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. Earl of Ormond ravages Ely and demolishes O'Carroll's castles, 1432

   Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1432

   War broke out in 1432 between O'Carroll, Lord of Ely, and the Earl of Ormond, who marched into Ely, ravaged it, and demolished two of O'Carroll's castles, probably including Birr.

   Read the passage

   A great war broke out in 1432 between O'Carroll, Lord of Ely, and the Earl of Ormond ; during which the Earl marched at the head of a great army into Ely, which he ravaged ; and he demolished O'Carroll' s two castles. The Four Masters who record these events do not give the names of the castles so demolished, but it is probable they were the castles of Birr and Leinyvanane, which were the principal castles then belonging to O'Carroll.

   A dreadful plague raged in the summer and harvest of 1447, as the Four Masters tell us ; and of which, among many others, died Hussy, Baron of Galtrim, who claimed Bin* under the grant to his ancestor already mentioned. It was said by some that 700 priests died of this plague.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 18

2. Founding of Killyon Nunnery for St. Kieran's Mother Liadana

   Killyon · townland · Offaly · 400–499

   Archdall records that in the early fifth century St. Kieran of Saigher founded the nunnery of Killiadhuin for his mother, Liadana, near his own abbey, giving rise to the name Killyon.

   Read the passage

   between them. Mr. Archdall calls this place Killiadhuin, and says that all we can learn about it is, that in the beginning of the fifth century, St. " Keran of Saigher" founded the nunnery of Killiadhuin for his mother, Liadana, near to his own abbey. This seems to be almost the entire information to be now gathered concerning the early history of this place. It appears, however, that if not the very first, this must, at all events, have been one of the earliest nunneries in Ireland, and could we now see it as founded nearly fourteen centuries ago, no doubt there would be a great contrast between this primitive nunnery of Liadana, and the present very beautiful convents in the neighbourhood, at Birr and Roscrea. The name Liadana, or Liadhuin — pronounced as if written Leean — by having prefixed to it till, or kill, a cell, or place of retirement, forms Killyon, the name thus preserved through so many centuries. About thirty years ago, a considerable part of the remains of this religious house were standing, and included the gate-house, with a wall about twelve feet high, and a small round flanking tower at one of the corners of the quadrangle. The loopholes of this tower commanded the outside of the wall, on two faces of the enclosure. The gate-house was square, and the gate itself must have been capable of being very firmly secured, for there were diagonal holes running through the masonry on each side, apparently intended for chains. In early times this must have been a place of great hospitality, for about the year 1847, there was

   180 KILLYON.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 78

3. Franciscan Friary of Roscrea founded by O'Carroll

   Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1490–1568

   The Franciscan Friary at Roscrea was founded in 1490 by Mulroony O'Carroll, Lord of Ely O'Carroll, or possibly by his widow Bibiana after his death. An inquisition of 1568 details its buildings, lands, and value before it was granted to the Earl of Ormond.

   Read the passage

   On the river towards the north-west end of the town, are the remains of the Franciscan Friary, founded in 1490, by Mulroony O'Carroll, Lord of Ely 0' Carroll, to whose memory there was formerly here a stone tablet with a Latin inscription. He was nicknamed na feasoge, that is, with the beard, and he married Bibiana, daughter of O'Dempsey. Others state that Bibiana herself founded this monastery after she became a widow. By an inquisition, taken 27th December 1568, it was found that, " the precincts of this monastery contained two acres, in which was a house where the friars dwelt, with a dormitory, hall, the prior's chamber, a chapel, a cemetery, a garden, and two orchards, annual value, 6s. 8d., besides reprises, and in the lands of Eoscrea thirty acres of arable and pasture ; the church was parochial, and a third-part of the rectory of Eosscuro, and the alterages thereof, with the tithes of the above thirty acres, did belong to it ; and the vicar who served the church received the said tithes and alterages." The whole was subsequently granted to Thomas, Earl of Ormond, who assigned to William Crow.

   On entering from the street, under the fine old church tower of the monastery thus erected by O'Carroll or his widow, nearly 400 years since, a scene presents itself at the present day very different from what it must have been in 1568, the date of the inquisition referred to. It is true the grand old church tower still remains in good preservation, with other portions of this venerable building ; and there is

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 62

4. Gallen Abbey burned by Felym M'Croimhain in 820

   Gallen · townland · Offaly · 820

   In 820 Felym M'Croimhain set the abbey of Gallen on fire, destroying not only the dwellings but even the church and sanctuary.

   Read the passage

   There are likewise the ruins of several, once celebrated, abbeys and castles, in the neighbourhood of the neat little town of Ferbane, about three miles north-east of Cloghan. Ferbane is on the Greater Brusna river in the ancient Dealbhna Eathra, and is the property of John Gilbert King, Esq., D.L., whose elegant seat at Ballylin is about a mile from the town. Mr. King represented the King's County in Parliament for a considerable time. The ruins of the monastery of Gallen, which was also called Galinne and Gailenga, are near Ferbane and the river Brusna, within the beautiful demesne of Gallen Priory, the seat of the Rev. Sir E. Armstrong, Bart. It is almost unnecessary to mention that the late respected Sir Andrew Armstrong, father of the present Baronet, represented the King's County in Parliament for many years. Mr. Archdall tells us, that Saint Canoe, or Mocanoc, erected near the Brusna river, the "Monastery of Galinne, in Delbhna M'Cochlain," about the year 492, and that Felym M'Croimhain set the abbey on fire in 820, and destroyed not only the dwellings, but even the church and sanctuary. It appears, however, that some emigrants from "Wales afterwards

   oi ifounded a celebrated school here, from which the

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 143

5. John Antisell saves Sir Laurence Parsons from drunken yeomanry in Birr

   Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly

   John Antisell of Shraduffe, brother of the barrister Christopher Antisell, resided in Birr until shortly before his death in 1810 and was noted for having saved Sir Laurence Parsons from drunken yeomanry during the troubled times in Birr.

   Read the passage

   Christopher Antisell, the father of the Irish bar, here alluded to, had a brother, John Antisell, who resided in Birr until shortly before his death in 1810. It is this Mr. John Antisell who is referred to (p. 234), as the writer's father-in-law, and one of those accustomed to travel on horseback from Birr to Dublin in days gone by, stopping at Ballyboy or the "Blue Ball," as the first day's journey. It was he likewise who saved Sir Laurence Parsons from the drunken yeomanry in Birr, as also mentioned (p. 96). He had considerable property and influence in Birr and the neighbourhood, and took an active part in endeavouring to calm the animosity which existed there in these troubled times; and to his influence and exertions, many were then indebted for their safety.

   A short distance beyond Shraduffe is Derrylahan Park, the fine residence of William Henry Head, J.P.

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 119

6. King William III Reputed to Have Slept in Ballyboy

   Ballyboy · townland · Offaly

   It is said that a wretched room still exists in Ballyboy in which King William III slept a night, reflecting local tradition connecting the village to the Williamite war period.

   Read the passage

   about the same time. One of these tokens has on it, " Eob. Hutchinson. of. Ballyboy. March" (for Marchant), and was struck in 1668 ; and another — struck about the same time — has "Tho. Maire. of. Ballyboy Tanner." In former times, before railways, or even well appointed coaches, or two-horse cars, were known in Ireland, to Ballyboy appears to have been the first day's journey on the way from Birr to Dublin. For instance, we have seen (p. 80) that when Sir Laurence Parsons was being conveyed to Dublin in custody of the Sheriif, on the 2nd of April 1690, they proceeded on the first day, only as far as Ballyboy. It was likewise so, at least occasionally, in much later times, for there yet remains the leathern saddle-bags which heretofore hung before the writer's father-in-law — who died so late as 1810 — when making his accustomed journey from Birr to Dublin on horseback ; Ballyboy, or the " Blue Ball," between Frankford and Tullamore, being the first day's journey. It is said that a wretched room still exists in Ballyboy, in which King William III. slept a night.

   Amongst the castles and strongholds in the ancient Fearcall, we find not far from Frankford, the Castle of Broghall, variously called in former times Broghill, Broghaly, and Broghalloe. This castle stands close to, and on the northern side of, the silver river, and it appears to have been for a considerable time the chief residence of O'Molloy, prince of Fearcall. When in 1537 the Lord Deputy made an incursion into Fearcall against the O'Molloys, he surprised the Castle of

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 101

7. Lady Parsons' Coach-Horses Taken

   Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1642

   On 5 September 1642 the Lady Parsons' coach-horses were carried away by some of the Irish, and she applied to Colonel Moore to have them restored. His reply, dated from that time, reflects on her popularity among the neighbours.

   Read the passage

   On the 5th of September following, the Lady Parsons' coach-horses were carried away by some of the Irish, and she applied to Colonel Moore to have them restored. His reply — which bears testimony to her popularity, and reflects credit on the soldier who wrote it— was as follows: — "Much honour'd Lady, I received your letter, which might easily move me to do your Ladyship any lawful service, which I have always coveted to do unto all such of your condition, virtue, and worth, and much the rather for that I find all the gentry and neighbours of these parts to much

   HISTORY OF BIRR. o5

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 31

8. Long Anthony O'Carroll Takes Nenagh in 1688

   Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1688

   In 1688, Long Anthony O'Carroll, an active leader under Sarsfield, took Nenagh castle and made it his base of operations, but later abandoned it after burning the town during his retreat from General Leveson.

