Mr. Darby, High Sheriff of the County, went and ordered them to disperse, intimating at the same time, that if they did not do so, he would compel them. As the meeting was thereupon about to disperse, a gentleman named Wilson, came and informed them that the army was approaching. The assembly, however, voted the resolutions, but did not wait to sign them ; and as they left the sessions house, they saw a column of troops marching towards it, with four pieces of cannon in front, and matches lighting, and showing every disposition for an attack upon the sessions house, which was such an old building, that if it had been struck by a cannon shot it must have fallen, and buried those assembled in the ruins. Major Eogers on being spoken to on the subject of his approaching in that hostile manner, answered that he waited but a word from the Sheriff, and he would blow them all to atoms ! In a few days afterwards, Sir Laurence Parsons complained to the Irish House of Commons, of this transaction, which he designated as the greatest enormity, a high infringement upon the privileges of Parliament, and a violation of the liberties of the subject. He then proposed two resolutions to the House, to the following effect : " First, that to prevent by military force the freeholders of any County from meeting to petition Parliament, is a gross violation of the privileges of this House, and a subversion of the constitution. Secondly, that Verny Darby, Esq., and Major Eogers do attend at the bar of this House, on Wednesday next." Mr. Bowes

   100 HISTORY OP BIRR.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

9. Monaincha, the Island of the Living

   Monaincha · townland · Tipperary

   Monaincha monastery, situated on dry ground amid a great bog three miles south-east of Roscrea, was originally a Culdee abbey under St. Columba's invocation. A superstition held that no person could die on the island due to the merits of the patron saint, giving it the name Insula Viventium, the Island of the Living.

   Read the passage

   The original monastery of the Culdees, referred to by Archdall, was erected here in the seventh century, but Ware states that Monaincha afterwards became a priory of Regular Canons, and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. Hillary. Cambrensis, who came to Ireland in 1185, as secretary to King John, then Earl of Morton, refers to this monastery, and states that the island upon which it stands " borders upon North Minister and the confines of Leinster, and that there a few Culdees or Colidei did devoutly serve God." Even at this time there appears to have been a superstitious notion that no person could die in this island be his malady ever so bad, as the merits of the Patron Saint, and his religions, had secured this privilege to an island so favoured. Hence this place

   K

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 65

10. Siege of Birr Castle Causes Starvation, 1642

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1642

    Birr castle was closely besieged by the Irish in April 1642 and reduced to great distress, with many dying and others feeding on cats and dogs; people paid twenty shillings for a sucking colt. Nine hundred persons were then in the castle and town.

    Read the passage

    We find this castle closely besieged by the Irish in April 1642. It was reduced to such great distress during the siege that many died, while others maintained nature by feeding on cats and dogs, several respectable persons giving twenty shillings for a sucking colt, and two shillings for the blood and entrails of a horse. There were then nine hundred persons in the castle and town. On the 8th of May, the Earl of Ormond, who was then at Maryborough, despatched Sir Thomas Lucas, Commissary General of the horse, Sir Charles Coote, Sir Eichard Grenville, and Captain Yarner, with six troops of horse and dragoons, to its relief, as well as to the relief of the castles of ^uxcoj and Knocknamase (now Golden Grove, near Eoscrea), which were also reduced to great distress for want of ammunition. " This

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 31

11. The battle of Moylena, 192 AD

    Moylena · street · Offaly · 192

    On the plain of Moylena, in ancient Fearcall now in the Barony of Eglish, a battle was fought in the year 192 in which the monarch Con of the Hundred Battles overcame Eogan More, King of Munster, and his Spanish auxiliaries, with many thousands slain on both sides.

    Read the passage

    The celebrated heath or plain of Moylena, according to OTlaherty and other writers, was in the portion of ancient Fearcall now comprised in the Barony of Eglish. On this plain was fought in the year 192, the battle of Moylena — called Cath Muighelena by the Irish bards and historians — where the monarch,

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 106

12. Yeoman Morressy court-martialled in Birr and shot at the Harrow

    The Harrow · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

    Morressy, a Roman Catholic cavalry sergeant of the Dunkerrin Yeomen, was tried by court-martial in the old market-house of Birr for supplying rebels with arms, found guilty, and shot at the Harrow near Rathmore by twelve of his own corps.

    Read the passage

    At this time also one Morressy, a Roman Catholic cavalry sergeant, of the Dunkerrin Yeomen, was tried by court-martial of yeomen in this old market-house of Birr, on a charge of supplying the rebels with arms and ammunition. Morressy having been found guilty, was shot, pursuant to sentence, at the Harrow, near Eathmore, by twelve of his own corps, who at first refused to shoot him. There were three regiments of regular troops present, with all the yeomanry of the country. The prisoner was accompanied by a priest in a carriage from the old gaol of Birr, and sat with the clergyman on a bank at the place of execution, engaged in prayer for about an hour and a half.

    Mr. Thomas Doolan, of Boveen, near Birr, was murdered in his own house, about this period, and two or three persons were hanged for it. It appeared Doolan' s servant boy betrayed him, and made a signal to the party outside, by changing a light, and he also left the door open for them to walk in. Persons named Loughnane, Broder, and Carroll were implicated in this very cruel murder, and it was said that one of the party actually lifted Doolan' s child from his knee, in order to murder the father. The accused parties were tried at Philipstown Assizes, and two or

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through the Harrow, near Rathmore, this is where a man was shot in 1798. Morressy was a Roman Catholic cavalry sergeant of the Dunkerrin Yeomen. He was tried by court-martial of yeomen in the old market-house of Birr, charged with supplying the rebels with arms and ammunition. Having been found guilty, he was shot at the Harrow, near Rathmore, by twelve of his own corps, who at first refused to shoot him. Three regiments of regular troops were present, with all the yeomanry of the country. The prisoner was accompanied by a priest in a carriage from the old gaol of Birr. He sat with the clergyman on a bank at the place of execution, engaged in prayer for about an hour and a half. About this period, Mr. Thomas Doolan of Boveen, near Birr, was murdered in his own house. His servant boy betrayed him, making a signal to the party outside by changing a light, and leaving the door open for them. Persons named Loughnane, Broder, and Carroll were implicated. It was said one of the party actually lifted Doolan's child from his knee, in order to murder the father. The accused were tried at Philipstown Assizes, and two or three persons were hanged for it.

13. Kennedy and Cooke halt 2,500 Green Boys at crossroads near Shinrone

    Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1828

    Dr. Kennedy and Cooke intercepted a division of about 2,500 Green Boys at a crossroads a quarter mile from Shinrone, addressing the crowd from atop their chaise which they had drawn across the road. The marchers, mistaking the national ensign flying from Shinrone Castle for the hated Orange flag, were eventually persuaded to retire.

    Read the passage

    While affairs were in the state just described, in the beleagured fortress, Dr. Kennedy and his associate, leaving the scene of their success at Grawnorish, posted at a rapid rate towards Shinrone, for the purpose of intercepting a party of about 2,500 Green Boys which they learned had already advanced through bye-roads thither. This division of Green Boys they fortunately fell in with and headed, at a cross road within a quarter of a mile from Shinrone. The chaise in which Dr. Kennedy and his companion travelled, they caused to be at once drawn across the

    SHINRONE AND THE GREEN BOYS. 205

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

14. Treacherous killing of blind O'Carroll at Clonlisk Castle, 1541

    Clonlisk · townland · Offaly · 1541

    In 1541 O'Carroll, Ferganainm, son of Mulroona, though blind, was treacherously killed by his kinsman Teige along with the son of O'Molloy in the castle of Clonlisk; despite his blindness he performed feats of arms and twelve of his people were slain with him.

    Read the passage

    Ferganainm, the son of Mulroona, was treacherously killed, although blind, by Teige, the son of Donagh, son of John 0' Carroll, his kinsman, and by the son of O'Molloy, i.e., John, son of Donagh Caoch, in the castle of Clonlis." The same writers add that although 0' Carroll was an old man, he performed such feats of arms, and gave such assistance against his slayers, as resounded to his fame and renown, and that twelve of his people were slain along with him. The Ferganainm 0' Carroll thus slain in 1541, at Clonlisk Castle, was married to a daughter of the Earl of Kildare, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, and is frequently referred to in the early part of this work.

