Name: History of Clonmel
Author: William P. Burke (1864–1941)

Father Sheehy buried at Shanrahan near O'Callaghan vault and Griffith's house

Shanrahan · townland · Tipperary · 1766

Father Nicholas Sheehy was buried at Shanrahan, where he had earlier hidden for thirteen months in the O'Callaghan vault, sheltered at night by the friendly Protestant Griffith who lived nearby. His gravestone records his death on 15 March 1766, aged 38.

Read the passage

Here lieth the remains of the Rev. Nicholas Sheehy,
Parish Priest of Shandraghan, Ballysheehan and Templeteny.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

Father Thomas White, native of Clonmel, founder of Irish College at Salamanca

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1592–1622

Thomas White, born in Clonmel, gathered impoverished Irish scholars begging in Spain and petitioned Philip II to found the Royal College of the Irish Nobles at Salamanca. He remained a central figure in Irish Catholic education in Spain until his death in 1622.

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A successor of White in Salamanca in our own day, Dr. Walter McDonald, wrote " Father White was a native of Clonmel, and that town may well be proud of having given birth to the saviour of the Catholic faith in Ireland. Such a man is in every way deserving of a national monument, and I hope to see the day the Church of Ireland will, in gratitude to his memory, raise one in the capital of the kingdom and another in his native town."
Many years ago the present writer had Thomas White's portrait copied from the original in the Irish College, Salamanca. It was painted apparently about his fiftieth year and shows him to have been a man of medium size, long features, large nose, well set eyes with high cheek bones and

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, this is the birthplace of Father Thomas White, a man Dr. Walter McDonald called "the saviour of the Catholic faith in Ireland." White grew up here and later went to Spain, where he gathered impoverished Irish scholars who were begging in the streets. He petitioned Philip the Second to found the Royal College of the Irish Nobles at Salamanca, and he remained a central figure in Irish Catholic education there until his death in 1622. A portrait of him, painted around his fiftieth year and copied from the original in the Irish College at Salamanca, shows a man of medium size with long features, a large nose, well-set eyes and high cheekbones. McDonald once wrote that Clonmel may well be proud of having given birth to such a man.

Flogging of editor Bernard Wright by Sheriff Fitzgerald

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1798

Bernard Wright, a French teacher and later editor of the Clonmel Gazette, was flogged in 1798 by Sheriff Fitzgerald after attracting his notice as a French teacher. Wright had fled France during the Revolution and had been disinherited along with his father and uncle for becoming Catholics.

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

Coming up through Clonmel, in County Tipperary. In 1798, a man named Bernard Wright was flogged in this town by Sheriff Fitzgerald. Wright had been appointed editor of the Clonmel Gazette by Edmond Power, a butter and corn merchant known locally as "Shiver the Frills" and father of the Countess of Blessington. Wright's path to that editorship was an unusual one. He had been educated for the priesthood in France but was driven out by the Revolution, and he made his living teaching French. It was as a French teacher that he attracted the notice of Sheriff Fitzgerald, who flogged him in 1798. Wright's father, John Wright, and his uncle, the Abbe Wright, had themselves been disinherited of the Cloneen estate by their father, also named John, for becoming Catholics. Under Wright's editorship the Clonmel Gazette became the organ of the Catholic party, the Llandaff-Donoughmore side, 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, accusing him of raising the market tolls, compelling butchers to enter the new shambles under threat of eviction, and 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 on 11 August 1804. Norbury was the presiding judge. Three militia men, Hogan, Nagle and Murphy, were examined at great length about whether the Marching Guinea, a bounty of four guineas, had been paid to them by Bagwell. During the examination the plaintiff's leader was seen to leave the court, and Grady, on the other side, called out to know if he had received his Marching Guinea from the Colonel.

Imprisonment of Eleanor, Countess of Desmond

Bridge Street · street · Tipperary · 1582–1584

Eleanor, wife of the Earl of Desmond, was imprisoned in the county gaol at Clonmel from late 1582 until January 1584, after which she suffered further want and misery in Dublin Castle.

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

As the companion tells it

Along here, opposite Bridge Street and forming the end of Middle Row, stood the county gaol and town hall built over the same. The Survey of 1654 described another gaol elsewhere in the town, in a stone house on the south side, where, as the survey put it, the upper part was formerly used for a guard house, the middle part was continually used by butchers to sell meat, and the lower part was commonly used as a common gaole, which was, in the survey's words, always time out of mind property belonging to the Corporation and employed to the uses aforesaid. But it was the county gaol opposite Bridge Street round which gathered many painful memories. The wounded Earl of Desmond was brought here in triumph by Ormonde. Two years later, by a kind of Nemesis, its doors closed on Edmund Butler, Ormond's own brother. Then towards the end of 1582, Eleanor, the wife of the ill-fated Desmond, entered this gaol. She remained there, and only in January 1584 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.

James Herbert arrested as accomplice to silence Sheehy witness

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1766

James Herbert, a Limerick farmer coming to testify to Sheehy's whereabouts on the murder date, was arrested at Clonmel assizes and charged as an accomplice, effectively removing his testimony and intimidating other potential witnesses.

Read the passage

Mr. Herbert came to the assizes of Clonmell in order to give evidence in favour of Father Sheehy but his arrival being made known to the grand jury (who before had found bills of high treason against him) they had not an opportunity before of having him taken, as they knew not his person [bb). They sent for Toohy who said he knew him very well and would assist to take him. Upon this William Bagnell Esq. attended Toohy with some of the light-horse, went in pursuit of him and soon took him. Being told on what occasion he was secured, said that if accepted of he would make a full confession, would discover the rise and meetings of the Whiteboys and their intentions, acknowledged himself guilty of what he was accused and had no reason to expect mercy from the Government but in doing all in his power to serve it. To this he was led by the appearance of Toohy whom he knew able to convict him of the murder of John Bridge. The taking up of this accomplice gave room to some to report that the evidences in favour of Father Sheehy were intimidated and that he was deprived of the

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Coming through Clonmel now, a town with a stark piece of 1766 history. James Herbert, a Limerick farmer, arrived at the assizes here to testify that Father Sheehy had been elsewhere on the night of the murder. But the grand jury had already found bills of high treason against Herbert and had only lacked the chance to seize him, not knowing his face. A man called Toohy identified him, and William Bagnell rode out with some light-horse and took him. Once secured, Herbert offered a full confession, saying he would disclose the rise and meetings of the Whiteboys and their intentions. He acknowledged his guilt and said he had no reason to expect mercy except by serving the government in every way he could. He was driven to this, the record says, by the appearance of Toohy, whom he knew could convict him of the murder of John Bridge. The arrest of this accomplice gave rise to reports that the witnesses for Father Sheehy were intimidated and that he was deprived of their testimony.

Jesuits in Hiding Write of Persecution, 1607

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1607

On 17th January 1607 the Clonmel Jesuit Nicholas Leynach wrote of being dispersed and hunted like night robbers, with fellow priests Andrew Morony and Walter Wall still evading capture while continuing their ministry in secret.

Read the passage

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: —
Fr. Richard White priest, gen'all vicar of the diocess of Lismore. In ye Diocess Fr. Thomas Sheyne a Jesuite and a precher now resideing in Edward of Lismore Whites house in Clonmel.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, you are on ground where priests once hid in plain sight. In 1607 the persecution of Catholics was fierce here. Troops of horse scoured the country, houses of the gentry were raided, and some twenty priests were captured. The rest went into hiding or disguised themselves as grooms, surgeons, servants, or even fools and strolling players. On 17th January 1607 the Clonmel Jesuit 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.' He added that fellow priests Andrew Morony and Walter Wall were well and were 'selling their wares,' a coded phrase for continuing their ministry in secret. Nine months later the Earl of Thomond, president of Munster, wrote to Salisbury that he had placed horse among the recusant Catholics and appointed officers at Clonmel and Cashel, where most of the Jesuits and seminaries resorted, hoping to catch some of them. But he admitted it was all in vain, because they were so befriended that hardly any could be apprehended.

John Bridge to give evidence at Clonmel assizes, then vanishes

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1765

John Bridge was expected to testify at the Clonmel assizes in March 1765 against Denis Brien of Ballyporeen, but he had disappeared and was feared murdered by Whiteboys, prompting a reward notice from the High Sheriff and Grand Jury.

Read the passage

That whereas the said John Bridge is missing since October past, and is supposed to be murthered, we do hereby promise a reward of 50// to any person or persons who shall discover, within twelve calendar months, any person or persons concerned in said act.
Though no information was forthcoming, it became increasingly evident to the Tipperary magistracy that Bridge was murdered. They were satisfied too that the priest was connected with the murder, but their difficulty was to bring it home to him. For months all sorts and conditions of people were questioned in vain, but this was only an additional proof of the dangerous character of the Whiteboy conspiracy, as of the almost demoniacal influence exercised over the people by the priest Sheehy. At length the energetic Hewetson lifted the veil. On 20th September a man named John Toohy was

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Coming through Clonmel now. In March 1765, John Bridge was meant to give evidence at the assizes here against Denis Brien of Ballyporeen, but he had been missing since the previous October and was feared murdered. The High Sheriff and Grand Jury offered a reward of 50 pounds to anyone who could identify those responsible, but no one came forward. The Tipperary magistracy grew convinced that Bridge had been killed by the Whiteboys, and they suspected the priest Sheehy was connected to it, though they could not prove it. For months people of all kinds were questioned in vain, which the source calls a sign of the 'demoniacal influence' exercised over the people by Sheehy. The breakthrough finally came on 20th September, when a man named John Toohy was brought forward.

Kinnealy brothers shot dead at Outrath near Cahir

Outrath · townland · Kilkenny

Three brothers named Kinnealy, who had taken a farm at Outrath near Cahir from evicted tenants, were shot dead while sitting at supper one evening.

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If the evicting landlord or agent was a doomed man, the fate which awaited those who took the vacant holdings was more inevitable still. "It appears," said the Devon Commissioners, " that vengeance is more frequently directed against the incoming tenant than against the landlord or agent" In 1826, John Barry became tenant of Ballyneety, near Ardfinnan, from which a family named Lonergan had been evicted. Sunday, ilth February, 1827, Barry was murdered in his own parlour, and on the 9th of April following, five men were hanged on Ardfinnan Green for the murder. Three brothers named Kinnealy who had similarly taken a farm at Outrath, near Cahir, were shot dead while sitting at supper one evening. But amid the annals of assassination, one case stands out beyond all others in awful prominence — "the burning of the Sheas." William Gorman had been evicted by Patrick Shea from a small holding at Tubber, on the slope of Slievenamon. A lease existed, but being unstamped. Shea took advantage of the fact and entered into possession of the holding. Bidding defiance to his hostile neighbours he formed for defence a party of his family and kinsfolk, all well armed. On the night of the 19th November, 1821, a body of men, commanded by a desperado named Maher, surrounded the house. In spite of shots fired by the Sheas, they contrived to place a heap of straw and brushwood against the thatch. As the house caught fire, several of the inmates trying to escape, were mercilessly shot down, and the following
(Pp) Shiel's Personal Sketches.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

Land War in 18th-19th century Tipperary - eviction and agrarian violence

Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1700–1899

During this period pasture gave way to tillage, population increased causing sub-division of holdings and endemic destitution, leading to wholesale clearances, assassination-driven fixity of tenure, vengeance on landgrabbers, and jury packing.

Read the passage

LAND WAR— During the 18th century Tipperary in pasture, 126, 202; rapid rise in rents, 202, 361-2; pasture gives place to tillage, 203; increase of population and sub-division of holdings, 203; destitution endemic, 203-4; competition for land, 206; agrarian disturbance, 206; protection under common law taken away and statutory facilities for eviction afforded, 206; wholesale clearances, 206; fixity of tenure by assassination, 208; vengeance on landgrabbcrs, 209; morality suspended, 210; law a travesty, 210; jury packing, 211.
LAWLESSNESS OF GENTRY— 24, 26-7-8.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 52

Ministers' Money distraint of goods from Clonmel householders in 1704

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1704

Under the Ministers' Money Act, churchwardens in Clonmel entered and distrained goods from defaulting householders in 1704, including brass pots, candlesticks, a spade, blankets, and wool taken from Quakers who refused on principle to pay.