   Read the passage

   In front of the keep was the spacious baronial hall, and around were massive walls, with four other round towers of lesser size, and a lofty portcullised gate. This castle was commonly called "Nenagh Bound," and must have been well calculated to resist the attacks of forces using arrows and battering rams, but when gunpowder came well into use, "Nenagh Bound" was unable to hold out very long against ordnance placed on the heights commanding it. Thus Owen Boe O'Neill with the Irish took it in 1641, and it was retaken by Lord Inchiquin. In 1651, General Ireton besieged the town and forced the garrison to surrender, when, according to tradition, he caused the governor to be hung out of one of the highest windows of the castle. In 1688, Long Anthony 0' Carroll, one of the O'Carrolls of Ely, and an active leader under Sarsfield, took the place, and for a time made it the centre of his operations, although the surrounding walls were battered down, the small towers almost levelled, and the keep unroofed ; but after a time he abandoned it on the approach of General Leveson, having burned the town in his retreat, this being the second or third time Kenagh was burned by the O'Carrolls.

   This venerable keep, having survived the various vicissitudes of war through so many centuries, appears to have been threatened with destruction in a more inglorious way, within comparatively late years. When " Nenagh Bound" became a ruin, and was no longer worth contending for, it was soon clothed with a rich mantle of ivy, which naturally formed a stronghold

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 129

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Nenagh in Tipperary. The castle here was called Nenagh Bound, built with a keep, a baronial hall, four round towers and a portcullised gate, strong against arrows and battering rams but vulnerable once gunpowder and ordnance came into use. Owen Boe O'Neill took it in 1641, and Lord Inchiquin retook it. In 1651 General Ireton besieged the town and forced the garrison to surrender, and according to tradition he had the governor hung from one of the highest windows of the castle. In 1688, Long Anthony O'Carroll, one of the O'Carrolls of Ely and an active leader under Sarsfield, took the place and made it the centre of his operations, though by then the walls were battered down, the small towers almost levelled and the keep unroofed. When General Leveson approached, he abandoned it and burned the town in his retreat, the second or third time Nenagh was burned by the O'Carrolls. The keep survived the centuries, and when it became a ruin it was clothed in a rich mantle of ivy.

9. Old Church Belfry at Birr Used for Defence in 1641 and 1690

   Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1620–1690

   A square tower or belfry was added to the old Church in Birr, likely between 1620 and 1628, bearing the arms of Sir Laurence Parsons impaled with his wife's. The tower had the appearance of a place of defence and was indeed used as such in 1641 and again in 1690.

   Read the passage

   It is very probable it was between the grant to Sir Laurence Parsons in 1620, and his death in 1628, that the .square tower or belfry was added to the old Church in Birr. It is evident that this belfry is more modern than the remainder of the Church ; and also that it was built against the gable end of the Church previously there ; and, as the arms of Sir Laurence Parsons, impaled with those of his wife, are still remaining over the entrance to this tower, it seems very likely that it was erected in his time. This tower has also the appearance of having been intended as a place of defence, as well as a belfry ; and there is no doubt but it was used as such place of defence in 1641, and again in 1690.

   There was at this time, about 1620, a bridge over the Birr river, leading into the town at the end of Castle Street, near the castle. This bridge crossed the river opposite to the old church, where the distillery yard was in later days, and led from Brendan's Well, which was close to the river on the opposite side ; and from Killeen and Croghan in Tipperary, by a now long unused and closed up road. This old bridge was swept away by a flood in 1787, but some remains of it were to be seen in late years. There was also a wooden trough formerly across the river here, which conveyed water, raised by a wheel worked by the river, from Brendan's Well to a cistern which stood

   Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 28

10. O'Neill's army crosses at Ath-Croch in 1601

    Shannon Harbour · electoral division · Offaly · 1601

    In 1601, O'Neill and several other Irish chiefs with their army were expeditiously conveyed across the Shannon at Ath-Croch (Shannon Harbour), a crossing point long used by warring parties.

    Read the passage

    Mac Coghlans overtook the O'Maddenfl on their return from Faclden, after having "plundered and burned the town," is on the direct way from Fadden to Shannon Harbour. In like manner Clonfcrt was conveniently situate on the other side in 0 'Madden' s country, for attack by a plundering party from Mao Coghlan's territory, crossing the river here. The old name of Shannon Harbour was Ath-Crochda, Ath- Croichj_ or Ath-Croch, ath signifying a ford, and crocliadh a hanging, grief, or vexation. This ford must have been much used from an early to a comparatively late period, by expeditions crossing the river Shannon between Siol Anmcha on the Connaught side, and Delvin on the other. Thus, we leam from the Four Masters that in 12 G 6, " William Burke marched with a force to attack O'Melaghliu ; and many of his men were drowned at Ath-Crochda, and he was obliged to return without succeeding or gaining hostages." Again we are informed by the same writers, that in 1547, " O'Connor and O'Moore, after some of their clans ^had gone for them to Ath-Croich, crossed the Shannon, and collected a great force for the purpose of taking revenge on the English, who deprived them of their estates and properties, and they afterwards passed into Leinster." There are several other references to hostile parties having crossed the river here, and even so late as the year 1601, when O'Neill, with several other Irish chiefs and their army, " were expeditiously conveyed across the Shannon at Ath- Croch," as already mentioned (p. 1GO).

    340 FERBANE, AND GALLEN MONASTERY.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 143

11. Robert Usher's house burned in Birr during 1690 troubles

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1690

    Robert Usher, of the old Usher family descended from an usher to King John, was settled in Birr in 1690, and his house was burned there during the troubles of that period.

    Read the passage

    be traced for such a length of time to a few years back, as that of Usher. The name of this very respectable old family was originally Neville, but we learn that one of the family having been usher to King John, the name was changed to that of the office, as was then frequently done. Some of the family, from whom was descended the celebrated Archbishop Usher, came with King John to Ireland, and we find a Robert Usher settled in Birr in 1690, and that his house was burned there during the troubles of that period. An ancestor of Luke Usher, of 1704, named Noble Luke Usher, was settled at Gurteen, in the County of Tipperary, not far from Birr, about the year 1798. He was married to a lady of the very respectable family of Lalor, of the County Tipperary, and having been a Justice of the Peace in these troubled times, he so conducted himself as to be named, and still remembered as "the poor man's friend." The younger brother of this gentleman was father of the late Noble Luke Usher, of Birr, who is yet remembered, and his name respected, by many of the inhabitants. He was chairman of a public meeting of Roman Catholics at Birr, held on the 24th of February 1833, to petition against the threatened introduction of martial law into Ireland. Joseph F. Usher, M.D., now of Ballarat City, Australia, is son of the late Noble Luke Usher, of Birr, and there are few who know the family and its connexion with Birr, but wish him success in his honourable profession, so far from his native town. In the commencement of 1820, the extraordinary

    108 HISTORY OF BIKE.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 49

12. Rory O'Conor dies at Clonmacnoise as a monk

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1118

    In 1118 Rory O'Conor, king of Connaught, died in the abbey at Clonmacnoise after having taken the religious habit of the order there.

    Read the passage

    1118. Eory 0' Conor, king of Connaught, this year died in the abbey, where he had taken the habit of the order.

    1120. A silver cup was given to the church of Clonmacnoise, by Celsus, Archbishop of Armagh.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 150

13. Sir Laurence Parsons stopped by yeomanry at Five Alley

    near Fivealley · population centre · Offaly · 1798

    Sir Laurence Parsons was stopped by yeomanry under Arthur Parkinson at the Five Alley, on the road from Birr to Dublin, and detained until he procured a pass.

    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

14. Sons of John O'Carroll seize Birr castle amid succession dispute

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1532

    After Fergananim was nominated O'Carroll over his seniors, the sons of John O'Carroll took the castle of Birr and continued to plunder the country, sparking violence including a killing on the plain of Birr.

    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

15. Talking infant at Creevagh

    Creevagh · townland · Offaly · 885

    The Four Masters recorded that in 885 a two-month-old male child spoke at Craebh-Lairc, now Creevagh near Clonmacnoise, uttering the words "Good God."

    Read the passage

    885. The Four Masters relate that this year, a male child only two months old spoke at Craebh-Lairc, (now Creevagh near Clonmacnoise)} and said, " Good God."

    891. The abbot Elathmac died. His tombstone is at Clonmacnoise yet, and is curious in having on it, emblems borrowed from the pagans.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 149

16. The round towers and cemetery ruins of Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    At Clonmacnoise stand two round towers known as O'Rourke's and McCarthy's towers, 65½ and 58½ feet high respectively, on the edge of a two-acre cemetery containing the ruins of Temple Dermot cathedral with its adjoining "black cell" and a group of ten smaller named churches.

    Read the passage

    After these various changes of fortune, and the further effects of the unsparing hand of time, during centuries since passed away, we come to Clonmacnoise of the present day, and there find most conspicuous, the two fine round towers known as O'Eourke's and McCarthy's towers, the former being 65 J feet, and the latter 58 i feet in height. In the enclosed ceme-

    x? O

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 153

17. Tullamore destroyed by accidental fire c.1790

    Tullamore · town · Offaly · 1790

    Tullamore was burned by an accidental fire about 1790, and was then rebuilt in a better manner with the assistance of Lord Charleville.