    It appears from records of the proceedings, that in consequence of information received relative to John 0' Carroll, then of Clonlisk, the Lords Justices and Council directed their warrant, dated 30th November 1639, to Sir "William Parsons of Birr, and Captain "William Paisley, Provost-Marshall of Munster, requiring them to arrest 0' Carroll, and search his house, &c. They proceeded to Clonlisk, but 0' Carroll was not to be found there, being, as they were informed, in Dublin. It seems, however, from the examinations taken, that they then discovered muskets and ten dozen of pikes at Clonlisk, and they also learned that 0' Carroll had employed a smith at Ty one in Ormond, to make pikes. It likewise appeared there was a room in the house at Clonlisk called, " the Chamber Arrigett," which means, the coin or money chamber. This chamber was said to have been used

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 96

15. Colonel Lloyd forces removal of insulting Orange flag at Shinrone

    Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1828

    An Orange flag bearing insulting party inscriptions was raised in Shinrone, but Lord Oxmantown, advised by his uncle Colonel Lloyd who had long kept the local Orangemen in check, insisted it be struck or he would withdraw the troops and abandon the town to its fate.

    Read the passage

    An Orange flag bearing insulting party inscriptions was hoisted in the town, but Lord Oxmantown, under the cool and excellent advice of his worthy uncle, the late Colonel Lloyd, who always kept the Shinrone Orangemen down, insisted on its being struck, declaring that if it was not immediately lowered he would withdraw the troops, and leave the inhabitants to whatever fate awaited them. The second regiment of military was formed at a convenient distance, on an eminence overlooking Sharavogue Bridge, with a view to cover, if necessary, the retreat towards Birr of the troops more immediately occupying the threatened town, or to advance to their support, as occasion might require.

    While affairs were in the state just described, in the beleagured fortress, Dr. Kennedy and his associate, leaving the scene of their success at Grawnorish, posted at a rapid rate towards Shinrone, for the purpose of intercepting a party of about 2,500 Green Boys which they learned had already advanced through bye-roads thither. This division of Green Boys they fortunately fell in with and headed, at a cross road within a quarter of a mile from Shinrone. The chaise in which Dr. Kennedy and his companion travelled, they caused to be at once drawn across the

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 88

16. Deadly conflict between German Legion and Irish Militia at Tullamore, 1808

    Tullamore · town · Offaly · 1808

    In 1808 a serious conflict broke out in Tullamore between German Legion cavalry and infantry under General Baron Bock and a light brigade of Irish Militia marching through the town; many were killed and wounded on both sides after a switch was taken from a child.

    Read the passage

    much difference as to the origin of this conflict, but the more correct opinion seems to be that it originated in the trifling circumstance of a soldier of one nation having taken a switch from a child belonging to the other. However that may be, all the troops in the town soon became engaged, and bugles and trumpets sounded in despite of the officers. The German cavalry charged, but their Irish opponents received them with a steady fire, partly from houses, and from under cover of gateways and lanes. A regiment of German infantry having marched round, sought to take the militia in the rere, but just as they were proceeding in full force down the hill, about the place where the late respected Francis Berry, J.P., resided, a single company of the Irish charged them with the bayonet, and the entire German regiment fled in disorder. Many were killed and wounded on both sides. The appearance of the venerable grey-headed General Bock, on horseback, hat in hand, between the fire of both parties, endeavouring to restore order, was noble and imposing in the extreme. In the little graveyard of Kilcrutten, opposite and not far from the chief entrance to Tullamorc Court House, there is a handsome pillar monument erected to the memory of Frederick Wm. Baron Oldenhausen, a captain in the German dragoons, who was killed in this affair. A man named Egan, an inhabitant of Tullamore, was quietly looking on without giving offence to either party, but having endeavoured to remove the dead body of an Irish soldier from being trampled on by the German horses, ho was brutally

    264 HY RIAGAIN AND THE O'DUNNS.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 113

17. Fatal meteoric fireball strikes the Rapemills

    Rape Mills · population centre · Offaly · 1830–1835

    About forty years before writing, a fire-ball or meteoric stone descended upon the mill at the Rapemills, between Birr and Banagher, breaking through the roof, blowing out windows, throwing down lofts, and killing Mr. Woods, the proprietor.

    Read the passage

    Not far beyond " the Eidge" is the place called the "Eapemills," half way between Birr and Banagher, and where, about forty years ago, a remarkable and fatal event took place. At that time a fire-ball or meteoric stone, somewhat similar to the one which fell at Cloneen in 1827, (p. 243), descended upon the mill from which this place derives its modern name, and having broken through the roof, blew out the windows, threw down the lofts, and killed Mr. Woods the proprietor, who happened to be there at the time. The neighbourhood of the " Eapemills " was also remarkable for the appearance there, in the year 1830, of white magpies — birds very uncommon in Ireland. It seems that even the common magpie was not known in Ireland a century ago. It was called pianet, and in Irish maggidipye. Even at the present day magpies are numerous in this neighbourhood. A small river sinks into the earth here in a very remarkable way, rising again at a considerable distance.

    314 BALLAGHAXOHER AND GARRYCASTLE.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 132

18. Lord Castlehaven Saves Birr Refugees After Capitulation

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1643

    After Birr's surrender, Lord Castlehaven found many people of quality in a great room in the castle, begging on their knees for protection from Irish neighbours due to continual bloodshed. He organised a convoy of 500 troops to safely escort about 800 people through the woods of Irregan to Athy.

    Read the passage

    great room, where I found many people of quality, both men and women. They no sooner saw me, but, with tears in their eyes, they upon their knees, desired me to save their lives. I was astonished at their posture and petition, and having made them rise, asked what the matter was ? They answered, that from the first day of the war there had been continual actions and bloodshed between them and their Irish neighbours, and little quarter on either side ; and, therefore (understanding I was an Englishman), begged that I would take them into my protection. I knew there was too much reason for their fears, considering they were to march two or three days through the woods of Irregan and waste countries before they came to Athy, their next friendly garrison. I went, therefore, to the General immediately, and got to be commander of their convoy, and to make sure, I called out three hundred foot and two hundred horse, in whom I had much confidence,- and carried off the people, who were, at least, eight hundred, men, women, and children, and, though sometimes attacked, I delivered them, with their luggage, safe to their friends." Preston, after the surrender of Birr, advanced upon and took Banagher, and it seems from Castlehaveri1 s Memoirs that he continued in possession of the castle of Birr, with all the other forts in the King's County, in July 1643. It must also have been in his power in 1645, as mention is made of his having been in Birr at that time ; but it was ultimately reduced by the army of Oliver Cromwell.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 33

19. Panic and stampede in Shinrone Chapel during Mass

    Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1828

    During Mass in Shinrone Chapel on the fateful Sunday, a false cry arose that Orangemen were coming to slaughter the congregation, causing panic; many were trampled and others fled through the windows amid the confusion.

    Read the passage

    anything worthy of remark, save an indescribable scene of confusion which took place in Shinrone Chapel while the people were at Mass. By some accident, a cry was raised in the chapel that the Orangemen were coming to slaughter those assembled there at prayers. Immediately each person sought to escape from the chapel as he best could. Many were trampled under foot, and a great number forced their way out through the windows, bearing sashes, glass, and all before them. It was some time before tranquillity was restored.

    The late Laurence, Earl of Rosse, was often heard to state afterwards, that he had been informed by no less an authority than the Duke of Wellington himself, that the successful result of the mission, of which only a faint outline is here given, was with his Grace an eminently accelerating cause for conceding the Act for Catholic Emancipation, which followed soon after. Few persons now, after such a lapse of time, can justly appreciate the extent of danger and difficulty, Dr. Kennedy and Mr. Cooke encountered on that trying occasion. Fewer still, save those who are intimately acquainted with the circumstances, can value at a just rate the blessings then conferred upon society by the quiet dispersion of the hundred thousands who were moving from all quarters towards Shinrone. How many a family was indebted to the turn given to the events of that day, for the life of a father, a brother, a sister, or other dear relative ! Much, truly, does this country owe to Providence on this occasion for having

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 90

20. Roscrea townspeople pledge to intercept marchers, halt 1,000 mounted Green Boys

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1828

    Following the persuasive address by Dr. Kennedy and Cooke, the people of Roscrea pledged to intercept and send home anyone travelling to Shinrone. On the morning of 28 September 1828 they successfully halted a party of over 1,000 mounted Green Boys who had ridden overnight from Galmoy.

    Read the passage

    subject in the course of his powerful address, in order to complete that perfect good humour which is so requisite for an orator to hold his hearers in. By exciting in them a spirit of self-esteem, the Eoscrea people were rendered superior to the fear of censure, and finally pledged themselves, as those in Birr had previously done, to intercept and send home all that might be going to Shinrone by that way. This pledge they implicitly kept, and on the following morning, the dreaded Sunday the 28th of September, they arrested, amongst many others, the march of a 1 party of upwards of 1,000 Green Boys mounted on horses, who had travelled all night from Galmoy, in the County Kilkenny.

    Dr. Kennedy and the companion of his undertaking

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 87

21. Birr Castle besieged by Colonel Grace and Captain Oxburgh

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1690–1691

    During the Williamite war, Birr Castle was besieged by Colonel Grace and Captain Oxburgh, and terms of capitulation were agreed upon. Sir Laurence Parsons, Jonathan Darby and others were subsequently arrested.

