Historical sketches of Monaghan : from the earliest records to the Fenian movement

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1. Murder of Bateson at Corratanty

   Castleblayney · town · Monaghan · 1851

   On the evening of 4 December 1851, Quinn, Grant, and Nogher ambushed Thomas Douglas Bateson near his farm at Corratanty, outside Castleblayney. Quinn shot Bateson in the head and the three beat and kicked him to death. A rumour of the planned murder had circulated in Castleblayney beforehand but never reached the authorities.

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   On the evening of 4th December 1851, a rumour spread through Castleblayney and the neighbourhood, to the effect that Bateson was likely to be murdered that evening, but somehow the rumour never reached the authorities, or if it did they did not believe it. On the same evening Quinn, Grant, and Nogher went out from Blayney and loitered on the road near Bateson's farm at Corratanty. Bateson came down the lane, and was followed by Grant carrying a pistol, and he was soon joined by Quinn, who also carried a pistol, Nogher keeping watch on the road for fear of surprise. Quinn fired first and hit Bateson in the back of the head. Grant's pistol missed fire. Bateson staggered backward and forward, his hat fell off, and he staggered over and fell against the ditch. Grant and Quinn leaped on him, beat him with stones and the butts of their pistols, and kicked him to death. The three murderers ran off across the country to their own homes.

   Though the news of this terrible crime was expected by the country people, still, when the fact was made known, there was a great sensation throughout the whole county. Shortly before this time the Ribbon society, which had been for a long time dormant in the barony of Farney, was revived by the arrival of navvies who were working at the Irish North-Western Railway. Among these was a young man named Thomas Hodgens, who came from Dromiskin, in the County Louth, and who propagated the Ribbon society throughout the youth of Farney. He was brave and reckless, and had a determined and decisive manner, as well as a genial temperament which enabled him to ingratiate himself with young men, the effect of which was to give a great impetus to the influence and spread of the confederation in Farney, so much so, indeed, as to cause grave alarm to the landlords and their myrmidoms. The people of Farney were then suffering from the iron rule of two

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 58

2. Ribbon leaders' trap at Mohan's public-house, Monaghan fair 1843

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1843

   At the June fair of Monaghan in 1843, Ribbon lodge heads were lured to Francis Mohan's public-house near the market house to receive their quarterly passwords, in a police-orchestrated trap. Police surrounded the house and arrested those inside, though a servant girl destroyed most of the secret documents by throwing them into the kitchen boiler.

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   Every three months the passwords were changed, and these passwords were called " Renewals ;" and the June fair of Monaghan 1843 was appointed for the heads of the lodges to get their renewals. The passwords were arranged in Dublin, and sent out through each district by trusted messengers. The County Monaghan Government officials at once hit on a plan of directing some of their spies to move that not only the Ribbon leaders of the district of Monaghan, but of the whole county, and of part of Armagh, should assemble and bring with them lists of all the members in each district. By this means they would not only catch all the leaders in a trap, but get on their persons the documents which would enable them to know the name and rank of every Ribbon man in the County Monaghan. Gillan was first to tell of this arrangement to Sub- Inspector M'Kelvey, who ran delighted with the important news to the Stipendiary Magistrate, who smiled at M'Kelvey, and told him that it was he (the Stipendiary) who had arranged the whole matter. M'Kelvey was greatly cut to think that there were informers who would not be entrusted to his care and knowledge. However, the whole matter was arranged, and the messenger, Pat Cavanagh of Bridgeacrin, County Louth, arrived on the evening before the fair with the "Renewals," and stopped in Francis Mohan's publichouse near the market house. Some leaders from the southern part of the county suspected that some sort of a trap was being laid, and not only did not go themselves, but sent word to all who were likely to be in Monaghan to stop away. The Armagh men could not come in consequence of the funeral of an important Ribbonman in their neighbourhood, which they had to attend; but two

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3. Special Commission at Monaghan for Bateson murder trial

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1852

   In late January 1852, a special commission under Chief Justices Blackburn and Monahan convened at Monaghan to try Owen and Francis Kelly for the Bateson murder. The trial, prosecuted by the Solicitor-General and defended by Isaac Butt and Samuel Ferguson, resulted in hung juries and the Kellys escaped with their lives through the honesty of Protestant jurors.

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   on the road in Corratanty, on 4th December 1851. The Government were determined to hang someone, so they arrested the brothers Kelly, and proceeded to make up a case against them, with the full determination of hanging them. The local landlords, through the press and through the Castle officials, worked up a scare and induced the Government to issue a special commission. Accordingly, in the end of January 1852, the two Chief Justices Blackburn and Monahan proceeded to Monaghan to hold the special commission and extraordinary assizes, accompanied with all the military pomp with which the first assizes was held in Monaghan in the reign of Elizabeth.

   The first case brought forward was that of Owen and Francis Kelly, who were charged, together with a person unknown, with the murder of Thomas Douglas Bateson. The Crown counsel, led by the Solicitor- General (commonly called " Go-to-hell Hughes"), prosecuted, and the prisoners were defended by Isaac Butt and Samuel Ferguson. The prisoners refused to join in their challenges, and only one (Francis) was tried, and a jury consisting of eleven Protestants and one Catholic, and nearly all were landlords' agents, or those who were supposed to sympathise with them. The trial began on Tuesday morning, the 28th January, and lasted for three days. Thirty-two witnesses were examined by the Crown, amongst whom were two who swore positively to having seen the Kellys kill Bateson. The Stipendiary Magistrate, named Howley, worked up the prosecution with considerable ability and energy ; but when in the witness box, he made admissions in cross-examination by Mr. Butt, which considerably shook the Crown case. Great and eloquent speeches were delivered by Mr. Butt and the Solicitor-General, both for and against Kelly. The jury retired about 6 p.m. to consider their verdict, and at 8.30 p.m. they were called out, but had not agreed. They were locked up all night, and at 9 the following morning were again called out, and as they had not agreed were again locked up until 5 p.m.

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 59

4. Ribbon documents burned at M'Gee's lodgings in Mill Street

   Mill Street · street · Monaghan · 1843

   A Ribbonman who had been ejected from Mohan's ran to Arthur M'Gee's lodgings in Mill Street, Monaghan, where a chest of society documents was kept. He broke open the chest with a spade and burned the papers before the police arrived, frustrating their search for evidence.

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   the police below shouted to those who were ascending not to let him up, and a sergeant, whom he and the girl had passed, turned round, caught the Ribbonman by the neck, and pushed him down stairs, and the police below hustled him out of the house. The girl threw the papers into the boiler on the kitchen fire, so that those who took punch and tea on that day in Mohan's drank down the passwords, secrets, and names of all the Ribbonmen in and around Monaghan. The Ribbonman who had been so unceremoniously hustled out by the police ran round to a small house on the site of which Mr. Patrick Nolan's house now stands, and in which then lodged one Arthur M'Gee, a sawyer, who was high up in the Ribbon confederation, and who held a large number of documents referring to the society. When he reached this house he ran to a chest in which he knew the documents were, and being informed by M*'Gee's landlady that the proprietor was from home and had the keys with him, he broke open the chest with a spade, and took out a large number of papers, which he then and there burned in the fire. Meantime M'Kelvey and the head-constable and several other police arrested all the Ribbonmen in the room in Mohan's, and searched all those whom they caught in it — the head-constable at once drawing forth out of O'Hanlon's pocket the only document amongst the whole party. The police were awfully " sold" at not getting any more documents and marched the prisoners otf. The Head and a few other police proceeded direct to M'Gee's lodgings in Mill Street, and went straight to the chest, when the Head exclaimed — " The chest is here, but there was some one at it before us." The prisoners were let out on bail, and Gillan was the first man to whom they confided all that had happened. O'Hanlon told him that it was lucky the police had not searched his house, for there were fourteen copies of the renewals on the attic. Messengers were forthwith dispatched to every district where renewals had been sent to direct them all to be burned. Gillan being a reliable man was sent by

   100 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 55

5. Hodgens receives last sacraments from Dean Bermingham

   Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1854

   Thomas Hodgens, condemned to death for conspiracy to murder, was offered life, liberty, and reward by the Government if he would inform on the Ribbon society. He made his peace with God and received the Sacrament of Penance from Father Bermingham, P.P. of Carrickmacross, before rejecting all offers and facing death rather than become an informer.

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   During the interval between the passing of these sentences and the time appointed for their execution, the Government made strenuous efforts to procure information of the secret working of the Ribbon society throughout the country from some one or other of the prisoners, and Hodgens was selected for the purpose, he being supposed to have an intimate knowledge of its working in the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Armagh, and Down. Trench's services in this connection were accepted by the Government, and being posted by Thornton he sent his confidential clerk to Hodgens, to whom life, liberty, and reward were offered if he should give information to the Crown. He took a day to consider the matter, and during that day he made his peace with God, received the Sacrament of Penance

   HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN. Ill

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 60

6. Conspirators assemble in Castleblayney to assassinate Bateson

   Castleblayney · town · Monaghan · 1851

   Hired assassins and local Ribbonmen met in Castleblayney on the last market day of November 1851 and again on December fair day, where Bateson was pointed out to the killers at the Petty Sessions court-house. The conspiracy targeted Lord Templetown's agent.

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   short of the assassination of Bateson could save them. They, therefore, came to the conclusion to hire some Armagh men who had succeeded on former occasions in murder and outrage. An indemnity fund was started, and those present deposited £20 with James Woods, who was to return it when the amount was collected. Several men started to collect money to pay the intended murderers, and M'Ardle engaged a desperate character, named Neil Quinn, who was said to have assisted at no less than six murders and attempts at murder. He also communicated with another Armagh Bibbonman named Bryan Grant, who was, to all outward appearances, a good and charitable man, and no doubt would have been a good citizen, had not his patriotism driven him into the Ribbon society, and at once he became one of the desperadoes of the times. M'Ardle told Grant to bring an assistant with him, and he engaged a hard-up neighbour named Pat Nogher by telling him the large sum of money that would be paid for the killing of Bateson. The three hired assassins met some of the local Ribbonmen in Castleblayney on the last market day of November 1851, but Bateson did not come into town that day. At some of the interviews Quinn complained as to the employment of Nogher, whom he did not trust. Some of the others who were present, had some grumbling about the perpetration of the intended crime, upon which Cooney said, " If you all scared at it, I will do it myself." On the December fair day, most of the conspirators assembled again in Castleblayney. M'Guinness brought Grant down to the Court-house and pointed out Bateson to him at the Petty Sessions. Cooney brought a pair of pistols. All slept in Castleblayney that night. On the next day a messenger was sent to two brothers named Kelly, who had no connection with the conspiracy, but who were suspected by the police as likely to be implicated in any conspiracy against Bateson owing to wrongs they had suffered at his hands, to advise the Kellys to spend the next evening at the police barracks in ball playing. The Kellys either did not understand

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 57

7. Thomas Hastings whipped through the streets of Monaghan

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1798

   In September 1798, Thomas Hastings was convicted of tendering the United Irishmen's oath and sentenced to three years' imprisonment, three times in the pillory, and public whipping through the streets of Monaghan. Tied to the back of a cart, he was whipped from the old Court-house in the Diamond down Dublin Street and over Pound Hill, suffering silently while his flesh and blood spattered the streets.

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   in September 1798, when he was convicted, and sentenced to three years' imprisonment, three times in the pillory, and publicly whipped through the streets of Monaghan. In the pillory he was received with all the honours of a patriot by our townsmen, and he suffered his corporal punishment like a man. The mode of whipping prisoners in those days was by tying the victim to the back of a cart in front of the old Court-house in the Diamond (the houses now occupied by Messrs. Crawford and Co., and Mr. Jenkins). The horse then walked down Ballywollen Street (now Dublin Street), and over the Pound Hill to a small suburb where St. Macartan's Cathedral now is, while the unfortunate prisoner's back was torn with the lash. One of the most remarkable incidents of the period is, that while one of the United Irishmen was undergoing this terrible torture, he never cried or murmured a complaint, though his torn flesh and blood spattered about the streets.

   Almost the entire male population of Glasslough, of all creeds, were enrolled in the society for the liberation of their country. It was an important town at the time, for between it and the neighbouring village of Tullyree (now no more) there was a full regiment of COO United Irishmen. The Government officials appear to have been in a terrible fix, for no informers of importance could be got in the country, and the only men brought to trial were those who would make a mistake, and tender the oath to some despicable traitor to his country. The name of Mr. Burke Rice appears to have been sent forward by the Monaghan colonels for the appointment of adjutant-general for the county, and some informer in Dublin or Belfast acquainted the Government, and the English Secretary, Pelham, issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was forthwith lodged in Monaghan gaol without a trial. The United Irishmen then adopted throughout the county the dangerous method of making midnight raids for arms on the houses of those who were not members of the society. The few weapons they got were not worth the risks they ran by

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 19

   As the companion tells it

   In September 1798, Thomas Hastings was convicted of tendering the United Irishmen's oath and sentenced to three years' imprisonment, three times in the pillory, and public whipping through the streets of Monaghan. In the pillory, the people of the town received him with all the honours of a patriot, and he suffered his punishment like a man. The way they whipped prisoners then was by tying the victim to the back of a cart in front of the old Court-house in the Diamond. The horse then walked down Dublin Street, which was then called Ballywollen Street, and over the Pound Hill toward the small suburb where St. Macartan's Cathedral now stands, while the prisoner's back was torn with the lash. He never cried out or murmured a complaint, though his torn flesh and blood spattered about the streets. The Government officials were in a terrible fix, for no informers of importance could be got in the country, and the only men brought to trial were those who made the mistake of tendering the oath to some traitor. The United Irishmen then adopted the dangerous method of midnight raids for arms on the houses of those who were not members of the society. The few weapons they got were not worth the risks they ran.