    Read the passage

    Tullamore seems to have been not much better than a village until comparatively late years, and Mr. Seward in his Topographia Hibernica, written towards the end of the eighteenth century, says it was then "but a small place." Tullamore was burned by an accidental fire about 1790, and was then rebuilt in a better manner with the assistance of Lord Charleville. The name Tullamore is derived from the Irish, Tullagh, \ a rising ground, and more, great, that is, the great I rising ground ; a name which the gentle yet considerable ascent of the principal street from the river seems to make peculiarly applicable. The town and lands of Tullamore, with several other lands, making altogether about 1,147 acres, were granted to Sir John Moore of Croghan Castle, in 1622, about the time Binwas granted to the Parsons family; This Sir John Moore was married to the daughter of Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Thomas Moore, afterwards of Croghan, was representative for Philipstown. The Eight Hon. John Moore of Croghan, was M.P. for the King's County, and was subsequently raised to the Irish Peerage in 1715, as Baron Moore of Tullamore. Charles Moore, the second Baron, was created Earl of Charleville in September 1758, and on his death in 1764 the title became extinct, but the estates passed to his nephew, John Bury, Esq., whose only son, Charles William Bury, became Earl of Charleville in 1806. Owing to the grant of the place to the Moore family, the appellation TuUawoore was occasionally substituted for the more

    262 TULLAMOKE.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 113

18. William O'Carroll routs English from Ely, secures Birr, 1548

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1548

    It is well authenticated that in 1548 the English were completely routed out of O'Carroll's country, whereupon O'Carroll again secured himself in Birr despite earlier royal grants to Theobald Walter and Hussey.

    Read the passage

    length delivered the whole country of Ely 0' Carroll into the hands of King Edward VI.; who, by Letters Patent, restored it to him with the title of Lord Baron of Ely. Of the truth of the latter part of this statement there is a doubt raised by an eminent antiquarian (Ware's Annals), who says : — " It was reported, that in 1552, being the sixth year of the reign of King Edward VI., Thadeus 0' Carroll was created Baron of Ely, but that he could not find it recorded although it was certain that he was chief lord of Ely, at that time." It is well authenticated that in 1548, the English were completely routed out of 0' Carroll's country, and thereupon 0' Carroll again secured himself in Birr, notwithstanding the grant by King John, to Theobald "Walter, and the grant by the latter to Hussey, as already mentioned.

    Thadeus 0' Carroll afterwards joined MacMorough Cavanagh, O'Birne, and others in endeavouring to procure foreign aid against the English. He was slain by Cahir 0' Carroll, who succeeded him as Baron of Ely ; and this Cahir in his turn, fell in the year 1554, by the sword of William Oder O'Carroll of the same family. The latter made himself master of the country of Ely O'Carroll, of which he kept possession for four years.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 19

19. Ancient Circular Cooking Hearth Found at Killyon

    Killyon · townland · Offaly

    A circular cooking hearth about ten feet in diameter and two and a half feet deep, lined with granite rocks showing marks of intense heat, was discovered in the middle of the court-yard at Killyon, along with charcoal and ashes.

    Read the passage

    discovered there an underground apartment, which, in its days, was evidently a cellar. In this cellar were found a very curious iron key, and a number of oldfashioned broken bottles, made of dark coloured glass, as also fragments of high and narrow drinking glasses ; and about the same time there were also found near this cellar, a lump of yellowish metallic alloy, resembling pyrites, and several large antique shaped iron keys, and part of a large iron knife or sword. There were then also dug up numerous short horns of the old Irish kine, and the cooking hearth in which meat was dressed — and as it seemed in great abundance — was also discovered. This hearth was placed in the middle of the court-yard, and did not appear to have been sheltered from the weather. The writer of this account of it saw the place very shortly after the discovery referred to. The hearth was a circular basin of about ten feet diameter, and two and a-half feet deep, the bottom and sides being lined with granite rocks, each containing about one or two cubic feet. Close by the edges of this pit, on the surface of the ground around it, were several similar rocks, which, as well as the lining of the basin, exhibited marks of having been subjected to intense heat. There was a considerable quantity of charcoal, mixed with ashes, all around.

    In writing of the Fianna Eirionn, or Fenians — the Irish militia instituted before the Christian era, but who attained the greatest perfection about the third century under the celebrated Finn-mac-Coole—

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 78

20. Armorial Stone Discovered Built into Derrydolney House Wall

    Derrydolney · townland · Offaly · 1684–1846

    About 1846, during alterations to the old dwelling-house of Derrydolney, a stone bearing the armorial ensigns of the O'Molloy family was found built into the walls, inscribed with the names of Philip Molloy and Mary Molloy and dated 1684.

    Read the passage

    Muloye " was his son and heir. This place is about a mile from Frankford on the way to Tullamore, and is now called Derrydolney. About 1846, while alterations were being made in the old dwelling-house of Derrydolney, which is not far from the castle, a stone bearing the armorial ensigns of the family of O'Molloy, was found built up in the walls. The following inscription was on it: — "This house was erected by Philip Molloy and Mary Molloy his wife, in the year of our Lord God 1684, in the three and thirteeth years of Charles II., by the Grace of God King of England and Scotland, and France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith."

    Kiltubrid Castle was also a stronghold of the O'Molloy. It stood on an island adjoining the lands of Arm amor e, in the Parish of Drumcullen, and not very far from the ruins of Drumcullen (p. 154). The tribe of Cullen or Cullin, which was of blood with and subject to O'Molloy, lived about this place and probably gave name to the parish. The name Kiltubrid signifies the church of the well, but we find it marked by the name " Annagh "on a map of the King's County, published between 1543 and 1602. The people of the neighbourhood generally call it " the Island of Kiltubrid," and the island itself was estimated to contain about three acres. It is not certain which of the O'Molloy's owned this place, but probably it was the same person that owned Eathmackilduffe, now Thomastown, the property of Francis Yalentine Bennett, D.L. Cole M'Art O'Molloy

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 102

21. Battle at Tisaran after attack on Fadden, 1542

    Tisaran · parish · Offaly · 1542

    In 1542 the sons of O'Madden attacked and burned the castle of Fadden, killing Malachy O'Raighne, but were pursued to Tisaran and defeated, with many named men slain on 4th of the Nones of October.

    Read the passage

    wo learn from the same authority, that " Fclim O'Melaghlin proceeded after that to Clonfert and plundered and demolished the great church and monastery at Clonfert." It is almost unnecessary to mention, that Clonfert was in O'Madden's country, on the opposite side of the river Shannon from Tisaran in Mac Coghlan's territory. The contention thus begun did not end here, however, for we are informed that in 1542, the following year, "the sons of O'Maddon marched with their forces to attack the castle of Fedan ; they plundered and burned the town, and slew Malachy O'Eaighne on that occasion ; the people of the country pursued them to Tigh-Sarain (Tisaran), but were, however, defeated, and Malachy, the son of Edmond Mac Coghlan. David, the son of Fclim, son of Donagh, and Torlogh the son of Fergal, son of Conor, with many others, were slain on the 4th of the Nones of October."

    Again, the Four Masters inform us, that when O'Melaghlin and Edmond a Faihi or Fahy, invaded Delvin in 1548, " Edmond Fahy encamped before the castle of Fedan for the space of eight days, and Cormac Mac Coghlan, who was in the castle, was compelled to give him hostages, after which he and Edmond made a gossipship with each other." It appears that Mac Coghlan must have been in hostilities with the English for some time after this, as we are again informed, that in 1551, "A great court was hold in Athlone, and Mac Coghlan having repaired thither, obtained his pardon, and a patent for his estate,

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 142

22. Bellhill near Seir Kieran named for the god Baal

    Bellhill · townland · Offaly

    A hill near Seir Kyran called Bellhill is popularly thought to be named after St Kyran's Bell, but the author argues it is actually named from Baal or Bel, the sun-god worshipped by the Celts, paralleling Knoc Grian in County Limerick.

    Read the passage

    is so curious and uncommon — the more so when taken in connexion with other circumstances — as to deserve some special notice here. About twenty feet high, with a conical stone roof, this tower was evidently erected subsequent to the building that once stood beside it, and against the south-east angle of which it was placed. It has a great many loopholes around, each some three or four inches square on the outside, but levelled off so as to adjoin each other on the inside, these holes being also at different heights. From the appearance of this tower, with other reasons, it seems very probable it was used for keeping up in it a consecrated fire. These religious fires were by no means so rare as some may suppose ; and it is well established that the Druids kept fires burning as emblems of the sun or life. Thus, according to Macgeoghan, there was a Druidical fire lighted at Ilachta, which he places in the barony of Clonlisk, and King's County, and which appears on Yaugandy's Map of Ireland, published in 1757, to be situate about the modern Brusna, which is not very far from Seir Kyran. This was an institution of the monarch Tuathal Teachmar, as Macgeoghan also states, the place it was held in having been cut off Munster by the same king ; and he adds, that it was forbidden to supply fires with fuel on November eve until they were first renewed from that holy fire. At Ilachta waa the great fire temple of Baal, or the sun, and although writers differ as to the situation of Ilachta, it is a strange coincidence to find a hill in the vicinity of Seir

    174 SEIR KYRAN.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 75

23. Cross of Bishop O'Duffy, killed by a fall from his horse

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1297

    The shaft of a cross commemorating Bishop O'Duffy, who was killed by a fall from his horse in 1297, now stands at Clonmacnoise, connected also with Banagher.