    Read the passage

    neighbourhood. Birr Castle besieged by Colonel Grace and Captain Oxburgh. Terms of capitulation agreed upon. Sir Laurence Parsons, Mr. Jonathan Darby, and others, arrested. Convicted of high treason, and sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. The Protestant clergyman quits Birr, and the glebe and tythes are set to the Eomau Catholic priest. "Reconcilement" of Birr Church. Sarsfield in Birr. Colonel Oxburgh, Provost Marshall of the King's County. A gallows erected in Birr. Sir Laurence Parsons confined in the old gaol there. The fate of Oxburgh and his family. Sir Laurence liberated. From Birr to Dublin, four days journey. Commissioners of Array for the King's County. Birr Castle attacked in 1690, by Colonel Sarsfield with 10,000 men. Incidents of the siege. The besiegers retire, and General Douglas relieves the place. Birr fortified. Lord Lisburn. Misconduct of King William's army in Birr, and destruction of property there. Skirmishes between the garrisons of Birr and Banagher. Death of Sir Laurence Parsons. His successors.

    CHAPTEE VII., p. 89.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 6

22. Charles Slavin tried and hanged in Birr for poisoning his master

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1798

    In summer 1798 Charles Slavin was tried in the old Market-house of Birr for poisoning his master Jackson, both of Grange; found guilty, he was hanged (strangled) at the old gaol of Birr by an executioner named Lindsay.

    Read the passage

    In the Summer of 1798, Charles Slavin was tried in the old Market-house of Birr, on a charge of having poisoned one Jackson, his master. Both were from Grange, in the neighbourhood of Birr. Slavin, having been found guilty, was hanged, or rather strangled, at the old gaol of Birr, his executioner being a person

    HISTORY OF BIRR. 97

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

23. Colonel Oxburgh Hangs a Poor Man at Shinrone in 1689

    Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1689

    In 1689 Colonel Oxburgh, appointed Provost Marshall of the King's County, caused a gallows to be erected at Shinrone and had a poor man hanged there because mutton was found hidden in his garden.

    Read the passage

    It has been already mentioned in the account of Birr, that in 1689, Colonel Oxburgh the father-inlaw of Lieutenant Colonel Owen Carroll, having been appointed Provost Marshall of the King's County, he caused a gallows to be erected at Shinrone, on which he had a poor man hanged, because some mutton was found hidded in his garden.

    In the year 1792, the rectory and vicarage of Shinrone was united, by Act of Parliament, to the rectory, and vicarage of Kilmurry, and these were afterwards episcopally united to the rectory of

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 81

24. Decline and poverty of the Oxburgh family at Boveen

    Boveen · townland · Offaly · 1689–1707

    After Colonel Oxburgh's death and the deaths of several children (one of apoplexy, one of smallpox, two killed at Aughrim), his widow, who had witnessed the battles of Athlone, Galway and Limerick, fell into poverty at her house at Boveen near Birr, reduced to selling firewood to survive.

    Read the passage

    poor condition, and was forced to employ her coach in carrying' firewood .for sale into Bin*, to maintain herself and family. A doleful example is this of the instability of human greatness.

    Leaving for a while the " Narrative of Sir Laurence Parsons," we turn to some circumstances known from other sources concerning this Oxburgh family, so much mixed up in the history of Birr about this period. It appears by the old Eental of the Parsons family, before referred to, that Colonel Oxburgh held the lands of Crinkill, from Sir Laurence Parsons, in 1669, at £60 a-year, and the lands of Newtown, at £70 per annum. In a lease dated llth December 1736, made by Mary Warren and others, to Thomas Dillon, of Kilcoleman, of the lands of Killenbrackan, not far from Birr, there is a recital that Henry

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 37

25. Discovery of the Bullyn tomb in a hidden cave near Clonoony Castle

    Clonoony · townland · Monaghan · 1803

    In about 1803 labourers raising stones for the barracks or canal locks near Clonoony Castle discovered a concealed cave containing a stone coffin with the bones of two persons and an inscribed slab naming Elizabeth and Mary Bullyn, relatives of Anne Boleyn.

    Read the passage

    reign. The following seems, however, to be the most curious circumstance connected with this place. In or about the year 1803 some labourers employed raising stones for the building of the barracks or canal locks near the Castle, discovered a kind of cave in the limestone rock, within about a hundred yards of the Castle. In this cave, at a depth of about twelve feet under the surface, and beneath a heap of stones apparently placed there for the purpose of concealment, was found a large limestone flag, eight feet long by four feet wide, and one foot thick. There then appeared underneath the slab, as was said, a coffin cut in the solid rock, containing the bones of two persons greatly decayed. On this slab was an inscription then perfectly legible, and which was seen and copied by the writer of this, many years afterwards. It appears the slab is even yet there. The inscription is cut in alto relievo on the lower end of the stone, as if reserving the upper part for something else. The following is a copy :—

    " Here under leys Elisabeth and Mary Bullyn daughters of Thomas Bullyn son of George Bullyn the Son of George Bullyn Vicount <" I / r**< fl tfi Eochford son of Sr Thomas Bullyn 5 Erie of Ormond and Willsheere." W ^-^^,^\

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 140

26. Execution of the Danish thief Gille Comhdhan

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1130

    In 1130 jewels stolen from the abbey in 1108 were found with Gille Comhdhan, a Dane of Limerick, who confessed at his execution that St Kieran had miraculously prevented every ship he tried to escape on from sailing, until he was finally caught.

    Read the passage

    1130. The jewels stolen from the abbey in 1108, were this year found with Gille Comhdhan, a Dane of Limerick, who was taken by Connor O'Brien, king of Minister, and delivered up to the community. We are told that he openly confessed, at the time of his execution, that he had been at several ports in expectation of a passage from Ireland, and had remained for some time at each ; but, although all the other ships left the harbours with fair winds, as soon as any vessel he was in set sail, he saw St. Kieran with his staff return it back again, and the saint continued to do so, until he was taken.

    1133. The abbot was robbed at Clonfinlough by the people of Sileanmohy, aided by Connor M'Coghlan ; but through the interference of Prince Connor, the son of the king, the spoils were returned. (This place, now called Clonfanlough, is about a mile and a half from Clonmacnoise. Here, on the side of a hill over a large lough, there is a remarkable flat rock covered with fantastic crosses and other curious symbols, evidently pagan. They are nearly similar to the figures mentioned [p. 8], as having been on the rock formerly at Birr.)

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 151

27. Scorched-earth campaign in Offaley, 1600

    Offaly · county · Offaly · 1600

    The Four Masters record that the Lord Justice went to Offaley about August 1600 with harrows, iron rakes, and scythes, and cut and destroyed the crops of the country, forcing inhabitants into banishment and exile until the end of the year.

    Read the passage

    some time in alliance with the Irish, and took- and demolished most of the castles of Offaley except Dangan (Philipstown), and some others. The Four Masters record that the Lord Justice went to Offaley about August in this year, " with many harrows, great iron rakes, and a great deal of scythes and sickles, and cut and destroyed the crops of the country, ripe and unripe ; " in consequence of which the inhabitants of that country had to go into banishment and exile until the end of the year.

    John 0' Conor, Esq., lineal descendant of Bryan 0' Conor, and representative of the 0' Conors of Offaley, sat in 1689 in the Parliament of James II., as member for Philipstown ; and according to O'Halloran, another of the family, under the title of Count Ofalia, was Captain General of the coast of Grenada in Spain, about the year 1770. There is still a Conde* de Ofalia in Spain. "Wm. O'Connor Morris of Mountpleasant, in the King's County, and Eutland Square, Dublin, Barrister-at-law, represents, in the maternal line, the 0' Conors of Offaley, being descended from John 0' Conor, the member for Philipstown, in 1689.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 112

28. Shinrone as a stronghold of rampant Orangeism in 1828

    Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1828

    The town of Shinrone was described as a hot-bed of rampant Orangeism in 1828, where the Orange flag flew every 1st and 12th of July without fail. Residents barricaded their houses and converted upper windows into musket embrasures to resist the approaching Green Boys procession.

    Read the passage

    It is well-known that Shinrone was, in the year 1 828, a perfect hot-bed of rampant Orangeism, in which the vile fungi of party, of the most ignorant, bigotted, and sanguinary description, shot forth into maturity, with an exuberance unknown, perhaps, in any other part of Ireland. As most of the Shinrone Orangemen of that day are now dead, what is here stated will pass lightly over their graves. Instead of endeavouring to revive the political and religious acerbity of that time, let us leave it with those who are now gone to sleep that " sleep which knows no waking." Shinrone as it then was, has been alluded to merely with a view to show that the few days which elapsed between the meeting at Eoscrea and the day fixed on for the demonstration in Shinrone, were naturally spent by the more cautious and sober, in anxious anticipations and conjectures as to the event of the intended progress through the metropolis of Clonlisk Barony.