8. Treanor's escape from Carrick Bridewell

   Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1854

   James Treanor, one of the Ribbon conspiracy prisoners the Government intended to hang, escaped from Carrick Bridewell after knocking down a policeman who tried to catch him. Following an exciting chase, he succeeded in getting clean away.

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   Paddy M'Ardle. It was the original intention of the Government to hang Hodgens, Thornton, and Treanor. The officials found out that they could not do without the evidence of Thornton; and Treanor escaped out of Carrick Bridewell, after knocking down the policeman who tried to catch him, and after an exciting chase, succeeded in getting clean away, so they added the name of Paddy Breen to the indictment. Breen, who was a barrow-man, was a simple fellow. His connection with the conspiracy was that it was in his house Hodgens and Thornton lodged, before the attempted murder, and that he had brought a message to them concerning the whereabouts of M'Ardle. The two men were tried and sentenced to death. At the same assizes, Neil Quinn, Br van Grant, and Patrick Oooney were sentenced to death for the murder of Bateson ; while there was a split jury on William M'Ardle and Edward M'Guinness for the conspiracy to murder Bateson. It is worth noting that two of the jurymen who sat on the trials of Quinn, Grant, and Cooney, also sat on the first trial of Francis Kelly. One on that occasion was for the acquittal of Kelly, while the other showed equal alacrity to hang the innocent man, as he afterwards showed to hang the guilty ones.

   During the interval between the passing of these sentences and the time appointed for their execution, the Government made strenuous efforts to procure information of the secret working of the Ribbon society throughout the country from some one or other of the prisoners, and Hodgens was selected for the purpose, he being supposed to have an intimate knowledge of its working in the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Armagh, and Down. Trench's services in this connection were accepted by the Government, and being posted by Thornton he sent his confidential clerk to Hodgens, to whom life, liberty, and reward were offered if he should give information to the Crown. He took a day to consider the matter, and during that day he made his peace with God, received the Sacrament of Penance

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 60

9. Fatal duel between Mitchell and Robinson at Castleshane, 1822

   Castleshane · electoral division · Monaghan · 1822

   On 19 April 1822, Richard Mitchell Junior and Richard Jackson Robinson fought a pistol duel near the old town of Castleshane after a quarrel over remarks allegedly made by Robinson's sister. After Dr. Temple's contemptuous remarks provoked a second exchange, Robinson was fatally wounded in the chest and died the next day. Mitchell and Battersby were tried and convicted at the Summer Assizes.

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   Duelling rose to a great pitch at the end of the last century. There were several men throughout the county who were professional duellers; who on the slightest excuse would send a challenge to an unfortunate neighbour or friend ; some young men were known to pick quarrels with these fire-eaters, to have it to say they had fought with some celebrated dueller. Though some of these foolish youths lost their lives in their pursuit of notoriety, still it did not deter others from following in their dangerous footsteps. The last duels arranged or fought about Monaghan are now almost forgotten. The most notable of these was that in 1822, when Richard Mitchell, Junior, formerly Deputy Clerk of the Peace, fought Richard Jackson Robinson with pistols" at Castleshane. The quarrel rose out of something Robinson's sister was alleged to have said about Mitchell. Several attempts were made to settle the dispute, but without success; and the party, which consisted of the two principals, Mitchell's second, Thomas Battersby, Robinson's second, James Mollen, and Dr. Temple, met early on the morning of 19th April 1822, near the old town of Castleshane. Shots were first exchanged without any damage being done, and all was nearly over when Dr. Temple made some contemptuous

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10. Newbliss Yeomanry Cavalry sworn in as United Irishmen

    Newbliss · town · Monaghan · 1797–1798

    John Hamill swore in the entire troop of Newbliss Yeomanry Cavalry into the United Irishmen, to the horror and astonishment of the Government and Captain Kerr. This discovery revealed how deeply the society had penetrated the local military forces.

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    took place between Mr. Wright and those near him. The following day at the parade of the Yeomen, Hamilton again stated that there were United Irishmen amongst them, and called on them to come forward and renounce their connection with the society. All were as usual silent, and Hamilton, to the astonishment of the members, called out, " Frank Fleming, who hit Billy Wright in the back of the head with a potato ?" Fleming was greatly surprised, and boldly stated it was he, but added, that he might be found amongst fools, but never amongst traitors. This incident had the effect of dissolving the society amongst the Yeomen, and at their last meeting, their leader stated they would not meet again until the " word" came from head-quarters in Belfast. Mr. John Hamill, of Rooskey Mills (granduncle of Mr. Robert Hamill, of Rooskey), was the leading United Irishman in the barony of Dartree, and succeeded in bringing many of his fellow-countrymen into the society, and it was discovered, to the horror and astonishment of the Government, and Mr. Kerr, the captain, that he had sworn in the whole troop of Newbliss Yeomanry Cavalry. One Thomas Bowes turned informer on him, and he escaped from the country, after an exciting chase through a bog, where he succeeded in throwing two officers who were sent to arrest him, into a bog hole.

    Amongst the Monaghan Militia in the camp at Blaris Moor, the United Irish Society was discovered to have made great progress, and four of them were tried by Court-martial and sentenced to be shot, in the hope of either deterring the others, or of inducing the prisoners to inform. They were Daniel Gillen, Owen M'Kenna, Dheariugh ; William M'Kenna, Dheariugh ; and Peter M'Carren. Every effort was made to induce them to betray their comrades. Life and liberty were offered to them, but all to no purpose. The father of the two M'Kennas, who kept a public house at Dheariugh's Bridge, on the Blackwater, travelled from Trough to Belfast to witness the trial, and was asked to

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Newbliss, in the years 1797 and 1798, became the scene of a remarkable infiltration. John Hamill of Rooskey Mills was the leading United Irishman in the barony of Dartree, and he succeeded in bringing many of his fellow-countrymen into the society. It was discovered, to the horror and astonishment of the Government and of Mr. Kerr, the captain, that Hamill had sworn in the whole troop of Newbliss Yeomanry Cavalry. The discovery revealed how deeply the United Irishmen had penetrated the local military forces. The story had begun at a parade of the Yeomen, when a man named Hamilton stated that there were United Irishmen amongst them and called on them to come forward and renounce their connection with the society. All were silent. Hamilton, to the astonishment of the members, called out, "Frank Fleming, who hit Billy Wright in the back of the head with a potato?" Fleming was greatly surprised, and boldly stated it was he, but added that he might be found amongst fools, but never amongst traitors. This incident had the effect of dissolving the society amongst the Yeomen. At their last meeting, their leader stated they would not meet again until the "word" came from head-quarters in Belfast. Thomas Bowes turned informer on Hamill. Hamill escaped from the country after an exciting chase through a bog, where he succeeded in throwing two officers who were sent to arrest him into a bog hole.

11. Orange armed demonstration in Monaghan, July 1848

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1848

    On 12 July 1848, thousands of Orangemen marched through Monaghan town carrying guns and bayonets in a government-encouraged armed demonstration. Many marchers were starving on Indian meal, evicted from farms, or facing ejectment notices, and several violent incidents occurred afterward.

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    The old Ribbon leaders lost most of their power, as all the young men turned their attention towards the great National insurrection which they expected at any moment. The famine and evictions came on in 1847 and 1848, and the Young Ireland party were smashed up. The Government served out a large number of old firearms amongst the Orangemen, and on the 12th July 1848 every Orangeman in the county was invited into Monaghan to make a great armed demonstration. Thousands of them marched through Monaghan town, most of them in military order, carrying guns and bayonets. The demon of bigotry had been inculcated into them to such an extent that they thronged into town under the most degrading circumstances. Many men marched that dav who had lived for weeks and months exclusively on Indian meal. Many marched that day who were living in hovels after being evicted from their farms ; while many more came with the notice to quit and ejectment hanging over their heads, and starvation and exile staring them in the face. In no part of the county did they come in contact with the Catholics, but in many instances they came into collision with one another. When the whiskey of which they partook, acting on the half fed stomachs, had maddened them, in several instances the firearms were used, and several men were missing after it. In all cases these rows were hushed up, but in one terrible instance it was reported to have been an accident caused by a number of muskets which had been put in a cart going off, through the shaking of the cart on a road in Killevan. The only instance which ever came into the courts was that of a man who was killed on the Ballybay road. The defence made out that it was an accident.

    When the famine had passed,- and O'Connell was

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 56

12. Priest M'Kenna shot while celebrating Mass in Bragan

    Bragan · townland · Monaghan

    A priest named M'Kenna who served the people of Slieve Beagh and parts of Truagh was shot by a soldier while celebrating Mass on a Druidical stone in Bragan. Soldiers approached through the townland of Eshcloughfin before dawn. The place where he fell is still known as Lath-na-taggart, and a hole in the stone is popularly attributed to the bullet.

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    There was a priest named M'Kenna, who used to look after the spiritual wants of the people of Slieve Beagh, and parts of Truagh. The government officials were constantly on the look-out for him, but always failed to catch him, owing to the careful guardianship of his faithful people. However, information was brought to Monaghan, that on a certain morning before daylight, he was to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on a Druidical Stone, in Broughan-Shee-Bragan. A party of soldiers were dispatched early in the night, and having proceeded through the townland of Eshcloughfin, sometime before daydawn, they observed the light of the two candles on the altar. The officer fearing to approach too close to the place where the people assembled, lest some of the scouts who always were on the " look-out" for surprises from soldiers and priest-hunters, would detect him, and that the priest would thereby escape, detached a good marksman and told him to approach within gunshot, cover one of the lights, and to fire when it was darkened by the priest passing before it. This command he executed, and when the priest moved to read the last gospel, fired. The ball passed through the priest's head. The place where he fell can still be seen in Bragan, and is called Lath-na-taggart. There was a hole in the Druidical Stone, which some modern people say was caused by the bullet. This is manifestly absurd,

    22 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Bragan, a priest named M'Kenna was shot while celebrating Mass. He looked after the spiritual needs of the people of Slieve Beagh and parts of Truagh. Government officials were constantly searching for him, but they always failed, because his people guarded him carefully. Word was brought to Monaghan that on a certain morning before daylight, he was to celebrate Mass on a Druidical stone in Bragan. A party of soldiers was dispatched early in the night. They came through Eshcloughfin, and sometime before dawn they saw the light of two candles on the altar. The officer feared approaching too close, in case the scouts who always watched for soldiers would detect him and the priest would escape. So he sent a good marksman and told him to get within gunshot, cover one of the candle lights, and fire when it was darkened by the priest passing before it. The marksman did as commanded. When the priest moved to read the last gospel, he fired. The ball passed through the priest's head. The place where he fell can still be seen in Bragan, and is called Lath-na-taggart. There is a hole in the Druidical stone, which some people say was caused by the bullet, though the writer of the record calls this manifestly absurd.

13. Donaghmoyne tithe battle and killing of Constable Dawson

    Donaghmoyne · townland · Monaghan · 1832

    A large police force marched from Carrickmacross and dragoons from Castleblayney to enforce tithe collection in Donaghmoyne. The people, assembled rapidly by sounding of horns, surrounded the police and proctors. A mounted constable named Dawson was sent to meet the Castleblayney troops but was killed by a stone blow on the road.

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    Several attempts had been made to collect the tithes in Donaghmoyne, and even under the protection of the police, the proctors had failed. However, a plan had been laid by the authorities to enforce the payment of the Donaghmoyne tithes due the Rev. Mr. Porter ; and a large force of police marched from Carrickmacross to protect the proctors. At the same time a troop of dragoons left Castleblayney. The p'an was, that when the people who were expected to assail the police and proctors were engaged with them, the dragoons were to charge them from behind, and punish the people severely for their resistance of the law. The place where this was arranged to take place at was about the centre of Donaghmoyne. But the people were assembled more rapidly than the authorities expected by the sounding of horns ; and long before the police and proctors reached the ground of the intended battle, they were surrounded by the people armed with guns, pitchforks, scythes, sticks, stones, etc. The people formed behind the fences and fired shots and stones at the police, who returned their fire from the road. A mounted police-constable, named Dawson, was despatched to meet the troops coming from Castleblayney, and to hurry them forward, but he had not proceeded far when he was knocked out of his saddle with a blow of a stone and killed on the road.