    Read the passage

    •carved stone crosses, the principal of which is opposite the west door of the cathedral, and is described by Mr. Archdall as " a large old cross of one entire stone, much defaced by time, on which was some rude carving and an inscription in antique and unknown characters." In this, however, Mr. Archdall scarcely does justice to this beautiful cross, even as it now remains. There are likewise here many very curious and interesting monumental stones, and sepulchral slabs, some of which have been already alluded to, when mentioning the deaths of those they commemorate. The shaft of the cross in commemoration of Bishop 0 'Duffy, who was killed by a fall from his horse in 1297, and which is now also at Clonmacnoise, has been already referred to (p. 316), in connexion with Banagher.

    A few hundred yards west of the cemetery are the ruins of the castle or bishop's palace, which, erected within a kind of rath or earthwork, is well worthy of attention. The visitor will here notice a remarkable example of the power of gunpowder, as well as of the excellence and strength of the mortar used in former times; for, a large portion of this building, lifted from the foundation, evidently by the force of gunpowder, yet stands almost upon one corner, the ancient mortar keeping the huge mass together, as if it were only one stone.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 154

24. Cuimin's trees planted at the sacred rock

    Rutland · townland · Offaly

    Three remarkable elm trees called 'Cuimin's trees' grow near the rock at Rutland, planted to replace three ancient yew trees of unknown age reputedly planted by the Saint himself, which were later cut down as the result of a wager.

    Read the passage

    There are three very remarkable elm trees called " Cuimin's trees," still growing around and close to this rock. It is said they were planted many years ago by the owner of the property, in place of three yew trees of unknown age, but straight as an arrow, which had previously grown in the same spot, and were supposed to have been planted by the Saint himself. These last mentioned trees, however, were, as was also said, unfortunately cut down, as the result of a wager between the owner of the place and a neighbouring gentleman. An ancient bell, said to have been the bell of St. Cuimin, was preserved in the parish up to thirty or forty years ago. There was a tradition to the effect that it had been found in a well close to the ruins of Kilcommon church.

    On the outside of Kilcommon church-yard, there stood heretofore the dwelling-house in which the celebrated Father Brooks lived. He was Parish Priest here in the troubled times of 1798, and his chapel stood hard by. But the house of God and its Priest both fell under the displeasure of those in power at that time. The chapel was set on fire and consumed, and Father Brooks was deemed unfit to abide longer in Leinster, and it was well for himself he was suffered to live longer anywhere. Ho was sentenced to be transported into Connaught, and that sentence was forthwith executed by putting him over the ferry

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 92

25. English castle built at Clonmacnoise and later burnings

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1214–1227

    In 1214 the English erected a castle at Clonmacnoise, and in 1227 the town was set on fire three times by the son of Donell Bregagh O'Melaghlin.

    Read the passage

    1214. The English erected a castle at Clonmacnoise ; and in 1227, the town was set on fire three times, by the son of Donell Bregagh O'Melaghlin.

    o A

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 152

26. English lieutenant burns and plunders from Ballaghanoher to Tochar in 1548

    Ballaghanoher · townland · Offaly · 1548

    In 1548 the lieutenant and the English marched into Delvin and burned and plundered from Bealach-an-Fothair to Tochar, also burning the town of MacHuallachan in Lusmagh, before camping overnight at Ballynacloiche.

    Read the passage

    The road from Birr to Banagher here passes through the celebrated townland of Ballaghanoher, formerly Bel-atha-an-Fhothair, where, as mentioned (p. 22), Eoghan O'Madden "the Lion of Birra," defeated the men of Ormond in a battle. The reader will find more as to this O'Madden further on, in connexion with Lusmagh. The Four Masters also mention, at the year 1548, that "the lieutenant and the English," marched into Delvin, and " burned and plundered from Bealach-an-Fothair to Tochar, and also the town of MacHuallachan in Lusmagh; they remained encamped for a night at Ballynacloiche, and returned home on the following day with prey and booty, without battle or conflict." Sir Francis Bryan, who erected the castle at Philipstown this same year (p. 29), was " the lieutenant" here alluded to. Tochar appears to have been in Lusmagh ; Baile-Mic-TJallachain, "the town of MacHuallachan," now Ballymaccoolahan, was an ancient district also in Lusmagh ; and Baile-na-Cloiche is at present known there, as Coolclough and Ballynacloughe.

    About half a mile from Banagher, at the Birr side, are the remains of the castle called in former times Garrdha-an-caislein, (Garrancashlane), that is, " garden of the castle," from which the name Garrycastle seems to have been formed and applied to the barony. There is not much known as to the past history of this castle, unless that it was one of the

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 132

27. First Public Telegram Sent from Birr

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1853

    On 5th May 1853, the first telegram of a public nature was sent from Birr to Dublin, reporting on the fair-day, and was published the same afternoon in the Dublin Saunders's News Letter.

    Read the passage

    On the 5th of May 1853, the first telegram of a public nature was sent from Birr to Dublin. It was sent on this the fair-day of Birr, at eleven minutes past two o'clock P.M., and was published the same afternoon in the Dublin Saunders's News Letter. This first telegram from Birr was as follows : — " Parsonstown Fair, May 5th. This was the largest and one of the best fairs ever held here. There was an immense supply of both sheep and cattle, and sufficient buyers for all at remunerative prices. Prime sheep sold higher than last year, and good cattle at about the same rates. Pigs were scarce and dear."

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 55

28. Fortification of the bridge and castle defending Banagher

    Banagher · town · Offaly · 1690

    The bridge of Banagher was found too strongly defended to destroy, being protected by a castle and another fortified work on two sides, as well as strong Irish forces on the Connaught bank of the Shannon.

    Read the passage

    Although the principal design of this expedition was upon the bridge of Banagher, the attempt to break it down was found to be too hazardous, as the enemy was not only very strong on the Connaught bank of the river, but the bridge was defended by a castle, and another work which protected it on two sides. The English army therefore returned to Birr, where they encamped for ten or twelve days, to countenance the people employed in fortifying with sodworks the town, which had previously been open and defenceless.

    To resume from the " Narrative of Sir Laurence Parsons." The fortifications and trenches around Birr were commenced on Saturday, and twelve hundred men were employed at them on Sunday, and six or seven hundred men constantly afterwards for eight or ten days. Both gables of the Sessions-house were pulled down, and all the hedges, ditches and orchards within the works levelled, and the wood converted into fascines for the fortifications. On Major- General Kirk's arrival, his first act was to order all the Eoman Catholics in the town to be seized, and imprisoned in the Market-house, where they remained confined for three or four days, until they became bound, one for another, for their good behaviour, and that they would not depart the town. Kirk's next act was to order Lord Lisburn to burn all the houses between the town and Kacalier-bridge, to prevent the enemy from taking shelter in them. The town itself did not fare much better. Most of the houses without the fortifi-

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 39

29. Founding and Burials at Kilcormuck Monastery

    Frankford · townland · Offaly · 1431–1567

    A Carmelite monastery was founded at Kilcormuck by Odo, son of Nellan O'Molloy. Several members of the O'Molloy family, including Odo himself in 1454, were interred before the high altar of this abbey over subsequent decades.

    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

30. Gallen monastery and Kinkora and Kilcoman castles taken in 1548

    Gallen · townland · Offaly · 1548

    When Edmond Fahy and O'Melaghlin invaded Delvin in 1548, Gallen monastery and the castles of Kinkora and Kilcoman were taken by them, though Mac Coghlan soon retook the castles and expelled Fahy.

    Read the passage

    in 1531. The Four Masters tell us, that in 1543, Eoderick O'Mclaghlin and his kinsmen, " made n noetunial attack on Moy Gallon, in Delvin, and burned and plundered the plain. They were pursued by Malachy Balbh O'Madden, and by Art Mac Coghlan, who gave them battle at Gallen, in which Cormac O'Melaghlin, the brother of Eoderick, together with thirteen men of the chiefs of his people, were slain or drowned on that occasion." They also inform us, that when Edmond Fahy and O'Melaghlin invaded Delvin in 1548, this monastery, and the castles of Kinkora and Kilcoman were taken by them, but Mac Coghlan soon afterwards retook the castles, and expelled Edmond Fahy.

    Mr. Archdall states, however, that "notwithstanding almost innumerable misfortunes, this monastery existed when Colgan, the Franciscan, wrote, at which time it belonged to the Canons of Saint Augustin." He also tells us, that " the site of this abbey, together with the church, cemetery, &c., five cottages and two gardens, in the town of Gallen," with several denominations of land, and a "moiety of the tithes and alterages " of several rectories, including Reynagh (Banagher), " parcel of the possession of this abbey were granted, 4th June 1612, to Sir Ger. Moore, at the annual rent of .£3 12s. 2d., who was to maintain a horseman for ever on the same." By Inquisition post mortem taken at Birr, the 14th of October 1619, the then late Yiscount Moore of Drogheda, was found to have been seized " of the lately dissolved

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 143

31. Gallows Hill, a former place of execution near Birr

    Gallows Hill · hill or hills · Tipperary

    The hill still called Gallows Hill, lying between Birr and Ballyloughnane, was formerly a place of execution, a name that has never been forgotten locally.