    The very celebrity of Shinrone for superlative Orangeism — the fanatic frenzy of its bigotry, added to its being a well-known arsenal of yeomanry and other arms and munitions of war — as also a place where the Orange flag was not known, in the memory of the oldest person, to have ceased floating on the breeze each successive 1st and 12th of July, and anniversary of the so-called Popish Gunpowder Treason — all these circumstances, as well as the language of defiance held out by the Shinronians, were so many magnets attracting

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 83

29. Suppression of the Roscrea Southern Star

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1798

    Before the 1798 Rebellion, a newspaper called the Roscrea Southern Star was printed in Limerick Street, Roscrea. After the murder of Mr Doolan of Bovine near Birr, the Roscrea yeomanry forcibly entered the printer's house, destroyed his furniture, and scattered his printing types in the street.

    Read the passage

    Previous to the Rebellion of 1798, there was published in Roscrea a Journal called the Roscrea Southern Star, or General Advertiser. It was printed and published in Limerick Street, by W. and J. H. Lords, and was extinguished in the year 1798 in a very summary way, in consequence of some republican feeling said to have been shown by the proprietors. Soon after the cruel murder of Mr. Doolan of Bovine, near Birr, as already mentioned, the Roscrea yeomanry, it is said, forcibly entered Mr. Lord's house, broke-up and

    144 MONAINCHA.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 64

30. The Wild Captain's imprisonment and death, buried at Aghancon

    Aghancon · townland · Offaly · 1648

    The representative of the Leap family during Charles I's wars, known as 'the wild captain,' resisted Cromwell's forces but was taken prisoner and confined in the old gaol of Birr, where his legs mortified from cruel confinement; pardoned by Cromwell, he died in 1648 and was buried at Aghancon churchyard.

    Read the passage

    The Darby family are of English extraction. Archdeacon Darby, one of the family, built the Divinity School at the University of Oxford, in the reign of Henry VII., but the family trace their pedigree to a much earlier period. The Leap branch of the family arc descended from Sir William Darby of Gadsby Hall, Lincolnshire, and settled in Ireland at a very early date. There was heretofore in Aghancon churchyard— not far from Leap Castle, and close to the walls of the church — the tomb of one of the family, having an inscription of some historic importance, dated in 1604. A very curious silver seal, with the present arms of the family, was found at the same place. These arms were granted in 1588, and there is on the seal the Knight banneret's helmet, to which it seems the Darby family were entitled by grant. This seal is in the possession of the Kev. C. Darby of Kells Priory, Kilkenny, brother to Mr. Darby of Leap Castle. In the wars of Charles L, the family appear to have remained faithful to the King against the Parliament, and the representative of the Leap family at the time — known as " the wild captain," and who was son to him whose tomb has been referred to — valiantly resisted Cromwell's forces. It is said that having been at length taken prisoner, " the wild captain" was confined in the old gaol of Birr, but his legs having mortified from the cruelty of his confinement, he was pardoned by Cromwell, and on his

    220 LEAP CASTLE.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 95

31. Trial and death sentence of Sir Laurence Parsons at Philipstown Assizes

    Tullamore · town · Offaly · 1689

    Sir Laurence Parsons and his tenants were tried for high treason at Philipstown Assizes in March 1689 for holding the garrison of Parsonstown against the King. He, Jonathan Darby, and James Rascoe were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered, though later reprieved.

    Read the passage

    The day of trial having arrived, and the evidence having closed, Sir Henry Lynch the Judge caused the articles of surrender to be read, and declared they were an overt act of high treason, and charged the jury to find all the prisoners guilty, and the jury soon agreed on a verdict against Sir Laurence, Jonathan Darby, and James Eascoe, but acquitted the rest. The trial took place on the 30th of March 1689, and on the following Monday the convicts were brought up for judgment, and were sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. After reflection, however, the Judge reprieved Sir Laurence for a month, but refused to reprieve Darby, or Eascoe for more than ten days, and it was only by sending a

    HISTORY OF UII!K. I •)

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 36

32. Bombardment and defence of Birr Castle from the steeple

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1690

    During the siege, Ensign Ball's detachment fired from the steeple of Birr Church on the attacking Irish forces, while Lord Galway's men used the Market-house opposite the castle to fire on it; the action lasted from afternoon until sunset with heavy losses to the besiegers.

    Read the passage

    refused to yield, the Irish Commanders, about two o'clock in the afternoon, began firing their great guns. The first shot broke a hole in the roof of the castle, and made a great noise. At the commencement of the attack, the town's-people fled to the castle, and the enemy entered and plundered the town. While approaching to form their battery, the Irish were greatly annoyed by the fire of small arms, and particularly by that from Ensign Ball's detachment in the top of the steeple of the Church, which was situated on an eminence, partly between the castle and the Irish. 'Sarsfield in the first place lined with infantry the hedges about the Green, Godsell's Park, and behind the Almshouse, which then stood between the Church and the Green. The fire from these was very annoying, although it did no execution, unless to kill the sergeant of Ensign Ball's party, who exposed himself too much above the battlements of the steeple. After the first fire from the artillery, the besiegers beat a parley, which had no good result, and the action recommenced and continued until sunset, during which time the fire from the artillery, and of small arms from the hedges, which was briskly answered by sharp and thick vollies from the castle and steeple, resembled a continual roar of thunder. Lord Galway and several other officers got into the Market-house, which fronted the castle, and from thence they kept up a galling fire with fusees against the doors and windows, so that the besieged could not stir in any of the front rooms. The enemy's great guns being burst, and

    84 HISTORY OF BIRR.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 39

33. Miraculous return of Connor O'Melaghlin's stolen head

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1073

    In 1073 the head of Connor O'Melaghlin, king of Meath who was slain and buried at Clonmacnoise, was forcibly taken by Turlogh O'Brien on Good Friday but was said to be returned miraculously the following Sunday with two gold collars around the neck.

    Read the passage

    1073. Connor O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, having been slain by his nephew and buried here, his head was forcibly taken away on Good Friday, by Turlogh O'Brien ; but, as we are told, it was brought back on the following Sunday, in a miraculous manner, with two collars of gold round the neck.

    1076. The church of this abbey was this year robbed by the people of Cnawsan and Brawney, but the following year this was amply avenged by Moilseaghlin M'Connor O'Melaghlin.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 149

34. Murder of Hugh and Constantine O'Molloy at Convent Gate

    Frankford · townland · Offaly · 1525

    In 1525, Charles O'Molloy and his followers forcibly dragged Hugh and Constantine O'Molloy out of the church at Kilcormuck and inhumanly put them to death before the gate of the convent.

    Read the passage

    The following information regarding Kilcormuck has been collected by Mr. Archdall : A monastery was founded at Kilcormuck for Carmelites, or White Friars, under the invocation of the Virgin Mary, by Odo, the son of Nellan O'Molloy, head of his sept. Eory O'Molloy, of the founder's family, died on Whitsunday in 1431 ; and in 1454, Odo, the founder, died on the feast of St. Remigius, and was interred in this abbey before the high altar. In 1468, the prior, Edward Brakan, died ; and on the vigil of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin, in 1478, Nellan, the son of Coucoghna O'Molloy, died, and he also was interred before the high altar. On the 5th of May 1479, died Charles O'Molloy, the son of Sina, " a brave man, and blessed with every human perfection." He was interred here at the upper end of the choir, on the north side. In 1525, Charles O'Molloy and his followers forcibly drew Hugh and Constantino O'Molloy out of this church, and inhumanly put them to death "before the gate of the convent." Nicholas Brakan, " lately prior here," died in the year 1536 ; Charles O'Molloy, the head of his sept, was interred here in 1542 ; and in 1567, Arthur O'Molloy, also head of his sept, died.

    The Four Masters tell us, that " Saighir Chiarain and Killcormac were burned by the English and O'Carroll." in the vear 1548.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 100

35. Odran's martyrdom on the road to Brusna

    Brosna · townland · Offaly

    While St. Patrick travelled through the King's County, his charioteer Odran learned of a plot to kill the Saint, so he induced Patrick to swap places, and Odran was killed in his master's stead, said to be the first martyr during the conversion of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    Colgan also informs us that St. Trian was bishop and abbot here, about the year 450, and that he entertained St. Patrick on his way from Tirdaglas and Lothra (now Tcrryglass and Lorha), to Hyfailc. It is recorded that when St. Patrick was on some occasion travelling through what is now part of the King's County, Odran, his charioteer, learned that a plot had been formed by a certain chief to kill the Saint, as he was driving in his chariot along the road. Odran, upon this, induced the Saint to change places with him, and thus the faithful servant met the death intended for his master. It does not clearly appear, whether or not this occurred on the occasion of this visit of St. Patrick to Brusna, but Odran thus killed, is said to have been the first, if not the only martyr, during the conversion of Ireland by St. Patrick.

