History of Clonmel

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

1. Laurence Butler of Ballinure Captured as a Tory

   Ballinure · townland · Tipperary · 1678

   Laurence Butler of Ballinure, a pauperized kinsman of Ormond, led a notable band of Tories terrorizing Cromwellian settlers but was eventually entrapped with his party. Ormond wrote from Clonmel on 26th August 1678 that his trial was proceeding.

   Read the passage

   Hangings notwithstanding, the Tories for over half a century kept the Cromwellians under the harrow. One of the most notable was Laurence Butler of Ballinure, a pauperized kinsman of Ormond himself. But Butler with his party of four desperadoes was entrapped at last, and Ormond writing from Clonmel 26th August, 1678, complaisantly acquaints the Lord Chancellor "My cousin Butler, the Tory, is at this instant on his trial so that three of the five will be despatched." More difficult however to capture was Power of Ballintotty. Indeed he could not be taken alive and it was only by the rifle of Captain Aungier he was finally removed. Power's brother Richard, now took the field and terrorized the district more even than the other had done. A proclamation was issued I2th October, 1683, offering £20 to whosoever should take him alive or kill him and bring his head to the sheriff. The only result we learn from a subsequent proclamation July 17th, 1685.

   Whereas the said Richard Power and his complices have since the publishing of the said proclamation, committed many burglaries, robberies, and stealths, and divers other outrages, to the terror and annoyance of his Majesty's loyal and good subjects and the desturbance of the peace of the kingdom, etc

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

2. Whiteboy Drilling and Oath-taking at Drumloman

   Drumloman · townland · Cavan · 1762

   John Twohy's deposition describes a nighttime meeting of Whiteboys, including Father Nicholas Sheehy, at Drumloman where participants dressed in white with bandages and cockades were drawn up in ranks and drilled as soldiers, with armed men acting as officers.

   Read the passage

   with the Informant in the Town of Tipperary and inticed him to go home with them and that as the informant played on the fiddle the s^ Buxton and Farrell would engage to get him a livelyhood in their Neighbourhood, inform* saith that about 3 or 4 days after he had gon to Buxton's house the s<* Buxton and Farrell together with Edm** Butler of Killroe afores** John Hickey of Curraghtour James Herbert a French officer who frequently lived with James Hilan of Lisfunshion all in s** County compelled inform* to take an oath to be true to Shevan ne Meskill and her children during inform*' life, and to be ready on all occasions that the society may at any time want him for. Saith that some time after the above swearing Nicholas Sheehy Popish Priest of the Parish of Shanrahan, Edmond Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy of the Lodge, Thomas Beere of Burgess, Robert Keating of Knocka, John Burk of Rouska, James Hickey of Frehans, James Hilan of Lisfunshion, Tho* Magrath of Cloheen woolcomber, Edm^ Mehan of Cloheen also called the Bracked Bailiff, James Green and Michael Green of Cappagh, Edmond Prendergast, the said Buxton and Farrell all in the s<* County together with several other persons unknown to this informant met at night on the lands of Drumloman in s^ County all or most of them dressed in white, white Bandages and cockades in their hats and several of them armed with swords guns and pistols and that the aforesaid persons acted as officers and drew up the rest of the party in Ranks and exercised them as soldiers and that inform* played the fiddle for them. Saith that on the Eve of Christmas following, the s<* James Buxton, James Farrell, Tho« Magrath, Edm<* Butler, John Hickey, John Burk, Edm<* Prendergast, Edm<* Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy, James Herbert, James Hilan and one Nathaniel Carew and several others with whom the inform* was in Company feloniously set fire to and burned a Haggard of com the property of Joseph Tinnison on the lands of Killdonogy in s** County, informant further saith that about Shrovetide in the year 1763 the white boys met at Cashell from the different parts of the Country headed by John Purcell of Thurles Gent, W" Ryan of Mealive, Mathew Thomson of Monroe, Edw<* Doherty of Roxborough, John Baldwin of Cahir, Robert Keating of Knocka, Edm<* Prendergast who sometimes lives at Thos Butler's of Monroe, Tho* Beere of Burgess, John Burk of Rouska, James Buxton afores*** James Farrell, Edm** Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy, Edm** Butler and John Hickey afores** with several other gentlemen whom informant cannot at present recollect ; and that the s<* persons ordered their different parties to levell the wall about the Rock of Cashell and that as soon as the wall was levelled the afores** Officers distributed money to eadi of the parties who assisted in levelling the wall. Informant further saith that most of the afores^ persons with several others frequently assembled at night at different times but parted without doing any mischief, saith that on the night of the 3«* of September last the s** James Buxton, James Farrell, John Burk, Edm<* Sheehy, Nicholas Sheehy the Priest, Edm<* Prendergast, James Hilan, James Herbert and several others met on the Green of Ardfinan in s** county to consult about some business they were to undertake and further that on the night of the Eleventh or thereabout of September aforesaid the s** persons met again at the same place and collected or made up among them four guineas which they gave to the informant in order to purchase what quantity of arms of any kind he could and that he came to Clonmell with intent to purchase s** arms but was robed and the money taken from him ; inform* further saith that about the l6**» or 17*** of September aforesaid at night the s** James Buxton, James Farrell, James Herbert, Edm** Butler, John Hickey and the inform* went into a field belonging to Edm<* Kent of Castlegrace in s** county and catched a horse belonging to s** Kent and the s** Buxton and Farrell cut off the ears of the s<* horse close to his skull while the s** Butler held the horse with a grin by the nose which horse the infor. has since heard is dead. John twohey. Truely read to inform*- Taken sworn and by me W™ Bagnell acknowledged before me %^' 26*»» 1765. In I>orso. I believe this is exactly the same t\^ what you gave me in Court this morning,

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 39

3. Andrew Walsh's arms cache seized at Carrick-on-Suir

   Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1776

   Acting on information that Andrew Walsh, a gunsmith and 'noted Papist,' was repairing firearms for the Whiteboys, Thomas Newcomen raided his house in Carrick-on-Suir in May 1776 and found seventeen guns, pistols and locks concealed throughout. Walsh escaped out the back despite close pursuit.

   Read the passage

   Whereas, in having received information on oath that Andrew Walsh of Carrickon-Suir, Gunsmith, a noted Papist, had in his house a number of fire arms, etc., repairing for the White Boys, I repaired to his house at Carrick-on-Suir aforesaid on Tuesday, the 7th day of May last, where I found 17 guns, some with Locks on and some without, 4 case Pistols in like manner, 18 Locks of Guns and Pistols with their swords, most of them concealed in different parts of the house. I do therefore give this notice to the public that such as may have been robbed of the like by those nocturnal Invaders of our Property the White Boys, that by calling at my house and proving property, they will have them returned. Dove Hill, May 9th 1776. — Thomas Newcomen.

   N.B. — The said Walsh though closely pursued made off a back way out of his house and so escaped.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 34

4. Anglo-Irish Parliament assembles at church of Our Lady, Clonmel

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1381

   In 1381 the Anglo-Irish parliament assembled in the ancient church of Our Lady in Clonmel, attended by bishops, abbots, priors and lay barons including Butlers, Fitzgeralds and Poers, in a spectacle of feudal splendour never since repeated in the town.

   Read the passage

   at the butts how to shoot straight (rr). The return too of the merchant was a notable event for he told of episodes of chivalry, of the people he had met, of the churches he had seen and the pilgrimages he had made. The friar brought from the chapter of his order not only the news of ecclesiastical appointments and changes of discipline bat a full budget of gossip got from his fellow capitulars. An old inhabitant at the end of the fourteenth century could relate many a stirring scene in the town itself. He would tell how in 1331 the lord of Cahir, William De Bermingham was pounced on in Clonmel by the judiciary De Lucy, and the year after someone recognized the ghastly head of the unfortunate nobleman spiked over the gate of Dublin Castle. He would tell also how in 1338 William De Wall, sheriff of Tipperary, with thirteen of his kinsmen were murdered just outside the walls of the town by the Powers with whom they were holding parley. And in 1346 that Ralph Kelly Archbishop of Cashel, Maurice Rochfort Bishop of Limerick, Richard Walsh Bishop of Emly, and John Lynch Bishop of Lismore, one day in the middle of the High Street vested in full pontificals solemnly excommunicated all who, contrary to the liberties of the Church, paid the subsidy to the Crown. Our inhabitant in extreme old age would have seen the Anglo-Irish parliament assemble in the ancient church of Our Lady on the Monday after the feast of St. Peter 1381. Alexander Bishop of Ossory, and Sir Thomas de Mortimer were there with the King's commission, and there also were the ecclesiastical peers the bishops of the Pale, the abbots of Mellifont and Dunbrody, the priors of Athassel and Kells, and many another. The lay barons too mustered, Butlers and Fitzgeralds, Freynes and Cusacks, Poers and Barrys. The cities of the Pale sent their representatives in aldermanic array, rivalling Solomon in his glory. Indeed the barbaric splendour of this feudal parliament afforded such a spectacle as Clonmel has never since beheld ^^5/ Life therefore was full of incident; the character of the burghers strenuous and healthy, and if chronic warfare quenched the more humane instincts, it brought the ennobling compensations, personal loyalty, mutual trust and the equality of comradeship.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Clonmel, the town you're passing through, saw a gathering in 1381 that it has never seen matched since. On the Monday after the feast of St Peter that year, the Anglo-Irish parliament assembled in the ancient church of Our Lady. Alexander, Bishop of Ossory, and Sir Thomas de Mortimer were there with the King's commission. The ecclesiastical peers came too: the bishops of the Pale, the abbots of Mellifont and Dunbrody, the priors of Athassel and Kells, and many more. The lay barons mustered as well — Butlers and Fitzgeralds, Freynes and Cusacks, Poers and Barrys. The cities of the Pale sent their representatives in aldermanic array, what the source calls rivalling Solomon in his glory. The feudal splendour of that parliament gave Clonmel a spectacle it has never since beheld. An old inhabitant at the end of the fourteenth century could have told you of darker days too. In 1331 the lord of Cahir, William de Bermingham, was seized in Clonmel by the judiciary de Lucy, and the next year his head was recognised spiked over the gate of Dublin Castle. In 1338 William de Wall, sheriff of Tipperary, and thirteen of his kinsmen were murdered just outside the walls while holding parley with the Powers. In 1346 four bishops stood in the middle of the High Street in full pontificals and solemnly excommunicated all who paid the Crown subsidy contrary to the liberties of the Church. Life here was full of incident, and the old burghers knew it.

5. Assassination of agent Charles O'Keeffe at Thurles

   Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1838

   Charles O'Keeffe, agent for Valentine Maher who had evicted 180 persons, was shot dead in the street at Thurles after carrying out mass evictions. The murderer was never discovered.

   Read the passage

   man, and the decree too often goes out for vengeance upon the landlord or the agent, and upon the man who succeeds to the farm ; and at times a large numerical proportion of the neighbourhood look with indifference upon ^the most atrocious acts of violence, and by screening the criminal, abet and encourage the crime. Murders are perpetrated at noon-day on a public highway ; and whilst the assassin coolly retires, the people look on, and evince no horror at the bloody deed " (mm), A few instances may be given. Charles O'KeefFe, agent for Valentine Maher of Turtulla, evicted l8o persons. Shortly after, on October 24th, 1838, he was shot dead in the street at Thurles, and the murderer could never be discovered. James Scully, of Kilfeacle, evicted 30 tenants in the winter of 1841. The following April 17th, he was fired at and wounded in the jaw, but recovering, he was murdered on the 26th of November subsequent The murderer in this case also was never discovered. On the 5th April, 1838, Austin Cooper and Francis Wayland, two land agents resident near Tipperary, were proceeding to the fair of that town. They were accompanied by a brother of Cooper, and all three were armed. At a place called Ballinaclough they were fired at by three men ; the fire was returned with the result that Samuel Cooper alone escaped with his life (nn). Robert Hall, of B|illygurteen, was shot dead 19th May, 1841 ; he had been a merchant in early life, and becoming involved with his tenants in questions of punctuality and arrears, evictions resulted. Philip Maguire, of Toorin, was shot at his own door in November, 1835, by a tenant whose crops he had distrained. Towards the end of 1838 Lord Norbury evicted some tenants, and others were served with notice to quit. On 1st January, [839, while walking in his park, Durrow Abbey, in company with his steward, he was shot The following August, Daniel Byrne was shot near Templetuohy for evicting a tenant William Roe, of Rockwell, was shot 2nd October, 1847, by a tenant whom he had evicted the previous month. Indeed, throughout this awful time there were few landlords or agents who had not been under fire. Avery Jordan, a Tipperary land agent, stated at the Devon Commission " There were a few shots fired into my own house very lately, but there was nobody shot ; we do not mind these little trifles " (00). Lenigan, Bayley, Stoney, Smith, Drought, Dunn, Long, Lee, and several others were fired at, some of them more than once. Perhaps the case which

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Thurles, in Tipperary. In 1838, this town was the scene of a killing that went unsolved. Charles O'Keeffe was agent for Valentine Maher of Turtulla, who had evicted 180 persons. On October 24th, 1838, O'Keeffe was shot dead in the street. The murderer could never be discovered. The book that records this places it among many such acts in the country at the time. "Murders are perpetrated at noon-day on a public highway; and whilst the assassin coolly retires, the people look on, and evince no horror at the bloody deed." The decree too often went out for vengeance upon the landlord or the agent, and upon the man who succeeded to the farm. A large numerical proportion of the neighbourhood would look with indifference upon the most atrocious acts of violence, and by screening the criminal, abet and encourage the crime. O'Keeffe's death was one instance among several. James Scully of Kilfeacle evicted 30 tenants in the winter of 1841, was fired at and wounded in the jaw the following April 17th, and murdered on the 26th of November after that. His murderer was never discovered either. Austin Cooper and Francis Wayland, two land agents resident near Tipperary, were proceeding to the fair of that town on the 5th of April, 1838, accompanied by a brother of Cooper, all three armed. At a place called Ballinaclough they were fired at by three men; the fire was returned, and Samuel Cooper alone escaped with his life. Robert Hall of Billygurteen was shot dead on the 19th of May, 1841, after evictions arising from disputes with his tenants over punctuality and arrears. Throughout this awful time, few landlords or agents had not been under fire.

6. Baron of Cahir hears mass despite invasion warning

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary

   Edmund Butler, Baron of Cahir, was hearing mass in the Franciscan church when told that the Earl of Ormond and Baron of Dunboyne were invading his territory in force. He stayed to finish mass, then attacked afterward, recovering spoils and putting the enemy to flight.

   Read the passage

   Edmund Butler, Baron of Cahir, according to his custom, was one day hearing mass in this church when word was brought that the Earl of Ormond and the Baron of Dunboyne, with their followers in great force, were invading his territory. Without the least sign of being disconcerted, he made up his mind to remain to the end of mass. For he thought it unworthy for any human consideration, to lose mass by which, through the power of prayer, the enemy might be more easily overcome than by military force. Moreover, one could suffer no great loss who neglected everything rather than leave the divine, propitiatory sacrifice, uncompleted. Nor was he disappointed For when mass was over, he with a few relatives and fighting men, delivered an attack, recovered spoils and prey, upset the design of a powerful enemy, and put them to disgraceful flight (gg).

   (cc) Templum altuiii et amplum, fenestris magnis vari- colore vitro depictis emblematibus specionem. — Annals ad an, 1269.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up along Clonmel in Tipperary. In this town, the Franciscan church stood where Edmund Butler, Baron of Cahir, was one day hearing mass, as was his custom. Word came that the Earl of Ormond and the Baron of Dunboyne, with their followers in great force, were invading his territory. He showed no sign of being disconcerted. He made up his mind to remain to the end of mass. He thought it unworthy for any human consideration to lose mass, by which, through the power of prayer, the enemy might be more easily overcome than by military force. Nor was he disappointed. When mass was over, he with a few relatives and fighting men delivered an attack, recovered spoils and prey, upset the design of a powerful enemy, and put them to disgraceful flight.

7. Clonmel Citizens Refuse to Publish Royal Proclamation

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1605

   When a royal proclamation against Catholic clergy arrived in Clonmel, the citizens resolved not to publish it; a troop of horse burst into the town to suppress opposition, and even young boys stayed indoors in fear.

   Read the passage

   At Clonmel there was a consultation about the proclamation. The citizens resolved not to publish it. When Miler [McGrath Protestant archbishop of Cashel] was going to the market place, a troop of horse burst into the town to keep down the people if they offered any opposition. Such horror was there of this proclamation that even the little boys remained indoors (w).