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(p) " Ministers' Money " was for nearly 200 years one of the most intolerable burthens laid on the inhabitants of Clonmel generally. Under the Act 17 & 18 Chas. II., c. 7, a rate of one shilling in the jf was levied on each householder (in no case valuation to exceed £60) for the support of the Protestant vicar. In case of default the churchwardens were to enter and distrain the goods of defaulter. An ** Incumbent Book " for the year 1704 is in possession of Mr. F. J. Quinn of Springfield. The warrant is signed by " Mr. Simon Gibbons, elk.," and directed to " Richard Stritch and James Keating, churchwardens." The list of distresses in the end is curious : " 15 May 1704 John Boughell 1 brass pot and 2 candle sticks — deld. ye ig*!* to your wife." " A spade from Tho. Gillypatrick 8. Suburbs for Teig Dermot." "Aug. 25 deld. i blanket i tub and i can of Ja. Reed S. Suburbs." " i old Petty coate from John Nunan's wife," etc., etc As Quakers on principle would not pay, we find " 6 stone 6 li fwool | from Jo. and St. Collet for £1 17s. od."
(q) First Fruits* Returns, Easter Term, 181 1, P.R.O.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 28

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, this town carried a burden for nearly 200 years called Ministers' Money. Under an Act of Charles the Second, every householder was rated one shilling in the pound, capped at a valuation of 60 pounds, to support the Protestant vicar. If you defaulted, the churchwardens could enter your house and seize your goods. An Incumbent Book for 1704, kept by Mr. F. J. Quinn of Springfield, records the distresses. The warrant was signed by Mr. Simon Gibbons and directed to churchwardens Richard Stritch and James Keating. The list is plain and telling. On the 15th of May 1704, John Boughell lost one brass pot and two candlesticks. A spade was taken from Thomas Gillpatrick. From James Reed in the suburbs, one blanket, one tub and one can. An old petty coat from John Nunan's wife. Quakers, on principle, would not pay, and so six stone and six pounds of wool were taken from Joseph and Sarah Collet for a debt of 1 pound, 17 shillings.

Miraculous death of a man who mocked St Francis' cord

Clonmel · town · Tipperary

A man who scorned the Friars and dismissed St Francis' knotted cord received such a scourging in bed that night that he died in his friends' arms, crying that St Francis and the cord were killing him.

Read the passage

God manifested the power of St. Francis by one or two miracles in this convent. A certain man treated the Friars with contumely. Being told to beware of the knotty cord or cincture of St. Francis, he said he cared little about St. Francis or his cord. That night in bed, he received such a scourging that he actually died in the arms of his friends, crying out St. Francis was killing him and the cord torturing him.
For many years the statue of St. Francis was kept in the sacristy. By it more than once, perjurers were confounded. A woman on one occasion denial on oath she had stolen certain clothing. But no sooner had she sworn, than the clothing hidden away in some corner, at once appeared at her very feet. In terror she confessed her sin and did penance.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

As the companion tells it

We're passing through Clonmel, a Tipperary town with a convent where miracles were attributed to St Francis. A man here once treated the Friars with contumely and, warned about the knotted cord of St Francis, said he cared little about St Francis or his cord. That night in bed he received such a scourging that he died in the arms of his friends, crying out that St Francis was killing him and the cord torturing him. For many years the statue of St Francis was kept in the sacristy, and perjurers were confounded by it. A woman on one occasion denied on oath she had stolen certain clothing, but no sooner had she sworn than the hidden clothing appeared at her feet. In terror she confessed and did penance.

Murder of James Scully of Kilfeacle after evictions

Kilfeacle · townland · Laois · 1841

James Scully of Kilfeacle evicted 30 tenants in winter 1841, was shot and wounded the following April, and was murdered later that year in November. His 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

Nicholas White's pauperism at Garrangibbon and Slievenamon

near Slievenamon · mountain or mountain range · Tipperary · 1660–1663

After the Restoration, Nicholas White, unable to regain his Clonmel estate, took refuge on the slope of Slievenamon so he could see his old home, and later petitioned for relief while renting the farm of Garrangibbon, sinking into poverty.

Read the passage

Commissioners at Loughrea and built his cabin, he there waited until the 25th March, 1656, when by decree of the Court at Athlone he was granted 1,004 acres amid the desolate rocks of West Clare. Here he pined during the four following years, until on the news of the King's restoration he made his way back to Tipperary. As the. Cromwellians in possession would not admit him into the town, and there was a proclamation ordering the escaped Irish back to Connaught, he took a small farm on the slope of Slievenamon whence he might behold his old home. From there he addressed several petitions to the Duke of Ormond to be restored. The* only reply he received was official sympathy, and so step by step he sank into pauperism. The following is the last we learn of this broken gentleman of Clonmel : —
To his Grace the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The humble Petition of Nicholas White Esqr.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

Night sortie from Clonmel destroys unfinished Cromwellian fort

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

Two hundred chosen men left Clonmel at night through a neglected part of the wall near the river, attacking an unfinished Cromwellian fort and killing about sixty men before returning safely with minor losses.

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From about the middle of April when the battery first began to 'speak,' onward through the month of May, the air was vibrant with the thunder of cannon. The garrison could only reply feebly and at lengthening intervals, for the ammunition was failing, and every ounce of powder had to be economised. The walls bravely stood the shock ; but their old time builders little dreamt of cannon that would carry balls of 42 pounds weight (y). Amid the awful gloom and strain of those terrible weeks the energy of O'Neill fired the whole population. His practised eye saw every danger, and his resource was equal to every emergency. One incident of this time put the townsfolk into high spirits. "Within two hours after night fall the Major generall sent out two hundred chosen men and officers with a good guide through bye ways from a place of the wall next the river that was neglected by the besiegers, and fell on the backs of those in a fort not fully finished and cut them all off before any relief came; on which immediately the next gate was opened for them, and they got in safe with the loss of half a dozen. The number killed in the fort was about sixty, being one of their companies " (z).
The siege was now entering on its last phase. By the middle of May the cannon had done their work and a large stretch of the wall was falling.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, you are moving through the ground of one of the fiercest sieges of the Cromwellian war. From the middle of April 1650 the cannon spoke against these walls, firing balls of 42 pounds, and the garrison under O'Neill could only answer feebly as their powder ran low. One night the Major General sent 200 chosen men out through a part of the wall next the river that the besiegers had neglected. They fell on the backs of the enemy in a fort not fully finished and cut them off before any relief came. The next gate was opened for them and they got back in safe, having killed about 60 in the fort and lost only half a dozen themselves. The words of the time say it was one of their companies that was destroyed. It lifted the spirits of the townsfolk, though the siege was not over. By the middle of May the cannon had done their work and a large stretch of the wall was falling.

Pilltown prisoners rescued at Newmarket, soldiers killed

Newmarket · street · Dublin · 1763

Seven men arrested in Pilltown for Whiteboyism were being escorted to Kilkenny gaol when the party was ambushed near Newmarket during a passing funeral; soldiers were disarmed and prisoners rescued, with two soldiers and three rescuers killed.

Read the passage

On 29th September an affair occurred which aroused the attention of the whole kingdom. Seven men arrested in Pilltown for Whiteboyism, were being conveyed to Kilkenny gaol under a military escort. At a place called Newmarket the party got mixed up in a passing " funeral." The soldiers were forthwith disarmed and the prisoners rescued, but in the affray Sergeant Johnson and Private Finch of Lord Drogheda's troop were killed. Three of the rescuers were killed and a number wounded. Among the minor incidents recorded is the following : —
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.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Along this street at Newmarket, on 29 September 1763, a military escort was moving seven men arrested in Pilltown for Whiteboyism toward Kilkenny gaol. The party got caught up in a passing funeral, and in the confusion the soldiers were disarmed and the prisoners freed. Sergeant Johnson and Private Finch of Lord Drogheda's troop were killed in the affray, along with three of the rescuers, and a number of others were wounded. The affair aroused the attention of the whole kingdom. Among the minor incidents recorded around this time is the case of Timothy Loughnan of Clashvagha, in the parish of Newcastle, who in 1760 had taken on the tithes of Newcastle from the Reverend William Downes and the Reverend Richard Foulke. Two years into the bargain, nearly a hundred men seized him in the dead of night, carried him off almost naked on horseback, and made part of a grave, threatening to bury him alive if he did not give up his claim. He swore his account at Shanrahan on 6 October 1763.

Proclamation and reward offered for capture of Father Nicholas Sheehy

Shanrahan · townland · Tipperary · 1765

In 1765 the Privy Council ordered copies of examinations against the Whiteboys sent to the Lord Lieutenant and issued a proclamation offering a reward for the apprehension of Father Nicholas Sheehy, described as a 'Popish Priest' associated with Shanrahan.

Read the passage

The several Examinations taken before lA O Justice Gore against the White Boys and others relative to several Disturbances and Outrages committed by them in the Counties of Kilkenny Waterford and Tipperary— Read— and agreed that— Copys thereof should be sent to the Lord Lieutenant and that a Proclamation should be issued offering a Reward of £zgo for the apprehending of Nicholas Shehee a Popish Priest
13 Feb. 1765.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 50

Robbery and imprisonment of Richard Graunte near Rehill

Rehill · townland · Tipperary · 1535–1537

Richard Graunte of Fetherd was violently assaulted, robbed of forty pounds' worth of goods, and taken to Rehill where Sir Thomas Butler imprisoned him for half a year and forced a ransom, compelling him to mortgage his lands.

Read the passage

In most humble wise sheweth unto your worshipfull masterships your daily orator and poor bedeman Richard Graunte of Fetherd burgess, that where as he was in the service of Sir John Arundell of the countie of Comewall and was willing to see his frends and the count rey where he was borne. Where upon he took shipping and arived at Dungarvan and there about two yeres nowe passed met withe Edmond Mawrice gent who for a certayn some of money agreed upon sauffly to conducte the said Richard and certayn goods which the said Richard had then in his possession to Clonmel. After which conduccyon and hire the same Richard upon the truste he had in the same Edmond went hymselfe with his goods toward Clonmell wyth the said Edmond Mawrice which said goods amounte to the value of forty pounds. And the said Edmond notwithstanding the confydance and truste which the said Richard had in hym in the way bitwene Dongarvan aforsaid and Clonmell dyd with force and armes assaute the said Richard and hym dyd beate and grevously wounde and the same goods then being in the possession of the said Richard dyd felonously steale and here awaye and after the same robery dyd convey the same goods to the towne of Rekyll [Rehill]. And the said Edmond with other company to your orator unknowen dyd bringe your said orator with force to the said towne of Rekyll where Sir Thomas Butler Master to the said Edmond then inhabited and the said Sir Thomas Butler imprisoned your orator by the space of half a yere and compelled him to give him eight pounds and ten shillings Irishe for a raunsome or fyne for the payment of which raunsome your said orator was enforsed to mortgage his lands to his utter undoing. In consyderacon of all the premises may it please etc
In addition to highway robbery, there was systematic plunder under the forms of law.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Rehill, Richard Graunte of Fetherd, a burgess, met with a brutal fate in the years around 1535. He had been in the service of Sir John Arundell in Cornwall, and he decided to return home to see his friends and the country where he was born. He took ship and arrived at Dungarvan, and there he met Edmond Maurice, a gentleman, who for a certain sum of money agreed to safely conduct Richard and certain goods he had in his possession to Clonmel. Richard trusted Edmond and travelled with him and his goods, which were worth forty pounds. But on the road between Dungarvan and Clonmel, Edmond, in violation of the trust Richard placed in him, did with force and arms assault Richard, beat him and grievously wound him, and feloniously steal and carry away the goods then in Richard's possession. After the robbery, Edmond conveyed the goods to the town of Rehill. Edmond, with others unknown to Richard, then brought Richard by force to Rehill, where Sir Thomas Butler, Edmond's master, then lived. Sir Thomas Butler imprisoned Richard for half a year and compelled him to pay eight pounds and ten shillings Irish as a ransom or fine. To pay that ransom, Richard was forced to mortgage his lands, to his utter undoing. He described himself as your daily orator and poor bedeman, and he set all this down in most humble wise in a petition seeking remedy. The record notes that beyond such highway robbery, there was systematic plunder carried out under the forms of law.

Robert Thornhill Strips Roof of Shanrehin Church

Shanrahan · townland · Tipperary · 1657

In 1657 Robert Thornhill of Grace Castle broke into the parish church of All Saints of Shanrehin with swords, staves and axes, and stole the timber roof worth five pounds. He was later tried at Clonmel assizes for this felony.