    The village of Brusna and neighbourhood, as well as Shinrone, are the property of John Lloyd, D.L., whose fine old family mansion and extensive demesne at Glostcr, are not far from Brusna. The family of Lloyd is descended from Sir Hardress "Waller, one of whose daughters was married to Sir William Petty, ancestor of the Marquis of Lansdown, John Lloyd,

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 93

36. Roman Catholic clergy convene meeting in Birr chapel to avert march

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1828

    Bishop Patrick Kennedy and Thomas Lalor Cooke convened a meeting at the Roman Catholic Chapel in Birr to persuade townspeople not to march on Shinrone, and instead to act as special constables intercepting others heading there.

    Read the passage

    and settled practice of processions, already had through several other towns without molestation ? Again, supposing an individual or two forthcoming, of sufficient courage for the undertaking, it was a question if they would have activity and energy equal to counteract the movement of such various and numerous bands of Green Boys and Green Girls, converging simultaneously from so many districts, upon the Mecca of that pilgrimage to which heated fancy and more urgent sense of wrong were leading them. It was in this predicament that the late venerated and talented Eoman Catholic Bishop of Killaloe, the Eight Eev. Patrick Kennedy, who was then Yicar- General, and Parish Priest of Birr, and Mr. Thomas Lalor Cooke, also of Birr, the writer of this account of the occurrence, consulted on the measures most likely to prevent the impending danger. There was not a moment to be lost — " Deliberat Roma, perit Saguntum " was the motto. Time was pressing, and prolonged deliberation was out of the question. They speedily resolved that a meeting of the inhabitants of Birr should forthwith be called in the Eoman Catholic Chapel of that town. The decision was no sooner come to than the proposed meeting was convened, the circumstances laid before it, and, after some hesitation, those present pledged themselves not only not to go to Shinrone the following day, but to become a sort of special constables to intercept and arrest all others journeying to the wishedfor place through Birr. Having thus happily begun their self-appointed mission, Dr. Kennedy and Mr,

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 85

37. William Odhar O'Carroll slain and body left to wolves and ravens

    Offaly · county · Offaly · 1581

    In 1581, William Odhar O'Carroll, released from confinement in Dublin, was attacked on his way home by young O'Connors of Offaley dissatisfied at his release; he was slain and his body left exposed to wolves and ravens.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1581, William Odhar O'Carroll, the son of Ferganainm, who had been confined in Dublin, was liberated by the Lord Justice ; and on his way home, he was attacked by some of the young O'Connors of Offaley, who were dissatisfied at his release, and who, therefore, as the Four Masters state, " slew him at once, and left his body exposed to the claws of wolves and ravens.'' His son, John an Fhasaigh, was appointed the O'Carroll, and it appears from the same writers, that in 1582, the year following,, this John

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 21

38. Abbot Colman killed at battle of Moy Ailbe, 908

    Kinnitty · parish · Offaly · 908

    Keating records that in 908, Colman 'the Religious,' abbot of Cinneity (Kinnitty), a former Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, was killed in the battle of Moy Ailbe near Leighlin fighting in the suit of Cormac M'Cuilebaan.

    Read the passage

    Keating informs us that in 908, Colman"the Eeligious," abbot of " Cinneity," was killed in the suit of Cormac M'Cuilebaan, at the battle of Moy Ailbe, near Leighlin. The same writer adds, " this holy person was Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, and sat upon the Bench, and administered the laws with great honour to himself and advantage to his country."

    It has been already seen that the " vill of Kerneyttys," with thirty acres of arable and pasture, and twenty-four of wood and underwood, annual value, 5s., with other lands in the neighbourhood, heretofore belonged to the monastery of Monaincha, or Inchenebo, near Koscrea.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 68

39. Ballindarragh Castle set alight by attackers in September 1642

    Ballindarragh · townland · Armagh · 1642

    In September 1642 the attacking party burned all the houses about Ballindarragh castle, many assailants were killed by musketry and thrown stones and firebrands, and finally the attackers set fire to the castle door which the warders had walled up.

    Read the passage

    garrison in several of the contests between them and the surrounding Irish ; and, so far as appears from the MS. Journal of the Siege of Birr already referred to (p. 57), the castle was attacked by the Irish on the 28th of January 1642, but without success. According to the same authority, Ballindarragh castle was again attacked in September following, when all the houses about it were burned, and many of the assailants were killed by the fire of musketry, and by stones and firebrands cast at them over the surrounding walls; and finally, the attacking party went away after having " set fire to the door of the castle which the warders had walled up on the inside."

    On "Plough Monday," the 10th of January 1848, the walls of this castle spontaneously fell with a loud crash. It had been rent from top to bottom for many years, and the fissure was observed to have greatly increased some time before the castle fell. On the day mentioned — to use the words of a person who had been looking on — the two sides gradually and slowly opened asunder, and each fell out prostrate from the centre. The walls were some minutes separating before the two masses of masonry overbalanced their respective centres of gravity, but then the whole was precipitated to the ground. The lateral pressure of the massive stone arches which formed the ceilings and floors of the building, seems to have been the immediate cause of forcing the walls asunder.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 116

40. Burial of Tordelvach O'Conor, Monarch of Ireland

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1155

    Tordelvach O'Conor, king of Connaught, Meath and Breffny and Monarch of all Ireland, died in 1155 in his 68th year and was interred at Clonmacnoise near the altar of St Kieran, bequeathing gold, silver and jewels to the clergy while directing his horse and arms be deposited in the abbey.

    Read the passage

    1155. The 20th of May this year, Tordelvach O'Conor, king of Connaught, Meath, and Breffiny, and Monarch of all Ireland, died in his 68th year, and was interred at Clonmacnoise near the altar of St. Kieran. He bequeathed to the clergy of Ireland, 65 ounces of gold, and 60 marks of silver, with all his jewels, his sword, cup, and shield excepted; and on account of his reverence for the patron saint, he directed his horse and arms to be deposited in this abbey.

    1163. Dermot O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, gave to this abbey the lands of Bean-artgaly.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 151

41. Danish Skeletons Found Along Flight Route to Moneygall

    Moneygall · town · Offaly · 942

    Following their defeat near Roscrea, the fleeing Danes were tracked by numerous human skeletons found over the years between Clonegana and the highroad and in the bog between Moneygall and Cullenwaine, with townland names along the route said to derive from the battle and flight.

    Read the passage

    The Danes on this occasion took flight towards Moneygall on their way to Limerick, and the track by which they went is marked by the many skeletons found in it from time to time. Thus numerous human bones were found years ago in pits between Clonegana and the highroad, and more of them were found in the bog between Moneygall and Cullenwaine. It is curious that these bones have been generally found where there was either dry sandy soil or bog, the absorbing nature of the sand preserving them in the one case, and the antiseptic quality of the bog, in the other ; but wherever the bodies were interred in rich earth, they were sooner decomposed. Even the names of many of the townlands in this line of flight seem derived from the transaction. Thus the route followed was by the stream called Owris, as if from the Irish oiriSj a stop, delay, or hindrance, probably because it interrupted the flight of the Danes ; thence by Clonegana, from, cluan, a retired place, and geanam, a sword ; by Clashagad, from glas, a lamentation, and giodad, a wounding; by FinglaSj/ow, troops, and glas, a lamentation ; and by Loughawn, locc, a pool, and un, evil, to Moneygall, where the battle is said to have ended.

    132 EOSCREA.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Moneygall, you are on the line of a retreat that happened in 942. After their defeat near Roscrea, the Danes fled this way toward Limerick, and for centuries their track was marked by human skeletons turning up in the ground. Bones were found in pits between Clonegana and the highroad, and more in the bog between Moneygall and Cullenwaine. They survived where the soil was sandy or boggy, the sand preserving them and the bog keeping them from decay, while bodies buried in rich earth rotted away long ago. Even the townland names along the route seem to carry the memory of that flight. The stream called Owris may echo the Irish word for a stop or hindrance, as if it held the fleeing Danes back. Clonegana might mean a retired place of swords. Clashagad suggests lamentation and wounding. Fingla carries the sense of troops and lamentation, and Loughawn a pool of evil. The battle is said to have ended at Moneygall itself.

42. Death of Maolroona O'Carroll at Birr, 1532

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1532

    Maolroona O'Carroll, celebrated for renown and valour, died in his own fortress at Birr on the festival of St. Matthew in 1532, having on the same day seen his sons defeat the Earl of Ormond, capturing horses and ordnance.

