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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Ashfield Association raids for arms near Cootehill

   Cootehill · town · Cavan

   A Protestant body calling themselves the 'Ashfield Association,' residing near Cootehill, broke into several houses at night searching for arms. They were arrested only after raiding the houses of some Protestants, having previously targeted Catholic country people without consequence.

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   For some years before the formation of the United Irishmen's Society, there had been considerable disturbance in the county, caused by party fights, originating in secret societies. The Protestants had different organizations, the principal of which was the " Peep-o'- Day-Boys," while the Catholics were dependent on the " Defenders." Many of the breaches of the law committed by the Defenders were brought to light, and the members of the society imprisoned and hanged; while owing to the spirit in which the law was administered, hardly any of the Protestants were brought to justice. On one occasion, we find a Protestant body of men being brought to trial for raids for arms on houses of the country people. These men called themselves the "Ashfield Association," and resided near Cootehill. In their energy to maintain " law and order" they broke into several houses at night, looking for arms, but, in an evil moment for themselves, they raided in the houses of some Protestants on the same business, and for this offence they were forthwith arrested.

   The great effort of the United Irish Leaders was to unite all parties and to form one grand society of Irishmen, and this they succeeded very well in doiog, under the circumstances, as far as the County Monaghan was concerned. The Presbyterians and Catholics of this county, especially those who resided in and near Glasslousjh and Newbliss, ioined and bound themselves together for the liberation of their country in the United Irishmen's organisation. The first intimation

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 17

2. Hodgens and Thornton sentenced at Monaghan

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1852

   During the Special Commission at Monaghan, Hodgens and Thornton were hurried before the court but the only charge brought against them was having arms in a proclaimed district, for which each was sentenced to two years' imprisonment. Other trials included a threatening letter case and a Whiteboy offence.

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   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.

   The other trials at the Commission, were William Randal M'Donnell, for sending a threatening letter to the late Thomas Edmund Wright. The trial was postponed in this case ; and Owen Burnes, who was charged with a Whiteboy offence, was let out on bail. Thus ended the great Special Commission, which was got up with the principal object of hanging two innocent men.

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 59

3. Owen Treanor tried for oath-tendering in Carrickmacross

   Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1797–1798

   Owen Treanor of Carrickmacross was tried and acquitted for tendering the United Irishmen's oath to a member of the Armagh Militia stationed in the town. The attempt to recruit the replacement militia into the revolutionary society was a recurring pattern in the area.

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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

4. Penal-era mass at Legnacreeve altar and Fr. James Duffy

   Legnacreeve · townland · Monaghan · 1705

   An altar within an old bush in Legnacreeve was used to celebrate Mass during penal times. Rev. James Duffy, the parish priest ordained by Dr. Tyrrell during the reign of King James II, resided there in 1705.

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   Legnacreeve, the Hollow of the Bush. In a hollow in an old bush in this townland was an altar on which Mass used to be celebrated during the penal times. In 1705 the parish priest, Rev. James Duffy, resided there. He was ordained by Dr. Tyrrell, Bishop of Clogher, in the reign of King James II. Liseraw, the fort of the fort ; Mullaghadun, the hill of the fort; Dud, a fortified fort, or fortified kingly residence ; Mullaghmat, the withered summit ; Rakeeragb, the fort of the sheep ; Rarnanny, the fort of the monks ; Rackwallace, the Rath or fore of the sons of Malus ; Sheetrim, fairy hill ; Tandragee, the hill of the winds ; Ban and Brack, white and

   D

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 31

5. George Nesbitt of Loyst refused rent for wearing a beard

   Loyst · townland · Monaghan

   Colonel Lewis refused to take respectable farmer George Nesbitt's rent and ordered him out of his office for daring to appear with a beard. Nesbitt of Loyst later lived to apply for a judicial fair rent under the Land Law (Ireland) Act of 1881.

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   He was as great a tyrant as Dacre Hamilton, without ability or power to exercise his tyranny to the same extent. It will hardly be believed nowadays, that he refused to take a respectable farmer's rent, and ordered him out of his office for daring to come into his presence with a beard on him. This farmer, George Nesbitt of Loyst, lived to apply to have a fair rent fixed for a judicial term under the Land Law (Ireland) Act of 1881.

   Lewis was the last Colonel of the old Monaghan Militia, and was the last man who wore the old Yeoman's uniform through the streets of Monaghan.

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 43

6. Hamilton-Richardson duel dispute at Monaghan Court-house, 1822

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1822

   At the Grand Jury dinner during the 1822 Assizes, Dacre and Skeffington Hamilton fell out with Edward Richardson over a public appointment, leading to mutual challenges. When sober the next morning, one party informed the Crown officer and all were arrested and bound to the peace for seven years. Official documents about the affair were later abstracted from county records.

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   The official documents concerning this dispute were abstracted from the county records by some of the parties who showed the " white feather ': on the occasion, so as to prevent future generations finding out who the hero was who acted " Bob Acres " in Monaghan Court-house in 1822.

   The next famous duel arose out of the Election of 1826. Colonel Madden, of Hilton Park, quarrelled with Lord Rossmore about the Election, and the meeting was arranged and took place on the Armagh side of the Blackwater, at Ardgonnell Bridge. Lord Rossmore was shot in the foot, and Dr. Temple extracted the bullet on the spot, as it had barely penetrated the skin* Colonel Madden escaped unhurt.

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 39

7. O'Neill hangs Lord Blayney's son at the Diamond

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1641–1644

   When O'Neill took Monaghan, he hanged Lord Blayney's son in retaliation for M'Mahon's execution. The pear tree on which he was hanged stood in the garden of the old castle in the Diamond and was pointed out until it was cut down about thirty-five years before the book's publication, by the man who rebuilt that side of the street.

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   The absurd and lying stories of massacres, got up by the new settlers and land-grabbers in other parts of Ireland at this period, did not affect Monaghan much, for these gentry were in too great a hurry away to manufacture stories, they knowing well they were robbers, and not wishing to be caught with the stolen goods in their possession, appear to have departed at the first alarm. We find a few of them stating they had been deprived of their cattle, and making a long complaint of wrongs, containing as little truth as the modern claim for malicious injury of a boycotted land-grabber or emergency bailiff. When O'Neill took Monaghan, he hanged Lord Blayney's son in retaliation for M'Mahon's execution. The pear tree on which he was hanged was pointed out in the garden where the old castle in the Diamond above mentioned stood, and was cut down about thirty-five years ago, by the man who rebuilt that side of the street. In an old map of the town of a somewhat earlier date than this war (a copy of which is on next page), there were but four streets and the Diamond in almost the same position as it now is, the south side of the latter being occupied by the castle, the gardens and pleasure grounds of which extended as far as the Convent Lake (then Lough Tigh). One street ran down part of Dublin Street, and was then, and for years after called Ballywollen Street, and the East Gate appears to have been about where the Misses Tierney's house is. Another street ran up part of the grounds occupied by Glasslough Street, and the North Gate was about where Mrs. Garrity's house is. The third street ran up where Mill Street now is, and the West Gate was close to Mr. M'Gurk's present house. The fourth street, which was the longest, came out of Mill Street at right angles, ran through where the Protestant church now stands, parallel to the castle and gardens to the Clones gate, where the lower gate of the Convent now is. Mill Street was afterwards further extended, and turning to

   Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 12

8. Burke Rice arrested and lodged in Monaghan gaol

   Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1797–1798

   Burke Rice's name was sent forward by the Monaghan colonels for appointment as adjutant-general for the county, but an informer in Dublin or Belfast alerted the Government. The English Secretary Pelham issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was forthwith lodged in Monaghan gaol without a trial.

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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

9. Gartlan of Kinderacloy warns M'Ardle

   Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1852

   Thomas Gartlan of Kinderacloy, whom bailiff M'Ardle had befriended in securing his brother's farm, met M'Ardle before he left Carrickmacross market and warned him that if he went home his life was not his own. Whether Gartlan was an informer or merely overheard the conspirators was never made clear.