Read the passage

Who being sworn upon the Holy Evangelists find that Robert Thomhill late of Grace Castle [Castlegrace] in foresaid county, gentleman, on the first day of July 1657 not having the honour or fear of Almighty God before his eyes, entered the parish church of All Saints of Shanrehin at Shanrehin in foresaid county and within the jurisdiction of this court, with force of arms, namely with swords, staves and axes, and then and there feloniously broke the roof of said church ; and the timber of said roof worth five pounds sterling, being the goods and chattels of the Parishioners of Shanrehin, then and there by force of arms stole, took, brought away and converted to his own proper use against the peace of our Lord the King and the Lord of the Regalities and Liberties of the aforesaid County, against the form of the statute in such case made and provided, etc.
Memorandum. That at a sessions of Assize and Gaol Delivery, etc., held at Clonmel the twentieth day of March, 16 Chas. 11. (1664) before John St. Leger, Deputy Seneschal, William Davys, Justice, and Thomas Longueville Master of the Rolls of the Liberties of Tipperary, the aforesaid Robert Thomhill was brought to the bar in custody of the Sheriff and being asked, denied he was in any way guilty and put himself upon his country, etc The following jury was sworn —

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

Roche's forces defeated near Macroom, Bishop of Ross hanged at Carrigadrohid

Carrigadrohid · townland · Cork · 1650

Lord Roche assembled a force in County Cork intending to relieve Clonmel, but Broghill defeated them near Macroom on 10th May; the Bishop of Ross who accompanied Roche's forces was hanged at Carrigadrohid Castle.

Read the passage

Ormond in the meantime was making fruitless efforts to get together an army. Lord Castlehaven did not hold out much hope. "Seeing we are not like soone to be in a condisione to nieete Cromwell in his strength I knowe no other waie to helpe Clonmell but to endeavour by strong divertions to divide his forces to which purpose I am labouring what I may to have a partie together heere by tuesdaie nexte with fourteen daies meanes. I have this morning dispatched an express to the Bishop of Clogher who I hear is soon to have a rendevouse that if he be not readie for his greate designes in Ullster to joine his forces with mine." (s) Castleconnell being appealed to, called the gentry together at O'Brien's Bridge where it was agreed to raise 1 100 foot and 300 horse. Ormond promised ammunition as soon as possible but this project also came to nothing, (t) Finally Lord Roche assembled a considerable force in County Cork, Broghill was sent against him by Cromwell with 1500 foot and 500 horse. On lOth May, Roche's forces were defeated near Macroom, the Bishop of Ross who accompanied them being hanged at Carrigdrehid Castle, (u) When Broghill appeared before Clonmel with the news of his victory and the last hope of relieving the town was cut off, the whole Cromwellian army received him with acclamations, crying out A Broghill ! A Broghill ! (v)
Still the spirit of the garrison was unbroken, but it was the courage of despair ; they expected no quarter and they would give none. One day they had a stern object lesson in Cromwellian justice. An inoffensive man. Father Nicholas Mulcahy, parish priest of Ardfinnan, who had refused influencing the garrison to surrender, was brought forth in front of the walls and there his head was struck off. Such an episode was little calculated to intimidate men who had arms in their hands and knew how to use them (w).

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

Scott v. Fitzgerald trial at Clonmel summer assizes

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1799

At the Clonmel summer assizes of 1799, Scott sued Fitzgerald for £5,000 damages; the sheriff's defence relied on information from a perjurer, Stephen Devanny, taken from Clonmel gaol to point out rebels in Carrick.

Read the passage

At the Clonmel summer assizes, 1/99, in the case of Scott v, Fitzgerald for £5,000 damages, the defence set up by the sheriff was that he had acted on the information of one Stephen Devanny. On cross examination it came out that the sheriff had taken Devanny with him from Clonmel gaol in order to point out rebels in Carrick. Furthermore, Devanny was at the time undergoing sentence for perjury ffj.
More remarkable still were the facts elicited in the case Wright v. Fitzgerald at the Assizes, March 14th, 1799. This was an action for £l,000 damages brought by Mr. Bernard Wright, a teacher of French, against Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald, late high sheriff.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where the summer assizes of 1799 heard the case of Scott against Fitzgerald. Scott sued the sheriff, Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald, for £5,000 in damages. The sheriff's defence was that he had acted on the word of one Stephen Devanny. Under cross-examination it emerged that the sheriff had taken Devanny from Clonmel gaol to point out rebels in Carrick. And Devanny himself was at the time serving a sentence for perjury.

Sir Henry Sydney's raid on Aherlow, 1570

near Aherlow · population centre · Tipperary · 1570

In 1570 Sir Henry Sydney conducted a military raid on the Aherlow district, causing the Franciscan friar Dermod O'Mulroney and his companions to flee their convent at Galbally to seek refuge in Clonmel.

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

Statue of St Francis exposes perjurer's theft

Clonmel · town · Tipperary

The statue of St Francis kept in the sacristy was said to confound perjurers. A woman who falsely swore she had not stolen clothing saw the hidden garments suddenly appear at her feet, prompting her confession.

Read the passage

For many years the statue of St. Francis was kept in the sacristy. By it more than once, perjurers were confounded. A woman on one occasion denial on oath she had stolen certain clothing. But no sooner had she sworn, than the clothing hidden away in some corner, at once appeared at her very feet. In terror she confessed her sin and did penance.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, there's a story about a statue of St Francis once kept in the sacristy here. It was said to confound perjurers. A woman swore on oath she had not stolen certain clothing, but no sooner had she sworn than the hidden garments appeared at her very feet. In terror she confessed her sin and did penance.

Treaty of Cahir Castle ends O'Dwyer's guerilla war

near Cahir Castle · castle · Tipperary · 1652

On 23rd March 1652 at Cahir Castle, articles were signed by Colonels Edmond O'Dwyer, Donough O'Dwyer and Walter Butler on one side, and Colonels Jerome Sankey, Solomon Richards and Adjutant Allen on the other, bringing the guerilla war to an end.

Read the passage

But the greatest difficulty of the pious governor, was the making peace with O'Dwyer. " Truly this business from their first offer hath been more formidable and distracting to me than any undertaking that ever yet befell me." For he feared lest sparing the lives of the Irish was an act of infidelity to the Lord and a snare of the evil one. Then he recalled the good works of O'Dwyer " and having this principle that rewards and punishments are for good and evill works, whatever the workers are, and this hath its foundation upon a scripture rule Mat. 6," he resolved in favour of the treaty. And he acted with the safer conscience for "the treaty should extend to no condition for persons guilty of murther ; no mention of any toleration for religion or priests and no capitulation for reall estates " (e). Accordingly on the 23rd March, 1652, at Cahir Castle articles were signed by Colonels Edmond O'Dwyer, Donough O'Dwyer and Walter Butler on the one part, and Colonels Jerome Sankey, Solomon Richards and Adjutant Allen on the other, bringing the war to an end.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Cahir Castle, articles were signed on the 23rd of March 1652 that brought an end to the war. Colonels Edmond O'Dwyer, Donough O'Dwyer and Walter Butler signed on one side, and Colonels Jerome Sankey, Solomon Richards and Adjutant Allen on the other. The governor who had to make the peace found it more troubling than anything he had ever faced. He feared that sparing Irish lives might be infidelity to the Lord and a snare of the evil one. But he recalled the good works of O'Dwyer and held to the principle that rewards and punishments are for good and evil works, whatever the workers are, founded on a scripture rule. He made peace with a safer conscience because the treaty extended to no condition for persons guilty of murder, made no mention of toleration for religion or priests, and allowed no capitulation for real estates.

Tyrconnell travels to Clonmel to secure conviction of Stephen Moore

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1686

Four years after the grand jury incident, Stephen Moore used seditious language toward the new king and was put on trial; Lord Lieutenant Tyrconnell came in person to Clonmel to secure a conviction, but the Cromwellian jury refused to convict, making the affair one of national importance.

Read the passage

leaders Talbot and Nugent eager to dominate the army and (through the corporations) the parliament, helped in no small measure to raise the storm which eventually swept away the Stuart dynasty. The incidents of Clonmel life are characteristic of the time. On the fifth of November, 1672, the Mayor and Corporation went to church to commemorate the anniversary of the Gun Powder Plot. They were mobbed on their return and the mayor received rough handling (g). The effects of the Titus Oates* explosion were also felt, for on 5th April, 1679, by proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant, the Catholic inhabitants were removed outside the walls of the town, except a few necessary merchants and artificers. This cruel measure was followed by one more cruel, because more lasting in its effects. In 1681 the first of the trade guilds, that of merchants, was formed; a few years later the guilds of the cordwainers and brewers. The three included in their scope all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. It was competent for the members, being Protestants, to impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or indeed to say whether they should be permitted to trade at all. Yet the Cromwellians did not feel their ascendancy quite secure. The grand jury of the county palatine in 1682 refused a loyal address to Charles II. Omiond as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant took notice of the affair, and determined to bring to account Stephen Moore who had moved the rejection of the address. " I know not how farr Mr. Herbert's [Chief Justice of Tipperary] passion may have been the cause that an address was not unanimously agreed to at Clonmell but it will behove Mr. Moore to give some signall evidence that he repents the opposition he gave it, and is ready to make amends and it concearns my Lord Chief Justice to dispose him to it that he may not stand suspected to cajole the partie for feare or favour, and I know not what demonstration those can now make but by contriving and carrying on an address as plaine and full as any other county or corporation has presented ** (h). Nothing, however, appears to have been done, but four years later Moore emboldened by impunity used seditious language towards the new king. For this he was put on trial, and Tyrconnell, Lord Lieutenant, to secure conviction came to Clonmel in person. The Cromwellian jury refusing to convict, the affair assumed national importance (i). But the event which stirred the town to its depths was the suit in the Court of Exchequer — Attorney General v. The Corporation of Clonmel in 1687. A judgment of " Ouster " was given as in the case of the other towns, on the grounds that the members were not duly

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Clonmel, the Tipperary town. In 1682, the grand jury of the county palatine here refused to give a loyal address to Charles the Second. Stephen Moore had moved the rejection, and Ormond, as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant, took notice. He was determined to bring Moore to account. Ormond wrote that it would behove Moore to give some signall evidence that he repents the opposition he gave, and that it concerned the Chief Justice of Tipperary, Mr Herbert, to dispose him to it. He wanted Moore to contrive and carry on an address as plain and full as any other county or corporation had presented. Nothing, however, appears to have been done. Four years later, in 1686, Moore, emboldened by impunity, used seditious language toward the new king. For this he was put on trial. Tyrconnell, the Lord Lieutenant, came to Clonmel in person to secure a conviction. But the Cromwellian jury refused to convict, and the affair assumed national importance. A Lord Lieutenant arriving in person, unable to win a verdict from a local jury, tells you something of where power still lay in this town.

Whiteboy Meetings on the Green of Ardfinan

Ardfinnan · town · Tipperary · 1764

John Twohy testified that Whiteboy leaders including Nicholas Sheehy the priest met on the Green of Ardfinan in September to plan actions, and gathered again at the same site about a week later to raise money for arms.

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

Herbert's fabricated testimony of a Whiteboy oath-taking at Shanbally

Shanbally · townland · Tipperary · 1764–1766

James Herbert, coerced into testifying, described a gathering on the lands of Shanbally where some twenty or thirty persons were allegedly sworn by Father Sheehy to murder Bridge and others and pledge loyalty to the French king. This dramatic account, delivered against Edmund Sheehy, was more elaborate than Toohy's earlier testimony.