    The commander of the police, seeing he could hold out no longer, proceeded to retreat. The body of police had to fight their way back to Carrickmacross, firing from behind fences, and fired at until they were within

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 45

14. Foiled ambush of M'Ardle after Carrickmacross market

    Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1852

    On 29 January 1852, Hodgens and Thornton hid at a lane corner waiting to ambush bailiff M'Ardle on his return from Carrickmacross market. Thomas Gartlan of Kinderacloy warned M'Ardle that his life was in danger, whereupon M'Ardle informed the police, who proceeded to the ambush site and captured the would-be assassins.

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    agents, Messrs. Trench and Morant. The former was agent for the Marquis of Bath ; the latter for Mr. Shirley. Some of the farmers who were Ribbonmencameto the decision of murdering Mr. Trench and his bailiffs, M'Ardle and M'Mahon ; and they engaged Hodgens and a reckless man named Thornton, nicknamed "Hairyman," of a bad moral character, to commit the crimes. £20 was the price they were to be paid for shooting Trench, and £10 each for the bailiffs. On the 7th January 1852, they tried to assassinate M'Mahon. They were assisted by one James Treanor. Both Hodgens and Thornton fired at him, and both shots missed, and M'Mahon escaped unhurt. Some of the Eibbonmen were more anxious to have Trench shot, while others did their best to save him. There is reason to believe that these latter were in the pay of Trench, and that their object was to save Trench's skin at all costs, while letting the Ribbonmen commit themselves by murdering or attempting to murder the bailiffs. Trench— like Mick M'Quaid— evidently thought that if the shots were intended for him, they would not hit him, and that if the bailiffs were shot they could be easily replaced. So Trench's agents prevailed and turned their unfortunate dupes' attention on the bailiffs. Several arrangements were made for attempts on M'Ardle's life, but all fell through, until 29fch January 1852, when Hodgens and Thornton hid themselves at the corner of a lane, down which M'Ardle was expected to drive in his gig on his return from Oarrickmacross market. Before M'Ardle left Oarrickmacross, one Thomas Gartlan of Kinderacloy, whom M'Ardle had befriended in getting his brother's farm, met him and told him that if he went home his life was not his own. Whether Gartlan was an informer, or, as he alleged, merely overheard a conversation between Hodgens and Thornton, is not at all clear. At all events, when M'Ardle heard the news, he informed the police, who proceeded to the place where Thornton and Hodgens were waiting for M'Ardle.

    We must now return to where we left Bateson dead

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 58

15. Attempted assassination of M'Mahon in Farney

    Farney · barony · Monaghan · 1852

    On 7 January 1852, Hodgens and Thornton, assisted by James Treanor, attempted to assassinate M'Mahon, a bailiff of agent Trench. Both men fired at him but both shots missed and M'Mahon escaped unhurt. Ribbonmen had been engaged to shoot Trench for £20 and his bailiffs for £10 each.

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    agents, Messrs. Trench and Morant. The former was agent for the Marquis of Bath ; the latter for Mr. Shirley. Some of the farmers who were Ribbonmencameto the decision of murdering Mr. Trench and his bailiffs, M'Ardle and M'Mahon ; and they engaged Hodgens and a reckless man named Thornton, nicknamed "Hairyman," of a bad moral character, to commit the crimes. £20 was the price they were to be paid for shooting Trench, and £10 each for the bailiffs. On the 7th January 1852, they tried to assassinate M'Mahon. They were assisted by one James Treanor. Both Hodgens and Thornton fired at him, and both shots missed, and M'Mahon escaped unhurt. Some of the Eibbonmen were more anxious to have Trench shot, while others did their best to save him. There is reason to believe that these latter were in the pay of Trench, and that their object was to save Trench's skin at all costs, while letting the Ribbonmen commit themselves by murdering or attempting to murder the bailiffs. Trench— like Mick M'Quaid— evidently thought that if the shots were intended for him, they would not hit him, and that if the bailiffs were shot they could be easily replaced. So Trench's agents prevailed and turned their unfortunate dupes' attention on the bailiffs. Several arrangements were made for attempts on M'Ardle's life, but all fell through, until 29fch January 1852, when Hodgens and Thornton hid themselves at the corner of a lane, down which M'Ardle was expected to drive in his gig on his return from Oarrickmacross market. Before M'Ardle left Oarrickmacross, one Thomas Gartlan of Kinderacloy, whom M'Ardle had befriended in getting his brother's farm, met him and told him that if he went home his life was not his own. Whether Gartlan was an informer, or, as he alleged, merely overheard a conversation between Hodgens and Thornton, is not at all clear. At all events, when M'Ardle heard the news, he informed the police, who proceeded to the place where Thornton and Hodgens were waiting for M'Ardle.

    We must now return to where we left Bateson dead

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 58

16. Farcical last duel in Monaghan between Young and M'Dowell

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    A.K. Young sent a challenge to Dr. M'Dowell over a public appointment, expecting it would come to nothing. M'Dowell, a leading Orangeman, secretly confided in Rev. Henry Moffit, Rector of the parish, who informed the police. Both gentlemen were arrested and bound over to keep the peace, and Monaghan boasted of her last intended duel.

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    Duelling ended ia a farce in this county. A. K. Young, F.R.C.S.I., quarrelled with Dr. M'Dowell about a public appointment, and when professional jealousy whetted the temper of both gentlemen, Mr. Young, like Horace Hunter, sent a challenge to M'Dowell, which he was quite satisfied would never come to anything. M'Dowell was terribly frightened. He was a leading Orangeman,and could not allow his cowardice to be known, so he assumed a Falstaffian bravery, and accepted the challenge. This done, he was at his wits' end how to avoid the meeting without exposing his cowardice ; so he called on Rev. Henry Moffit, Rector of this parish, and told him in the greatest confidence, and asked him his advice about the settlement of his temporal and spiritual affairs, but besought him to tell no living man of the coming event. Of course Mr. Moffit, like a sensible man, not to say a clergyman, at once informed the police authorities. On the other hand, Mr. Young, who had probably never heard of Alexander Trott, was greatly astonished at the acceptance of the challenge ; however, he pluckily determined to see it out, and got his second, and arranged his pistols, but never thought of informing, so when the police sergeant came to arrest him he was considerably relieved, and at first blustered and defied the law. Ultimately on a few soft words from the sergeant "he went quietly." Mr. M'Dowell also showed a good deal of assumed indignation at the unwarrantable interference of the police in an affair between gentlemen, but also "went quietly ': to the Magistrates, where both gentlemen were bound over to keep the peace, which neither of them intended breaking. The fame of their valour was sounded near and far, and Monaghan boasted of her last intended duel, equalled only by the great Winglebury affair of honour.

    In the early days of the present century, Dacre Hamilton ruled the town and neighbourhood of Monaghan with the power of a despotic dictator. His influence with the Government was great, for he had

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 40

17. Tithe resistance at Tyholland, end of 1831

    Tehallan · parish · Monaghan · 1831

    At the end of 1831, Rev. Mr. Crookshank, Rector of Tyholland, sent proctors to collect tithes, but large crowds assembled and the proctors fled for their lives. A troop of dragoons and police came from Monaghan, and armed crowds gathered on the hills, but the proctors refused to continue even under military protection.

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    cesses from him, and one young man seized the processserver and attempted to carry him off. One of the police fired and shot the young man dead on the spot. This was followed by a determined attack on the police by the people who were armed with all sorts of weapons. A desperate fight ensued, in which eleven police and some country people were killed. These were followed by several smaller struggles in different parts of Ireland. In the end of 1831 the Rev. Mr. Crookshank, Rector of Tyholland, in common with most other rectors, sent forth his proctors to collect the tithes. Large crowds assembled to resist the collection. The proctors were assailed by a crowd of people and fled for their lives through the country. The rector heard of it and sent for the police. There were only four men and a sergeant in a barrack which was then in Tyholland, and the sergeant wisely declined the invitation of Mr. Crookshank to aid in collecting the tithe in the face of such an angry assemblage. A troop of dragoons and some police came out from Monaghan. The people assembled in great crowds, most of them armed, on the hills, and there was general expectation of a real battle being fought. But the proctors could not be induced to continue their work even under such protection. This was the first resistance in this county, which was rapidly followed by similar scenes in several districts. On 1st February 1832, the Rev. Charles Evatt, Rector of Monaghan, sent out his proctors, Thomas Watson and Thomas Longmore, to collect his tithe. They succeeded very well until they reached Aughnaseda, when they entered on the farm of Mr. John Hughes, and demanded the tithe. John declined to pay, and produced a printed document which he said was an order from the Grand Club to pay no more tithe. John Hughes' brother then came forward and shouted to a young man at some distance, to sound the horn on Goudy's Hill, which was forthwith done, and had the effect of gathering a crowd who abused and hunted Watson and Longmore. As soon as news of this reached the town, the police and

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 44

18. Wolfe Tone convoyed as prisoner through Monaghan, 1798

    Castleblayney · town · Monaghan · 1798

    After the capture of the Hoche in Lough Swilly, Wolfe Tone and his French comrades were conveyed as prisoners through County Monaghan. They were quartered in Aughnacloy church on 15 October 1798 and the next day proceeded through Grange, Donagh, Faulkland, Knockbwee, Castlesbane, Clontibret, and Castleblayney. No rescue was attempted, possibly because Tone was unrecognized or local leaders were imprisoned or exiled.

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    After the capture of the Hoche in Lough S willy, Wolfe Tone and his French comrades were conveyed prisoners through the County Monaghan. They were quartered in Aughnacloy church about 15th October, 1798, and next day proceeded down an old road, through Grange, through Donagh, Faulkland, Knockbwee, Castlesbane, Clontibret, Castleblayney, etc. It is hard to tell why some effort had not been made to rescue Tone. He must either have been unknown to the people, or because they were without leaders, all of whom were then in prison or in exile.

    Some wise people now-a-days may talk lightly of the methods adopted for liberty by our ancestors then, but if such persons were in the same position as they were how would they act ? While on the other hand, many point to '98 men and boast of their being ready to take the hillside. Of course these fireside hillsiders can talk very safely, as they are quite certain never to be on the hillside except in pursuit of their ordinary peaceful avocations.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 24

19. Deadly riot at Aughnacloy races, 1818

    near Aughnacloy · town · Tyrone · 1818–1819

    On 30 October 1818, a riot broke out at Aughnacloy races between Orangemen and Catholics, lasting hours and renewing in the town and on the Blackwater bridge. The Aughnacloy Yeomen fired on the Catholics, shooting several dead including a woman; the perpetrators were tried and acquitted at Monaghan Lent Assizes in 1819.

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    On the 30th October, 1818, a riot took place at Aughnacloy races, between the Orangemen and Catholics. It lasted for some hours, and was renewed in the town of Aughnacloy. Ultimately the Trough people, who were Catholics, were induced to go home, but were followed out to the Blackwater by the Orangemen, and on the bridge the fight was renewed. Several magistrates were present, but none of them seem to have tried to restore peace except a Mr. Roger Ancketill, who got the contending parties separated, and negotiated between them. The Catholics, who were on the Monaghan side of the river, agreed to disperse if the Orangemen returned to Aughnacloy. But while Mr. Ancketill was striving to restore peace, a Mr. Falls from Dungannon succeeded in getting the Aughnacloy Yeomen called out under arms, and when the Orangemen found these allies coming, they renewed the fight, and the Yeomen fired on the Catholics, who scattered and fled. A few Catholics were shot dead, including a woman, and several

    84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 47

20. Michael Hughes escaped from Duncannon Fort

    Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1798

    Michael Hughes was sentenced to long imprisonment and escaped during his incarceration at Duncannon Fort, just before prisoners were to be bartered to the King of Prussia. He returned home some years after the rebellion.

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    warrant, issued by Dacre Hamilton, brought to tria], and Michael Hughes was sentenced to long imprisonment, from which he escaped during his incarceration in Duncannon fort, just before the prisoners were bartered to the King of Prussia. In every county the Government had some strong supporter amongst the traitor Irishmen, whose hatred of his fellowcountrymen far exceeded that of any Englishman, and such a person was always the best instrument against the people. The principal mainstay of the Government in Monaghan was Dacre Hamilton of Cornacassa. His vile character has been so ably dealt with by other writers, that I will not venture to describe it here. It was through his instrumentality most of the United Irishmen were arrested, before him they were brought prisoners, and by him, in his capacity as a magistrate, they were sent for trial ; and he, being such a willing tool, was the individual selected to fill the office of High Sheriff of this county, in 1798. He was commander of the Monaghan Yeomen, and was one morning astonished to hear from the Government in Dublin, that the whole Yeomanry of the county were more or less impregnated with United Irish ideas, and that many were members of the society. At parade the following day, he called on them to abandon the society, and threatened the usual pains and penalties, but all were mute. He then sent for some of the men he thought he could most rely on, and interrogated them, but they pleaded ignorance. At the subsequent meetings of the United Irishmen they laughed at how much he was astray in his inquiries. He then hit on a plan of sending a spy to join the body, and convey the information to him. Here the United Irishmen made a grave mistake in admitting any new members into the society when they found Hamilton so anxious about them. The first or second meeting the spy attended, when the members were going out, a chandler named Francis Fleming, threw a potato and hit Mr. Wright on the back of the head, and a short altercation

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 22

21. M'Mahon Club formed in Monaghan town

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1847–1848

    The M'Mahon club was formed in Monaghan town as part of the Young Ireland movement, and most local young men joined. Two members argued over who would claim Cornacassa demesne after the revolution, causing many to leave, and police seized the club's books before it ever met properly again.