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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

10. James Duffy proclaims French Revolution in Castleblayney

    Castleblayney · town · Monaghan · 1794

    In 1794, a man named James Duffy became excited in Castleblayney and publicly shouted support for the French Revolution while cursing the Duke of York and the King's army. This incident signaled to the Government that popular sentiment was moving beyond mere faction fights toward revolutionary politics.

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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

11. Lord Furnival devastates Oirgial and burns Monaghan (1417)

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1417

    In 1417, Lord Furnival led an English army across the Pale and devastated Oirgial, burning towns and corn and killing many people. The town and abbey of Muineachan were burned during this raid and subsequently dismantled.

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    In 1417 Lord Furnival, at the head of the English army, crossed the Pale and devastated the whole of Oirgial, burned all the " towns and corn," and killed aud wounded a great multitude of people, and carried off all the cattle they could catch. In this raid the town and abbey of Muineachan were again burned. While private quarrels distracted the Irish Chiefs, the old abbey and village of Muineachan appear to have been completely dismantled and deserted. During these troubled times, when war laid in ruins many a home, the M'Mahons, chiefs of Oirgial, for protection and safety, built a small house in the island of the lake of Muineachan, from which the lake and barony took its name of Lough Tigh (the Lake of the house); and in the year 1442, The M'Mahon of Oirgial, whose Christian name was Phelim (the son of Bryan, the son of Ardgal), restored the monastery and placed in it Friars Minor (Franciscans) instead of the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, who formerly occupied the ancient abbey.

    For many years an old quarrel lay smouldering between the people of Lough Tigh and the people of Dartrev. In 1496 The M'Mahon, or over lord of all West Oirgial, was the Chief of the clans of Dartrey, and had his castle and principal town near where Rockcorry now stands. His name was Hugh Ogue M'Mahon (the son of Hugh Roe, son of Rorey). In the above year his two sons, Gilla Patrick and Rorey, accompanied by 16 scollogs (farmers), came by night into Muineachan and killed Glushuiagh M'Redmond M'Rory M'Mahon of Lough Tigh in his own house. They took as a hostage a youth named Rossa M'Mahon, son of Manus, son of Hugh Roe. This murder was the cause of a serious war, which kept Oirgial in trouble and sorrow for many years. In those times, and down from the first English

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 7

12. United Irishmen tried at Monaghan assizes, 1810

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1810

    In 1810, two men named Thady Kelly and Pat M'Hugh were tried at the Monaghan Spring assizes and transported for swearing in United Irishmen. This marked the last recorded activity of the United Irishmen in County Monaghan.

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    County Monaghan. In that year two men, Thady Kelly arid Pat. M'Hugh, were tried at the Monaghan Spring assizes and transported for swearing in United Irishmen. From this period a common organisation, with national self-government as its object, ceased to exist for many and many a year in Ireland.

    The societies which sprang up now, were, in the several districts of the country, completely independent of, and often at war with, each other. Their object in the main was to act as a kind of counter-organization to the Orange society, which, founded some time before the Union, and pampered by the garrison party after that event in order that it might be used as a means of alienating the Protestants from the rest of their fellow-countrymen, had about this period a lodge in almost every district in the North. The members of these lodges backed each other in case of riot at all the popular gatherings, such as fairs, race-meetings, etc., and the Yeomen invariably backed the Orangemen, so that between the two parties, the disunited Catholics got very often worsted in these popular melees. It was to remedy this state of affairs that the Catholics resolved to join together in these secret societies. This private union gave them a certain amount of confidence in themselves, and they soon began to use their little secret conclaves as a means of protecting themselves against the insupportable tyranny of the local landlord or the proctor. And as in such cases, they could only make themselves felt by retaliating for injustice done, and as the heads of these societies were wholly irresponsible, this retaliation took shape in the perpetration of the most appalling acts of revenge.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 47

13. George Johnston sentenced to hang at Glasslough

    Glaslough · town · Monaghan · 1797

    In April 1797, George Johnston of Cloncaw, Hugh Meighan of Glasslough, and William Woods of Mullajordan were tried for tendering the United Irishmen's oath at Glasslough. An informer named William Murphy produced his membership certificate, and Johnston was sentenced to be hanged at Glasslough.

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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

14. Seceders' meeting-house pulled down near Convent Lake

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1808

    The Presbyterian Seceders built a meeting-house near the Convent Lake in Monaghan, but the title was defective. Mr. Alexander King, a strong member of the town congregation, pulled it down in 1808 and included the site in the Brewery, reflecting bitter factional hatred between the two Presbyterian sections.

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    The Seceders built a meeting-house near the Convent Lake, but as the title was defective, Mr. Alexander King, who was a strong member of the town congregation, pulled down the meeting-house in 1808, and included it in the Brewery. At this time there was desperate hatred and ill-will between the two sections of the Presbyterians ; and so hostile did they become, that the more powerful congregation compelled the Seceders to abandon any hope of building a meeting-house in the town, and they built the present structure at Ballyalbany. It was during these quarrels, which extended all over Ulster, that the opprobrious names of ' Blackmouths' and ' Stiffnecks' were applied to each other.

    The old Methodist preaching house in Dawson Stree , at the rere of the present minister's residence, was built i\ the beginning of this century, and the present preaching house was built in Dawson Street about the year 1861. The other little preaching house in Market Street was built under the following peculiar circumstances. T^£ late Mr. Richard Jackson, who amassed consider 0f wealth in the leather cutting trade, was very cha^s ^Q to the different Protestant sects, and dropped som^urch vations about building a handsome Church on th| ,peace of Back Street, now Market Street, which camljjiji;. ^e ear of a rather clever townsman, who forthwithlJnl\. to Mr. Jackson and asked a lease. Jackson replied*1 ■' he intended keeping it for the purpose of building a we^ce of worship on it : to which the other replied, " I*tim(u give it to me, I'll build a house to the honou' jLd and glory of God, that will be a credit to Monagb ^^

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 38

15. Arthur Gamble Lewis married into Westenra and Scott families

    Ballyleck · townland · Monaghan

    Arthur Gamble Lewis, last Provost of Monaghan and agent for the Rossmore estate, married the widow of the Hon. Richard Westenra of Ballyleck, who was daughter of the last Scott of Scotstown and grand-daughter of the last Owen of Monaghan. The marriage angered the Rossmore family, who expected the Scotstown estate, and Lewis was dismissed from the agency.

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    The last Provost of Monaghan was Arthur Gamble Lewis. He was agent for the Rossmore estate, and married the widow of the Hon. Richard Westenra of Ballyleck, daughter of the last Scott of Scotstown, and grand-daughter of the last Owen of Monaghan. This marriage so annoyed the Rossmore family, who expected to get the Scotstown estate on the death of the present Miss Westenra, that he was dismissed from the agency of the Rossmore estate. He tried to assume the same power as Dacre Hamilton had held in Monaghan, and

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 42

16. First Catholic chapel in Drumhirk destroyed about 1790

    Drumhirk · townland · Monaghan

    Catholics built their first modest thatched chapel in Drumhirk. Around 1780 townspeople built another chapel, and about 1790 the Drumhirk chapel was destroyed and the portion of the old Catholic Parish Church nearest the road was built.

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    The vicissitudes of places of worship in Monaghan are as interesting as any other branch of our history. For some time after the Penal Laws had been relaxed sufficiently to enable the Catholics to assemble for worship, they continued to use the Corby Rock Glen for hearing Mass; then they had a Baughog, or roofed Altar erected at the back of some ' Lone' bushes, a little further south, in the townland of Tamlat — the county road to Castleblayney now covers the exact spot. A few years after they built their first modest thatched chapel in Drumhirk. About 1780, the towns-people built a chapel at the back of the house, now occupied by James M'Fadden, Junior; and about 1790 the chapel in Drumhirk was destroyed, and the portion of the old Catholic Parish Church nearest the road was built. The town Catholics, who then began to increase in numbers and wealth, got better premises, and moved the Chapel up to the rere of the Diamond, just behind A. Brennan's. This incensed the more bigoted Protestants, who used every effort to get the Chapel removed back to Dublin Street or the Shambles. Dacre Hamilton was appealed to, and some well-to-do Catholics began to negotiate with him. The terms were, that they were to give up the Chapel in the Diamond, and he was to give them a lease of the plot of ground where the Provincial Bank now stands. When this became known, the bigots became greatly

    62 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 37

17. Monaghan men at Battle of Ballynahinch, 1798

    near Ballynahinch · town · Down · 1798

    Monaghan men participated in the Battle of Ballynahinch in County Down during the 1798 rebellion. The whole United Irishmen organization in County Monaghan subsequently died out without another blow being struck for Ireland.