   Active measures were at once taken ; troops of horse scoured the country; the houses of the gentry and opulent burghers were raided and some twenty priests were captured. The majority went into hiding or disguised themselves as grooms, as surgeons, as servants, as " esquires with sword and lance," or again as fools and strolling players (ww). On 17th January, 1607, one of the Clonmel Jesuits, Nicholas Leynach, wrote " We are dispersed and like night robbers we long for darkness, no place is safe for us on account of the number of our pursuers. A and W [Andrew Morony and Walter Wall] are well and are selling their wares " (xx). Nine months later they apparently were still " selling their wares," for on 6th September the Earl of Thomond, president of Munster, wrote to Salisbury " We have taken the best course that we might in placing some horse among them [the recusant Catholics] and appointing good officers at Clonmell and Cashell where most of the resort of the Jesuits and seminaries is, hoping by that means to have taken some of them ; but all in vain, they are so befriended that hardly any of them can be apprehended " (yy). The priest hunting was kept up many years later. In 161 5, for instance, a report of a spy now in the British Museum reads: —

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is the town of Clonmel. In 1605 a royal proclamation against the Catholic clergy arrived here, and the citizens held a consultation and resolved not to publish it. As Miler McGrath, the Protestant archbishop of Cashel, was going to the market place, a troop of horse burst into the town to keep the people down if they offered any opposition. Such horror was there of the proclamation that even the little boys remained indoors. Active measures followed at once. Troops of horse scoured the country. The houses of the gentry and the opulent burghers were raided, and some twenty priests were captured. The majority went into hiding or disguised themselves as grooms, as surgeons, as servants, as esquires with sword and lance, or again as fools and strolling players. On 17th January, 1607, one of the Clonmel Jesuits, Nicholas Leynach, wrote, 'We are dispersed and like night robbers we long for darkness, no place is safe for us on account of the number of our pursuers.' Andrew Morony and Walter Wall, he said, were well and were selling their wares. Nine months later they apparently were still at it, for on 6th September the Earl of Thomond, president of Munster, wrote to Salisbury that he had placed horse among the recusant Catholics and appointed good officers at Clonmel and Cashel, hoping to take some of the Jesuits and seminaries, but all in vain, 'they are so befriended that hardly any of them can be apprehended.'

8. Cromwell personally directs the siege of Clonmel

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

   On 19th March Cromwell came in person to direct siege operations at Clonmel, demanding surrender with the offer of good terms, but Hugh Duff O'Neill refused, prompting Cromwell to open cannon fire.

   Read the passage

   troops of horse, were absolutely reliable. They were all Cavan and Tyrone men, the hardy northerns described by Rinuccini who living on butter and milk, had few wants and fewer desires, and were more careful of their swords and muskets than of their own bodies (h). Besides they were well officered. Colonels Turlough O'Neill and Philip O'Reilly, Captains McDonnell, Brady, McArdle, O'Hanlon and others had been through many a hard fight in Flanders and elsewhere. And if the Cromwellians were steeled by religious fanaticism, these men also had memories to avenge and a religion to fight for. On the 19th of March, Cromwell came to direct the siege operations in person (i). The customary demand for the surrender of the town was made, good quarters and conditions being offered. "To which answer was made by Hugh Duff that he was of another resolution than to give up the town on quarters or conditions till he was reduced to a lower station and so wished him to do his best. On which Cromwell fell to his work and planted his cannon " (j). As the defence was likely to be long and stubborn and affairs in England were pressing another method was adopted.

   My Lord Cromwell by the enformation of some of Insicuynes partie or other proper surmishes lited upon a fitt instrument of treacherie. Major Fennell an ambitious and covetous traytor was sued vnto to be actor of the tragedie of betrayinge both men and towne and for his paines was offered £500. The time of the performance on Fennell's parte was the verie next night after the covenant was indorsed about 12 aclocke that he with such as were of that conspiracie guiltie, would guarde such a gate and would open the same at the said peremptorie hower for the intringe of 500 men of my Lord Cromwell and then to simulate an opposition to the rest.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonmel, you are moving through a town that in 1650 held out against Cromwell himself. On the 19th of March he came in person to direct the siege. The defenders were Hugh Duff O'Neill's men, soldiers from Cavan and Tyrone, described as hardy men who lived on butter and milk, cared more for their swords and muskets than their own bodies, and had memories to avenge and a religion to fight for. They were well officered too, men like Colonels Turlough O'Neill and Philip O'Reilly, and Captains McDonnell, Brady, McArdle and O'Hanlon, veterans of hard fighting in Flanders. Cromwell offered good quarters and conditions for surrender. Hugh Duff O'Neill gave his answer. He was, he said, of another resolution than to give up the town on quarters or conditions till he was reduced to a lower station, and so wished Cromwell to do his best. Cromwell fell to his work and planted his cannon. The defence proved long and stubborn, and with affairs pressing in England another method was sought. A Major Fennell was approached, an ambitious and covetous man offered 500 pounds to betray both the town and its defenders. The plan was for Fennell and his conspirators to guard a gate and open it around midnight, letting in 500 of Cromwell's men while feigning opposition to the rest.

9. Cromwell's failed assault at the North (Lough) Gate

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

   Cromwell led the second storming division at the North Gate of Clonmel, waiting for the gates to be opened from within, but was forced to withdraw furious after hearing the cannon fire and seeing his men beaten back at the breach.

   Read the passage

   The second division of the storming party with Cromwell himself was at the North or Lough gate " expecting the gates to be opened by those entered untill he saw those in the breach beaten back, and heard the cannons going off within then he fell off as much vexed as ever he was since he first put on a helmet against the King for such a repulse he did not usually meet -with " (ff).

   Night was now coming on, and even if the disheartened soldiers could be got together for another assault, Cromwell judged it would be sheer madness (gg).

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Clonmel, and in 1650 its North Gate saw Cromwell himself lead the second storming division, expecting the gates to be opened from within. Instead he watched his men beaten back at the breach and heard the cannons firing inside the walls, and withdrew, as the record says, “as much vexed as ever he was since he first put on a helmet against the King.” Night was falling, and Cromwell judged another assault would be sheer madness.

10. Fitzgerald of Lisheen made a baronet for suppressing rebellion

    near Lisheen · townland · Tipperary · 1801

    Despite losing the Wright case and owing £500 damages, Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald of Lisheen was rewarded by the King with a baronetcy in 1801 for his services in suppressing the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    The jury found a verdict for Wright with £500 damages. On 6th April following, Fitzgerald petitioned the House of Commons " to be indemnified for certain acts done by him in the suppression of the late rebellion." The government mustered their followers, and carried through an Act of Indemnity in accordance with the prayer of the petitioner. But the judges, to their honour, refused an application in the Exchequer to set aside the Clonmel verdict. Fitzgerald, however, was at no loss ; he had done the government business efficiently. In the House of Commons " Mr. Secretary Cooke bore testimony to the national services performed by the petitioner," and on August 5th, 1801, the King was graciously pleased to confer the dignity of Baronet on Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald, Esq., of Lisheen (h).

    Throughout it must be borne in mind that there was not at any time the least attempt at insurrection in Tipperary. When the Wexford conflagration was at its height. Dr. Bray, the Catholic archbishop of Cashel, wrote to Dr. Moylan of Cork — " I am happy to understand the County Cork is so tranquil. This county is perfectly so " (i).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

11. Kidnapping and ransom of Mawde Goldyng on the Clonmel river

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1530–1537

    Mawde Goldyng of Waterford was seized from her boat on the river near Clonmel by servants of Edmund Butler, held prisoner over half a year, robbed of money and a cross, and ransomed for a pipe of wine and further payment.

    Read the passage

    Greveusly complayning sheweth unto yor honorable wisdomes the Kings trewe subiect your trewe oratrix Mawde Goldyng borne woman of the citie of Waterford. That whereas your said oratrix laboring to comme by her lyving in trewthe hath gonne and rowed bote towards the towne of Clonmell in the Kings river. And one of the servants of Edmond Butler decessed called Derby Fitz Edmond which was then the said Edmond Butlers sergeaunt and nowe servant to Sir Thomas Butler Knight the said Edmonds sonne have riotously taken your said complaynaunt forsebly oute of the bote and took her prisoner and tooke with hir a marke sterling in money and a crosse worthe six shillings eight pence and kepte hir prisoner half a yere and more. And afterwaid he paied for her raunsom to the said Edmond Butler a pipe of wyne worthe eleven marks Irishe and two shillings in sterling to the said Sir Thomas Butler besids your saide complaynaunts costs and losyng of her profits during the said ymprisonment. And also the said complaynaunts mother decessed was taken in the Kings highwaye riding towards Clonmell forsaid by the said Derbyes father called Edmond Fitz Donagh being then also sergeaunt to Edmond Butler and nowe servant to Thomas Butler forsaid and took them of your said complaynaunts mother apprice horse [a high priced horse]. And all this done to your said complaynaunt and to her mother [stood] fer five yeres gayne. The premisses consydered therefore that it may please your honorable wisdomes to cause and lawfully compell the forsaid Sir Thomas Butler sonne and heire to the said Edmond Butler which Sir Thomas hathe the saide malefactors and extorcynors in his service and domynion to satysfye your said complaynaunt and her mother of the forsaid damages susteyned els to showe sufficient warraunt to barre your said complaynaunt of the said exclamacons [claims] as shall stande with right la we and conscience and this in the way of Justice and charitie.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, the river running by this town was the scene of a kidnapping between 1530 and 1537. Mawde Goldyng, a woman of Waterford, was travelling by boat towards Clonmel on the King's river when one of the servants of Edmund Butler seized her. The servant was called Derby Fitz Edmond, Edmund Butler's sergeant. He took her forcibly and riotously out of the boat and carried her off as a prisoner. He also took from her 1 mark in money and a cross worth 6 shillings and 8 pence. He kept her prisoner for half a year and more. For her ransom, a pipe of wine worth 11 marks Irish was paid to Edmund Butler, and 2 shillings in sterling to Sir Thomas Butler, Edmund's son and heir, whom Derby now served. This was besides Mawde's own costs and the loss of her profits during the imprisonment. There was more. Mawde's mother, now deceased, had been taken on the King's highway as she rode towards Clonmel. The taker was Derby's father, Edmond Fitz Donagh, also a sergeant to Edmund Butler and now serving Thomas Butler. He took from Mawde's mother a high-priced horse. All of this had gone on for 5 years. Mawde petitioned that Sir Thomas Butler, who kept these men in his service, be compelled to satisfy her and her mother for the damages sustained, or else show sufficient warrant to bar her claims, as stood with right, law, and conscience, in the way of justice and charity.

12. King James II arrives in Clonmel to great acclaim, March 1689

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1689

    On the evening of Thursday, 21 March 1689, King James II reached Clonmel after a journey from Lismore, greeted along the way by crowds with orations of welcome and dancing maidens as if he were an angel from heaven.

    Read the passage

    On the evening of Thursday, 2ist March, 1689, King James II. after a weary journey from Lismore reached Clonmel. A contemporary describes his progress. " All along the road the county came to meet his majesty with staunch loyalty, profound respect and tender love as if he had been an angel from heaven. All degrees of people and of both sexes were of the number, old and young. Orations of welcome being made to him at the entrance of each considerable town and the young rural maids weaving of dances before him as he travelled. In a word from Kinsale to Dublin the way was like a great fair, such crowds poured forth from their habitations to wait on his majesty " (j). Events now moved rapidly. King James a week after his arrival in Dublin summoned a parliament of a kingdom only yet half subdued. Clonmel returned as its representatives Aldermen Nicholas White and John Bray, while among the other members for the county we find Butlers, Purcells, Everards and Tobins, all belonging to families that had gone through forty years of plunder and persecution. From a parliament so constituted neither deliberative discussion, nor political sagacity might be looked for. One of the first acts was a wholesale attainder of the Cromwellian settlers (k). The following residents of Clonmel were named in the Act : — Hercules Beere merchant, Henry Charnley merchant, Andrew Coulter gentleman, John Green gentleman, John Ladyman gentleman, John Mead merchant, Hugh Radcliffe gentleman, Richard Piggott esquire, Phineas Ryall merchant, William Vaughan merchant, John Walkington, clerk (I),

    ij) A Light to the Blind. Ed. Gilbert, p. 46.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Clonmel. On the evening of Thursday, 21 March 1689, King James II reached here after a weary journey from Lismore. A contemporary writer described his progress: "all along the road the county came to meet his majesty with staunch loyalty, profound respect and tender love as if he had been an angel from heaven." Orations of welcome were made at the entrance of each considerable town, and young rural maids wove dances before him as he travelled. The way from Kinsale to Dublin was like a great fair, such crowds poured out to wait on him. A week after arriving in Dublin, James summoned a parliament of a kingdom only half subdued. This town returned Aldermen Nicholas White and John Bray as its representatives, while among the other members for the county were Butlers, Purcells, Everards and Tobins, families that had gone through 40 years of plunder and persecution. One of the first acts of that parliament was a wholesale attainder of the Cromwellian settlers, naming several local residents among them.

13. Kinrechtan's grave in Franciscan Church becomes site of veneration

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1585–1647

    After his martyrdom, Kinrechtan's grave in the Franciscan Church in Clonmel would have become a place of pilgrimage, but the friars concealed it to escape persecution. In 1647 the body was exhumed and conveyed with great religious honours to Askeaton Abbey.

    Read the passage

    This terrible episode created no mere passing sensation; it sank into the minds of the people. They regarded Kinrechtan as a martyr, and his grave in the Franciscan Church would have become a place of pilgrimage did not the friars, to escape persecution, strive to conceal it The court off Lough Street in which Victor White's house was situate was known down to the Cromwellian period as " Martyr Lane." When at length the Catholics rose to power the body was exhumed, and in 1647 it was conveyed amid great religious honours to its final resting place in Askeaton Abbey.

    Though the attempts to impose Protestantism on the inhabitants put their loyalty to a severe strain, yet throughout the sixteenth century they remained staunch supporters of Elizabeth. In 1 583 Sir Henry Sydney reported to Walsingham "Marching through the County of Tipperary I encamped by Chlomnell a walled town standing upon the river of Sure, the people good and loyal." Again in 1600 while Hugh O'Neill, de facto master of Ireland, lay at Holy Cross there was no question of surrendering "the Queen's unpaid garrison." Furthermore the citizens placed at her disposal their goods and their money. Lord Grey in 1 582 petitioned the Privy Council for payment to the people of Clonmel of moneys owed them by Captain James, Captain Lower and Captain Morgan; the same year the Sovereign Geoffry White authorized payment to Alderman Pierce Sherlock of further sums. In 1583 Burghley was petitioned for £36 due to the town by Captain Zouche deceased. Four years later a sum of eight score odd pounds was spent on powder and munition for the defence of the town. As the Queen's exchequer was depleted there was no little difficulty in recovering these moneys. In 1587 permission was sought to import 2,000 quarters of wheat in lieu of Captain Zouche's debt (aa). Again licence was asked to import 100 tuns of wine free, or a grant of lands of £40 yearly value, as a set off for other debts. Among the citizens who especially distinguished themselves in the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are near the ground where a Franciscan church once stood, and where a man called Kinrechtan was buried. He was regarded as a martyr, and his grave would have become a place of pilgrimage. The friars, to escape persecution, strove to conceal it. The court off Lough Street where Victor White's house stood was known down to the Cromwellian period as Martyr Lane. When the Catholics rose to power, the body was exhumed. In 1647 it was conveyed amid great religious honours to its final resting place in Askeaton Abbey. The terrible episode that created this devotion sank into the minds of the people. It was no mere passing sensation.

14. Nicholas White's last view of Clonmel from Ardgeeha

    Ardgeeha · townland · Tipperary · 1653–1656

    Nicholas White, head of the historic White family and former ruler of Clonmel, was certified for transplantation in December 1653. On his way to Connaught he took a last look at the town from the heights of Ardgeeha before being granted lands in West Clare.

    Read the passage

    A few days after Christmas Nicholas White on his way to Connaught took a last look from the heights of Ardgeeha, at the town and fields, the home of his fathers over which he roamed as boy and ruled as man. Having got his allotment de bene esse or temporary assignment, from the

    (h) Commonwealth Books, P.R.O., Dublin A., 85, 86, 91, &c., &c.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Nicholas White took a last look at Clonmel after Christmas in 1653. He had been certified for transplantation and was on his way to Connaught. From these heights he looked down on the town and fields, the home of his fathers, where he had roamed as a boy and ruled as a man, before receiving his temporary land assignment in West Clare.

15. Palatinate of Tipperary Suppressed by Quo Warranto

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1621

    In 1621, at the succession of Walter, Earl of Ormond, the Palatinate of Tipperary was suppressed by Quo Warranto, reportedly at the instigation of the Duke of Buckingham who feared the power of the House of Ormond.

    Read the passage

    The Duke of Buckingham looking with an envious eye on the splendour and greatness of that ancient and noble house of Ormond and more particularly for their Palatinate of Tipperary, and observing the Earl to be an easy man, told king James that he had now an opportunity to make his kingdom of Ireland secure and quiet, and free from those frequent rebellions which had disturbed the reigns of his predecessors, and were occasioned by the ancient and great families of that kingdom who had large territories of land, and numerous relations and dependencies, instancing in the Earls of Desmond, Tyrone and Tyrconnell, and adding that His Majesty had then an opportunity of so depressing the House of Ormond that it should never hereafter be in a condition of raising disturbance in the kingdom (xx).

    When at the Restoration in 1660 the fortunes of the Ormonds returned at full flood, the Palatinate of Tipperary was set up once more, and with increased prestige. For the County Cross was now merged in it, and the Duke's authority acknowledged in every part of the county. The change was not unwelcome, for the Cross had so shrunk during the preceding century that it was scarce practicable to find a sufficient number of freeholders in it to serve as a jury upon any trial. The royal grant was confirmed in 1662 by Act of Parliament which recited that the barony of Owney and Arra, and divers other towns, villages and townlands scattered through the several baronies of the County Tipperary, and called the County of the Cross were ■ made part and parcel of the said County.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

16. Relics of Father Maurice, martyred priest, interred at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1589

    A priest named Maurice was put to death for the faith by heretics in Clonmel around 1589 and was interred in the Franciscan church, his relics placed behind the High Altar.