    Read the passage

    While the right to Birr was disputed with the Hussys by the O'Carrolls, a difference arose between the members of that sept ; Fergananim, that is, " the man without a name," O'Carroll assuming the right to the country to himself. It may be more interesting to give from the Four Masters, as translated by Professor Connellan, the following account of what occurred at Birr in the year 1532 : — " O'Carroll, i.e., Maolroona, the most distinguished man of his tribe for renown, valour, prosperity, and excellence, to whom poets, travellers, ecclesiastics, and literary men were most thankful, and who gave most entertainment, and bestowed more presents than any other who lived of his lineage, died ; he who was the supporting mainstay of all persons ; the rightful, victorious rudder of his race; the powerful young warrior in the march of tribes ; the active, triumphant champion of Munster ; a precious stone, a carbuncle gem ; the anvil of knowledge, and the golden pillar of the Elyans, he died in his own fortress, on the festival-day of St. Matthew, the Evangelist, and his son Fearganainm was appointed his successor. On the same day, before the

    fllSTORY OF BIRR. 25

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 18

43. Desmond's son plunders Slieve Bloom and the country beyond, 1580

    near Slieve Bloom Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Laois · 1580

    In 1580 John, son of the Earl of Desmond, after plundering and winning a battle, camped on Slieve Bloom where he was joined by many from Offaly and Leix. He lived austerely on the mountain, sleeping on stones and drinking from his hands, before raiding further afield.

    Read the passage

    The Four Masters tell us that in 1580, John, the son of the Earl of Desmond, after much plundering, and even gaining a battle, proceeded with the sons of Gillpatrick, the son of 0' Carroll, and others, to Sliebh Bloom, where he was joined by many persons of note from Offaley and Leix. The same writers add, " it was a fit place for plunder where John, the son of James, was on that mountain, for he slept only on heaps of stones or earth, and drank nothing but the cold water of the limpid stream, from the palms of his hands or out of his shoes ; his cooking utensils were

    160 SLIEBH BLOOM MOUNTAINS.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 72

44. Great defeat of the English at Geashill, 1406

    Geashill · town · Offaly · 1406

    In 1406 Murrogh O'Conor, Lord of Offaley, gave a great defeat to the English, both parties having marched to the upper part of Geashill; the mitre of St. Patrick, kept at Elphin, was taken from the English on this expedition.

    Read the passage

    The Four Masters tell us that 0' Conor Failge, with twenty-nine of his chiefs, were deceitfully slain in 1305, by Sir Pierce Bermingham, in his own castle ; and that, in 1321, " the sons of the King of Offaley " received a defeat from Andrew Bermingham and the English of Meath. Bermingham's castle here alluded to, was situate at Carbery, in the County of Kildare. In 1406, Murrogh 0' Conor, " Lord of Offaley," gave a great defeat to the English, both parties having marched "to the upper part of Geashill." (See as to Geashill hereafter.) The Four Masters end a curious account of this transaction thus : — " It was on this expedition that the chief holy relic of Connaught, called Buocach Phatraig (the mitre of St. Patrick), which was kept at Elphin, was taken from the English."

    The Lord of Offaley in these days does not appear to have had much respect for the ministerial officers of the law ; for in 1411, according to the Four Masters, " the Sheriff of Meath was taken prisoner by 0' Conor Faily, and he exacted a great ransom for his liberation." The reader will pardon a slight digression here. The taking a sheriff prisoner would, no doubt, cause admiration even now ; but instead of gaining a ransom, the exploit might finally turn out to be very like the " catching of a Tartar." Yet it is well-known

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 109

45. Green Boys Parade Through Roscrea and Plan Shinrone Demonstration

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1828

    In September 1828, amid agitation for Catholic Emancipation, a huge crowd from Tipperary, Kilkenny, Queen's County and King's County paraded through Roscrea decked in green, and agreed to hold a similar demonstration at Shinrone the following Sunday, 28 September.

    Read the passage

    congregated at, and marched in military procession through, the towns of Thurles, Cashel, and Templemore. For some time these assemblies went on without opposition, and unaccompanied by violence. In the month of September 1828, a countless multitude of men and women met from the counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny, as well as from the Queen's County, and a portion of the King's, and paraded through the town of Roscrea, decorated with ribbons and other insignia, and trappings of green, to the real or pretended alarm of those opposed to the concession of Emancipation. This Eoscrea meeting before its separation, agreed to celebrate the following Sunday, which fell on the 28th September, by making a similar demonstration in Shinrone. From the predominant colour worn by those so congregated, they were denominated " Green Boys," by which appellation they will be here referred to.

    Although the progress of such vast assemblages had been hitherto unaccompanied by even the most trifling violence, either to the persons or properties of political or religious opponents, nevertheless, the danger of permitting such immense multitudes of people to parade, without responsible leaders or lawful organization or control, and where, consequently, a single lawless act of violence, nay, even an irritating expression used by an intemperate individual, might lead to the most alarming results; such danger at length appeared to the then existing Government to be of so serious a nature as to call upon the Executive to stop,

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 82

46. Human skeletons and cannon shot unearthed at Cloghan Castle

    Cloghan Castle · castle · Galway

    Excavations in front of Cloghan Castle uncovered several male human skeletons that appeared to have lain there a long time, along with cannon shot. Inside the castle, bones of a human hand were found preserved in plaster removed from an inner wall.

    Read the passage

    received as an impartial authority as to the particulars, although it is sufficient to show, that something of the kind then occurred there. There is no doubt but the place was attacked more than once, and as some confirmation of history, it may be mentioned, that when excavations were being made in front of the castle, some years since, several male human skeletons, having the appearance of being there a long time, were dug up. Some cannon shot were found there at the same time, and inside the castle, the bones of a human hand in a fine state of preservation, have been found covered in the plaster, which was being removed from an inner wall.

    In the reign of Charles II., Cloghan Castle, there called " Cloghane-castle," and part of Ballymac- Coolahan, called "Bally-M'Modlaghan," with several other lands, were granted to Garrett Moore, and in this grant also, Lusmagh is stated to be in the County Galway. There having been reference more than once in this work to the O'Moore or Moore family, a few observations concerning them will be excused. This family claimed to be descended from Rory Oge O'More, or O'Morth, the warlike Dynast of the ancient Leix. It is true, the grant of Cloghan Castle was to Garrett Moore, and not O'Moore, although some of the family afterwards used the " 0 ; " but, however it may be as to Irish descent, there is no doubt but the family is old and respectable. The branch which settled at Cloghan Castle, was, more than once, united by marriage with the noble house of D'Burgh. On the last occasion

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 147

47. Oxburgh's gallows erected in the street of Birr

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1689

    As Provost Marshall, Colonel Oxburgh erected a three-pegged gallows in the street of Birr on May-day 1689, believed intended for the execution of Sir Laurence Parsons, Jonathan Darby, and James Rascoe; it became known as Oxburgh's May-pole.

    Read the passage

    At this time, 1689, Colonel Oxburgh was appointed by the Government, Provost Marshall of the King's County. He showed his authority by riding through the country in great state, and causing gallows to be erected in several places. Amongst the rest he had a gallows with three pegs, put up in the street of Birr, which was then supposed to be intended for the execution of Sir Laurence Parsons, Mr. Jonathan Darby, and James Eascoc. This gallows was erected

    78 HISTORY OF BIRR.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 37

48. Petition against Sir Laurence Parsons and the bellman's forged signature

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1798

    A petition against Sir Laurence Parsons was signed almost universally by Birr Protestants, including the town bellman Peter Singen, who was chaired through the town in derision and whose signature was falsely rendered as 'Lord Maxwell.'

    Read the passage

    About the same time, and owing to like causes, a petition to Government against Sir Laurence Parsons was prepared amongst the Protestants of Birr, and was almost universally signed by them, even to Peter Singen, the Birr bellman, who was chaired through the town in derision to Sir Laurence. The signature of Peter Singen, however, was affixed to the petition as " Lord Maxwell," and the discovery of this threw discredit on the whole transaction. One respectable Protestant gentleman of the town not only refused to take any part in these proceedings against Sir Laurence, but he more than once saved him from personal violence at the hands of drunken yeomanry. In after years, when Sir Laurence had become Earl of Eosse, he still acknowledged his ol}ligation to this gentleman, and to his widow and family after his death, as appears from letters and documents yet in existence. Soon after these occurrences in Birr, Sir Laurence was stopped by the yeomanry at the Five Alley, a few miles from Birr, through which place then lay the road from Birr to Dublin, where Sir Laurence was going. Arthur Parkinson, of Whigsborough, was the man then on guard at the Five Alley, who stopped Sir Laurence until he procured a pass.