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    The whole organisation in the county died out without another blow being struck for Ireland. It is related that some Monaghan men made their way to the County Down where they took part in the battles of Saintfield and Ballinahinch.

    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.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 24

18. Monaghan men at Battle of Saintfield, 1798

    near Saintfield · town · Down · 1798

    Some Monaghan men traveled to County Down where they took part in the Battle of Saintfield during the 1798 rebellion. After these events, the United Irishmen organization in County Monaghan died out without another blow being struck for Ireland.

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    The whole organisation in the county died out without another blow being struck for Ireland. It is related that some Monaghan men made their way to the County Down where they took part in the battles of Saintfield and Ballinahinch.

    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.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 24

19. Monaghan town's tiny post-Cromwellian population

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    After the Cromwellian wars, only 133 people were living in Monaghan town, comprising 101 Irish and 32 English residents, indicating severe depopulation following the conflict.

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    structing the railway, and the population was kept up in 1871 by the building of the lunatic asylum. In 1733, those engaged in taking the hearth money enumerated the Catholic families in the County to have been 5,096, and the Protestant families, 2,838. After the Cromwellian wars, there appears to have been only 133 people living in the town — 101 Irish, and 32 English.

    The present Religious Denominations of

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 61

20. Murder of Glushuiagh M'Mahon in Monaghan (1496)

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1496

    In 1496, the sons of Hugh Ogue M'Mahon entered Muineachan by night with farmers and killed Glushuiagh M'Mahon of Lough Tigh in his own home. They also took Rossa M'Mahon hostage, triggering a long war.

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    For many years an old quarrel lay smouldering between the people of Lough Tigh and the people of Dartrev. In 1496 The M'Mahon, or over lord of all West Oirgial, was the Chief of the clans of Dartrey, and had his castle and principal town near where Rockcorry now stands. His name was Hugh Ogue M'Mahon (the son of Hugh Roe, son of Rorey). In the above year his two sons, Gilla Patrick and Rorey, accompanied by 16 scollogs (farmers), came by night into Muineachan and killed Glushuiagh M'Redmond M'Rory M'Mahon of Lough Tigh in his own house. They took as a hostage a youth named Rossa M'Mahon, son of Manus, son of Hugh Roe. This murder was the cause of a serious war, which kept Oirgial in trouble and sorrow for many years. In those times, and down from the first English

    6 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 7

21. Arms lifted from Yeomen at Tydavnet and Slieve Beagh

    near Tedavnet · population centre · Monaghan · 1798

    Early in 1798, the United Irishmen of Slieve Beagh lifted arms from Yeomen in the Tydavnet area. The arms of Thomas Brigs of Itereera were taken; Brigs swore informations, leading to arrests.

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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

22. Man killed on Ballybay road after Orange demonstration

    Ballybay · town · Monaghan · 1848

    The only case from the 1848 Orange demonstration violence that reached the courts involved a man killed on the Ballybay road. The defence argued it was an accident.

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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

23. Statue of Bishop M'Mahon in St. Macartan's Cathedral

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    A later patriotic Bishop of Clogher placed a statue of Eiver M'Mahon in St. Macartan's Cathedral in Monaghan, the first monument to his memory. The M'Mahon noble house largely disappeared into the peasantry after the war.

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    During the gallant struggle of twelve years which followed 1641, Monaghan was not much exposed to the war. But Monaghan men fought well for Owen Roe O'Neill, and it was the divisions from Truagh and Monaghan whom he sent to intercept Monroe's brother coming from Coleraine to the Blackwater at Benburb. How well they discharged their mission, is seen by the fact that the Coleraine men never reached the Blackwater, and the Monaghan men were back in time to take part in that glorious day when the power of England in Ulster was shaken to its very foundation. At the battle of Benburb, and all through the war, the patriotic Bishop of Clogher, Eiver M'Mahon of Monaghan, accompanied the army, and when Owen Roe O'Neill died, he was elected general, being the only man who could unite arid keep together all the Irish of Ulster ; but, in 1660 he risked a battle with the English in Co. Donegal, in which fatal fight his army was defeated, and the last hope of the Ulster Irish vanished. Eiver M'Mahon was shortly afterwards taken prisoner and wTas executed at Enniskillen by an officer whose life he had preserved on a former occasion. M'Mahon w7as buried in Devenish Island, and no monument or stone was raised to his memory until his successor, our late patriotic Bishop of Clogher, placed a statue to him in the magnificent Cathedral of St. Macartan, in Monaghan. It is very hard to trace the descent of the noble house of M'Mahon, for those of them who did not go into exile, were absorbed into the peasantry of our country, and many a humble thatched roof in our county contains under it more noble blood than the whole of the mansions of our present county snobocracy. Some of the M'Mahon's names were changed into other Irish names, as will be explained in a subsequent chapter, and some were Anglicised. The descendants of Glushniagh, who was

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 13

24. United Irishmen oath prosecutions at Clones assizes

    Clones · town · Monaghan · 1796

    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, describing it as a brotherhood that all might join. From this point the brotherhood spread rapidly throughout County Monaghan despite Government persecution.

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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

25. Walled town of Monaghan and its streets

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    Monaghan town was enclosed by a wall except where lakes provided natural protection. Park Street was for many years called Clones Street.

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    the left along the back of the Market house terminated at the lower part of Park Street. This street was for many years called Clones Street. There was a wall round the town except where the lakes protected it.

    During the gallant struggle of twelve years which followed 1641, Monaghan was not much exposed to the war. But Monaghan men fought well for Owen Roe O'Neill, and it was the divisions from Truagh and Monaghan whom he sent to intercept Monroe's brother coming from Coleraine to the Blackwater at Benburb. How well they discharged their mission, is seen by the fact that the Coleraine men never reached the Blackwater, and the Monaghan men were back in time to take part in that glorious day when the power of England in Ulster was shaken to its very foundation. At the battle of Benburb, and all through the war, the patriotic Bishop of Clogher, Eiver M'Mahon of Monaghan, accompanied the army, and when Owen Roe O'Neill died, he was elected general, being the only man who could unite arid keep together all the Irish of Ulster ; but, in 1660 he risked a battle with the English in Co. Donegal, in which fatal fight his army was defeated, and the last hope of the Ulster Irish vanished. Eiver M'Mahon was shortly afterwards taken prisoner and wTas executed at Enniskillen by an officer whose life he had preserved on a former occasion. M'Mahon w7as buried in Devenish Island, and no monument or stone was raised to his memory until his successor, our late patriotic Bishop of Clogher, placed a statue to him in the magnificent Cathedral of St. Macartan, in Monaghan. It is very hard to trace the descent of the noble house of M'Mahon, for those of them who did not go into exile, were absorbed into the peasantry of our country, and many a humble thatched roof in our county contains under it more noble blood than the whole of the mansions of our present county snobocracy. Some of the M'Mahon's names were changed into other Irish names, as will be explained in a subsequent chapter, and some were Anglicised. The descendants of Glushniagh, who was

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 13

26. Castleshane rises with coach traffic

    Castleshane · electoral division · Monaghan · 1750–1790

    The Dublin to Derry mail coach route ran through Castleshane, making the old town one of considerable importance. People of Monaghan had to meet the coach at Castleshane, and the road between the two towns ran through Latlurcan and Corlat.