    Read the passage

    I have no information regarding the friars of Clonmel except that I read in an ancient manuscript that they took possession of the convent in 1269. A priest named Maurice, who was put to death for the faith by the heretics in Clonmel about 1589, was interred here. His relics were placed at the back of the High Altar (pp).

    Mooney's account may be supplemented by some details obtained from a seventeenth century map of the town.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, the Franciscan church here holds the relics of a priest named Maurice, put to death for the faith around 1589. His remains were placed behind the High Altar. The Franciscans had taken possession of the convent in 1269.

17. Robert Keating arrested to prevent alibi testimony for Fr Sheehy

    Knockagh · townland · Tipperary · 1766

    Robert Keating of Knockagh gave clear evidence that Father Sheehy had spent the night of the murder at his house, but was immediately arrested on a fabricated charge of killing a corporal and sergeant at Newmarket, Kilkenny, discrediting his testimony. He was later honourably acquitted, but too late to help Sheehy.

    Read the passage

    During his trial Mr. Keating, a person of known property and credit in that country, having given the clearest and fullest evidence, that during the whole night of the supposed murder of Bridge, the prisoner, Nicholas Sheehy, had lain in his house, that he could not have left it in the night time without his knowledge, and consequently that he could not have been present at the murder. The Reverend Mr. Hewetson, an active manager in these trials, stood up, and after looking on a paper he held in his hand, informed the court that he had Mr. Keating's name on his list as one of those that were concerned in the killing of the corporal and sergeant [at Newmarket, Kilkenny] in a former rescue of some of these levellers. Upon which he was immediately hurried away to Kilkenny jail, where he lay for some time, loaded with irons in a dark loathsome dungeon : by this proceeding not only his evidence was rendered useless to Sheehy, but also that of many others was prevented, who came on purpose to testify the same thing, but instantly withdrew themselves, for fe;ar of meeting the same treatment. Mr. Keating was afterwards tried for this pretended murder at the assizes of Kilkenny, but was honourably acquitted ; too late however to be of any service to poor Sheehy, who was hanged and quartered some time before Mr. Keating's acquittal (aa).

    Another of Father Sheehy's witnesses was disposed of by a similar method. James Herbert, a farmer in the County Limerick, came to give evidence as to the priest's whereabouts up to the 28th October, the supposed date of the murder. He was forthwith put under arrest, and he himself charged as an accomplice in the murder. The following naive account of this episode appears in Exshav/s : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

18. Spy Edward Tyrrell's report on hidden priests in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1712

    Government informer Edward Tyrrell reported from Clonmel that several disguised popish bishops and clergy, including the titular bishop of Derry, were hiding in the houses of named merchants such as Richard Stritch and Patrick Morony, and requested troops to arrest them.

    Read the passage

    I have been disappointed in serving ye Govmt in ye County of Wexford by ye ill management of some of ye Justices of ye Peace there as it shall appeare before yr Excellencies in Council in a very short time ; in ye meane time there is extraordinary good service to be done in this towne by takeing of severall persons of greate note of ye Popish clergy lately come from France and Rome, more particular Thomas Ennis [Rev. Thomas Hennessy, S.J.] who goes under the name of a Popish bishop, : he acts here after the Rules of a Cardinal! : on the sixth of this inst. called twelfth day, he was in a Bishops habit with a mighter [mitre] upon his head and all other extream rich Robes belonging to that order, he celebrated high mass in ye Mass house without the West gate of this towne, where he had a vast company of people which showed him as much Reverence as if he had been ye Pope by kissing his hands, and ye very ground whereon he trod, all which I was an eye witness off. There is another person here who takes upon him ye title of a Bishop, he goes by ye name of Mr. Bourk but his right name is Salt, [Rev. B. Sail, O.S.F.] There is also another whose name is Father Adams, he is turned father Confessor in particular to ye women and is manageing a way to put upp a private Nunnery, all those I have seen officiate. I must take leave to assure yr Excellencies they are very dangerous persons. Thomas Ennis has of late years been a great spy in ye Court of England, They all go by contrary names : one them is ye Titulate bishop of Derry who has been already taken by the Lords Justices and Council but was Rescued out of ye Custody of Capt Mfchael Cole as his Grace ye Archbishop of Dublin and Mr. Justice Cook can inform yr Excellencies, and give better satisfaction of the truth hereof. I think it fitt to give you the names of the persons who entertains them privately in their howses viz. Richard Stritch and Patrick Morony Merchts, James Sherlocke apothecary and one Tonory, these are ye persons who entertains them and in whose howses their goods and papers are now concealed. I also think it requisite to give yr Excellencies an Account of severall of ye persons who have heard and saw them Officiate as aforesaid, viz. Thomas Pursell, Francis Morony, Nicholas White, Michael Davan Merchts, John Maugher, William Morony, Patrick ffitz Patrick, James Sherlock apothecary, Richard Stritch and Patrick Morony Merchants, James Tonnory, these are ye names of ye most materiall persons who to my certaine knowledge, have been hearing them. I desire they may (if yr Excellencies thinks fitt) be examined upon Oath of what they knowe concerning ye persons aforesaid. I am credibly informed there are some Protestants in this town who are largely bribed by those disaffected persons iFor winking at their actions. I have this night been in private with Major

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, this town was the subject of an intelligence report in 1712. A government informer named Edward Tyrrell wrote to the authorities that disguised Catholic clergy had arrived from France and Rome, and were hiding in the houses of local merchants. Thomas Ennis, a Jesuit whose real name was Hennessy, was passing himself off as a popish bishop. Tyrrell said he acted after the rules of a cardinal. On Twelfth Day, Tyrrell saw him in the mass house outside the west gate, wearing a bishop's habit, a mitre on his head, and rich robes. He celebrated high mass before a vast crowd, who kissed his hands and the very ground he walked on. Tyrrell said he was an eyewitness. There was another man calling himself a bishop, known as Mr. Bourk, but his real name was Salt. And there was Father Adams, who had become confessor to the women and was working to set up a private nunnery. Tyrrell called them very dangerous persons. He said Thomas Ennis had been a spy in the Court of England. One of them was the titular bishop of Derry, who had already been taken by the Lords Justices and Council but was rescued from the custody of Captain Michael Cole. Tyrrell named the people hiding them: Richard Stritch and Patrick Morony, merchants, James Sherlock, an apothecary, and one Tonory. Their goods and papers were concealed in those houses. He also named people who had heard and seen the clergy officiate: Thomas Pursell, Francis Morony, Nicholas White, Michael Davan, merchants, John Maugher, William Morony, Patrick FitzPatrick, James Sherlock, Richard Stritch, Patrick Morony, and James Tonnory. He asked that they be examined on oath. He added that Protestants in the town were being bribed to look the other way.

19. St. Leger's reprisals against cattle raiders in Ormond baronies

    Ballysheehan · townland · Tipperary · 1641

    Following raids on William Kingsmill's cattle near Ballysheehan, Sir William St. Leger pursued the raiders with troops of horse and hanged labourers at several locations, while Captain Peisley burnt houses and shot people at Golden and Ardmayle. These brutal reprisals enraged the countryside and nearly provoked open rebellion.

    Read the passage

    eARLY in November, 1641, report reached Tipperary that the Irish of Ulster were up in arms, and the planters and their families in full flight to the sea ports (dd). When two weeks later it was learned that the Cavanaghs in Wexford and the O'Farrells in Longford, had re-possessed themselves of their old homes, the news stirred many a drooping heart throughout the two baronies of Ormond. Butlers and O'Kennedys, Graces and Mac Egans, rejoiced that plantations were at an end and their homes were now secure. Some of the more adventurous spirits made a raid on the cattle of one William Kingsmill in the parish of Ballysheehan, north of Cashel, where he and his brother-in-law Sir William St. Leger had begun a little settlement on their own account. Sir William pursued the raiders with two troops of horse, determined to create a salutary terror. Four labourers were hanged at Grange, eight at Galbertstown, six at Ballymurren. Captain Peisley, Sir William's lieutenant burnt houses wholesale and shot several persons at Golden and Ardmaile. These proceedings lashed the country into fury and the people were with difficulty restrained

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysheehan, in November 1641, news arrived from Ulster that the Irish were up in arms and the planters fleeing to the sea ports. When word came that the Cavanaghs in Wexford and the O'Farrells in Longford had taken back their old homes, it stirred hearts across the two baronies of Ormond. Some made a raid on the cattle of William Kingsmill, who with his brother-in-law Sir William St. Leger had begun a little settlement here, north of Cashel. St. Leger pursued the raiders with two troops of horse, determined to create a salutary terror. Four labourers were hanged at Grange, eight at Galbertstown, six at Ballymurren. His lieutenant, Captain Peisley, burnt houses wholesale and shot several persons at Golden and Ardmayle. These proceedings lashed the country into fury and the people were with difficulty restrained.

20. The legendary 'Cat and Two Tails' stone of Donoughmore

    Donaghmore · townland · Cork

    A carved stone tympanum popularly called 'The Cat and Two Tails' once stood over the door of Donoughmore church, said in local tradition to have been placed there by the Gobban Saor and later stolen by Cashel carmen and brought to Holy Cross.

    Read the passage

    A stone inscribed with Cat and Two Tails was said to be put over the door by the Gobban Saor and the stone was stolen by Cashel carmen and brought to Holy Cross (h).

    At length the feline monster was discovered safe and sound in the Codex Mailbrigte, British Museum. This manuscript, written at Armagh in 1 1 38, by Mailbrigte Hua Mailunagh, has, like other Celtic manuscripts of the Gospels, representations of the four evangelists. At folio 60 is the figure of St. Mark with the emblematic lion, " made," as the catalogue quaintly says, " by one who never saw the creature " (c). The lion, according to the old tradition, is born dead, and remains so for three days when its father gives it life by

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 41

21. Threatened live burial of tithe-holder Loughnan at Shanrahan

    Shanrahan · townland · Tipperary · 1763

    Timothy Loughnan of Clashvagha, Newcastle parish, swore that he was seized in the night by nearly one hundred men, carried off almost naked, and had a grave partly dug with threats to bury him alive unless he gave up his tithe bargain. The oath was sworn before Rev. Richard Foulke at Shanrahan in October 1763.

    Read the passage

    Timothy Loughnan of Clashvagha, in the Parish of Newcastle, made oath, etc. That in 1760 he entered into an agreement with the Rev. William Downes and Rev. Richard Foulke for the tithes of Newcastle ; that he held the said tithes two years ; that the beginning of the third year the said Deponent was seized by near one hundred persons unknown to said Deponent, in the dead of night, who carried off said Deponent almost naked, put him on horseback and carried him near half a mile ; made part of a grave and threatened to bury him alive if he did not promise to give up his bargain, etc Sworn before me at Shanrahan in said county — October 6, 1763.

    Richard Foulke (xx).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

22. Trial and execution of Geoffry Baron at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    Geoffry Baron and Sir Geoffrey Galway surrendered at Limerick, were tried by a Council of War, and after Baron's defence of his cause was rejected by Ireton, he was sentenced to death and hanged in 1651.

    Read the passage

    The Bishop of Emly and major (General Purcell with Wolf the priest were taken in the pest house where they had hid themselves. Jeffrey Barron and Sir Geoffrey Galway surrendered themselves. They were tried by a Councill of War and Jeffrey Barron having the same question put to him with the rest [what he had to say for himself) answered that it was not just to exclude him from mercy, because he had been engaged in the same cause as we pretended to fight for— the liberty and religion of his country. The deputy [Ireton] replied that Ireland being a conquered country, the English nation might with justice assert their right of conquest ; that they had been treated by the late government far beyond their merits or the rules of reason, notwithstanding which they had barbarously murdered all the English that fell into their hands, and robbed them of their goods which they had gained by their industry, and taken away the lands which they had purchased with their money ; that touching this point of religion there was a wide difference also between us, we only contending to preserve our natural right therein without imposing our opinions upon other men, whereas they would not he contented unless they might have power to compell all others to submit to their inquisition on pain of death. The Council of War looking upon what he had to say for himself to be hereby fully refuted, adjudged him to die as they did the mayor also, and the sentence was executed accordingly.

    The argument of Ireton represents the average views of the*" founders of English liberty." Few however will join with the Council of War in regarding it as an answer to Baron. Ireton had a more effective weight to balance the argument — the sword. The contemporary history known as "The Aphorismicall Discovery " gives a characteristic account of Baron's end.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are on ground where Geoffry Baron and Sir Geoffrey Galway surrendered themselves in 1651. They were tried by a Council of War, and Baron answered the question put to him by saying it was not just to exclude him from mercy, because he had been engaged in the same cause as we pretended to fight for, the liberty and religion of his country. Ireton replied that Ireland being a conquered country, the English nation might with justice assert their right of conquest. He charged that the Irish had barbarously murdered all the English that fell into their hands, robbed them of their goods, and taken away lands purchased with money. On religion, Ireton claimed the English only contended to preserve their natural right without imposing their opinions, whereas the Irish would compel all others to submit to their inquisition on pain of death. The Council of War looked upon what Baron had to say for himself to be hereby fully refuted, adjudged him to die, as they did the mayor also, and the sentence was executed accordingly. The author of the History of Clonmel notes that few will join with the Council of War in regarding Ireton's argument as an answer to Baron. Ireton had a more effective weight to balance the argument, the sword.

23. 1818 typhus epidemic and orphanage at Clonmel Workhouse

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1818

    Early in 1818 an epidemic of typhus swept through Clonmel, sweeping away whole families; the governors of the House of Industry (Workhouse) responded by adding a fourth department, an orphanage for children whose parents had died of fever.

    Read the passage

    Early in l8i8, when the awful epidemic of typhus reached the town, sweeping away whole families, the governors of the " Workhouse " added a fourth department, namely, an orphanage for the children of parents who had died of fever. As the Grand Jury presentments increased, the institution was able to maintain a larger number. In 1820, there were 180 inmates ; in 1834, 183 ; divided as follows : — Old and infirm, 90; lunatics, 39; prostitutes, vagrants, and others committed for petty crimes, 74. The grants for that year, were £700 for the lunatics and £1000 for the other departments. The following year the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum was opened, and the lunatics removed thither from the House of Industry. The asylum was originally intended for 60 patients. The purchase of the site (11 acres) amounted to £1,347, the building cost £14,019, and the furniture £l,220. A few years later, 1842, the buildings were enlarged to accommodate 100 ; the Grand Jury presentment for that year being £1,868. Another department of the House of Industry was abolished in 1838, when the " House of Correction," adjoining the jail in Richmond Street, was established. A contemporary gives a glowing account of the new institution : — " Here the prisoners are employed in useful and profitable labour, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, shoemakers, wheelwrights, etc., and many individuals who entered this prison, idle and dissolute characters, acquire a practical knowledge of some useful trade." Finally, the House of Industry itself was transferred to the Poor Law Commissioners; the first admissions took place 1st January, 1841, the number entering during the second half of the year was 535, the expenditure up to this date being £7,862. Besides the House of Industry there was at this period an institution known as the " Mendicity Asylum." The Commission of 1834 gives the following account of it : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town marked by a grim season in 1818. Early that year an awful epidemic of typhus reached the town and swept away whole families. The governors of the Workhouse, or House of Industry, responded by adding a fourth department: an orphanage for children whose parents had died of fever. As Grand Jury presentments increased, the institution maintained a larger number of inmates. In 1820 there were 180; by 1834 there were 183, divided among the old and infirm, lunatics, and those committed for petty crimes such as vagrancy. Grants that year came to £700 for the lunatics and £1000 for the other departments. The following year the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum opened, and the lunatics were removed from the House of Industry to that new building, which had been intended for 60 patients. Its 11-acre site cost £1,347, the building £14,019, and the furniture £1,220. In 1842 the asylum was enlarged to hold 100, with a Grand Jury presentment of £1,868. Another department of the House of Industry was abolished in 1838, when a House of Correction adjoining the jail in Richmond Street was established. A contemporary wrote that prisoners there were employed in useful trades such as carpentry, blacksmithing, weaving, shoemaking, and wheelwork, and that many who entered as idle and dissolute characters acquired practical knowledge of a trade. The House of Industry itself passed to the Poor Law Commissioners, with the first admissions on 1 January 1841; 535 entered during the second half of that year, and expenditure up to that date stood at £7,862.

24. Compensation for the killing of an Irishman at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1276

    The 1276 Pipe roll records the sheriff's return of a payment by David Toerny of Clonmel for the wrongful death of an Irishman belonging to Lord Edward, illustrating that killing an Irish person was treated merely as a matter of financial compensation to his master.

    Read the passage

    These several grants mark the growth of popular freedom from the stage when the burghers were mere serfs under the feudal lord down to the period when some of the " more discreet " of their number sat in parliament as the equals of the barons themselves. But it must be remembered throughout, that these franchises were only for burghers of Norman or English blood. The Celtic Irish as belonging to a different nation had no legal status ; the law took no cognizance of them and afforded no protection either to their lives or their property. Those of them who attached themselves to the English as dependents or servants could not be domiciled within the walls but dwelt in a suburb outside which to this day preserves the name of "the Irish town." And should any Irish even be murdered the only question that could arise would be one of compensation to their master — just as for the loss of so many horses or cattle. For instance in the Pipe roll of 1276 the sheriff returns "David Toerny of Clonmele, Ixxviii. s., on account of the wrongful death of an Irishman belonging to the Lord Edward," to be paid to the said lord. Sometimes, but at rare intervals, an Irish family obtained letters of naturalization by which they were enabled to inhabit and trade. Such a family were the Moroneys who for three hundred years played a prominent part in the town and only disappeared in the first quarter of the eighteenth century.