Read the passage

fee) The manufacture of evidence by the managers of the prosecution, is well illustrated by the case of this person Herl>ert. Upon the condemnation of Father Sheehy, the other prominent men accused of the murder were visited in prison by Hewetson, Broderick, Bagnell, Bagwell, Bunbury and others, and offered their freedom on condition they would corrotwrate the testimony of Toohy as to the Popish conspiracy. They refused to perjure themselves. Herbert also held out with the rest. The statement by Exshaw that immediately on his arrest he volunteered to support Toohy's evidence, is simply untrue. A process of intimidation had to be carried on against the wretched man. For this purpose, on 30th of March, a fortnight after the execution of Father Sheehy, Twohy swore informations before Hewetson, that James Hert>ert was a French officer, that he had enlisted men for the French service in 1756, and that he subsequently l>ecame a White-t)oy. (Crown Records, Tipperary). One is not surprised, therefore, that when Herl>ert appeared in the witness box on 9th April against Edmund Sheehy, he told a story of greater breadth and picturesqueness than Toohy's. " On Sunday the 28th of Octot>er, 1764, he was called upon by Roger Sheehy who was then on horseback and l>ehind whom he rode to a meeting of about twenty or thirty persons assembled on the lands of Shanbally where they were sworn by their priest. Father Sheehy, to murder John Bridge, John Bagwell, William Bagnell, the Rev. Dr. Hewetson and every other person who should oppose them; that they should be faithful to the French king, conquer Ireland and make it their
own Edmund Meehan took a bill-hook from under his coat with which he struck Bridge

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, James Herbert told a court that on Sunday the 28th of October 1764, Roger Sheehy called him and he rode behind Roger Sheehy to a gathering of about 20 or 30 persons on the lands of Shanbally, where Father Sheehy swore them to murder John Bridge, John Bagwell, William Bagnell, the Reverend Doctor Hewetson, and every other person who should oppose them, and to be faithful to the French king, conquer Ireland and make it their own. Herbert's account was fabricated: after Father Sheehy's execution, the other men accused of the murder were visited in prison by Hewetson, Broderick, Bagnell, Bagwell, Bunbury and others, and offered their freedom to corroborate Toohy's testimony about a Popish conspiracy, but they refused to perjure themselves. Herbert held out too, until on the 30th of March, Twohy swore informations before Hewetson that Herbert was a French officer, had enlisted men for the French service in 1756, and become a Whiteboy. On the 9th of April, Herbert appeared in the witness box against Edmund Sheehy, telling a story of greater breadth than Toohy's, even describing Edmund Meehan taking a bill-hook from under his coat and striking Bridge.

Mary Butler's information on Whiteboy meetings at Clogheen

Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1765

Mary Butler testified she was present at Clogheen three times between October and Christmas with a man called Meahan/Maghedan and others including Fr. Nicholas Sheehy, discussing raising men to join expected French invasion forces. Money was distributed among the conspirators for enlisting men.

Read the passage

The Information of Mary Butler Prisoner in Kilkenny goal who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists deposeth and saith that she was three several times between the first of October last and Christmas day in company at Clogheen in the County of Tipperary with a person now confined in Waterford goal who went sometimes by the name of John Meahan and sometimes by the name of Maghedan, and sometimes by the name of Magan, that there were also present Nicholas Sheehy Popish Priest, John Butler her brother, Michael Mahony Countryman, James Butler, Timothy Malone and John Driscal all reputed French Officers and one Read another reputed French Officer and that at all these times the said Magan or Maghedan and the above named persons were consulting about raising men in order to join French forces who were expected to invade the kingdom and that at one of the said Meetings said Magan gave nine guineas to said Sheehy in order to pay the inlested men and that Sheehy gave two of the said guineas to her brother John Butler and put the other seven in his pocket and said many mouths were calling for it and said Mary Butler farther says that at sundry other particulars she refers to her examination given before the L** Chief Justice of the King's Bench at his house in Dublin and further saith not. ^^j.
Sworn before me this Mary X Butler.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

Reward Proclaimed for Richard Power, Tory Outlaw

Ballintotty · townland · Tipperary · 1683–1685

A proclamation issued on 12th October 1683 offered £20 for whoever should take Richard Power alive or kill him and bring his head to the sheriff, after he continued to terrorize the district with burglaries and robberies.

Read the passage

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
A reward of £lOO was offered, yet Power the next year was more active than ever. Clarendon, Lord Lieutenant, writes February 5th, 1686 : " About ten days since complaints from Munster of Tories headed by young Power, brother to the late rebel. I have ordered small parties of horse and foot to watch them " (f).

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Richard Power and his followers were terrorizing the district in the early 1680s. On the 12th of October 1683, a proclamation offered £20 for whoever would take Power alive or kill him and bring his head to the sheriff. But he carried on with burglaries and robberies, and the next year was more active than ever. A larger reward of £100 was then offered. By February 1686, Clarendon, the Lord Lieutenant, was writing about complaints from Munster of Tories headed by young Power, brother to the late rebel, and he ordered small parties of horse and foot to watch them.

Clonmel citizens petition Ormond for defence against Cromwell

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1649

In November 1649, as Cromwell marched south through Kilkenny, the citizens of Clonmel held a meeting and mayor John White wrote to Ormond pleading for reinforcements to defend the town, describing their poverty and vulnerability to the 'mercilesse enemy'.

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I am commanded by the Counsel] and Commons of this towne to represent unto your Excellency their apprehension of the present daunger threatened by the rebells and that your Excellency wilbe pleased to look upon them his faythfull subiectes, resolued to spend their blood in defence of their religion, Kinge and country, and being of themselues unable to withstand the fury of so mercilesse an enemy, your Excellency wilbe pleased to direct a present reliefe of men to be sent into them. Understanding that a considerable party of the army are yet in this province and in their march to the campe I made bould (being thereunto encouradged by John Walshe who ioyned with me in a letter) to write vnto the Major general! to direct them hither, undertaking to procure your Excellencies orders for him to that purpose, which we hope the necessity at hand will in your Excellencies favorable construction excuse our bouldness and be a motive to grant your present orders according our engadgement.
The poverty of this towne is well knowen, and therfore unable to ma3rteyne any considerable number. It is therfor ther humble request your Excellencie wilbe pleased to direct Martin Laffan the receiver, to pay them from tyme to tyme and upon his fayler, the Collonell to be employed hither to have power to raise his meanes from the adiacent baronyes or where he may in the country, to be abated vnto them in their publique dues and that your Excellency wilbe further pleased to graunt your orders for reimbursinge vnto the inhabitaunts of this tovme whatever they shall happen to be out of purse for the mayntenance of that partie all which I represent to your Excellency and humbly take leave beinge

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

As the companion tells it

As you come through Clonmel in Tipperary, you are passing through a town that in November 1649 feared for its life. Cromwell had marched south through Kilkenny, and the citizens of Clonmel held a meeting. The mayor, John White, wrote to Ormond pleading for reinforcements. He described the townspeople as resolved to spend their blood in defence of their religion, king, and country, but said they were unable to withstand the fury of so mercilesse an enemy on their own. He asked Ormond to direct a present relief of men to be sent to them. White and John Walshe had already written to the major general, hoping to get a party of the army that was still in the province directed to Clonmel. He acknowledged the town's poverty, saying it was well known and unable to maintain any considerable number of soldiers. He asked Ormond to direct Martin Laffan the receiver to pay the troops from time to time, and upon his failure, to give the colonel sent to the town power to raise his means from the adjacent baronies. He also asked that the inhabitants be reimbursed for whatever they spent maintaining the party.

Stephen White's birth and family in Clonmel

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1574

Stephen White, one of the greatest scholars of his age, was born in Clonmel in 1574, likely the son of Pierce or Peter White and brother of James White, Vicar Apostolic of Waterford, and Thomas White.

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STEPHEN WHITE, one of the greatest scholars of an age distinguished for its learning, was born in Clonmel in 1574. It is uncertain to which he belonged of the three prominent families of the name that then flourished in the town. To judge, however, from his Christian name which is found only in one branch, it would seem that he was the son of Pierce or Peter White, and therefore brother of James White, Vicar Apostolic of Waterford, and of Thomas White infra. This agrees with the conjecture of a contemporary and acquaintance of White's, Lynch, author of " Cambrensis Eversus."
Through the connivance of Miler M'Grath, Protestant commendatory Bishop of Waterford, a school was kept in Clonmel by one Derby McThomas. It is probable White received his first education there. McThomas was a firm Catholic, hostile to the Queen's religion, and reported to be in close touch with Darby McGrath, the Catholic bishop of Cork, who haunted the neighbourhood* When White was in his eleventh year, an event occurred in Clonmel which must have made on him a life-long impression. John Holing who relates the arrest of Father Maurice Kinrechtan in the house of Victor White, and his execution at the Main Guard in 1 585, states that he obtained the particulars from three eye-witnesses, two of whom were natives of the town. It is safe to assume that one of those who gave the account to Holing at Salamanca, was Stephen White.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

Clonmel, the town you are passing through, was the birthplace of Stephen White in 1574, described as one of the greatest scholars of an age distinguished for its learning. He was likely the son of Pierce or Peter White, and brother of James White, Vicar Apostolic of Waterford, and of Thomas White. There were three prominent families of the name flourishing in the town at that time. Through the connivance of Miler M'Grath, Protestant commendatory Bishop of Waterford, a school was kept in Clonmel by Derby McThomas, a firm Catholic hostile to the Queen's religion and reportedly in close touch with Darby McGrath, the Catholic bishop of Cork. White probably received his first education there. When White was in his eleventh year, Father Maurice Kinrechtan was arrested in the house of Victor White and executed at the Main Guard. John Holing later related the particulars, obtained from three eye-witnesses, two of them natives of the town. Holing gathered this account at Salamanca, and it is safe to assume one of those who gave it was Stephen White himself.

Armed raid on merchandise at Clonmel quay by Walter Butler of Poulakerry

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1536–1537

On 8 July, Walter Butler of Poulakerry, Shane Bretnaghe and Walter Bretnaghe of Rochestown led a band of armed kern and thieves who forcibly seized a cargo of cloth and merchandise worth sixteen pounds from a boat at the quay of Clonmel by night.

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Itm, the saide jurye fynde that this present year the eight daye of Julye Waltyr Butler of Polkyre [Poulakerry] and Shane Bretnaghe [Walsh] Waltyr Bretnaghe of Rochystown is sonne with a Rowte of kerne and thevys [a body of armed Irish and thieves] by nyght forceibly toke oute of a bote laden with merchandyseis in the r3rver besyde the Key of Clonmell a fardell of clothe and merchaundyse valued at sixteen pounds costs and all.
And no wonder if merchandize was plundered on the very quay itself for

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, a raid on this town's quay in July of 1536 or 1537 left its mark on the records. Walter Butler of Poulakerry, Shane Bretnaghe, and Walter Bretnaghe of Rochestown led a band of armed kern and thieves who came by night and forcibly seized cloth and merchandise worth sixteen pounds from a boat moored by the quay. The goods were taken straight from the vessel in the river beside the quay itself.

Articles of surrender of Clonmel to Cromwell, 18 May 1650

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

Formal articles were agreed between Cromwell and the town commissioners Michael White and Nicholas Betts on 18 May 1650, surrendering the town and garrison in exchange for protection of inhabitants' lives and estates from plunder and violence.

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1st The said towne and guarrison of Clonmel with the arms ammunicon and other furniture of warr that are now theirin shall be rendered and delivered up into the hands of his Excellency the Lord Left, by eight of the clock this morninge.
2nd That in consideracon thereof the inhabitants of the said towne shall be protected their lives and estates from all plunder and violence of the souldiery and shall have the same rights libertye and proteccon as other subjects under the authoritie of the Parliament of England have or ought to have and injoy within the dominion of Ireland.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, this is the town that surrendered to Cromwell on 18 May 1650. The town commissioners Michael White and Nicholas Betts agreed formal articles: the town, its garrison, arms and ammunition were to be delivered up to Cromwell by eight of the clock that morning. In return, the inhabitants were promised protection for their lives and estates from plunder and violence by the soldiery, with the same rights and liberties as other subjects under the Parliament of England enjoyed within Ireland.

Battle of Affane and Desmond's capture

Affane · townland · Waterford · 1564

A pitched battle was fought at Affane where Desmond was routed and brought as a wounded prisoner to Clonmel three months after the Kilfeacle raid.