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    Monaghan who wanted to go to Dublin bad to meet tbe coach at Castleshane. The road to Castleshane ran through Latlurcan, behind Corlat, to the north of the present road, where it is still used as a lane, until it entered the street of Castleshane. Thus the old town of Castleshane became one of considerable importance.

    The people of Monaghan got a coach for themselves. It passed through Ballybay, passed Te Tappa Mills, through Dunrayrnond until it met the old Co. Cavan road, passed Liseraw, Knockaturley, Uriblekirk, Sheetrim, through Drumbear, over Far-Meehul bridge, which is still to be seen near the writer's residence, over Tully hill, and into the town between the Convent and the Lake. A good deal of business was done between Aughnacloy and Monaghan ; so the old road was improved and altered in several places, and Moy bridge built. It was about that time the traffic was turned into the village of Scarnageeragh, now Emyvale. The only road to the parish of Tydavnet passed from the town close to where it is now, until it leaves it near the Manse along the lane at the foot of Mrs. Deighan's fields, through Cornacassa demesne. There is a little bridge still standing some distance to the north of the County road between Gallinagh and Lisbristlen. There was no road past the end of High Street, but a footpath from Milltown, which was then only a small corn mill, and a few houses approached from the town from the end of Glasslough Street. The road to Clones went along the Pound, through Mullamatt, and over the hills close to the present road; parts of it are identical near Smithboro' ; the road to Glasslough began at Bally albany, where it turned to the east off the Aughnacloy road, and went by the back of St. Macartan's Seminary. This road still exists and is a good road the whole way to Glasslough at present. The way to Armagh was an old road through Knockbwee to Middletown ; it left Monaghan to the east from the Pound Hill down Annahagh Lane, and along what is still called the old Armagh road.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 33

27. Police fight retreat from Donaghmoyne back to Carrickmacross

    Carrickmacross · town · Monaghan · 1832

    After the battle at Donaghmoyne in which Constable Dawson was killed, the police commander ordered a retreat. The body of police had to fight their way back to Carrickmacross, firing from behind fences and being fired upon until within half a mile of the town. Many were wounded on both sides but none killed except Dawson.

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    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

    HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN. 79

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich

28. Battle of Clontibret, 1595

    Clontibret · townland · Monaghan · 1595

    In June 1595, during the war following the murder of M'Mahon by the English, the English army under Norris came from Newry to relieve Monaghan town, which O'Neill had invested. The famous battle of Clontibret was fought, resulting in a complete defeat of the English with the loss of generals, artillery, and baggage.

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    During the war which followed the murder of M'Mahon by the English, Monaghan was besieged and taken, and retaken and taken again. In fact, it stood five or six sieges, during these -heroic struggles of the Ulster Irish against the English. It was during one of these sieges that the English army under Norris came from Newry to relieve the town which O'Neill had invested, that the famous battle of Clontibret was fought in June 1595. I will not here attempt to describe that victory of our heroic ancestors. Suffice it to say, that the English were completely defeated, with the loss of some of their best generals, all their artillery, baggage, etc. The town capitulated a few days afterwards, and was held by the Irish until the end of the war in 1603, when the last struggles of O'Neill and O'Donnell terminated in a treaty, by which the English possessed themselves of all the garrisons, including Monaghan, out of which they soon afterwards expelled the Irish. The old Irish, who were driven to the hills in the neighbourhood, appear not to have been content with this robbery, and made attacks on the town at intervals, the result of which was that the town and castle were deserted, and left in ruins by the English, who could not withstand these repeated surprises. About 1608, Sir Edward Blayney got a grant of the place from the Government, and rebuilt one of its forts. When the Lord Deputy visited the town about this time, he found only the fort, and about fifty huts occupied by soldiers, and everything else in ruins. A sum of money was granted by the King to repair the fortress, and in 1611 Sir E. Blayney got a grant of the markets and fairs. In 1613 the town was created a Borough, with a right to send two members to the old

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 11

29. Bishop Donnelly subsidises St. Macartin's Seminary

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    Bishop Donnelly made extraordinary financial sacrifices for education, which were revealed during his examination before the Endowed School Commission. He admitted to personally subsidising St. Macartin's Seminary in Monaghan by £5,000.

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    The income he worked so hard to earn was spent as he made it, on the advancement of charitable, religious, and educational institutions in his diocese, and elsewhere throughout Ireland ; while no really patriotic object ever was known to pass unassisted by his generous subscription. His largest subscriptions bore the stamp of true religious charity — for they were always given privately. His extraordinary sacrifices in the cause of education were revealed to the public by his examination before the Endowed School Commission, where he admitted that he had subsidised St. Macartin's Seminary to the extent of £5,000 !

    The greatest work of his life was the erection of St. Macartin's Cathedral at Monagfhan. This magnificent structure is not surpassed by any church in Ireland, or probably in England. The symmetry of the whole house and the beauty of its details render it the most complete ecclesiastical building in the countrv. One distinguished personage on visiting it declared

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 4

30. Seceders built meeting-house at Ballyalbany after expulsion from Monaghan

    Ballyalbany · minor feature · Monaghan

    After being compelled by the more powerful town congregation to abandon any hope of building a meeting-house in Monaghan, the Seceders built their present structure at Ballyalbany. The quarrels between the two Presbyterian sections extended across Ulster, with each side branding the other as 'Blackmouths' or 'Stiffnecks'.

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    The Seceders built a meeting-house near the Convent Lake, but as the title was defective, Mr. Alexander King, who was a strong member of the town congregation, pulled down the meeting-house in 1808, and included it in the Brewery. At this time there was desperate hatred and ill-will between the two sections of the Presbyterians ; and so hostile did they become, that the more powerful congregation compelled the Seceders to abandon any hope of building a meeting-house in the town, and they built the present structure at Ballyalbany. It was during these quarrels, which extended all over Ulster, that the opprobrious names of ' Blackmouths' and ' Stiffnecks' were applied to each other.

    The old Methodist preaching house in Dawson Stree , at the rere of the present minister's residence, was built i\ the beginning of this century, and the present preaching house was built in Dawson Street about the year 1861. The other little preaching house in Market Street was built under the following peculiar circumstances. T^£ late Mr. Richard Jackson, who amassed consider 0f wealth in the leather cutting trade, was very cha^s ^Q to the different Protestant sects, and dropped som^urch vations about building a handsome Church on th| ,peace of Back Street, now Market Street, which camljjiji;. ^e ear of a rather clever townsman, who forthwithlJnl\. to Mr. Jackson and asked a lease. Jackson replied*1 ■' he intended keeping it for the purpose of building a we^ce of worship on it : to which the other replied, " I*tim(u give it to me, I'll build a house to the honou' jLd and glory of God, that will be a credit to Monagb ^^

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 38

31. Cavan town razed to the ground

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    During a battle in Brefney, the Oirgiallians and Tirconnellians defeated the Brefneians. As a result, all East Brefney from Dartrey border to Cavan town was devastated, and Cavan town itself was taken and razed.

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    M'Mahon. A couple of successful skirmishes brought the Tirconnellians and the Oirgiallians into the Territory of Brefney, where a short but desperate battle was fought, iu which the Brefneians were completely crushed. The usual result followed, and all East Brefney, from Dartrey border to Cavan town, was devastated, and the town itself was taken after a short resistance and razed to the ground.