    C

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Clonmel, in Tipperary. The town carries a story from the Pipe roll of 1276, and it tells you something about what an Irish life was worth under English law in that time. The franchises and freedoms of the town were only for burghers of Norman or English blood. The Celtic Irish had no legal status. The law took no cognizance of them and gave no protection to their lives or their property. Those Irish who attached themselves to the English as dependents or servants could not live inside the walls. They dwelt in a suburb outside, which to this day preserves the name of the Irish town. And if any Irish person was even murdered, the only question that could arise was one of compensation to their master, just as for the loss of so many horses or cattle. The Pipe roll of 1276 records the sheriff returning that David Toerny of Clonmele owed 78 shillings, on account of the wrongful death of an Irishman belonging to the Lord Edward, to be paid to the said lord. David Toerny had killed a man. But the law saw it as a property loss, and the payment went not to the dead man's family but to his master. Sometimes, at rare intervals, an Irish family obtained letters of naturalization, enabling them to inhabit and trade. The Moroneys were such a family, prominent in the town for three hundred years, disappearing only in the first quarter of the 1700s.

25. Corrupt Brehon judgment and imprisonment of Clonmel merchants

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1532–1537

    James Braye and Richard Wedlok, merchants of Clonmel, were falsely accused by a sergeant of Edmund Butler, judged by Brehon judges chosen by Butler without proper hearing, fined heavily, and imprisoned for twelve weeks at Edmund Butler's residence.

    Read the passage

    Grevously complayning sheweth unto your honorable wisdomes the Kings trewe subjects your trewe orators James Braye and Ric, Wedlok merchaunts and borne in the towne of Clonmel where as they went by the Kings highwaye accompanyed with other yonge men half a myle oute of the towne of Clonmell one John Duff sergeaunt to Edmond Butler deceased and nowe to Sir Thomas Butler .Knight [met them. They were] fellow with Water Flemyng merchaunt of the towne of Cosshill as he went by the said highe waie with a pipe of wyne in a carte and [Duff] wold have arested the forsaid wyne and horses. The forsaid merchaunt of Cassell owing no dewty unto the foresaid sergeaunt nor to his lord or master defended hym [self] and his goods and took it to his towne. Then the forsaid sergeaunt retorned into the towne of Clonmell and complayned to the suffrayn that the said complaynaunts had forfeit the forsaide merchaundises and goods. The soveraign belevyng this open false sergeaunt compelled your forsaid complaynaunts to abide the judgment of four men chosen by the forsaid Edmund Butler and by the suffrayn to whome Edmond Butler said openly that his Judges [Brehons] should here [hear] and agre with them of the towne. The forsaid Judges without deliberacon awarded that your fomamed complaynaunts shuld paie unto the forsaid Edmond Butler ten pounds and to themselfs three pounds and to the forsaid sergeaunt for his fee twenty shillings and then sent your complaynaunts to Edmond Butlers place where they were kept in prisone twelve weeks and then paied fifteen shillings four pence for jaylors fee and other besids the forsaid somes one of your forsaid complaynaunts hath attached the forsaid Judges to the lawe which been named William Fagan burgeys, John Haiyhan clerke and the matter was brought tofore a quest whose names followen vz. Th. White, Ric White fitz John, Ric. White fitz Thomas burgesses, Robert Butler, Edmond Braye, James White fitz Henry merchaunt men who were sworne after the use of the towne dyd heare and receave your complaynaunts

    28 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel, the town you're passing through, was the scene of a bitter injustice around 1532. Two merchants born here, James Braye and Richard Wedlok, were walking the King's highway half a mile out of town with other young men when they met John Duff, sergeant to Edmund Butler. Duff was with Walter Flemyng, a merchant of Cashel, who was carrying a pipe of wine in a cart along the same road. Duff tried to arrest the wine and the horses. The Cashel merchant owed nothing to Duff or his master, so he defended himself and his goods and took them back to his own town. Duff came back into Clonmel and complained to the sovereign that Braye and Wedlok had forfeited the goods. The sovereign believed the false sergeant and forced the two merchants to face judgment by four men chosen by Edmund Butler. Butler said openly that his Brehon judges should hear the matter and agree with the townsmen. Those judges gave no proper deliberation. They awarded ten pounds to Edmund Butler, three pounds to themselves, and twenty shillings to the sergeant for his fee. Then they sent Braye and Wedlok to Edmund Butler's residence, where they were kept in prison for twelve weeks. On top of the fines, they paid fifteen shillings and four pence for the jailor's fee. Afterwards one of the merchants brought the judges to law. The judges were named William Fagan, a burgess, and John Haiyhan, a clerk. The matter went before a sworn quest of townspeople. The jurors were Thomas White, Richard White fitz John, Richard White fitz Thomas, all burgesses, Robert Butler, Edmond Braye, and James White fitz Henry, a merchant. Sworn after the custom of the town, they heard the case and received the merchants' complaint.

26. Dissenters arrested at Innislounaght meeting house

    Inishlounaght · street · Tipperary · 1662

    In 1662, dissenters met at Innislounaght in the house of Thomas Batty, who had already been jailed. A company of soldiers surrounded the house on information given to the governor and marched the whole congregation into the town Marshalsea in Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    round for signature a petition that the " godly ministers of the Gospel who had so long laboured among them might be continued and countenanced." They were peremptorily ordered to desist (pp). Two years later the conflict had grown so angry that it was seriously proposed to remove the "phanatiques" out of the town as had been done with the Irish (qq). Wholesale arrests were made and George Baker, Protestant Bishop of Waterford came to St. Mary's on Sunday, 31st May to preach submission. The dissenters nothing daunted met at Innislounaght in the house of Thomas Batty who, on the Wednesday preceding, had been lodged in gaol ^rr/ Information was conveyed to Sir Francis Foulkes governor of the town, and a company of soldiers surrounded the house and marched the whole body into the town Marshalsea. Zephanii Smith, one of those arrested, being asked by a soldier "why he was not att church then to hear the Bishop preach and he replyed that he did preach himselfe in church before now and hoped to preach there again in Grod's due time, and if he had been at Masse or at an Ale house amongst a company of Drunkards, swearers or heathens he doth suppose that he should not have been tormented." Thomas Little, another soldier, heard the wife of John Foster of Abbey say " that there must be another boute or blowe for it and that very suddenlie " (ss). In the event many accepted the episcopacy, the most notable being Samuel Ladyman the preacher, who on 24th February, 1666, took orders in the established church and thereby retained the living of Clonmel. Others, as William Vaughan, Phineas Riall and Richard Perry, held out and formed the first dissenting congregation in Clonmel, under one Mr. Wood as minister. Amid the war of sects we discern the first beginning of a body which afterwards attracted no little notice, and whose connection with the town was entirely beneficent — the Quakers.

    May it please yr Grace

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in 1662, dissenters gathered at the house of Thomas Batty at Innislounaght. Batty himself had already been jailed on the Wednesday before. The dissenters had been circulating a petition that the "godly ministers of the Gospel who had so long laboured among them might be continued and countenanced," and had been ordered to desist. George Baker, Protestant Bishop of Waterford, had come to St. Mary's on Sunday the 31st of May to preach submission, but the dissenters met anyway. Word reached Sir Francis Foulkes, the governor of the town, and a company of soldiers surrounded the house and marched the entire congregation into the town Marshalsea in Clonmel. One of those arrested, Zephanii Smith, told a soldier who asked why he was not at church hearing the Bishop preach that he had preached himself in church before and hoped to do so again, and that if he had been at Mass or at an alehouse amongst drunkards and swearers he supposed he would not have been troubled. Many of the dissenters eventually accepted episcopacy. Samuel Ladyman took orders in the established church on 24th February 1666 and kept the living of Clonmel. But William Vaughan, Phineas Riall, and Richard Perry held out and formed the first dissenting congregation in Clonmel under a Mr. Wood as minister.

27. Dwyer imprisoned with double guard in Clonmel Barracks

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1766–1768

    Dennis Dwyer's dying declaration recounts how, when he refused to falsely prosecute the accused, he was confined by the authorities in the Barracks of Clonmel under double guard for a year before being committed to the County Gaol of Clonmel on a fabricated charge of enlisting for the King of France.

    Read the passage

    Declares on the last words of a dying man that Sir Thomas Maud, John Bagwell, Ambrose Power, and Mathew Bombary Esq" with Parson Heuston came to him several times, repeating how happy they would make him if he wou'd prosecute the Rev. Mr. Sheehy, Ned Meaghan, James Buxton and James Farrell. I declare in the presence of my Creator before whome I am shortly to appear that I never did, nor cou'd in justice prosecute, either separately or together them Gentlemen ; the answer I made Sir Thomas Maude, and the others concerned with them was, since I cou'd not serve them that I wou'd receive no bribes, no longer receive the substence money which they allow'd me, being nine and nine pence f^ week, and I further declare as a dying man, that each and every of the above Gentlemen, that were executed at Clonmel, had neither act nor part, directly or indirectly in the murther of John Bridge, who was strangled by two men in the County of Cork, one of them went to the American Plantations, the other is still in this Kingdom, I cant tell where, as I did not see him since last July. I further declare on the word of a dying man that I had neither act or part in the murther of John Bridge but that I was unfortunate to myself present; and as a further proof of their design to spill the blood of the Innocent, and seeing that they could extort nothing from me, who in Justice and truth had nothing to say against them they confin'd me in the Barracks of Clonmell with a double guard where no person was allow^ to see me or to spake to me, except the Guards themselves and kept me there from S^ Stevens day was twelve month till the assizes following, ofifering me Bribes and money, and declaring they would provide for me and Family if I would prosecute the Gentlemen who were to be tryed soon after, and after all Efforts to make me prosecute the Gentlemen then confined, failed them as in the presence of God I had nothing to prove against them, they out of revenge, made three of the light horse make affidavid before a Magistrate that I was enlisting men for the King of France" service and then committed me a Prisoner out of the Barracks to the County Gaol of Clonmell ; Sir Thomas Maude and the rest know the truth of all this, I pray G** forgive them, as I heartily do and all my Prosecutors.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town that once held a man named Dennis Dwyer under double guard in its barracks. In his dying declaration, Dwyer recounted how Sir Thomas Maud, John Bagwell, Ambrose Power, Mathew Bombary, and Parson Heuston came to him several times, pressing him to prosecute the Reverend Mr. Sheehy, Ned Meaghan, James Buxton, and James Farrell. He refused, saying he could not in justice prosecute them, and would take no bribes. They had been giving him nine and nine pence a week in substance money, and he gave that up too. Dwyer swore that each of those men, who were later executed at Clonmel, had no part in the murder of John Bridge. Bridge, he said, was strangled by two men in the County of Cork. Dwyer himself was present but had no hand in it. One killer went to the American plantations. The other was still somewhere in the kingdom. When the authorities could extort nothing from him, they confined him in the barracks of Clonmel with a double guard. No one was allowed to see him or speak to him except the guards. He was kept there from St. Steven's day for a year until the assizes following. They kept offering bribes and money and promising to provide for him and his family if he would prosecute. When all efforts failed, they had three of the light horse make affidavit before a magistrate that he was enlisting men for the King of France's service. On that fabricated charge, they moved him from the barracks to the County Gaol of Clonmel. He prayed God forgive them, as he heartily did.

28. Execution of Father Maurice Kinrechtan

    Bridge Street · street · Tipperary · 1585

    Father Maurice Kinrechtan was led out from the county gaol to execution in 1585, a victim of religious persecution during this period.

    Read the passage

    High Street itself contained seven (aa). Several houses especially in Lough Street and Our Lady Street had gardens to the rere, while a few of the burghers raised edifices which in size and character made pretension to feudal castles (bb). In High Street to the right of the Shambles Lane was a structure the various uses of which are quaintly set forth in the Survey of 1654. "The stone house in the middle of the Towne in the South side. The upper part whereof was formerly used for a guard house, the middle part thereof was continually used by Butchers to sell meat and the Loer part thereof comonly used for a Comon Goale which was alwayse time out of minde property belonging to the Corporation and imployed to the uses afForesaid." Opposite Bridge Street and forming the end of Middle Row stood " the county goale and Town hall built over the same," a building round which gathered many painful memories. Hither in 1 565 — to go no farther back, was brought in triumph by Ormonde, the wounded Earl of Desmond. Two years later by a kind of Nemesis, its doors closed on Edmund Butler, Ormond's own brother. Towards the end of 1582 Eleanor the wife of the ill-fated Desmond, entered it and only in January, 1 584 left, to suffer more extreme want and misery in Dublin Castle. From it the following year was led out to execution Father Maurice Kinrechtan. Peer and priest alike, the champions of a fallen cause and a proscribed religion shared its horrors. Ascending St. Mary's Street a few buildings of a different character were to be met. Adjoining the church was the 'fFree school' where in the early seventeenth century an excellent classical education was given. The Jesuits appear to have conducted it for a while, and when distinguished personages visited the town florid addresses in Latin hexameters were read by the pupil% Straflford was bored in 1637 by " a deadly long one " but eight years before, Falkland and his companion Boyle, Earl of Cork, were greatly impressed by some verses recited by Bartholomew Barron. Close to the Free School was "a stone, slate house, built about 1624 by the Commons of Clonmell, upon a part of their Common land, and sett apart for an Hospitall for old, impotent, decayed inhabitants of Clonmell." This owed its existence to the charity of James White fitz Robert whose will dated 29th June, 1622 contains the bequest " Item I will, bequeath and demise of the moneyes due to me of John fitz Gerald of Dromany in the County of Waterford Esqr towards the building of the poore house or hospitall in Clonmell aforesaid the sum of fortie pounds ster"^rrA Nor were the * impotent and decayed' inmates forgotten by the citizens. For example, Sir James Goeghe of Kilmanahan in 1628 ordered his

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

29. Executions at Gallows Hill and in front of the gaol

    Gallows Hill · hill or hills · Tipperary · 1785

    Culprits sentenced to death in Clonmel were typically drawn by car to Gibbet Hill (Gallows Hill), though some, such as Father Sheehy, were hanged in the street in front of the gaol; the last recorded execution on Gallows Hill was in 1785.

    Read the passage

    No executions took place within the gaol ; the culprits were drawn on a car to Gibbet Hill, or Gallows Hill, as it is now called. Occasionally, as in the case of Father Sheehy, they were hanged in the street in front of the gaol fyj. The bodies were usually handed over to the relatives, and instances are on record in which persons executed were restored to life. Edmund Grady was tried for rape at the spring assizes, 1776, and hanged on the 27th April. He was duly carried away for interment, but the spinal column not having been broken he revived during the wake. After sometime he was recaptured and brought up again for sentence at the next spring assizes, with the result :

    Clonmel May 5 [1777.] Edmund Grady who was hanged last year and came to life again was on Saturday executed in the street facing the jail door. The sheriff gave previous directions to the hangman not to attempt cutting Grady down until such time as he gave orders, and accordingly he hung over an hour and five minutes (0).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Gallows Hill, you are near where people sentenced to death in Clonmel were taken by car to be hanged. The last recorded execution on the hill was in 1785. Bodies were usually handed to relatives, and there are recorded cases where someone hanged came back to life. Edmund Grady was tried for rape at the spring assizes of 1776 and hanged on the 27th of April. His spine was not broken, and he revived during his wake. He was recaptured and sentenced again at the next spring assizes. On the 5th of May 1777 he was executed in the street facing the jail door. The sheriff told the hangman not to cut him down until ordered, and he hung for over an hour and five minutes. Some, like Father Sheehy, were hanged in the street in front of the gaol rather than brought out here.

30. Father Doyle of Ardfinnan attends Sheehy in his final hours

    Ardfinnan · town · Tipperary · 1766

    Contrary to claims that Father Sheehy was denied a clergyman before his execution, he was in fact attended in his last hours by his friend and neighbour, Father Doyle, parish priest of Ardfinnan.

    Read the passage

    He was now brought back to the old jail in Lough Street, where he was to spend the few hours of existence that remained to him. It is said by some that he was denied* even the ministration of a clergyman, but the fact appears to be that he was attended in his last hours by his friend and neighbour, Father Doyle, parish priest of Ardfinnan. It would appear also that the actual murderer of Bridge, communicated with him in the interval, moved probably with horror and remorse (ee). The following day Friday, Toler the high sheriff, together with several members of the grand jury, visited the condemned priest. The object of the visit is not quite clear; some went probably in the hope of obtaining information about "the Popish plot" others, inspired by idle curiosity. Father Sheehy bore himself with dignity and composure, simply asserting his innocence of the crime for which he was condemned. On Saturday morning, March 15th, 1766, the end came. Curry has described the closing scene.