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that the same extende in all places within the same countie withoute anye exception, and the erle of Desmonde supposing that the boundes of the said countie extende not so fair as the said earle of Ormonde pretendith to have lybertie and the said manors ought not to answer the sayde liberty." (g). Though the earls were bound to the peace in the sum of £2,000 each, yet two years later they were as busy as ever in murderous cattle lifting. By orders made by the lieutenant and council at Waterford, 1st August, 1 560, John Butler, Piers Butler and Edmund Commins, of Tolomane, were delivered as hostages for the good conduct of Ormond, John fitz James of Desmond, the White Knight and John Browne, for Desmond, the manors of Blackcastle and Kilmanahan being put in pledge by the respective earls (h). The legal victory was gained by Ormond, 6th July, 1 562, when an order of the queen confirmed to him " the right, title and inheritance of the royalties, knights' fees and other liberties and things as well in the manors of Clonmel, Kilfekille and Kilsheelan, as elsewhere in Tipperary." (i). But Desmond was by no means prepared to acquiesce in this arrangement of Elizabeth with Ormond " her black husband " as she fondly styled him. In November, 1563, hostilities began again by a cattle raid on Kilfeacle. Ormond retaliated and three months later a pitched battle was fought at Affane where Desmond was routed and brought a wounded prisoner to Clonmel. The September following Piers Butler scoured the barony of Glenaheira carrying off six hundred cattle belonging to Shane McGrath, of Kilmanahan Castle. While Desmond and his brother Sir John Fitz Gerald were prisoners in London, they found a redoubtable champion in Rory McGrath, the son of Shane. He maintained his position in Kilmanahan against all comers, and for some years kept Clonmel almost in a state of siege. Though Sir John Fitz Gerald wrote from London in 1 569 to have him expelled from Kilmanahan and Philip Crah appointed, no notice was taken of the letter for the reason probably, it was shrewdly suspected not to convey Fitz Gerald's real wishes. Ormond offered a garrison to defend the town, but the expense of maintenance made the citizens decline the offer. They subsequently paid dearly for their parsimony for one day Rory came as usual cattle lifting from the meadows about the town. The citizens were reluctant to leave the shelter of the walls, but the hot-headed sovereign threatened to denounce them as traitors to the Queen. A pursuit party was therefore formed. Rory drew them into the hills where falling upon them one of the first slain was the sovereign himself. Two years later, in 1574, Rory captured the Butler castle of Derrinlaur by means

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

Bishop Edmund Tanner imprisoned in Clonmel gaol

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1575

Bishop Edmund Tanner of Cork and Cloyne was arrested by Drury shortly after landing in 1575 and lodged with his chaplain in Clonmel gaol. While imprisoned he reconciled a visiting schismatic bishop to the Catholic church before being released through Lord Barrymore's influence.

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scarcely assumed the presidency of Munster when he complained to Walsingham " the students of Ireland that come from Louvain are the merest traitors and breeders of treachery that liveth. Whereof they are in these parts about Waterford and Clonmel four principal prelates. John White is worshipped like a God between Kilkenny and Waterford and Clonmel. He suborneth all the dwellers of those parts to detest the true religion stablished by her Majesty." A principal prelate of a still more dangerous character was Edmund Tanner, Bishop of Cork and Cloyne. Soon after his landing in 1575 Drury had him arrested together with his chaplain, and both were lodged in Clonmel gaol. A strange incident now happened. While in prison Tanner was visited by a schismatic bishop — probably Patrick Walsh, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. "Discussions and conferences" took place between them with the result that Tanner reconciled the other to the Catholic church. Drury possibly thought such a man as dangerous in prison as out of it, and through the influence of Lord Barrymore released him (t). The government correspondence of the period is full of reports of spies set to watch the priests. "There is one Sir Teage O'Swyllyvan an earnest Precher of popery still preching from howse to howse in Waterford Clomell and Fidreth " (u), " There is one Sir William Ocherohy a semynary [priest] lately come from Roome and now dwelling att Clomell Cassell and
ffidder Sir Garrett Reken preist at Clomell Sir

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where Bishop Edmund Tanner of Cork and Cloyne was imprisoned in 1575. He had scarcely landed in Ireland that year when Drury, president of Munster, had him arrested along with his chaplain, and both were lodged in the gaol here. Drury had been writing to Walsingham about priests trained abroad, calling students from Louvain traitors and breeders of treachery, and naming Tanner among the principal prelates in the parts about Waterford and Clonmel. A strange thing happened while Tanner was in prison. A schismatic bishop, probably Patrick Walsh of Waterford and Lismore, came to visit him. Discussions and conferences took place between them, and Tanner reconciled the man to the Catholic church. Drury may have decided such a man was as dangerous inside the gaol as out of it, for through the influence of Lord Barrymore he had Tanner released. The government correspondence of the period was full of reports of spies set to watch priests moving through these same towns.

Bishop Pierce and clergy imprisoned in Waterford gaol

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1697–1698

Following the 1697 Act ordering popish bishops, monks and friars out of the kingdom by 1698, the Catholic bishop of Waterford, Dr. Pierce, and regular clergy were seized and imprisoned in Waterford gaol pending transportation. In 1698 twenty-six were shipped to France, though some returned despite the treason penalty.

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In 1697 the Act of William IIL, c. 26, was passed. By section I, all popish archbishops, bishops, vicars, deans, Jesuits, monks and friars were ordered out of the kingdom by 1st of May, 1698. Section 2 forbade anyone harbouring or concealing them under a penalty of £20 for the first offence. If convicted a third time the penalty was forfeiture of all goods and chattels and of freehold estate for life. Proclamation was made forthwith. In vain, however ; few if any departed, and so the Catholic bishop of Waterford, Dr. Pierce, together with the
(xx) The best account of the Penal Laws in their operation, is to be found in Lecky's Ireland in the 1 8th Century. But one chapter in a four volume book is quite disproportionate. The Croniwellian Settlement and the Penal Code have shaped the whole course of Irish history in modern limes.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

Burning of houses and a woman and child in Sheepstown

Sheepstown · townland · Kilkenny · 1566

Theobald Hackett of Meldrum and others burnt thirty houses in Sheepstown along with household goods, including the burning of a woman and a male child.

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The advice of the burghers and the recommendations of the royal commissioners, notwithstanding, the "enormities" continued, and two generations later the state of Tipperary was worse than ever. On llth October, 1563, Pierce Lord Cahir wrote that the brothers of lord Ormond invaded his district and plundered his tenants of cattle, household goods and clothing to the value of a thousand pounds sterling. In January, 1566, Theobald Hackett of Meldrum, with divers others malefactors, burnt thirty houses in Sheepstown, one hundred pounds worth of household goods, " besydes the burninge of a womane and a mane child." The same year,
(di " Linnen shirts the rich doe weare for wantones and bravery with wide hanging sleeves playted, thirtie yards are little enough for one of them. They have now left their saffron and learne to wash their shirts fourc or five times in a veare." Campion. Historie, 1571, Dublin Edition, 1810, p. 24.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

Charter recalls plague and fire reducing Clonmel to poverty

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1608

The 1608 charter itself recorded that Clonmel's inhabitants, by reason of two years of plague and the burning of their houses and buildings, had been reduced to great need and poverty, causing the town to fall into decay.

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James, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, Ireland, Introduction King, Defender of the Faith, UNTO all to whom these our Letters shall of the Grant. ^^^ GREETING. Whereas the town or Borrough of Clonmel, SITUATE and being in the severale Counties of the Liberties of Tipperary and Waterford is an ancient Borough, founded and established from its beginning, with fforts and walls well fenced, by subjects and faithfull Liege people of the Crown of England coming from and having its beginning from the ancient Birth of England, having and enjoying English Laws Habitts and Manners, AND WHEREAS the Inhabitants of the said Borrough in times past, have performed commendable services to us and our Progenitors of England against Rebellious destroyers of the Commonwealth with the loss of their blood and Lives, AND WHEREAS the said town or Comendation Borrough is near and contiguous to a most famous river called Shure, having of the place, annexed to it a haven or Harbour, convenient, fitt and necessary for Transportacon of boates, a high and long Bridge sustained and maintained with arches, and is also compassed and fortified on every side with turretts Castles and Forts, for the amendments and repair whereof great and frequent costs and labours are expended, and at present by ancientness and want of Inhabitants is worn and consumed : which Inhabitants by reason of two years plague there do groane, and by reason of the burning of their houses and edifices, are reduced to great need and poverty — whence it cometh to pass that the said town is dayly ready to fall to decay unless we apply our speedy helping hands, AND WHEREAS it appears unto us that the said town or borrough is a place opportune and very convenient to entertain our Justices, Comrs. and Army, and in which our Liege subjects Services heretofore have in their severall ofiices and services with great alacrity of Done. mind done and exhibitted to us great and faithful services and testimonies

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, you are in a town whose own charter recorded its ruin. In 1608, King James granted Clonmel a new charter, and the document described what the people had endured. Two years of plague had afflicted the inhabitants. Their houses and buildings had been burned. They were, in the words of the charter, "reduced to great need and poverty." The town was daily ready to fall to decay unless the King applied his speedy helping hands. Clonmel was an ancient borough, walled and fortified with forts, founded by faithful subjects of the English Crown who enjoyed English laws, habits, and manners. It sat near the river Shure, with a harbour for boats and a high, long bridge held up by arches. Turrets, castles, and forts surrounded it on every side. Great and frequent costs and labours went into amendments and repairs. The inhabitants had served the Crown against rebellious destroyers of the Commonwealth, losing blood and lives. The charter noted that the town was worn and consumed by age and the want of inhabitants. It also called Clonmel a place opportune and convenient to entertain the King's Justices, Commissioners, and Army, praising the inhabitants for showing great alacrity of mind in their several offices and faithful services to the Crown.

Clonmel keys handed to Irish confederate commander

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1642

In early January 1642 the mayor of Clonmel, John White, handed over the keys of the town to the Irish confederate commander Richard Butler of Kilcash, marking the town's entry into the Confederate cause.

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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

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonmel, a town in Tipperary. In early January 1642 the mayor, John White, handed the keys of the town to the Irish confederate commander Richard Butler of Kilcash, bringing Clonmel into the Confederate cause. The confederates gave the old churches back to the Catholics. Thomas White became Catholic Vicar of St. Mary's, where his family had long ministered and where many generations of them lay buried. The Franciscans returned to their abbey, and people wondered at seeing their strange habits and sandals for the first time. The civil administration of the town was left undisturbed, but citizens were applotted according to their capacity for carrying on the war. By the end of March 1642 the whole province was in Irish hands, except for the Earl of Cork's territory and a few towns. Yet it was felt that without foreign aid they could neither assault the remaining hostile towns nor hold what they had conquered. Representatives were sent abroad to solicit arms, money, and supplies. Geoffry Barron, a skilled linguist with experience in public affairs, went as envoy with Fr. O'Hartegan to Richelieu and the French court. The mission was a success. The nuncio in Paris furnished large sums of money, and Richelieu encouraged Irish officers in French service to return home. Some 14 ships were fitted out at St. Malo, Nantes, and Rochelle with cannon, small arms, ammunition, and military stores. On 24 October 1642 the confederate parliament met in Kilkenny, with John White and Geoffry Barron representing Clonmel. 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 was struck bearing the words, "United for God, King and Fatherland."

Colonel John Booker's bequest to the poor Irish inhabitants of Clonmel

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1665

In 1665, amid the records of Cromwellian confiscation and massacre, Colonel John Booker's will showed unusual kindness, leaving money to the necessitous English of Clonmel but twice as much to the poor Irish inhabitants of the town.

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The following year he showed renewed activity in the pursuit of Tories but out of the fifty pounds he claimed, the Commissioners of Revenue disallowed forty " because they were slain in the field." Stanley pleaded that " his disbursments were warranted and there was no other way for the conviction (sic) of those Toryes who were guilty of murther and roberyes and could not be taken alive" (ff). On the setting up of the Cromwellian corporation, he presented them with a sword of state. It was an appropriate gift from the butcher fanatic. But all the Cromwellians had not so steeled their hearts by perverted scripture. Amid the terrible records of confiscation and massacre rises one gleam of kindly human nature. Colonel John Booker in 1665, while bequeathing five pounds to the necessitous English of Clonmel, left twice that sum to the " poore Irishe inhabitauntes of the said towne " (ggj.
(dd) A. 2, 95.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, there is a small gleam of kindness from a harsh time. In 1665, amid the terrible records of Cromwellian confiscation and massacre, Colonel John Booker made his will. He left 5 pounds to the necessitous English of Clonmel, and twice that sum to the "poore Irishe inhabitauntes of the said towne." It was an unusual gesture in an age when hearts had been steeled by perverted scripture.

Cromwellian army masses around Clonmel

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

By the end of March some 9,000 Cromwellian soldiers, mostly veterans hardened by years of civil war and religious fervour, had entrenched themselves around Clonmel, vastly outnumbering O'Neill's garrison of about 1,600 men.