    In the Summer of 1798, Charles Slavin was tried in the old Market-house of Birr, on a charge of having poisoned one Jackson, his master. Both were from Grange, in the neighbourhood of Birr. Slavin, having been found guilty, was hanged, or rather strangled, at the old gaol of Birr, his executioner being a person

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

49. Siege and Undermining of Birr Castle, 1643

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1643

    Confederate forces under Preston besieged Birr castle, digging trenches from the sessions house to the town and mining beneath the walls with help from a mason who had built the castle. The garrison discovered a barrel of gunpowder left at the mine's mouth and eventually capitulated after two days.

    Read the passage

    that desires that the governor, Mr. Parsons, do send a safe conduct for a gentleman, the Lord Governor of Leinster doth intend to send to him." In reply to this the Governor stated, that any gentleman that came to speak to him should have free egress and regress ; and soon after, a person styling himself Mr. Oliver Darcy, of Platten, came from General Preston. Mr. Darcy required to know whether the Governor held the place for the King or for the Parliament, and desired that he should allow the Lord General to place a garrison there for His Majesty's use. To this the governor answered, that he had no intelligence either from His Majesty or the Parliament, concerning any difference between them, but he held his castle and land by royal patent granted to his father, and then vested in him, and that he was by His Majesty's Commission, dated about twelve months before, appointed commander-in-chief of the territory of Ely 0' Carroll and the borders thereof. Preston, dissatisfied with his reply, pitched his tents in the fields adjoining the town, and in the course of the night drew a trench across the Guvemur's orchard, and another from the sessions house to the town. The confederate forces played their artillery the entire of next day upon the walls of the castle, and killed one man in the town ; the remaining houses in which the Governor caused to bo set on fire to prevent the enemy from taking shelter in them ; and in the afternoon seven cannon shot were fired against the castle. The ensuing night, the enemy — having been instructed by a mason who had

    60 HISTORY OF BIRR.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 33

50. Soloman Newsome Blows Up Nenagh Round with Gunpowder

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary

    About a century before writing, a farmer named Soloman Newsome, annoyed by sparrows nesting in the ivy of the ruined Nenagh Round castle that damaged his cabbage garden and barley field, exploded a barrel of gunpowder under the tower, making a large breach in the walls, though the tower still stands.

    Read the passage

    for a numerous garrison of sparrows. About a century since, one Soloman Newsome had his cabbage garden and barley field in the vicinity of this tower, whose huge bulk kept the sunshine from the one, while the sparrows sallied forth from its ivy covering to plunder the other. To put an end to this state of things, Newsome at length determined on blowing up Fitz Walter's old fortress, and for the purpose exploded a barrel of gunpowder under it, making a large breach in the walls. "Nenagh Bound" yet stands, however, while the humble Soloman Newsome, whose territory was probably confined to his barley field and cabbage garden, has long since followed the powerful and haughty Fitz Walter to the bourn from which "no traveller returns.'' How true are the words of the poet —

    " Pallida mors sequo piilsat pede Pauperum tabernas, regumque turres."

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Nenagh, a Tipperary town you pass through on this road. About a century ago a farmer named Soloman Newsome had his cabbage garden and barley field near the ruined Nenagh Round castle. The tower's huge bulk blocked the sun from one crop, and sparrows nesting in its ivy covering sallied forth to plunder the other. To put an end to this, Newsome exploded a barrel of gunpowder under Fitz Walter's old fortress, making a large breach in the walls. The tower yet stands, while Soloman Newsome has long since followed the powerful Fitz Walter to the place from which, as the book says, no traveller returns.

51. St. Kieran founds monastery at Clonmacnoise in 548

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 548

    St. Kieran, granted Clonmacnoise and the island of All Saints by Dermid Mac Gervail, Monarch of Ireland, founded a monastery there in 548 which afterwards became celebrated. Dermid himself laid the first stone at the Saint's request.

    Read the passage

    having granted to him ( lonmacnoise and the island of All Saints, together with one hundred churches in Meath, St. Kieran afterwards transferred the church of Clonard to his master St. Finian. and the island to St. Domnan ; and in 548, he founded at Clonmacnoise a monastery which afterwards became celebrated, and the first stone of which, as Lanigan tells us, was laid by Dermid's own hands, at the Saint's request. It is very remarkable to find several persons named Mac Entire, in the neighbourhood of Clonmacnoise, even in modern times.

    St. Kieran died on the 9th of September in the year 549, and according to the Four Masters^ was buried in the " Little Church," at Clonmacnoise. He was succeeded at Clonmacnoise by St. Tigcmach, who in turn was succeeded by the abbot Oedhlugh, Avho died in 551.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 148

52. The legend of St. Cuimin's flung asperges and boundary dispute

    Kilcommon · townland · Tipperary

    A legend tells that St. Cuimin of Kilcommon and St. Cronan of Roscrea disputed their district boundary; St. Cronan arrived first and claimed the spot, but St. Cuimin threw holy water asperges a great distance to Anneville, establishing that as the boundary, after which St. Cronan pursued him and he leapt onto the rock at Rutland leaving the marks.

    Read the passage

    arisen in olden times between St. Cuimin of Kilcommon, and St. Cronan of Koscrea, respecting the boundaries of their respective ecclesiastical districts, it was agreed between them that on a certain morning each should set out from his own monastery, and walk to meet the other. The boundary was to be settled wherever they met that morning. St. Cronan, who, it appears, was a cunning old man, took care on the appointed day to rise very early, and he arrived at the door of Kilcommon church just as the unsuspecting and easy St. Cuimin was sprinkling the holy water, after celebrating Mass. Hearing that St. Cronan was outside, St. Cuimin went forth to salute him, and perchance in the hospitable spirit of those days, to invite him in to breakfast. No sooner had they met, than St. Cronan said, " This spot is the boundary of our jurisdiction." St. Cuimin protested against what he considered the unfair advantage taken of him, and begged that at all events his district might be allowed to extend as far from the church door where he then stood, as he could throw the asperges in his hand to. " Agreed," said St. Cronan. "Whereupon St. Cuimin flung the asperges with superhuman force. No arrow from the bow of Eobin Hood or Little John, ever took such a flight. Off it went through the air until it dropped near the place now called Anneville, about three miles distant, and there the boundary was accordingly established. St. Cronan being greatly vexed at this event, in his anger pursued St. Cuimin, who, while endeavouring to escape, suddenly flung

    KllCOMMON. 213

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 92

53. Treacherous capture of Clonoony Castle by a peasant

    Clonoony · townland · Monaghan · 1553

    During a war in 1553 between Mac Coghlan and the O'Molloys, a peasant of the town treacherously killed three warders of Clonoony Castle with a chopping-axe, tied up a woman inside, and took possession of the castle.

    Read the passage

    Clonoony is called " Cluain-Nona " by the Four Masters at the year 1553, where they relate the following remarkable event, which then occurred there : " After this a vindictive war arose between Mac Coghlan and the descendants of Farrell and O'Molloy, during which injuries not easily described were done between them. During this war an astonishing exploit was performed at Cluain-Nona, namely, a peasant of the people of the town acted treacherously towards the warders of the Castle, and slew three distinguished men of them with a chopping-axe, tied a woman who was within, and then took possession of the Castle ; and this was a bold achievement for one churl ! "

    Many skeletons, with coin of Queen Elizabeth near them, and also several old swords have been found at Clonoony, from which it seems probable some wellfought actions took place there during that Queen's

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 140

54. Viceroy of England taken prisoner by Cahir O'Conor Faily, 1439

    Offaly · county · Offaly · 1439

    The Four Masters record that in 1439 the King of England's Viceroy arrived in Ireland and was taken prisoner by Cahir, son of O'Conor Faily, and after some time in confinement was ransomed by the English in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    The exploit of Murrogh O'Conor, in taking the Sheriff of Meath in 1411, was nothing, however, to what was done by another of the family soon afterwards; for the Four Masters record that in 1439 " the King of England's Viceroy arrived in Ireland, and was taken prisoner by Cahir, the son of O'Conor. Faily, and after he had remained some time in confinement, he was ransomed by the English in Dublin, who delivered the son of Plunket in his stead to Cahir." Much of the following information regarding

    252 THE 0' CONGES FAILGE AND OFFALEY.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 110

55. 44th Regiment marches from Templemore via Roscrea to relieve Birr

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1820

    In response to the alarm, the Earl of Rosse and local magistrates requested military aid, and the 44th Regiment of Foot, quartered at Templemore, marched nineteen miles through Roscrea to reach Birr in about four hours, finding the town armed with cannon.

    Read the passage

    Ribbonmen. So general was the alarm throughout the town, that an armed association was kept up the entire time, in which, although Protestants and Roman Catholics were united, it was with mutual feelings of suspicion and distrust. Two pieces of cannon, which had remained at Birr Castle since the memorable time of the Volunteers, were manned by such of the inhabitants as understood anything about the artillery service, and in compliance with the urgent request of the Earl of Rosse and the magistrates of the neighbourhood, Government ordered the 44th Regt. of Foot, then quartered at Templemore, to proceed by a forced march to the instant relief of Birr. " When arrived in Roscrea," said an officer of that gallant corps, " we expected to get some rest and refreshment, but to our great disappointment, we were ordered to proceed with unabated rapidity to Birr, which we reached in about four hours, after a march of nineteen miles. We there saw consternation depicted on every face. Most of the people had some kind of arms or other, and in the square were two peices of artillery ready primed, and with lighted matches."