    On the morning of that day, just before he was brought forth to execution, he, in the presence of the sub-sheriff [Francis Butler] and a clergyman who attended him [Father Doyle], again declared his innocence of the murder; solemnly protesting at the same time, as he was a dying man, just going to appear before the most awful of tribunals, that he never had engaged any of the rioters in the service of the French king, by tendering them oaths, or otherwise; that he never had distributed money among them on that account, nor had ever received money from France, or any •other foreign court, either directly or indirectly, for any such purpose; that he never knew of any French or other foreign officers being among these rioters ; or of any Roman Catholics of property or note, being concerned with them.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

31. Friary at Galbally attacked and burned by soldiers

    Galbally · town · Limerick · 1570

    English soldiers surrounded the Franciscan convent at Galbally and set fire to the church and tower in order to force out the hiding friars, leading to the beheading of Dermod O'Mulroney.

    Read the passage

    '^ This is the last vestige of a family associated with Clonmel for centuries. The following account of a member of the family is taken from Mooney's history of the Franciscans written in 1615. "When in 1570 Sir Henry Sydney was raiding Aherlow, Dermod 0*Mulroney fled with his companions from the country convent [of Galbally] to Clonmel. But when he remained there some time, he resolved to return to his monastery, God perhaps so ordering it, that he might gain the crown of martyrdom. When therefore, they thought all was safe he returned to the convent and lived there. But one day the English soldiers coming of a sudden, surrounded the place and there was no way for the friar to escape. The good man got up with his two companions into the bell-tower to hide, and pulled up the ladder. The soldiers made a fire to burn the church and tower. To save these the holy man came down of his own accord, and having let down the ladder, he blessed himself as he put his foot on the first round saying the psalm " Have mercy on me, O God." The soldiers unappeased, struck him and wounded him, and then beheaded him. A marvellous thing then happened. For when his head was struck off there was no bleeding, and the soldiers seeing, cut the body in pieces yet there was not a drop of blood " ( *). His brother Franciscan and fellowcitizen, Bonaventure Barron, rendered the following tribute to his memory. Qua suos Hyblaeo dignos agnomine cives Surius angustis omat et armat aquis Ne qua tuae proli, Francisce, trophea deessent, Intulit armatas mors violenta manus Non tamen arma viro, non mors violenta volenti.

    f'g) Mooney's MS., p. 54.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

32. Gentry hanged for the attack on Golden Castle though absent

    Golden · town · Tipperary · 1652

    Pierce Butler of Shanballyduff and his eldest son Thomas, James Butler of Boytonrath, Thomas Kent of Lough Kent, and James Butler of Ruscoe were hanged for the attack on Golden Castle although not one of them was present at the attack.

    Read the passage

    Yet not the end. For on the following 8th November, a high commission was opened in Clonmel before Judges Donnelan and Cooke and Commissary general Reynolds, to try for murder those who in 1641 on the first outbreak . had slain any English. While the great mass of evidence showed that the English and Protestants had been sheltered by Lady Thurles, John Cantwell of Ballymakeedy, Sir Richard Everard, Thonias Tobin of Clorine, Geoffry Mockler of Mocklerstown, James Sail of Meldrum and others, there was proof that several non-belligerents, including some women, were killed at Golden, Cashel and Silvermines. If it were ascertained that any tenantry or followers of a particular gentleman were present on these occasions, he himself was held by the court parficeps criminis and condemned accordingly. In this way Pierce Butler of Shanballyduff, and his eldest son Thomas, James Butler of Boytonrath, Thomas Kent of Lough Kent, and James Butler of Ruscoe, were hanged for the attack on Golden Castle at which not one of them was present Similarly Colonel Teige O'Meagher, Colonel Donough O'Dwyer, Theobald Butler, Hugh Ryan, Ullick Burke of Lismacue, Bryan Kearney of Ballybeg, James Burke of Scartfield, and several others were hanged for the murders at the Silvermines and Cashel (f). The more

    (d) Sankey to Cromwell sufray also Borlace p.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

33. John Hackett becomes first mayor of reformed corporation

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1843

    In 1843 the new corporation created by the Municipal Reform Act came into existence in Clonmel, with John Hackett, a former journeyman printer and fierce critic of tithe proctors and exterminating landlords through the Free Press, elected as first mayor.

    Read the passage

    selected was John Hackett, who from being a journeyman printer, had by ability, courage, and public spirit, won for himself the foremost place among his fellow citizens. At a time when the whole machinery of the law was in operation against the rights of the common people, he smote amain, week by week in the Free Press, tithe proctors, partisan magistrates, and exterminating landlords. Damages amounting to hundreds of pounds were obtained against him in the law courts, but he survived all, and having been the stoutest opponent of the old corporation, he became first mayor of the new (pp).

    The half century preceding the repeal of the corn laws in 1845 is the most important in the commercial and industrial history of Clonmel. The population, which at the end of the eighteenth century did not much exceed 10,000, steadily grew each decade until it reached about 1845 some 20,000 (qq). The number of houses in the former period on which house and window taxes were paid, was 1,349 ; the number in 1841, 2,330. The economic causes which led to this expansion deserve some notice.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town where, in 1843, the new corporation created by the Municipal Reform Act came into being. Its first mayor was John Hackett, a journeyman printer who had risen through ability, courage, and public spirit to the foremost place among his fellow citizens. Week by week in the Free Press, he attacked tithe proctors, partisan magistrates, and exterminating landlords, and damages amounting to hundreds of pounds were obtained against him in the law courts. He survived all of it, and having been the stoutest opponent of the old corporation, he became first mayor of the new. The half century before the repeal of the corn laws in 1845 was the most important in the commercial and industrial history of Clonmel. The population grew from about 10,000 at the end of the eighteenth century to roughly 20,000 by 1845, while houses paying tax rose from 1,349 to 2,330 by 1841.

34. Maurice English dragged from his castle and hanged in Cahir

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1651–1652

    Maurice English, of an Anglo-Norman family long settled at Rochestown, was dragged out of his castle by Captain Godfrey and hanged in Cahir.

    Read the passage

    And Sankey's subalterns in the several garrisons were alike active in the work of massacre. Maurice English the representative of an Anglo-Norman family settled in Rochestown for centuries, was dragged out of his castle by Captain Godfrey and hanged in Cahir (bj. Philip Purcel kinsman of the baron of Loughmoe, found within protected quarters near Thurles, was killed by Major Bolton. David Walsh whose ancestors since the first conquest held Powerstown, was mercilessly slaughtered by Major Morgan on the road to Carrick, Similarly with others. No wonder if traditions of hanging and murder cling round every ruin in the county, and the " Curse of Cromwell " is still on the lips of the peasant (c).

    Nor could it be said that the Cromwellians were merely retaliating on an enemy faithless and truculent. During two years Sankey had lost only one officer and five men, while he reported that O'Dwyer was "exact and punctual! in the performance of his word in al! ingagements." In April, 165 1, the Irish

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Caher now. In 1651 and 1652, this town saw a grim episode of the Cromwellian conquest. Maurice English, the representative of an Anglo-Norman family settled at Rochestown for centuries, was dragged out of his castle by Captain Godfrey and hanged here. He was one of several men killed in those years by Sankey's subalterns, along with Philip Purcel near Thurles and David Walsh on the road to Carrick. The book says traditions of hanging and murder cling round every ruin in the county, and the Curse of Cromwell is still on the lips of the peasant. It is hard to call it retaliation. Over two years Sankey lost only one officer and five men, while he reported that O'Dwyer was exact and punctual in the performance of his word in all engagements.

35. Murder of John Bridge sworn against condemned Whiteboys

    Kilcoran · townland · Tipperary · 1766

    John Bridge was murdered, allegedly by Edmund Meehan with a stroke of a bill-hook, and several men including Edmund Sheehy, James Buxton and James Farrell were convicted and executed on informers' testimony connecting them to this murder, which they denied in their dying declarations.

    Read the passage

    " As to every other thing that Michael Guinan and said Toohy swore against me, I further solemnly declare, in the presence of my great Gkxi, that I neither did any such thing, nor was at any such meeting or levelling as they swore against me, except Dmmlemmbn, and upon the word of a dying man, neither of them was there. Nor was any man, upon the same word of a dying man, that was yet apprehended or suffered, in my belief concemed in the murder of Bridge ; and that I verily believe and am persuaded that no prosecutor that yet appeared was present, or any way concemed in that murder, though Thomas Bier, God forgive him, swore that he and I were within two yards of John Bridge when he was murdered by Edmund Meehan with a stroke of a bill-hook.

    " Secondly, I solemnly declare and protest in the presence of my great God, that I never heard nor ever learned of a rebellion intended in this kingdom, nor never heard of

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilcoran, in 1766, John Bridge was murdered, struck down by Edmund Meehan with a bill-hook. Several men — Edmund Sheehy, James Buxton, and James Farrell among them — were convicted and executed on the testimony of informers who connected them to the killing. The condemned men denied it all in their dying declarations. One of them swore before God that he was never at any such meeting, that no man yet apprehended or suffered was, in his belief, concerned in Bridge's murder, and that no prosecutor who appeared was present or any way concerned in it. He named Thomas Bier as the informer who swore that he and the declarant were within two yards of John Bridge when Meehan struck him. The declaration is the words of a man about to die, insisting he was innocent of the crime for which the law killed him.

36. O'Connell's 1840 Repeal Visit to Clonmel Denounced

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1840

    When Daniel O'Connell visited Clonmel in October 1840 and spoke to a large crowd, the Tipperary Constitution newspaper bitterly attacked him as a swindler of the Irish people aided by priests. He addressed the crowd from the balcony of Hearn's Hotel before a banquet was held.

    Read the passage

    A large mob collected when the agitator essayed to speak ; but in Ireland, if any man commences to speak in the public street, he will quickly have a numerous audience. It was so with Dan. His game was and is to gull and plunder the unfortunate people of Ireland ; and the priests who have such a fatal influence over them are his assistants in the pillage. The 8*>> of November, the day for collecting his rent, is coming round, and O'Connell must get the pounds, shillings and pence, and provided he does, his griping heart is incapable of feeling, eta, etc.

    O'Connell and his pitiable cavalcade drew up at Heam's Hotel, where he proceeded to the balcony and addressed the unwashed.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Clonmel now, a Tipperary town where Daniel O'Connell came in October 1840 and drew a large crowd in the street. The local newspaper, the Tipperary Constitution, attacked him savagely, calling him a man whose game was to gull and plunder the unfortunate people of Ireland, with the priests as his assistants. They complained his rent day, the 8th of November, was coming round, and he wanted the pounds, shillings and pence. O'Connell and his cavalcade pulled up at Hearn's Hotel, where he stepped onto the balcony and addressed the crowd, which that same paper dismissed as the unwashed.

37. Patten Bridge's later shooting on the Galtee estate

    near Galty Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Limerick · 1876

    Patten S. Bridge, manager of the Thurles branch during the Sadleir bank scandal, later became agent for the Galtee estate and was twice fired at; the second attack wounded him and killed his car driver.

    Read the passage

    (n) Mr. Patten S. Bridge was manager of the Thurles Branch. On the Tuesday of the fateful week he invited Peter Gill, editor and owner of the Tipperary Ad\*ocate^ into his office. He pointed out that the bank had steadily paid dividends of 6, 8 and 9 per cent., and the last report had showed j£i7,ooo reserve. He offered ;£'ioo on condition of Gill's insertion of an editorial as to the hank's solvency. Gill refused. Twenty years later Bridge, as agent for the Galtee estate of Mr. N. Buckley, attracted even greater public notice. He was twice fired at — the second occasion encountering a murderous fusilade in which he himself was wounded and the driver of his car killed.

    194 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

38. Power of Ballintotty Killed Resisting Capture

    Ballintotty · townland · Tipperary

    Power of Ballintotty, a notorious Tory outlaw, could not be taken alive and was finally shot dead by Captain Aungier's rifle. His brother Richard Power then took up arms and terrorized the district even more severely.

    Read the passage

    Hangings notwithstanding, the Tories for over half a century kept the Cromwellians under the harrow. One of the most notable was Laurence Butler of Ballinure, a pauperized kinsman of Ormond himself. But Butler with his party of four desperadoes was entrapped at last, and Ormond writing from Clonmel 26th August, 1678, complaisantly acquaints the Lord Chancellor "My cousin Butler, the Tory, is at this instant on his trial so that three of the five will be despatched." More difficult however to capture was Power of Ballintotty. Indeed he could not be taken alive and it was only by the rifle of Captain Aungier he was finally removed. Power's brother Richard, now took the field and terrorized the district more even than the other had done. A proclamation was issued I2th October, 1683, offering £20 to whosoever should take him alive or kill him and bring his head to the sheriff. The only result we learn from a subsequent proclamation July 17th, 1685.

    Whereas the said Richard Power and his complices have since the publishing of the said proclamation, committed many burglaries, robberies, and stealths, and divers other outrages, to the terror and annoyance of his Majesty's loyal and good subjects and the desturbance of the peace of the kingdom, etc

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lived a Tory outlaw known as Power of Ballintotty. He could not be taken alive, and it was only by the rifle of Captain Aungier that he was finally removed. His brother Richard Power then took the field and terrorized the district even more than the other had done. A proclamation was issued on the 12th of October, 1683, offering £20 to whosoever should take him alive or kill him and bring his head to the sheriff. The only result was a subsequent proclamation on the 17th of July, 1685, noting that Richard Power and his accomplices had since committed many burglaries, robberies, and stealths, and divers other outrages, to the terror and annoyance of his Majesty's loyal and good subjects and the disturbance of the peace of the kingdom. The Tories kept the Cromwellians under the harrow for over half a century, and Power of Ballintotty was one of the most difficult to capture of them all.

39. Shiel visits Malcomson's cotton factory, 1833

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1824–1833

    About 1824 the Malcomsons set up a cotton factory in addition to their corn mills, employing about 200 persons by 1833. Shiel described a vast apartment lined with looms, worked by crowds of young girls with animated cheerfulness.

    Read the passage

    industry accompanied by the author of all the good, of which I had already received intimation from the rapidity with which I heard some hundred looms going through their operations. A vast apartment, lined with looms on either side, occupied by a crowd of little blooming girls, who with the most animated cheerfulness, with health ruddy on their faces, with hands and naked feet plied the respective machines over which they presided (zz).

    Besides these principal industries, there were others which are worthy of note. The tanning of leather which had been carried on to a considerable extent in the eighteenth century, was continued by Price, Taylor, Davis, Cashen, Crean, Jones and Keilly, and subsequently by Byrne, Myers, Russell and others. Soap boiling and tallow chandling had passed from Dumville, Phelan and Bond, to Going, Lester, Quinn and Byrne. Steam engines, machinery, pumps, cranes, castings, boilers, pipes and mill brasses, were made on the New Quay by Jacob and Grubb (a). Cutlery and razors of a high, character were manufactured by Bradford ; tobacco and snuff by Kielly and Quinn. Nor were the arts that minister to luxury wanting. Henry Julian of Dublin Street obtained a reputation for coach building. House furniture of excellent design and conscientious workmanship, was made by Jacob Graham in Duncan Street, while persons desirous to quarter arms had recourse to " Richard Sladen, heraldic painter," in the Irishtown. As photography was unknown, Edward Hayes of Johnston Street, "landscape and miniature," painted portraits from £2 upwards (b). Watches, clocks and silverplate were also made in the town, not as now, merely retailed there. Under the Act 23 & 24, Geo. III., c. 23, which obliged makers and vendors of plate to be registered, the following Clonmel names are found in 1784 — ^John Quinn, William Thompson, John Beauchamp, Cavan Ryan, Robert Cooke ; in 1800 James Shee; in 1808 Dennis Madden; and in 1815 Theophilus Harvey. Some of the clocks of Hill, Prossor, Brodrick and Wallace, are still keeping time after the lapse cjf a century (c).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel now. Around 1824 the Malcomsons set up a cotton factory here alongside their corn mills, and by 1833 it employed about 200 people. Shiel visited that year. He heard the looms before he saw them, the rapidity of some hundred machines going through their operations. Then he entered a vast apartment lined with looms on either side. A crowd of little blooming girls occupied the machines, working with animated cheerfulness, health ruddy on their faces, hands and naked feet plying the work over which they presided. He spoke of industry accompanied by the author of all the good of which he had already received intimation. Clonmel carried other trades in those years. Leather tanning, carried on extensively in the eighteenth century, continued under Price, Taylor, Davis, Cashen, Crean, Jones and Keilly, and later by Byrne, Myers, Russell and others. Soap boiling and tallow chandling passed from Dumville, Phelan and Bond to Going, Lester, Quinn and Byrne. On the New Quay, Jacob and Grubb made steam engines, machinery, pumps, cranes, castings, boilers, pipes and mill brasses. Bradford manufactured cutlery and razors of high character. Kielly and Quinn made tobacco and snuff. Henry Julian of Dublin Street built coaches. Jacob Graham in Duncan Street made house furniture. Richard Sladen in the Irishtown was a heraldic painter. Edward Hayes of Johnston Street painted portraits from 2 pounds upwards. Watches, clocks and silverplate were made in the town, not merely retailed. Some clocks of Hill, Prossor, Brodrick and Wallace were still keeping time after a century.

40. Sovereign of Clonmel Deprived for Refusing Protestant Service

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1606

    In August 1606 Brouncker visited Clonmel and tried to force the sovereign and principal burgesses to attend Protestant service; when they refused, John White fitz Geoffry was deprived of the sovereignty and other leading citizens were later imprisoned in Cork.