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    The M'Mahon club was formed in Monaghan, and most of the young men in the town joined it. A couple of preliminary meetings were held ; one of its members kept Sub-Inspector M'Kelvey constantly informed of all their doings. At the first regular meeting of the club, two shop assistants, who were members, and who appear to have been filled with more revolutionary ideas than with patriotism, fell out and fought about which of them should possess a certain local demesne and residence (Cornacassa), after the revolution. Some of the more sensible and patriotic members reproved them, while many got up and left. The intending chairman of the club was met in the street by one of the latter, who advised him to have nothing to do with it, and both returned home. While they were yet in the street

    102 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 56

22. Protestant freeholders' meeting against the Union in Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1799

    On 28 January 1799, a great meeting of Protestant freeholders of County Monaghan, presided over by High Sheriff Hawkshaw, was held in Monaghan town. Hundreds attended and an address thanking the county members for defending Ireland's legislative independence was carried with only thirty-three dissentients.

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    ham to Castlereagh for the title of Rossmore, and its two members, Westenra and Fortescue, voted away their country's freedom amid the most contemptible gang that ever disgraced a nation. In every division these hireling traitors walked at the tail of Castlereagh. As it was known their votes had already been bought and paid for, no notice was taken of them either in or out of the county. But as to the county members, Charles P. Leslie and Richard Dawson, much interest was attached. They were both independent gentlemen, and faithfully represented their constituents. Mr. Leslie, like many of his family, was a silent member, but Mr. Dawson was witty and eloquent, and both in Parliament and out of it, spoke out like a true Irishman against the Union. In January 1799 several debates took place on the Union in the Irish House of Commons ; two divisions on 22nd and 24th of that month were gone through, in both of which the Government of Castlereagh was defeated, and in both divisions the members for the County of Monaghan voted against Castlereagh. A great meeting of the freeholders, all Protestant, of the Co. Monaghan, called and presided over by the High Sheriff, Mr. Hawkshaw, was held in Monaghan, on Monday, 28th January. Several hundreds of freeholders from all parts of the county attended, and an address to the two county members, thanking them for defending the liberty and legislative independence of the country in the House of Commons was carried amid great enthusiasm, with but thirty-three dissentients.

    The real leaders of the Irish Catholics had been all "banished or slain" in 1798, though a pair of Dublin Catholics, named Bel lew and Lynch, took upon themselves the leadership of their co-Religionists, and negotiated with Castlereagh for the Union. But some Catholics in Dublin had the courage to hold a meeting, and voice the sentiments of their Catholic fellow-couutrymen. At this meeting, an almost unknown young man made a rather remarkable speech, condemnatory of the proposed Union. This young man was afterwards des-

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 35

23. Sacrilegious attack on Donagh old church, St. Patrick's Day 1508

    Donagh · townland · Monaghan · 1508

    On St. Patrick's Day 1508, Redmond Ogue M'Mahon surrounded Donagh old church while Philip Maguire and M'Kenna were assisting at Mass, demanding Maguire's surrender. When M'Kenna refused, M'Mahon set fire to the church roof; Maguire and M'Kenna sallied forth, slew Redmond Ogue and many followers, and put the rest to flight.

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    In the year 1508 Redmond's son, Redmond Ogue M'Mahon, was guilty of a sacrilegious deed which brought shame on the whole clan of the M'Mahons of Lough Tigh. He had some dispute with Maguire of Fermanagh. Philip (son of Edmond) Maguire of Fermanagh was on a visit with M'Kenna of Trough, and while Maguire and M'Kenna were assisting at Mass in Donagh old church, on St. Patrick's day, the M'Mahons surrounded the church and called on M'Kenna to surrender Maguire to him. M'Kenna refused, and M'Mahon set fire to the roof of the church. The priest addressed the congregation and invoked on them the blessing of God and of St. Patrick. Maguire aDd M'Kenna sallied forth, and after a determined fight, slew Redmond Ogue and many of his followers, and put the rest to flight. With this disgraceful exception, for nearly a century the power of the M'Mahons kept at bay both native traitor and foreign foe, until at last, all our countrymen were overcome, and the monastery of Muineachan was in 1540 plundered and destroyed by the Protestant English soldiers of Henry VIII. Of that terrible day we have little record except that the Guardian and a number of Friars were beheaded, and the monastery turned for a time into a British fortress. Tradition pointed out the graves of the martryed Guardian and monks as near the Holy Well, which was filled in, and covered up many years ago by the building of the Provincial Bank, on the North road. The British rebuilt and remodelled the town, but they do not appear to have enjoyed it long, for the M'Mahons were in full power and occupation of it some years afterwards. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, about the year 1580, a family quarrel arose among the M'Mahons about the division of the estates of Rossa Buidha M'Mahon, who had died without issue,

    12 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Donagh, an old church was the scene of a sacrilegious attack on Saint Patrick's Day in 1508. Redmond Ogue M'Mahon, son of Redmond, had a dispute with Philip Maguire of Fermanagh. Philip Maguire, son of Edmond, was on a visit with M'Kenna of Trough. While Maguire and M'Kenna were assisting at Mass in the old church on Saint Patrick's Day, the M'Mahons surrounded the church. Redmond Ogue called on M'Kenna to surrender Maguire to him. M'Kenna refused, and M'Mahon set fire to the roof of the church. The priest addressed the congregation and invoked on them the blessing of God and of Saint Patrick. Maguire and M'Kenna sallied forth, and after a determined fight, slew Redmond Ogue and many of his followers, and put the rest to flight. The deed brought shame on the whole clan of the M'Mahons of Lough Tigh. With this disgraceful exception, for nearly a century the power of the M'Mahons kept at bay both native traitor and foreign foe, until all were overcome, and the monastery of Muineachan was in 1540 plundered and destroyed by the Protestant English soldiers of Henry 8. Of that day there is little record except that the Guardian and a number of Friars were beheaded, and the monastery turned for a time into a British fortress. Tradition pointed out the graves of the martyred Guardian and monks as near the Holy Well, which was filled in and covered up many years ago by the building of the Provincial Bank on the North road. The British rebuilt and remodelled the town, but they do not appear to have enjoyed it long, for the M'Mahons were in full power and occupation of it some years afterwards.

24. Tithe massacre at Newtownbarry, 1831

    Bunclody · town · Wexford · 1831

    In June 1831, cattle and goods seized from farmers in Carlow and Wexford were put up for auction in Newtownbarry. When a large crowd assembled to intimidate potential buyers, police and Yeomen attacked the unarmed people, killing thirteen men and wounding twenty, with no one ever made amenable for the tragedy.

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    The mode of opposition adopted by the people to this exaction was the now very familiar system of passive resistance. In the earlv thirties, there were some terrible and bloody scenes enacted. In June 1831, the cattle and goods of several farmers which had been seized in the counties of Carlow and Wexford, were put up for sale by auction in Newtownbarry, and a large crowd assembled to intimidate by their presence any one from purchasing. As no chance of a sale appeared likely, the police and Yeomen attacked the unarmed people, killed thirteen men, and wounded twenty.

    This terrible tragedy, for which no one was ever made amenable, irritated all Ireland, and made it impossible for tithes to be collected without the aid of the police and military. In December 1831, a process-server was serving notices for recovery of tithes in Carrickshock, Co. Kilkenny, under protection of a large force of police, a crowd assembled and made attempts to take the pro-

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 44

25. Trench's false account of the Kelly jury exposed

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1852

    Trench, agent for the Marquis of Bath, wrote in the first edition of his book 'Realities of Irish Life' that eleven Protestant jurors favoured conviction and one Catholic opposed it. This was exposed as a lie by Isaac Butt, and Trench was forced to retract. In fact, nine jurors including many agents and landlords were for acquittal.

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    that evening — when three of the jurymen took ill, one rather seriously. They were then discharged without finding a verdict. Trench afterwards wrote a book called the " Realities of Irish Life," and in the first edition of that book — for the purpose of blackening his Catholic fellow-countrymen — he alleged that the eleven Protestant jurors were for a conviction in the case referred to above, and the one Catholic against it. This lie was nailed by Mr. Butt ; and Trench afterwards had, however reluctantly, to perform that most disagreeable, but ofttimes necessary, dietetic feat, viz., " swallow the leek,'; in this matter. The fact was that nine were for an acquittal, viz. : Richard Allen Minnett, John Moorehead, David Smyth, Hubert Prendergast Kernan, Humphrey Jones, John Goudy, Allen Dudgeon, William Millar Ryan, and Andrew Clarke. Kelly was again put on his trial before a jury, exclusively Protestant, and almost the same scene enacted. This time the jury were equally divided. Thus, two innocent men escaped with their lives through the honesty and uprightness of these Protestant jurors, many of whom were agents and landlords.

    During the progress of these trials, the news reached Monaghan of the capture of Hodgens and Thornton, and the conspiracy to shoot Paddy M'Ardle. Hodgens and Thornton were hurried to Monaghau before the Commission, but the only charge which could be brought against them in the hurry was, that of having arms in a proclaimed district, for which they were each sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 59

26. United Irishmen organise in Monaghan town

    Dublin Street · street · Monaghan

    The parish and town of Monaghan were slow to organise but progressed rapidly once started. William Wright of Dublin Street served as Colonel, with John Duffy—father of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy—as one of only two Catholic officers. Night-time drill meetings were held in fields around Monaghan.

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    The parish and town of Monaghan were rather slow at first to organise, but once it was started it progressed rapidly. Perhaps it was thought better to have caution. The first members sworn in were principally Presbyterians, and the Colonel was Mr. Wm. Wright, of Dublin Street. There were only two Catholic officers, one was Mr. John Duffy (father of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy), but who the other was, I have been unable to ascertain. Drill meetings took place by night, in different fields around Monaghan, but seldom in the same place as on the preceding night. The captain of one of the companies in the country part of the parish, was Mr. Michael Hughes, of Aughnaseda, uncle of Mr. James Hughes, the present patriotic proprietor of Milltown Mills. " An oath was passed against him," and also against James Hughes, senior (father of our present worthy neighbour), and against George Smyth, of Coolmain, and James Smyth, of Tirfinnog, by one M'Connell, of Lisdrumdoagh, for raiding for arms. They were arrested on a

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    A town and parish that were slow to move, Monaghan took to organising late but then progressed rapidly. Perhaps it was thought better to have caution. The first members sworn in were principally Presbyterians, and the Colonel was Mr. William Wright, of Dublin Street. There were only two Catholic officers. One was Mr. John Duffy, father of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy. Who the other was, the record does not say. Drill meetings took place by night, in different fields around Monaghan, but seldom in the same place as on the preceding night. The captain of one of the companies in the country part of the parish was Mr. Michael Hughes, of Aughnaseda, uncle of Mr. James Hughes, the patriotic proprietor of Milltown Mills. An oath was passed against him, and against James Hughes senior, and against George Smyth of Coolmain, and James Smyth of Tirfinnog, by one M'Connell of Lisdrumdoagh, for raiding for arms. They were arrested.

27. Sam Gray's armed tithe seizures near Ballybay

    Ballybay · town · Monaghan · 1832

    In early 1832 Protestant clergymen attempted to enforce tithe collection, employing the infamous Sam Gray. Accompanied by an armed mob, Gray carried off goods from farmers near Ballybay and shot one man who resisted. Gray stood trial and was acquitted.

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    During the early part of 1832 most of the Protestant clergymen in Monaghan, as in most parts of Ireland, were in great want, and a determined attempt was arranged by them to enforce the collection for the year 1832. Accordingly some of the more reckless employed the infamous Sam Gray, who, accompanied by an armed mob, carried off everything they could lay their hands on from the farmers near Ballybay. Oae man who resisted was shot by Gray. Gray stood his trial for it, and was acquitted of course. The tithe proctors were accompanied by forces of police and military into those districts where resistance was expected. All the parishes in Farney were the scenesof turbulent assemblies. On 9th November 1832 a body of dragoons under command of three magistrates (one a Catholic) protected the tithe proctors of the Rev. Patrick Cummings in collecting the tithes of Margheracloon. The people assembled, armed, some with guns, pitchforks, scythes, etc., to resist the collection, and a regular fight took place. The soldiers charged and cleared the roadway of the people, who got behind the ditches and fired shots and stones at the troops and proctors. The dragoons charged

    78 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you near Ballybay in Monaghan. In the early part of 1832, Protestant clergymen in Monaghan were in great want, and a determined attempt was arranged by them to enforce the collection of tithes for that year. Some of the more reckless employed the infamous Sam Gray, who, accompanied by an armed mob, carried off everything they could lay their hands on from the farmers near the town. One man who resisted was shot by Gray. Gray stood his trial for it and was acquitted of course. The tithe proctors were accompanied by forces of police and military into those districts where resistance was expected. All the parishes in Farney were the scenes of turbulent assemblies. On 9 November 1832 a body of dragoons under command of three magistrates, one a Catholic, protected the tithe proctors of the Reverend Patrick Cummings in collecting the tithes of Margheracloon. The people assembled, armed, some with guns, pitchforks, scythes, to resist the collection, and a regular fight took place. The soldiers charged and cleared the roadway. The people got behind the ditches and fired shots and stones at the troops and proctors. The dragoons charged.