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The task that now lay before O'Neill might well have filled him with dismay. Day after day his scouts reported the steady advance of the Cromwellians. Soon with his own eyes he could observe them massing, north of the town. Twenty troops of cavalry overran the country, and their ubiquity made them appear a countless host. He might have learned, too, that the Cromwellians " were in a gallant posture, well armed, well clothed and for bread, corn and other things plentifully provided " fej. By the end of March some 9,000 men had set themselves down in the entrenchments (f). And these were for the most part veterans seasoned in the civil wars and filled with religious and political fanaticism. They had heard for years of the massacre of their fellow Protestants in Ulster and now their preachers exhorted them to crush " the vessels of wrath foredoomed by God." Within the town O'Neill mustered about 1600 men, of whom one-fourth were armed only with pikes while some 200 had no arms whatsoever ^^A His artillery consisted of a few cannon and these even he could only use sparingly for want of powder. But the little garrison with the exception of Fennell's two
(dj Carte Papers, Vol. 26.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Clonmel now. In March of 1650, this was where O'Neill found himself staring down a force he could do little about. His scouts reported the Cromwellians advancing day after day, and soon he could see them massing north of the town with his own eyes. Twenty troops of cavalry overran the surrounding country, appearing countless. By the end of March some 9,000 men sat in the entrenchments around Clonmel, veterans seasoned in the civil wars, fired by their preachers to crush, in their words, the vessels of wrath foredoomed by God. They were well armed, well clothed, and plentifully supplied. O'Neill had about 1,600 men inside. A quarter of them carried only pikes, and some 200 had no arms at all. His few cannon he could fire only sparingly for want of powder. What held in the town was a garrison stretched thin against an overwhelming force.

Cromwellian resettlement of Clonmel: uprooting of old burghers

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650–1660

Following the Cromwellian conquest, the old burghers of Clonmel were uprooted and scattered, and a new population of settlers was installed in their homes and burgages. Contemporary surveys document the cantoning of soldiers in houses and the replacement of former inhabitants by new possessors.

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CHE following documents illustrate the most important epoch in the history of the town. The uprooting and scattering of the old burghers and the setting down of a new race in their homes, have been described in a former chapter. The process, it is to be regretted, through defect of materials, can now be only faintly realized. But the results, as set forth in the following records, stand out with striking vividness. The first document is the report of a jury of burghers " late of Clonmel " on the corporate rights and franchises, lest the memory of these should pass away with the former inhabitants. The second shows the earlier stage in the Cromwellian settlement of the town — the cantoning of the soldiers in the several houses and corresponding burgages. The third forms a sort of directory of the inhabitants in the tenth year of the Commonwealth. The fourth shows the town as it was finally settled — house by house with the name of its new and that of its former possessor.
Of these documents the first forms part of the " Civil Survey " in the Quit Rent Office, Dublin; the second and fourth were obtained from the Public Record Office (Commonwealth Books, Patents of Grants under Acts of Settlement and Explanation). The third is in possession of the writer ; it is the original, and has appended the contemporary warrant signed by the Mayor and Bailiffs of Clonmel (m).

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 17

As the companion tells it

Clonmel is the town you're passing through, and between 1650 and 1660 it saw the most important turn in its history. The old burghers were uprooted and scattered. A new race was set down in their homes and burgages. The book that records this says the process itself can now be only faintly realised, through defect of materials, but the results stand out with striking vividness in the surviving documents. Four records tell the story. The first is a report by a jury of burghers described as "late of Clonmel," on the corporate rights and franchises of the town, made lest the memory of these should pass away with the former inhabitants. The second shows the earlier stage of the Cromwellian settlement, the cantoning of soldiers in the several houses and their corresponding burgages. The third is a sort of directory of the inhabitants in the tenth year of the Commonwealth, the original document, with a contemporary warrant appended, signed by the Mayor and Bailiffs of Clonmel. The fourth shows the town as it was finally settled, house by house, with the name of its new possessor and the name of its former one. The first of these formed part of the Civil Survey held in the Quit Rent Office in Dublin. The second and fourth came from the Public Record Office, from the Commonwealth Books and the Patents of Grants under Acts of Settlement and Explanation. The third was in the possession of the writer of the history.

Devastation of Clonmel by 1666

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1666

Twelve years after the transplantation, the Ormond patent of 1666 recorded the principal streets of Clonmel full of waste tenements, ruinous slated houses, and a decayed castle, evidence of the town's desolation after siege, plague and clearance.

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The town now presented a scene of awful desolation. The ten years' war, the siege and bombardment, the plague of 1650, the suspense of the four following years and the final clearances, left it almost in ruins. Even in 1666, twelve years subsequent, the Ormond patent shows in the principal streets " waste tenements " " a house slated ruinous " " a house and back side waste " " a decayed castle." To this place which had become in great part the habitation of the bat and the owl it was now sought to attract English settlers. By the Act of 26th September, 1653, adventurers and soldiers were enabled to purchase a moiety of the houses within the town at the rate of six years of their letting value, provided such purchase was effected before the 24th June, 1655. The other moiety was reserved to satisfy the arrears of the soldiers of Inchiquin and others who had fought for the Parliament in Ireland previous to the 5th June, 1649. Further, the Commissioners for the Affairs of
(m) A. 85, p. 479.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, the Ormond patent of 1666 recorded its principal streets full of "waste tenements," "a house slated ruinous," and "a decayed castle." Twelve years after the transplantation, the town still showed the effects of the ten years' war, the siege and bombardment, the plague of 1650, and the final clearances. It had become, in the record's words, "the habitation of the bat and the owl." Yet it was to this place that English settlers were being drawn. Under the Act of 26th September 1653, adventurers and soldiers could purchase half the houses in the town at six years of their letting value, provided they did so before the 24th of June 1655. The other half was reserved to satisfy the arrears of the soldiers of Inchiquin and others who had fought for the Parliament in Ireland before the 5th of June 1649.

Escapes and conditions at Clonmel County Gaol

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1767–1787

The County Gaol on Lough Street, considered the strongest prison in Ireland when built in the late 17th century, was plagued by frequent prisoner escapes, including a violent 1767 escape and the 1776 escape of a man awaiting trial for murder; conditions were dire with prisoners dying of typhus before the 1787 assizes.

Read the passage

Clonmell Gaol [1787.] The six dungeons very dirty. A large dunghill in the yard. A military guard as in most of the prisons in Ireland, consisting of twelve men under the command of a sergeant and corporal. Some of them were playing at tennis in the prison yard. Such diversions as occasion riot and confusion should in these places be strictly prohibited. Several prisoners died here [of typhus] a little before the April assize 1787. At my last visit I found that men and women debtors were confined in the same room. Though the dungeons were crowded yet at night some of the wives and children of the felons continued with them. Few of the men were in irons and the savage custom of putting irons on women is practised only in England. A new gaol for this county is now building.
1787 June 12. Debtors lO. Felons, etc. 51.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonmel, where the County Gaol on Lough Street was once considered the strongest prison in Ireland when it was built in the late 1600s. By the time you pass through, that reputation has long since faded. Prisoners escaped repeatedly, including a violent break-out in 1767 and the 1776 escape of a man who was awaiting trial for murder. Inside, conditions were grim. In 1787 the six dungeons were very dirty and a large dunghill stood in the yard, where a military guard of twelve men played tennis. Several prisoners died of typhus just before the April assizes that year. Men and women debtors shared a single room, and at night the wives and children of felons stayed on with them. Few men were in irons. A new county gaol was already under construction.

Executions at Grange, Galbertstown and Ballymurren

Grange · townland · Tipperary · 1641

As part of St. Leger's punitive campaign against cattle raiders, labourers were hanged in three named locations as a deliberate act of terror to suppress unrest among the Irish population.

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

Fatal Shooting of Last Surviving Juror in Rehill Wood

Rehill · townland · Tipperary

The last survivor among the jurors who convicted Father Sheehy was said to have been accidentally shot by Mr. Sheehy Keating while on a sporting excursion in Rehill wood.

Read the passage

One of the jury, named Tuthill, cut his throat ; another named Shaw, was choked ; another named Alexander Hoops was drowned ; the last survivor of them was said to have been accidentally shot by Mr, Sheehy Keating in Rehill-wood, on a sporting excursion. Ferris died mad. One of them dropped dead at his own door. Another at a gentleman's house where he had spent the night, was found dead in a privy. Dumvill by a fall from his horse, was frightfully disfigured. Minchin was reduced to beggary, and of all I have heard only of one, named Dunmead, who died a natural death.
THe brochure of Griffith was fiercely resented, but no attempt whatever was made to challenge his statements. The most skilful pamphleteer of the day, Patrick Duigenan, Advocate-General and Privy Councillor, in a reply written under the name of " Theophilus," feebly remarks : —

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Rehill, in the wood, the last surviving juror from the trial of Father Sheehy was said to have been accidentally shot by a Mr. Sheehy Keating on a sporting excursion. The jurors who convicted Sheehy met grim ends. Tuthill cut his throat, Shaw was choked, Alexander Hoops was drowned. Ferris died mad. One dropped dead at his own door, another was found dead in a privy. Dumvill was frightfully disfigured in a fall from his horse, and Minchin was reduced to beggary. Of all of them, only one, named Dunmead, was said to have died a natural death.

Father William O'Connor beheaded and stripped naked

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1651

Father William O'Connor was beheaded in 1651, and with fiendish contempt was stripped stark naked at the execution.

Read the passage

Naturally, the first measures of Sankey were directed against the Catholic clergy. A few of the priests had fled with O'Neill, the rest remained in hiding (qq). The parish priest of Clonmel, Thomas White, long lay concealed. At length when the storm had partly spent itself he ventured out. Though known to hundreds his secret was never betrayed, and he passed as a servant in the house of James Brennock in the Irishtown (rr). Others were not so fortunate; Father Miles McGrath was seized while ministering to a sick man ; he was immediately taken and executed (ss). The following April, 165 1, Father O'Higgins was hanged at the Main Guard (it), and the same year Father William O'Connor was beheaded. The latter with fiendish contempt was stripped stark naked at the execution (uu). " I meditated," said Sankey, " upon the severe justice of Grod against Saul, Jehosophat, courting those they should have trampled upon and for sparing where the Lord commanded destroying, and the end for .which I herin ingaged at first was sealed upon my heart " (w).
Though Cromwell left Ireland 29th May, 1650, the war was not over for more than three years after. The Irish beaten in the towns took to the bogs, the woods and the mountains. Colonel Edmond O'Dwyer under the King's commission, long carried on a guerilla war in Tipperary. He had under him portions of five regiments — Col. Walter Butler's, Donough O'Dwyer's, Stephen White's, Edmond O'Meagher's and his own. In the first terror of the invasion, the people fled with their stocks and belongings, leaving the country desolate. The Cromwellians, therefore, unable to levy contributions, and fearing that if the land were untilled, there would be famine and they themselves perish with the rest, invited the farmers to return ; certain districts around the garrisons were "protected quarters," within which they might dwell and grow their crops without molestation (ww). Outside these, a war of extermination was carried on against O'Dwyer's troops and the Irish generally.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Clonmel. In 1651, Father William O'Connor was beheaded here. The source says he was stripped stark naked at the execution, with what it calls fiendish contempt. He was one of several Catholic clergy killed under Sankey, the Cromwellian governor. Father Miles McGrath was seized while ministering to a sick man and executed. Father O'Higgins was hanged at the Main Guard that April. The parish priest Thomas White survived by hiding in the house of James Brennock in the Irishtown, passing as a servant, his secret kept by hundreds who knew him. Sankey himself wrote that he meditated on the severe justice of God against Saul and Jehoshaphat, and that the end for which he engaged at first was sealed upon his heart.

Fethard plundered by William's own troops before Aughrim

Fethard · town · Tipperary · 1691

Fethard in County Tipperary suffered severe plunder from King William's own regiments the day before the Battle of Aughrim, losing an estimated £2000 in money, plate and goods, including even the parson's books and sermons.

Read the passage

(m) War in Ireland, Story, p. 109. The army of King James had not a monoply of plunder. " Some of King William's regiments in Munster lay as heavy on the country as the enemy could do ; of which Fethard in the county of Tipperary afforded a melancholy instance, the day before the battle of Aughrim ; which the army being about to leave swept clean off everything not sparing even the parson's books and sermons ; and the loss that little town sustained was computed to amount to ;f2000 in money, plate and goods. But (adds my author) their damage was soon after repaired by a contribution from several regiments concerned." Harris' King William, p. 324.
History of Clonmel. hi

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

Flogging of Carrick trader Doyle for information on croppies

Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1798

One of the best known traders in Carrick, a man named Doyle, was flogged by Fitzgerald's forces in hope of extracting information about the croppies, though he had none to give.