    Read the passage

    IN the neighbourhood of Birr the Little Brusna river divides the King's County from Lower Ormond in the County of Tipperary. It has been stated (p. 2 14) that this river probably takes its name from the village of Brusna, a few miles from Birr. In passing from Birr into the nearest part of Lower Ormond, we cross this river at Bally loughnane, in later times called Riverstown, within less than a mile of Birr. The hill yet called " Gallows Hill," from having been formerly a place of execution — names so acquired are never forgotten in Ireland — lies between Birr and Ballyloughnane. A castle stood heretofore at the King's County side of the river, close to the bridge at Ballylouglmane, nit the walls fell in 1848, leaving the present large heap of debris to mark the spot where this castle formerly stood. It was called the castle of Ballindarra

    270 BALLINDAKRAGH CASTLE.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    This hill you are passing through near Birr still carries the name Gallows Hill. It lies between Birr and Ballyloughnane, and it was formerly a place of execution. As the old book says, "names so acquired are never forgotten in Ireland." No record survives of who was executed here or when the gallows stood, only that the hill earned its name from the hangings once carried out on it.

32. Giant salmon caught at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1113

    The Four Masters recorded that in 1113 a salmon twelve feet long and twelve hands in breadth was caught at Clonmacnoise.

    Read the passage

    1113. The Four Masters write that a salmon twelve feet long, and twelve hands in breadth, was caught at Clonmacnoise this year.

    1115. Murcha O'Maolseachlain this year made an offering to God and St. Kieran, of a cup of gold, a drinking cup of silver, and a patena of brass, embossed with gold. The same year the Momonians plundered the abbey.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 150

33. Great battle at Geashill between Heremon and Heber

    Geashill · town · Offaly

    According to tradition, Heremon and Heber Fionn, sons of Miletius, fought a great battle at Geisiol (Geashill) about a thousand years before the Christian era, in which Heber was slain and his forces defeated.

    Read the passage

    Clanmaliere comprised parts of the baronies of Geashill, Philipstown, and Ballycowen, in the King's County, with portions of the Queen's County and Kildare. The O'Dempseys had their chief castle at Geashill, and they contended with the English under Strongbow, in 1173. Geashill, thus alluded to, was a very celebrated place, and is frequently mentioned in the old annals. Thus it is recorded that Heremon and Heber Fionn, sons of Miletius, having contended for the sovereignty of Ireland, they fought a great battle at Geisiol (Geashill) about a thousand years before the Christian era, in which Heber *was slain, and his forces were defeated, and Heremon thereupon became the first Milesian monarch of Ireland. There were also some very early synods of the Clergy held at Geashill, one of which, where SS. Brendan and • Columbkill were present, has been already alluded to (p. 11). There were likewise several inquisitions held at Geashill in later times, some of which are referred to in this work.

    Maurice Eegan describes an attack made by the I O'Dempseys on the English army, in which Eobert de [Quincy, son-in-law of Strongbow, and standardbearer of Leinster, was slain, and the banner of Leinster was lost. The O'Dempseys were deprived of most of their possessions after the Elizabethian wars, but they afterwards obtained regrants of a considerable portion. Sir Terence O'Dempsey was knighted in 1599, and was created Baron of Philipstown and Viscount Clanmaliere in 1631, but the title appears to have become extinct in 1714,

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 113

34. Great church shingles completed and O'Heyne's burial

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1100

    In 1100 the great church at Clonmacnoise, sometimes called M'Dermot's church, was completed, and O'Heyne, king of Connaught, was interred there; a surviving stone inscription is believed to mark his grave.

    Read the passage

    1100. The shingles and lower end of the wall of the great church, by some called M'Dermot's church, which were begun by the abbot Cormac M'Connamboght, were completed by the abbot Flathvertagh O'Loyngsy. This same year O'Heyne, king of Connaught, was interred in Clonmacnoise. He was called Giolla-na-naomh, or " servant of the saint." There is a stone at Clonmacnoise, with an Irish inscription signifying, "Pray for the true servant of Kiaran," which is probably O'Heyne's.

    1106. At this time there was a house for hospitality at Clonmacnoise, called "the house of the guests."

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 150

35. Memorial to Rev. John Spain, Parish Priest of Birr, dies of fever

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1848

    A mural tablet in Birr Roman Catholic Church commemorates Very Rev. John Spain, P.P. of Birr, who died of fever on 10 May 1848. He was praised as a friend of the poor and founder of the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy.

    Read the passage

    his remains is a handsome mural tablet, with the following appropriate inscription : " Sacred to the memory of the Very Eev. John Spain, P.P., of Birr, who died of fever, on the 10th of May 1848, in the 52nd year of his age. In him the church lost a bright ornament, his country a distinguished advocate, and the poor their best friend and supporter. This temple remodeled and ornamented, and the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, erected by him, will be lasting memorials of his zeal for the glory of God, and the interests of the poor. May he rest in peace." It could with truth be added, that the very rev. deceased had been a true and faithful friend, and an accomplished scholar.

    On the opposite side of the altar is a somewhat similar and also very handsome tablet, erected by the Eoman Catholic Clergy of the Diocese to the memory of the late Eight Eev. Dr. Kennedy, Eoman Catholic Bishop of Killaloe, who had been Parish Priest of Birr for a considerable time. The Eight Eev. Dr. Kennedy died at Birr in 1850, and was interred in the Eoman Catholic Church there. The present altar in this church was erected to the memory of the late Very Eev. John Egan, Parish Priest of Birr, who died in October 1870. This is a very fine work, and is chiefly composed of Caen stone, beautifully moulded. The Gothic shafts are of Irish red marble, highly polished, and the altar table is Sicilian marble. The principal piece — the " Pieta " —represents the dead Christ, with the "Mater Dolor osa" in a kneeling

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 47

36. Nenagh Burnt by the Irish in 1348

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1348

    According to Seward's Topographia Hibernica, the town of Nenagh was burnt by the Irish on St. Stephen's Day in the year 1348.

    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

    Up ahead is Nenagh, a Tipperary town with a rough medieval past. Seward's Topographia Hibernica records that Nenagh was burnt by the Irish on St. Stephen's Day in 1348. The same source notes that near here in 1370, Brien, son of Mahon Meneny O'Brien, won a complete victory over his uncle Turlogh, who was backed by English forces under the Earl of Desmond. That fight earned Brien the name "Brien Catha an Aonaig," or Brien of the battle of Nenagh. By the middle of the 1600s the town had enough trade to issue its own merchants' tokens, bearing names like Rob Hutchinson, clerk, in 1658, and Maurice Thomas in 1666.

37. Nenagh Round Taken by Owen Roe O'Neill in 1641

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1641

    The castle known as 'Nenagh Round' was taken by Owen Roe O'Neill with the Irish in 1641 and subsequently retaken by Lord Inchiquin, illustrating the castle's strategic importance during the wars of the period.

    Read the passage

    In front of the keep was the spacious baronial hall, and around were massive walls, with four other round towers of lesser size, and a lofty portcullised gate. This castle was commonly called "Nenagh Bound," and must have been well calculated to resist the attacks of forces using arrows and battering rams, but when gunpowder came well into use, "Nenagh Bound" was unable to hold out very long against ordnance placed on the heights commanding it. Thus Owen Boe O'Neill with the Irish took it in 1641, and it was retaken by Lord Inchiquin. In 1651, General Ireton besieged the town and forced the garrison to surrender, when, according to tradition, he caused the governor to be hung out of one of the highest windows of the castle. In 1688, Long Anthony 0' Carroll, one of the O'Carrolls of Ely, and an active leader under Sarsfield, took the place, and for a time made it the centre of his operations, although the surrounding walls were battered down, the small towers almost levelled, and the keep unroofed ; but after a time he abandoned it on the approach of General Leveson, having burned the town in his retreat, this being the second or third time Kenagh was burned by the O'Carrolls.

    This venerable keep, having survived the various vicissitudes of war through so many centuries, appears to have been threatened with destruction in a more inglorious way, within comparatively late years. When " Nenagh Bound" became a ruin, and was no longer worth contending for, it was soon clothed with a rich mantle of ivy, which naturally formed a stronghold

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Nenagh, the old castle known as Nenagh Round stands in this town. It was built with a great keep, a baronial hall, massive walls, four smaller round towers, and a lofty gate with a portcullis. Strong enough against arrows and battering rams, it could not hold out long once gunpowder and cannon came into use. Owen Roe O'Neill took it with the Irish in 1641, and Lord Inchiquin later retook it. In 1651, General Ireton besieged the town and forced the garrison to surrender, and tradition says he had the governor hung out of one of the highest windows of the castle. In 1688, Long Anthony O'Carroll, one of the O'Carrolls of Ely and a leader under Sarsfield, took the place and made it the centre of his operations for a time, though the walls were battered down, the small towers almost levelled, and the keep unroofed. He abandoned it on the approach of General Leveson, having burned the town behind him, the second or third time Nenagh was burned by the O'Carrolls.