28. St. Tighernach's Abbey in Clones and the Donagh relic

    Clones · town · Monaghan · 548

    St. Tighernach founded the great abbey of Ss. Peter and Paul in Clones, dying there on 4th April, 548. The abbey held the Donagh, a precious reliquary containing a Latin copy of the Gospels in Irish characters that once belonged to St. Patrick, until its property was stolen by Queen Elizabeth's soldiers.

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    Clones, Cluain-Eois, Eos's meadow. — Eos was a pagan chief. Here St. Tighernach founded the great abbey of Ss. Peter and Paul, and in it he died on 4th April, 548. In this abbey was preserved the great relic known as "the Donagh," Domnach-Airgid, a case of precious metals which contained, in addition to many relics, a Latin copy of the Gospels in Irish characters, which once belonged to St. Patrick himself. According to some authorities, St. Patrick brought this book from the Pope, and presented it to St. Macartan on his consecration to the See of Clogher; while, according to other authorities, it was dictated by St. Patrick to St. Macartan, in whose handwriting the book is said to be. It is probable, if the front page could be found, it would contain St. Patrick's imprimatur in his own handwriting.

    The Abbey of Clones flourished until its lands, property, and buildings were stolen by the soldiers and favourites of Queen Elizabeth.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 32

29. James Devlin of Corkaskeagh hanged in Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1798

    After the Kilcrow arms raid, several men were arrested but nothing could be proved until one of their number turned informer. James Devlin of Corkaskeagh was then tried and hanged in Monaghan on 24 March 1798; most of the others escaped.

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    One night when the Clontibret United Irishmen were at drill near where St. Mary's church now stands, one of the leaders suggested that they should " lift" the arms of the Yeomen in the neighbourhood. With this intention they proceeded to the house of one Boyd, in Kilcrow, where shots were exchanged ; and Alexander Stewart, Boyd's brother-in-law, was shot, and the arms successfully carried off. Several men in the neighbourhood were arrested, but nothing could -be proved against them, until one of their number turned informer, with the result that James Devlin, of Corkaskeagh, was tried and hanged iu Monaghan on the 24th March, 1798. Most of the others escaped. Almost a similar incident took place in Tydavnet, early in 1798, when the arms of the Yeomen were "lifted" by the United Irishmen of Slieve Beagh. The arms of one Thomas Brigs, of Itereera, were taken, and he swore informations, and had a lot of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 20

30. Wholesale evictions at Glasslough strengthen Ribbon society

    Glaslough · town · Monaghan

    Wholesale evictions at Glasslough caused widespread discontent among the local population, which in turn strengthened the Ribbon secret society in the parish of Donagh. The evicted tenants' grievance made the area a focal point for Ribbon organisation.

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    the most trusted leaders and knew all the secrets, which of course he was careful to confide to the police officers. He was a while at Carrick, and a while at Castleblayney, and was finally sent to his native parish of Donagb, where the society was very strong owing to the discontent caused by wholesale evictions at Glasslough.

    Every three months the passwords were changed, and these passwords were called " Renewals ;" and the June fair of Monaghan 1843 was appointed for the heads of the lodges to get their renewals. The passwords were arranged in Dublin, and sent out through each district by trusted messengers. The County Monaghan Government officials at once hit on a plan of directing some of their spies to move that not only the Ribbon leaders of the district of Monaghan, but of the whole county, and of part of Armagh, should assemble and bring with them lists of all the members in each district. By this means they would not only catch all the leaders in a trap, but get on their persons the documents which would enable them to know the name and rank of every Ribbon man in the County Monaghan. Gillan was first to tell of this arrangement to Sub- Inspector M'Kelvey, who ran delighted with the important news to the Stipendiary Magistrate, who smiled at M'Kelvey, and told him that it was he (the Stipendiary) who had arranged the whole matter. M'Kelvey was greatly cut to think that there were informers who would not be entrusted to his care and knowledge. However, the whole matter was arranged, and the messenger, Pat Cavanagh of Bridgeacrin, County Louth, arrived on the evening before the fair with the "Renewals," and stopped in Francis Mohan's publichouse near the market house. Some leaders from the southern part of the county suspected that some sort of a trap was being laid, and not only did not go themselves, but sent word to all who were likely to be in Monaghan to stop away. The Armagh men could not come in consequence of the funeral of an important Ribbonman in their neighbourhood, which they had to attend; but two

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 54

31. Bryan Cullighan sentenced at Monaghan Assizes for Dawson murder

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1833–1834

    At the Monaghan Lent Assizes of 1833, multiple men were indicted for riot at Magheracloon and the murder of Dawson at Donaghmoyne. Through a private informer, Bryan Cullighan was arrested and sentenced to hang at the Summer Assizes 1834. His sentence was commuted to transportation for life, and he was eventually pardoned in Dublin before boarding the convict ship.

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    At the Monaghan Lent Assizes of 1833, Thomas M'Closkey, Peter Maguire, Owen M'Guire, and Michael William Reddy were indicted for riot and unlawful assembly at Magheracloon. Mr. Reddy objected to the finding of the Bill by the Grand Jury, as four of them were hostile to him and connected with the prosecution. Chief Justice Bushe allowed the objection, and directed a new Bill to be sent up, and ordered the Grand Jurors who had been objected to, to leave the room. M'Closkey was acquitted, and the trial of the others adjourned — Philip Mohan, Michael Daly, Francis Finegan, Junior, Charles M'Kenna, Francis Finegan, James Cullighan, Terence Graham, Edward Cullighan, John Goodman, James Reddy, Michael M'Cabe, and Pat M'Connan were indicted for the murder of Dawson, riot and unlawful assembly at Donaghmoyne. Philip Mohan, Michael Daly, and Pat M'Connan got each twelve months for the riot. The other trials were adjourned several times, when, through the agency of some private informer, one Bryan Cullighan was arrested, a strong case made against him, and he was sentenced to be

    80 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 46

32. Edward Carolan, United Irishmen leader of Carrickmacross

    Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1809

    Edward Carolan Junior, born in Carrickmacross, was leader of the United Irishmen there and died in 1809. A poem titled 'The Patriot's Grave' was composed on his death, mourning him as a patriot who loved his country and was buried in a local churchyard near Doohatty's rock.

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    " Beneath this cold flag are placed the remains of Mr. Edward Carolan, jun., who, though born in Carrickmacross, lived and died a citizen of the world. He had, indeed, many virtues, yet he loved his country, and those who should be good judges declared it was a fault. Through life his friendship continued to all who loved Ireland, and his hatred to none (except those who betrayed her). The poor offered prayers for his soul, and the orphans were grieved for his loss. The religion he professed was edified by his last moments, in which he forgave the prosecution of these old men, who would never pardon one act of his youth. For him the proud ermine had then less terrors than the fleece of the lamb. But he lingered, and he died, and he wanted a grave,

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 23

33. St. Dympna's monastery and legacy at Tydavnet

    near Tedavnet · population centre · Monaghan

    St. Dympna founded an old monastery near the graveyard of Tydavnet, where a little church was built and dedicated to her. She later had to flee from the rage of her infidel and incestuous father through Ireland to Belgium.

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    • In the names of the parishes, there is much more to guide us. Tydavnet, Teigh-Damnad — St. Dympna's House, called in Irish, Downa, Downey, Davna, and Davnet. She was abbess of an old monastery, which she founded near the old graveyard of Tydavnet, where a little church was built and dedicated to her. She had to fly from the rage of her infidel and incestuous father, who pursued her through Cavan, Leitrim, and Mayo to the sea, over which she fled to Gheel, in Belgium, where she founded another convent, but was discovered and martyred by her father. The late Most Rev. Dr. Donnelly got her appointed Patroness of this diocese by the present Pope. There is a statue to her outside the south Transept of St. Macartan's Cathedral, Monaghan, and a stained glass window commemorating events in her Jife, in St. Benedict Joseph Labre's Chapel, in the Cathedral, erected by the Very Rev. Canon O'Connor. Her Shrine at Gheel is much venerated, and visited by those suffering from mental diseases. Her Crozier or Bach all is preserved in the Royal Irish Academy. It was called the Bahall Dhownagh, and was used for swearing people on when disputes arose in commercial transactions.

    Errigle Trough — Trough means a cantred or district, and Errigle, a small church. St. Mallin was the founder.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 31

34. Ribbon society revived in Farney by navvies

    Farney · barony · Monaghan · 1851–1852

    The Ribbon society, long dormant in the barony of Farney, was revived by navvies working on the Irish North-Western Railway. Among them was Thomas Hodgens from Dromiskin, County Louth, a brave and reckless young man who propagated the society among the youth of Farney, causing grave alarm to landlords and their agents.

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    Though the news of this terrible crime was expected by the country people, still, when the fact was made known, there was a great sensation throughout the whole county. Shortly before this time the Ribbon society, which had been for a long time dormant in the barony of Farney, was revived by the arrival of navvies who were working at the Irish North-Western Railway. Among these was a young man named Thomas Hodgens, who came from Dromiskin, in the County Louth, and who propagated the Ribbon society throughout the youth of Farney. He was brave and reckless, and had a determined and decisive manner, as well as a genial temperament which enabled him to ingratiate himself with young men, the effect of which was to give a great impetus to the influence and spread of the confederation in Farney, so much so, indeed, as to cause grave alarm to the landlords and their myrmidoms. The people of Farney were then suffering from the iron rule of two

    106 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 58

35. Aghabog man denied education by proselytising schools

    Aghabog · townland · Monaghan

    An Aghabog man recounted that he could not write despite a school being within twenty yards of his father's door, because under Colonel Lewis's landlordship the only available schools were proselytising schools that local Catholics refused to attend. Father Carolan was the parish priest at the time.

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    The first principle in British law is, that the KiDg can do no wrong. The first principle in Colonel Lewis's law was, that a Protestant could do no wrong. He punished the faults of all Catholics who were brought before him with the greatest severity, while he treated Protestants with the very reverse. He got up a S37stem of espionage on the estates over which he was agent and landlord, a system we have seen attempts to imitate in our own day. No man could drop an observation supposed to be disrespectful to the Colonel or his class, that was not reported forthwith to the office, and woe betide the unfortunate victim of the tale when he next came before the Colonel ! ! ! He was a fanatical proselytiser ; he started proselytising schools everywhere he could, and his employees spent much time in distributing Protestant Bibles and tracts broadcast over the country. Many a home was left desolate, the inhabitants of which could only trace their eviction to the refusal to admit to their families literature insulting to their religion. The priests, as times approached the Famine, had much to do and to suffer. On one side their flocks were threatened with starvation and eviction, on the other with the loss of their faith. And with very few exceptions both priests and people risked the former, so that the latter might be preserved. In many districts hundreds of families grew up in ignorance of letters, for the only schools within their reach were the proselytising schools founded by Lewis. Some months ago an Aghabog man was in the office of the writer on some business which necessitated his signing his name to a document. When the paper was presented to him for his signature, " I cannot write," he said, " I cannot write, yet a school was within twenty yards of my father's door. But that was when Colonel Lewis was our landlord, and Father Carolan our parish priest." What a face Lewis's Catholic grandson must have, when he joins in the

    74 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 43

36. Arms raid on Boyd's house in Kilcrow, Alexander Stewart shot

    Kilcrow · townland · Monaghan · 1797–1798

    Clontibret United Irishmen proceeded to the house of Boyd in Kilcrow to seize Yeoman arms. Shots were exchanged and Alexander Stewart, Boyd's brother-in-law, was shot and killed; the arms were successfully carried off. Several men were arrested but nothing was proved until an informer came forward.

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    One night when the Clontibret United Irishmen were at drill near where St. Mary's church now stands, one of the leaders suggested that they should " lift" the arms of the Yeomen in the neighbourhood. With this intention they proceeded to the house of one Boyd, in Kilcrow, where shots were exchanged ; and Alexander Stewart, Boyd's brother-in-law, was shot, and the arms successfully carried off. Several men in the neighbourhood were arrested, but nothing could -be proved against them, until one of their number turned informer, with the result that James Devlin, of Corkaskeagh, was tried and hanged iu Monaghan on the 24th March, 1798. Most of the others escaped. Almost a similar incident took place in Tydavnet, early in 1798, when the arms of the Yeomen were "lifted" by the United Irishmen of Slieve Beagh. The arms of one Thomas Brigs, of Itereera, were taken, and he swore informations, and had a lot of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 20

37. Catholics confined to Pound Hill after curfew bell

    Pound Hill, Connolly Park · street · Monaghan

    During the penal era, Catholics were permitted to work within the walls of Monaghan town but were required to live outside in a place called the Pound, now Pound Hill, where they were impounded after the nine o'clock bell rang. The bell-ringing custom continued in Monaghan until recent times as a reminder of former slavery.