Read the passage

Fitzgerald who lived at Lisheen, near Cashel, belonged to the half savage, petty gentry, denounced by Young and the writers of the time as the plague of the country. His real name was Uniacke, but his father and grandfather having made marriages of convenience, adopted the names Judkin and Fitzgerald. A fitter instrument could not have been chosen. Week after week Fitzgerald and his Hessian troop scoured the country. Peasants suspected of being " croppies " were lodged in gaol. On market days a number of them were brought forth, stripped half naked and tied to a car ; they were then drawn from the Main Guard to the West Gate and back, two soldiers one at either side flogging them alternately (c). Nor were his victims confined to the humbler class. One of the best known traders in Carrick, a man named Doyle, was flogged in the hope of extracting some information about the croppies, but he had none to give. Similarly Jeremiah McGrath, the innkeeper of Clogheen. At a sessions in Cashel under the Insurrection Act, three tenants of Lord LandafF were tried by over a dozen yeomanry magistrates and acquitted. A few days later Fitzgerald arriving there, ordered Mr. Smithwick and Mr. Butler, of Ballycarron, to bring them back under the penalty of being flogged themselves; the unhappy men were brought back and flogged. The sheriff imprisoned Mr. Denis O'Meagher, of Kilmoyler, with his father and uncle, and Mr. Smithwick, at that time a man of eighty ; the Hon. Francis Hutchinson, however, procured their release.
(b) These parties are described under religious names as the most convenient classification. Their raisott d'etre was not religion but other motives, political, social and racial.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

High commission at Clonmel tries 1641 massacre suspects

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1652

On 8th November a high commission opened in Clonmel before Judges Donnelan and Cooke and Commissary General Reynolds to try for murder those who had slain the English in the 1641 outbreak, with evidence of killings at Golden, Cashel and Silvermines.

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

As the companion tells it

Coming through Clonmel now. On the 8th of November 1652, a high commission opened in this town before Judges Donnelan and Cooke and Commissary General Reynolds, to try for murder those who had slain English people in the 1641 outbreak. Much of the evidence showed that English and Protestants had been sheltered by Lady Thurles, John Cantwell of Ballymakeedy, Sir Richard Everard, Thomas Tobin of Clorine, Geoffry Mockler of Mocklerstown, James Sail of Meldrum and others. But there was proof that several non-belligerents, including some women, were killed at Golden, Cashel and Silvermines. If any tenantry or followers of a particular gentleman were found to have been present on these occasions, he was held by the court particeps criminis and condemned accordingly. 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, though not one of them was present. 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.

Howard the philanthropist finds Clonmel Charter School children half-starved and naked

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1787–1788

John Howard, visiting the Clonmel Charter School in 1787, found the house dirty, beds lacking, the pantry empty, and the children half starved and almost naked. A later visit in 1788 found conditions somewhat improved after his intervention.

Read the passage

Clonmel School June I2th 1787, twenty nine boys.— House dirty :— Wanted beds and bedding. — In the infirmary only two bedsteads and a little dirty straw and lumber. Pantry empty :— children half starved and almost naked.— Usher no allowance : —the master said, he paid one, as he was too old to teach. Allowance for soap and candles only £5. On application to the local committee for allowance for necessaries the answer was " the Society is too poor ; they cannot afford it." The last report in the book was June 1st, 1785.
Howard's visit was not without effect.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1787, John Howard visited the charter school here and found the house dirty, the pantry empty, and the 29 boys half starved and almost naked. The infirmary had only two bedsteads and some dirty straw. When he asked the local committee for money for basic necessities, they said

Imprisonment of publisher Hugh Fitzpatrick over Scully's Penal Laws

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1813

Denis Scully, a Tipperary barrister, wrote 'Penal Laws,' a lawyer-like account of laws affecting Catholics; despite its calm tone, publisher Hugh Fitzpatrick was fined £200 and imprisoned for eighteen months in 1813 after Attorney-General Saurin described the work as inflammatory.

Read the passage

(jj) The case of Denis Scully, a Tipperary barrister, is instructive. His " Penal Laws " is one of the most valuable Irish historical monographs. It is a calm, lawyer-like statement of the several laws of William and Anne affecting Catholics, with the various judicial decisions and facts bearing on the subject. Yet in 1813 Hugh Fitzpatrick, the publisher, was fined £200 and imprisoned for eighteen months. Saurin, the Attorney-General who prosecuted, described the work as " a call upon the people to break out into civil and religious war."
History of Clonmel. 356

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Clonmel now. In 1813 this town saw the prosecution of Hugh Fitzpatrick, publisher of a book called Penal Laws by Tipperary barrister Denis Scully. The book was a calm legal account of laws affecting Catholics, but Attorney-General Saurin prosecuted Fitzpatrick anyway, describing the work as "a call upon the people to break out into civil and religious war." Fitzpatrick was fined £200 and imprisoned for eighteen months.

James Buxton's denial of Whiteboy activity in Tubrid parish

Tubrid · electoral division · Kerry · 1766

James Buxton, condemned for the murder of John Bridge and Whiteboy activity, declared that in the parish of Tubrid nothing more was meant by the Whiteboys than detection of thieves and an agreement to deal fairly over tithes, and that only one ditch belonging to John Griffin of Kilcoran had ever been levelled there.

Read the passage

" Thirdly. That last Lent Assizes, in Kilkenny, where I stood indicted and was arraigned for the battle of Newmarket, that the Rev. John Hewetson and Rev. Lawrence Broderick tampered with me for six hours and more, setting forth the little chance I had for my life there at Kilkenny ; and though I should, that I would have none at all in Clonmel, but that they would write Lord Carrick immediately to procure my freedom, if I would turn approver, and swear to an intended rebellion, treasonable conspiracies, and a massacre against the principal Popish clergy and gentlemen of my county, whose names they have set down in a long piece of paper ; but wanted me particularly to swear against Squire Wyse, Philip Long, Dominick Farrell, Martin Murphy, Doctor Creagh, and Michael Lee, and that I should also swear the Priest Sheehy died with a lie in his mouth. Likewise, that I was at the battle of Newmarket and received a letter from one Edmund Tobin to be at said battle, and this in order to corroborate the informer Toohy's oath and the oaths of three of the light horse, who swore they saw me there. One in particular swore he broke his firelock on my head. Now, as I expect salvation from the hands of God, I neither received a message or letter, nor heard or discovered that this battle of Newmarket was to occur, nor any circumstance regarding it until it was advertised. And I further declare in the presence of my great God, that I never was nearer this place they call Newmarket than the turnpike road that leads from Dublin to Cork, for I never was two yards eastwards of that road. As to the schemes of the Whiteboys, as far I could find out in the parish of Tubrid, where I lived, I most solemnly declare before Almighty God nothing more was meant than the detection of thieves and rogues, which the said parish was of late remarkable for ; an agreement to deal for tithes with none but the dean or minister whose tithe was of his or their immediate living ; as to levelling, that I never found out any such thing to have been committed in said parish of any consequence but one ditch belonging to John Griffin, of Kilcoran ; nor was I ever privy to any wall or ditch that ever was levelled by Whiteboys in the county of Tipperary or any other county.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

Jesuit Walter Wall Reconciles Dying Earl of Ormond at Carrick Castle

Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1606

Father Walter Wall, a Jesuit, attended the dying Earl of Ormond at Carrick-on-Suir Castle, having reconciled him to the Catholic church the previous year, remaining with him until the end despite the ongoing persecution of priests.

Read the passage

noted how the earl not being able to sit up during the festivity " had his robes laid upon his bed as the manner is." He might also have noted a polite if somewhat shy dependant resorting to the castle and well received there. This was the Jesuit, Father Walter Wall, who the previous year had reconciled Ormond to the Catholic church, and had been told off to remain until the end.
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.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

John Wesley's admiring description of Clonmel

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1750–1787

John Wesley visited Clonmel three times between 1750 and 1787, and during his second visit in 1756 recorded in his journal a detailed and admiring description of the town's streets, river, and surrounding mountain scenery.

Read the passage

It is the pleasantest town beyond all comparison, which I have seen in Ireland. It has four broad, straight streets of well-built houses, which cross each other in the centre of the town. Close to the walls on the south side, runs a broad clear river. Beyond this rises a green and fruitful mountain which hangs over the town. The vale runs many miles, both east and west, and is well cultivated throughout

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 29

As the companion tells it

Coming through Clonmel now. John Wesley passed through three times between 1750 and 1787, and in 1756 he called it the pleasantest town beyond all comparison which he had seen in Ireland. He noted four broad straight streets of well-built houses crossing at the centre, a broad clear river running by the walls, and a green fruitful mountain hanging over the town, with a cultivated vale stretching many miles east and west.

Legend of the bees and the founding of Clonmel castle

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1810

Tradition holds that before Christianity, aborigines followed a swarm of bees as an omen and built a castle wherever the bees settled, naming it Cluain Meala; the castle stood behind John Harvey's house in Main Street opposite Flag Lane until it was thrown down around 1810.

Read the passage

'* Clonmel derived from Irish Clu^m a retreat and mcAlA honey which Burke (De Burgo, Hibernia Dominicana) translates " Secessus Mellis." When it got this name not clearly known, many suppose from fertility of soil and richness of country in which it is situate. The inhabitants have among them the following tradition. I/Oiig before the inhabitants of this country were converted to Christianity the site of this town being all an uncultivated tract of land on both sides of the Suir some of the aborigines intended to build a large castle, and like the antient Greeks and Romans they undertook nothing of importance without some kind of omen. Taking a large swarm of bees for their guides which they accidentally met, they determined to build wherever the wandering insects first settled. Accordingly they erected a castle and called it CluAin Ule^lA which name it always retained till it was lately [circa 18 10] thrown down by Mr. John Harvey to the rear of whose house in the Main Street and directly opposite Flag Lane it stood."

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog

As the companion tells it

As you come through Clonmel, the old tradition here is that long before Christianity reached this country, the people who lived on the wild land along the Suir meant to build a great castle. Like the ancient Greeks and Romans they would do nothing of importance without an omen. They came upon a swarm of bees and took it for their guide, resolving to build wherever the wandering insects first settled. When the bees came down they raised their castle and called it Cluain Meala, the retreat of honey, and that name the town has kept ever since. The castle itself stood behind John Harvey's house on the Main Street, directly opposite Flag Lane, until Mr. Harvey threw it down around 1810.

Malcomson's Mill at Little Island Described by Shiel (1828)

near Little Island · townland · Cork · 1828

Richard Lalor Shiel visited Clonmel in 1828 and described Malcomson's mill as the finest in Ireland, powering huge millstones that ground half the harvest of the surrounding counties. He was shown around by David Malcomson himself.

Read the passage

In the earlier years of the century the great bulk of the grain was exported in its unmanufactured state ; by degrees the exceptional advantages of cheap labour and abundant water power were availed of; so that about 1840 between sixty and seventy mills were in operation throughout the county. Some of these mills were very large. Shiel, who visited Clonmel in 1828, likened them to cotton factories in Lancashire. "Malcomson's mill," he writes, " is, I believe, the finest in Ireland. I felt dizzy at the play of the machinery. Here half the harvest of the adjoining counties as well as of Tipperary, is. powdered under the huge mill stones that I saw wheeling with incalculable rapidity. Honest David showed me, with some touch of the pride of wealth, this great concern. We ascended flight after flight of stairs to a vast height. On reaching one of the loftiest stages of the building, I saw a young man shovelling the flour into a large tube and covered with its particles. 'That is my son,' said David, 'he will teach others by first
(tt) This I calculate from some figures in " Ireland after the Union "—Martin, p. 100, London, 1853. The only Clonmel prices 1 have met during this period are 1826, 22 Dec, Flour 37s. a bag. Wheat IS. 6d. a stone. 1832, Nov. 7, Flour 35s. a bag. Wheat I4d. a stone. 1843, 8 July, Flour 31s. a bag. Wheat i5d. a stone.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Little Island, in 1828, Richard Lalor Shiel visited this stretch and wrote that Malcomson's mill was, he believed, the finest in Ireland. He likened the mills here to cotton factories in Lancashire. He said he felt dizzy at the play of the machinery. Half the harvest of the adjoining counties, as well as of Tipperary, he wrote, was powdered under the huge millstones that he saw wheeling with incalculable rapidity. David Malcomson himself showed him round, with some touch of the pride of wealth, this great concern. They ascended flight after flight of stairs to a vast height. On reaching one of the loftiest stages of the building, Shiel saw a young man shovelling flour into a large tube and covered with its particles. "That is my son," said David. "He will teach others by first…" The broader picture: in the earlier years of the century the great bulk of grain was exported in its unmanufactured state. By degrees the advantages of cheap labour and abundant water power were availed of. About 1840, between 60 and 70 mills were in operation throughout the county. Some Clonmel prices: in 1826, flour 37s. a bag, wheat 15s. 6d. a stone. In 1832, flour 35s. a bag, wheat 14d. a stone. In 1843, flour 31s. a bag, wheat 15d. a stone.