    The victorious army, after having got rid of this troublesome foe from their flank, proceeded towards Farney, which they entered south of Ballytrain ; the English and the Farney men at once faced the Tirconnellians and Oirgiallians, and while the battle raged, the other half of the Oirgiallians, who had been holding the English in check, and who followed them up suddenly, came on the right flank of the foe, and a great victory was gained for Ulster. The English and some of the Farney and Dartrey clans retreated across the Pale. They threw garrisons into all the castles and fortresses of the Pale, to keep the Ulster men at bay, while another English army was collected from Dublin, Meath, and Louth. The Ulster army now grew to great proportions, being joined by most of the minor clans of Farney and Dartrey, in addition to the rest of East and West Oirgial, part of Brefney, and O'Donnell's army from Tirconnell. All the fortresses were forthwith attacked and taken in a wondrous short time, and the Ulster men pressed forward and met the English near the town of Louth. The English were drawn up on a hill facing the north-west. The archers wTere in front, while the centre was a line of light troops, armed with spears and shields, made up of Irish kerns, who resided within the Pale, and the rere was occupied by heavy infantry clad in steel and armed with spears, heavy swords, and battle axes ; on the flanks were the cavalry, armed like the heavy infantry. The Irish soon appeared in a long line of kerns or light infantry, each man armed with a couple of spears, and a shean or dagger and shield ; but this array was made up of the small claus of Oriel joined together in

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 8

32. Monaghan town besieged and taken repeatedly

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1595–1603

    During the Nine Years' War, Monaghan town and castle stood five or six sieges as the Ulster Irish fought against the English. After the 1603 treaty, the English expelled the Irish from the town, but repeated attacks by dispossessed Irish left the town and castle in ruins.

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    During the war which followed the murder of M'Mahon by the English, Monaghan was besieged and taken, and retaken and taken again. In fact, it stood five or six sieges, during these -heroic struggles of the Ulster Irish against the English. It was during one of these sieges that the English army under Norris came from Newry to relieve the town which O'Neill had invested, that the famous battle of Clontibret was fought in June 1595. I will not here attempt to describe that victory of our heroic ancestors. Suffice it to say, that the English were completely defeated, with the loss of some of their best generals, all their artillery, baggage, etc. The town capitulated a few days afterwards, and was held by the Irish until the end of the war in 1603, when the last struggles of O'Neill and O'Donnell terminated in a treaty, by which the English possessed themselves of all the garrisons, including Monaghan, out of which they soon afterwards expelled the Irish. The old Irish, who were driven to the hills in the neighbourhood, appear not to have been content with this robbery, and made attacks on the town at intervals, the result of which was that the town and castle were deserted, and left in ruins by the English, who could not withstand these repeated surprises. About 1608, Sir Edward Blayney got a grant of the place from the Government, and rebuilt one of its forts. When the Lord Deputy visited the town about this time, he found only the fort, and about fifty huts occupied by soldiers, and everything else in ruins. A sum of money was granted by the King to repair the fortress, and in 1611 Sir E. Blayney got a grant of the markets and fairs. In 1613 the town was created a Borough, with a right to send two members to the old

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 11

33. Manus and Toal M'Mahon settled in Trough

    Trough · barony · Monaghan

    Manus and Toal, sons of Redmond M'Mahon, settled in the Trough district. The M'Mahons who reside there are their descendants.

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    Manus and Toal settled in Trough, and the M'Mahons who reside there, are their descendants.

    The six sons of Art Moyle, viz., Patrick, Rorey, Art- Bwee, Ross, Toal, and Redmond, declined to submit to Elizabeth after the overthrow of O'Neill and O'Donnell, and they settled on the south-eastern slopes of Slieve Beagh, where, amid its fastnesses, thev held their own against all the power of the English Government. From these six men all the M'Mahons of College Lands are descended.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 14

34. M'Mahon descendant living at Castleblayney

    Castleblayney · town · Monaghan

    One son of the last M'Mahon family member resided at Castleblayney until his death, after which his children emigrated to America.

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    killed in 1496, came through his son Redmond, who was married twice : first, to the daughter of O'Neill; and second, to the daughter of the Geraldine of Kildare. By the former he had four sons, viz., Glushniagh Ogue, Bryan, Manus, and Toal ; by the latter, one son, Art Moyle. Glushniagh Ogue was the ancestor of the M'Mahons who always lived about Monaghan, and took part against the English in every war and rebellion that arose in Ulster, while the race lasted. Some went to Spain, some to France, and others to South America, while of those who remained in Ireland, the last of the family died in Monaghan about sixty years ago, and is buried in the old Parish Church graveyard, Latlurcan. He left two sons, one of whom entered the English army, and had risen to the rank of Colonel, when he was stationed in the barrack of Monaghan, about the time of the Crimean war. The other son resided at Castleblayney until his death ; his children emigrated to America. Redmond's second son, Bryan, was grandfather of Hugh Roe, who was put to death by Fitzwilliam. Brvan had another grandson called Ross, who lived at Corfinlough, and is said to have been the great- grand father of Glushniagh M'Mahon of Ballybay. This Glushniagh had a son, Roger, who had two sons named Bernard and John. There is no descendant of Bernard now alive except his daughter, Mrs. Fitzpatrick of Cormeen House, Ballybay. John was a surgeon in the British army, and died leaving issue.

    Manus and Toal settled in Trough, and the M'Mahons who reside there, are their descendants.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 14

35. Richard Jackson and the Market Street Preaching House

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    The little preaching house in Market Street, formerly Back Street, was built after Richard Jackson, a wealthy leather cutter, hinted at building a church on his property. A townsman asked for a lease, promising to build a house to the honour and glory of God.

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    The old Methodist preaching house in Dawson Stree , at the rere of the present minister's residence, was built i\ the beginning of this century, and the present preaching house was built in Dawson Street about the year 1861. The other little preaching house in Market Street was built under the following peculiar circumstances. T^£ late Mr. Richard Jackson, who amassed consider 0f wealth in the leather cutting trade, was very cha^s ^Q to the different Protestant sects, and dropped som^urch vations about building a handsome Church on th| ,peace of Back Street, now Market Street, which camljjiji;. ^e ear of a rather clever townsman, who forthwithlJnl\. to Mr. Jackson and asked a lease. Jackson replied*1 ■' he intended keeping it for the purpose of building a we^ce of worship on it : to which the other replied, " I*tim(u give it to me, I'll build a house to the honou' jLd and glory of God, that will be a credit to Monagb ^^

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 38

36. Phelim M'Mahon restores Monaghan monastery (1442)

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1442

    In 1442, The M'Mahon of Oirgial, Phelim, restored the monastery at Muineachan. He placed Friars Minor (Franciscans) in it, replacing the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine who had formerly occupied the ancient abbey.

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    In 1417 Lord Furnival, at the head of the English army, crossed the Pale and devastated the whole of Oirgial, burned all the " towns and corn," and killed aud wounded a great multitude of people, and carried off all the cattle they could catch. In this raid the town and abbey of Muineachan were again burned. While private quarrels distracted the Irish Chiefs, the old abbey and village of Muineachan appear to have been completely dismantled and deserted. During these troubled times, when war laid in ruins many a home, the M'Mahons, chiefs of Oirgial, for protection and safety, built a small house in the island of the lake of Muineachan, from which the lake and barony took its name of Lough Tigh (the Lake of the house); and in the year 1442, The M'Mahon of Oirgial, whose Christian name was Phelim (the son of Bryan, the son of Ardgal), restored the monastery and placed in it Friars Minor (Franciscans) instead of the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, who formerly occupied the ancient abbey.

    For many years an old quarrel lay smouldering between the people of Lough Tigh and the people of Dartrev. In 1496 The M'Mahon, or over lord of all West Oirgial, was the Chief of the clans of Dartrey, and had his castle and principal town near where Rockcorry now stands. His name was Hugh Ogue M'Mahon (the son of Hugh Roe, son of Rorey). In the above year his two sons, Gilla Patrick and Rorey, accompanied by 16 scollogs (farmers), came by night into Muineachan and killed Glushuiagh M'Redmond M'Rory M'Mahon of Lough Tigh in his own house. They took as a hostage a youth named Rossa M'Mahon, son of Manus, son of Hugh Roe. This murder was the cause of a serious war, which kept Oirgial in trouble and sorrow for many years. In those times, and down from the first English

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 7

37. Sir Edward Blayney rebuilds Monaghan fort

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1608–1611

    About 1608, Sir Edward Blayney received a grant of Monaghan from the Government and rebuilt one of its forts. When the Lord Deputy visited, he found only the fort and about fifty huts occupied by soldiers, with everything else in ruins. In 1611 Blayney received a grant of markets and fairs.