38. Philipstown fort established by Francis Bryan, 1548

    Philipstown · townland · Kildare · 1548

    A fort established at Dingen in Offaley by Lieutenant Francis Bryan, who erected a castle there after the place was granted to him in 1548, was later named Philipstown by statute and became capital of King's County.

    Read the passage

    In this same year (1557), the Earl of Essex having subdued the O'Moores and O'Conors, the two most powerful septs in Leinster, and who held the territories of Leix and Offaley, he caused an Act of Parliament, to be passed in the third and fourth years of the reign of Philip and Mary, by which these countries and the adjoining districts of Slewmarg, Irry, and Glenmallery were made into shire ground. They since form the King and Queen's Counties, Offaley, which was part of the Glenmallery, having been called the King's County. The fort which had been established at Dingen, in Offaley, by Lieutenant Francis Bryan, who had erected a castle there soon after the place was granted to him in 1548, was by the same Statute named Philipstown, which name it still retains, and until comparatively late years it was the capital town of the King's County. (See more as to Philipstown in the reference to Offaley

    30 HISTORY OF BIRR.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 20

39. Redmond Burke Takes Castles Including Shinrone in 1600

    Shinrone · town · Offaly · 1600

    The Four Masters record that in 1600 Redmond Burke, son of John 'of the Shamrocks', and his brother took many castles in Ely and the Ormonds, including the castle of Suidhe-an-Roin (Shinrone).

    Read the passage

    The Four Masters record that in the year 1600, Redmond Burke, son of John " of the Shamrocks)" and his brother, took many castles in Ely, and the Ormonds, amongst which was Suidhe-an-Roin.

    By inquisition taken at Philipstown in 1626, it was found that Oliver Grace was seized at his death of part of the rectory of " Soynroane," part of the then lately dissolved monastery of St. John (Tyone), near Nenagh; that he died the 27th of August 1626, and that his son and his widow were entitled to his property. By another inquisition taken in 1640, Daniel Mac Gilfoyle was found seized of the manor, town and lands of " Synroane," then containing ten houses, &c., and also of the lands of Magherymore and Gortgreen, and several other lands, t>arcel of the aforesaid manor. He was also found seized of a Court Leet, and Court Baron, to be held within said manor ; of two fairs to be held in Synroane annually, on the feasts of Saint Peter and Saint Martin, and of a weekly Thursday market, with all profits. It was further found that said Daniel Mac Gilfoyle, by Deed of 1634, had enfeoffed of all the premises, one Herbert or Harbert, of Killion, Robert Sweetman, of Birr, and others ; that King Charles II., by letters patent, in the thirteenth year of his reign, granted all the premises to said Daniel, and his heirs, and

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 81

40. Roscrea's Square Castle Built by the Ormond Family

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1509–1547

    The large square castle in the centre of Roscrea was built by the Ormond family in the reign of Henry VIII and was later used as a store-house for military lodged in the barracks at the rere, which had formerly been the residence of Mr. Damer, ancestor to the Earl of Dorchester.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1213 — the reign of King John — the English having possessed themselves of Eoscrea, after some contests with Murtagh, King of North Munster, built, as a barrier against the natives, the circularshaped castle on the street now called the Mall, leading by the river ; and early in the 14th century, in the reign of Edward, the castle and manor of Eoscrea, with all fees and " advowsons of churches appertaining thereunto," were granted to Edmund Butler, Earl of Carrick. This round tower has been repaired in late years. The large square castle in the centre of the town was built by the Ormond family in the reign of Henry VIII., and has been used in late years as a store-house for any military lodged in the barracks at the rere. This barracks was formerly the residence of Mr. Darner, ancestor to the Earl of Dorcester. The interior of the castle is well worthy of a visit.

    So much having been stated as to ancient Eoscrea in general, the remains of its venerable Abbey and Monastery now claim more particular attention, nor should the fine round tower — one of those puzzles for antiquarians — be forgotten. As already stated, St. Cronan founded hepe in the seventh century, the Abbey, the front gable of which, for such it appears to have been, is still remaining. The following description of the ruins of this Abbey and the round tower, as they appeared in 1786, is given in Archdall's

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 59

41. Royal Meeting at Birr, 825

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 824–826

    The Four Masters record a royal meeting at Birr in 825 between Conchabhar, son of Donchadh, King of Ireland, and Feidhlimidh, son of Crimhthann, King of Munster, described by the Annals of Ulster as 'a kingly parlee'.

    Read the passage

    Clonmacnoise have this meeting in 824 ; while the Annals of Ulster state that in the year 826, there was : — " A kingly parlee at Byre between Felim and Connor."

    Birr was plundered three times in the year 833, by Feidhlim MacCriomthan, the King of Munster. The wealth of the place at that period may be judged of, from its having been considered a worthy object for royal plunder so often in the course of the same year. Nor was it the Irish alone that considered it worth notice, for the Four Masters mention under date 841 : — " The plundering of Birr and Saigher by the foreigners of the Boyne ; " meaning the Danes or Ostmen. There is good reason to believe that these two places suffered in a similar way the following year.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

42. Sepulchral slab of Black Bran at Monaincha

    Monaincha · townland · Tipperary

    The sepulchral slab of 'Black Bran,' Abbot of Roscrea, was formerly located at the ruins of Monaincha monastery.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Archdall describes the ruins of this monastery as being, in 1786, when he wrote, very interesting as regarded the situation, the materials used, and the workmanship ; and even now, when these ruins have stood the ordeal of another century, they are well worthy oi a visit. The sepulchral slab of " Black Bran," Abbot of Roscrea, which

    148 MONAINCHA.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 66

43. Sioda MacNamara buried at Gill Breanan, Birr

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1311

    Sioda MacNamara, chieftain of Muighaghan in Thomond, died in 1311 and bequeathed his body to Breanan, being interred at Gill Breanan in Birr despite being far from his native place, reflecting the veneration for St. Brendan's monastery.

    Read the passage

    Sioda MlNamara, who died in the year 1311, bequeathed his body to Breanan, and was interred at Gill Breanan at Birr, as we learn from Mr. Archdall. The MacNamaras were chieftains of Muighaghan, a territory of Thomond, in the now barony of Bunratty and County of Clare. They were called Mac-con- Maras, and were a family of much note ; and it shows the respect and veneration in which St. Brendan and his monastery were held, to find a member of such a family providing for his interment in Cill Breanan, so far from his native place.

    In a poem addressed to Eoghan O'Madden, chief of Siol Anmcha, part of the County Galway, with Lusmagh, in the present King's County, who died in 1347 ; the bard calls him " The Lion of Biorra." The reader will find this mentioned more at length in the reference to Cloghan Castle hereafter.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 18

44. Terms for safe conveyance of Birr garrison to Naas via Maryborough

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1642

    Under the 1642 surrender terms, the Governor of Birr Castle and his household were to be given safe convoy by Sir Robert Talbot to Maryborough and then to Naas, with pledges exchanged along the route, and ladies allowed to keep linens, beds and clothing.

    Read the passage

    all shall have safe convoy with Sir Robert Talbot, and some horse and foot to Maryborough, and from thence two pledges shall go with them to the Nasse, to wit, Captain Oliver Darcy and Lieutenant James Malone, who are to be safely conveyed from the Nasse to Ballygowan, and then their two pledges are to be safely sent to the Nasse.

    " Item. — It is agreed, that the Governor and all the rest of the people shall have all their horses to their own use, and the General will issue his warrants to the country for .the furnishing of the Governor with twenty horses more to aid them in their carriages.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 161

45. Volunteer review at Woodfield, former Tullanaskeagh

    Woodfield · street · Offaly · 1784

    On 20 September 1784, several volunteer corps were reviewed by General Sir William Parsons at Woodfield near Birr, a place anciently called Tullanaskeagh whose old dwelling-house was burned during the war of 1641.

    Read the passage

    composed of the Parsonstown Loyal Independents, Colonel Sir William Parsons; the Clanrikard Brigade, Colonel Darcy ; and the Mountain Eangers, Colonel Thomas Bernard, junior ; flanked upon the right by the Parsonstown Grenadiers, and upon the left by the Parsonstown Light Company and Parsonstown Artillery. The old name of Woodfield, where this review took place, was Tullanaskeagh, meaning the rising ground near the water. The old dwellinghouse here was burned during the war of 1641.

    On the 12th of November 1787, there was a great flood in the Birr river, the most impetuous and highest known, either by history or tradition, to have ever occurred. This river, as already mentioned, has been always noted for sudden and impetuous floods ; but on this occasion it rose to a most unusual height, swept away the old bridge which theretofore crossed the river at Brendan's Well, and inundated many houses in the town. A record of this flood remained at a late period on the oaken staircase of one of the houses on the present old bridge of Birr, where there was a mark with an inscription, showing that this flood rose to the unprecedented height of seven feet over the usual level of the river.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft

46. Widespread burning of houses in Birr during the War of 1690

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1690

    During the Williamite war, numerous houses, outhouses, orchards and a tan-yard belonging to residents of Birr—including Mr. Philip, Mr. Knight, the Archers, Nethercott, Captain William Parsons and many tenants—were destroyed or burned, along with houses at Crincle, Ballinree, Little Seffin, Ballindara and Great Clonaghill.