Mary Brady's testimony from Clogheen on the Bridge murder

Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1764

Mary Brady, known as 'Moll Dunlea,' living in Clogheen, testified she followed Nicholas Sheehy and Michael Kearney from Clogheen to Ballyhuskin and witnessed the bloody corpse and bill-hook, later following the reburial procession toward Ballysheehan.

Read the passage

She lived with her mother in Clogheen. Michael Kearney was in her house in October, 1764, and was called on by Nicholas Sheehy; she was present; Nicholas Sheehy said Kearney was to go with him that night ; she followed them to Shanbally ; saw a man wrapped in a blanket, dead. She then and there saw Nicholas Sheehy, the prisoner, Edmund Sheehy, Thomas Magrath and several others ; there were about a hundred. She first saw the body at Shanbally. They buried the body at Ballyhuskin on. the lands called the Bam ; was not present at the burial ; she saw a bill-hook in the prisoner's hand ; the prisoner made un attempt to strike the corpse when in the blanket, and said that what had been done was very right ; and it was a pity but to use all whores and rogues in like manner ; she observ«l the bill-hook bloody ; they left Shanbally shortly before she followed them.
She recollects no other words of the prisoner; in about eight days the corpse was taken up and buried at Ballysheehan, near Shanbally. Says she was sent by Nicholas Sheehy to the prisoner— that he was to go on command — and he said he would obey ; says she watched the party and followed them from Clogheen to Ballyhuskin Bam ; was desired by Nicholas Sheehy and Edmund Sheehy alias Buck Sheehy, to stay at the end of the road and not go farther, and by the prisoner. She saw them bring the corp se the same way as before, from Ballyhuskin to Ballysheehan ; it was carried by tums ; about a hundred present ; followed the corpse most of the road to Ballysheehan ; they said they would bury it in the churchyard there.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

Mortgage drafted secretly in Clonmel bank parlour

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1855

A mortgage of John Sadleir's landed estates was drafted in the bank parlour of Clonmel in March 1855, giving power to James Sadleir and Robert Keating to receive rents and sell the estates for the bank's benefit, but was kept unregistered to protect John's credit.

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responsible officials were James Sadleir, Clonacody, and Wilson Kennedy, solicitor, Clonmel — a member of a Presbyterian family of stockbrokers. The shareholders registered in 1847 numbered fifty-one, of whom the Sadleirs, Scullys, Kennedys and Keatings were the principal ; there were besides ten farmers, two solicitors, a priest and a parson, and curiously enough, three Bank of Ireland agents. There was practically no directorate, James Sadleir, the managing director, exercising uncontrolled authority without the slightest attempt at interference on the part of the directors or the shareholders at large. The bank in truth was but a scheme devised by the notorious John Sadleir, land agent, financier, papal champion, lord of the Treasury, for the purpose of getting hold of the savings of Tipperary farmers and shopkeepers (m). In this he was entirely successful, for by the beginning of 1855 he had obtained advances from the bank amounting to £174,000. Meanwhile Nemesis was rapidly overtaking him, and in the March of that year he applied to his brother James for an acceptance of £20,000 from the Tipperary bank. James pleaded that the bank was on the verge of ruin, and suggested as security for the acceptance, a mortgage of his landed estates. The mortgage was drafted in the bank parlour of Clonmel, 15th March, giving power to James Sadleir and Robert Keating (a cousin of the Sadleirs who was member of parliament for Waterford) to receive the rents and sell the estates for the benefit of the bank. But lest the credit of John Sadleir should be affected, the mortgage was not registered. Three months later James being himself no longer able to extricate John from his growing difficulties, approached the London and County Bank, of which John had been chairman, to obtain a loan of £95,000. He professed to give a full account of his brother's affairs, and in reply to a question as to the latter's indebtedness to the Tipperary Bank, stated that he owed about £40,000. The advance was obtained ; a legal mortgage of John's Irish estates was executed, with the Tipperary Bank as collateral security. But the existence of the previous mortgage was kept a profound secret, and further, the deed of guarantee required from the Tipperary Bank was ingeniously evaded. For by the Articles of Association this deed should be signed by several directors and approved of by them at a board. Kelly, the Clonmel manager, forwarded instead an official copy of a minute of a supposed meeting of directors, and with this the solicitors of the London and County Bank who were under the influence of its late chairman, John Sadleir, expressed themselves satisfied. In January, 1856, it became an open secret in London that the Tipperary Bank was in difficulties, while about

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Up ahead you're coming through Clonmel, a Tipperary town where a quiet meeting in a bank parlour in March 1855 set off a chain of trouble. John Sadleir, the financier and lord of the Treasury who had built the Tipperary Bank to gather the savings of local farmers and shopkeepers, had by early 1855 taken advances from it amounting to 174,000 pounds. When he asked his brother James, the managing director, for an acceptance of 20,000 pounds, James pleaded the bank was near ruin and suggested a mortgage of John's landed estates as security. On the 15th of March that mortgage was drafted in the bank parlour of Clonmel, giving power to James Sadleir and Robert Keating, a cousin who was member of parliament for Waterford, to receive the rents and sell the estates for the bank's benefit. But lest John's credit be affected, the mortgage was never registered. Three months later James approached the London and County Bank, which John had chaired, for a loan of 95,000 pounds, and gave a full account of his brother's affairs while stating John owed the Tipperary Bank only about 40,000 pounds. The existence of the earlier mortgage was kept a profound secret, and the deed of guarantee required from the Tipperary Bank was ingeniously evaded. The Clonmel manager, Kelly, forwarded an official copy of a minute of a supposed meeting of directors instead, and the London and County Bank's solicitors, under John's old influence, accepted it. By January 1856 it was an open secret in London that the Tipperary Bank was in difficulties.

Murder of Ambrose Power by the White Boys

Barretstown · townland · Kildare · 1775

Ambrose Power of Barretstown, who had taken an active part against the White Boys, was murdered by them at his own door on 27 November 1775.

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(aa) John Power was father of Ambrose Power, of Barretstown, who took an active part against the White Boys and was murdered by them at his own door November 27th, 1775. His great grandson married Harriet Bushe of Kilfane, and was created baronet 15th July, 1836. "
(bb) Mason Survey.

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

Owen Roe O'Neill's forced march to relieve Clonmel

Ballinakill · town · Laois · 1647

The Confederate Council ordered Owen Roe O'Neill to relieve Clonmel with all expedition; he marched day and night with field pieces to Ballinakelly in Leix, over 24 miles, causing Inchiquin to raise his planned siege and retreat to his own quarters.

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was concluded between Ormond and the Anglo-Irish, the heralds proclaiming the peace were refused admission into the town and a month later the gates were shut against Ormond himself. Only two prominent citizens, John White fitz Bennet and Thomas White fitz Richard declared themselves in favour of the Treaty (ii). Nor was the confidence reposed in the Ulstermen undeserved, for more than once they saved the town from pillage, perhaps massacre. "On the 3rd May" [1647] says Cox "Inchiquin drew out 1500 horse and as many foot and took Dromana and Cappoquin and on the lOth of May he took Dungarvan and if his provisions had lasted he designed to besiege Clonmell but the want of victualls and carriages which has been fatal to most of the martiall undertakings in Ireland did also force him to return to Cork " (jj). As the want of victuals was the very reason Inchiquin should establish himself in a fruitful country, the account given by Owen Roe O'Neill's secretary appears more trustworthy. " The Councell did send orders vnto the Generall [Owen Roe] to relieve Clonmell, with all expedition in obedience hereof [he] marched both day and night with his field pieces untill arriving to Ballinakelly in Leyse upwards of 24 miles a mightie march of a great armie Insichuyne advertised hereof raised his siedge and marched to his owne quarters though 30 miles between him and the Catholic Generall "^tt/ Again some months later when after the capture of Cahir Castle and the sack of Cashel all Tipperary lay at the feet of Inchiquin, Clonmel was safe for within it was a regiment of 1500 "red shanks" and its governor the redoubtable Alexander McDonnell (U),

Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

History of Clonmel

The stories, best first

Father Sheehy buried at Shanrahan near O'Callaghan vault and Griffith's house

Father Thomas White, native of Clonmel, founder of Irish College at Salamanca

Flogging of editor Bernard Wright by Sheriff Fitzgerald

Imprisonment of Eleanor, Countess of Desmond

James Herbert arrested as accomplice to silence Sheehy witness

Jesuits in Hiding Write of Persecution, 1607

John Bridge to give evidence at Clonmel assizes, then vanishes

Kinnealy brothers shot dead at Outrath near Cahir

Land War in 18th-19th century Tipperary - eviction and agrarian violence

Ministers' Money distraint of goods from Clonmel householders in 1704

Miraculous death of a man who mocked St Francis' cord

Murder of James Scully of Kilfeacle after evictions

Nicholas White's pauperism at Garrangibbon and Slievenamon

Night sortie from Clonmel destroys unfinished Cromwellian fort

Pilltown prisoners rescued at Newmarket, soldiers killed

Proclamation and reward offered for capture of Father Nicholas Sheehy

Robbery and imprisonment of Richard Graunte near Rehill

Robert Thornhill Strips Roof of Shanrehin Church

Roche's forces defeated near Macroom, Bishop of Ross hanged at Carrigadrohid

Scott v. Fitzgerald trial at Clonmel summer assizes

Sir Henry Sydney's raid on Aherlow, 1570

Statue of St Francis exposes perjurer's theft

Treaty of Cahir Castle ends O'Dwyer's guerilla war

Tyrconnell travels to Clonmel to secure conviction of Stephen Moore

Whiteboy Meetings on the Green of Ardfinan

Herbert's fabricated testimony of a Whiteboy oath-taking at Shanbally

Mary Butler's information on Whiteboy meetings at Clogheen

Reward Proclaimed for Richard Power, Tory Outlaw

Clonmel citizens petition Ormond for defence against Cromwell

Stephen White's birth and family in Clonmel

Armed raid on merchandise at Clonmel quay by Walter Butler of Poulakerry

Articles of surrender of Clonmel to Cromwell, 18 May 1650

Battle of Affane and Desmond's capture

Bishop Edmund Tanner imprisoned in Clonmel gaol

Bishop Pierce and clergy imprisoned in Waterford gaol

Burning of houses and a woman and child in Sheepstown

Charter recalls plague and fire reducing Clonmel to poverty

Clonmel keys handed to Irish confederate commander

Colonel John Booker's bequest to the poor Irish inhabitants of Clonmel

Cromwellian army masses around Clonmel

Cromwellian resettlement of Clonmel: uprooting of old burghers

Devastation of Clonmel by 1666

Escapes and conditions at Clonmel County Gaol

Executions at Grange, Galbertstown and Ballymurren

Fatal Shooting of Last Surviving Juror in Rehill Wood

Father William O'Connor beheaded and stripped naked

Fethard plundered by William's own troops before Aughrim

Flogging of Carrick trader Doyle for information on croppies

High commission at Clonmel tries 1641 massacre suspects

Howard the philanthropist finds Clonmel Charter School children half-starved and naked

Imprisonment of publisher Hugh Fitzpatrick over Scully's Penal Laws

James Buxton's denial of Whiteboy activity in Tubrid parish

Jesuit Walter Wall Reconciles Dying Earl of Ormond at Carrick Castle

John Wesley's admiring description of Clonmel

Legend of the bees and the founding of Clonmel castle

Malcomson's Mill at Little Island Described by Shiel (1828)

Mary Brady's testimony from Clogheen on the Bridge murder

Mortgage drafted secretly in Clonmel bank parlour

Murder of Ambrose Power by the White Boys

Owen Roe O'Neill's forced march to relieve Clonmel