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    During the war which followed the murder of M'Mahon by the English, Monaghan was besieged and taken, and retaken and taken again. In fact, it stood five or six sieges, during these -heroic struggles of the Ulster Irish against the English. It was during one of these sieges that the English army under Norris came from Newry to relieve the town which O'Neill had invested, that the famous battle of Clontibret was fought in June 1595. I will not here attempt to describe that victory of our heroic ancestors. Suffice it to say, that the English were completely defeated, with the loss of some of their best generals, all their artillery, baggage, etc. The town capitulated a few days afterwards, and was held by the Irish until the end of the war in 1603, when the last struggles of O'Neill and O'Donnell terminated in a treaty, by which the English possessed themselves of all the garrisons, including Monaghan, out of which they soon afterwards expelled the Irish. The old Irish, who were driven to the hills in the neighbourhood, appear not to have been content with this robbery, and made attacks on the town at intervals, the result of which was that the town and castle were deserted, and left in ruins by the English, who could not withstand these repeated surprises. About 1608, Sir Edward Blayney got a grant of the place from the Government, and rebuilt one of its forts. When the Lord Deputy visited the town about this time, he found only the fort, and about fifty huts occupied by soldiers, and everything else in ruins. A sum of money was granted by the King to repair the fortress, and in 1611 Sir E. Blayney got a grant of the markets and fairs. In 1613 the town was created a Borough, with a right to send two members to the old

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 11

38. Constant rioting at Clones fair, Dartrey barony

    Clones · town · Monaghan

    Secret societies laid their strongest hold on Catholic young men in the barony of Dartrey, where constant rioting at Clones fair inflamed party spirit and made the population susceptible to society propagandists.

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    These societies laid strongest hold on the Catholic young men in the barony of Dartrey, where the constant rioting at Clones fair excited the public mind with a strong party spirit, so that the Catholics became an easy prey to the propagators of these societies. The last place in the county into which the secret societies made headway was the parish of Errigle Trough.

    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

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 47

39. Lady Claremont's unfinished castle in Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    Lady Claremont, heiress to the Monaghan estate, began building a castle on the site now occupied by the Monaghan Tennis Court. Before she had proceeded far, she converted the building into a farmyard but died before it was complete.

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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

40. Rackwallace parish church restored after Elizabethan conquest

    Rackwallace · townland · Monaghan

    After the conquest of Ulster by Elizabeth's forces, the old parish church of Rackwallace was restored. In the reign of James I a residence was built for the rector on church lands adjoining the churchyard, though the rector often left during troubled times.

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    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

41. United Irishmen organise at Glaslough and Newbliss

    Glaslough · town · Monaghan

    The Presbyterians and Catholics of County Monaghan, especially those residing in and near Glaslough and Newbliss, joined and bound themselves together in the United Irishmen's organisation for the liberation of their country. This represented a significant cross-community political alliance in the county.

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    The great effort of the United Irish Leaders was to unite all parties and to form one grand society of Irishmen, and this they succeeded very well in doiog, under the circumstances, as far as the County Monaghan was concerned. The Presbyterians and Catholics of this county, especially those who resided in and near Glasslousjh and Newbliss, ioined and bound themselves together for the liberation of their country in the United Irishmen's organisation. The first intimation

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 17

42. Erection of St. Macartin's Cathedral in Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    The greatest work of Bishop Donnelly's life was the erection of St. Macartin's Cathedral at Monaghan. The structure was considered magnificent and unrivalled by any church in Ireland or England.

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    The greatest work of his life was the erection of St. Macartin's Cathedral at Monagfhan. This magnificent structure is not surpassed by any church in Ireland, or probably in England. The symmetry of the whole house and the beauty of its details render it the most complete ecclesiastical building in the countrv. One distinguished personage on visiting it declared

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 4

43. Old map shows seventeenth-century Monaghan town layout

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    An old map of Monaghan, earlier than the 1641 war, shows four streets and the Diamond. The castle occupied the south side of the Diamond with gardens extending to Lough Tigh (now Convent Lake). Streets included Ballywollen Street (part of Dublin Street), Glasslough Street, Mill Street, and a fourth street running through the site of the Protestant church to the Clones gate.

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    The absurd and lying stories of massacres, got up by the new settlers and land-grabbers in other parts of Ireland at this period, did not affect Monaghan much, for these gentry were in too great a hurry away to manufacture stories, they knowing well they were robbers, and not wishing to be caught with the stolen goods in their possession, appear to have departed at the first alarm. We find a few of them stating they had been deprived of their cattle, and making a long complaint of wrongs, containing as little truth as the modern claim for malicious injury of a boycotted land-grabber or emergency bailiff. When O'Neill took Monaghan, he hanged Lord Blayney's son in retaliation for M'Mahon's execution. The pear tree on which he was hanged was pointed out in the garden where the old castle in the Diamond above mentioned stood, and was cut down about thirty-five years ago, by the man who rebuilt that side of the street. In an old map of the town of a somewhat earlier date than this war (a copy of which is on next page), there were but four streets and the Diamond in almost the same position as it now is, the south side of the latter being occupied by the castle, the gardens and pleasure grounds of which extended as far as the Convent Lake (then Lough Tigh). One street ran down part of Dublin Street, and was then, and for years after called Ballywollen Street, and the East Gate appears to have been about where the Misses Tierney's house is. Another street ran up part of the grounds occupied by Glasslough Street, and the North Gate was about where Mrs. Garrity's house is. The third street ran up where Mill Street now is, and the West Gate was close to Mr. M'Gurk's present house. The fourth street, which was the longest, came out of Mill Street at right angles, ran through where the Protestant church now stands, parallel to the castle and gardens to the Clones gate, where the lower gate of the Convent now is. Mill Street was afterwards further extended, and turning to

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 12

44. Red Lion head inn and Black Bull in New Market Square

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan

    The principal hotel in Monaghan, known as the head inn, was the Red Lion in New Market Square (now Meetinghouse Square), owned by Thomas Corley. Goods were conveyed from the Red Lion and the neighbouring Black Bull inn to all parts of Ireland.

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    For many years the principal hotel, then called the head inn, was in New Market Square (now Meetinghouse Square), and was owned by Thomas Corley, and was called the "Red Lion." Goods were conveyed to all parts of Ireland from the Red Lion and the Black Bull, both in New Market Square. The latter was owned by one Owen M'Aloon. However, all those who sent goods had to wait until there was sufficient goods to make a load.

    In addition to the mail coaches from Dublin to Derry, and from Belfast to Enniskillen, a coach called the "Bang-up" left the Westenra Arms, then owned by Thomas Kelly, three times a week for Dublin, returned on alternate days; while another called the "Telegraph," ran from Andrew Goodwin's, Glasslough Street, at the same time for the same destination. The mail coach used to stop at the King's Arms in the Diamond, then owned by one George Little.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 42

45. St. Patrick's chariot breakdown at Tullycorbet

    Tullycorbet · parish · Monaghan

    The parish of Tullycorbet derives its name, meaning the hill of the chariot, from an incident where St. Patrick's chariot broke down at this location.

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    Tullycorbet, Tulach-Carpaith — The hill of the chariot, so called from St. Patrick's chariot having broken down here.

    * An attempt was made a few years ago to assert some private ownership in the graveyard of Drumsnatt, but it was successfully resisted by Rev. Thomas Duffy, then C.C. of the parish. Both he and the writer have a very special interest in the incident.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 32

46. Burke Rice of Leitrim, Tyholland, leader of United Irishmen

    Leitrim · townland · Monaghan · 1795–1797

    Burke Rice of Leitrim in the parish of Tyholland was the principal leader of the United Irishmen in that portion of County Monaghan. He belonged to a family that, both before and since, furnished many patriots willing to strive, struggle, and suffer for their country.

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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

47. Diocese of Clogher loses Louth, Drogheda, and Dundalk

    Clogher · townland · Monaghan

    During the episcopacy of Bishop David O'Brogan (d. 1267), the territories of Louth, Drogheda, and Dundalk were removed from the Diocese of Clogher and transferred to Armagh, while Ardsrath was transferred to Derry.