    Read the passage

    The persecution continued unabated through the year. Towards the end of August Brouncker again visited the town and tried to force the sovereign and principal burgesses to accompany him to the Protestant service. They stubbornly refused. John White fitz Geoffry was accordingly deprived of the sovereignty, while on 29th September Samuel Newse, sergeant-at-arms, compelled those put under trial at the spring assizes to surrender in Cork. In this instance the accounts we have are from the Catholic side. Fr. Bryan Kearney wrote to the secretary of the Jesuits.

    A cousin of his grace [Lombard, Catholic Primate of Armagh] the brother of Fr. Thomas White S.J. was deprived of the sovereignty of Clonmel because he would not go to church with the president {c). So also was Mr. John Bray and Mr. Edmund Wall. These with nine other Clonmel and Cashel citizens are kept in Cork gaol ever since to the very great loss of their business {d).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town where a bitter episode played out in August 1606. A man named Brouncker came here and tried to force the sovereign and the principal burgesses to attend Protestant service. They refused. John White fitz Geoffry was stripped of the sovereignty for that refusal. He was a brother of Fr. Thomas White, a Jesuit, and a cousin of the Catholic Primate of Armagh. John Bray and Edmund Wall were deprived too. On 29 September the sergeant-at-arms, Samuel Newse, compelled those put under trial at the spring assizes to surrender in Cork. Eleven Clonmel and Cashel citizens in all were kept in Cork gaol, to what one account calls the very great loss of their business. The record we have comes from the Catholic side, in a letter from Fr. Bryan Kearney to the secretary of the Jesuits.

41. St Nicholas' Church of the Plague, Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1349–1376

    The Irish name of St. Nicholas' church, 'Ceampull na Puige' meaning 'The Church of the Plague,' preserves memory of the devastating plagues of 1349 and 1376 that swept away priest and congregation together in Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    rushes or straw was spread over the whole. Food also was of the coarsest kind, only in summer was it to be obtained fresh. After Michaelmas all cattle and swine that could not be foddered through the winter were slaughtered and barrelled and there were no winter vegetables^/// The consequences are obvious. Fever was endemic and when such visitations of Providence as the plagues of 1349 and 1376 came, priest and congregation were swept away together (uu). Few realize the history that lies behind the Irish name of St. Nicholas' CeAmpuU ha puige "The Church of the Plague." The general use also of salted food produced aggravated scorbutic affections and it is probable that most of the ' leprosy ' of the middle ages was a virulent form of scurvy. The hospital for the lepers adjoined the chapel of St. Stephen, well removed from the town ; its last memorial is the local name " 'Spittle lands." (w)

    Such was Clonmel for the first three centuries of its existence. Aggressively hostile to the Celtic population, neither influencing nor being influenced by them, a "garrison town " in the most literal sense, it kept its English identity unimpaired amid the active solvents of language and marriage which destroyed the feudal system everywhere about it.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, the road carries you past a name that holds centuries of suffering. The Irish name of St. Nicholas' church, Ceampull na Puige, means The Church of the Plague, and few realize the history behind it. In this town fever was endemic. Rushes or straw were spread over everything. Food was of the coarsest kind, fresh only in summer. After Michaelmas all cattle and swine that could not be foddered through the winter were slaughtered and barrelled, and there were no winter vegetables. The general use of salted food produced aggravated scorbutic affections, and it is probable that most of the leprosy of the middle ages was a virulent form of scurvy. The hospital for the lepers adjoined the chapel of St. Stephen, well removed from the town, and its last memorial is the local name Spittle lands. When the plagues of 1349 and 1376 came, priest and congregation were swept away together. For its first three centuries Clonmel was a garrison town, aggressively hostile to the Celtic population, keeping its English identity unimpaired amid the language and marriage that destroyed the feudal system everywhere about it.

42. Trial and execution of Patrick Burns for Robert Hall murder at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1842

    Patrick Burns, charged with the murder of Robert Hall of Ballygurteen, was tried at Nenagh where the jury disagreed, then retried on the same evidence at the Clonmel Special Commission in June 1842, convicted, and hanged.

    Read the passage

    The utter make-believe to which trial by jury was reduced, may be illustrated by the case of Patrick Burns charged with the murder of Robert Hall, of Ballygurteen. Tried first at the Nenagh Spring Assizes, 1842, the jury (an exclusively Protestant one) disagreed, eleven, according to one account, being for acquittal (ww). Four months later, 29th June, 1 842, he was again put forward at the Clonmel Special Commission, and on precisely the same evidence, was convicted, and subsequently hanged. If the evidence obtainable against accused persons was scant and unsatisfactory, the jury of landlords was easily convinced, and as a consequence, there were, not unfrequently, appalling miscarriages of justice. Four of the five men hanged at Ardfinnan for the Barry murder — ^James Byrne, Philip Lonergan, Thomas Bryan, and John Green — ^were beyond question innocent (xxj. The Crown prosecutors of the day used draw a lurid picture of the assassin, with levelled musket, lying in wait for his unsuspecting victim. The future historian will paint a still more ghastly one — a wretched creature put to death under the forms of law — tried by men with whom he and his fellows were engaged in a struggle for very existence; by men antagonistic to him in race, sentiment

    (w) Thpmas Drummond to the Earl of Donoughmore, Dublin Castle, 22nd May, 1838.— Life of Drummond, ST O'Brien, p. 284.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where Patrick Burns met his end in 1842. He was charged with the murder of Robert Hall of Ballygurteen. His first trial was at the Nenagh Spring Assizes, where an exclusively Protestant jury disagreed, eleven of them reportedly for acquittal. Four months later, on 29 June 1842, he was brought before the Clonmel Special Commission. On precisely the same evidence, he was convicted and hanged. The book calls it a make-believe of trial by jury, saying the jury of landlords was easily convinced when evidence was scant. The Crown prosecutors would paint a lurid picture of the assassin lying in wait, but the writer says the future historian will paint something grimmer: a wretched creature put to death under the forms of law, tried by men engaged against him in a struggle for existence, antagonistic to him in race and sentiment.

43. Whiteboys Level the Wall Around the Rock of Cashel

    near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary · 1763

    According to sworn testimony from John Twohy, Whiteboy parties led by various named gentlemen assembled at Cashel at Shrovetide 1763 and were ordered to level the wall about the Rock of Cashel, receiving payment afterward for the work.

    Read the passage

    with the Informant in the Town of Tipperary and inticed him to go home with them and that as the informant played on the fiddle the s^ Buxton and Farrell would engage to get him a livelyhood in their Neighbourhood, inform* saith that about 3 or 4 days after he had gon to Buxton's house the s<* Buxton and Farrell together with Edm** Butler of Killroe afores** John Hickey of Curraghtour James Herbert a French officer who frequently lived with James Hilan of Lisfunshion all in s** County compelled inform* to take an oath to be true to Shevan ne Meskill and her children during inform*' life, and to be ready on all occasions that the society may at any time want him for. Saith that some time after the above swearing Nicholas Sheehy Popish Priest of the Parish of Shanrahan, Edmond Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy of the Lodge, Thomas Beere of Burgess, Robert Keating of Knocka, John Burk of Rouska, James Hickey of Frehans, James Hilan of Lisfunshion, Tho* Magrath of Cloheen woolcomber, Edm^ Mehan of Cloheen also called the Bracked Bailiff, James Green and Michael Green of Cappagh, Edmond Prendergast, the said Buxton and Farrell all in the s<* County together with several other persons unknown to this informant met at night on the lands of Drumloman in s^ County all or most of them dressed in white, white Bandages and cockades in their hats and several of them armed with swords guns and pistols and that the aforesaid persons acted as officers and drew up the rest of the party in Ranks and exercised them as soldiers and that inform* played the fiddle for them. Saith that on the Eve of Christmas following, the s<* James Buxton, James Farrell, Tho« Magrath, Edm<* Butler, John Hickey, John Burk, Edm<* Prendergast, Edm<* Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy, James Herbert, James Hilan and one Nathaniel Carew and several others with whom the inform* was in Company feloniously set fire to and burned a Haggard of com the property of Joseph Tinnison on the lands of Killdonogy in s** County, informant further saith that about Shrovetide in the year 1763 the white boys met at Cashell from the different parts of the Country headed by John Purcell of Thurles Gent, W" Ryan of Mealive, Mathew Thomson of Monroe, Edw<* Doherty of Roxborough, John Baldwin of Cahir, Robert Keating of Knocka, Edm<* Prendergast who sometimes lives at Thos Butler's of Monroe, Tho* Beere of Burgess, John Burk of Rouska, James Buxton afores*** James Farrell, Edm** Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy, Edm** Butler and John Hickey afores** with several other gentlemen whom informant cannot at present recollect ; and that the s<* persons ordered their different parties to levell the wall about the Rock of Cashell and that as soon as the wall was levelled the afores** Officers distributed money to eadi of the parties who assisted in levelling the wall. Informant further saith that most of the afores^ persons with several others frequently assembled at night at different times but parted without doing any mischief, saith that on the night of the 3«* of September last the s** James Buxton, James Farrell, John Burk, Edm<* Sheehy, Nicholas Sheehy the Priest, Edm<* Prendergast, James Hilan, James Herbert and several others met on the Green of Ardfinan in s** county to consult about some business they were to undertake and further that on the night of the Eleventh or thereabout of September aforesaid the s** persons met again at the same place and collected or made up among them four guineas which they gave to the informant in order to purchase what quantity of arms of any kind he could and that he came to Clonmell with intent to purchase s** arms but was robed and the money taken from him ; inform* further saith that about the l6**» or 17*** of September aforesaid at night the s** James Buxton, James Farrell, James Herbert, Edm** Butler, John Hickey and the inform* went into a field belonging to Edm<* Kent of Castlegrace in s** county and catched a horse belonging to s** Kent and the s** Buxton and Farrell cut off the ears of the s<* horse close to his skull while the s** Butler held the horse with a grin by the nose which horse the infor. has since heard is dead. John twohey. Truely read to inform*- Taken sworn and by me W™ Bagnell acknowledged before me %^' 26*»» 1765. In I>orso. I believe this is exactly the same t\^ what you gave me in Court this morning,

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rock of Cashel, in 1763, a wall that stood around this rock was levelled by the Whiteboys. The story comes from the sworn testimony of John Twohy, given before William Bagnell in 1765. Twohy said that about Shrovetide in the year 1763 the Whiteboys met at Cashel from different parts of the country. They were headed by a long roll of named gentlemen: John Purcell of Thurles, William Ryan of Mealive, Mathew Thomson of Monroe, Edward Doherty of Roxborough, John Baldwin of Cahir, Robert Keating of Knocka, Edmond Prendergast, Thomas Beere of Burgess, John Burk of Rouska, James Buxton, James Farrell, Edmond Sheehy otherwise Buck Sheehy, Edmond Butler, and John Hickey, with several other gentlemen whom Twohy could not at present recollect. Those persons ordered their different parties to level the wall about the Rock of Cashel. As soon as the wall was levelled, the officers distributed money to each of the parties who had assisted in the work. Twohy's testimony reaches further than this one night. He described being compelled to take an oath to be true to Shevan ne Meskill and her children. He told of Whiteboy meetings at night on the lands of Drumloman, men dressed in white, with white bandages and cockades in their hats, several armed with swords, guns and pistols, drawn up in ranks and exercised as soldiers, while Twohy himself played the fiddle for them. He told of a haggard of corn burned on Christmas Eve, of meetings on the Green of Ardfinan, of four guineas collected to buy arms, of a horse belonging to Edmond Kent of Castlegrace whose ears were cut off close to the skull. But here, near the Rock of Cashel, it is the wall that was levelled, and the money paid out after.

44. 1230 excommunication decree over murder of a monk of Innislounaght

    Inishlounaght · parish · Tipperary · 1230

    In 1230 a statute passed at a General Chapter in Citeaux ordered abbots across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to denounce as excommunicated the murderers of the abbot of Fermoy and a monk of Innislounaght, reflecting violence connected to land disputes.

    Read the passage

    For many years subsequent to its foundation we learn little of the history of the abbey. It is probable that many historic personages entered its portals from time to time. Henry IL on his way from Lismore to Cashel, would cross the Suir at a ford hard by ; and Cambrensis tells us that Donald O'Brien, the great benefactor of Innislounaght, came to the water of the Suir to sue the king for peace. King John enfeoffed the abbot and convent, in frankalmoign, of a meadow in Glannewaydan/'jA a return probably for hospitality received while in the neighbourhood, monasteries being the hotels of the period. Hither also came in 1236 to lay his bones amongst the Cistercians, whose habit he had put on, Archbishop Malmaire O'Brien, who gave Cashel its corporate existence (t). But the prayers and labours of the good monks were often disturbed by other causes than the advent of an Irish chief or Norman baron. It was a time of trouble, and the monks had their share. In 1227 the king found it necessary to write to the Justiciary granting protection to the abbot, his tenants, chattels, and possessions, and help to recover what had been plundered (n). It is not improbable that* some of the troubles arose from grants of the lands of neighbouring chiefs being made by the English to the abbey. This at least is certain, that the disputes were accompanied by violence and bloodshed, for in 1230 a statute passed at a General Chapter in Citeaux enjoined the abbots of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, " with lighted candles on the days when a sermon is preached in the Chapter," to denounce as excommunicated the murderers and their abettors of the abbot of Fermoy and a monk of Innislounaght Nor did the monks fare better in their legal contests. The abbot went to law with the abbot of Dunbrody, the result being that he was sentenced at a general Chapter of the Order in 1234 to be excommunicated, and deposed if it should appear the action was illegal (v). Likely enough the abbot proved refractory, for a colony of English Cistercians from Furness was introduced in 1240, and nine years later, by a formal act of the General Chapter at Citeaux, Innislounaght, with three other houses, were transferred from the jurisdiction of Mellifont to that of Furness.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

45. Attainder of Thomas Stritch, Mayor of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    Nicholas White the Clonmel MP was possibly grandson of Thomas Stritch, mayor of Limerick, who was hanged by Ireton at the surrender of the city.

    Read the passage

    In this, the parliament of James II. the Anglo-Irish burghers of Clonmel make their last appearance in history. Nicholas White is the first name on the list of aldermen contained in the new charter granted to the town 1687. He may be identified with " Nicholas White, Stritch," living in 1676 in Lough Street, east side (oj. If so he was son of Solomon White, and grandson of Thomas Stritch, mayor of Limerick, hanged by Ireton on the surrender of that city 27th October, 165 1.

    After the Restoration the Brays made a vain attempt to recover their property in Kilsheelan Street and elsewhere in the town. They subsequently obtained from Captain Mathew a farm at Galbertstown, near Thurles. On II May, 1691, at the Tholsel of the City of Dublin, John Bray ex-alderman of Clonmel and " member of the pretended parliament," was declared attainted (p).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Limerick now. In 1651, when this city surrendered, Thomas Stritch, the mayor of Limerick, was hanged by Ireton on the 27th of October. He may have been the grandfather of Nicholas White, who later served as the first name on the list of aldermen in the new charter granted to Clonmel in 1687. Nicholas White was living in Lough Street in 1676 and was the son of Solomon White, which links him back to the Stritch family of this city.

46. Bagwell family's shifting votes on the Union

    Marlfield · townland · Tipperary · 1800

    John Bagwell and his two sons, members for county and boroughs, initially opposed the Union but after political promises voted for it, then reverted to opposition in the final division of 6 February 1800, illustrating the corruption of the era.

    Read the passage

    But patriotic appeals to the national well-being had little effect on a Parliament whose only interest in the country was of the kind the shark takes in his prey. One of the members for Clonmel, Stephen Moore of Sapperton, of the numerous Mountcashel progeny, had his eye on a postmastership, a lucrative office at the time. The other member, Thomas Newenham, a strong anti-unionist, conveniently retired for a barrister, John Dennis, who was more open to the persuasive gifts of Under Secretary Cooke. Lord Mathew, the senior county member, sprung from a family sympathizing with the common people and secretly sharing their religion, consistently opposed the union. The attitude of the Bagwells is curiously illuminative. John Bagwell was junior member for the county ; his two sons, John and William, were members for the boroughs of Cashel and Rathcormack respectively. All three were at first opposed to the union. After the visit of Cornwall is to Marlfield, the viceroy was able to assure the Duke of Portland that Bagwell would give " unqualified support to the union," and he adds significantly " the objects he solicited were promised." But in the slippery diplomacy of the time, Bagwell soon learned the difference between performance and promise, and so in the final division, 6th February, 1800, the three Bagwells once more voted against the union. In the "Original Black List" of Sir Jonah Barrington, the episode is thus set down : —

    Names, Observations,

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

47. Bagwell v. Power libel trial at Clonmel Assizes

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1804

    John Bagwell sued Edmond Power, proprietor of the Clonmel Gazette, for libel over accusations of raising market tolls, coercing butchers into new shambles, and withholding militia bounty money. The trial before Judge Norbury at the Clonmel Assizes in 1804 featured witnesses examined on the 'Marching Guinea' bounty, and the jury found for Bagwell, ruining Power.