    Such was the terror and confusion which then reigned in Birr, and to complete the business, one of the false letters recommended to get a few shots fired in the castle demesne, but fortunately this suggestion was not complied with, for these shots were intended as the signal for general destruction. The people of the town were to think them the commencement of an attack from the imaginary enemy, and thereupon

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 50

56. Ballindarragh Castle attacked by Irish forces in 1642

    Ballindarragh · townland · Armagh · 1642

    According to the MS. Journal of the Siege of Birr, Ballindarragh castle, occupied as an outpost by the Birr garrison, was attacked by the Irish on 28 January 1642 without success, and again in September when houses around it were burned and many attackers killed.

    Read the passage

    garrison in several of the contests between them and the surrounding Irish ; and, so far as appears from the MS. Journal of the Siege of Birr already referred to (p. 57), the castle was attacked by the Irish on the 28th of January 1642, but without success. According to the same authority, Ballindarragh castle was again attacked in September following, when all the houses about it were burned, and many of the assailants were killed by the fire of musketry, and by stones and firebrands cast at them over the surrounding walls; and finally, the attacking party went away after having " set fire to the door of the castle which the warders had walled up on the inside."

    On "Plough Monday," the 10th of January 1848, the walls of this castle spontaneously fell with a loud crash. It had been rent from top to bottom for many years, and the fissure was observed to have greatly increased some time before the castle fell. On the day mentioned — to use the words of a person who had been looking on — the two sides gradually and slowly opened asunder, and each fell out prostrate from the centre. The walls were some minutes separating before the two masses of masonry overbalanced their respective centres of gravity, but then the whole was precipitated to the ground. The lateral pressure of the massive stone arches which formed the ceilings and floors of the building, seems to have been the immediate cause of forcing the walls asunder.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

57. Battle of Nenagh in 1370

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1370

    Near Nenagh in 1370, Brien, son of Mahon Meneny O'Brien, obtained a complete victory over his uncle Turlogh, assisted by English forces under the Earl of Desmond, earning Brien the surname 'of the battle of Nenagh.'

    Read the passage

    In the Topographia Hibernicay Mr. Seward states that near Nenagh, " Brien, son of Mahon Meneny O'Brien, in 1370, obtained a complete victory over his uncle Turlogh, assisted by the English forces under the command of the Earl of Desmond, from which battle he obtained the surname of Brien Catha an Aonaig, or " Brien of the battle of Nenagh." The same writer says that Nenagh was burnt by the Irish on St. Stephen' s-day, in the year 1348.

    Nenagh appears to have been a place of considerable trade in the middle of the seventeenth century, for we find issued there about that time, several of the tradesmen's tokens, described by Mr. Simon, and which have been already referred to (p. 69). One of these Nenagh coins has on it, "ROB . HVTCHINSON . OF . NENAGH. CLEARK . 1658; " another is similar, except that it bears date, " 1659 ; " a third coin is inscribed, " MAVRICE • THOMAS . OF . NENAGH . 1666 ; " and a fourth has

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Nenagh, this Tipperary town carries the memory of a battle fought nearby in 1370. Brien, son of Mahon Meneny O'Brien, won a complete victory over his uncle Turlogh, who had the help of English forces under the Earl of Desmond. The win earned Brien the surname "Brien of the battle of Nenagh." Twenty-two years earlier, Nenagh itself was burnt by the Irish on St. Stephen's Day, 1348. By the middle of the 1600s, Nenagh had grown into a place of considerable trade, issuing its own small copper tokens. One bears the name Rob. Hutchinson of Nenagh, cleark, dated 1658. Another, dated 1659, is similar. A third reads Maurice Thomas of Nenagh, 1666.

58. Clonmacnoise ruins evoke awe and veneration

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    The ecclesiastical remains at Clonmacnoise, including round towers, stone crosses and ruined walls, sit in a romantic position on high ground above the Shannon. The surrounding graveyard is studded with memorials of kings, prelates, and learned men.

    Read the passage

    To the thoughtful observer, these ruins present a subject well calculated to inspire feelings replete with awe, and profound veneration. Here the venerable " Eound Towers of other days ; " the magnificent stone crosses, fit and lasting emblems of man's salvation; the litchen painted ruins of walls, which once resounded with praises of the Almighty; and the surrounding graveyard, studded with memorials of kings, prelates, and learned men, long since called from this transitory world, and whose ashes now mingle in the sod beneath one's feet — all these remind the visitor, that here he treads upon no ordinary soil. Those who have not seen Clonmacnoisc already, cannot fail to be well repaid for the trouble of a visit ; while he who has been often there, must still admit, that the more frequently he sees it, so does his admiration increase for this venerable place. At different times heretofore, Clonmacnoise was known by several other names. Thus, at one time it was called Druim Tipraid, which according to some writers signifies, "the hill in the centre;" while others say it means, " the hill of Tipraid." The king of Connaught in the year 779, was named Tipraid, and there was also a prince of Hy Fiachra of that name ; while the abbot of Clonmacnoise in the year 927, was likewise named Tipraide. This place was also known by the appellations, Cinani, Cluaiia, and Clonensis. It was likewise called Dunkeraneusis, meaning " the enclosed place of Kiaran ; " as also Letherean, and Killoon or " church of the graves."

    o58 CLONMACKOISt:.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 148

59. Cumberland Pillar erected in Birr to commemorate Culloden

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1747

    In 1747 the Cumberland Pillar, a 47-foot Doric column topped with a statue of the Duke of Cumberland, was erected by subscription in Cumberland Square, Birr, to commemorate the Battle of Culloden. A fosse with water once surrounded the pillar, fed from the Birr river.

    Read the passage

    IN 1747, Cumberland Pillar was erected in the Square, in the town of Birr. It was built by subscription, in commemoration of the battle of Culloden. This pillar is of the Doric order, is forty-seven feet high, and surmounted by a statue of the Duke of Cumberland, seven feet and a half in height. The statue was procured and set up at the expense of the Sir Laurence Parsons of the time. It was executed by Cheere of London, the same artist who executed the monument in memory of the Earl of Cork, on the north side of the altar in Christ's Church, Dublin. There was formerly a fosse with water surrounding this pillar in Cumberland Square, Birr ; the water having been conveyed to it by a channel from a higher part of the Birr river, between the town and Syngfield.

    The Birr Freemasons' Lodge was also established in the year 1747. The warrant is from Sir Marmaduke Wyville, Baronet, Grand Master, and John Putland, Deputy Grand Master, to William Macoun, Thomas Nethercott, and James Armstrong, the first Master and Wardens. The warrant is No. 163, and bears date the 15th July A.D. 1747, and year of Masonry, 5747. There was another warrant issued in 1847—

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 41

60. Earl of Kildare shot besieging Birr castle

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1532

    The Earl of Kildare besieged Birr castle in support of Fergananim O'Carroll; during the storming he was struck in the side by a ball fired from the castle, which remained lodged in him until the following spring.

    Read the passage

    death of Maolroona, his sons defeated the Earl of Ormond and the sons of John 0' Carroll, and took from them many horses and some ordnance, which were called Fabcnin, from which followed the name Belatha-na-bh Fabcun to the ford where they gained that battle, and that was Maolroona's last victory. Fergana inm, as we have mentioned, was nominated the 0' Carroll over his seniors, namely, the sons of John 0' Carroll, on account of which great troubles arose in the country, for the sons of John, in the first place, took the castle of Birr, from which they continued to spoil the country ; the son of the parson 0' Carroll fell by the son of 0' Carroll, i.e., Teige Caoch, on the plain of Birr, in consequence of which, 0' Carroll, i.e., Ferganainm, brought his relative by marriage, the Earl of Kildare, Lord Justice of Ireland, to attack the sons of John, and they took the castle of Killurin, Caisleanna-Hegailse, and the castle of Ballindooney; they then encamped in the house of the son of Biorra (the monastery of Birr), and continued skirmishes were carried on between them and the guards of the castle, until the Earl received a ball in his side, which was fired from the castle, when they stormed the castle and took it ; the Earl then returned, but the ball continued lodged in him until the following spring, when it came out on the other side. It was to record the death of Maolroona 0' Carroll the following was composed : — " One thousand and five hundred, And two and thirty years, From the birth of Christ who saved us, To the harvest in which O'Carroll died."

    26 HISTORY OF BIRR*

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 18