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    When labour began to get scarce by the emigration of the Presbyterians in the middle of the eighteenth century, the Catholics were permitted to come to work within the walls of the town, but were required to live outside in a place called the Pound, now the Pound Hill, where they were impounded after the nine o'clock bell rang. The custom of ringing the bell at nine o'clock, p.m., was kept up until recent times in Monaghan, to remind us of our former slavery, and is still practised in Derry, and other northern towns.

    Henry Blayney, Lord Baron of Monaghan, having sided with King James II. for a while, covered his estate with a mortgage to protect himself from confiscation, and the mortgagee of the Monaghan portions of his estate foreclosed, and sold the estate to a Williamite General, named Robert Echlin, who got the borough of Monaghan to return him as its member in 1695. Echlin sold the estate to a man called Cairns, and who was created a baronet (Sir Alexander). Cairns had one son (Sir Henry Cairos), who died without issue, and had one daugher, who married the then Lord Blayney ; and he having died without issue, his widow re-married a man called John Murray. The estates descended to Mrs. Murray, who had five daughters, but no sons.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 15

38. Fitzwilliam seizes Monaghan and executes M'Mahon in the Diamond, c.1580

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1580

    Around 1580, Hugh Ruadh M'Mahon called in Lord Deputy Fitzwilliam to settle a family dispute over estates. Fitzwilliam seized Monaghan, placed a sheriff and garrison, then arrested M'Mahon on a false charge. After packing a jury to secure a conviction, M'Mahon was publicly executed in the Diamond of Monaghan.

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    and his brother Hugh Ruadh M'Mahon, the Tanist or heir in an unlucky moment called in the English Lord Deputy Fitzwilliam, to settle the dispute. Fitzwilliam, taking advantage of the quarrel, seized on Monaghan, and placed a Sheriff and a garrison in possession of the town and fortress ; and because M'Mahon complained, he was arrested on a false charge, but the jury who tried M'Mahon could not be induced to find an innocent man guilty, and were discharged. Fitzwilliam then hit on a plan which has been imitated in all political trials, even to our own times, viz., of " packing a jury," who performed their work, by finding M'Mahon guilty, and he was publicly executed in the Diamond of Monaghan. This judicial murder following so vile a plot had the effect of sending several of the Ulster Irish into arms against the English, and to join Hugh O'Neill and Hugh O'Donnell, who were then beginning their war against Elizabeth.

    There is a small picture still extant of the Monastery of Muineachan, drawn in 1590, from which it appears that the site is near where the Convent Schools or Presbytery is now situate. The picture also shows M'Mahon's house on the Island in Lough Tigh (a copy of this picture has been transferred to next page) ; and also shows that the monastery was then restored and in proper repair. The discovery of this picture shakes all our previous opinions as to the site of the monastery, which local tradition pointed out as the southern side of the present Diamond. It is certain that a castle stood there, portions of which were used, up even until about 30 or 40 years ago, as business houses, and as we have the fact recorded in several of our annals, that the monastery was fortified, and that there is no mention made anywhere of the building of the castle, it is probable that during the wars the monastery was converted into a fortress, and that tradition is right in fixing the Diamond as the site. Besides, the distances may not have been very well preserved in the old picture referred to, and no trace has ever been discovered of the Monastic ruins elsewhere in the neighbourhood.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Monaghan holds a grim story from around 1580. Hugh Ruadh M'Mahon, the Tanist or heir to the M'Mahon lands, quarrelled with his brother over the family estates. In what the records call an unlucky moment, he called in the English Lord Deputy Fitzwilliam to settle the dispute. Fitzwilliam saw his chance. He seized Monaghan itself, placed a sheriff and a garrison in the town and its fortress, and took possession. When M'Mahon dared to complain, Fitzwilliam had him arrested on a false charge. The first jury who tried M'Mahon could not be induced to find an innocent man guilty, and they were discharged. So Fitzwilliam packed a second jury, who did what was required of them. They found M'Mahon guilty, and he was publicly executed in the Diamond of Monaghan. The old account calls this a judicial murder following a vile plot. Its effect was immediate. It sent several of the Ulster Irish into arms against the English, to join Hugh O'Neill and Hugh O'Donnell, who were then beginning their war against Elizabeth. There is a small picture still extant of the Monastery of Muineachan, drawn in 1590, showing M'Mahon's house on the Island in Lough Tigh and the monastery restored and in proper repair. Local tradition had pointed to the southern side of the present Diamond as the monastery's site. A castle stood there, portions of which were used as business houses up until 30 or 40 years ago. The annals record that the monastery was fortified, with no mention anywhere of a castle being built, so it is probable that during the wars the monastery was converted into a fortress, and tradition is right in fixing the Diamond as the site.

39. Halving of Monaghan town's population, 1841–1891

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1841–1891

    The population of Monaghan town fell from over 4,000 in 1841 to barely 2,000 by 1891, with all industries gone. The town's trade consisted almost exclusively of vending English manufactured goods and foreign produce to local farmers.

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    The following figures which show the decay of the manhood of our town, is the saddest part of this book. Our population, which in 1841 was over 4,000, is now barely 2,000, for if the number of inmates in the institutions be subtracted from the 2,938, the population will be found less than half what it was in 1841. All our industries are gone, and the trade of our town consists almost exclusively in vending English manufactured goods and foreign grown produce to the country farmers of the neighbourhood, and the purchase of raw material from the farmers.

    The writer does not here wish to prose over our public sorrows, but concludes with the following sad

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 61

40. Jackson's lease and the 'Honour and Glory of God' preaching house

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    Jackson gave a lease intending the recipient to build a house 'to the Honour and Glory of God.' On returning, he found only a small preaching house at the end of Mr. James Mitchell's drapery establishment in Monaghan, and remarked that only a 'hole in the wall' had been left. He then altered his will, removing a large legacy intended for the builder.

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    Jackson gave the lease, and went away for change of air during the summer months. On his return he went to see the result of his generosity, and saw the fine drapery establishment, at present owned by Mr. James Mitchell. When he met the then occupier and recipient of his favours in the street, he asked him " where is the house to the ' Honour and Glory of God' you promised to build ?" " Oh, here it is here," said he, pointing to the little preaching house at the end of Mr. Mitchell's. Jackson merely said, " I did not think you'd deceive me by leaving only a hole in the wall." Jackson went home and altered his will, and struck out a large legacy which he had left to the builder of the " Honour and Glory of God."

    Duelling rose to a great pitch at the end of the last century. There were several men throughout the county who were professional duellers; who on the slightest excuse would send a challenge to an unfortunate neighbour or friend ; some young men were known to pick quarrels with these fire-eaters, to have it to say they had fought with some celebrated dueller. Though some of these foolish youths lost their lives in their pursuit of notoriety, still it did not deter others from following in their dangerous footsteps. The last duels arranged or fought about Monaghan are now almost forgotten. The most notable of these was that in 1822, when Richard Mitchell, Junior, formerly Deputy Clerk of the Peace, fought Richard Jackson Robinson with pistols" at Castleshane. The quarrel rose out of something Robinson's sister was alleged to have said about Mitchell. Several attempts were made to settle the dispute, but without success; and the party, which consisted of the two principals, Mitchell's second, Thomas Battersby, Robinson's second, James Mollen, and Dr. Temple, met early on the morning of 19th April 1822, near the old town of Castleshane. Shots were first exchanged without any damage being done, and all was nearly over when Dr. Temple made some contemptuous

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 39

41. James Moan pilloried in the Diamond of Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1796

    In 1796, James Moan of Monaghan was convicted of tendering the United Irishmen's oath and sentenced to the pillory at the old cross in the Diamond of Monaghan. A man called Battersby, who lived in the Diamond and had an old quarrel with Moan, supplied eggs and missiles to children to pelt him, breaking the otherwise respectful silence of the crowd.

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    the Government appear to have got that people's minds were running beyond mere party or faction fights, was in 1794, when one James Duffy got excited in Castleblayney, and shouted success to the French Revolution, and cursed the Duke of York, and the King's army. At each assizes held at that period in Monaghan, numbers of young men were brought up charged with raiding for arms at night ; and in 1796, one James Moan, of Monaghan, was tried, convicted, and sentenced to be put in the pillory in the Diamond of Monaghan, for tendering an unlawful oath of secrecy to one "William Gillespie, which oath is believed to have been the United Irishmen's oath. The pillory was a wooden frame attached to the steps of the old cross in the Diamond, and the criminal stood erect, fastened with his head through a hole in the upper boards of the frame. The people around used to throw dirt, eggs, etc., at the unfortunate prisoner's head. However, when political prisoners were put in at this period, at first they were received with silent respect, and this James Moan would have been similarly received had not a man called Battersby, who resided in the Diamond, and who had some old quarrel with Moan, supplied eggs and other missiles to some childen, and induced them to pelt Moan. At the Summer assizes of 1796, William Armstrong and John Monaghan, of Clones, were indicted for tendering the United Irishmen's oath to Robert Gregg, stating that it was a brotherhood that all might join. From this on the brotherhood of the United Irishmen spread rapidly in the County Monaghan, and no amount of Government persecution seemed to check it. The principal leader of this portion of the County Monaghan was Mr. Burke Rice, of Leitrim, in the parish of Tyholland, a member of that family which, both before and since, has furnished so many patriots willing to strive, struggle, and suffer for their country. The United Irish Societies in the County Monaghan appear to have been formed into a Revolutionary Society about 1795-6, and the old inferior societies, consisting of about

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 18

42. Militia rotations: Clare to Monaghan, Armagh to Carrickmacross

    Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1797

    When the Government discovered United Irishmen sympathies spreading among the Monaghan Militia, they sent the Monaghan men to the neighbourhood of Belfast and replaced them with the Clare Militia in Monaghan and the Armagh Militia in Carrickmacross. Locals soon began attempting to recruit these new regiments into the society.

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    and Longmore were returned for trial for perjury. On the person of Thomas Armstrong, who was arrested at Samuel Mitchell's house in Ballinode, were found the following documents: "The Declarations, Resolutions, and Constitutions of the Society of United Irishmen ;" a written paper containing the following oath : " I, A. B., do solemnly swear that I will be ready to turn out in a short notice to support my former obligation, that is, an equal representation of all the people of Ireland in Parliament ;" and a printed book called, " A Treatise concerning the Lord's Supper." The certificate of membership given to the United Irishmen by the secretary was of the most primitive kind. On 13th April, 1797, at the trial of George Johnston, Clincor (Cloncaw), Hugh Meighan of Glasslough, and William Woods, Mullajordan, for tendering the oath to Bernard M'Keown at Glasslough, one William Murphy, an informer, gave evidence against Johnston, and produced the certificate given him by Johnston, when he was sworn in. The following is a copy : " I do certify that William Murphy has been duly elected, and having taken the test provided in the constitution, has paid. J. G., Secretary." The J. G. were Johnston's initals transposed. Johnston was sentenced to be hanged at Glasslough. The Monaghan Militia was called up, and as the Government began to find out the spread of the United Irishmen amongst the Militia Corps through the country, they were all removed to different districts, and the Monaghans were sent to the neighbourhood of Belfast, and were replaced in Monaghan by the Clare Militia, and in Carrickmacross by the Armagh Militia. These regiments were not long quartered here until the Monaghan men began to induce them to become United Irishmen. Owen Treanor, of Carrickmacross, was tried and acquitted for tendering the United Irishmen's oath to one of the Armagh Militia in Carrickmacross. One militiaman named Richard Thornton informed on Thomas Hastings for tendering the oath to him, and Thomas Hastings was tried twice — first time, a split jury, and second time

    28 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 19

43. Monaghan borough sold for title of Rossmore

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1799

    The borough of Monaghan was sold by General Cunningham to Castlereagh in exchange for the title of Rossmore. Its two members, Westenra and Fortescue, voted in favour of the Union, having already been bought and paid for.

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    After the failure of the United Irishmen in '98, the spirit of Nationality seems to have slept in our country, and during this sleep the Agitation for the Union began. Several addresses were issued in our county, pointing out the advantages of a Union with England. Every blandishment that could be thought of was urged on every class, in every county in Ireland, and Monaghan among the rest. But to the credit of our Protestant fellow-countrymen they almost unanimously went on the side of Ireland against the Union. The borough of Monaghan had already been sold by General Cunning-

    58 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 35

44. Thomas M'Manus of Clones unites secret societies, imprisoned 1842

    Clones · town · Monaghan · 1842

    Thomas M'Manus of Clones successfully united the 'United Irish Sons of Freedom' and 'Sons of the Shamrock' into one society. The Government immediately arrested him, and at the Lent Assizes of 1842 he received six months' imprisonment.