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    54. David O'Brogan, brother of Nehemy ; during his

    Episcopacy Louth, Drogheda, and Dundalk were taken from Clogher and added to Armagh; and Ardsrath was added to Derry. 1267

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 63

48. Milltown a small corn mill settlement

    Milltown · townland · Monaghan · 1750–1800

    Milltown was described as only a small corn mill with a few houses, approached from the town by a footpath from the end of Glasslough Street. There was no road past the end of High Street at that time.

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    The people of Monaghan got a coach for themselves. It passed through Ballybay, passed Te Tappa Mills, through Dunrayrnond until it met the old Co. Cavan road, passed Liseraw, Knockaturley, Uriblekirk, Sheetrim, through Drumbear, over Far-Meehul bridge, which is still to be seen near the writer's residence, over Tully hill, and into the town between the Convent and the Lake. A good deal of business was done between Aughnacloy and Monaghan ; so the old road was improved and altered in several places, and Moy bridge built. It was about that time the traffic was turned into the village of Scarnageeragh, now Emyvale. The only road to the parish of Tydavnet passed from the town close to where it is now, until it leaves it near the Manse along the lane at the foot of Mrs. Deighan's fields, through Cornacassa demesne. There is a little bridge still standing some distance to the north of the County road between Gallinagh and Lisbristlen. There was no road past the end of High Street, but a footpath from Milltown, which was then only a small corn mill, and a few houses approached from the town from the end of Glasslough Street. The road to Clones went along the Pound, through Mullamatt, and over the hills close to the present road; parts of it are identical near Smithboro' ; the road to Glasslough began at Bally albany, where it turned to the east off the Aughnacloy road, and went by the back of St. Macartan's Seminary. This road still exists and is a good road the whole way to Glasslough at present. The way to Armagh was an old road through Knockbwee to Middletown ; it left Monaghan to the east from the Pound Hill down Annahagh Lane, and along what is still called the old Armagh road.

    C f

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 33

49. Monaghan Corporation and its annual St. John's day meeting

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1815–1844

    After losing its parliamentary representation by the Act of Union, Monaghan's old Corporation continued until 1844, consisting of a Provost, twelve Burgesses, and unlimited Freemen under the title of the Borough of Monaghan. The last Recorder was elected in 1815, and the Corporation held annual public meetings on St. John's day, 24 June, when accounts were vouched before the townspeople.

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    Meantime the town, after the loss of its right to send members to Parliament (by the Act of Union), lost one by one its other privileges. The last Recorder was elected in 1815, but the old Corporation existed down to 1844. The Corporation consisted of the Provost, twelve Burgesses, and an unlimited number of Freemen, the title of which was "The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonality of the Borough of Monaghan." There was an annual meeting of the Corporation on St. John's day, the 24th of June in each year, when the accounts were vouched before the whole towns-people.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 40

50. Demolition for North Street, Monaghan, 1826

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1826

    In 1826 Glasslough Street was found too narrow for increased traffic, so a Methodist preaching house and an old school in Mill Street were demolished to make a new road called North Street. The coach ran that way only briefly, and the old houses blocking Glasslough Street later disappeared.

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    1813 went through Mullaghmore Crosses and Drumghost, past Raconnell until it came in on the old Tydavnet road. In 1814 the present Newbliss road was made through Tullygraham, Gortakeehan, Killycushil to back gate of the park, then along the old road to Killeevan, over an old bridge through Clonavarn, Drumaclan, Carnlough,Crumlin,etc. In 1823 the road to Ballybay was made from the new Castleblayney road through Corvoy, Cordoolough, Leggacurry, Mullan, Drummar and Corfad; and in 1824 through Drumcar and Braddocks. All these roads brought a considerable traffic through Monaghan, and in 1826 it was found that Glasslough Street was then too narrow, so a Methodist preaching house and an old school were knocked down in Mill Street, between Mr. M'Gurk's corner and Mr. Hanna's corner, and the road made which is now called North Street. It joined the public walks behind where the Railway Station now is, but never was continued. The coach ran only for a short time this way. The old houses which partially blocked Glasslough Street have long since gone. In 1823 the road was made to Rosslea

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 34

51. Brewery on site of present Convent flourished from 1808

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1808–1859

    A brewery flourished in Monaghan town from 1808 until the end of the 1850s on the site where the Convent now stands, contributing considerably to the prosperity of the town. An older distillery behind the market-house had been idle for some years before the brewery opened.

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    From 1808 up to the end of the fifties the brewery flourished where the Convent now stands, and while it was working conduced considerably to the prosperity of the town. There had been an old distillery where the houses of James Murphy and Patrick Kelly are now situated behind the market-house, but that had been idle for some years prior to the opening of the brewery.

    The last Provost of Monaghan was Arthur Gamble Lewis. He was agent for the Rossmore estate, and married the widow of the Hon. Richard Westenra of Ballyleck, daughter of the last Scott of Scotstown, and grand-daughter of the last Owen of Monaghan. This marriage so annoyed the Rossmore family, who expected to get the Scotstown estate on the death of the present Miss Westenra, that he was dismissed from the agency of the Rossmore estate. He tried to assume the same power as Dacre Hamilton had held in Monaghan, and

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 42

52. Hugh Ogue M'Mahon's castle near Rockcorry (1496)

    Rockcorry · town · Monaghan · 1496

    In 1496, Hugh Ogue M'Mahon was the chief of the Dartrey clans and over-lord of West Oirgial. He maintained his castle and principal town near the present site of Rockcorry.

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    For many years an old quarrel lay smouldering between the people of Lough Tigh and the people of Dartrev. In 1496 The M'Mahon, or over lord of all West Oirgial, was the Chief of the clans of Dartrey, and had his castle and principal town near where Rockcorry now stands. His name was Hugh Ogue M'Mahon (the son of Hugh Roe, son of Rorey). In the above year his two sons, Gilla Patrick and Rorey, accompanied by 16 scollogs (farmers), came by night into Muineachan and killed Glushuiagh M'Redmond M'Rory M'Mahon of Lough Tigh in his own house. They took as a hostage a youth named Rossa M'Mahon, son of Manus, son of Hugh Roe. This murder was the cause of a serious war, which kept Oirgial in trouble and sorrow for many years. In those times, and down from the first English

    6 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 7

53. Birth and education of Bishop Donnelly

    near Tedavnet · population centre · Monaghan · 1800

    Dr. Donnelly, the Bishop of Clogher, was born in Tydavnet parish in the early 19th century into a respectable Catholic family. He received his early education at the old school of Uribleshanny before studying under a local classical teacher.

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    Dr. Donnelly was born in the next parish to Monaghan (Tydavnet), while the 19th century was yet in its youth, of a respectable and religious Catholic family. He was educated at the old school of Uribleshanny, and then by a local classical teacher. He had a long and brilliant course in Maynooth College, and after his ordination he was in succession curate of Killanny parish, first Professor in St. Macartin's Seminary, after its opening; Professor of the Irish College, Paris ; collector for some years in the United States for the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland ; Parish Priest of Rosslea, and Bishop of Clogher, which latter position he held for twenty-six years.

    His labours were gigantic, and such as no ordinary man could attempt. The Schools, Convents and Churches throughout his diocese, the Sanctuary of Lough Derg, and the Cathedral

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 2

54. Ross M'Mahon at Corfinlough, ancestor of Ballybay line

    Corfinlough · townland · Monaghan

    Ross, a grandson of Bryan M'Mahon, lived at Corfinlough and is said to have been the great-grandfather of Glushniagh M'Mahon of Ballybay. Glushniagh's son Roger had two sons, Bernard and John; Bernard's daughter became Mrs. Fitzpatrick of Cormeen House, Ballybay.