    Read the passage

    About 1775 The Hibernian Gazette or Universal Advertiser, became The Clonmel Gazette or Hibernian Advertiser, and the paper was enlarged from 12 to 16 columns. In 1792 George Heaslop was associated with Collins as printer. Eight years later the paper changed its name, ownership and politics, becoming the Clonmel Gazette or Munster Mercury, Edmond Power, the new proprietor, was father of the well-known Countess of Blessington ; he was a butter and corn merchant, resident at the Water Gate, and locally known as " Shiver the Frills." Power appointed Bernard Wright as editor. Wright's qualifications may be gathered from the fact that he had been educated for the priesthood in France, whence he was driven by the Revolution. His father, John Wright, and his uncle the Abbe Wright being disinherited of the Cloneen estate by their father John, for becoming Catholics. Bernard obtained a livelihood by teaching French. It was in the capacity of French teacher he attracted the notice of Sheriff Fitz Gerald, who flogged him in 1798. The Clonmel Gazette under Wright's editorship became the organ of the Llandaff-Donoughmore, or Catholic party, in opposition to the Bagwell, or Protestant party. An article in 1802, inspired by Solomon Watson in the interest of Lord Donoughmore, made a violent attack on Bagwell. He was accused of raising the market tolls ; of compelling butchers to enter the new shambles under threat of eviction, and finally, of personal dishonesty by withholding the bounty from some men of the Tipperary militia, of which he was colonel. The libel action, John Bagwell versus Edmond Power, was tried at the Clonmel Assizes, lith August, 1804. A report of the proceedings, which were very amusing, may be seen among the Halliday pamphlets in the Royal Irish Academy (gg). Norbury was presiding judge, and the leaders of the circuit were engaged on either side. Three militia men, Hogan, Nagle and Murphy, were examined at great length as to whether the "Marching Guinea," i.e., the bounty of four guineas, had been paid them by Bagwell. During the examination by junior counsel, Burrowes, the plaintiff's leader was seen to leave the court, when Grady, on the other side, called out to know if he had received his "Marching Guinea" from the Colonel. It was elicited that Hogan had played billiards at Marlfield. " Did he get his cue f I heard he did. Did Hogan pocket the Colonel ? I heard that one pocketted the other." Robert Malcomson, who appeared in behalf of Power, stated he was a brewer. Norbury therefore appealed to

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where a famous libel trial came before the Assizes in 1804. John Bagwell, colonel of the Tipperary militia, sued Edmond Power, proprietor of the Clonmel Gazette, over an article in 1802 that accused him of raising the market tolls, compelling butchers to enter the new shambles under threat of eviction, and pocketing bounty money owed to his militia men. Power was a butter and corn merchant who lived at the Water Gate and was known locally as "Shiver the Frills"; he was also the father of the Countess of Blessington. His editor, Bernard Wright, had been educated for the priesthood in France before the Revolution drove him out, and under his direction the Gazette became the organ of the Catholic party against the Protestant Bagwell interest. The trial opened on the 11th of August 1804, with Judge Norbury presiding and the leaders of the circuit engaged on both sides. Three militia men, Hogan, Nagle, and Murphy, were examined at length about whether the "Marching Guinea," a bounty of four guineas, had been paid to them by Bagwell. The courtroom exchanges grew sharp. When the plaintiff's leader left the court during examination by junior counsel Burrowes, Grady, for the defence, called out to ask whether he had received his Marching Guinea from the Colonel. Hogan's games of billiards at Marlfield drew mocking remarks about whether he had "pocketed the Colonel." The jury found for Bagwell, and the verdict ruined Power.

48. Bishops excommunicate subsidy-payers in Clonmel's High Street

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1346

    In 1346 four bishops - of Cashel, Limerick, Emly and Lismore - vested in full pontificals, publicly excommunicated in the middle of Clonmel's High Street all who paid the royal subsidy contrary to Church liberties.

    Read the passage

    at the butts how to shoot straight (rr). The return too of the merchant was a notable event for he told of episodes of chivalry, of the people he had met, of the churches he had seen and the pilgrimages he had made. The friar brought from the chapter of his order not only the news of ecclesiastical appointments and changes of discipline bat a full budget of gossip got from his fellow capitulars. An old inhabitant at the end of the fourteenth century could relate many a stirring scene in the town itself. He would tell how in 1331 the lord of Cahir, William De Bermingham was pounced on in Clonmel by the judiciary De Lucy, and the year after someone recognized the ghastly head of the unfortunate nobleman spiked over the gate of Dublin Castle. He would tell also how in 1338 William De Wall, sheriff of Tipperary, with thirteen of his kinsmen were murdered just outside the walls of the town by the Powers with whom they were holding parley. And in 1346 that Ralph Kelly Archbishop of Cashel, Maurice Rochfort Bishop of Limerick, Richard Walsh Bishop of Emly, and John Lynch Bishop of Lismore, one day in the middle of the High Street vested in full pontificals solemnly excommunicated all who, contrary to the liberties of the Church, paid the subsidy to the Crown. Our inhabitant in extreme old age would have seen the Anglo-Irish parliament assemble in the ancient church of Our Lady on the Monday after the feast of St. Peter 1381. Alexander Bishop of Ossory, and Sir Thomas de Mortimer were there with the King's commission, and there also were the ecclesiastical peers the bishops of the Pale, the abbots of Mellifont and Dunbrody, the priors of Athassel and Kells, and many another. The lay barons too mustered, Butlers and Fitzgeralds, Freynes and Cusacks, Poers and Barrys. The cities of the Pale sent their representatives in aldermanic array, rivalling Solomon in his glory. Indeed the barbaric splendour of this feudal parliament afforded such a spectacle as Clonmel has never since beheld ^^5/ Life therefore was full of incident; the character of the burghers strenuous and healthy, and if chronic warfare quenched the more humane instincts, it brought the ennobling compensations, personal loyalty, mutual trust and the equality of comradeship.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, a town the road passes through in Tipperary. An old inhabitant living at the end of the fourteenth century could have told you many a stirring scene from this place. He would tell how in 1331 the lord of Cahir, William De Bermingham, was pounced on in Clonmel by the judiciary De Lucy, and the year after someone recognised the ghastly head of the unfortunate nobleman spiked over the gate of Dublin Castle. He would tell also how in 1338 William De Wall, sheriff of Tipperary, with thirteen of his kinsmen, were murdered just outside the walls of the town by the Powers with whom they were holding parley. And in 1346, Ralph Kelly, Archbishop of Cashel, Maurice Rochfort, Bishop of Limerick, Richard Walsh, Bishop of Emly, and John Lynch, Bishop of Lismore, one day in the middle of the High Street, vested in full pontificals, solemnly excommunicated all who, contrary to the liberties of the Church, paid the subsidy to the Crown. That same old inhabitant, in extreme old age, would have seen the Anglo-Irish parliament assemble in the ancient church of Our Lady on the Monday after the feast of St. Peter 1381. Alexander, Bishop of Ossory, and Sir Thomas de Mortimer were there with the King's commission. The ecclesiastical peers were there too, the bishops of the Pale, the abbots of Mellifont and Dunbrody, the priors of Athassel and Kells, and many another. The lay barons mustered as well, Butlers and Fitzgeralds, Freynes and Cusacks, Poers and Barrys. The cities of the Pale sent their representatives in aldermanic array. The barbaric splendour of this feudal parliament afforded such a spectacle as Clonmel has never since beheld.

49. Broghill seizes Clonmel for the King's party

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1659

    A few days before Christmas 1659, Lord Broghill seized Clonmel in the name of a 'free parliament', switching allegiance from the Commonwealth to the royalist cause. This was part of the securing of garrison towns by Coote and Broghill ahead of the Restoration.

    Read the passage

    DURING the closing months of 1659 there was withering fear and suspense in many a Cromwellian home in Tipperary. Regicides like Isaac Pennington, Andrew Boughton and Francis Allen, or members of the Long Parliament such as William Brereton and Thomas Barnadeston prepared for the worst. Or again puritan republicans as Colonels William Moore at Lismalin, Henry Pretty at Killboy, Richard Le Hunte at Cashel, John Godfrey at Knockgraffon sullenly looked out of their castles, ready to maintain with the sword what they had won by the sword. On the other hand the royalist Butler or Burke who for ten years had followed the fortunes of Charles abroad, made feverish preparation to return " being consumed with an infinite longing to see the smoke of their own chimneys 'Y/r/rA Meanwhile Sir Charles Coote and Lord Broghill, having deserted the Commonwealth and allied themselves with the King's party in England, were securing the cities and garrison towns. A few days before Christmas Broghill seized Clonmel in the name of " a free parliament," and Major Stanley (now doubtless armed with the text " fear Grod, honour the King ") was sent to besiege Cork where Colonel Phair held out for Fleetwood and the Commonwealth. Lest Ludlow should rally the fanatical sections of Cromwell's disbanded army a volunteer force was formed in the royalist interest. A company of foot was raised in Clonmel, of which Colonel Booker took the captaincy, Richard Perrott and Ralph Chadcraft being lieutenant and ensign respectively. There was however no need for their services. A secret assurance as to estates was given by Charles, and so Cromwellians and Irish alike welcomed his accession to the throne. The King's Declaration for the

    (hh) Bishop Bramhall to Ormond, Carte Papers xxiv.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, you are moving through a town that changed hands in the days before Christmas 1659. Lord Broghill, having deserted the Commonwealth and allied himself with the King's party in England, seized Clonmel in the name of what he called a free parliament. He and Sir Charles Coote were securing the garrison towns for the royalist cause, and Major Stanley was sent to besiege Cork, where Colonel Phair held out for Fleetwood and the Commonwealth. The closing months of 1659 had brought fear and suspense to many a Cromwellian home in Tipperary. Regicides like Isaac Pennington, Andrew Boughton and Francis Allen, and members of the Long Parliament such as William Brereton and Thomas Barnadeston, prepared for the worst. Puritan republicans in their castles, men like Colonels William Moore at Lismalin, Henry Pretty at Killboy, Richard Le Hunte at Cashel and John Godfrey at Knockgraffon, sullenly looked out ready to maintain with the sword what they had won by the sword. On the other side, the royalist Butler or Burke, who for ten years had followed the fortunes of Charles abroad, made feverish preparation to return, as one source puts it, consumed with an infinite longing to see the smoke of their own chimneys. A volunteer force was formed in the royalist interest, lest Ludlow rally the fanatical sections of Cromwell's disbanded army. A company of foot was raised in Clonmel, with Colonel Booker as captain, Richard Perrott as lieutenant and Ralph Chadcraft as ensign. There was no need for their services. A secret assurance about estates was given by Charles, and so Cromwellians and Irish alike welcomed his accession to the throne.

50. Clonmel garrison abandons town as William advances after the Boyne

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1690

    In July 1690, after news of James's defeat at the Boyne, the Irish garrison considered burning Clonmel to deny it to William, instead levelling suburbs and hedges before extorting £300 from inhabitants and fleeing; Williamite forces under Schomberg then entered the empty town.

    Read the passage

    Sunday July 20 1690. Encamped at a place called Rossed Narrow upon the estate of one Mr. Read [six miles from Kilkenny] where the King had news that the enemy had quitted Clonmel whither Count Schomberg marched with a body of Horse. This is one of the strongest towns in Ireland and cost Oliver Cromwell at least 2000 men in taking it ; the Irish made some pretensions to hold it now ; in order to which they levelled all the suburbs and hedges but all they did was to make the inhabitants pay them £300 to save the town from being burnt or plundered ; it stands upon the river Sure in a pleasant and fruitful country (m).

    Another clergyman in the train of William, Rev. Roland Davis, supplies further information.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Clonmel, one of the strongest towns in Ireland. In July 1690, after James's defeat at the Boyne, the Irish garrison here talked of burning the place rather than let William have it. They levelled the suburbs and the hedges, making some show of defending it, but in the end they took £300 from the inhabitants to spare the town from fire and plunder, and then they fled. Count Schomberg marched in with his horse and found it empty. Cromwell had paid dearly for this same town years before, losing at least 2000 men taking it. It stands on the river Sure in pleasant country, but in 1690 it survived by a ransom, not a battle.

51. Clonmel Gazette libel case over new shambles

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1803–1804

    After Bagwell built new shambles in Clonmel and forced butchers to relocate there under penalty, the Clonmel Gazette criticized his conduct, including forcibly seizing mutton from a poor shopkeeper's house. Bagwell sued for libel and the paper was ruined.

    Read the passage

    An inoffensive poor inhabitant who with another rents a small shop in the Main Street, a few weeks since had a quantity of mutton forcibly taken out of his house, notwithstanding the shrieks of his affrighted wife, and Bagwell afterwards sent to him and promised to restore the mutton, if he would take a stall. He has since been threatened with a process of ejectment

    The writer having further charged Bagwell, as Colonel of the Tipperary militia, with witholding the " marching guinea " from some of the recruits, a libel action was the result (kk). Though the paper was ruined, the episode is noteworthy as evidence of the growth of an independent press, and of healthy public opinion.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clonmel now. Back in 1803, Bagwell built new shambles here and forced butchers to move in under penalty. The Clonmel Gazette criticized his conduct, reporting that a poor shopkeeper on Main Street had mutton forcibly taken from his house despite his wife's shrieks. Bagwell promised to return the mutton if the man took a stall, then threatened him with ejectment. The paper also accused Bagwell, as colonel of the Tipperary militia, of withholding the marching guinea from recruits. Bagwell sued for libel and the paper was ruined, though the episode stands as evidence of a growing independent press.

52. Clonmel magistrates imprisoned for refusing conformity

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1606–1607

    The principal inhabitants and chief magistrate of Clonmel refused to obey the proclamation requiring conformity and were summoned to Cork, insulted, fined and imprisoned. Their property was confiscated along with that of Cashel's inhabitants, intimidating the rest of the town.

    Read the passage

    The principal inhabitants and the chief magistrate of Clonmel were summoned before the president and strongly urged to obey the proclamation. They point blank refused and declared they had rather lose all they had even their lives. They were twice summoned to Cork but disobeyed and when the sergeant at arms compeU^ them in the King's name to go, they were insulted, called traitors, fined and lodged in prison where they are still confined. The heroism of the mayor [sovereign] shone out conspicuously as did that of another who lost his position for the cause ; a great friend of ours who is the head man of the whole place also signalized himself. The property of these men as well as of the people of Cashel has been confiscated and the rest of the town folk are so intimidated that there is no business going on in the place, (e).

    How long the burghers were kept in prison we have no means of knowing. In July the following year, 1607, the Earl of Thomond and Sir Richard Morrison were empowered to release the recusant Catholics upon their own recognizances. " All of them," wrote Chichester, " were accordingly set at liberty except fourteen whereof eight are of Clonmel, four of Cork and two of Kinsale who are still restrained because they obstinately refuse to enter into that bond " (fj.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel now, the town in Tipperary. In 1606 the chief magistrate and principal inhabitants here refused to obey a proclamation requiring conformity, declaring they would rather lose all they had, even their lives. They were summoned to Cork twice, and when the sergeant at arms compelled them in the King's name to go, they were called traitors, fined, and lodged in prison. Their property, along with that of the people of Cashel, was confiscated. The rest of the townsfolk were so intimidated that no business was going on in the place. How long they were kept in prison is not known. In July 1607 the Earl of Thomond and Sir Richard Morrison were empowered to release the recusant Catholics upon their own recognizances. Chichester wrote that all were set at liberty except fourteen, of whom eight were of Clonmel, four of Cork, and two of Kinsale, still restrained because they obstinately refused to enter into that bond.

53. Confederate parliament meets in Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

    On 24 October 1642 the confederate parliament met in Kilkenny, with John White and Geoffry Barron representing Clonmel, establishing a provisional government with an executive, judicature, foreign ambassadors and its own mint and seal.

    Read the passage

    beginning of January, 1642, the keys of the town were handed over by the mayor, John White, to the Irish commander, Richard Butler, of Kilcash (gg). One of the first acts of the confederates in Clonmel, as in the other towns, was to give possession of the old churches to the Catholics. Thomas White was duly instituted Catholic Vicar of St. Mary's, where members at his family had long ministered, and where many generations of them lay buried. The Franciscans entered again into their abbey, and people wondered at seeing for the first time their strange habits and sandals. The civil administration of the town was left undisturbed, but the citizens were applotted according to their capacity, for the carrying on of the war. By the end of March the whole province, with the exception of the Earl of Cork's territory and a few towns, was in the hands of the Irish, yet it was felt that without foreign aid they could neither effectively assault the towns that remained hostile, nor even hold what they had conquered. Accordingly representatives were sent abroad to solicit arms, money and supplies. Geoffry Barron who had considerable experience in public affairs and was a skilled linguist, went as envoy accompanied by Fr. O'Hartegan to Richelieu and the French court. His mission was an entire success. The nuncio in Paris furnished large sums of money. Richelieu encouraged the Irish officers in the French service to return to the help of their country, and some fourteen ships were fitted out at St. Malo, Nantes and Rochelle with cannon, small arms, ammunition and military stores. On the 24th October, 1642, the confederate parliament met in Kilkenny, the representatives for Clonmel being John White and Geoffry Barron. A provisional government was established with an executive and judicature ; ambassadors were accredited to foreign states, a mint was set up and a broad seal struck — " United for God, King and Fatherland " (Pro Deo Rege et Patria Hiberni Unanimes). Meanwhile the quarrel in England between Charles and the Parliament developed apace ; civil war broke out with the battle of Edge Hill, 23rd October, and the Irish belligerents were left to themselves to fight out their own issue. Many of the Anglo-Irish who had entered reluctantly into the struggle, now saw in the King's difficulties an opportunity to escape, if only some guarantees for their estates and religion could be obtained. Accordingly in the concluding session of the General Assembly in November, 1642, a petition to the King was framed setting forth the Puritan schemes for the extirpation of the Irish by plantations, the exclusion of the natives from civil and military employment, judicial partizanship, denial of education, in all which they sought redress.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

54. Contested mayoral election and rival Tholsel assembly

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1725

    Stephen Moore packed the corporation with non-resident freemen to control elections at the Tholsel in Clonmel, leading to two rival mayors being elected in 1725 and prolonged disputes over the office lasting decades.