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    of older societies, which still were found in a few places, especially in the barony of Dartrey. These societies were the " United Irish Sons of Freedom" and " Sons of the Shamrock." A man named Thomas M'Manus, of Clones, made a successful effort to unite both of these bodies into one society, and the Government at once pounced on him, and at the Lent Assizes of 1842, he got six months' imprisonment. The leaders, urged by John O'Hanlon and fearing to lose most of the young men, made the society in the County Monaghan more national. The party who wished to employ the confederation for their own selfish ends objected to this, and caused a new split in the body. They told the more ignorant members, if they made allegiance to the Queen part of the oath, nothing could be done on them by the law. Of course the anti-English party objected to this oath, which contained the following paragraphs, " I solemnly declare and promise in and true allegiance to her Majesty Queen Victoria," and after pledges of secrecy, obedience, etc., "that I will not join any other society whatever, not meaning trade society or soldier." In 1843, the authorities in Dublin Castle sent down word to the local authorities, complaining that in some neighbouring counties the officials had not only the names of the Ribbon leaders in those counties, but of every man in the society, and all their plots and doings, and at half the expense that was being paid to the County Monaghan informers. The stipendiary magistrate, and county and sub-inspectors were at their wits' ends to manage this, and in the middle of their difficulty the secret agent for the Monaghan district, who was intended to be put in the witness box, died — so they had to induce one of their private spies, named Thomas Gillan, to consent to be public informer. Gillan had been sworn in a Ribbonman at Drumlish, in the County Longford, in 1827, and to all appearances was one of the most active members of the Ribbon confederation, swore in men by the hundred, and urged the extreme and revolutionary propaganda. In fact he was one of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 53

45. Glasslough and Tullyree: 600-strong United Irish regiment

    Glaslough · town · Monaghan · 1797–1798

    Almost the entire male population of Glasslough, of all creeds, was enrolled in the United Irishmen. Between Glasslough and the neighbouring village of Tullyree, which no longer exists, there was a full regiment of 600 United Irishmen, making it a key centre of revolutionary organisation.

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    Almost the entire male population of Glasslough, of all creeds, were enrolled in the society for the liberation of their country. It was an important town at the time, for between it and the neighbouring village of Tullyree (now no more) there was a full regiment of COO United Irishmen. The Government officials appear to have been in a terrible fix, for no informers of importance could be got in the country, and the only men brought to trial were those who would make a mistake, and tender the oath to some despicable traitor to his country. The name of Mr. Burke Rice appears to have been sent forward by the Monaghan colonels for the appointment of adjutant-general for the county, and some informer in Dublin or Belfast acquainted the Government, and the English Secretary, Pelham, issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was forthwith lodged in Monaghan gaol without a trial. The United Irishmen then adopted throughout the county the dangerous method of making midnight raids for arms on the houses of those who were not members of the society. The few weapons they got were not worth the risks they ran by

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 19

46. Monastery restored in Monaghan under James II

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1685–1688

    During the reign of James II, Monaghan Catholics restored the monastery and gathered into it the friars who had been carrying on duties in the country at peril of their lives. Bishop Patrick Tyrrell came out of hiding and took lodgings in the restored monastery, with great pomp at the reopening ceremony.

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    During the reign of King James II., when the Catholics got some fair play, the first act of the Monaghan Catholics was to restore the monastery, and collect into it the Friars who had been canying on their duties through the country, at the peril of their lives. The Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Rev. Patrick Tyrrell, came out of his hiding and took up his lodgings in the restored monastery. There was great pomp at the ceremony of reopening of the monastery, and consecrating the buildings, at which the Bishop presided.

    When William III. had conquered Ireland, Monaghan was re-occupied by the English settlers, and no Irishman or Catholic dare live within its walls. During the penal times God only knows how the Catholics of the country about Monaghan managed to live with the garrison in the town always on the watch for priests and Papists. During those long and dark penal days, the glen now occupied by the Corby Rock Mill, was the spot where Mass was generally celebrated. There were no roads or lanes through it as now, and a man always kept watch towards the town from Killyvane Hill, lest the garrison would surprise and murder the priest and people. This old glen brings to our minds two eras of our history. Its name betokens it to have been the property of the Abbot from Comharba (Coarba), an abbot or successor of a saint, and the Baughog of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through or near Monaghan, a town whose Catholic life flickered back for a few short years under James the Second. When James took the throne, Catholics there had a brief window of fair treatment, and their first act was to restore the monastery. They gathered into it the friars who had been carrying on their duties through the country at the peril of their lives. The Bishop of the Diocese, Patrick Tyrrell, came out of his hiding and took up his lodgings in the restored monastery. There was great pomp at the ceremony of reopening the monastery and consecrating the buildings, at which the Bishop presided. It did not last. When William the Third conquered Ireland, Monaghan was re-occupied by the English settlers, and no Irishman or Catholic dared live within its walls. During the penal times the Catholics of the country about Monaghan managed to survive with the garrison in the town always on the watch for priests and Papists. Mass was generally celebrated in the glen now occupied by the Corby Rock Mill. There were no roads or lanes through it then, and a man always kept watch towards the town from Killyvane Hill, lest the garrison would surprise and murder the priest and people.

47. Ribbonmen from Monaghan townlands tried at Assizes 1843-1844

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1843–1844

    At the July Assizes 1843 and Lent Assizes 1844, Ribbonmen from townlands across Monaghan and beyond were charged with conspiracy, including men from Mullaloughan, Derryhose, Laragh, Lisnashannagh, and Bridgeacrin. The informer Thomas Gillan's testimony convicted only John O'Hanlon, who was transported for seven years; all others were discharged.

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    Pat M'Kenna of Mullaloughan to Armagh after Gubby and Gray, and was present when both burned their renewals. At the following July Assizes, 1843, John O'Hanlon of Monaghan, Alexander M'Kenna, Mullabrack Shaw, Pat M'Kenna, Mullaloughan, William M'Kenna, Derryhosb, Patrick Duffy, Laragb, Mick Connolly, Lisnashannagb, and Patrick Cavanagh, from Bridgeacrin, were charged for conspiracy; the Crown got the cases adjourned in the hope of getting more evidence ; but without success, for all the Ribbonmen got cautious and suspicious. It is necessary when an informer proves against a person for his evidence to be corroborated ; but the only corroboration the Government had was the scrap of paper found in O'Hanlon's pocket. All were indicted again at the Lent Assizes of 1844, as well as Edward Kelly and Charles Kelly, who had left the room between Gillan's going out and the police coming in, as was also Gubby and Gray. We can imagine the rage and disgust of the Ribbonmen, when they beheld their trusted confederate Gillan enter the box, and tell the well-known tale of all informers. O'Hanlon was the only man convicted. Of course it was the renewals in his own handwriting found in his vest pocket, which corroborated Gillan, that convicted him. He was transported for seven years, and the others were discharged. The following is a copy of the renewals found on O'Hanlon: "How do you do, sir — I am quite content — In what cause — Our present laws — O may all true Irishmen know agree — yes, and France will join us speedily. Are you persevering, sir — My cause is just. Mark, T.G.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 55

48. Westenra and Fortescue vote for Act of Union, 1799

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1799–1800

    In the last Dublin Parliament of 1799, Henry Westenra and William Fortescue represented the borough of Monaghan. Both appear in Sir Jonah Barrington's 'Black List' for casting the treasonable vote that destroyed Ireland's nationality and disfranchised the old borough of Monaghan through the Act of Union.

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    In the last Parliament that sat in Dublin, 1799, Henry Westenra and William Fortescue represented the borough of Monaghan. In Sir Jonah Barrington's " Black List," which contains the corrupt gang of traitors to their country, the names of Henry Westenra and William Fortescue appear as giving that treasonable vote which destroyed the nationality of their country, and wiped out of history our native town of Monaghan, for the old Borough was disfranchised by the Act of Union.

    At the end of old songs and ballads it was the custom to conclude with a moral, but what necessity is therefor me to add a moral here ; for such can be traced in every line of the history of our town, as well as of our own country. Faction, family quarrels, and drink have opened the gates for our enemies, and that the last betrayal was made by two of that mongrel breed, who, though nominally Irishmen, hate their country and their people, and bear not one noble or patriotic sentiment in their hearts.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 16

49. Yeomen kill civilians at Emyvale fair, 1813

    Emyvale · town · Monaghan · 1813

    In 1813, Captain Singleton's Yeomen fired on and killed several people at Scarnageeragh fair, now known as Emyvale. The magistrates declined to take informations until compelled by the King's Bench, and the assize court ultimately let the perpetrators go unpunished.

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    But to return to the Orange society and their opponents in the county. Riots took place in several parts of the county. In 1813 Captain Singleton's Yeomen fired on and killed several people at Scarnageeragh (now Emyvale) fair. The Justices of the Peace declined to take informations against Singleton and his men, until compelled by an order of the King's Bench, and when brought to trial, the assize court of course let the mur-

    HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN". 83

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 47

50. Abbey of Clogher robbed of property by James I's bishop

    Clogher · townland · Monaghan · 1603

    After the apostate Franciscan Miler M'Grath failed to gain acceptance among the priests and people of Clogher, James I brought over a Scotchman as bishop and gave him property robbed from the Abbey of Clogher. The Protestant See was then neglected for about thirty-five years.

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    * After O'Cervalin, the Pope appointed JRaymond M'Mahon, and while he was Bishop, Queen Elizabeth appointed the apostate Franciscan, Miler M'Grath, but he finding no success amongst the Priests and people, was transferred to Cashel, and the Protestants never bothered about the See for about thirty-five years, when James I. brought over a Scotchman whom he made Bishop, and gave him a lot of property of which he robbed the Abbey of Clogher.

    120 APPENDIX.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 64

51. Blayney estate mortgaged and sold to Williamite General Echlin

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1695

    Henry Blayney, Lord Baron of Monaghan, sided with King James II and covered his estate with a mortgage to protect himself from confiscation. The mortgagee foreclosed and sold the Monaghan portions to Williamite General Robert Echlin, who had the borough return him as its member in 1695.

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    Henry Blayney, Lord Baron of Monaghan, having sided with King James II. for a while, covered his estate with a mortgage to protect himself from confiscation, and the mortgagee of the Monaghan portions of his estate foreclosed, and sold the estate to a Williamite General, named Robert Echlin, who got the borough of Monaghan to return him as its member in 1695. Echlin sold the estate to a man called Cairns, and who was created a baronet (Sir Alexander). Cairns had one son (Sir Henry Cairos), who died without issue, and had one daugher, who married the then Lord Blayney ; and he having died without issue, his widow re-married a man called John Murray. The estates descended to Mrs. Murray, who had five daughters, but no sons.

    These daughters were married as follows : the eldest to Lord Claremont, who had no male issue, and while the estate was in her hands, she began to build her castle where the Monaghan Tennis Court is now. Before she had proceeded far with the building, she changed it into a farmyard, but died before it was complete. On Lady Claremont's death the estate passed to the second daughter, who was married to General Cunningham. Cunningham, when the estate passed to his wife, got the patronage of the Borough. In 1796 he bargained with Castlereagh for the two votes for the Union of the borough members. The price he received was the creation of the title of Lord Rossmore. There was no

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 15

52. Clontibret United Irishmen drilling near St. Mary's church

    Clontibret · townland · Monaghan · 1797–1798

    One night, the Clontibret United Irishmen were drilling near the site where St. Mary's church now stands when a leader suggested lifting arms from local Yeomen. This led to a raid on a house in Kilcrow and ultimately to the hanging of James Devlin.

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    One night when the Clontibret United Irishmen were at drill near where St. Mary's church now stands, one of the leaders suggested that they should " lift" the arms of the Yeomen in the neighbourhood. With this intention they proceeded to the house of one Boyd, in Kilcrow, where shots were exchanged ; and Alexander Stewart, Boyd's brother-in-law, was shot, and the arms successfully carried off. Several men in the neighbourhood were arrested, but nothing could -be proved against them, until one of their number turned informer, with the result that James Devlin, of Corkaskeagh, was tried and hanged iu Monaghan on the 24th March, 1798. Most of the others escaped. Almost a similar incident took place in Tydavnet, early in 1798, when the arms of the Yeomen were "lifted" by the United Irishmen of Slieve Beagh. The arms of one Thomas Brigs, of Itereera, were taken, and he swore informations, and had a lot of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 20

53. Cullighan brought prisoner to Dublin through Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1834

    After his sentence was commuted to transportation for life, Bryan Cullighan was brought as a prisoner to Dublin through Armagh rather than through Farney on the regular coach road, because authorities feared a rescue attempt in Farney. He was ultimately pardoned in Dublin through the influence of the Whig Members for the county.