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    killed in 1496, came through his son Redmond, who was married twice : first, to the daughter of O'Neill; and second, to the daughter of the Geraldine of Kildare. By the former he had four sons, viz., Glushniagh Ogue, Bryan, Manus, and Toal ; by the latter, one son, Art Moyle. Glushniagh Ogue was the ancestor of the M'Mahons who always lived about Monaghan, and took part against the English in every war and rebellion that arose in Ulster, while the race lasted. Some went to Spain, some to France, and others to South America, while of those who remained in Ireland, the last of the family died in Monaghan about sixty years ago, and is buried in the old Parish Church graveyard, Latlurcan. He left two sons, one of whom entered the English army, and had risen to the rank of Colonel, when he was stationed in the barrack of Monaghan, about the time of the Crimean war. The other son resided at Castleblayney until his death ; his children emigrated to America. Redmond's second son, Bryan, was grandfather of Hugh Roe, who was put to death by Fitzwilliam. Brvan had another grandson called Ross, who lived at Corfinlough, and is said to have been the great- grand father of Glushniagh M'Mahon of Ballybay. This Glushniagh had a son, Roger, who had two sons named Bernard and John. There is no descendant of Bernard now alive except his daughter, Mrs. Fitzpatrick of Cormeen House, Ballybay. John was a surgeon in the British army, and died leaving issue.

    Manus and Toal settled in Trough, and the M'Mahons who reside there, are their descendants.

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 14

55. Dr. Donnelly's long tenure as Bishop of Clogher

    Clogher · townland · Monaghan

    Dr. Donnelly held the position of Bishop of Clogher for twenty-six years. His labours in the diocese were described as gigantic and beyond the capabilities of an ordinary man.

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    Dr. Donnelly was born in the next parish to Monaghan (Tydavnet), while the 19th century was yet in its youth, of a respectable and religious Catholic family. He was educated at the old school of Uribleshanny, and then by a local classical teacher. He had a long and brilliant course in Maynooth College, and after his ordination he was in succession curate of Killanny parish, first Professor in St. Macartin's Seminary, after its opening; Professor of the Irish College, Paris ; collector for some years in the United States for the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland ; Parish Priest of Rosslea, and Bishop of Clogher, which latter position he held for twenty-six years.

    His labours were gigantic, and such as no ordinary man could attempt. The Schools, Convents and Churches throughout his diocese, the Sanctuary of Lough Derg, and the Cathedral

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 2

56. Methodist Preaching Houses in Dawson Street, Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1800–1861

    The old Methodist preaching house in Dawson Street was built at the beginning of the 19th century, located at the rear of the current minister's residence. The present preaching house on the same street was built around the year 1861.

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    The old Methodist preaching house in Dawson Stree , at the rere of the present minister's residence, was built i\ the beginning of this century, and the present preaching house was built in Dawson Street about the year 1861. The other little preaching house in Market Street was built under the following peculiar circumstances. T^£ late Mr. Richard Jackson, who amassed consider 0f wealth in the leather cutting trade, was very cha^s ^Q to the different Protestant sects, and dropped som^urch vations about building a handsome Church on th| ,peace of Back Street, now Market Street, which camljjiji;. ^e ear of a rather clever townsman, who forthwithlJnl\. to Mr. Jackson and asked a lease. Jackson replied*1 ■' he intended keeping it for the purpose of building a we^ce of worship on it : to which the other replied, " I*tim(u give it to me, I'll build a house to the honou' jLd and glory of God, that will be a credit to Monagb ^^

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 38

57. Monaghan created a borough, 1613

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1613

    In 1613, Monaghan town was created a Borough with the right to send two members to the Irish Parliament. The first members were Thomas Reeves of TCD Dublin and Henry Conlie, a gentleman of Monaghan. The Corporation consisted of a Provost, twelve free Burgesses, and freemen.

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    During the war which followed the murder of M'Mahon by the English, Monaghan was besieged and taken, and retaken and taken again. In fact, it stood five or six sieges, during these -heroic struggles of the Ulster Irish against the English. It was during one of these sieges that the English army under Norris came from Newry to relieve the town which O'Neill had invested, that the famous battle of Clontibret was fought in June 1595. I will not here attempt to describe that victory of our heroic ancestors. Suffice it to say, that the English were completely defeated, with the loss of some of their best generals, all their artillery, baggage, etc. The town capitulated a few days afterwards, and was held by the Irish until the end of the war in 1603, when the last struggles of O'Neill and O'Donnell terminated in a treaty, by which the English possessed themselves of all the garrisons, including Monaghan, out of which they soon afterwards expelled the Irish. The old Irish, who were driven to the hills in the neighbourhood, appear not to have been content with this robbery, and made attacks on the town at intervals, the result of which was that the town and castle were deserted, and left in ruins by the English, who could not withstand these repeated surprises. About 1608, Sir Edward Blayney got a grant of the place from the Government, and rebuilt one of its forts. When the Lord Deputy visited the town about this time, he found only the fort, and about fifty huts occupied by soldiers, and everything else in ruins. A sum of money was granted by the King to repair the fortress, and in 1611 Sir E. Blayney got a grant of the markets and fairs. In 1613 the town was created a Borough, with a right to send two members to the old

    HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MONAGHAN. 15

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich

58. Preservation and loss of original surnames in Trough

    Trough · barony · Monaghan

    In the barony of Trough, families such as the M'Kennas, M'Elmeels, and O'Treanors experienced surname changes, but education helped preserve the older names as distinctive marks. However, in a few instances in Trough, the original names were lost entirely.

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    In the barony of Trough, Co. Monaghan, we have seen the same thing happen to the M'Kennas, M'Elmeels, and O'Treanors, but luckily for the prevalence of these names, the people became educated before they quite forgot the older name, aad the addition only remained a distinctive mark, and changed with each generation according to the Christian name of the bearer's father. In a few instances in Trough the original names appear to have been lost.

    Some names in their Anglicised form bear strong resemblance to Scottish names, similarly Anglicised ; for Scotland suffers from North-Britonism, as Ireland does from West-Britonism. As examples of these we have M'Callum, Scottish, and M'Cumbhel (M'Cowal), Irish, Anglicised into Campbell ; M'Kay, Scottish, and M'Coey, Irish, Anglicised into Mackey ; M'Murray, Scottish, and O'Muireadhaigh (O'Murray), Irish, Anglicised into Murray. The most disastrous change and most degrading to ourselves, and to our country, is the Anglicising of our surnames. Centuries ago the English " proclaimed" by law our Irish names, and our fathers then held fast to the old Celtic forms, but to their sons'

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 26

59. Bishop Donnelly's curacy in Killanny

    Killanny · townland · Monaghan

    After his ordination, Dr. Donnelly served as curate of Killanny parish. This was the first in a succession of ecclesiastical appointments that included becoming a professor at St. Macartin's Seminary.

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    Dr. Donnelly was born in the next parish to Monaghan (Tydavnet), while the 19th century was yet in its youth, of a respectable and religious Catholic family. He was educated at the old school of Uribleshanny, and then by a local classical teacher. He had a long and brilliant course in Maynooth College, and after his ordination he was in succession curate of Killanny parish, first Professor in St. Macartin's Seminary, after its opening; Professor of the Irish College, Paris ; collector for some years in the United States for the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland ; Parish Priest of Rosslea, and Bishop of Clogher, which latter position he held for twenty-six years.

    His labours were gigantic, and such as no ordinary man could attempt. The Schools, Convents and Churches throughout his diocese, the Sanctuary of Lough Derg, and the Cathedral

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 2

60. M'Mahon families settling in Louth became Matthews

    Louth · town · Louth

    Members of the M'Mahon family who crossed the Pale and settled in County Louth adopted the surname Matthews. This was because Mahon was supposed to be the Irish form of Matthew.

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    The M'Mahons, who crossed the Pale, and settled in Louth and Meath, became Matthews, Mahon being supposed to be the Irish of Matthew. Of the other changes some merely dropped the " Mac" or " 0" which, was prefixed to every Irish name, such as Connolly, Conlan, Donnelly, Marron, Mullan, Mulligan, Kelly, Gormly, Corley, Brady, Boyle, Brien, Hanlon, and Dermott.

    Some have made a change which is supposed to be a translation of the surname, but which in most cases is nothiug of the kind, but merely some fanciful change, e.g. :—

    Internet Archive historicalsketch00rushrich, Chapter 26