    Read the passage

    his friends free, two only of whom were resident in the town. The bailiffs refused to swear Moore's nominees as ineligible, but Richard Going, the town clerk, at Moore's request administered the oath and Marlay was duly certified to the Lord Lieutenant as Recorder of Clonmel. Robert Marshall, however, the rival candidate, petitioned against the return, and the election was set aside. Moore, nothing daunted, held a council meeting a week later at which he created no fewer than forty-nine additional freemen of whom a solitary individual only, was resident in the town. The following 24th June saw two rival mayors elected. Moore certified to the election of James Going, Mayor, Bartholomew Labart and James Castell, Bailiffs; the town party returned Robert Hamerton, Mayor, Jeremiah Morgan and Richard Whitehand, Bailiffs. On the hearing of the case before the Privy Council it appeared that exclusive of his own nominees only sixty-five freemen voted for Moore's candidates, while the opposition numbered one hundred and forty. Hamerton was approved of, but the affair did not end here. At a council meeting held in October

    It appeared at the Generall Assembly that on the 29 of September last, Stephen Moore Esqr. then Mayor of this Corporation, was required according to the usuall custom to appear in the Tholsell to swear the said Robert Hamerton, Mayor, Jerome Morgan and Richard Whitehand, Baylififs, pursuant to the said election and approbation, which he absolutely refused to doe and hath ever since withheld and retained the Regalia or Ensigns of Mayoralty belonging to this Corporation and the books of the same, but hath done no Act as Mayor.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary, a town with a long memory of contested power. In 1725, Stephen Moore, then mayor of the corporation, packed the freeman rolls with his own supporters to control elections at the Tholsel, the town's municipal building. Most of these new freemen did not live in Clonmel. When the bailiffs refused to swear Moore's nominees, the town clerk, Richard Going, administered the oath at Moore's request, and Marlay was certified to the Lord Lieutenant as Recorder of Clonmel. Robert Marshall, the rival candidate, petitioned against the return, and the election was set aside. Moore was not finished. He held a council meeting a week later and created 49 additional freemen, of whom only one was resident in the town. On the 24th of June, two rival mayors were elected. Moore certified James Going as mayor, with Bartholomew Labart and James Castell as bailiffs. The town party returned Robert Hamerton as mayor, with Jeremiah Morgan and Richard Whitehand as bailiffs. Before the Privy Council, the numbers told the story. Exclusive of Moore's own nominees, only 65 freemen voted for his candidates, while the opposition numbered 140. Hamerton was approved. But Moore refused to appear at the Tholsel on the 29th of September to swear Hamerton in. He kept the Regalia and Ensigns of Mayoralty and the corporation books, and did no act as mayor. The dispute did not end there.

55. Council preaching and bishops swearing supremacy at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1539

    In January 1539 the Privy Council came to Clonmel where the Archbishop of Dublin preached the King's Supremacy and Bishop of Rome's extinguishment before Bishops of Munster, who were commanded to swear the oath of supremacy.

    Read the passage

    At the writing hereof we werne at Clonmell [l8 January 1 539] where we kepe cessions this dale and on Soneday tharchebishop of Dublin will preche here likewise as he d^ in other places befor mentioned in the presence of all the Bishops of Munster; who upon our commandment been repaired hither for the most parte alredie and or [before] they departe they shall be sworne to the Supremacie of the King, and against the Bishop of Rome.

    It is to be regretted that as the list of bishops present in Clonmel is not now forthcoming, we are left altogether to inferential evidence. One thing is certain that all the Munster bishops did not obey the summons, while on the other hand some from outside the province attended. The archbishops of Tuam and Cashel, Bodkin and Butler, were unquestionably among the number present. The former had already the previous July taken the oath of supremacy in Galway : the latter, like his father Ossory, was probably ready to profess Mahometanism if it were the King's religion. James Quinn, bishop of Limerick, had six months before sworn to maintain the King's supremacy. Dominick Tirrey, bishop of Cork and Cloyne, had been installed by Henry in opposition to the papal nominee, Lewis McNamara, a Franciscan : who the others were is a matter of mere conjecture. But the event is the most important in the history of Protestantism in Ireland during the sixteenth century. On 8th February, 1539, the Council wrote to Cromwell.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town where in January 1539 the Privy Council held sessions and the Archbishop of Dublin preached the King's Supremacy and the extinguishment of the Bishop of Rome. The Bishops of Munster were commanded to attend, and before they departed they were to be sworn to the Supremacy of the King and against the Bishop of Rome. The list of bishops present is not known now, but the evidence points to several. Archbishops Bodkin of Tuam and Butler of Cashel were among the number. Bodkin had already taken the oath of supremacy in Galway the previous July. Butler, like his father of Ossory, was probably ready to profess Mahometanism if it were the King's religion, as the source puts it. James Quinn, bishop of Limerick, had sworn to maintain the King's supremacy six months before. Dominick Tirrey, bishop of Cork and Cloyne, had been installed by Henry in opposition to the papal nominee, Lewis McNamara, a Franciscan. Not all Munster bishops obeyed the summons, while some from outside the province attended. On 8 February 1539 the Council wrote to Cromwell. The event is called the most important in the history of Protestantism in Ireland during the sixteenth century.

56. Cromwellian capture of Carrick and bloody execution of townsmen

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1649

    A party of Cromwell's horse suddenly seized Carrick for want of vigilance, carrying out bloody executions on some townsmen and garrison members, several of whom fled to Clonmel with news of the attack, followed shortly by Cromwellian foot soldiers.

    Read the passage

    Being assured by the testimonie of divers witnesses of the sudden takinge of Carricke for want of vigilancie by a partye of Cromwells horse, havinge acted some bloddye execution upon some of the townsmen and garrison there whereof some came

    (mm) Endorsed to his Excel!, the Marquesse of Ormond Lord Lieutanant, generaU of Ireland These present— Carte Papers, Bodleian, Oxford, vol. 26.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

57. Curran and Walsh's bloodless duel at the Circuit Court

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    A young Curran provoked a quarrel with Walsh, the mob favourite, at the Circuit Court of Clonmel, and the two went out to a nearby enclosed field accompanied by the whole court except judge and jury. Both fired and missed after three-quarters of an hour of proceedings.

    Read the passage

    Curran, when a stripling unknown to fame provoked a quarrel in the Circuit Court of Clonmel with Walsh, the mob favourite of the day, and they went out accompanied by the whole court, except the judge and jury. They were taken to a field well enclosed with hedges, and placed in opposite comers just as if they had been a pair of bulls turned into a paddock. The whole population from the outside of the fence eagerly watched and encouraged their mutual advances. They both fired and missed : "lame and impotent conclusion," provocative of derisive cheers amid the echoes of which the combatants re-entered the court to receive the ironical congratulations of their longrobed brethren. The affair had occupied three quarters of an hour (xx).

    After many a fight, the end of the old fire-eater came with a fearful and pathetic fitness. Broken in fortune and character, he lived for many years in the fine mansion at the corner of Mary and Peter streets.. One evening in 1802, the sole retainer who shared the house with him, returned, unable to obtain the necessaries of life. A few minutes later Walsh's career closed. The pistol with which he had paid the mistaken debt of honour to others, rendered a like service to himself (yyj.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where a young Curran, unknown to fame, provoked a quarrel with Walsh, the mob favourite of the day, at the Circuit Court. The two went out accompanied by the whole court, except the judge and jury, to a field enclosed with hedges, placed in opposite corners like a pair of bulls in a paddock. The whole population watched from the fences and urged them on. Both fired and missed, a "lame and impotent conclusion" that drew derisive cheers from the crowd. The combatants re-entered the court to the ironical congratulations of their long-robed brethren. The whole affair lasted three-quarters of an hour. Walsh's end came years later. Broken in fortune and character, he lived in the fine mansion at the corner of Mary and Peter streets. One evening in 1802, the sole retainer who shared the house returned, unable to obtain the necessaries of life. A few minutes later Walsh's career closed. The pistol with which he had paid the mistaken debt of honour to others rendered a like service to himself.

58. Danish fleet defeated on the Blackwater at Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 864

    In 864 the first appearance of the Danes in the locality saw their fleet on the Blackwater defeated and their fortified camp at Youghal destroyed by the Deisi.

    Read the passage

    The most important epoch in the history of the Deisi from their conversion to the twelfth century was the invasion of the Danes. Their first appearance in the locality was in 864 when their fleet on the Blackwater was defeated and the fortified camp at Youghal, destroyed. The next year the Deisi were again victorious, Grimhbeolu, "chief of the foreigners of Cork," being slain. During the following century and a half, despite many reverses, the Danes continued steadily to arrive. From the harbours they penetrated inland in their flat bottomed boats and having raided the monasteries and chieftains* strongholds swiftly disappeared again. Yet in the wake of the freebooters many came to trade and settle. Tradition credits them with being the builders of forts, bridges and even round towers. This much is certain that they were the founders of the great maritime cities and probably of some of the towns on navigable rivers also. There they carried on considerable trade, importing large quantities of wine from Poitou and exporting ox hides and other skins (h). Not having brought wives they interjnarrled with the Irish, and so came in the next generation to profess the Christian religion. Politically too they were soon identified with the Irish ; they took a part in the tribal wars, and at Clontarf some of them fought on the Irish side, while on the other hand some Irish fought with them. When the Danish community of Waterford petitioned for a bishop, the petition went naturally in the name of the Irish king (i). By the time that the Anglo-Normans arrived the Northmen and the native Deisi were almost completely fused. We meet with such names as 'Heverbric' (Ivar O'Brick), *Ragnal O'Rigbardain ' (Reginald 0*Riordan), 'Imari O'Cathal' (Ivar O'Cahill) and others (j). The most notable occupant of the See of Lismore from St. Carthage down, was the Dano-Irish Gillechriost O'Connary, better known as Christianus, while in the defence of Waterford against Strongbow the leading part was taken by Malachy OThelan, chief of the Deisi.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog

59. Deisi victory over the Danes, Grimhbeolu slain

    Cork · city · Cork · 865

    The year after the Youghal defeat, the Deisi were again victorious over the Danes, with Grimhbeolu, described as chief of the foreigners of Cork, being slain.

    Read the passage

    The most important epoch in the history of the Deisi from their conversion to the twelfth century was the invasion of the Danes. Their first appearance in the locality was in 864 when their fleet on the Blackwater was defeated and the fortified camp at Youghal, destroyed. The next year the Deisi were again victorious, Grimhbeolu, "chief of the foreigners of Cork," being slain. During the following century and a half, despite many reverses, the Danes continued steadily to arrive. From the harbours they penetrated inland in their flat bottomed boats and having raided the monasteries and chieftains* strongholds swiftly disappeared again. Yet in the wake of the freebooters many came to trade and settle. Tradition credits them with being the builders of forts, bridges and even round towers. This much is certain that they were the founders of the great maritime cities and probably of some of the towns on navigable rivers also. There they carried on considerable trade, importing large quantities of wine from Poitou and exporting ox hides and other skins (h). Not having brought wives they interjnarrled with the Irish, and so came in the next generation to profess the Christian religion. Politically too they were soon identified with the Irish ; they took a part in the tribal wars, and at Clontarf some of them fought on the Irish side, while on the other hand some Irish fought with them. When the Danish community of Waterford petitioned for a bishop, the petition went naturally in the name of the Irish king (i). By the time that the Anglo-Normans arrived the Northmen and the native Deisi were almost completely fused. We meet with such names as 'Heverbric' (Ivar O'Brick), *Ragnal O'Rigbardain ' (Reginald 0*Riordan), 'Imari O'Cathal' (Ivar O'Cahill) and others (j). The most notable occupant of the See of Lismore from St. Carthage down, was the Dano-Irish Gillechriost O'Connary, better known as Christianus, while in the defence of Waterford against Strongbow the leading part was taken by Malachy OThelan, chief of the Deisi.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork now, and this city carries a story from the year 865. The Danes had first appeared in this part of the country the year before, in 864, when their fleet on the Blackwater was defeated and their fortified camp at Youghal destroyed. The next year the Deisi were victorious again, and a man called Grimhbeolu, described as chief of the foreigners of Cork, was slain. That word foreigners meant the Danes, the Norsemen who came raiding from across the sea. The most important epoch in the history of the Deisi from their conversion to the twelfth century was this invasion. Over the following century and a half, despite many reverses, the Danes kept arriving. From the harbours they went inland in their flat bottomed boats, raiding monasteries and chieftains' strongholds, then disappearing again. Yet many came to trade and settle behind the freebooters. Tradition credits them with building forts, bridges, and even round towers. They founded the great maritime cities and probably some towns on navigable rivers. There they carried on considerable trade, importing large quantities of wine from Poitou and exporting ox hides and other skins. Not having brought wives, they intermarried with the Irish, and in the next generation came to profess the Christian religion. Politically they were soon identified with the Irish, taking part in tribal wars. At Clontarf some Danes fought on the Irish side, while some Irish fought with them. By the time the Anglo-Normans arrived, the Northmen and the native Deisi were almost completely fused. You meet names like Ivar O'Brick, Reginald O'Riordan, Ivar O'Cahill. The most notable bishop of Lismore after St. Carthage was the Dano-Irish Gillechriost O'Connary, known as Christianus, and in the defence of Waterford against Strongbow the leading part was taken by Malachy O'Thelan, chief of the Deisi.

60. Father Richard Morris, parish priest of Clonmel, hunted as traitor

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1580–1591

    Father Richard Morris reached Clonmel around 1580 and was reported as a reconciled priest in league with Catholic bishops. He was accused in the treason charges against Sir John Perrot of being a dangerous traitor who traveled to Spain and Rome to plot rebellion, but was eventually released through influential friends.

    Read the passage

    1590 he was reported as " a prieste that useth Clonmel." He next appears in a more odious form as ** a prieste reconcyled to Papestry." We find him subsequently in a list sent by Miler McGrath, the Protestant Archbishop of Cashel, " Sir Richard Moris who confessed before the now Lord Justice Chefe of England Sir John poppam that he was within this two yeares in conference with doctor Crah " [Catholic bishop of Cork and Cloyne]. Morris had earned the unsparing hatred of McGrath; like others he had probably girded too indiscreetly at Amy O'Meara, the Archbishop's partner (w). Sir John Perrot, the brusque soldier who filled the office of deputy, however, had little faith in Miler, and was adverse to religious persecution. When in 1 591 Perrot was charged with high treason, one of the counts was "That one Richard Morrice, a Priest, a notorious Traitor being a passer from Ireland to Vicount Baltinglass in Spain and from thence to Rome to confer of Rebellions and Invasion for England and Ireland. Sir John Perrot knowing the said Morrice to be a most dangerous person to the State would not give order for the taking of the said Morrice as he should have done but the Bishop of Cashell caused him to be apprehended of his own authority and sent him to Mr. Poor the sheriff to be sent to the Castle of Dublin whereupon the friends of the said Morrice told them that Morrice had better friends than they all had and shortly after Morrice was discharged and never more called in question. And all this was confirmed by the oath of the Archbishop of Cashell and the said Poore viva voce" If Perrot, a strong, just man would not soil his hands with "the Queen's business" of this sort, others had less scruples. Among the " younger sons " who were then pushing their fortunes in Ireland, one of the most notable was John Norris, son of Lord Norris of Rycot. He had taken part in a filibustering expedition to Flanders some years before, and was able to boast that he had stabled his horses in St. Godule, Brussells. But though ambitious of fame, Ireland offered in the Desmond forfeitures more solid rewards, and in 1584 he obtained the presidency of Munster. Secretary Fenton was instructed to provide the president with an estate, and that official selected Askeaton, one of Desmond's principal houses. Captain Barkley, however, had taken possession, so that Norris in disgust again volunteered for the Low Countries "not to be drowned in this forgetful corner." At this juncture an opportunity occurred of giving signal proof of his Protestantism, and he availed himself of it. Some eighteen months before while the hapless Earl of Desmond was being run to earth. Lord Roche wrote to Ormond that he had captured the Earl's chaplain, Desmond himself

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Clonmel, it carries a story from the 1580s about a priest named Father Richard Morris. He was reported around 1590 as "a prieste that useth Clonmel" and was later described as "a prieste reconcyled to Papestry." Miler McGrath, the Protestant Archbishop of Cashel, sent a list naming Morris, who had confessed before Sir John Popham, the Lord Justice, that within two years he had been in conference with Dr. Creagh, the Catholic bishop of Cork and Cloyne. Morris had earned McGrath's hatred, possibly for speaking too freely about Amy O'Meara, the Archbishop's partner. Sir John Perrot, the deputy, had little faith in McGrath and was against religious persecution. But in 1591, when Perrot himself was charged with high treason, one of the counts was that he failed to arrest Richard Morrice, described as "a Priest, a notorious Traitor" who had traveled from Ireland to Viscount Baltinglass in Spain and then to Rome to confer about rebellions and invasion for England and Ireland. Perrot knew Morrice was dangerous but would not order his arrest. McGrath had him apprehended on his own authority and sent to Dublin Castle. Morris's friends declared he had better friends than they all had, and shortly after he was discharged and never called in question again.