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    hanged at the Summer Assizes 1834, for the murder of Dawson. The others were then discharged. Cullighan's sentence was afterwards commuted to transportation for life. He was brought a prisoner to Dublin through Armagh, as a rescue was feared had he been brought through Farney on the regular coach road to Dublin. Ultimately, through the influence of the Whig Members for the county (who had been returned in 1826 by great sacrifices), Culligban was pardoned in Dublin, before he set foot on the convict ship, and returned home a free man. But to return to the collection of the tithes. After these affrays, the resistance became more passive, and when a seizure was effected, no price could be obtained for the goods seized. Cattle that were seized were marked with a brand which was known all over Ireland, and even in England; so that it was impossible to sell them to any advantage. In 1834 a Coercion Act was passed, and a sham Church Act, which only partially removed the tithe exactions; and in December of 1834, another tithe carnage took place, this time at Rathcormac, in Waterford, where the police and military fired into a crowd, armed with sticks and stones. Several persons were killed, and the tithes carried off over these bloody corpses. This massacre only increased the resistance to the tithe, but it also made the people more cautious; and in our county, it was almost impossible in several parishes for the ministers to get tithes for several years. At last in 1838 an Act was passed, nominally abolishing tithes; but, in reality, transferring the liability from the tenant to the landlord, and enabling the landlord to add it to the rent, of which most of that interesting class took full advantage, and availed of the opportunity to raise the rents far in excess of the amount required for tithe.

    The Act made the tithe a charge on the fee of the land. However, it removed the irritation of the forcible collection of tithes, and relieved the ministers of the unpleasantness of coming in contact with the farmers.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 46

54. Cunningham bargains for creation of Lord Rossmore title

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1796

    General Cunningham, whose wife inherited the Monaghan estate, held patronage of the borough. In 1796 he bargained with Castlereagh for the two borough votes for the Union, receiving the creation of the Lord Rossmore title as his price.

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    These daughters were married as follows : the eldest to Lord Claremont, who had no male issue, and while the estate was in her hands, she began to build her castle where the Monaghan Tennis Court is now. Before she had proceeded far with the building, she changed it into a farmyard, but died before it was complete. On Lady Claremont's death the estate passed to the second daughter, who was married to General Cunningham. Cunningham, when the estate passed to his wife, got the patronage of the Borough. In 1796 he bargained with Castlereagh for the two votes for the Union of the borough members. The price he received was the creation of the title of Lord Rossmore. There was no

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 15

55. Dacre Hamilton broke chapel bargain with Catholics

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1790–1824

    Dacre Hamilton negotiated with well-to-do Catholics to lease them ground where the Provincial Bank now stands, in exchange for giving up the Diamond chapel. Bigoted Protestants tried to frighten him, and his avarice and bigotry led him to break off the bargain.

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    enraged at finding matters, from their view, only made worse, and they used every inducement to get Hamilton to break his contract with the Catholics, which he declined to do. They found that as old age was approaching, his bigotry decreased, while his cupidity increased, so they tried to frighten him by telling him he would not get his rent. This shook him at first. However, he said some of those Catholics who were negotiating with him, were well off; but when it was impressed on him that they were only trustees, his avarice and bigotry arose again, and he broke off the bargain. Soon after, pressure was brought to bear on the Catholics, and they surrendered the Chapel, the proximity of which to the Diamond offended the bigots of that day, on receiving an extension of the graveyard at the Parish Church. Shortly afterwards, in 1824, the late Mr. Peter M'Entee gave a lease of a house in Park Street, then Clones Street, and the town Chapel was built. The foundation of the magnificent Cathedral of St. Macartan was laid on 21st June, 1861. Its completion and dedication are of so recent a date that I will not dwell on them here, except to state that the building has been described by one eminent authority, as a "dream of beauty," while an eminent Ecclesiastic stated that the dedication was the greatest ecclesiastical event that ever occurred in Ireland.

    The Protestant Episcopalians had no place of worship in the town for many years. After the conquest of Ulster by Elizabeth's , forces, the old parish Church of Rackwallace was restored. And in the reign of James the First a residence was built for the rector on the Church lands adjoining the churchyard. In times of peace the rector resided here, but when any trouble arose, he availed of the opportunity to leave the locality and draw his salary elsewhere. During the war beginning 1641, the Church was retaken by the Catholics, but they were driven out of it at the end of the war. A short time prior to this, the Protestants of the town used a room in the Castle for prayers. About the beginning of the

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 37

56. Destruction of Muineachan monastery, 1540, and martyrs' graves near Holy Well

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1540

    In 1540 the monastery of Muineachan was plundered and destroyed by Protestant English soldiers of Henry VIII; the Guardian and a number of friars were beheaded and the monastery turned into a British fortress. Tradition pointed out the graves of the martyred Guardian and monks as near the Holy Well, which was filled in and covered over by the building of the Provincial Bank on the North Road.

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    In the year 1508 Redmond's son, Redmond Ogue M'Mahon, was guilty of a sacrilegious deed which brought shame on the whole clan of the M'Mahons of Lough Tigh. He had some dispute with Maguire of Fermanagh. Philip (son of Edmond) Maguire of Fermanagh was on a visit with M'Kenna of Trough, and while Maguire and M'Kenna were assisting at Mass in Donagh old church, on St. Patrick's day, the M'Mahons surrounded the church and called on M'Kenna to surrender Maguire to him. M'Kenna refused, and M'Mahon set fire to the roof of the church. The priest addressed the congregation and invoked on them the blessing of God and of St. Patrick. Maguire aDd M'Kenna sallied forth, and after a determined fight, slew Redmond Ogue and many of his followers, and put the rest to flight. With this disgraceful exception, for nearly a century the power of the M'Mahons kept at bay both native traitor and foreign foe, until at last, all our countrymen were overcome, and the monastery of Muineachan was in 1540 plundered and destroyed by the Protestant English soldiers of Henry VIII. Of that terrible day we have little record except that the Guardian and a number of Friars were beheaded, and the monastery turned for a time into a British fortress. Tradition pointed out the graves of the martryed Guardian and monks as near the Holy Well, which was filled in, and covered up many years ago by the building of the Provincial Bank, on the North road. The British rebuilt and remodelled the town, but they do not appear to have enjoyed it long, for the M'Mahons were in full power and occupation of it some years afterwards. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, about the year 1580, a family quarrel arose among the M'Mahons about the division of the estates of Rossa Buidha M'Mahon, who had died without issue,

    12 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Monaghan holds the memory of a monastery destroyed in 1540. For nearly a century before, the power of the M'Mahons had kept at bay both native traitor and foreign foe, until at last all our countrymen were overcome. In 1540, the monastery of Muineachan was plundered and destroyed by the Protestant English soldiers of Henry VIII. The Guardian and a number of friars were beheaded, and the monastery was turned for a time into a British fortress. Of that terrible day, little record survives. Tradition pointed out the graves of the martyred Guardian and monks as near the Holy Well, which was filled in and covered over many years ago by the building of the Provincial Bank on the North Road. The British rebuilt and remodelled the town, but they did not enjoy it long, for the M'Mahons were in full power and occupation of it some years afterwards. There was one disgraceful exception to that century of resistance. In 1508, Redmond Ogue M'Mahon, son of Redmond, quarreled with Maguire of Fermanagh. Philip Maguire was visiting M'Kenna of Trough, and while both men were assisting at Mass in Donagh old church on St. Patrick's Day, the M'Mahons surrounded the church and called on M'Kenna to surrender Maguire. M'Kenna refused, and M'Mahon set fire to the roof of the church. The priest addressed the congregation and invoked on them the blessing of God and of St. Patrick. Maguire and M'Kenna sallied forth, and after a determined fight slew Redmond Ogue and many of his followers, and put the rest to flight.

57. Hugh M'Mahon, 1641 conspirator, executed at Tyburn

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1641–1644

    Hugh M'Mahon, named The M'Mahon, was one of the first conspirators in the 1641 rising. After Owen O'Connolly informed on the Irish chiefs, M'Mahon and Maguire were arrested in Dublin, brought to London, tortured on the rack, and beheaded at Tyburn in 1644. He was a former Spanish army Lieutenant-Colonel and maternal grandson of Hugh O'Neill.

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    The Civil War of 1641 affected Monaghan considerably, for one of the first conspirators was The M'Mahon, and when Owen O'Connolly got drunk and informed on the Irish Chiefs in 1641, M'Mahon and Maguire were arrested in Dublin, and brought before the Lords Justices, where they gloried in their plot for the liberation of their country. They were brought over prisoners to London, where M'Mahon suffered the most cruel tortures, and was ultimately put on the rack, and when no betrayal could be extorted from him, he was beheaded at Tyburn in 1644 along with Maguire. Thus died this heroic Monaghan man, a martyr for his country. His Christian name was Hugh, after his maternal grandfather, the great Hugh O'Neill. In his youth he joined the Spanish army, in which he rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and was just the

    16 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 12

58. Thomas Armstrong arrested with United Irish documents at Ballinode

    Bellanode · town · Monaghan · 1797

    Thomas Armstrong was arrested at Samuel Mitchell's house in Ballinode and found carrying the Declarations and Constitutions of the Society of United Irishmen, a written revolutionary oath, and a printed book on the Lord's Supper. He had been tried for swearing in United Irishmen at Ballinode and Cussee, but was acquitted after witnesses refused to testify as the Government expected.

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    and Longmore were returned for trial for perjury. On the person of Thomas Armstrong, who was arrested at Samuel Mitchell's house in Ballinode, were found the following documents: "The Declarations, Resolutions, and Constitutions of the Society of United Irishmen ;" a written paper containing the following oath : " I, A. B., do solemnly swear that I will be ready to turn out in a short notice to support my former obligation, that is, an equal representation of all the people of Ireland in Parliament ;" and a printed book called, " A Treatise concerning the Lord's Supper." The certificate of membership given to the United Irishmen by the secretary was of the most primitive kind. On 13th April, 1797, at the trial of George Johnston, Clincor (Cloncaw), Hugh Meighan of Glasslough, and William Woods, Mullajordan, for tendering the oath to Bernard M'Keown at Glasslough, one William Murphy, an informer, gave evidence against Johnston, and produced the certificate given him by Johnston, when he was sworn in. The following is a copy : " I do certify that William Murphy has been duly elected, and having taken the test provided in the constitution, has paid. J. G., Secretary." The J. G. were Johnston's initals transposed. Johnston was sentenced to be hanged at Glasslough. The Monaghan Militia was called up, and as the Government began to find out the spread of the United Irishmen amongst the Militia Corps through the country, they were all removed to different districts, and the Monaghans were sent to the neighbourhood of Belfast, and were replaced in Monaghan by the Clare Militia, and in Carrickmacross by the Armagh Militia. These regiments were not long quartered here until the Monaghan men began to induce them to become United Irishmen. Owen Treanor, of Carrickmacross, was tried and acquitted for tendering the United Irishmen's oath to one of the Armagh Militia in Carrickmacross. One militiaman named Richard Thornton informed on Thomas Hastings for tendering the oath to him, and Thomas Hastings was tried twice — first time, a split jury, and second time

    28 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich

59. Thomas Gillan sworn as Ribbonman at Drumlish, Longford

    Drumlish · town · Longford · 1827–1843

    Thomas Gillan, who became a public informer for the authorities in County Monaghan, had been sworn in as a Ribbonman at Drumlish in County Longford in 1827. He was one of the most active members, swearing in men by the hundred and urging revolutionary propaganda.

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    of older societies, which still were found in a few places, especially in the barony of Dartrey. These societies were the " United Irish Sons of Freedom" and " Sons of the Shamrock." A man named Thomas M'Manus, of Clones, made a successful effort to unite both of these bodies into one society, and the Government at once pounced on him, and at the Lent Assizes of 1842, he got six months' imprisonment. The leaders, urged by John O'Hanlon and fearing to lose most of the young men, made the society in the County Monaghan more national. The party who wished to employ the confederation for their own selfish ends objected to this, and caused a new split in the body. They told the more ignorant members, if they made allegiance to the Queen part of the oath, nothing could be done on them by the law. Of course the anti-English party objected to this oath, which contained the following paragraphs, " I solemnly declare and promise in and true allegiance to her Majesty Queen Victoria," and after pledges of secrecy, obedience, etc., "that I will not join any other society whatever, not meaning trade society or soldier." In 1843, the authorities in Dublin Castle sent down word to the local authorities, complaining that in some neighbouring counties the officials had not only the names of the Ribbon leaders in those counties, but of every man in the society, and all their plots and doings, and at half the expense that was being paid to the County Monaghan informers. The stipendiary magistrate, and county and sub-inspectors were at their wits' ends to manage this, and in the middle of their difficulty the secret agent for the Monaghan district, who was intended to be put in the witness box, died — so they had to induce one of their private spies, named Thomas Gillan, to consent to be public informer. Gillan had been sworn in a Ribbonman at Drumlish, in the County Longford, in 1827, and to all appearances was one of the most active members of the Ribbon confederation, swore in men by the hundred, and urged the extreme and revolutionary propaganda. In fact he was one of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 53

60. Dacre Hamilton's despotic rule over Monaghan town

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    Dacre Hamilton wielded despotic power over Monaghan town and its neighbourhood in the early nineteenth century, serving as agent for the Rossmore, Castleshane, and other estates. His brutality in crushing the United Irishmen and his oppressive rule made him feared by all, and his death in 1833 was greeted with relief by men and women alike.

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    In the early days of the present century, Dacre Hamilton ruled the town and neighbourhood of Monaghan with the power of a despotic dictator. His influence with the Government was great, for he had

    68 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 40