    Read the passage

    Mr. John Philip's house, stable, cow-house, and other out-houses destroyed, and an orchard cut to the ground. Mr. Knight's two houses destroyed, his orchard cut, and his country house and the houses of several of his tenants, burned. Owen Bryan's house pulled down. The houses of Luke Archer, Eichard Jones, Jasper Hopkins, Teig Heaman, and Hew Dulhunty, burned. Nethercott's two houses in the

    394 APPENDIX.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 163

47. St. Cronan's Abbey Described in 1786

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1786

    Archdall's Monasticon of 1786 describes the ruins of St. Cronan's Abbey at Roscrea, including its ancient front with Saxon architecture, a mezzo-relievo of the patron saint, a carved cross and crucifix, and a shrine attributed to St. Cronan, alongside a fine round tower.

    Read the passage

    Monasticon: — "The present church is dedicated to St. Cronan ; the front of it is very old, and consists of a door and two flat niches on either side, of Saxon architecture, with a mezzo-relievo of the patron Saint, much defaced by time ; at a little distance is a cross in a circle, with a crucifix on one side, adjoining to which is a stone carved in various figures, and at each end a mezzo-relievo of a saint ; both are called, if we mistake not, the shrine of St. Cronan. To the north-west is a fine round tower, fifteen feet diameter, with two steps round it at the bottom ; about fifteen feet from the ground is a window with a regular arch, and at an equal height is another window with a pointed arch." The first-mentioned " window" seems to be

    what we now call the door, and it is unnecessarv to

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 59

48. Birr Barracks built to house two regiments

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1809–1812

    The building of Birr Barracks was commenced in 1809 and completed within three years, intended to accommodate two regiments of infantry, built by Bernard Mullins.

    Read the passage

    The building of Birr Barracks was commenced in 1809, and completed in three years. These barracks were intended to accommodate two regiments of infantry, and were built by Mr. Bernard Mullins. The present Sessions House and Bridewell of Birr, were erected about the same time.

    In December 1812, a great meeting of "The protestant inhabitants of the King's County," convened by George Drought, Esq., the High Sheriff, was held in Birr, " to pronounce " on the claims for religious equality, which were then being made by the Eoman Catholics of Ireland. This meeting, with other resolutions adverse to the Roman Catholics, passed the following: — " Resolved that as it has been asserted by oui' Roman Catholic fellow subjects, in various publications, that the majority of the Protestants of Ireland approve of an unqualified and unconditional

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 45

49. Birr Plundered Three Times in One Year

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 833

    In 833 Birr was plundered three times by Feidhlim MacCriomthan, King of Munster, indicating the wealth of the settlement at that period.

    Read the passage

    Birr was plundered three times in the year 833, by Feidhlim MacCriomthan, the King of Munster. The wealth of the place at that period may be judged of, from its having been considered a worthy object for royal plunder so often in the course of the same year. Nor was it the Irish alone that considered it worth notice, for the Four Masters mention under date 841 : — " The plundering of Birr and Saigher by the foreigners of the Boyne ; " meaning the Danes or Ostmen. There is good reason to believe that these two places suffered in a similar way the following year.

    In 842, the eleventh year of Niall, Dodin, Bishop of Birr, died ; and in 851 — the seventh year of Maelseachlainn — died Flaithnia, son of Conghall, Bishop and Abbot of Birr.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 17

50. Brass Trade Tokens Struck in Ballyboy

    Ballyboy · townland · Offaly · 1668

    Ballyboy was a place of considerable trade and importance more than 200 years before the book's writing, evidenced by brass tokens struck there in 1668 by local merchants Robert Hutchinson and Thomas Maire.

    Read the passage

    about the same time. One of these tokens has on it, " Eob. Hutchinson. of. Ballyboy. March" (for Marchant), and was struck in 1668 ; and another — struck about the same time — has "Tho. Maire. of. Ballyboy Tanner." In former times, before railways, or even well appointed coaches, or two-horse cars, were known in Ireland, to Ballyboy appears to have been the first day's journey on the way from Birr to Dublin. For instance, we have seen (p. 80) that when Sir Laurence Parsons was being conveyed to Dublin in custody of the Sheriif, on the 2nd of April 1690, they proceeded on the first day, only as far as Ballyboy. It was likewise so, at least occasionally, in much later times, for there yet remains the leathern saddle-bags which heretofore hung before the writer's father-in-law — who died so late as 1810 — when making his accustomed journey from Birr to Dublin on horseback ; Ballyboy, or the " Blue Ball," between Frankford and Tullamore, being the first day's journey. It is said that a wretched room still exists in Ballyboy, in which King William III. slept a night.

    Amongst the castles and strongholds in the ancient Fearcall, we find not far from Frankford, the Castle of Broghall, variously called in former times Broghill, Broghaly, and Broghalloe. This castle stands close to, and on the northern side of, the silver river, and it appears to have been for a considerable time the chief residence of O'Molloy, prince of Fearcall. When in 1537 the Lord Deputy made an incursion into Fearcall against the O'Molloys, he surprised the Castle of

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 101

51. Castle of Banagher demolished in 1548 to prevent English capture

    Banagher · town · Offaly · 1548

    In 1548 the Four Masters recorded that the castle of Banagher (called Binncor), the castle of Moystown, and Clochan-na-gceapach were demolished lest they should be taken by the English.

    Read the passage

    It does not clearly appear whether the castle called Garrdha-an*caslein and Caislen-an-Fothair, and more recently Garry castle, is the place also referred to at the year 1544, as the " castle of Banagher." However this be, the Four Masters again tell us at the year 1548, that the castle of Banagher here called ^Binncor;" the castle of Moystown, "Magh-Istean; " and " Clochanna-gceapach," were demolished, least they should be taken by the English. This last mentioned place appears to be Cloghan in Delvin, and not Cloghan Castle in Lusmagh — distinguished by the name Cloghan O'Madden.

    A market to be held in Banagher on Thursdays, was granted about the year 1612, to Sir John MacCoghlan, Knight, but the day was subsequently changed to Monday, and the market is now held on Friday. By charter of Charles I., Banagher was constituted a corporate town in 1628, the corporation being styled " the Sovereign, Burgesses and Free Commons of the Borough and Town of Bannacher alias Bannagher," and being empowered to send two members to the Irish Parliament. This corporation consisted of a sovereign and twelve burgesses, with authority to admit freemen, and appoint a recorder and other officers. The charter also gave power to hold a court

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 134

52. Death and burial of St. Kieran at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 549

    St. Kieran died on 9th September 549 and, according to the Four Masters, was buried in the 'Little Church' at Clonmacnoise.

    Read the passage

    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.

    It would be almost impossible to give here all the circumstances on record concerning Clonmacnoise, after the death of its founder. Even could this be done, it would tire, rather than instruct or amuse, the general reader, to repeat in full what we Icam of alternate endowments and rapine ; building, and destruction by fire and sword ; with sacrileges, followed at times, by atonement. Then we have the names of at least one hundred bishops, abbots, and learned men, belonging to this abbey ; with the dates of their deaths, and in many instances, other particulars concerning them. Thus, there were about thirty bishops of Clonmacnoisc Diocese, merely from the

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 148

53. Gallen Monastery founded by St. Canoe c.492

    Gallen · townland · Offaly · 492

    Saint Canoe, or Mocanoc, erected the Monastery of Galinne near the Brusna river in Delbhna M'Cochlain around the year 492, later attacked and burned repeatedly over the centuries.

    Read the passage

    There are likewise the ruins of several, once celebrated, abbeys and castles, in the neighbourhood of the neat little town of Ferbane, about three miles north-east of Cloghan. Ferbane is on the Greater Brusna river in the ancient Dealbhna Eathra, and is the property of John Gilbert King, Esq., D.L., whose elegant seat at Ballylin is about a mile from the town. Mr. King represented the King's County in Parliament for a considerable time. The ruins of the monastery of Gallen, which was also called Galinne and Gailenga, are near Ferbane and the river Brusna, within the beautiful demesne of Gallen Priory, the seat of the Rev. Sir E. Armstrong, Bart. It is almost unnecessary to mention that the late respected Sir Andrew Armstrong, father of the present Baronet, represented the King's County in Parliament for many years. Mr. Archdall tells us, that Saint Canoe, or Mocanoc, erected near the Brusna river, the "Monastery of Galinne, in Delbhna M'Cochlain," about the year 492, and that Felym M'Croimhain set the abbey on fire in 820, and destroyed not only the dwellings, but even the church and sanctuary. It appears, however, that some emigrants from "Wales afterwards

    oi ifounded a celebrated school here, from which the

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 143

54. MacCoghlan lord of Delvin More slain at instigation of Earl

    Delvin · town · Westmeath · 1292

    In 1292, the MacCoghlan lord of Delvin More was slain by Sinn MacFeorais (Bermingham) at the instigation of the Earl of Ulster.

    Read the passage

    The MacCoghlans are frequently mentioned in the ancient annals, but it will be sufficient to refer here to a few of the many notices of them by the Four Masters, since the English invasion of Ireland. Thus we have already seen (p. 228), that in 1175, " Giolla Coluim O'Maolmuaidh (O'Molloy) lord of Ferkale, was treacherously slain by Eoderick, son of Conor MacCoghlan." In 1199, " Murchadh MacCoghlan, lord of Delvin Eathra," died; in 1292, " MacCoghlan lord of Delvin More," was slain by Sinn MacFeorais (Bermingham),at the instigation of the Earl (of Ulster); and in the year 1371, Fergal MacCoghlan died, while imprisoned by O'Kennedy. It has been seen (p.163), .that Edmond a Faihy, or Fahy, gained a battle in Delvin in 1548, and brought the heads of the slain to

    310 THE MAC COGHLANS AND DEALBHNA EATHRA.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 132

55. Magistrates dispute over Quarter Sessions chairmanship at Birr

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1822

    Eight Justices at Birr Quarter Sessions retired to protest the taking of an appeal without prior communication, passing resolutions against Assistant Barrister Thomas Clere Parsons and requesting a full magistrates' meeting at the next Sessions.

    Read the passage

    retired to the magistrates' chamber, leaving the Assistant Barrister and the Justice who had taken the appeal, the only occupants of the bench. It appeared that these eight Justices were of opinion that no Justice should take an appeal to an Order, without a previous communication with the Justice by whom the Order had been made. As to this, the Justice who had taken the appeal in the present case differed with them, and the Assistant Barrister agreed in opinion with him. On retiring to the chamber, the eight Justices sent to request the Assistant Barrister to join them there, but he declined to do so, as he and the other Justice were then engaged in Court on the trial of a criminal case. Upon this, the eight Justices in chamber passed two resolutions condemning the conduct of their brother Justice in having taken the appeal, and they also resolved, " That we think it expedient to request the attendance of every magistrate on the first day of the Crown business at the next Sessions of Birr, for the purpose of appointing a chairman, and taking this subject into consideration, as well as other matters relating to magisterial duties." These eight Justices then also resolved, "That we direct the Clerk of the Peace to send a copy of these resolutions to every magistrate in the B)^r District."

    Mr. Parsons, the chairman against whom these resolutions were principally directed, published, before the next Sessions, a long reply in the shape of an address to the magistrates of the King's County. To this address there appeared as a rejoinder, a pamphlet

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 52

56. Mountain Rangers volunteer corps at Kinnitty

    Kinnitty · parish · Offaly · 1779

    The 'Mountain Rangers' volunteer corps, associated on 15 August 1779 with scarlet faced black uniform, was composed mostly of members from the neighbourhood of Kinnitty, commanded by Colonel Thomas Bernard, junior.

    Read the passage

    The little town of Kinnitty, and surrounding landb, are the property of Colonel Bernard, Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the King's County, whose beautiful residence, Castle Bernard, is situate in a picturesque demense adjoining the town, and bordering on the Sliebh Bloom Mountains. This large and stately mansion, which is built of grey blue limestone in the Elizabethan castellated style, was erected at great expense by the late Colonel Bernard, father of the present owner, and the latter has also expended a large sum in recent improvements. It has been seen (p. 93) that at the review of the Volunteer corps, near Birr, on 20th February 1784, the left wing was commanded by Colonel Thomas Bernard, jun., who was grandfather of the present Colonel Bernard ; and his own corps, the " Mountain Bangers," was also present on the occasion. This corps was associated on the 15th of August 1779, the uniform was scarlet faced black, and the members of it were mostly from the neighbourhood of Kinnitty. Major George Clarke and Captain John Drought were officers in this corps. The late Colonel Bernard, by whom Castle Bernard was erected, and the father of the present owner, was for many years representative in Parliament for the King's County, and it was by him the first stone of the " Parsons Testimonial " was laid at Birr, in 1827, as already mentioned (p. 119).

    In Castle Bernard demense, and close to the castle, there is a very ancient and interesting stone cross. It seems to have been composed of sandstone, and the

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 68

57. Noble Luke Usher chairs Roman Catholic meeting in Birr, 1833

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1833

    The younger Noble Luke Usher of Birr was chairman of a public meeting of Roman Catholics at Birr, held on 24 February 1833, to petition against the threatened introduction of martial law into Ireland.

    Read the passage

    be traced for such a length of time to a few years back, as that of Usher. The name of this very respectable old family was originally Neville, but we learn that one of the family having been usher to King John, the name was changed to that of the office, as was then frequently done. Some of the family, from whom was descended the celebrated Archbishop Usher, came with King John to Ireland, and we find a Robert Usher settled in Birr in 1690, and that his house was burned there during the troubles of that period. An ancestor of Luke Usher, of 1704, named Noble Luke Usher, was settled at Gurteen, in the County of Tipperary, not far from Birr, about the year 1798. He was married to a lady of the very respectable family of Lalor, of the County Tipperary, and having been a Justice of the Peace in these troubled times, he so conducted himself as to be named, and still remembered as "the poor man's friend." The younger brother of this gentleman was father of the late Noble Luke Usher, of Birr, who is yet remembered, and his name respected, by many of the inhabitants. He was chairman of a public meeting of Roman Catholics at Birr, held on the 24th of February 1833, to petition against the threatened introduction of martial law into Ireland. Joseph F. Usher, M.D., now of Ballarat City, Australia, is son of the late Noble Luke Usher, of Birr, and there are few who know the family and its connexion with Birr, but wish him success in his honourable profession, so far from his native town. In the commencement of 1820, the extraordinary

    108 HISTORY OF BIKE.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 49

58. Odo's door built at the cathedral

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1280

    About 1280 Odo, dean of Clonmacnoise, re-edified the cathedral and caused the beautiful doorway known as Odo's door to be constructed, as its inscription testifies; the Franciscan and Dominican orders were also established there around this time.

    Read the passage

    1280. About this year Odo, dean of Clonmacnoise, re-edified the cathedral or great church, and also caused the beautiful doorway, called Odo's door, to be made, as the inscription above it testifies. About the same year, the Franciscan and Dominican Orders were established here.

    1444. Manus McMahon, the king of Orgial, was interred at Clonmacnoise.

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 152

59. Preston's Scouts Sighted at Crinkill and Gree Near Birr

    Crinkill · townland · Offaly · 1643

    On 14 January 1643 the governor's scouts saw about 200 of the enemy at Gree and Crinkle (Crinkill), both near Birr, as Preston's confederate forces approached the castle with artillery.

    Read the passage

    Birr castle was again attacked early in the year 1643. Preston, the general commanding the confederate army of Leinster, an officer of great experience, having collected about 2,500 foot and some troops of horse, invested the castle of Buj^is, which surrendered to him on the 30th of December 1642. From thence he marched to Birr, having intelligence that the garrison had not powder to stand two hours' assault. On the 14th of January 1643, the forces in the castle received information that he was approaching with great pieces of artillery ; and on the same evening about dusk, the governor's scouts saw about 200 of the enemy at Gree, and Crinkle, or Crinkill, both near Birr. The following day, Sunday, General Preston appeared with 100 horse and 200 foot, on Drumbawn Hill over the town. From thence he reconnoitred the town and castle, and after firing some shots, he encamped in the neighbouring woods ; and from this time continued a close siege until the place surrendered on the 20th. The enemy again showed themselves on the 16th, with cavalry and infantry and waggon train, to the number of about 2,000, and fired several shots at the castle, to which they sent a drummer in the afternoon with a paper containing the following words : — "A memorandum for the drummer

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 32

60. Relics of St. Cuimin enshrined at Clonfert clergy's hands

    Kilcommon · townland · Tipperary · 1162

    In 1162 the Four Masters record that the relics of Cummaine Fada were removed from the earth by the clergy of Clonfert and enclosed in a protecting shrine, five hundred years after his death.

    Read the passage

    At the year 1162, the Four Masters state that the relics " of Cummaine Fada were removed from the earth by the clergy of Brenainn " (Clonfert) " and they were enclosed in a protecting shrine." It appears from this that the relics of St. Cuimin were deemed worthy of being exhumed, and placed in a shrine for better preservation, five hundred years after his death. It is said that St. Cuimin had a brother named Beccan, a recluse, who, as Colgan says, was likewise called Euim, or Euiminn, pronounced as if Eouen. Possibly lie might have had a cell at the neighbouring townland of Shinrone, and that it is to him Shinrone is indebted for a name.

    In a rock, near Rutland, in the neighbourhood of Ivilcommon, are some marks like impressions from human knees and arms. These, at least some years ago, were held in high veneration as being the marks of St. Cuimin' s devotional prostrations — the devout saint having, by continual prayer, worn traces in the solid limestone. Strange as such a notion may appear, the fact was possible. The adage says, the constant drop will hollow a stone, and this is verified in the Abbey of Holy Cross, where the Braon Comhsanadh, or Constant drop, by continually falling from the groined arch overhead, has worn a hole more than an inch deep, in the corner of a marble tomb-stone. But the marks in St. Cuimin's rock are also accounted for in another manner, in the legendary lore of Ivilcommon. The story, which the reader may believe or not, as he thinks proper, is as follows : — Some difference having

    Internet Archive earlyhistoryofto00cookuoft, Chapter 92